Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Boosting Classifiers Built from Different Subsets of Features

We focus on the adaptation of boosting to representation spaces composed of different subsets of features. Rather than imposing a single weak learner to handle data that could come from different sources (e.g., images and texts and sounds), we suggest the decomposition of the learning task into several dependent sub-problems of boosting, treated by different weak learners, that will optimally collaborate during the weight update stage. To achieve this task, we introduce a new weighting scheme for which we provide theoretical results. Experiments are carried out and show that ourmethod works significantly better than any combination of independent boosting procedures.
Characterization of the interaction between serum mannan‐binding protein and nucleic acid ligands

Serum MBP, also known as MBL, is a C‐type lectin that is known to be a soluble host defense factor involved in innate immunity. It has been well established that dying microbes and apoptotic cells release highly viscous DNA that induces inflammation and septic shock, and apoptotic cells display fragmented DNA on their surfaces. However, PRRs that mediate the recognition and clearance of free DNA and fragmented DNA in apoptotic cells have not been characterized clearly. Although MBP was reported recently to bind DNA as a novel ligand, binding characterization and the recognition implications have not been addressed yet. In this study, we show that MBP can bind DNA and RNA in a calcium‐dependent manner from a variety of origins, including bacteria, plasmids, synthetic oligonucleotides, and fragmented DNA of apoptotic cells. Direct binding and competition studies indicate that MBP binds nucleic acids via its CRD to varying degrees and that MBP binds dsDNA more effectively than ssDNA and ssRNA. Furthermore, we reveal that the MBP‐DNA complex does not trigger complement activation via the MBP lectin pathway, and the lectin pathway of complement activation is required for MBP‐mediated enhancement of phagocytosis of targets bearing MBP ligands and that MBP can recognize the fragmented DNA presented on apoptotic cells. Therefore, we propose that the MBP lectin pathway may support effective recognition and clearance of cellular debris by facilitating phagocytosis, possibly through immunomodulatory mechanisms, thus preventing autoimmunity.
The feasibility, reliability, and validity of a post-encounter form for evaluating clinical reasoning

Background: Developing feasible, reliable and valid methods for the evaluation of clinical reasoning is challenging. Aim: To explore feasibility, reliability, and validity evidence for a post-encounter form assessing clinical reasoning. Method: A free-text, post-encounter form was used in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) station to assess clinical reasoning for end-of-second-year medical students. Feasibility was assessed by time to complete form. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by kappa. Validity evidence was obtained by comparing scores from individual items on the post-encounter form and other components in this OSCE station (i.e., standardized patient checklist and oral presentation rating form). Additional validity evidence was gathered by comparing scores on this station with other course performance graded events. Results: Feasibility and estimated reliability were high, and several lines of validity evidence were supported. Conclusions: The scores from an end-of-second-year, medical school, post-encounter form yielded adequate psychometric properties and can be used for the evaluation of clinical reasoning. Moreover, this form of assessment and its scoring could translate to other venues.
THE LUBIN-TATE SPECTRUM AND ITS HOMOTOPY FIXED POINT SPECTRA

