Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Osteopontin is an important mediator of alcoholic liver disease via hepatic stellate cell activation.

AIM To investigate over-expression of Osteopontin (OPN) pathway expression and mechanisms of action in human alcoholic liver disease (ALD), in vivo and in vitro acute alcohol models. METHODS OPN pathway was evaluated in livers from patients with progressive stages of human ALD and serum from drinkers with and without liver cirrhosis. In vitro stellate LX2 cells exposed to acute alcohol and in vivo in acute alcoholic steatosis mouse models were also investigated for OPN pathway expression and function. WT and OPN(-/-) mice were administered an acute dose of alcohol and extent of liver injury was examined by histopathology and liver biochemistry after 16-24 h. The causative role of OPN was studied in OPN knockout animals and in vitro in stellate LX2 cells, utilizing siRNA, aptamer and neutralizing antibodies to block OPN and OPN pathway. OPN pathway expression and downstream functional consequences were measured for signaling by Western blotting, plasmin activation by spectrophotometric assays and cell migration by confocal imaging and quantitation. RESULTS OPN expression positively correlated with disease severity in patients with progressive stages of ALD. In vivo, associated with alcoholic steatosis, a single dose of acute alcohol significantly increased hepatic OPN mRNA and protein, and a cleaved OPN form in a dose dependent manner. OPN mRNA and secreted OPN also increased in parallel with activation of LX2 stellate cells within 4 h of a single dose of alcohol. Expression of OPN receptors, αvβ3-integrin and CD44, increased in human ALD, and in vivo and in vitro with alcohol administration. This was accompanied by downstream phosphorylation of Akt and Erk, increased mRNA expression of several fibrogenesis, fibrinolysis and extracellular matrix pathway genes, plasmin activation and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) migration. Inhibition of OPN and OPN-receptor mediated signaling partially inhibited alcohol-induced HSC activation, plasmin activity and cell migration. CONCLUSION OPN is a key mediator of the alcohol-induced effects on hepatic stellate cell functions and liver fibrogenesis.
Demand for Information Enhancement: The Case of Chinese Firms

Abstract: This study examines publicly traded Chinese firms to identify their incentives to make investments to enhance the credibility of their financial disclosures. The results indicate that firms traded exclusively on the Mainland exchanges are more likely to employ auditors perceived as high-quality (Big 5 affiliated) when they report high returns on equity. This finding is consistent with the perception that, on the margin, positive results will be more readily accepted by financial statement users when those results have been audited by Big 5 affiliated firms. Additional analysis indicates that firms traded exclusively on the Mainland exchanges that employ Big 5 auditors are also relatively more leveraged than their counterparts traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK). This finding is consistent with capital providers to Mainland traded firms placing an incrementally high value (relative to firms trading on the SEHK) on reports that have been audited by Big 5 affiliated auditors. Additional findings indicate that larger firms are more likely to list shares on the SEHK and use Big 5 affiliated auditors, consistent with larger firms trading on the SEHK than on Mainland only exchanges acting to attract a more sophisticated (and potentially wary) international investment clientele. There is some evidence that firms trading on the SEHK are relatively less highly leveraged than other firms in the sample studied. While it is not possible to infer causality, the relations we find suggest that firms make investments to enhance information credibility when circumstances are such that doing so will reduce their cost of capital. The evidence also suggests that Chinese firms that want to attract capital from international sources are more likely to list of the SEHK. The study's findings contribute to a relatively sparse empirical literature on the relation between the acquisition of information enhancement and various factors hypothesized to influence demand.
Delay-Tolerant Bulk Data Transfers on the Internet

Many emerging scientific and industrial applications require transferring multiple terabytes of data on a daily basis. Examples include pushing scientific data from particle accelerators/colliders to laboratories around the world, synchronizing datacenters across continents, and replicating collections of high-definition videos from events taking place at different time-zones. A key property of all above applications is their ability to tolerate delivery delays ranging from a few hours to a few days. Such delay-tolerant bulk (DTB) data are currently being serviced mostly by the postal system using hard drives and DVDs, or by expensive dedicated networks. In this paper, we propose transmitting such data through commercial ISPs by taking advantage of already-paid-for off-peak bandwidth resulting from diurnal traffic patterns and percentile pricing. We show that between sender-receiver pairs with small time-zone difference, simple source scheduling policies are able to take advantage of most of the existing off-peak capacity. When the time-zone difference increases, taking advantage of the full capacity requires performing store-and-forward through intermediate storage nodes. We present an extensive evaluation of the two options based on traffic data from 200+ links of a large transit provider with points of presence (PoPs) at three continents. Our results indicate that there exists huge potential for performing multiterabyte transfers on a daily basis at little or no additional cost.
NEGLECTED BILATERAL FEMORAL NECK FRACTURES IN A PATIENT WITH END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE BEFORE CHRONIC DIALYSIS

