Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Classification of Semantic Relationships between Nominals Using Pattern Clusters

There are many possible different semantic relationships between nominals. Classification of such relationships is an important and difficult task (for example, the well known noun compound classification task is a special case of this problem). We propose a novel pattern clusters method for nominal relationship (NR) classification. Pattern clusters are discovered in a large corpus independently of any particular training set, in an unsupervised manner. Each of the extracted clusters corresponds to some unspecified semantic relationship. The pattern clusters are then used to construct features for training and classification of specific inter-nominal relationships. Our NR classification evaluation strictly follows the ACL SemEval-07 Task 4 datasets and protocol, obtaining an f-score of 70.6, as opposed to 64.8 of the best previous work that did not use the manually provided WordNet sense disambiguation tags.
NGS-based reverse genetic screen for common embryonic lethal mutations compromising fertility in livestock

We herein report the result of a large-scale, next generation sequencing (NGS)-based screen for embryonic lethal (EL) mutations in Belgian beef and New Zealand dairy cattle. We estimated by simulation that cattle might carry, on average, ∼0.5 recessive EL mutations. We mined exome sequence data from >600 animals, and identified 1377 stop-gain, 3139 frame-shift, 1341 splice-site, 22,939 disruptive missense, 62,399 benign missense, and 92,163 synonymous variants. We show that cattle have a comparable load of loss-of-function (LoF) variants (defined as stop-gain, frame-shift, or splice-site variants) as humans despite having a more variable exome. We genotyped >40,000 animals for up to 296 LoF and 3483 disruptive missense, breed-specific variants. We identified candidate EL mutations based on the observation of a significant depletion in homozygotes. We estimated the proportion of EL mutations at 15% of tested LoF and 6% of tested disruptive missense variants. We confirmed the EL nature of nine candidate variants by genotyping 200 carrier × carrier trios, and demonstrating the absence of homozygous offspring. The nine identified EL mutations segregate at frequencies ranging from 1.2% to 6.6% in the studied populations and collectively account for the mortality of ∼0.6% of conceptuses. We show that EL mutations preferentially affect gene products fulfilling basic cellular functions. The resulting information will be useful to avoid at-risk matings, thereby improving fertility.
Lightning interferometer via VHF Emission (LIVE)

The Lightning Interferometer via VHF Emission (LIVE) is the next iteration of broadband, interferometric lightning mapping systems. LIVE is a real-time capable instrument, producing images of lightning with a latency of about 5 seconds. Even under real-time operation conditions, LIVE will locate between 5000-50,000 sources in a single lightning flash, mapping out both the positive and negative breakdown portions of the flash.
Association of Genetic Variation in Adaptor Protein APPL1/APPL2 Loci with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The importance of genetics and epigenetic changes in the pathogenesis of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasingly recognized. Adiponectin has a central role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism and controlling inflammation in insulin-sensitive tissues and low adiponectin levels have been linked to NAFLD. APPL1 and APPL2 are adaptor proteins that interact with the intracellular region of adiponectin receptors and mediate adiponectin signaling and its effects on metabolism. The aim of our study was the evaluation of a potential association between variants at APPL1 and APPL2 loci and NAFLD occurrence. The impact on liver damage and hepatic steatosis severity has been also evaluated. To this aim allele frequency and genotype distribution of APPL1- rs3806622 and -rs4640525 and APPL2-rs 11112412 variants were evaluated in 223 subjects with clinical diagnosis of NAFLD and compared with 231 healthy subjects. The impact of APPL1 and APPL2 SNPs on liver damage and hepatic steatosis severity has been also evaluated. The minor-allele combination APPL1-C/APPL2-A was associated with an increased risk of NAFLD (OR = 2.50 95% CI 1.45–4.32; p<0.001) even after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides and adiponectin levels. This allele combination carrier had higher plasma alanine aminotransferase levels (Diff = 15.08 [7.60–22.57] p = 0.001) and an increased frequency of severe steatosis compared to the reference allele combination (OR = 3.88; 95% CI 1.582–9.531; p<0.001). In conclusion, C-APPL1/A-APPL2 allele combination is associated with NAFLD occurrence, with a more severe hepatic steatosis grade and with a reduced adiponectin cytoprotective effect on liver.
Premorbid personality characteristics and attachment style moderate the effect of injury severity on occupational outcome in traumatic brain injury: Another aspect of reserve

