Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crowd-Squared: Amplifying the Predictive Power of Search Trend Data

Big data generated by crowds provides a myriad of opportunities for monitoring and modeling people's intentions, preferences, and opinions. A crucial step in analyzing such big data is selecting the relevant part of the data that should be provided as input to the modeling process. In this paper, we offer a novel, structured, crowd-based method to address the data selection problem in a widely used and challenging context: selecting search trend data. We label the method "crowd-squared," as it leverages crowds to identify the most relevant terms in search volume data that were generated by a larger crowd. We empirically test this method in two domains and find that our method yields predictions that are equivalent or superior to those obtained in previous studies (using alternative data selection methods) and to predictions obtained using various benchmark data selection methods. These results emphasize the importance of a structured data selection method in the prediction process, and demonstrate the utility of the crowd-squared approach for addressing this problem in the context of prediction using search trend data.
Developmental aspects of secondary palate formation.

Research on development of the secondary palate has, in the past, dealt primarily with morphological aspects of shelf elevation and fusion. The many factors thought to be involved in palatal elevation, such as fetal neuromuscular activity and growth of the cranial base and mandible, as well as production of extracellular matrix and contractile elements in the palate, are mostly based on gross, light microscopic, morphometric or histochemical observations. Recently, more biochemical procedures have been utilized to described palatal shelf elevation. Although these studies strongly suggest that palatal extracellular matrix plays a major role in shelf movement, interpretation of these data remains difficult owing to the complexity of tissue interactions involved in craniofacial development. Shelf elevation does not appear to involve a single motive factor, but rather a coordinated interaction of all of the abovementioned developmental events. Further analysis of mechanisms of shelf elevation requires development of new, and refinement of existing, in vitro procedures. A system that enables one to examine shelf elevation in vitro would allow more meaningful analysis of the relative importance of the various components in shelf movement. Much more is known about fusion of the palatal shelves, owing in large part to in vitro studies. Fusion of the apposing shelves, both in vivo and in vitro, is dependent upon adhesion and cell dealth of the midline epithelial cells. Adhesion betweeen apposing epithelial surfaces appears to involve epithelial cell surface macromolecules. Further analysis of palatal epithelial adhesion should be directed towards characterization of those cell surface components responsible for this adhesive interaction. Midline epithelial cells cease DNA synthesis 24-36 h before shelf elevation and contact, become active in the synthesis of cell surface glycoproteins, and subsequently manifest morphological signs of necrosis. Death of the midline epithelial cells is thought to involve a programmed, lysosomal-mediated autolysis.
Implantable Cardioverter/Defibrillator Therapy in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: Single-Center Experience of Long-Term Follow-Up and Complications in 60 Patients

Background—Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a major cause of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and cardiac arrest in young patients. We hypothesized that treatment with implantable cardioverter/defibrillators (ICDs) is safe and improves the long-term prognosis of ARVC patients at high risk of sudden death. Methods and Results—Sixty patients with ARVC (aged 43±16 years) were treated with transvenous ICD systems. Despite a higher number of right ventricular sites tested for adequate lead positions (P <0.05), lower R-wave amplitudes (P <0.001) were achieved in ARVC patients compared with other entities. During follow-up of 80±43 months (396 patient-years), event-free survival was 49%, 30%, 26%, and 26% for appropriate ICD therapies and 79%, 64%, 59%, and 56% for potentially fatal VT (>240 bpm) after 1, 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified extensive right ventricular dysfunction as an independent predictor of appropriate ICD discharge. Fifty-three adverse events occurred in 37 patients during the perioperative (n=10) or follow-up (n=43) period, mainly related to the leads (n=31 in 21 patients). No lead perforation was observed. Freedom from adverse events was 90%, 78%, 56%, and 42% and freedom from lead-related complications was 95%, 85%, 74%, and 63% after 1, 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively. Conclusions—These results strongly suggest an improvement in long-term prognosis by ICD therapy in high-risk patients with ARVC. However, meticulous placement and long-term observation of transvenous lead performance with focus on sensing function are required for the prevention and/or early recognition of disease progression and lead-related morbidity during long-term follow-up of ICD therapy in ARVC.
Long-Term Trends in Calcifying Plankton and pH in the North Sea

