Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning open-domain comparable entity graphs from user search queries

A frequent behavior of internet users is to compare among various comparable entities for decision making. As an instance, a user may compare among iPhone 5, Lumia 920 etc. products before deciding which cellphone to buy. However, it is a challenging problem to know what entities are generally comparable from the users' viewpoints in the open domain Web. In this paper, we propose a novel solution, which is known as Comparable Entity Graph Mining (CEGM), to learn an open-domain comparable entity graph from the user search queries. CEGM firstly mine seed comparable entity pairs from user search queries automatically using predefined query patterns. Next, it discovers more entity pairs with a confidence classifier in a bootstrapping fashion. Newly discovered entity pairs are organized into an open-domain comparable entity graph. Based on our empirical study over 1 billion queries of a commercial search engine, we build a comparable entity graph which covers 73.4% queries in the top 50 million unique queries of a commercial search engine. Through manual labeling in sampled sub-graphs, the average precision of comparable entities is 89.4%. As applications of the learned entity graph, the entity recommendation in Web search is empirically studied.
Neural and physiological responses to a cold pressor challenge in healthy adolescents

Abnormal autonomic function is common in pediatric diseases. Assessment of central mechanisms underlying autonomic challenges may reveal vulnerabilities antecedent to system failure. Our objective was to characterize central markers and physiological responses to a cold pressor challenge in normal children as a critical step for establishing such screening. We performed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and collected physiological measures during cold application to the foot in 24 healthy adolescents (15.5 ± 0.4 years, 13 male). The protocol included a 120‐sec baseline, 120‐sec right‐foot cold water immersion (4°C), and 120‐sec recovery. Analyses included heart rate (HR) cross‐correlations with fMRI signals. Cold application increased HR 13% 5–7 sec after onset, which remained elevated throughout the challenge. Respiratory rate transiently increased (peak 22%), then declined (nadir 12% below baseline), before normalizing at 75 sec. Cold onset rapidly increased somatosensory cortex and medullary signals, which fell after 25 sec. Right anterior insular cortex signals increased early, followed after 20 sec by the left anterior insula, with HR declining 8 sec later. Amygdalae signals also rose, but signals declined in the posterior cingulate cortex, caudate nucleus, hippocampus, and hypothalamus. Declining signals appeared late in the cerebellar fastigial nuclei (60–120 sec), and in the pons and thalamus. Somatosensory cortex, fastigial nuclei, and hypothalamic responses were principally left‐sided, with bilateral responses elsewhere. Late left anterior insula responses likely underlie the HR decline; the late cerebellar pattern may modulate recovery. The laterality, timing, and amplitude of normative responses and rostral response differentiation indicate the complex integration of adolescent autonomic processing and provide indices for pathological comparisons. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micro- and macrostructure of sleep EEG

Electroencephalogram (EEG) provides important and unique information about the sleeping brain. Polysomnography was the major method of sleep analysis and the main diagnostic tool in sleep medicine. The standard interpretation of polysomnographic recordings describes their macrostructure in terms of sleep stages, delineated according to R&K scoring criteria. Several descriptors of sleep microstructure rely on the quantification of sleep spindles and slow wave activities, detection of arousals, etc. However, these descriptors are usually assessed by means of substantially different signal processing (or visual) methods. This hinders possibilities of combining their results into a coherent description of the sleep process. This study proposes a solution to these problems in terms of a framework based upon adaptive time-frequency approximations - a recent, advanced method of signal processing. The proposed approach provides compatibility with the visual EEG analysis and standard definitions of EEG structures and describes both the macro- and microstructure of sleep EEG. Adaptive time-frequency approximations of signals calculated by means of the matching pursuit (MP) algorithm allow for the discrimination between series of unrelated structures and oscillatory activity. The detection, parametrization, and description of all these features of sleep are based upon the same unifying approach
Chronic Kidney Disease and Mortality in Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Recipients

Incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains high. Limited data is available about whether implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can prevent arrhythmic death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the impact of CKD on all-cause and sudden cardiac death in ICD recipients. We evaluated 441 consecutive patients who underwent ICD implantation at our center between 1994 and 2002. We found that mortality rate was higher in patients with eGFR <60 mL/min and those with ESRD on hemodialysis (43%, n = 69/162 and 54%, n = 12/22, resp.) than in patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min (23%, n = 58/257; P < .0005). The SCD rate was also higher in the patients with ESRD (50%) than in CKD patients not on dialysis (10.2%; P < .0005). Mortality rate for single-chamber ICDs was 56.8% in comparison with dual-chamber ICDs (38.1%) and for biventricular ICDs (5.0%) (P < .0005).
Using Probabilistic Models for Data Management in Acquisitional Environments

Traditional database systems, particularly those focused on capturing and managing data from the real world, are poorly equipped to deal with the noise, loss, and uncertainty in data. We discuss a suite of techniques based on probabilistic models that are designed to allow database to tolerate noise and loss. These techniques are based on exploiting correlations to predict missing values and identify outliers. Interestingly, correlations also provide a way to give approximate answers to users at a significantly lower cost and enable a range of new types of queries over the correlation structure itself. We illustrate a host of applications for our new techniques and queries, ranging from sensor networks to network monitoring to data stream management. We also present a unified architecture for integrating such models into database systems, focusing in particular on acquisitional systems where the cost of capturing data (e.g., from sensors) is itself a significant part of the query processing cost.
On-The-Fly Model Checking of Weighted Computation Tree Logic

We present min-max graphs; a technique to encode the model checking problem of weighted Computation Tree Logic (CTL), with nonnegative constraints on the modalities, against weighted Kripke structures. We outline previous efforts to encode this problem using dependency graphs and their symbolic extension. We demonstrate how to model check weighted CTL through fixed-point computation on a graph that encodes the problem, using global and local/on-the-fly fixed-point algorithms. Moreover, we have implemented the algorithms and evaluated their performance through experiments. In turn, we conclude that the local approach is often very advantageous.
Nitric oxide protects osteoblasts from oxidative stress‐induced apoptotic insults via a mitochondria‐dependent mechanism

Nitric oxide (NO) contributes to the regulation of osteoblast activities. In this study, we evaluated the protective effects of NO pretreatment on oxidative stress‐induced osteoblast apoptosis and its possible mechanism using neonatal rat calvarial osteoblasts as the experimental model. Exposure of osteoblasts to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) at a low concentration of 0.3 mM significantly increased cellular NO levels without affecting cell viability. However, when the concentration reached a high concentration of 2 mM, SNP increased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and induced osteoblast injuries. Thus, administration of 0.3 and 2 mM SNP in osteoblasts were respectively used as sources of NO and oxidative stress. Pretreatment with NO for 24 h significantly ameliorated the oxidative stress‐caused morphological alterations and decreases in alkaline phosphatase activity, and reduced cell death. Oxidative stress induced osteoblast death via an apoptotic mechanism, but NO pretreatment protected osteoblasts against the toxic effects. The mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced following exposure to the oxidative stress. However, pretreatment with NO significantly lowered the suppressive effects. Oxidative stress increased cellular Bax protein production and cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Pretreatment with NO significantly decreased oxidative stress‐caused augmentation of Bax and cytochrome c protein levels. In parallel with cytochrome c release, oxidative stress induced caspase‐3 activation and DNA fragmentation. Pretreatment with NO significantly reduced the oxidative stress‐enhanced caspase‐3 activation and DNA damage. Results of this study show that NO pretreatment can protect osteoblasts from oxidative stress‐induced apoptotic insults. The protective action involves a mitochondria‐dependent mechanism. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1917–1925, 2006
Robust Detection of DNA Looping Interactions in Capture HiC data

