Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enforced Expression of GATA-3 in Transgenic Mice Inhibits Th1 Differentiation and Induces the Formation of a T1/ST2-Expressing Th2-Committed T Cell Compartment In Vivo1

The transcription factor GATA-3 is essential for early T cell development and differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Th2 effector cells. To study the function of GATA-3 during T cell-mediated immune responses in vivo, we investigated CD2-GATA3-transgenic mice in which GATA-3 expression is driven by the CD2 locus control region. Both in the CD4+ and the CD8+ T cell population the proportion of cells exhibiting a CD44highCD45RBlowCD62Llow Ag-experienced phenotype was increased. In CD2-GATA3-transgenic mice, large fractions of peripheral CD4+ T cells expressed the IL-1 receptor family member T1/ST2, indicative of advanced Th2 commitment. Upon in vitro T cell stimulation, the ability to produce IL-2 and IFN-γ was decreased. Moreover, CD4+ T cells manifested rapid secretion of the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10, reminiscent of Th2 memory cells. In contrast to wild-type CD4+ cells, which lost GATA-3 expression when cultured under Th1-polarizing conditions, CD2-GATA3-transgenic CD4+ cells maintained expression of GATA-3 protein. Under Th1 conditions, cellular proliferation of CD2-GATA3-transgenic CD4+ cells was severely hampered, IFN-γ production was decreased and Th2 cytokine production was increased. Enforced GATA-3 expression inhibited Th1-mediated in vivo responses, such as Ag-specific IgG2a production or a delayed-type hypersensitivity response to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Collectively, these observations indicate that enforced GATA-3 expression selectively inhibits Th1 differentiation and induces Th2 differentiation. The increased functional capacity to secrete Th2 cytokines, along with the increased expression of surface markers for Ag-experienced Th2-committed cells, would argue for a role of GATA-3 in Th2 memory formation.
Clumped-isotope-derived climate trends leading up to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction in northwest Europe

Abstract. Paleotemperature reconstructions linked to Deccan traps volcanic greenhouse gas emissions and associated feedbacks in the lead-up to the end-Cretaceous meteorite impact and extinction document local and global climate trends during a key interval of geologic history. Here, we present a new clumped-isotope-based paleotemperature record derived from fossil bivalves from the Maastrichtian type region, in southeast Netherlands and northeast Belgium. Clumped isotope data documents a mean temperature of 19.2 ± 3.8 °C, consistent with other Maastrichtian temperature estimates, and an average seawater δ18O value of −0.3 ± 0.9 ‰ VSMOW for the region during the latest Cretaceous (67.1–66.0 Ma). A notable temperature increase at ~66.4 Ma is interpreted to be a regional manifestation of the globally-defined Late Maastrichtian Warming Event, linking Deccan Traps volcanic CO2 emissions prior to the end-Cretaceous extinction to climate change in the Maastricht region. Fluctuating seawater δ18O values coinciding with temperature changes suggest alternating influences of warm, salty southern-sourced waters and cooler, fresher northern-sourced waters from the Arctic Ocean. This new paleotemperature record contributes to the understanding of regional and global climate response to large-scale volcanism and ocean circulation changes leading up to a catastrophic mass extinction.
Characterizing treatment pathways at scale using the OHDSI network

Observational research promises to complement experimental research by providing large, diverse populations that would be infeasible for an experiment. Observational research can test its own clinical hypotheses, and observational studies also can contribute to the design of experiments and inform the generalizability of experimental research. Understanding the diversity of populations and the variance in care is one component. In this study, the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) collaboration created an international data network with 11 data sources from four countries, including electronic health records and administrative claims data on 250 million patients. All data were mapped to common data standards, patient privacy was maintained by using a distributed model, and results were aggregated centrally. Treatment pathways were elucidated for type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and depression. The pathways revealed that the world is moving toward more consistent therapy over time across diseases and across locations, but significant heterogeneity remains among sources, pointing to challenges in generalizing clinical trial results. Diabetes favored a single first-line medication, metformin, to a much greater extent than hypertension or depression. About 10% of diabetes and depression patients and almost 25% of hypertension patients followed a treatment pathway that was unique within the cohort. Aside from factors such as sample size and underlying population (academic medical center versus general population), electronic health records data and administrative claims data revealed similar results. Large-scale international observational research is feasible.
A Real-Time Deformable Detector

We propose a new learning strategy for object detection. The proposed scheme forgoes the need to train a collection of detectors dedicated to homogeneous families of poses, and instead learns a single classifier that has the inherent ability to deform based on the signal of interest. We train a detector with a standard AdaBoost procedure by using combinations of pose-indexed features and pose estimators. This allows the learning process to select and combine various estimates of the pose with features able to compensate for variations in pose without the need to label data for training or explore the pose space in testing. We validate our framework on three types of data: hand video sequences, aerial images of cars, and face images. We compare our method to a standard boosting framework, with access to the same ground truth, and show a reduction in the false alarm rate of up to an order of magnitude. Where possible, we compare our method to the state of the art, which requires pose annotations of the training data, and demonstrate comparable performance.
Replanning in Domains with Partial Information and Sensing Actions

