Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Copula Models for Aggregating Expert Opinions

This paper discusses the use of multivariate distributions that are functions of their marginals for aggregating information from various sources. The function that links the marginals is called a copula. The information to be aggregated can be point estimates of an unknown quantity I¸ or, with suitable modeling assumptions, probability distributions for I¸. This approach allows the Bayesian decision maker performing the aggregation to separate two difficult aspects of the model-construction procedure. Qualities of the individual sources, such as bias and precision, are incorporated into the marginal distributions. Dependence among sources is encoded into the copula, which serves as a dependence function and joins the marginal distributions into a single multivariate distribution. The procedure is designed to be suitable for situations in which the decision maker must use subjective judgments as a basis for constructing the aggregation model. We review properties of copulas pertinent to the information-aggregation problem. A subjectively assessable measure of dependence is developed that allows the decision maker to choose from a one-parameter family of copulas a specific member that is appropriate for the level of dependence among the information sources. The discussion then focuses on the class of Archimedean copulas and Frank's family of copulas in particular, showing the specific relationship between the family and our measure of dependence. A realistic example demonstrates the approach.
Outcomes of chest compression only CPR versus conventional CPR conducted by lay people in patients with out of hospital cardiopulmonary arrest witnessed by bystanders: nationwide population based observational study

Objective To compare the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with chest compression only and conventional CPR on outcomes after cardiopulmonary arrest out of hospital. Design Nationwide population based observational study. Setting A nationwide emergency medical service system in Japan. Population All consecutive patients with out of hospital cardiopulmonary arrest, January 2005 to December 2007 in Japan, witnessed at the moment of collapse. Lay people attempted chest compression only CPR (n=20 707) or conventional CPR (mouth to mouth ventilation and chest compression) (n=19 328), and patients were transferred to hospital by ambulance. Main outcome measures Factors associated with better outcomes (assessed with χ2, multiple logistic regression analysis, odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals): one month survival and neurologically favourable one month survival rates defined as category one (good cerebral performance) or two (moderate cerebral disability) of the cerebral performance categories. Results Conventional CPR was associated with better outcomes than chest compression only CPR, for both one month survival (adjusted odds ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.29) and neurologically favourable one month survival (1.17, 1.01 to 1.35). Neurologically favourable one month survival decreased with increasing age and with delays of up to 10 minutes in starting CPR for both conventional and chest compression only CPR. The benefit of conventional CPR over chest compression only CPR was significantly greater in younger people in non-cardiac cases (P=0.025) and with a delay in start of CPR after the event was witnessed in non-cardiac cases (P=0.015) and all cases combined (P=0.037). Conclusions Conventional CPR is associated with better outcomes than chest compression only CPR for selected patients with out of hospital cardiopulmonary arrest, such as those with arrests of non-cardiac origin and younger people, and people in whom there was delay in the start of CPR.
Active Feedback - UIUC TREC-2003 HARD Experiments

In this paper, we report our experiments on the HARD (High Accuracy Retrieval from Documents) Track in TREC 2003. We focus on active feedback, i.e., how to intelligently propose questions for relevance feedback in order to maximize accuracy improvement in the second run. We proposed and empirically evaluated three different methods, i.e., top-k, gapped top-k, and k-cluster centroid, to extract a fixed number of text units (e.g. passage or document) for feedback. The results show that presenting the top k documents for user feedback is often not as beneficial for learning as presenting more diversified documents.
Transvesical Enucleation of Multiple Leiomyoma of Bladder and Urethra

Although bladder leiomyoma is rare, this is the most frequent nonepithelial benign tumor of the bladder. Symptoms and treatment depend on location and size of the lesion as well. The optional treatment is a total enucleation or partial cystectomy, although in biopsy proved cases watchful waiting is an option, surgery should be considered as the tumor grows or symptoms are observed. The etiology of bladder leiomyoma is unknown. Uterine leiomyoma is known to be estrogen responsive. The premenopausal women are prevalent in the fourth decade.
Numerical approximation of a fractional-in-space diffusion equation (II) - with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions

