Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On a class of processes arising in linear estimation theory

This paper considers a class of stochastic processes, called {\em spherically invariant},which have the property that all mean-square estimation problems on them have linear solutions. It is shown that their multivariate characteristic functions are univariate functions of a quadratic form. The corresponding densities are easily found by means of the Hankel transform. Relations between spherical invariance and normality are discussed. Properties relating to the linear estimation problem are given.
Calcium- and pH-dependent Aggregation of Carboxypeptidase E (*)

Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) is involved with the biosynthesis of numerous peptide hormones and neurotransmitters. Several forms of CPE have been previously detected in neuroendocrine cells, including a form which is soluble at pH 5.5 (S-CPE), a form which can be extracted from membranes with 1 M NaCl at pH 5.5 (M1-CPE), and a form which requires both 1% Triton X-100 and 1 M NaCl for extraction from membranes at pH 5.5 (M2-CPE). Like other peptide processing enzymes, CPE is known to be sorted into peptide-containing secretory vesicles of the regulated pathway. One mechanism that has been proposed to be important for sorting of regulated pathway proteins is Ca and pH-induced aggregation. CPE purified from bovine pituitary membranes aggregates at pH 5.5 when the concentration of CPE is 0.3 μg/μl or higher, but not when the concentration is 0.01 μg/μl. Aggregation of CPE is pH-dependent, with very little aggregation occurring at pH 6 or above. At pH 5.0-5.5, the M2 form of CPE shows a greater tendency to aggregate than the other two forms. At pH 6, Ca concentrations from 1-30 mM increase the aggregation of M1- and M2-CPE, but not S-CPE. The aggregation of M2-CPE does not explain the apparent membrane binding of this protein since the aggregate is solubilized by 1% Triton X-100 at pH 5.5 or by pH 6.0, whereas M2-CPE is not extracted from membranes under these conditions. Taken together, these results are consistent with a model in which the decreasing pH and increasing Ca levels in the trans Golgi network induce the aggregation of CPE, which contributes to the sorting of this protein into regulated pathway secretory vesicles.
Green Fluorescent Protein-Tagged Retroviral Envelope Protein for Analysis of Virus-Cell Interactions

ABSTRACT Fluorescent retroviral envelope (Env) proteins were developed for direct visualization of viral particles. By fusing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) to the N terminus of the amphotropic 4070A envelope protein, extracellular presentation of eGFP was achieved. Viruses incorporated the modified Env protein and efficiently infected cells. We used the GFP-tagged viruses for staining retrovirus receptor-positive cells, thereby circumventing indirect labeling techniques. By generating cells which conditionally expressed the GFP-tagged Env protein, we could confirm an inverse correlation between retroviral Env expression and infectivity (superinfection). eGFP-tagged virus particles are suitable for monitoring the dynamics of virus-cell interactions.
Mycobacterium leprae-specific Lyt-2+ T lymphocytes with cytolytic activity

Mice were immunized intradermally with 10(7) irradiated Mycobacterium leprae organisms, and draining lymph nodes were collected after 4 weeks. Lymph node cells were restimulated in vitro with soluble M. leprae antigen and accessory cells. The resulting T-cell line was propagated in vitro in the presence of M. leprae antigen, accessory cells, and interleukin-2-containing supernatants from concanavalin A-stimulated rat spleen cells. Long-term cultured T cells were Thy-1+ L3T4- Lyt-2+ as revealed by analysis with the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. From this line, T-cell clones with the same phenotype were established. The T-cell clone A4 failed to secret interleukin-2 after stimulation with antigen and accessory cells, and its growth depended on exogeneous interleukin-2. A4 T cells produced gamma interferon in an antigen-specific, H-2-restricted, and interleukin-2-dependent way. Importantly, this T-cell clone was capable of lysing bone marrow macrophages presenting M. leprae antigen. Other T-cell clones as well as native Lyt-2+ T cells from M. leprae-immunized mice were also capable of lysing bone marrow macrophages expressing M. leprae antigens. These findings suggest that specific Lyt-2+ T cells participate in the immune response to M. leprae. It is postulated that cytolysis of M. leprae-infected macrophages or Schwann cells contributes to protection against and pathogenesis of leprosy.
Iterative learning consensus control for multi-agent systems under independent position and velocity topologies