Replanning via determinization is a recent, popular approach for online planning in MDPs. In this paper we adapt this idea to classical, nonstochastic domains with partial information and sensing actions. At each step we generate a candidate plan which solves a classical planning problem induced by the original problem. We execute this plan as long as it is safe to do so. When this is no longer the case, we replan. The classical planning problem we generate is based on the T0 translation, in which the classical state captures the knowledge state of the agent. We overcome the non-determinism in sensing actions, and the large domain size introduced by T0 by using state sampling. Our planner also employs a novel, lazy, regression-based method for querying the belief state.
Transformerless DC–DC Converters With High Step-Up Voltage Gain

Conventional dc-dc boost converters are unable to provide high step-up voltage gains due to the effect of power switches, rectifier diodes, and the equivalent series resistance of inductors and capacitors. This paper proposes transformerless dc-dc converters to achieve high step-up voltage gain without an extremely high duty ratio. In the proposed converters, two inductors with the same level of inductance are charged in parallel during the switch-on period and are discharged in series during the switch-off period. The structures of the proposed converters are very simple. Only one power stage is used. Moreover, the steady-state analyses of voltage gains and boundary operating conditions are discussed in detail. Finally, a prototype circuit is implemented in the laboratory to verify the performance.
Computing Nash Equilibria: Approximation and Smoothed Complexity

The authors advance significantly beyond the recent progress on the algorithmic complexity of Nash equilibria by solving two major open problems in the approximation of Nash equilibria and in the smoothed analysis of algorithms. (1) The authors show that no algorithm with complexity poly(n, 1/epsi) can compute an epsi-approximate Nash equilibrium in a two-player game, in which each player has n pure strategies, unless PPAD sube P. In other words, the problem of computing a Nash equilibrium in a two-player game does not have a fully polynomial-time approximation scheme unless PPAD sube P. (2) The authors prove that no algorithm for computing a Nash equilibrium in a two-player game can have smoothed complexity poly(n, 1/sigma) under input perturbation of magnitude sigma, unless PPAD sube RP. In particular, the smoothed complexity of the classic Lemke-Howson algorithm is not polynomial unless PPAD sube RP. Instrumental to our proof, we introduce a new discrete fixed-point problem on a high-dimensional hypergrid with constant side-length, and show that it can host the embedding of the proof structure of any PPAD problem. We prove a key geometric lemma for finding a discrete fixed-point, a new concept defined on n + 1 vertices of a unit hypercube. This lemma enables us to overcome the curse of dimensionality in reasoning about fixed-points in high dimensions
Multimodality imaging in the surgical treatment of children with nonlesional epilepsy

Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic value of individual noninvasive presurgical modalities and to study their role in surgical management of nonlesional pediatric epilepsy patients. Methods: We retrospectively studied 14 children (3–18 years) with nonlesional intractable focal epilepsy. Clinical characteristics, surgical outcome, localizing features on 3 presurgical diagnostic tests (subtraction peri-ictal SPECT coregistered to MRI [SISCOM], statistical parametric mapping [SPM] analysis of [18F] FDG-PET, magnetoencephalography [MEG]), and intracranial EEG (iEEG) were reviewed. The localization of each individual test was determined for lobar location by visual inspection. Concordance of localization between each test and iEEG was scored as follows: 2 = lobar concordance; 1 = hemispheric concordance; 0 = discordance or nonlocalization. Total concordance score in each patient was measured by the summation of concordance scores for all 3 tests. Results: Seven (50%) of 14 patients were seizure-free for at least 12 months after surgery. One (7%) had only rare seizures and 6 (43%) had persistent seizures. MEG (79%, 11/14) and SISCOM (79%, 11/14) showed greater lobar concordance with iEEG than SPM-PET (13%, 3/14) (p < 0.05). SPM-PET provided hemispheric lateralization (71%, 10/14) more often than lobar localization. Total concordance score tended to be greater for seizure-free patients (4.7) than for non–seizure-free patients (3.9). Conclusions: Our data suggest that MEG and SISCOM are better tools for lobar localization than SPM analysis of FDG-PET in children with nonlesional epilepsy. A multimodality approach may improve surgical outcome as well as selection of surgical candidates in patients without MRI abnormalities.
Shape indexing using approximate nearest-neighbour search in high-dimensional spaces

