Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implementation of Support Vector Machine based ranking metrics

This paper discusses the implementation of Support Vector Machine (SVM) based ranking metrics to compute the similarity and rank the documents based on a user query using Fuzzy Logic. TREC dataset has been used for the same purpose. The dataset is parsed to generate keywords index which is used for the similarity comparison with the user query and ranking is done using SVM. Each query is assigned a score value based on its fuzzy similarity with the index keywords. The performance and accuracy of the proposed retrieval model is compared with TF/IDF similarity model using Precision-Recall curves. The SVM ranking precision and recall are calculated by classifying the documents based on a threshold value by using SVM alpha measures.
Occurrence of periodontopathic and superinfecting bacteria in chronic and aggressive periodontitis subjects in a Colombian population.

BACKGROUND Differences in the composition of subgingival microbiota in periodontitis have been observed in different geographic locations. Some of these microbial differences could have clinical significance. This study describes clinical parameters and the composition of the subgingival microbiota in chronic periodontitis (CP) and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients in a Colombian population. METHODS Clinical parameters (probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and plaque index) and plaque samples from 68 CP, 12 AgP, and 30 periodontally healthy subjects were analyzed. Subgingival samples were processed using culture, biochemical tests, and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of periodontal and superinfecting pathogens. The analysis of variance, chi(2), and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to evaluate differences between groups for clinical parameters and microbiologic composition (P <or=0.05). RESULTS Clinical parameters were significantly increased in CP and AgP patients compared to healthy subjects (P <0.001), but no differences were found between periodontitis groups. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis, and Eikenella corrodens showed higher frequencies in AgP compared to CP and healthy subjects (P <0.05). Extension (localized and generalized) of the periodontal destruction had no effect on the composition of the subgingival microbiota. Gram-negative enteric rods were more frequent in AgP patients (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated a high prevalence of P. gingivalis, T. forsythensis, and E. corrodens in AgP patients. Gram-negative enteric rods were frequent in AgP and CP patients. Differences in the composition of subgingival microbiota in periodontitis patients need to be taken into account when considering the best therapeutic approach for each individual, including the use of antibiotics.
Risk Factors Associated with Germinal Matrix-Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Neonates

Objective The purpose of this study is to identify the risk factors associated with the development of germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GM-IVH) and the relationship of the severity of disease and prematurity. Methods A total of 168 premature neonates whose birth weight ≤1500 g or gestational age ≤34 weeks were examined by cranial ultrasound (CUS) for detection of GM-IVH among the babies admitted between January 2011 and December 2012 in our medical center neonatal intensive care unit. The babies were divided into two groups : GM-IVH and non-IVH. Clinical presentations, precipitating factors of the patients and maternal factors were analyzed. Results In univariate analysis, gestational age, birth weight, delivery method, presence of premature rupture of membrane (PROM) and level of sodium and glucose were statistically meaningful factors (p<0.05). But only two factors, gestational age and presence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) were statistically meaningful in multivariate logistic regression (p<0.05). Delivery method [normal vaginal delivery (NVD) to Caeserean section] was borderline significant (p<0.10). Conclusion Presence of PDA and gestational age were the important risk factors associated with development of GM-IVH.
A proposed symmetric and balanced 11-T SRAM cell for lower power consumption

Static random access memories (SRAMs) comprise an increasingly large portion of modern very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits. The increasing importance of embedded SRAM is due to its low circuit activity factor, leading to low active power density, and productivity of design. The power consumption has become an important issue and has lead to the development of numerous schemes aimed at limiting that component of power during both standby and active operation. In the present paper, we have proposed a symmetric 11-T SRAM cell to reduce power consumption during read/write operation. We have simulated the designed circuit with the help of Tanner EDA tools for 0. 25µm technology and simulated results were compared with 6T and ZA cell. It was found that proposed cell consumes 28% lower power than conventional 6T during write mode. During read operation, the average power saving is around 33% compared to conventional cell. The write delay is more in our proposed cell. By choosing width of tail transistors are equal to 3µm, the write delay of the proposed cell can be equated to conventional cell.
Deletion of the SSK 1 Response Regulator Gene in Candida albicans Contributes to Enhanced Killing by Human Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils

The isolation and partial functional characterization of the two-component response regulator SSK1 gene of Candida albicans was previously reported. Compared to wild-type (CAF2-1) and gene-reconstituted (SSK23) strains, the ssk1 null strain (SSK21) was avirulent in a murine model of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis and less able to adhere to human esophageal cells. More recent data indicate that SSK21 is sensitive to 4 to 8 mM H2O2 in vitro than CAF2-1 and SSK23. Furthermore, microarray studies indicate that the regulation of two classes of genes, those encoding cell wall functions and stress adaptation, are altered in the ssk1 mutant. In the present study, the susceptibility of strains CAF2-1, SSK21, and SSK23 to killing by human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) was assessed. Results are also described for a newly constructed ssk1 mutant (SSK24) in which the URA3 gene is integrated into its native locus. Our results indicate that killing of SSK21 and SSK24 was significantly greater than that of CAF2-1 and SSK23 (P < 0.01). In order to determine why Ssk1p at least partially protects the organism against the killing activity of human PMNs, we compared the signal transduction activity and the inflammatory response gene profiles of PMNs infected with either the wild type or the ssk1 mutant. Phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases p42/44 and p38 from neutrophils infected with either CAF2-1 (wild type) or SSK21 (ssk1/ssk1) was similar, while expression and phosphorylation of the JNK mitogen-activated protein kinase was not observed following infection with either strain. On the other hand, we observed an upregulation of seven inflammatory response genes in PMNs infected with the SSK21 mutant only, while an increase in interleukin-10 expression was measured in PMNs infected with either strain. Downregulation of interleukin-2 was observed in PMNs infected with either strain. Verification of the transcriptional profiling was obtained by reverse transcription-PCR for three of the genes that were upregulated in neutrophils infected with the ssk1 mutant. Also, the sensitivity of strain SSK21 to human defensin-1, one of the nonoxidative, antimicrobial peptides of PMNs, was greater than that of CAF2-1, demonstrating that nonoxidative killing in PMNs may contribute to the increased susceptibility of the ssk1 mutant. Our results indicate that the Ssk1p response regulator protein may provide at least partial adaptive functions for the survival of C. albicans following its encounter with human neutrophils.
Complementation of a gl-deficient feline herpesvirus recombinant by allotopic expression of truncated gl derivatives.

The alphaherpesvirus glycoproteins gE and gI form a hetero-oligomeric complex involved in cell-to-cell transmission. The gI-deficient recombinant feline herpesvirus (FHV), FHVdeltagI-LZ, produces plaques that are only 15% the size of those of wild-type FHV. Here, we have complemented FHV(delta)gI-LZ allotopically by expressing intact gI and C-terminally truncated gI derivatives from the thymidine kinase locus. The effect on gE-gI-mediated cell-to-cell spread was assessed by plaque assay employing computer-assisted image analysis (software available at http://www.androclus.vet.uu.nl/spotter/spotter.htm+ ++). Allotopic complementation with intact gI fully restored plaque size. Deletion of the C-terminal 11 residues of gI did not affect cell-to-cell spread, whereas deletion of the complete cytoplasmic tail reduced plaque size by only 35%. Mutants expressing gI166, roughly corresponding to the N-terminal half of the ectodomain, displayed a small-plaque phenotype. Nevertheless, their plaques were reproducibly larger than those of matched gI-deficient controls, indicating that the gE-gI166 hetero-oligomer, though crippled, is still able to mediate cell-to-cell spread. Our data demonstrate that plaque analysis provides a reliable and convenient tool to measure and quantitate gE-gI function in vitro.
LYMPHOCYTE PROLIFERATION EFFICIENCY IN THE FIRST MONTHS OF LIFE OF HEIFERS NATURALLY INFECTED WITH BOVINE LEUKAEMIA VIRUS