Relationships between six calcifying plankton groups and pH are explored in a highly biologically productive and data-rich area of the central North Sea using time-series datasets. The long-term trends show that abundances of foraminiferans, coccolithophores, and echinoderm larvae have risen over the last few decades while the abundances of bivalves and pteropods have declined. Despite good coverage of pH data for the study area there is uncertainty over the quality of this historical dataset; pH appears to have been declining since the mid 1990s but there was no statistical connection between the abundance of the calcifying plankton and the pH trends. If there are any effects of pH on calcifying plankton in the North Sea they appear to be masked by the combined effects of other climatic (e.g. temperature), chemical (nutrient concentrations) and biotic (predation) drivers. Certain calcified plankton have proliferated in the central North Sea, and are tolerant of changes in pH that have occurred since the 1950s but bivalve larvae and pteropods have declined. An improved monitoring programme is required as ocean acidification may be occurring at a rate that will exceed the environmental niches of numerous planktonic taxa, testing their capacities for acclimation and genetic adaptation.
Large-Dose Propofol Alone in Adult Epileptic Patients: Electrocorticographic Results

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the electrophysiologic effects of large-dose propofol, used as the sole anesthetic in patients with epilepsy. Nine patients with medically intractable complex partial epilepsy undergoing a three-stage approach to the surgical management of epilepsy were recruited. Stage I involved placement of the intracranial electrode array, while Stage II consisted of extraoperative localization of the seizure focus. The patients were studied during induction of anesthesia for Stage III (removal of electrodes and resection of seizure focus). Unpremedicated patients were induced with a propofol infusion (0.5 mg centered dot kg-1 centered dot min-1) until one of the following occurred: 1) electrical seizure activity, 2) burst suppression, or 3) total dose of 10 mg/kg. Electrocorticography (ECoG) was recorded continuously during this period. Two patients were excluded from the study after experiencing delayed awakening after the Stage I procedure. Both had received propofol along with other anesthetics. No ECoG evidence of seizure activity was detected in the seven patients completing the study. Burst suppression was attained in six patients using a mean dose of 5.7 mg/kg +/- 2.6. We conclude that large-dose propofol alone does not trigger electrical epileptiform activity on the ECoG of seizure patients. (Anesth Analg 1996;83:169-74)
Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score (SOFA) scores differ between genders in a sepsis cohort: Cause or effect?

This is an accepted version of a paper published in Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. This paper has been peer-reviewed but does not include the final publisher proof-corrections or journal pagination. "Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score (SOFA) scores differ between genders in a sepsis cohort: Cause or effect? " Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences Access to the published version may require subscription. Abstract Background: Controversy exists regarding the influence of gender on sepsis events and outcome. Epidemiological data from other countries may not always apply to local circumstances. The aim of this study was to identify gender differences in patient characteristics, treatment and outcome related to the occurrence of sepsis at admission to the ICU. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study on patients admitted to the ICU over a three-year period fulfilling sepsis criteria during the first 24 hours. Demographic data, APACHE II score, SOFA score, TISS 76, aetiology, length of stay (LOS), mortality rate and aspects of treatment were collected and then analysed with respect to gender differences. Results: There were no gender related differences in mortality or length of stay. Early organ dysfunction assessed as SOFA score at admission was a stronger risk factor for hospital mortality for women than for men. This discrepancy was mainly associated with the coagulation sub score. CRP-levels differed between genders in relation to hospital mortality. Infection from the abdominopelvic region was more common among women whereas infection from skin or skin structures were more common in men. Conclusion: In this cohort, gender was not associated with increased mortality during a two year follow up period. SOFA score at ICU-admission was a stronger risk factor for hospital mortality for women than for men. The discrepancy was mainly related to the coagulation SOFA sub score. Together with differences in CRP-levels this may suggest differences in inflammatory response patterns between genders.
Cosmological creation of D-branes and anti-D-branes

We argue that the early universe may be described by an initial state of space-filling branes and anti-branes. At high temperature this system is stable. At low temperature tachyons appear and lead to a phase transition, dynamics, and the creation of D-branes. These branes are cosmologically produced in a generic fashion by the Kibble mechanism. From an entropic point of view, the formation of lower-dimensional branes is preferred and D3-brane-worlds are exponentially more likely to form than higher-dimensional branes. Virtually any brane configuration can be created from such phase transitions by adjusting the tachyon profile. A lower bound on the number defects produced is: one D-brane per Hubble volume.
Acute Inhibition of Guanosine Triphosphate Cyclohydrolase 1 Uncouples Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Elevates Blood Pressure

GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GTPCH1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in de novo synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), an essential cofactor for endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) dictating, at least partly, the balance of NO and superoxide produced by this enzyme. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of acute inhibition of GTPCH1 on BH4, eNOS function, and blood pressure (BP) in vivo. Exposure of bovine or mouse aortic endothelial cells to GTPCH1 inhibitors (2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine or N-acetyl-serotonin) or GTPCH1 small-interference RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced BH4 and NO levels but increased superoxide levels. This increase was abolished by sepiapterin (BH4 precursor) or NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (nonselective NOS inhibitor). Incubation of isolated murine aortas with 2,4-diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine or N-acetyl-serotonin impaired acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation but not endothelium-independent relaxation. Aortas from GTPCH1 siRNA-injected mice, but not their control-siRNA injected counterparts, also exhibited impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation. BH4 reduction induced by GTPCH1 siRNA injection was associated with increased aortic levels of superoxide, 3-nitrotyrosine, and adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1), as well as a significantly elevated systolic, diastolic, and mean BP in C57BL6 mice. GTPCH1 siRNA was unable to elicit these effects in eNOS−/− mice. Sepiapterin supplementation, which had no effect on high BP in eNOS−/− mice, partially reversed GTPCH1 siRNA–induced elevation of BP in wild-type mice. In conclusion, GTPCH1 via BH4 maintains normal BP and endothelial function in vivo by preserving NO synthesis by eNOS.
Diagnostic utility of worry and rumination: A comparison between generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder

Although previous reports have addressed worry and rumination as prominent cognitive processes in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) and their distinct correlation with anxious and depressive symptoms, the differential association of worry and rumination with the diagnosis of GAD and MDD remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distinct features of worry and rumination in factor structure and their predictive validity for the diagnosis of GAD and MDD.
Interventricular Septal Thickness and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: An Echocardiographic Study

Septal and left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) thicknesses and their ratios were studied at the left ventricular outflow tract and left ventricular cavity in 66 patients with echocardiographically diagnosed left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, 20 with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS), and 34 normal subjects. Concentric hypertrophy was due to hypertension in 41 subjects and to valvular disease in 15 subjects. Septal thickness in normal subjects was related to body surface area (P < 0.02). In 12% of normal subjects, 39% of patients with concentric hypertrophy and 95% with IHSS, the septal/LVPW ratio was 2 1.3. Thirty-two percent of patients with hypertension, 78% with aortic stenosis, and 60% with aortic insufficiency had septal/LVPW ratios 1.3 at left ventricular midcavity level. In conclusion, a septal/LVPW thickness ratio of 1.3 is common in patients with concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and may also occur in normal subjects. A ratio 1.5 may be more specific for genetically determined asymmetric septal hypertrophy.
Caspase Induction and BCL2 Inhibition in Human Adipose Tissue

OBJECTIVE Cell death determines the onset of obesity and associated insulin resistance. Here, we analyze the relationship among obesity, adipose tissue apoptosis, and insulin signaling. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The expression levels of initiator (CASP8/9) and effector (CASP3/7) caspases as well as antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma (BCL)2 and inflammatory markers were assessed in visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue from patients with different degrees of obesity and without insulin resistance or diabetes. Adipose tissue explants from lean subjects were cultured with TNF-α or IL-6, and the expression of apoptotic and insulin signaling components was analyzed and compared with basal expression levels in morbidly obese subjects. RESULTS SAT and VAT exhibited increased CASP3/7 and CASP8/9 expression levels and decreased BCL2 expression with BMI increase. These changes were accompanied by increased inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels and macrophage infiltration markers. In obese subjects, CASP3/7 activation and BCL2 downregulation correlated with the IRS-1/2–expression levels. Expression levels of caspases, BCL2, p21, p53, IRS-1/2, GLUT4, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, and leukocyte antigen-related phosphatase in TNF-α– or IL-6–treated explants from lean subjects were comparable with those found in adipose tissue samples from morbidly obese subjects. These insulin component expression levels were reverted with CASP3/7 inhibition in these TNF-α– or IL-6–treated explants. CONCLUSIONS Body fat mass increase is associated with CASP3/7 and BCL2 expression in adipose tissue. Moreover, this proapoptotic state correlated with insulin signaling, suggesting its potential contribution to the development of insulin resistance.
TMAC: Timestamp-Ordered MAC for CSMA/CA Wireless Mesh Networks

We propose TMAC, a timestamp-ordered MAC protocol for Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs). TMAC extends CSMA/CA by scheduling data packets based on their age. Prior to transmitting a data packet, a transmitter broadcasts a request control message appended with a timestamp to a selected list of neighbors. It can proceed with the transmission only if it receives a sufficient number of grant control messages from these neighbors. A grant message indicates that the associated data packet has the lowest timestamp of all the packets pending transmission at the local transmit queue. We demonstrate that a loose ordering of timestamps among neighboring nodes is sufficient for enforcing local fairness, subsequently leading to flow rate fairness in a multi-hop WMN. We show that TMAC can be implemented using the control frames in IEEE~802.11 stack, and thus can be easily integrated in existing 802.11-based WMNs. Our simulation results show that TMAC achieves excellent resource allocation fairness while maintaining over 90% of maximum link capacity in parking lot and large grid topologies.
Utilization of single L-amino acids as sole source of carbon and nitrogen by bacteria.