This note is a summary of the results of my Ph.D. thesis (plus slight modifications), completed May 9, 2003, under the supervision of Professor Paul Goerss at Northwestern University. Let En be the Lubin-Tate spectrum with En∗ = W (Fpn)[[u1, . , un−1]][u], where the degree of u is −2 and the complete power series ring over the Witt vectors is in degree zero. Let Gn = Sn o Gal(Fpn/Fp), where Sn is the nth Morava stabilizer group (the automorphism group of the Honda formal group law Γn of height n over Fpn), and let G be a closed subgroup of Gn. Note that Sn, Gn and G are all profinite groups. Morava’s change of rings theorem yields a spectral sequence (1) H∗ c (Gn; π∗(En ∧X)) =⇒ π∗LK(n)(X), where the E2-term is continuous cohomology and X is a finite spectrum (see [7], [1], [5]). Using the Gn-action on En by maps of commutative S-algebras (work of Goerss and Hopkins ([3], [4]), and Hopkins and Miller [8]), Devinatz and Hopkins [2] constructed spectra E n with strongly convergent spectral sequences (2) H∗ c (G; π∗(En ∧X)) =⇒ π∗(E n ∧X). Also, Devinatz and Hopkins showed that En n ∧X ' LK(n)(X). When K is a discrete group and Y is a K-spectrum, there is a homotopy fixed point spectrum Y hK = MapK(EK+, Y ), where EK+ is a free contractible K-space. Also, there is a conditionally convergent spectral sequence E 2 = H (K; πt(Y )) =⇒ πt−s(Y ), where the E2-term is group cohomology [6, §1.1]. Such a spectral sequence is called a descent spectral sequence. This scenario also occurs in another context. Let K be a profinite group. We say that Y is a discrete K-spectrum, if Y is a K-spectrum of simplicial sets such that each simplicial set Yk is a simplicial discrete K-set (that is, for each l ≥ 0, the action map on the l-simplices of Yk,
Transcription factor activities enhance markers of drug response in cancer

Transcriptional dysregulation is a key feature of cancer. Transcription factors (TFs) are the main link between signalling pathways and the transcriptional regulatory machinery of the cell, positioning them as key oncogenic inductors and therefore potential targets of therapeutic intervention. We implemented a computational pipeline to infer TF regulatory activities from basal gene expression and applied it to publicly available and newly generated RNA-seq data from a collection of 1,010 cancer cell lines and 9,250 primary tumors. We show that the predicted TF activities recapitulate known mechanisms of transcriptional dysregulation in cancer and dissect mutant-specific effects in driver genes. Importantly, we show the potential for predicted TF activities to be used as markers of sensitivity to the inhibition of their upstream regulators. Furthermore, combining these inferred activities with existing pharmacogenomic markers significantly improves the stratification of sensitive and resistant cell lines for several compounds. Our approach provides a framework to link driver genomic alterations with transcriptional dysregulation that helps to predict drug sensitivity in cancer and to dissect its mechanistic determinants.
A 0.3V 10bit 7.3fJ/conversion-step SAR ADC in 0.18μm CMOS

A 0.3V 10-bit rail-to-rail successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is realized in 0.18-μm CMOS process. While the supply is 0.3V, a double-boosted sampling switch and a supply-boosted time-domain comparator are proposed to decrease the on-resistance of the switches and improve the conversion time, respectively. To lower the power, differential dynamic switches are used to control the splitting capacitors of the digital-to-analog converter. This ADC achieves the SNDR of 54.57dB and the SFDR of 69.89dB, respectively. The power consumes 15.9nW at 5kS/s from a 0.3V supply. A figure-of-merit of 7.3fJ/conversion-step for this ADC is achieved.
THE RELATIVE CYTOTOXICITY OF(6–4) PHOTOPRODUCTS AND CYCLOBUTANE DIMERS IN MAMMALIAN CELLS *

Abstract— The significance of the pyrimidine(6‐4)pyrimidone photoproduct in mammalian cell killing is considered. Photochemical data indicate that the(6–4) photoproduct is induced at a substantial frequency compared to the cyclobutane dimer and that the action spectra for the induction of both lesions are equivalent. The repair of(6–4) photoproducts in various normal and UV‐hypcrsensitive mammalian cell lines, including several recently derived somatic cell hybrids and transformants, is presented. The sensitivity of these cells to ultraviolet irradiation correlates better with the capacity to repair(6–4) photoproducts than cyclobutane dimers. These data are used to support that idea that the(6–4) photoproduct is one of the major cytotoxic lesions induced in DNA by ultraviolet light.
Comparison of Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm and Full Threshold Algorithm for Glaucomatous Visual Field Loss