The concept of “reserve” has been proposed to account for the mismatch between brain pathology and its clinical expression. Prior efforts to characterize this concept focused mostly on brain or cognitive reserve measures. The present study was a preliminary attempt to evaluate premorbid personality and emotional aspects as potential moderators in moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Using structural equation modeling and multiple regression analyses, we found that premorbid personality characteristics provided the most robust moderator of injury severity on occupational outcome. Findings offer preliminary support for premorbid personality features as another relevant reserve construct in predicting outcome in this population.
Improved Initialization and Gaussian Mixture Pairwise Terms for Dense Random Fields with Mean-field Inference

Recently, Krahenbuhl and Koltun proposed an efficient inference method for densely connected pairwise random fields using the mean-field approximation for a Conditional Random Field (CRF). However, they restrict their pairwise weights to take the form of a weighted combination of Gaussian kernels where each Gaussian component is allowed to take only zero mean, and can only be rescaled by a single value for each label pair. Further, their method is sensitive to initialization. In this paper, we propose methods to alleviate these issues. First, we propose a hierarchical mean-field approach where labelling from the coarser level is propagated to the finer level for better initialisation. Further, we use SIFT-flow based label transfer to provide a good initial condition at the coarsest level. Second, we allow our approach to take general Gaussian pairwise weights, where we learn the mean, the co-variance matrix, and the mixing co-efficient for every mixture component. We propose a variation of Expectation Maximization (EM) for piecewise learning of the parameters of the mixture model determined by the maximum likelihood function. Finally, we demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy offered by our method for object class segmentation problems on two challenging datasets: PascalVOC-10 segmentation and CamVid datasets. We show that we are able to achieve state of the art performance on the CamVid dataset, and an almost 3% improvement on the PascalVOC10 dataset compared to baseline graph-cut and mean-field methods, while also reducing the inference time by almost a factor of 3 compared to graph-cuts based methods.
High Altitude Stereo Visual Odometry

Stereo visual odometry has received little investigation in high altitude applications due to the generally poor performance of rigid stereo rigs at extremely small baseline-to-depth ratios. Without additional sensing, metric scale is considered lost and odometry is seen as effective only for monocular perspectives. This paper presents a novel modification to stereo based visual odometry that allows accurate, metric pose estimation from high altitudes, even in the presence of poor calibration and without additional sensor inputs. By relaxing the (typically fixed) stereo transform during bundle adjustment and reducing the dependence on the fixed geometry for triangulation, metrically scaled visual odometry can be obtained in situations where high altitude and structural deformation from vibration would cause traditional algorithms to fail. This is achieved through the use of a novel constrained bundle adjustment routine and accurately scaled pose initializer. We present visual odometry results demonstrating the technique on a short-baseline stereo pair inside a fixed-wing UAV flying at significant height (~30-100m).
Metronomic Oral Topotecan with Pazopanib Is an Active Antiangiogenic Regimen in Mouse Models of Aggressive Pediatric Solid Tumor

