Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Undecidability of Chop

The chop operator C is a binary modality that plays an important role in interval temporal logics. Such an operator, which is not definable in Halpern and Shoham's modal logic of time intervals HS, allows one to split an interval into two parts and to specify what is true over them. C appears both in Moszkowski's PITL (that pairs it with a modal constant Pi which is true on all and only the intervals with coincident endpoints) and in Venema's CDT (that also features the binary modalities D and T, and Pi). Without the so-called locality principle, which restricts the semantics of proposition letters, the satisfiability problem for both PITL and CDT turns out to be undecidable over all meaningful classes of linear orders. The problem has been shown to be undecidable also for the fragment C, that is, PITL without Pi, over infinite linear orders. In this paper, we prove that the same holds for C over finite linear orders. To this end, we exploit the close relation between C and the reflexive version of the HS fragment BE, whose modalities correspond to Allen's relations starts and finishes: we prove that the satisfiability problem for reflexive BE is undecidable, undecidability of the same problem for C comes as a corollary.
Considerations in the choice of interobserver reliability estimates.

Two types of interobserver reliability values may be needed in treatment studies in which observers constitute the primary data-acquisition system: trial reliability and the reliability of the composite unit or score which is subsequently analyzed, e.g., daily or weekly session totals. Two approaches to determining interobserver reliability are described: percentage agreement and "correlational" measures of reliability. The interpretation of these estimates, factors affecting their magnitude, and the advantages and limitations of each approach are presented.
A simple invariant mapping applied to hand-written pre-segmented character recognition

The paper describes an application of a novel (position, rotation, and size) invariant mapping, one that is intended for use in online handwritten character recognition. The mapping is as simple as any similar mapping we know of. This makes it computationally efficient and fast, which in turn makes it appropriate for online implementations. A recognition system utilising this mapping has been developed for handwritten Arabic characters. Character recognition is carried out via a decision tree-like classification system based mainly (but not solely) on simple features of the mapped pattern.
Ortho-para H2 conversion on a cold Ag(111) metal surface.

Electron-energy-loss experiments of H 2 physisorbed on noble metals at low temperature indicate that the ortho-para conversion rate is 2 orders of magnitude faster on a Ag(111) surface than on a Cu(100) one. We suggest a process in which a metal electron is virtually transferred back and forth from a surface band to the molecule antibonding orbital, the ortho-para energy being dissipated by metal (electron-hole) triplet pairs. The ortho-para rates are about 1 min on Ag(111) and 1 h on Cu(100), in agreement with experimental data
Dry eye among patients at the eye clinic of a secondary referral hospital

Introduction: Dry eye is a common but under-diagnosed problem in the general population. Lack of standardised diagnostic protocol causes prevalence of dry eye varied widely in different populations. Nevertheless, effective management rests largely on the accurate diagnosis and identification of the contributing risk factors. Methods: In a cross sectional study, socio-demographic, lifestyle and medical history data were collected from 157 respondents. A validated six-item questionnaire was used to determine the dry eye symptoms. Dry eye was determined by using Schirmer’s test. Fluorescein staining test and tear break up time (TBUT) test were performed to characterise the dry eye. Results: Using the Schirmer’s test, 33.8% of respondents had dry eyes. The likelihood of dry eye increased among Malay females in the seventh decade. The most frequently reported symptom was sensation of dryness of the eye. Although only 22.6% of dry eye cases were symptomatic, up to 47.2% of them may developed surface changes detectable by fluorescein dye test. Ethnicity (p=0.019) and diabetes mellitus (p=0.049) were significantly associated with dry eye. Conclusion: Dry eye could be subclinical but clinical tests in potential risk groups can lead to better detection of this condition and allow prescription of appropriate treatment for affected patients.
Ireland : A Political System Apart