Purpose To compare the prevalence of visual field loss, the sensitivity distribution, and the size and depth of glaucomatous visual field defects using the standard full threshold (FT) and the Swedish interactive threshold algorithm (SITA) standard (SS) procedures in patients with early or suspected glaucoma. Methods Automated perimetry findings were retrospectively evaluated in 53 patients (105 eyes) with early or suspected glaucoma. Results The number of eyes judged to have glaucomatous visual field loss by SS (48 eyes) was significantly larger than what was found with FT (35 eyes), and 70 eyes were classified as pre-perimetric glaucoma. In these 70 eyes, there were many locations where the sensitivity was significantly higher with SS than with FT (intrasubject difference), and SS had less intersubject variability than FT at most locations. The cumulative decibel scores at the region of glaucomatous defects were larger with SS (206.2±103.3 dB) than with FT (162.1±87.5 dB) (p=0.02), which indicated that the depth of defects measured by SS was shallower than that by FT. The sizes of defects were significantly larger with SS (11.2±5.6) than with FT (9.7±5.1) (p<0.05). Conclusions Glaucomatous defects were measured as being significantly shallower and larger with SS than with FT. In addition, the prevalence of visual field defect was higher with SS according to some of the criteria for glaucomatous visual field defects. These results might be related to the fact that SS strategy has a lower variability and to the Bayesian statistical properties of the SITA algorithm. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2007; 17: 196–202)
Feasibility of At-Home Self-Sampling for HPV Testing as an Appropriate Screening Strategy for Nonparticipants in Switzerland: Preliminary Results of the DEPIST Study

Objective Nonattendees to cervical cancer screening are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. This study assessed women’s willingness to perform a home-based self-sampling for human papillomavirus testing (Self-HPV) and explored the feasibility of establishing a home-based Self-HPV screening strategy in Switzerland. Materials and Methods Underscreened women (n = 158) who had not underwent a Pap test in the preceding 3 years were recruited between September 2011 and September 2013. Participants completed 2 questionnaires evaluating reasons for non-attendance at a screening program, sociodemographic issues, and satisfaction with and acceptability of the Self-HPV. Descriptive data and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify variables associated with women’s willingness to perform at-home self-sampling for HPV testing. Results Lack of time because of work or childcare was the most common reason for nonattendance at a screening program. One hundred six women (82%) preferred the Self-HPV because it is easy to perform, convenient, comfortable, and private. Women were more likely to accept the Self-HPV as a future screening strategy if they had missed cervical cancer screening in the past because of lack of time (odds ratio [OR] = 6.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6–23.6; p < .01). Twenty-six women felt pain during self-sampling. Previous negative experiences with screening and stress during sampling were associated with higher risk for pain (OR = 7.14, 95% CI = 2.0–25.3, p < .01 and OR = 4.73, 95% CI = 1.5–14.5, p < .01, respectively). Conclusions The Self-HPV was accepted by nonattendees of cervical cancer screening programs. Self-sampling may promote screening among the unscreened and underscreened population of women in Switzerland while overcoming some practical barriers.
Hepatic molecular effects of rosiglitazone in human non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis suggest long‐term pro‐inflammatory damage

Glitazones are agonists of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) and have been proposed for the treatment of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, efficacy results are conflicting and hepatic molecular changes induced by glitazones are mostly unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the hepatic inflammatory and fibrogenic molecular effects of rosiglitazone in NASH patients.
Consecuencias de la restricción alimenticia sobre la producción de huevos en hembras tipo Campero INTA