In this paper, a space fractional di®usion equation (SFDE) with non- homogeneous boundary conditions on a bounded domain is considered. A new matrix transfer technique (MTT) for solving the SFDE is proposed. The method is based on a matrix representation of the fractional-in-space operator and the novelty of this approach is that a standard discretisation of the operator leads to a system of linear ODEs with the matrix raised to the same fractional power. Analytic solutions of the SFDE are derived. Finally, some numerical results are given to demonstrate that the MTT is a computationally e±cient and accurate method for solving SFDE.
Large Dimensional Analysis of Robust M-Estimators of Covariance With Outliers

A large dimensional characterization of robust M-estimators of covariance (or scatter) is provided under the assumption that the dataset comprises independent (essentially Gaussian) legitimate samples as well as arbitrary deterministic samples, referred to as outliers. Building upon recent random matrix advances in the area of robust statistics, we specifically show that the so-called Maronna M-estimator of scatter asymptotically behaves similar to well-known random matrices when the population and sample sizes grow together to infinity. The introduction of outliers leads the robust estimator to behave asymptotically as the weighted sum of the sample outer products, with a constant weight for all legitimate samples and different weights for the outliers. A fine analysis of this structure reveals importantly that the propensity of the M-estimator to attenuate (or enhance) the impact of outliers is mostly dictated by the alignment of the outliers with the inverse population covariance matrix of the legitimate samples. Thus, robust M-estimators can bring substantial benefits over more simplistic estimators such as the per-sample normalized version of the sample covariance matrix, which is not capable of differentiating the outlying samples. The analysis shows that, within the class of Maronna's estimators of scatter, Huber estimator is more favorable (in a sense to be defined) for rejecting outliers than classical alternatives such as Tyler's scale invariant estimator, often preferred in the literature. In fact, the analysis reveals that estimators similar to Tyler's run the risk of enhancing (instead of mitigating) some outliers.
Approaches concerning siloxane removal from biogas * A review

Soreanu, G. , M. Béland, P. Falletta, K. Edmonson, L. Svoboda, M. Al-Jamal and P. Seto. 2011. Approaches concerning siloxane removal from biogas* A review. Canadian Biosystems Engineering/Le génie des biosystèmes au Canada. 53: 8.1 8.18. One of the major barriers to the use of biogas as an alternative renewable energy source is the presence of siloxanes. At combustion temperatures, siloxanes are converted to silicon dioxide (SiO2), which forms deposits on the combustion surfaces (pistons and cylinders) of gas processing equipment, thus reducing engine life and increasing overall operational and maintenance costs. This paper presents key multidisciplinary information with respect to siloxane removal, aimed at evaluating various treatment options and identifying future research needs. Current removal methods are typically based on the adsorption process, while others employ gas liquid absorption and refrigeration/ condensation. Otherwise these methods are appropriate for siloxane removal with regard to siloxane physical chemical characteristics (for example, low solubility in water, high solubility in organic solvents, volatility, chemical resistance) their application in practice is cost-limited. Adsorption and absorption methods become inappropriate when applied to moisture-rich biogas, and are often used in combination with a pre-treatment stage. Development of more cost-effective technologies, such as membrane separation and biofiltration is in progress, and initial findings suggest that these methods could represent an attractive alternative.
Reduction of Lipofuscin-like Autofluorescence in Fluorescently Labeled Tissue