L'Irlande est generalement placee a part dans l'etude comparative des systemes politiques europeens, principalement parce que les clivages politiques ne semblent pas correspondre aux clivages sociaux. Autrement dit, les differences sociales ne sont pas exprimees ou manifestees dans le champ politique, et ce dernier acquiert une grande autonomie par rapport a la societe irlandaise. Cette autonomie entraine un autre trait particulier a l'Irlande : celle du decentrage de l'Etat irlandais par rapport a la scene politique. L'autonomie de la vie politique dans la Republique d'Irlande rend en effet plus difficile la tâche d'etablir un rapport entre l'Etat et la societe a travers cette activite politique. L'Etat doit donc avoir recours a d'autres mecanismes pour ce faire, et sortir en quelque sorte du domaine politique a proprement parler.
Volar Plate Fixation of Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Background Intra-articular fractures of the distal radius represent a therapeutic challenge as compared with the unstable extra-articular fractures. With the recent development of specifically designed internal fixation materials for the distal radius, treatment of these fractures by fragment-specific implants using two or more incisions has been advocated. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a fixed-angle locking plate applied through a single volar approach in maintaining the radiographic alignment of unstable intra-articular fractures as well as to report the clinical outcomes. We only excluded those with massive comminution, as is discussed in greater detail in the text. Patients and Methods This is a multicentered, retrospective study involving three hospitals situated in Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. In the period between January 2000 and March 2006, 97 patients with 101 intra-articular distal radius fractures, including 13 volarly displaced and 88 dorsally angulated fractures were analyzed. Over 80% were C2/C3 fractures, based on the AO classification. 16 open fractures were noted. Results With an average follow-up of 28 months (range 24–70 months), the range of movement of the wrist was very satisfactory, and the mean grip strength was 81% of the opposite wrist. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score was 8. The complications rate was < 5%, including loss of reduction in two patients. All fractures healed by 3 months postinjury. Conclusions Irrespective of the direction and amount of initial displacement, a great majority of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius can be managed with a fixed-angle volar plate through a single volar approach. Level IV retrospective case series
TXALA un analizador libre de dependencias para el castellano

Resumen: Esta demostraci on presenta la primera versi on de Txala, un analizador de dependencias para el castellano desarrollado bajo licencia LGPL. Este analizador se enmarca dentro de la generaci on de una plataforma de software libre para la traducci on. La carencia de este tipo de analizadores sint acticos para el castellano, hace que esta sea una herramienta necesaria para el progreso del PLN en castellano. Palabras clave: Sintaxis, Analizador Sint actico de Dependencias, Software Libre
Modelo de pronóstico de reoperación en cirugía abdominal

Introduccion: En presencia de complicaciones infecciosas intrabdominales postoperatorias, la decision de reoperar es todavia dificil para el cirujano actuante. Los modelos matematicos representan una buena ayuda al diagnostico en estas condiciones. Metodo: Estudio prospectivo observacional de 300 pacientes post-cirugia abdominal ingresados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos del Hospital Calixto Garcia desde enero de 2008 a enero de 2010. Los pacientes fueron aleatoriamente separados (2:1) en dos grupos; estimacion (GE) y validacion (GV). En el GE se desarrollaron tres modelos estadisticos para la reoperacion, que fueron validados en el GV . Estos modelos incluyeron variables, que en estudios anteriores demostraron su utilidad en el pronostico, como el indice predictivo de reoperacion aguda (ARPI) y la presion intrabdominal (PIA) Resultados: El modelo ARPI-PIA fue el mejor de los tres modelos, segun el estadigrafo Hosmer-Lemeshow (calibracion C=9,976 p=0.267, discriminacion area bajo la curva ROC=0,989 IC 95% 0,976-1,000). Conclusion: La inclusion de la PIA junto al ARPI en un modelo matematico puede aumentar la certeza del pronostico de reoperacion en presencia de complicaciones infecciosas intrabdominales tras cirugia abdominal. Este modelo puede ser de utilidad en situaciones de recursos diagnosticos limitados.
Kinetics of expression of the Escherichia coli cad operon as a function of pH and lysine

The Escherichia coli cadBA genes are regulated at the transcriptional level by external pH and lysine. The membrane-localized CadC protein is required for activation of this operon under inducing conditions, which include acidic external pH, lysine, and oxygen limitation. To better understand the mechanism by which CadC functions, the kinetics of cadBA expression as a function of pH and lysine were examined. By primer extension assays, cadBA expression was detected within 4 min following exposure of cells to one of the inducing stimuli (low pH or lysine), provided that the cells had first been grown to steady state in the presence of the other inducing stimulus. The induction time was three to four times longer when both inducing stimuli were added simultaneously. cadBA expression was shut off within 4 min following a shift from acidic to neutral pH. Treatment of cells with chloramphenicol prevented induction by acidic pH and lysine. Transcription of lysP (encodes a lysine transporter) was also examined, since it is a negative regulator of cadBA expression in the absence of lysine. lysP expression was repressed by lysine but not influenced by pH. Putative transcription start sites for lysP and cadC were determined. Together, these data suggest that CadC senses the lysine- and pH-induced signals separately and that one of the roles of lysine in inducing cadBA may be to repress expression of lysP, thus eliminating the repressing effects of LysP.
Innervation of the ring gland of Drosophila melanogaster