En el presente trabajo se exponen los resultados obtenidos como respuesta al tratamiento de restriccion alimenticia efectuado durante la recria de hembras tipo Campero INTA. Se utilizaron 2.400 aves divididas en cuatro corrales, para un modelo experimental en bloques completamente al azar, en el cual el lote constituyo la unidad experimental y a su vez una repeticion simple de cada tratamiento. La cria y recria de ambos sexos se realizo por separado, en compartimientos distintos dentro del mismo galpon semi–abierto. El seguimiento de cada lote tuvo una duracion total de 12 meses, correspondiendo cinco meses al periodo de cria/recria, un mes al de pre–reproduccion y seis meses al de postura. El inicio de la postura (5% de produccion) se produjo a las 26,5 semanas de vida en aves restringidas, aproximadamente 3 semanas despues que las aves controles (p<0,05). A las 48 semanas de vida, las aves sometidas a restriccion produjeron un total acumulado de diez huevos mas por ave alojada (99,2 ± 9,1 y 87,7 ± 10,8 en grupos restringido y control respectivamente). Las diferencias numericas existentes para esta variable entre ambos tratamientos fueron manifiestas, pero no alcanzaron significacion estadistica. Las aves restringidas presentaron una curva tipica de produccion, constituida por una fase de ascenso rapido, un pico de postura de 81,4 ± 2,8% (semana 29), una meseta y una caida de puesta progresiva hasta el final del periodo. El pico de postura alcanzado por el grupo no restringido (66,7 ± 4,1%), presento un aplanamiento de la curva de produccion, con valores inferiores respecto al de las aves restringidas.
Quality assessment of chicken eggshell cuticle by infrared spectroscopy and staining techniques: a comparative study

ABSTRACT 1. The cuticle is a very thin organic layer that coats the eggshell surface and plugs the eggshell pores preventing bacterial penetration. It also reduces eggshell permeability which is important to maintain internal quality of the egg. Thus, the eggshell cuticle quality is crucial to ensure the food safety and quality of eggs. 2. A new methodology to assess eggshell cuticle quality, based on attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), is compared with a more traditional method based on cuticle staining techniques. 3. Both techniques are useful to determine the amount of cuticle; however, the ATR-FTIR technique is independent of egg colour, more sensitive and provides complete information about the cuticle and its composition. Additionally, it provides information about eggshell permeability. 4. The methodology for cuticle quality assessment described in this work can be very useful for genetic selection programmes aimed to improve the safety and quality of eggs.
Smart grid applications of selected energy storage technologies

Large-scale energy storage has recently been discussed as part of the future of the smart grid because of the many opportunities for improvement in the reliability and quality of the electric grid that can stem from their use. Information exchange from utility to consumer and vice versa makes it possible to send real-time signals regarding electricity prices and consumption. This enables many applications such as arbitrage, electric reserves, and load following to be served immediately by energy storage systems that are on the grid. For this reason, large-scale energy storage technologies must be implemented that have the ability to serve these applications. This paper examines three energy storage technologies that appear to be well suited for large-scale implementation: sodium-sulfur, vanadium-redox flow batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. These technologies were examined along with many other current technologies and chosen due to the potential to operate at grid-scales. Also, several of their potential applications are discussed.
Progress toward tuberculosis control and determinants of treatment outcomes--Kazakhstan, 2000-2002.