Bilateral femoral neck fractures are rarely reported in patients with end-stage renal disease before chronic dialysis. We report on a 39-year-old woman with neglected bilateral femoral neck fractures, who presented with severe uremic complications prior to chronic dialysis. Three years before admission, she had injured herself in a trivial slip with subsequent bilateral hip pain. She had progressively waddled since then. Pelvic X-ray taken after admission revealed bilateral femoral neck fractures. Bilateral hip hemiarthroplasties were subsequently performed. Displaced femoral neck fractures were found intraoperatively. Pathologic findings and results of examinations supported the coexistence of osteoporosis and high turnover renal osteodystrophy, rendering this woman at high risk of bilateral femoral neck fractures. Therefore, preventing a simple fall or trivial accident and treating renal osteodystrophy and osteoporosis are paramount in patients with chronic renal failure even before the start of dialysis therapy. We also emphasize the need to seek any possible underlying metabolic bone disease once a patient presents with unusual fractures.
Pulmonary diffusing capacity: assessment with oxygen-enhanced lung MR imaging preliminary findings.

PURPOSE To determine differences in the signal intensity (SI) time courses at oxygen-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) lung imaging in healthy volunteers and patients with pulmonary diseases and to correlate these differences with pulmonary diffusing capacity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventeen patients with pulmonary diseases and 11 healthy volunteers underwent oxygen-enhanced MR imaging while they breathed room air and 100% oxygen. A turbo spin-echo sequence with global or section-selective inversion pulses was used. For postprocessing, SI slope maps during the breathing of 100% oxygen were calculated. Mean SI slope and SI change values were compared with the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). RESULTS The SI slopes were significantly different for patients and volunteers (P < or = .05, Mann-Whitney U test). Linear correlations were detected between the DLCO and SI slopes for the section-selective inversion pulse (r(2) = 0.81) and the global inversion pulse (r(2) = 0.74). A lower correlation was associated with the SI change for the section-selective pulse (r(2) = 0.04; global pulse, r(2) = 0.81). Regional differences were seen in the SI slope and SI change maps. These differences correlated with findings on radiographs and computed tomographic scans. CONCLUSION The SI slope during the breathing of 100% oxygen allows spatially resolved assessment of the pulmonary diffusion capacity.
Sampling approach to sparse approximation problem: Determining degrees of freedom by simulated annealing

The approximation of a high-dimensional vector by a small combination of column vectors selected from a fixed matrix has been actively debated in several different disciplines. In this paper, a sampling approach based on the Monte Carlo method is presented as an efficient solver for such problems. Especially, the use of simulated annealing (SA), a metaheuristic optimization algorithm, for determining degrees of freedom (the number of used columns) by cross validation is focused on and tested. Test on a synthetic model indicates that our SA-based approach can find a nearly optimal solution for the approximation problem and, when combined with the CV framework, it can optimize the generalization ability. Its utility is also confirmed by application to a real-world supernova data set.
A Study of Non-Neutral Networks

Hahn and Wallsten wrote that net neutrality "usually means that broadband service providers charge consumers only once for Internet access, do not favor one content provider over another, and do not charge content providers for sending information over broadband lines to end users. " In this paper we study the implications of being non-neutral, particularly by charging the content providers. Using game theoretic tools, we show that by adding the option for the service providers to charge the content providers, not only may the content providers and the internauts suffer, but also the access provider's performance degrades.
Unfair Problems and Randomized Algorithms for Metrical Task Systems

Borodin, Linial, and Saks introduced a general model for online systems calledmetrical task systems(1992,J. Assoc. Comput. Mach.39(4), 745? 763). In this paper, the unfair two state problem, a natural generalization of the two state metrical task system problem, is studied. A randomized algorithm for this problem is presented, and it is shown that this algorithm is optimal. Using the analysis of the unfair two state problem, a proof of a decomposition theorem similar to that of Blum, Karloff, Rabani, and Saks (1992, “Proc. 33rd Symposium on Foundations of Computer Science,” pp. 197? 207) is presented. This theorem allows one to design divide and conquer algorithms for specific metrical task systems. Our theorem gives the same bounds asymptotically, but it has less restrictive boundary conditions.
Survival and prognostic factors for patients with melanoma brain metastases in the era of modern systemic therapy