In insects, peptidergic neurons of the central nervous system regulate the synthesis of the main developmental hormones. Neuropeptides involved in this neuroendocrine cascade have been identified in lepidopterans and dictyopterans. Since these organisms are not suitable for genetic research, we identified peptidergic brain neurons innervating the ring gland in Drosophila melanogaster. In larvae of Drosophila, ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones are produced by the ring gland, which is composed of the prothoracic gland, the corpus allatum, and the corpora cardiaca. Using the GAL4 enhancer trap system, we mapped those neurons of the central nervous system that innervate the ring gland. Eleven groups of neurosecretory neurons and their target tissues were identified. Five neurons of the lateral protocerebrum directly innervate the prothoracic gland or corpus allatum cells of the ring gland and are believed to regulate ecdysteroid and juvenile hormone titers. Axons of the circadian pacemaker neurons project onto dendritic fields of these five neurons. This connection might be the neuronal substrate of the circadian rhythms of molting and metamorphosis in Drosophila. Most of the neurons presented here have not been described before. The enhancer trap lines labeling them will be valuable tools for the analysis of neuronal as well as genetic regulation in insect development. J. Comp. Neurol. 431:481–491, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Defective Polysialylation and Sialylation Induce Opposite Effects on Gating of the Skeletal Na+ Channel NaV1.4 in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells

Polysialic acid (polySia) is a large, negatively charged homopolymer of 2,8-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid residues resulting from remodeling and extension of protein-bound sialic acid (Sia) residues and seems to have a key role in regulating neural cell development and function. The aim of this study was to explore and compare the effects of polySia and sialylation on gating of voltage-gated sodium channels. The skeletal muscle α-subunit NaV1.4 was transiently expressed in wild-type Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells or in mutant CHO cells with deficits in their capacity to produce sialylated or polysialylated membrane components. Expression in both mutant cell lines resulted in larger peak current amplitudes as compared to wild-type CHO cells. Loss of Sia and polySia also resulted in significant shifts of voltage-dependent activation and steady-state inactivation, however, in opposite directions. Furthermore, only the loss of Sia had a significant effect on recovery from fast inactivation. Our data demonstrate for the first time that gating of voltage-gated sodium channels seems to be differentially regulated by polySia and Sia.
Genetic mutations at rifampicin resistance-determining region of RpoB gene in conferring resistance to isolated multidrug-resistant tuberculosis strains

Introduction: Drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) among the new and retreatment cases was seen to be 5%. Multidrug resistant TB to at least isoniazid and Rifampicin is an alarming threat to the community and the scenario is even worse for retreatment cases showing rising trend over the years. A systematic analysis of the nature of the resistance conferred may contribute in understanding the common as well as rare genetic alterations that ultimately led to the genotypic resistance. The study thus involves a probe into the most common and rare patterns of genetic mutation that have led to the rifampicin resistance among the retreatment cases. The common and rare codons along with their change in amino acid sequences involved in conferring the resistance were looked for. Methods: The detection of the patterns genetic mutation is done by the Genotype MTBDR plus V2 kits (Hains Life Sciences) based on DNA strip technology (line probe assay). Results: The analysis has shown that only around 14.93% cases reflected exclusive mutations at around 531-533 region of the RpoB gene. Presence of both the wild and mutant gene segments simultaneously (WildType [WT] and MUT3) accounted to a striking percentage of 60.3% showing a heterogenous generation of susceptible and resistant strains at the same time. This pattern analysis showing maximum of heterogenous strains may be suggestive of capturing a generation under the process of conversion from WT to mutant type. About 95% reproducibility in liquid culture system further established the fact that most of the strains might be a cause for the rising attrition toward the first line of drugs. Conclusion: This pattern analysis showing maximum of heterogenous strains may be suggestive of capturing a generation under the process of conversion. The retrospective analysis showed how heterogenous population prevailed in the retreatment groups.
Effects of growth hormone and thyroxine on pituitary and testicular function in two types of hereditary dwarf mice.

Hereditary dwarf mice are growht hormone (GH)- and prolactin (PRL)-deficient and hypothyroid. Administration of PRL, GH, or thyroxine (T4) can induce fertility inmale dwarf mice. The mechanism of action of PRL appears to involve stimulation of FSH release, increased ability of the testes to bind LH, and increased production of testosterone (T) and spermatozoa. To obtain some information on the action of GH and T4 on the pituitary-testicular axis in these animals, we have examined spermaogenesis, plasma hormone levels, and testicular T production in vitro in Snell (dw) and Ames (df) dwarf mice treated with GH or T4. Treatment with T4 (2μg/day for 2 weeks; 1μg/day for 4 weeks or 4–6μg 3 ×/wk for 6 weeks) or with GH (125 μg/day for 2 weeks; or 38–150 μg/day for 4 weeks) increased body weight, stimulated spermatogenesis, and increased the weight of the testes and seminal vesicles. Treatment with T4 had no significant effects on plasma hormone levels, while treatment with GH for 2 weeks increased plasma levels of LH, FSH, and T in Ames but not in Snell dwarf mice. The ability of the testes to produce T in vitro in the presence of hCG was not affected by in vivo treatment with GH or T4 in either df or dw dwarf mice. These results indicate that the stimulatory effect of T4 and GH on testicular function of dwarf mice does not involve increased responsiveness to gonadotropins or major chages in gonadotropin release. Comparison of the present results with those obtained earlier with PRL indicates that the ability of PRL to induce fertility in dwarf mice may be a specific action of this hormone on the pituitary-testicular axis, rather that a result of its inherent somatotropic activity.
Bacterial menageries inside insects.