Shape indexing is a way of making rapid associations between features detected in an image and object models that could have produced them. When model databases are large, the use of high-dimensional features is critical, due to the improved level of discrimination they can provide. Unfortunately, finding the nearest neighbour to a query point rapidly becomes inefficient as the dimensionality of the feature space increases. Past indexing methods have used hash tables for hypothesis recovery, but only in low-dimensional situations. In this paper we show that a new variant of the k-d tree search algorithm makes indexing in higher-dimensional spaces practical. This Best Bin First, or BBF search is an approximate algorithm which finds the nearest neighbour for a large fraction of the queries, and a very close neighbour in the remaining cases. The technique has been integrated into a fully developed recognition system, which is able to detect complex objects in real, cluttered scenes in just a few seconds.
My own process: Providing dedicated views on EPCs

The idea of Business Process Management demands that companies change their focus from optimising tasks to focusing on whole business processes optimising the overall value chain. However process models depicting such complex processes are perceived as complicated and therefore as hard to use. The critical task is to present only relevant model parts to users and at the same time enable them to locate their contribution within the entire value chain. This paper discusses an approach for tailoring Event-driven Process Chains to those parts that are relevant to selected organisational units. The approach uses the allocation of organisational units to functions as a selection criteria for relevant model parts. A distinction between concurrent and alternative collaboration and the implementation of a corresponding notation within the EPC notation enable the introduction of additional process interfaces, a standard feature of Event-driven Process Chains, into the tailored models. The process interfaces ensure the visibility of the connected business process. Therefore the approach helps to resolve the depicted conflict.
genRE: A Method to Extend Gridded Precipitation Climatology Data Sets in Near Real‐Time for Hydrological Forecasting Purposes

To enable operational flood forecasting and drought monitoring, reliable and consistent methods for precipitation interpolation are needed. Such methods need to deal with the deficiencies of sparse operational real‐time data compared to quality‐controlled offline data sources used in historical analyses. In particular, often only a fraction of the measurement network reports in near real‐time. For this purpose, we present an interpolation method, generalized REGNIE (genRE), which makes use of climatological monthly background grids derived from existing gridded precipitation climatology data sets. We show how genRE can be used to mimic and extend climatological precipitation data sets in near real‐time using (sparse) real‐time measurement networks in the Rhine basin upstream of the Netherlands (approximately 160,000 km2). In the process, we create a 1.2 × 1.2 km transnational gridded hourly precipitation data set for the Rhine basin. Precipitation gauge data are collected, spatially interpolated for the period 1996–2015 with genRE and inverse‐distance squared weighting (IDW), and then evaluated on the yearly and daily time scale against the HYRAS and EOBS climatological data sets. Hourly fields are compared qualitatively with RADOLAN radar‐based precipitation estimates. Two sources of uncertainty are evaluated: station density and the impact of different background grids (HYRAS versus EOBS). The results show that the genRE method successfully mimics climatological precipitation data sets (HYRAS/EOBS) over daily, monthly, and yearly time frames. We conclude that genRE is a good interpolation method of choice for real‐time operational use. genRE has the largest added value over IDW for cases with a low real‐time station density and a high‐resolution background grid.
Perceptions of Corporate Social Responsibility Concept in Greece

— This study attempts to clarify major perspectives of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Greek market related to companies that have sufficient CSR. An empirical analysis was undertaken, based on literature review and previous observations and surveys, in order to provide a general analysis of the CSR concept in Greece. The results of Accountability Rating institution were used in order to identify companies that adopt an integrated social responsibility approach. Companies that responded to the survey are both regional and international and belong to different industrial fields. Some of the main survey results reveal: multiple aspects for the CSR concept, weak consensus as regards the importance of stakeholders and benefits from the CSR implementation, the important role of CSR in the decision procedure and CSR practices concerning social issues that affect mostly company’s competitiveness. Sharing companies’ experience could address common social issues through CSR best practices and develop new knowledge.
Efficacy of intravenous iron in treating iron deficiency anaemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Are there predictors of response?

INTRODUCTION In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a very common disorder. Until recently,oral iron has been the mainstay therapy, nevertheless it has been associated with intolerance and noncompliance. Therefore, the goal of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous iron in IDA in IBD patients and the secondary aim was to investigate whether other potencial factors could influence in the response to the treatment. DESIGN An open-label, prospective, consecutive, single centre study. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed our study in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn´s disease (CD) with severe anaemia or intolerance with oral iron. All of them received intravenous sacarose iron and did biochemistry profile with hemoglobin (Hb). Moreover, the correlation with other variables was studied: age,sex, smoking habit, IBD type, previous surgery and type of surgery and other treatments. Response was defined as Hb increase of ≥ 2 g/dL or normalization of the levels. RESULTS Fifty-four patients were included into the study, 34(63%) with UC y 20 (37%) with CD, 18 (33.3%) men and 36 wo-men (66.6%) and the average was 48 +/- 14 years. The total proportion of responders was 52% (SD +/- 05); 43% of the patients reached Hb ≥ 2 g/dl and y 9% of them normalized Hb. Only the utilization of 5-ASA was associated with low response to iron treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that response to intravenous iron is achievable in the majority of patients with IBD and severe IDA or intolerance treatment with oral iron. Moreover, the patients with consumption of 5-ASA could had less response to the treatment.
Expression Profiling and Genetic Alterations of the Selenoproteins GI-GPx and SePP in Colorectal Carcinogenesis