The aim of the study was to determine the dynamics of changes in lymphocyte proliferation efficiency in the 1st months of life of heifers naturally infected with bovine leukaemia virus (BLV). Sixty-four Black-and-White breed heifers, originating from one herd, were examined. BLV infection was diagnosed with the ELISA and PCR test. The lymphocyte proliferation efficiency was determined using a lymphoblastic transformation test and isotope method. Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) was used for the stimulation of the lymphocyte proliferation. The tests were performed in the 3 rd , 4 th , 5 th and 7 th month of life of the animals. When analysing the diversity of the lymphocyte proliferation efficiency, BLV infection did not have any effect on the blastogenic activity of PHA-stimulated and unstimulated lymphocytes in young heifers. However, the heifer age had a significant influence on the lymphocyte response to the mitogen. The weakest lymphocyte response to PHA was recorded in 3-month-old calves, regardless of BLV infection. The results seem to indicate that the activation of T cells and thus lymphocyte readiness to cellular response was lower in young heifers than in older animals. Moreover, the results suggest that the lymphocyte response to activation was similar in young BLV-positive and BLV-negative heifers.
Resource Concentration and Civil Wars (cid:3)

This paper highlights the importance of natural resource concentration and ethnic group regional concentration for ethnic con(cid:135)ict. The existence of multiple con(cid:135)ict terrains (and hence multiple threat points) is the source of bargaining failure, similar to the one determined by the presence of o⁄ensive advantages. The theory predicts war to be more likely when resource and group concentration are high, and the empirical analysis, both at the country level and at the ethnic group level, con(cid:133)rms the essential role of geographic concentration variables for civil war.
Further Validating the Two-Factor Structure of the Personal Need for Structure Scale: Comment on Shi, Wang, and Chen (2009)

Shi, Wang, and Chen's 2009 study validated the Personal Need for Structure Scale in Chinese. The two-factor structure can be further validated by examining the different functions of its components, i.e., “Desire for Structure” and “Response to Lack of Structure. ” This validation will help researchers and practitioners explore the different attributes, functions, and foundations of the two factors, and also help cultivate the use of the scale in the most appropriate situations.
Generative OpenMax for Multi-Class Open Set Classification

We present a conceptually new and flexible method for multi-class open set classification. Unlike previous methods where unknown classes are inferred with respect to the feature or decision distance to the known classes, our approach is able to provide explicit modelling and decision score for unknown classes. The proposed method, called Gener- ative OpenMax (G-OpenMax), extends OpenMax by employing generative adversarial networks (GANs) for novel category image synthesis. We validate the proposed method on two datasets of handwritten digits and characters, resulting in superior results over previous deep learning based method OpenMax Moreover, G-OpenMax provides a way to visualize samples representing the unknown classes from open space. Our simple and effective approach could serve as a new direction to tackle the challenging multi-class open set classification problem.
Abdominal Fat, Adipose-Derived Hormones and Mild Cognitive Impairment: The J-SHIPP Study

Background/Aim: Lower body weight in later life has been shown to be associated with dementia. However, abdominal fat distribution under conditions of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the possible involvement of leptin and adiponectin in MCI have not been fully investigated. Methods: We analyzed 517 middle-aged-to-elderly community-dwelling persons. Abdominal subcutaneous fat and visceral fat areas were determined using computed tomography, and plasma leptin and adiponectin concentrations were measured in fasting samples. MCI was assessed using the Japanese version of the MCI screening method. Results: In men, the abdominal subcutaneous fat area was significantly lower in participants with MCI than in those with normal cognitive function [median (interquartile range): 107.4 (85.9, 133.1) cm2 vs. 136.4 (93.1, 161.4) cm2; p = 0.002]. Logistic regression analyses with confounding factors including age and abdominal subcutaneous fat area showed that a 10 mg/l increase in plasma adiponectin had a protective effect against the development of MCI in men (odds ratio: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.20–0.97; p = 0.041). In contrast, MCI was not found to be associated with abdominal fat area or adipose-derived hormones in women. Conclusion: Reduced amounts of subcutaneous fat and low levels of plasma adiponectin were found to be associated with MCI in men.
Quantification of choline‐ and ethanolamine‐containing metabolites in human prostate tissues using 1H HR‐MAS total correlation spectroscopy