INTRODUCTION In Kazakhstan, during 1995-2002, the annual notification rate per 100,000 population for new cases of tuberculosis (TB) increased from 67.1 to 165.1. Beginning in 1998, public health authorities have used the national case management strategy (DOTS) promulgated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to control TB. Intended goals of DOTS include achieving a cure rate of >85% for persons with newly detected pulmonary TB sputum-smear-positive (PTB+) cases and having PTB+ represent >65% of all PTB cases among adults. Surveillance data collected during 2000-2002 were analyzed to evaluate progress toward achieving these goals and identify factors associated with specific treatment outcomes. METHODS Surveillance data included the following nonidentifiable information on persons with newly reported cases of PTB: dates of disease onset and treatment initiation; methods of diagnosis; treatment outcomes; HIV status; and selected demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral characteristics. Cure rates and proportions of PTB+ cases were calculated on the basis of the TB case definition and treatment outcome classification format outlined in DOTS guidelines issued by WHO. Denominator data to calculate rates were obtained from the National Census Office of Kazakhstan. Logistic regression was employed to investigate factors associated with treatment outcomes using Epi Info version 3.2. RESULTS During 2000-2002, a total of 65,011 new cases of PTB were detected in Kazakhstan. The average annual countrywide notification rate per 100,000 population was 146.0; provincial notification rates varied (range: 65.1-274.0). The countrywide cure rate for newly detected PTB+ was 72.2%; provincial rates varied (range: 65%-81%). Of 59,905 cases of PTB among adults during 2000-2002, a total of 26,804 (44.7%) were PTB+. Unfavorable treatment outcome of new PTB+ cases was associated with alcohol abuse, homelessness, and previous incarceration. CONCLUSION The cure rate for new PTB+ cases and the proportion of cases of PTB+ among all adults with PTB were below targeted goals. This might, in part, be explained by the 1998 adoption of DOTS. Improving program indicators requires evaluation of detection efforts, laboratory diagnostic capabilities, and adherence to treatment regimens, especially in provinces in which rates are high and among persons at high risk for unfavorable treatment outcomes.
Carotid and femoral atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk factors and C‐reactive protein in relation to smokeless tobacco use or smoking in 58‐year‐old men

Abstract. Wallenfeldt K, Hulthe J, Bokemark L, Wikstrand J, Fagerberg B (Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden). Carotid and femoral atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk factors and C‐reactive protein in relation to smokeless tobacco use or smoking in 58‐year‐old men. J Intern Med 2001; 250: 492–501.
[Follow-up monitoring with magnetic resonance tomography after decompressive trephining in experimental "malignant" hemispheric infarct].

Acute ischemia in the complete territory of the carotid or the middle cerebral artery may lead to cerebral edema with raised intracranial pressure and progression to coma and death. Although clinical data suggest benefit for patients undergoing decompressive surgery for massive space occupying hemispheric stroke, little data about the effects of this procedure on morbidity and outcome is available. The experimental data support an early surgical approach. For early and probably most effective treatment of severe, space-occupying cerebral ischemia, the "malignant" character of the brain edema has to be recognized early after onset of vessel occlusion. Hereby magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may allow to determine the clinical significance of brain edema early after onset, simultaneously allowing to monitor the evolution of ischemia. We performed serial SE-MRI in rats with acute hemispheric infarctions treated by decompressive craniectomy. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in 36 rats using an endovascular occlusion technique. Decompressive craniectomy was performed 4 and 24 hours after vessel occlusion in groups of 12 animals each. Twelve animals were not treated by decompressive craniectomy (control group). Four, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours after MCAO all animals were examined with conventional T1- and T2-weighted SE-MRI. Shift of the midline structures and compression of the ventricles were scored. Changes in weight and neurological performance were measured daily. The infarction volume was calculated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining 168 hours after MCAO. While mortality in the untreated group was 33.3%, none of the animals treated by a decompressive craniectomy died (mortality 0%). Neurological behaviour, weight loss and infarction volume were significantly better in the animals treated by early decompressive craniectomy (p < 0.05). Four hours after MCAO all untreated animals showed a massive shift of the midline structures and a massive compression of the ventricles; only 7 of 12 animals treated early by craniectomy showed mild mass effects. Correlation of the histological brain damage with T2-weighted MRI 4 hours after MCAO was poor (r = 0.41); later than 24 hours there was a good correlation (r > 0.7). Our results suggest that decompressive craniectomy in malignant cerebral ischemia reduces mortality and significantly improves outcome. If performed early after vessel occlusion, it also significantly reduces infarction size. In the acute phase of hemispheric infarction conventional SE-MRI is not sensitive in estimation of infarction size. Later than 24 hours, conventinal SE-MRI proved to be useful in monitoring brain edema and infarction size in this rat model of malignant hemispheric stroke.