Bacteria display a wide diversity of specialized interactions with eukaryotic hosts. A common way to classify bacterial–eukaryote associations is along an axis from pathogenic to mutualistic: that is, how much does the infection help or hurt the host relative to noninfected individuals? From the host perspective, this distinction is central. But for the bacteria themselves, pathogenesis and symbiosis present similar obstacles. Primary among these is the invasion of host cells or tissues in the face of generalized cellular and chemical defenses. Remarkably, studies during the past decade of a number of phylogenetically diverse pathogens of plants and animals have shown that host invasion often depends on a set of evolutionarily homologous genes that have been transferred among distinct bacterial lineages (1–3). This group of loci encodes the Type III secretion system, a complex of about 20 proteins that together form a membrane-spanning structure that functions in transporting proteins outside of the bacterial cell (1–3). Transport is, at least sometimes, induced by contact with host cells, and the effectors are delivered to the host cytoplasm and linked to suppression of host defenses and/or invasion of host cells.
CD73 expression and fyn‐dependent signaling on murine lymphocytes

CD73 is a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol‐anchored protein with both ecto‐enzyme activity (ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase) and signal transducing capabilities for human T lymphocytes. We now report an analysis of the distribution and function of CD73 in murine lymphoid tissues made possible by the development of the first monoclonal antibodies (mAb) specific for murine CD73. Subsets of T and B lymphocytes are CD73+ and the level of expression increases with lymphocyte maturation in both species. Among B cells, CD73 is largely restricted to cells which have undergone isotype switching. The signal transmitting function of CD73 is also conserved, as splenic T cells treated with anti‐CD73 mAb plus phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate proliferate and secrete IL‐2. Fyn−/– mice are unresponsive to CD73 ligation, however, demonstrating the requirement for this tyrosine kinase in CD73‐mediated signal transduction. CD73 is down‐regulated after mAb plus cross‐linking, suggesting that expression may be controlled by interaction with a ligand. Only small numbers of thymocytes are CD73+, so CD73 receptor functions are unlikely to be important for developing T cells. However, immunohistochemical analysis reveals that reticular and vascular cells throughout the thymus and other lymphoid tissues are markedly CD73+. Therefore, CD73 might mediate lymphocyte‐stromal cell interactions or condition the local microenvironment to facilitate lymphocyte development and / or function.
The usability attributes and evaluation measurements of mobile media AR (augmented reality)

Abstract This research aims to develop a tool for creating user-based design interfaces in mobile augmented reality (MAR) education. To develop a design interface evaluation tool, previous literature was examined for key design elements in the educational usage of MAR. The evaluation criteria identified were presence, affordance, and usability. The research used a focus group interview with 7 AR experts to develop a basic usability evaluation checklist, which was submitted to factor analysis for reliability by 122 experts in practice and academia. Based on this checklist, a MAR usability design interface test was conducted with seven fourth-grade elementary students. Then, it conducted follow-up structured interviews and questionnaires. This resulted in 29 questions being developed for the MAR interface design checklist.
The Minimum Spanning k-Core Problem with Bounded CVaR Under Probabilistic Edge Failures

This article introduces the minimum spanning k-core problem that seeks to find a spanning subgraph with a minimum degree of at least k (also known as a k-core) that minimizes the total cost of the edges in the subgraph. The concept of k-cores was introduced in social network analysis to identify denser portions of a social network. We exploit the graph-theoretic properties of this model to introduce a new approach to survivable interhub network design via spanning k-cores; the model preserves connectivity and diameter under limited edge failures. The deterministic version of the problem is polynomial-time solvable due to its equivalence to generalized graph matching. We propose two conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) constrained optimization models to obtain risk-averse solutions for the minimum spanning k-core problem under probabilistic edge failures. We present polyhedral reformulations of the convex piecewise linear loss functions used in these models that enable Benders-like decomposition approaches. A .
An analog on-chip learning circuit architecture of the weight perturbation algorithm

In this paper we present the analog on-chip learning architecture of a gradient descent learning algorithm: the Weight Perturbation learning algorithm. From the circuit implementation point of view our approach is based on current mode and translinear operated circuits. The proposed architecture is very efficient in terms of speed, size, precision and power consumption; moreover it exhibits also high scalability and modularity.