The fluorescent pigment lipofuscin accumulates with age in the cytoplasm of cells of the CNS. Because of its broad excitation and emission spectra, the presence of lipofuscin-like autofluorescence complicates the use of fluorescence microscopy (e.g., fluorescent retrograde tract tracing and fluorescence immunocytochemistry). In this study we examined several chemical treatments of tissue sections for their ability to reduce or eliminate lipofuscin-like autofluorescence without adversely affecting other fluorescent labels. We found that 1-10 mM CuSO4 in 50 mM ammonium acetate buffer (pH 5) or 1% Sudan Black B (SB) in 70% ethanol reduced or eliminated lipofuscin autofluorescence in sections of monkey, human, or rat neural tissue. These treatments also slightly reduced the intensity of immunofluorescent labeling and fluorescent retrograde tract tracers. However, the reduction of these fluorophores was far less dramatic than that for the lipofuscin-like compound. We conclude that treatment of tissue with CuSO4 or SB provides a reasonable compromise between reduction of lipofuscin-like fluorescence and maintenance of specific fluorescent labels.
Proficiency testing for conducted immunity with a new round robin test device

Last year, a new round robin test device was proposed for inter-laboratory comparisons in conducted immunity testing according to IEC 61000-4-6[1]. The device has recently been successfully evaluated among all EMRP Project partners. The device is able to confirm or to deny the testing capability of a laboratory by recording a full set of parameters. The device is now ready for deployment as the first commercial proficiency testing device for conducted immunity.
Statistical analyses in Swedish randomised trials on mammography screening and in other randomised trials on cancer screening: a systematic review

Objectives We compared calculations of relative risks of cancer death in Swedish mammography trials and in other cancer screening trials. Participants Men and women from 30 to 74 years of age. Setting Randomised trials on cancer screening. Design For each trial, we identified the intervention period, when screening was offered to screening groups and not to control groups, and the post-intervention period, when screening (or absence of screening) was the same in screening and control groups. We then examined which cancer deaths had been used for the computation of relative risk of cancer death. Main outcome measures Relative risk of cancer death. Results In 17 non-breast screening trials, deaths due to cancers diagnosed during the intervention and post-intervention periods were used for relative risk calculations. In the five Swedish trials, relative risk calculations used deaths due to breast cancers found during intervention periods, but deaths due to breast cancer found at first screening of control groups were added to these groups. After reallocation of the added breast cancer deaths to post-intervention periods of control groups, relative risks of 0.86 (0.76; 0.97) were obtained for cancers found during intervention periods and 0.83 (0.71; 0.97) for cancers found during post-intervention periods, indicating constant reduction in the risk of breast cancer death during follow-up, irrespective of screening. Conclusions The use of unconventional statistical methods in Swedish trials has led to overestimation of risk reduction in breast cancer death attributable to mammography screening. The constant risk reduction observed in screening groups was probably due to the trial design that optimised awareness and medical management of women allocated to screening groups.
The pH Dependence of Polymerization and Bundling by the Essential Bacterial Cytoskeltal Protein FtsZ

There is a growing body of evidence that bacterial cell division is an intricate coordinated process of comparable complexity to that seen in eukaryotic cells. The dynamic assembly of Escherichia coli FtsZ in the presence of GTP is fundamental to its activity. FtsZ polymerization is a very attractive target for novel antibiotics given its fundamental and universal function. In this study our aim was to understand further the GTP-dependent FtsZ polymerization mechanism and our main focus is on the pH dependence of its behaviour. A key feature of this work is the use of linear dichroism (LD) to follow the polymerization of FtsZ monomers into polymeric structures. LD is the differential absorption of light polarized parallel and perpendicular to an orientation direction (in this case that provided by shear flow). It thus readily distinguishes between FtsZ polymers and monomers. It also distinguishes FtsZ polymers and less well-defined aggregates, which light scattering methodologies do not. The polymerization of FtsZ over a range of pHs was studied by right-angled light scattering to probe mass of FtsZ structures, LD to probe real-time formation of linear polymeric fibres, a specially developed phosphate release assay to relate guanosine triphosphate (GTP) hydrolysis to polymer formation, and electron microscopy (EM) imaging of reaction products as a function of time and pH. We have found that lowering the pH from neutral to 6.5 does not change the nature of the FtsZ polymers in solution—it simply facilitates the polymerization so the fibres present are longer and more abundant. Conversely, lowering the pH to 6.0 has much the same effect as introducing divalent cations or the FtsZ-associated protein YgfE (a putative ZapA orthologue in E. coli)—it stablizes associations of protofilaments.
Correlation between GAP43 and nerve growth factor receptors in rat sensory neurons