In this paper, we propose an iterative learning control (ILC) for the consensus of multi-agent systems in a very general framework where the position and velocity interactions among agents are modeled by independent graphs. A class of distributed consensus protocol is constructed as iterative learning algorithm. Assuming that the leader node is globally reachable under independent position and velocity topologies, a sufficient condition to guarantee the multi-agent consensus is derived for the directed communication topologies. Further, the proposed scheme is also extended to achieve the formation control for the multi-agent systems. Simulation results are finally presented to illustrate the performance and effectiveness of our iterative learning protocol.
Interval estimation for individual categories in cumulative logit models

We derive and compute confidence intervals for probabilities of categories for ordinal responses in cumulative logit link models using frequentist, Bayesian, and bootstrap approaches. The three approaches are evaluated by their coverage probabilities and are illustrated for longitudinal assessment of graded heart valve prosthesis regurgitation following aortic valve replacement. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increases in leukocyte cluster of differentiation antigen expression during cardiopulmonary bypass in patients undergoing heart transplantation

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is essential in heart transplantation surgery. It is also used in coronary artery grafting surgery where it has been associated with a postoperative inflammatory response. This manifests as an increase in pro‐inflammatory proteins like interleukin‐8 and tumour necrosis factor α accompanied by increases in neutrophil populations and increased expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) antigens. The latter have been investigated using flow cytometry, which is limited to the measurement of three to four CD antigens simultaneously. We have developed a novel antibody array that can simultaneously measure the expression of 72 different CD antigens. The purpose of this study was to use this technology to measure CD antigen expression in patients undergoing CPB during heart transplantation. Twelve patients undergoing this operation were studied. A preoperative sample acted as an internal control while a second sample taken during CPB was the comparator. No previous studies have examined changes in CD antigen expression during heart transplantation. We report an increase in the expression of 10 different CD antigens across all patients between the two time points.
Architectures connexionnistes multi-modulaires. Application a l'analyse de scenes

Cette these est consacree a l'etude d'approches connexionnistes pour l'analyse de scene, c'est-a-dire la localisation puis l'identification d'objets dans des images. Pour cette tache, il est essentiel de disposer de systemes de classification precis, rapides et dotes de capacite d'apprentissage. Les reseaux connexionnistes, systemes adaptatifs reposant sur des traitements numeriques massivement parallelisables, sont par consequent d'excellents candidats. La premiere partie de la these decrit les modeles connexionnistes les plus interessants pour le traitement et la classification d'images. Nous indiquons les liens etroits unissants ces modeles aux approches statistiques usuelles. La construction d'une architecture connexionniste a partir de modules algorithmiques simples facilite le traitement de taches complexes. La decomposition en modules distincts permet en effet d'introduire des connaissances a priori sur la solution, de mieux controler l'apprentissage, et debouche sur des systemes plus efficaces. Nous proposons plusieurs nouvelles architectures multi-modulaires pour la classification. Dans une deuxieme partie, nous etudions le probleme de la reconnaissance et de la segmentation de chiffres manuscrits. Des etudes experimentales detaillees montrent l'apport des systemes modulaires, qui permettent une tres nette acceleration des calculs a performances comparables. Ces resultats nous suggerent une deuxieme application, la localisation et l'identification de visages dans des images de scenes naturelles, pour laquelle peu de solutions performantes ont ete proposees. Nous utilisons une analyse multiresolution et un classifieur constitue de deux reseaux en cascade. Les visages detectes sont identifies par un troisieme reseau, qui permet de distinguer les personnes connues des visages inconnus. Les performances obtenues autorisent des applications reelles
Seeing without the Occipito-Parietal Cortex: Simultagnosia as a Shrinkage of the Attentional Visual Field