Purpose: Low dose metronomic (LDM) chemotherapy, combined with VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors, is a highly effective strategy to coordinately inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth in many adult preclinical cancer models. We have tested the efficacies of daily oral LDM topotecan alone and in combination with pazopanib, a VEGF receptor inhibitor, in three pediatric extracranial solid tumor mouse models. Experimental Design: In vitro dose–response study of topotecan and pazopanib was conducted on several neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines. In vivo antitumor efficacies of the LDM topotecan and pazopanib as single agents and in combination were tested on 4 subcutaneous xenograft models and on 2 neuroblastoma metastatic models. Circulating angiogenic factors such as circulating endothelial cells (CEC), circulating endothelial pro genitor cells (CEP), and microvessel densities were used as surrogate biomarker markers of antiangiogenic activity. Results: In vitro, topotecan caused a dose-dependent decrease in viabilities of all cell lines, while pazopanib did not. In vivo, combination of topotecan + pazopanib (TP + PZ) showed significant antitumor activity and significant enhancement in survival compared with the respective single agents in all models. Reductions in viable CEP and/or CEC levels and tumor microvessel density were correlated with tumor response and therefore confirmed the antiangiogenic activity of the regimens. Pharmacokinetic studies of both drugs did not reveal any drug–drug interaction. Conclusion: Metronomic administration of TP + PZ showed a statistically significant antitumor activity compared with respective single agents in pediatric tumor mouse models and represent a valid option as a maintenance therapy in aggressive pediatric solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 17(17); 5656–67. ©2011 AACR.
Does Diversity Affect Group Efficacy?

This study examined the relation between racioethnic diversity and group efficacy (assessed as group outcome efficacy and group potency). Social cohesion was hypothesized to moderate this relationship. The authors also predicted that the interactive effect of racioethnic diversity and social cohesion on group efficacy would be mediated by task interdependence. The sample consisted of 42 student project groups. Data were gathered at the completion of the groups’ projects. The results indicate support for the hypotheses that racioethnic diversity is positively related to group efficacy and that the effect of racioethnic diversity on group outcome efficacy is enhanced by social cohesion. There was also some support for the mediating role of task interdependence.
First Insights into the Spitzer Wide-Area Infrared Extragalactic Legacy Survey (SWIRE) Galaxy Populations

We characterize the Spitzer Wide-area Infrared Extragalactic Legacy Survey (SWIRE) galaxy populations in the SWIRE validation field within the Lockman Hole, based on the 3.6-24 μm Spitzer data and deep U, g′, r′, i′ optical imaging within an area ∼1/3 deg2 for ∼16,000 Spitzer SWIRE sources. The entire SWIRE survey will discover over 2.3 million galaxies at 3.6 μm and almost 350,000 at 24 μm; ∼70,000 of these will be five-band 3.6-24 μm detections. The colors cover a broad range, generally well represented by redshifted spectral energy distributions of known galaxy populations; however, significant samples of unusually blue objects in the [3.6]-[4.5] color are found, as well as many objects very red in the 3.6-24 μm mid-IR. Nine of these are investigated and are interpreted as star-forming systems, starbursts, and active galactic nuclei (AGNs) from z = 0.37 to 2.8, with luminosities from LIR = 1010.3 to 1013.7 L⊙.
Autologous cell‐based therapy for ischemic heart disease: Clinical evidence, proposed mechanisms of action, and current limitations

Cell‐based therapy is a promising approach for cardiac repair in patients with coronary artery disease. In preclinical and early clinical studies, investigators have preliminary evidence showing that stem cell therapy can safely and effectively improve myocardial perfusion and left ventricular function. Cardiac stem cell therapy may decrease left ventricular remodeling in cases of myocardial infarction and may alleviate symptoms and prevent cardiac enlargement in chronic ischemic heart disease. Various mechanisms, including paracrine effects, are believed to contribute to stem cell‐mediated cardiac repair. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal timing of therapy, best mode of delivery, and most effective cell dose. Cardiac stem cell therapy promises to become an important option for treating patients with coronary artery disease. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Ezetimibe on the In Vivo Kinetics of ApoB-48 and ApoB-100 in Men With Primary Hypercholesterolemia