Historically, the prognosis of patients with melanoma brain metastases is poor, with median overall survival (OS) of 4‐6 months. Little is known of OS in the era of modern systemic therapies and local therapy with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or surgery. Patients diagnosed with melanoma brain metastases at Melanoma Institute Australia from January 2011 to December 2014 were included. OS and prognostic factors were analysed using Cox regression and Kaplan‐Meier survival analyses.355 patients were included. The median OS was 7.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0‐8.1). Median OS differed by treatment modality: systemic therapy and SRS and/or surgery 14.9 months (95% CI 10.7‐19.0), SRS and/or surgery with or without whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) 6.4 months (95% CI 5.4‐7.5), systemic therapy 5.4 months (95% CI 3.1‐7.7), systemic therapy and WBRT 5.2 months (95% CI 4.1‐6.4), WBRT 4.4 months (95% CI 2.4‐6.3), and best supportive care 1.8 months (95% CI 1.2‐2.3). OS for patients with melanoma brain metastases appears improved in the modern era, particularly for patients who are candidates for systemic therapy with SRS and/or surgery.
The epidemiology of perimenstrual psychological symptoms

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevalence, clinical significance and comorbidity of perimenstrual symptoms/syndrome (PERI-MS) in a community sample of women. METHOD Premenstrual and menstrual physical and psychological symptoms were assessed in a prospective longitudinal study of a representative community cohort of women (N=299) who were interviewed five times between the ages of 21 and 35 years. RESULTS When classified according to the severity of distress, the prevalence rates were 8.1% for severe and 13.6% for moderate PERI-MS, respectively. Clinical indicators of severity were all greater among PERI-MS women with than without depressed mood. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that irritability, nervousness and tension irrespective of the presence of concomitant depressed mood are core elements of the perimenstrual syndrome.
The effect of spectrally correlated noise on noise estimation methods for hyperspectral images

Accurately estimating the noise in a hyperspectral image is necessary for many applications, including noise whitening and dimension reduction, for example. Inaccuracies in the noise estimation may lead to incorrect results in the information extraction from the image. It is known that most real images contain noise that is correlated between spectral bands, and certain noise estimation methods are affected by this correlation. In this paper we will investigate three popular noise estimation techniques, viz. multiple regression, a residual technique, and a spatially based method. These will be tested on simulated data as well as real Cuprite images acquired by AVIRIS, SpecTIR and Hyperion.
Color or Brightness Effects on Grip Strength?

Research into the effects of color on grip strength has produced inconsistent results, but studies show methodological problems, for example, the non-standardised reporting of stimulus colours, differing intertrial rests, and the neglect of warm-up effects. The present study was designed to replicate the 1989 work by Hasson, et al. and also to examine potential brightness effects of stimuli on grip strength. Analysis indicated brightness effects might confound potential to produce Type I errors.
Sequence specificity is obtained from the majority of modular C2H2 zinc-finger arrays

C2H2 zinc fingers (C2H2-ZFs) are the most prevalent type of vertebrate DNA-binding domain, and typically appear in tandem arrays (ZFAs), with sequential C2H2-ZFs each contacting three (or more) sequential bases. C2H2-ZFs can be assembled in a modular fashion, providing one explanation for their remarkable evolutionary success. Given a set of modules with defined three-base specificities, modular assembly also presents a way to construct artificial proteins with specific DNA-binding preferences. However, a recent survey of a large number of three-finger ZFAs engineered by modular assembly reported high failure rates (∼70%), casting doubt on the generality of modular assembly. Here, we used protein-binding microarrays to analyze 28 ZFAs that failed in the aforementioned study. Most (17) preferred specific sequences, which in all but one case resembled the intended target sequence. Like natural ZFAs, the engineered ZFAs typically yielded degenerate motifs, binding dozens to hundreds of related individual sequences. Thus, the failure of these proteins in previous assays is not due to lack of sequence-specific DNA-binding activity. Our findings underscore the relevance of individual C2H2-ZF sequence specificities within tandem arrays, and support the general ability of modular assembly to produce ZFAs with sequence-specific DNA-binding activity.
On the interpretation of gravity variations in the presence of active hydrothermal systems: Insights from the Nisyros Caldera, Greece

We report on short‐term (over tens of minutes) residual gravity changes recorded at the restless Nisyros caldera in Greece via a series of discrete measurements at benchmarks within or in proximity to a hydrothermal area located along the caldera floor. The obtained time series reveal sinusoidal gravity variations with amplitudes of up to 25 μGal and wavelengths of 40–50 min. Degassing of a magmatic source coupling into (shallow) hydrothermal systems including the ascent of steam pockets and transient pressure variations during steam/liquid interface propagation appear to be the most likely causative process for the observed short‐term variations. We assess standard protocols of microgravity surveys for hazard assessment in volcanic areas in the light of these findings and propose additional techniques, such as continuous gravimetry, for the discrimination of hydrothermal signals from deeper‐seated, i.e. magmatic, signals during gravity monitoring of restless volcanoes hosting active hydrothermal systems.
Rheumatology education for undergraduate nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy students in the UK: standards, challenges and solutions