Following bi-parietal lesions patient AT showed a severe inability to relocate her attention within a visual field which perimetry proved to be near-normal. An experimental approach with tasks testing visuo-spatial attention demonstrated a shrinkage of A.T. ’s attentional visual field. With her visual attention narrowed to a kind of functional tunnel vision, the patient exhibited simultanagnosia (Wolpert, 1924), a symptom previously described in 1909 by Balint under the label of Psychic paralysis of “Gaze”. In striking contrast AT showed an efficient and effortless perception of complex natural scenes, which, according to recent work in normal subjects, necessitate few if any attentional resources.
Cell Cycle-dependent Complex Formation of BRCA1·CtIP·MRN Is Important for DNA Double-strand Break Repair*

BRCA1 plays an important role in the homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, but the mechanism is not clear. Here we describe that BRCA1 forms a complex with CtIP and MRN (Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1) in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Significantly, the complex formation, especially the ionizing radiation-enhanced association of BRCA1 with MRN, requires cyclin-dependent kinase activity. CtIP directly interacts with Nbs1. The in vivo association of BRCA1 with MRN is largely dependent on the association of CtIP with the BRCT domains at the C terminus of BRCA1, whereas the N terminus of BRCA1 also contributes to its association with MRN. CtIP, as well as the interaction of BRCA1 with CtIP and MRN, is critical for IR-induced single-stranded DNA formation and cellular resistance to radiation. Consistently, CtIP itself is required for efficient HR-mediated DSB repair, like BRCA1 and MRN. These studies suggest that the complex formation of BRCA1·CtIP·MRN is important for facilitating DSB resection to generate single-stranded DNA that is needed for HR-mediated DSB repair. Because cyclin-dependent kinase is important for establishing IR-enhanced interaction of MRN with BRCA1, we propose that the cell cycle-dependent complex formation of BRCA1, CtIP, and MRN contributes to the activation of HR-mediated DSB repair in the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle.
Estimating task difficulty in educational games

This paper presents a method for estimating difficulty of game tasks found in educational games. The method uses techniques from the field of socio-cognitive ICT, a branch of cognitive infocommunications. Our aim was to create an adaptive gaming experience for users of educational games. Adjusting the difficulty of game tasks according to the mental state of users is required for this approach. For some game tasks, however, difficulty is not known in advance. Our paper proposes a solution to this problem by presenting a model of an algorithm for game task difficulty estimation based on Bayesian probability theory and existing research on human intelligence. The paper also presents a simulation algorithm which is used to analyze the validity and efficiency of the estimation algorithm. An example of a real-world application of our method-an educational game made for university students of architecture and civil engineering-is also part of the paper.
Simplex Lattice Method: A Predictive Tool for Concrete Materials

This study was carried out to investigate the feasibility of using mixture experiment design and analysis method to optimize concrete mixture proportions. Estimation equations for concrete properties were developed based on the experimental data obtained from the compressive strength development of termite mound concrete specimen. The experimental data was obtained from the effect of termite mound on fresh concrete properties and the strength of the hardened concrete. The equations expresses the coefficient β, which indicates the effect of termite mound as a binder on slump and the compressive strength as a function of age and termite mound content. The termite mound was ground and sieved through 150 μm sieve size, the product was used to replace cement in the concrete mix in proportions of 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 % and 25 % by weight of cement. Polynomial models were generated for all response variables using multiple regression analysis (MRA) approach. The model incorporating 15 interactive terms was used to evaluate the response variables, these were expressed for model analysis by Scheffe’s quadratic model.
Epidemiology, management, and risk factors for death of invasive Candida infections in critical care: A multicenter, prospective, observational study in France (2005–2006)