In mature rat sensory neurons, expression of the gene for the growth- associated protein, GAP43, was studied by in situ hybridization with a cDNA probe. Among neurons in normal lumbar dorsal root ganglia, labeling for GAP43 mRNA was heterogeneous, approximately one-half of the neurons being densely labeled. To characterize the latter population, individual neurons were examined in adjacent sections processed either for GAP43 hybridization or NGF-receptor radioautography. Virtually all neurons with high-affinity NGF binding sites had high basal levels of GAP43 mRNA and most GAP43-positive neurons bore NGF receptors. Another NGF-responsive population, sympathetic neurons in the superior cervical ganglion, also had high basal concentrations of GAP43 mRNA. Further co-localization studies in dorsal root ganglia were performed with immunohistochemistry for somatostatin and enzyme histochemistry for acid phosphatase. The latter 2 groups of sensory neurons have been previously shown to lack high- affinity receptors and were here shown to have low basal concentrations of GAP43 mRNA. From this and earlier studies, it can be assumed that substance P-immunoreactive neurons and strongly positive CGRP neurons synthesize GAP43 at high basal rate. One week following peripheral nerve transection, almost all neurons had high concentrations of GAP43 mRNA without correlation with NGF binding. Intrathecal infusion of NGF after the sciatic nerve was cut did not strongly influence this post- traumatic elevation in GAP mRNA. In normal dorsal root ganglia, neurons that have high-affinity NGF binding sites and are therefore potentially responsive to NGF also have high basal rates of synthesis of GAP43. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Metabolic Fingerprints of Altered Brain Growth, Osmoregulation and Neurotransmission in a Rett Syndrome Model