A fast and quantitative 2D high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HR‐MAS) total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY) experiment was developed to resolve and quantify the choline‐ and ethanolamine‐containing metabolites in human prostate tissues in ≈1 hr prior to pathologic analysis. At a 40‐ms mixing time, magnetization transfer efficiency constants were empirically determined in solution and used to calculate metabolite concentrations in tissue. Phosphocholine (PC) was observed in 11/15 (73%) cancer tissues but only 6/32 (19%) benign tissues. PC was significantly higher (0.39 ± 0.40 mmol/kg vs. 0.02 ± 0.07 mmol/kg, z = 3.5), while ethanolamine (Eth) was significantly lower in cancer versus benign prostate tissues (1.0 ± 0.8 mmol/kg vs. 2.3 ± 1.9 mmol/kg, z = 3.3). Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) (0.57 ± 0.87 mmol/kg vs. 0.29 ± 0.26 mmol/kg, z = 1.2), phosphoethanolamine (PE) (4.4 ± 2.2 mmol/kg vs. 3.4 ± 2.6 mmol/kg, z = 1.4), and glycerophosphoethanolamine (GPE) (0.54 ± 0.82 mmol/kg vs. 0.15 ± 0.15 mmol/kg, z = 1.8) were higher in cancer versus benign prostate tissues. The ratios of PC/GPC (3.5 ± 4.5 vs. 0.32 ± 1.4, z = 2.6), PC/PE (0.08 ± 0.08 vs. 0.01 ± 0.03, z = 3.5), PE/Eth (16 ± 22 vs. 2.2 ± 2.0, z = 2.4), and GPE/Eth (0.41 ± 0.51 vs. 0.06 ± 0.06, z = 2.6) were also significantly higher in cancer versus benign tissues. All samples were pathologically interpretable following HR‐MAS analysis; however, degradation experiments showed that PC, GPC, PE, and GPE decreased 7.7 ± 2.2%, while Cho+mI and Eth increased 18% in 1 hr at 1°C and a 2250 Hz spin rate. Magn Reson Med 60:33–40, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Personalizing Online Educational Tools

As more people turn to online resources to learn, there will be an increasing need for systems to understand and adapt to the needs of their users. Engagement is an important aspect to keep users committed to learning. Learning approaches for online systems can benefit from personalization to engage their users. However, many approaches for personalization currently rely on methods (e.g., historical behavioral data, questionnaires, quizzes) that are unable to provide a personalized experience from the start-of-use of a system. As users in a learning environment are exposed to new content, the first impression that they receive from the system influences their commitment with the program. In this position paper we propose a quantitative approach for personalization in online learning environments to overcome current problems for personalization in such environments.
Induction of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor by Tumor Necrosis Factor α in Human Glioma Cells

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been implicated in brain tumor angiogenesis, and the promoter region for the VEGF gene contains several SP-1 and AP-1 (c-Fos and c-Jun) binding motifs. Among eight human glioma cell lines, cellular mRNA levels of transcription factors SP-1 and AP-1 (c-Fos and c-Jun) were found to be closely correlated with those of VEGF. VEGF expression appears to be highly susceptible to hypoxia or exogenous cytokines and growth factors. Of various cytokines and growth factors, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 1 most potently enhanced VEGF mRNA levels of a glioma cell line, U251. Incubation of the glioma cells with bFGF or TNF-α increased both VEGF and SP-1 mRNA at 30 min and c-Fos mRNA at 1-3 h, over 5-fold. Nuclear run-on assays showed an apparent increase of the transcription of the VEGF gene as well as the SP-1 gene by bFGF or TNF-α. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that only SP-1 binding activity was increased 1 h after exposure to bFGF or TNF-α, and also that AP-1, but not SP-1, activity was significantly activated by hypoxia. Mithramycin, an inhibitor of SP-1, at 1-10 nM inhibited activation of the VEGF gene by bFGF or TNF-α but not that by hypoxia. Western blot analysis also demonstrated an increase in cellular amounts of VEGF by TNF-α and a decrease by co-administration with mithramycin. The promoter activity of the VEGF gene, which contains five SP-1 binding sites and one AP-1 binding site but not hypoxia regulatory elements, was enhanced by bFGF or TNF-α but not by hypoxia. The chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assay with VEGF promoter deletion constructs demonstrated that four clusterized SP-1 binding sites in the proximal promoter were essential for the basal transcription and the TNF-α-dependent activation. These data indicated that the expression of the VEGF gene enhanced by bFGF or TNF-α appeared to be mediated in part through the transcription factor SP-1, suggesting a different mechanism from that for hypoxia-induced activation of the VEGF gene.
Dynamics of platelet thrombus formation