Objective:To describe the evolving epidemiology, management, and risk factors for death of invasive Candida infections in intensive care units (ICUs). Design:Prospective, observational, national, multicenter study. Setting:One hundred eighty ICUs in France. Patients:Between October 2005 and May 2006, 300 adult patients with proven invasive Candida infection who received systemic antifungal therapy were included. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:One hundred seven patients (39.5%) with isolated candidemia, 87 (32.1%) with invasive candidiasis without documented candidemia, and 77 (28.4%) with invasive candidiasis and candidemia were eligible. In 37% of the cases, candidemia occurred within the first 5 days after ICU admission. C. albicans accounted for 57.0% of the isolates, followed by C. glabrata (16.7%), C. parapsilosis (7.5%), C. krusei (5.2%), and C. tropicalis (4.9%). In 17.1% of the isolates, the causative Candida was less susceptible or resistant to fluconazole. Fluconazole was the empirical treatment most commonly introduced (65.7%), followed by caspofungin (18.1%), voriconazole (5.5%), and amphotericin B (3.7%). After identification of the causative species and susceptibility testing results, treatment was modified in 86 patients (31.7%). The case fatality ratio in ICU was 45.9% and did not differ significantly according to the type of episode. Multivariate analysis showed that factors independently associated with death in ICU were type 1 diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] 4.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.72–11.79; p = 0.002), immunosuppression (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.35–5.11; p = 0.0045), mechanical ventilation (OR 2.54; 95% CI 1.33–4.82; p = 0.0045), and body temperature >38.2°C (reference, 36.5–38.2°C; OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.17–0.77; p = 0.008). Conclusions:More than two thirds of patients with invasive candidiasis in ICU present with candidemia. Non-albicans Candida species reach almost half of the Candida isolates. Reduced susceptibility to fluconazole is observed in 17.1% of Candida isolates. Mortality of invasive candidiasis in ICU remains high.
Pose-Robust Face Recognition Based on 3D Shape Reconstruction

Face Recognition is an important technology for managing security, human interface, and so on. Though face recognition techniques have been used in many fields, it still has several problems to be solved, such as robustness to variations of pose, illumination and expression. In this paper, we focus our research on pose-robustness and propose a pose-robust face recognition method based on 3D reconstruction. We first reconstruct a 3D shape model from several different posed 2D face images. Then we generate new pose face images using the reconstructed 3D shape model. Face recognition is performed with generated multi-pose face images. Experimental results show that the accuracy of face recognition can be dramatically improved by our proposed method compared to that without 3D shape reconstruction.
On Level Ground? Gender, Trial Employment, and Initial Salaries

Gender disparities in wages exist due to the shortfall in wages women sustain relative to men at the point of organizational entry. This paper develops a trial approach to test for the presence of demand-side contributions to initial wage inequality and proposes an organizational practice through which it is lessened – internships. We predict that internships reduce the gender gap in initial salaries because it provides organizations a first-hand look at candidates, differentially benefiting women. Using data on several hundred professionals that attended an elite private business school, we find that internships narrow that gap between men and women's initial salaries. For men, there is no difference in salary offers from employers where an internship occurs versus one where an internship does not occur. However, women receive higher salaries from employers where an internship takes place versus where an internship does not. Within the limits of our research design we are able to pinpoint a mechanism through which salary disadvantages for women in traditional hiring scenarios are generated and the remediation of it in internships. We close by discussing implications of our findings for literature on inequality, organizations, and labor markets.
The Kenyan dairy sector: stakeholder roles and relationships, and their impact on milk quality