The trace element selenium is discussed as a chemopreventive agent in colorectal carcinogenesis. Selenocysteine-containing proteins, so-called selenoproteins, represent potential molecular targets for nutritive selenium supplementation. Due to their antioxidative potential, the selenoproteins gastrointestinal glutathione peroxidase (GI-GPx) and selenoprotein P (SePP) are considered to provide protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby reducing DNA damage and preventing development of colon cancer. GI-GPx and SePP are abundantly expressed in normal colon mucosa. Recently, we demonstrated both reduced SePP expression and increased GI-GPx expression in colorectal adenomas. In this study, we investigated the expression of SePP and GI-GPx in colorectal cancers compared with corresponding normal mucosa. Further, the occurrence of genetic alterations within the SePP and GI-GPx genes was analyzed. We observed a significant reduction or loss of SePP mRNA expression in colon cancers, whereas GI-GPx mRNA and protein expression varied between different tumor samples. In addition, we identified novel polymorphisms within the SePP and GI-GPx genes with so far unknown relevance for protein function. Our results argue against a general decrease of selenoprotein expression in colorectal carcinogenesis but imply specific differential regulation of expression of individual selenoproteins.
Path planning for rescue vehicles via segmented satellite disaster images and GPS road map

One of the most important issues after so many disasters, besides communication determine the damage caused by the disaster areas to reach a moment ago. The emergency rescue teams established for this purpose by making plans to take action on realistic maps are required. Not just as an ambulance during rescue, vehicles in a variety of business machines correct route to take on the road safely. In this study, the image taken before and after the disaster has been segmented. Each segment with one another emerging feature-based compared using statistical methods and information theory. Then we get a measure to path planning using Kullback-leibler distance. Consequently, create a new hazard map is obtained. This map is compared with using the existing path in a city map. In this way, the shortest and safest route to the destination is obtained.
High Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Klinefelter Syndrome

Background Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common sex chromosome disorder. The genetic background is the extra X chromosome. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) has been observed among KS patients. The aim of the present study was to examine whether KS is associated with VTE. Methods and Results We followed up all hospital in‐ and outpatients (N=1085) in Sweden with a diagnosis of KS between January 1, 1969, and December 31, 2010, for diagnosis of VTE. The reference population was the total male populace of Sweden. We calculated standardized incidence ratios for VTE, adjusted for age, sex, education, time period, and region of residence. The standardized incidence ratio for KS was 6.43 (95% CI 5.15–7.93), with the highest ratio observed at young age. The standardized incidence ratios for VTE were 12.10 (95% CI 6.22–21.21) before age 30 years, 11.00 (95% CI 7.86–14.99) between ages 30 and 49 years, 4.83 (95% CI 3.23–6.95) between ages 50 and 69 years, and 2.07 (95% CI 0.74–4.53) for ages ≥70 years. The cumulative incidence of VTE for KS patients was 8.6% at age 50 years and 20.8% at age 70 years. Conclusions KS is associated with high risk of VTE. KS could be considered a genetic hypercoagulable state. This has clinical implications for the prevention and diagnosis of VTE among patients with KS.
Optimal Shape Coding Using Skeleton Decomposition

In this paper, we consider the rate-distortion optimal encoding of shape information using a skeleton decomposition and the minmum maximum (MINMAX) distortion criterion. For bit budget constrained video communication applications, whose goal is to achieve as low as possible but almost constant distortion, the MINMAX criterion is the natural choice. We propose a 4D DAG (directed acyclic graph) shortest path algorithm implemented by dynamic programming to solve the minimum rate problem, and also provide a solution for the dual minimum distortion problem. Experimental results indicate that our algorithm has an outstanding performance compared with existing methods.
Impact of the signal control strategy on red light running

This article concerns red-light running at intersections and deals with the impact of different types of control strategies. Red running occurrences at red onset are observed through multi-camera observation system installed on an isolated intersection that runs under different control strategies. We analyse the variety of conditions produced during the phase change interval, in terms of exposure to violate for approaching drivers on the link and in terms of surrounding conditions: downstream crossing possibilities, opposing stream presence, upstream past crossing conditions. Some specific features have been identified for further impact analysis in the data base, as they depend on the control strategy and impacts red running behaviour. We investigate for instance very short time intervals between the red switchovers of successive signal lines.