Objective—To examine the impact of ezetimibe, a selective inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol absorption, on the in vivo kinetics of apolipoproteins (apo) B-48 and B-100 in humans. Methods and Results—Kinetics of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) apoB-48 and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apoB-100 labeled with a stable isotope were assessed at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks of treatment with 10 mg/d of ezetimibe in 8 men with moderate primary hypercholesterolemia. Data were fit to a multicompartmental model using SAAMII to calculate fractional catabolic rate (FCR) and production rate (PR). Ezetimibe significantly decreased total and LDL cholesterol concentrations by −14.5% and −22.0% (P=0.004), respectively, with no significant change in plasma triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Ezetimibe had no significant effect on TRL apoB-48 kinetics and pool size (PS). However, VLDL and IDL apoB-100 FCRs were significantly increased (+31.2%, P=0.02 and +20.8%, P=0.04, respectively) with a concomitant elevation of VLDL apoB-100 PR (+20.9%, P=0.04). Furthermore, LDL apoB-100 PS was significantly reduced by −23.2% (P=0.004), caused by a significant increase in FCR of this lipoprotein fraction (+24.0%, P=0.04). Conclusions—These results indicate that reduction of plasma LDL cholesterol concentration after treatment with ezetimibe is associated with an increase in FCR of apoB-100–containing lipoproteins.
The Pharmacokinetics of Cisatracurium in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Continuous neuromuscular blockade is often necessary in patients being treated for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to optimize oxygenation. In this study, neuromuscular blockade (no response to two responses at the train-of-four stimulation at the orbicularis oculi muscle) was achieved in six patients with ARDS by a continuous infusion of cisatracurium. The plasma concentration of cisatracurium during the infusion averaged 1.00 (0.25–1.45) &mgr;g/mL, expressed as median (range). The clearance and half-life were 6.5 (3.3–7.6) mL · min−1 · kg−1 and 25 (16–48) min, respectively. The laudanosine plasma concentrations were 0.70 (0.12–1.20) &mgr;g/mL. The pharmacokinetic variables of cisatracurium are similar to those of patients without organ failure undergoing elective surgery. Plasma laudanosine levels always remained well less that those associated with seizure activity in animal models. Long-term infusion of cisatracurium was not associated with any side effects. Cisatracurium is a suitable muscle relaxant when deep and continuous levels of muscle relaxation are required in patients treated for ARDS.
Adverse events after endovascular treatment of chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) in patients with multiple sclerosis

Although it is debated whether chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) plays a role in multiple sclerosis (MS) development, many patients undergo endovascular treatment (ET) of CCSVI. A study is ongoing in Italy to evaluate the clinical outcome of ET. Severe adverse events (AEs) occurred in 15/462 subjects at a variable interval after ET: jugular thrombosis in seven patients, tetraventricular hydrocephalus, stroke, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, status epilepticus, aspiration pneumonia, hypertension with tachicardia, or bleeding of bedsore in the remaining seven cases. One patient died because of myocardial infarction 10 weeks after ET. The risk of severe AEs related to ET for CCSVI must be carefully considered.
Alcohol Binge Drinking and Executive Functioning during Adolescent Brain Development