The dairy sector in Kenya is an economically important sector providing employment and a source of income value chain actors. Although demand for milk and dairy products is high and increasing, sector growth is constrained by milk quality issues stemming from physical-chemical composition, microbial contamination and adulteration which pose a risk to human health. The objectives of this research were to identify which stakeholders in the Kenyan dairy sector play a role in determining milk quality, and to explore whether roles are affected by power relationships between stakeholders. The study used Social Network Analysis (SNA), and employed process Netmap, to examine the roles of, and relationships between dairy sector stakeholders, and the impact of actual and perceived power on the quality of milk and dairy products traded in formal and informal dairy value chains in Nakuru county Kenya. Results show that the dairy sector in Nakuru county is a multi-layered network of stakeholders, encompassing stakeholders from both the formal and informal dairy value chains. Farmers, cooperatives and processors play a key role in determining the quality of milk and dairy products, while cooperatives, processors, government agencies exert influence over milk quality as the most powerful stakeholders in the network. Stakeholder relationships in the formal value chain are more conducive to the enforcement of regulation and standards, and thus the production of high quality milk and dairy products, than those in the informal value chain.
Expression, characterization, and biochemical properties of recombinant human salivary amylase.

Human salivary amylase, a major component of human salivary secretions, possesses multiple functions in the oral cavity. It is the only enzyme in saliva capable of degrading oligosaccharides, which are used by the oral microflora for nutritional purposes. In order to understand its role in disease processes such as caries, we have undertaken the structure-function analyses of amylase. In this regard, the nonglycosylated human salivary amylase was expressed in a baculovirus expression system. The native and the recombinant amylases exhibit similar biochemical as well as biophysical properties. Unlike recombinant human pancreatic amylase, recombinant human salivary amylase is not glycosylated when expressed in a baculovirus system as determined from the crystal structure determination of the recombinant enzyme. Therefore, this system is suitable for further structure-function work without resorting to enzymatic removal of the carbohydrate chain. Details of the expression, purification, and biophysical properties will be presented.
Glycolysis Inhibition Sensitizes Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer with T790M Mutation to Irreversible EGFR Inhibitors via Translational Suppression of Mcl-1 by AMPK Activation

The secondary EGF receptor (EGFR) T790M is the most common mechanism of resistance to reversible EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating EGFR mutations. Although afatinib (BIBW2992), a second-generation irreversible EGFR-TKI, was expected to overcome the acquired resistance, it showed limited efficacy in a recent phase III clinical study. In this study, we found that the inhibition of glycolysis using 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) improves the efficacy of afatinib in H1975 and PC9-GR NSCLC cells with EGFR T790M. Treatment with the combination of 2DG and afatinib induced intracellular ATP depletion in both H1975 and PC9-GR cells, resulting in activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK activation played a central role in the cytotoxicity of the combined treatment with 2DG and afatinib through the inhibition of mTOR. The alteration of the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway by the inhibition of glucose metabolism induced specific downregulation of Mcl-1, a member of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family, through translational control. The enhancement of afatinib sensitivity by 2DG was confirmed in the in vivo PC9-GR xenograft model. In conclusion, this study examined whether the inhibition of glucose metabolism using 2DG enhances sensitivity to afatinib in NSCLC cells with EGFR T790M through the regulation of the AMPK/mTOR/Mcl-1 signaling pathway. These data suggest that the combined use of an inhibitor of glucose metabolism and afatinib is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with acquired resistance to reversible EGFR-TKIs due to secondary EGFR T790M. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(10); 2145–56. ©2013 AACR.
Nonlocal symmetries of a class of scalar and coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations of any order

In this paper, we devise a systematic procedure to obtain nonlocal symmetries of a class of scalar nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) of arbitrary order related to linear ODEs through nonlocal relations. The procedure makes use of the Lie point symmetries of the linear ODEs and the nonlocal connection to deduce the nonlocal symmetries of the corresponding nonlinear ODEs. Using these nonlocal symmetries, we obtain reduction transformations and reduced equations to specific examples. We find that the reduced equations can be explicitly integrated to deduce the general solutions for these cases. We also extend this procedure to coupled higher order nonlinear ODEs with specific reference to second-order nonlinear ODEs.