Summary. Platelet aggregation and thrombus formation at sites of atherosclerotic plaque rupture is a dynamic process that can lead to intermittent or permanent obstruction to blood flow, resulting in ischemic tissue injury and organ dysfunction. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the dynamics of platelet aggregation and initial thrombus development are regulated by two distinct, complementary processes, involving: (i) rheological (biomechanical) and (ii) soluble‐agonist‐dependent mechanisms. Rheological‐dependent platelet aggregation occurs between discoid platelets and requires the biomechanical adhesive and signaling function (mechanotransduction) of the major platelet adhesion receptors, GPIb and integrin αIIbβ3. Soluble agonists further potentiate platelet activation, stimulating global platelet shape change and degranulation, and play a major role in stabilizing formed aggregates. Unraveling the dynamics of platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in vivo requires consideration of the cooperative interplay between rheological‐ and soluble agonist‐dependent platelet aggregation mechanisms.
[Do posterior urethral valves alter the results of renal transplantation in children?].

The authors conducted a retrospective study based on a series of 715 renal transplantations in children performed between January 1973 and December 1989 at the Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades in order to determine whether the long-term result of renal transplantation was as good in children with posterior urethral valves (PUV) as in children with a normal lower urinary tract. Group 1 consisted of 50 renal transplantations performed in 41 children in whom the primary urological disease was PUV. The bladder was able to be used without modification in 36 cases and had to be enlarged in 5 cases. A permanent cutaneous urinary diversion was not required in any of these transplanted patients. Group 2 consisted of 665 renal transplantations performed in children without PUV. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the distribution of cadaver kidney and living related donor transplantations. Immunosuppressive treatment consisted of various combinations of prednisone, azathioprine, ALS for the earlier patients in the series, OKT 3 and cyclosporin for the more recent patients. In group 1, we observed a urological complication rate of 20% and a vascular complication rate of 14%, while, in group 2, the urological complication rate was 16.9% and the vascular complication rate was 9.5%. The actuarial 5-year and 10-year graft survival rates were 63% and 49% in group 1 and 63% and 49% in group 2, respectively. The actuarial graft survival rates were therefore identical in the two groups. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Voltage-dependent K 1 current in capillary endothelial cells isolated from guinea pig heart

Voltage-depen-dent K 1 current in capillary endothelial cells isolated from guinea pig heart. Am. J. Physiol. 277 ( Heart Circ. Physiol. 46): H119–H127, 1999. —Capillary fragments were isolated from guinea pig hearts, and their electrical properties were studied using the perforated-patch and cell-attached mode of the patch-clamp technique. A voltage-dependent K 1 current was discovered that was activated at potentials positive to 2 20 mV and showed a sigmoid rising phase. For depolarizing voltage steps from 2 128 to 1 52 mV, the time to peak was 71 6 5 ms (mean 6 SE) and the amplitude of the current was 3.7 6 0.5 pA/pF in the presence of 5 mM external K 1 . The time course of inactivation was exponential with a time constant of 7.2 6 0.5 s at 1 52 mV. The current was blocked by tetraethylammonium (inhibitory constant , 3 mM) but was not affected by charybdotoxin (1 µM) or apamin (1 µM). In the cell-attached mode, depolarization-activated single-channel currents were found that inactivated completely within 30 s; the single-channel conductance was 12.3 6 2.4 pS. The depolarization-activated K 1 current described here may play a role in membrane potential oscillations of the endothelium.