Objectives. Rheumatological conditions are common, thus nurses (Ns) occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs) require at least basic rheumatology knowledge upon qualifying. The aim of this study was to develop a core set of teaching topics and potential ways of delivering them. Methods. A modified Delphi technique was used for clinicians to develop preliminary core sets of teaching topics for each profession. Telephone interviews with educationalists explored their views on these, and challenges and solutions for delivering them. Inter-professional workshops enabled clinicians and educationalists to finalize the core set together, and generate methods for delivery. Results. Thirty-nine rheumatology clinicians (12N, 14OT, 13PT) completed the Delphi consensus, proposing three preliminary core sets (N71 items, OT29, PT26). Nineteen educationalists (6N, 7OT, 6PT) participated in telephone interviews, raising concerns about disease-specific vs generic teaching and proposing many methods for delivery. Three inter-professional workshops involved 34 participants (clinicians: N12, OT9, PT5; educationalists: N2, OT3, PT2; Patient 1) who reached consensus on a single core set comprising six teaching units: Anatomy and Physiology; Assessment; Management and Intervention; Psychosocial Issues; Patient Education; and the Multi-disciplinary Team, recommending some topics within the units receive greater depth for some professions. An innovative range of delivery options was generated plus two brief interventions: a Rheumatology Chat Show and a Rheumatology Road Show. Conclusions. Working together, clinicians and educationalists proposed a realistic core set of rheumatology topics for undergraduate health professionals. They proposed innovative delivery methods, with collaboration between educationalists, clinicians and patients strongly recommended. These potential interventions need testing.
Characteristics of the Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior of Ti-45Al-8.5Nb-0.2W-0.2B-0.3Y Alloy during High Temperature Deformation

The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of Ti-45Al-8.5Nb-0.2W-0.2B-0.3Y (at %) alloy has been investigated through hot compression tests. The tests were executed at a temperature range of 1000–1200 °C and a strain rate range of 0.001–1 s−1 under a true strain of 0.9. It was found that the α2 phase which is produced during heat treatment is reduced during hot compression due to thermo-mechanical coupling. The value of the activation energy is 506.38 KJ/mol. With the increase in deformation temperature and the decrease in strain rate, DRX is more likely to occur, as a result of sufficient time and energy for the DRX process. Furthermore, the volume fraction of high angle grain boundaries increases to 89.01% at a temperature of 1200 °C and the strain rate of 0.001 s−1, meaning completely dynamic recrystallization. In addition, DRX is related to the formation of twin boundaries. The volume fraction of twin boundaries rises to 16.93% at the same condition of completely dynamic recrystallization.
Light Space Perspective Shadow Maps

In this paper, we present a new shadow mapping technique that improves upon the quality of perspective and uniform shadow maps. Our technique uses a perspective transform specified in light space which allows treating all lights as directional lights and does not change the direction of the light sources. This gives all the benefits of the perspective mapping but avoids the problems inherent in perspective shadow mapping like singularities in post-perspective space, missed shadow casters etc. Furthermore, we show that both uniform and perspective shadow maps distribute the perspective aliasing error that occurs in shadow mapping unequally over the available depth range. We therefore propose a transform that equalizes this error and gives equally pleasing results for near and far viewing distances. Our method is simple to implement, requires no scene analysis and is therefore as fast as uniform shadow mapping.
Decision Diagrams for the Computation of Semiring Valuations

This paper describes a new approach to computation in a semiring-based system, which includes semiring-based CSPs (in particular weighted CSPs, fuzzy CSPs and standard CSPs) as well as Bayesian networks. The approach to computation is based on what we call semiring-labelled decision diagrams (SLDDs). These can be generated in a similar way to a standard search tree (decision tree) for solving a CSP, but some nodes are merged, creating a more compact representation; for certain classes of CSPs, the number of nodes in the resulting network will be a tiny fraction of the number of nodes in the corresponding search tree. A method is given for generating an SLDD that represents e.g., a particular instance of a semiring-based CSP; it is shown how this can be used to perform various computations of interest, such as solving a semiring-based CSP, finding optimal solutions, determining the possible values of each variable and counting solutions of a CSP.
Recognition and prevention of nosocomial vascular device and related bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit

Central venous catheters have become a mainstay in the care of critically ill patients but, unfortunately, are associated with a significant risk of bloodstream infections. There are 80,000 catheter-related bloodstream infections that occur annually in the United States, with a high human and financial cost. This paper reviews the main tools for prevention and diagnosis of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections in the intensive care unit. We discuss specific aspects of prevention, including education, hand hygiene, sterile technique, skin cleansing, choice of catheter site, antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, catheter site dressings, antibiotic lock solutions, anticoagulation, catheter changes, and needleless connection devices. An analysis of studies evaluating the use of catheter “bundles” is also included. Diagnostic methods discussed include how to obtain blood cultures, when to culture catheter tips, how to interpret culture results, and the best methods for diagnosis.