Alcohol consumption in adolescents causes negative effects on familiar, social, academic life, as well as neurocognitive alterations. The binge drinking (BD) pattern of alcohol is characterized by the alternation of episodes of heavy drinking in a short interval of time, and periods of abstinence, a practice that can result in important brain alterations; even more than regular alcohol consumption. The prefrontal cortex, which acts as neural support for the executive processes, is particularly affected by alcohol; however, not all studies are in agreement about how BD alcohol consumption affects executive functioning. Some research has found that alcohol consumption in adolescence does not significantly affect executive functioning while others found it does. It is possible that these discrepancies could be due to the history of alcohol consumption, that is, at what age the subjects started drinking. The aim of our study is to assess the performance on executive functioning tasks of 13–19-year-old adolescents according to their pattern of alcohol consumption. We hypothesize that BD adolescents will perform worse than non-BD subjects in tasks that evaluate executive functions, and these differences will increase depending on how long they have been consuming alcohol. Three hundred and twenty-two students (48.14% females; age range 13–22 years; mean aged 16.7 ± 2.59) participated in the study; all of them had begun drinking at the age of 13 years. Participant were divided into three groups, according to their age range (13–15, 16–18, and 19–22 years) and divided according to their pattern of alcohol consumption (BD and control groups). Then, the subjects were evaluated with neuropsychological tasks that assess executive functions like working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, or self-control among others. The entire sample showed a normal improvement in their executive performance, but this improvement was more stable and robust in the control group. Regarding the executive performance among age groups, control subjects only obtained better results than BDs in the 19–22-year-old range, whereas the performance was quite similar at younger ages. Considering that all the BD subjects started drinking at the same age (13 years old), it is possible that a kind of compensation mechanism exists in the adolescent brain which allows them to reach a normal performance in executive tasks. This theoretical mechanism would depend upon neuronal labor, which could lose efficacy over time with further alcohol ingestion. This process would account for the differences in neuropsychological performance, which were only observed in older students with a longer history of alcohol consumption.
A Joint Model of Tenure Choice and Demand for Housing in the City of Karachi

The paper estimates a joint model of tenure choice and demand for housing for the city of Karachi, Pakistan, using a two-stage estimation procedure. Permanent income and demographic variables are included in the analysis. The study uses data collected at the household level in the city in 1987/88. Results show that ownership rates are high in Karachi. Ownership is more likely with increases in permanent income, age, household size and residence in the Unauthorised Areas. Permanent income, transitory income, age and education of the head significantly affect the consumption of housing both for renter and owner households. Results of the analysis and the estimated income elasticities of demand are comparable and consistent with those reported for other developing countries.
Record Low-Power Organic RRAM With Sub-20-nA Reset Current

In this letter, organic resistive random access memory (RRAM) devices based on double-layer polychloro-para-xylylene (parylene-C) are fabricated, which show stable bipolar resistive switching behavior, excellent data retention, and high scalability. Moreover, extremely low reset current of sub-20 nA and set current of 0.15 μA are obtained with adequate switching margin for the first time in the field of organic RRAM, almost 105 times lower than that of the single-layer parylene-C cells, exhibiting great potentials for future low-power applications. Possible mechanism for the ultralow operating current of double-layer device is discussed.
Clonotypic structures involved in antigen-specific human T cell function. Relationship to the T3 molecular complex

Monoclonal antibodies were produced against a human cytotoxic T cell clone, CT8III (specificity: HLA-A3), with the view of defining clonally restricted (clonotypic) surface molecules involved in its antigen recognition function. Two individual antibodies, termed anti-Ti1A and anti-Ti1B, reacted exclusively with the CT8III clone when tested on a panel of 80 additional clones from the same donor, resting or activated T cells, B cells, macrophages, thymocytes, or other hematopoietic cells. More importantly, the two antibodies inhibited cell-mediated killing and antigen-specific proliferation of the CT8III clone but did not affect the functions of any other clone tested. This inhibition was not secondary to generalized abrogation of the CT8III clone's function, because interleukin 2 responsiveness was enhanced. To examine the relationship of the structures defined by anti-clonotypic antibodies with known T cell surface molecules, antibody-induced modulation studies and competitive binding assays were performed. The results indicated that the clonotypic structures were associated with, but distinct from, the 20,000-mol wt T3 molecule expressed on all mature T lymphocytes. Moreover, in contrast to anti-T3, anti-Ti1A and anti-Ti1B each immunoprecipitated two molecules of 49,000 and 43,000-mol wt from 131I-labeled CT8III cells under reducing conditions. The development of monoclonal antibodies to such polymorphic T cell surface structures should provide important probes to further define the surface receptor for antigen.