Background Rett syndrome (RS) is the leading cause of profound mental retardation of genetic origin in girls. Since RS is mostly caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene, transgenic animal models such as the Mecp2-deleted (“Mecp2-null”) mouse have been employed to study neurological symptoms and brain function. However, an interdisciplinary approach drawing from chemistry, biology and neuroscience is needed to elucidate the mechanistic links between the genotype and phenotype of this genetic disorder. Methodology/Principal Findings We performed, for the first time, a metabolomic study of brain extracts from Mecp2-null mice by using high-resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A large number of individual water-soluble metabolites and phospholipids were quantified without prior selection for specific metabolic pathways. Results were interpreted in terms of Mecp2 gene deletion, brain cell function and brain morphology. This approach provided a “metabolic window” to brain characteristics in Mecp2-null mice (n = 4), revealing (i) the first metabolic evidence of astrocyte involvement in RS (decreased levels of the astrocyte marker, myo-inositol, vs. wild-type mice; p = 0.034); (ii) reduced choline phospholipid turnover in Mecp2-null vs. wild-type mice, implying a diminished potential of cells to grow, paralleled by globally reduced brain size and perturbed osmoregulation; (iii) alterations of the platelet activating factor (PAF) cycle in Mecp2-null mouse brains, where PAF is a bioactive lipid acting on neuronal growth, glutamate exocytosis and other processes; and (iv) changes in glutamine/glutamate ratios (p = 0.034) in Mecp2-null mouse brains potentially indicating altered neurotransmitter recycling. Conclusions/Significance This study establishes, for the first time, detailed metabolic fingerprints of perturbed brain growth, osmoregulation and neurotransmission in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. Combined with morphological and neurological findings, these results are crucial elements in providing mechanistic links between genotype and phenotype of Rett syndrome. Ultimately, this information can be used to identify novel molecular targets for pharmacological RS treatment.
Evaluation of right ventricular systolic pressure during incremental exercise by Doppler echocardiography in adults with atrial septal defect.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Pulmonary hypertension is the most important complication in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD), but its role in limiting exercise has not been examined. This study sought to evaluate exercise performance in adults with ASD and determine the contribution of elevated pulmonary artery pressure in limiting exercise capacity. DESIGN We used Doppler echocardiography during exercise in 10 adults (aged 34 to 70 years) with isolated ASD (New York Heart Association class I, II) and an equal number of matched control subjects. Incremental exercise was performed on an electrically braked upright cycle ergometer. Expired gases and VE were measured breath-by-breath. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic images were obtained at rest prior to exercise to determine ASD size, stroke volume (SV), shunt ratio (Qp:Qs), right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) size, and right ventricular systolic pressure at rest (RVSPr). Doppler echocardiography was repeated at peak exercise to measure right ventricular systolic pressure during exercise (RVSPex). RESULTS Resting echocardiography revealed that RVOT was larger (21+/-4 vs 35+/-8 mm, mean+/-SD; p=0.0009) and RVSPr tended to be higher (17+/-8 vs 31+/-8 mm Hg; p=0.08) in ASD; however, left ventricular SV was not different (64+/-23 vs 58+/-23 mL; p>0.05), compared with control subjects. Despite normal resting left ventricular function, ASD patients had a significant reduction in maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) (22.9+/-5.4 vs 17.3+/-4.2 mL/kg/min; p=0.005). RVSPex was higher (19+/-8 vs 51+/-10 mm Hg; p=0.001) and the mean RVSP-VO2 slope (1+/-2 vs 18+/-3 mm Hg/L/min; p=0.003) and intercept (17+/-4 vs 27+/-4 mm Hg; p=0.05) were higher in the ASD group. VO2max correlated inversely with both RVSPr (r=-0.69; p=0.007) and RVSPex (r=-0.67; p=0.01). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that adults with ASD have reduced exercise performance, which may be associated with an abnormal increase in pulmonary artery pressure during exercise.
Extensive Left Ventricular Remodeling Does Not Allow Viable Myocardium to Improve in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After Revascularization and Is Associated With Worse Long-Term Prognosis

Background—Extensive left ventricular (LV) remodeling may not allow functional recovery after revascularization, despite the presence of viable myocardium. Methods and Results—Seventy-nine consecutive patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (left ventricle ejection fraction [LVEF] 29±7%) underwent surgical revascularization. Before revascularization, viability was assessed by metabolic imaging with F18-fluorodeoxyglucose and SPECT. LV volumes and LVEF were assessed by resting echocardiography. LVEF was re-assessed by echocardiography 8 to 12 months after revascularization. Three-year clinical follow-up (events: cardiac death, infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure) was also obtained. Forty-nine patients had substantial viability; 5 died before re-assessment of LVEF. Of the remaining 44 patients, 24 improved ≥5% in LVEF after revascularization, whereas 20 did not improve in LVEF. LV end-systolic volume was the only parameter that was significantly different between the groups (109±46 mL for the improvers versus 141±31 mL for the nonimprovers; P<0.05). The change in LVEF after revascularization was linearly related to the baseline LV end-systolic volume, with a higher LV end-systolic volume associated with a low likelihood of improvement in LVEF after revascularization. During the 3-year follow-up, the highest event-rate (67%) was observed in patients without viable myocardium with a large LV size, whereas the lowest event rate (5%) was observed in patients with viable myocardium and a small LV size. Intermediate event rates were observed in patients with viable myocardium and a large LV size (38%), and in patients without viable myocardium and a small LV size (24%). Conclusion—Extensive LV remodeling prohibits improvement in LVEF after revascularization and affects long-term prognosis negatively, despite the presence of viability.