The utilization of single L-amino acids as sole source of carbon and nitrogen by bacteria was studied and was found to be very common and widely distributed over many genera. Field soil contained large numbers of such bacteria; 7.7–79.2% of the colony count obtained on nutrient agar could be achieved by using a single amino acid as sole carbon and nitrogen source. Twenty taxonomically known bacteria which could use one or more amino acids were examined for the range of amino acids over which they could grow. Organisms which grew on one amino acid usually grew on several. Some ecological aspects of these findings are discussed.
Dynamic programming in in uence diagrams with decision circuits

Decision circuits perform efficient evaluation of influence diagrams, building on the advances in arithmetic circuits for belief network inference [Darwiche, 2003; Bhattacharjya and Shachter, 2007]. We show how even more compact decision circuits can be constructed for dynamic programming in influence diagrams with separable value functions and conditionally independent subproblems. Once a decision circuit has been constructed based on the diagram's "global" graphical structure, it can be compiled to exploit "local" structure for efficient evaluation and sensitivity analysis.
Molecular Identification and Function of cis- and trans-Acting Determinants for petA Transcript Stability in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Chloroplasts

ABSTRACT In organelles, the posttranscriptional steps of gene expression are tightly controlled by nucleus-encoded factors, most often acting in a gene-specific manner. Despite the molecular identification of a growing number of factors, their mode of action remains largely unknown. In the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, expression of the chloroplast petA gene, which codes for cytochrome f, depends on two specific nucleus-encoded factors. MCA1 controls the accumulation of the transcript, while TCA1 is required for its translation. We report here the cloning of MCA1, the first pentatricopeptide repeat protein functionally identified in this organism. By chloroplast transformation with modified petA genes, we investigated the function of MCA1 in vivo. We demonstrate that MCA1 acts on the very first 21 nucleotides of the petA 5′ untranslated region to protect the whole transcript from 5′→3′ degradation but does not process the 5′ end of the petA mRNA. MCA1 and TCA1 recognize adjacent targets and probably interact together for efficient expression of petA mRNA. MCA1, although not strictly required for translation, shows features of a translational enhancer, presumably by assisting the binding of TCA1 to its own target. Conversely, TCA1 participates to the full stabilization of the transcript through its interaction with MCA1.
Near-IR search for lensed supernovae behind galaxy clusters - II. First detection and future prospects

Aims: Powerful gravitational telescopes in the form of massive galaxy clusters can be used to enhance the light collecting power over a limited field of view by about an order of magnitude in flux. This effect is exploited here to increase the depth of a survey for lensed supernovae at near-IR wavelengths. Methods: We present a pilot supernova search programme conducted with the ISAAC camera at VLT. Lensed galaxies behind the massive clusters A1689, A1835, and AC114 were observed for a total of 20 h divided into 2, 3, and 4 epochs respectively, separated by approximately one month to a limiting magnitude J ≲ 24 (Vega). Image subtractions including another 20 h worth of archival ISAAC/VLT data were used to search for transients with lightcurve properties consistent with redshifted supernovae, both in the new and reference data. Results: The feasibility of finding lensed supernovae in our survey was investigated using synthetic lightcurves of supernovae and several models of the volumetric type Ia and core-collapse supernova rates as a function of redshift. We also estimate the number of supernova discoveries expected from the inferred star-formation rate in the observed galaxies. The methods consistently predict a Poisson mean value for the expected number of supernovae in the survey of between N_SN = 0.8 and 1.6 for all supernova types, evenly distributed between core collapse and type Ia supernovae. One transient object was found behind A1689, 0.5 arcsec from a galaxy with photometric redshift z_gal = 0.6 ± 0.15. The lightcurve and colors of the transient are consistent with being a reddened type IIP supernova at z_SN = 0.59. The lensing model predicts 1.4 mag of magnification at the location of the transient, without which this object would not have been detected in the near-IR ground-based search described in this paper (unlensed magnitude J ~ 25). We perform a feasibility study of the potential for lensed supernovae discoveries with larger and deeper surveys and conclude that the use of gravitational telescopes is a very exciting path for new discoveries. For example, a monthly rolling supernova search of a single very massive cluster with the HAWK-I camera at VLT would yield ≳ 10 lensed supernova lightcurves per year, where type Ia supernovae would constitute about half of the expected sample. Based on observations made with ESO telescopes at the La Silla Paranal Observatory under programme ID 079.A-0192 and ID 081.A-0734.