Jonathan Cairns* (jonathan.cairns@babraham.ac.uk), Paula Freire-Pritchett* (paulafp@babraham.ac.uk), Steven W. Wingett (steven.wingett@babraham.ac.uk), Csilla Várnai (csilla.varnai@babraham.ac.uk), Andrew Dimond (andrew.dimond@babraham.ac.uk), Vincent Plagnol (v.plagnol@ucl.ac.uk), Daniel Zerbino (zerbino@ebi.ac.uk), Stefan Schoenfelder (stefan.schoenfelder@babraham.ac.uk), Biola-Maria Javierre (biola-maria.javierre@babraham.ac.uk), Cameron Osborne (cameron.osborne@kcl.ac.uk), Peter Fraser (peter.fraser@babraham.ac.uk), Mikhail Spivakov (spivakov@babraham.ac.uk).
Truncation of C-mip (Tc-mip), a New Proximal Signaling Protein, Induces c-maf Th2 Transcription Factor and Cytoskeleton Reorganization

Several arguments suggest that minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) results from yet unknown systemic disorder of T cell function. By screening a cDNA library from T cell relapse, we identified a new pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-containing protein encoded by a gene located on chromosome 16q24. Two alternative transcripts were identified. The first species (c-mip) was expressed in fetal liver, kidney, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), but weakly detected in PBMCs from MCNS patients. The second form (Tc-mip, standing for truncated c-maf inducing protein), corresponds to subtracted transcript and lacks the NH2-terminal PH domain. The expression of Tc-mip was restricted to fetal liver, thymus, and MCNS PBMCs where it was specifically recruited in CD4+ T cells subset. Overexpression of Tc-mip in T cell Jurkat induced c-maf, transactivated the interleukin 4 gene and down-regulated the interferon γ expression, characteristic of a Th2 commitment. Moreover, the overexpression of Tc-mip induced Src phosphorylation, T cell clustering, and a cellular redistribution of the cytoskeleton-associated L-plastin, by a PI3 kinase independent pathway. Tc-mip represents therefore the first identified protein, which links proximal signaling to c-maf induction.
Molecular cloning, partial genomic structure and functional characterization of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase genes from the parasitic insects Lucilia cuprina and Ctenocephalides felis

The enzyme succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH; EC1.2.1.24) is a component of the γ‐aminobutyric acid degradation pathway in mammals and is essential for development and function of the nervous system. Here we report the identification, cDNA cloning and functional expression of SSADH from the parasitic insects Lucilia cuprina and Ctenocephalides felis. The recombinant proteins possess potent NAD+‐dependent SSADH activity, while their catalytic efficiency for other aldehyde substrates is lower. A genomic copy of the L. cuprina SSADH gene contains two introns, while a genomic gene version of C. felis is devoid of introns. In contrast to the single copy SSADH genes in Drosophila melanogaster and mammals, in L. cuprina and C. felis, multiple SSADH gene copies are present in the genome.
Robust Agent Teams via Socially-Attentive Monitoring

Agents in dynamic multi-agent environments must monitor their peers to execute individual and group plans. A key open question is how much monitoring of other agents' states is required to be effective: The Monitoring Selectivity Problem. We investigate this question in the context of detecting failures in teams of cooperating agents, via Socially-Attentive Monitoring, which focuses on monitoring for failures in the social relationships between the agents. We empirically and analytically explore a family of socially-attentive teamwork monitoring algorithms in two dynamic, complex, multi-agent domains, under varying conditions of task distribution and uncertainty. We show that a centralized scheme using a complex algorithm trades correctness for completeness and requires monitoring all teammates. In contrast, a simple distributed teamwork monitoring algorithm results in correct and complete detection of teamwork failures, despite relying on limited, uncertain knowledge, and monitoring only key agents in a team. In addition, we report on the design of a socially-attentive monitoring system and demonstrate its generality in monitoring several coordination relationships, diagnosing detected failures, and both on-line and off-line applications.
Loss of semantic memory: implications for the modularity of mind

Abstract We report a patient, PP, with semantic dementia who was studied longitudinally over two years. During this period she showed a progressive and profound loss of semantic memory affecting factual knowledge, vocabulary, and object knowledge via all sensory modalities. In the face of this near total dissolution of semantic memory, we have addressed the issue of the fate of other cognitive processes. Our findings suggest that nonverbal problem solving, auditory verbal and spatial short-term memory, the high-level visuo-perceptual abilities involved in object constancy, and some basic syntactic processes may operate independently of semantic memory and are therefore independent cognitive modules. In contrast, the integrity of both the phonological representations of words used to produce speech and the representations (or structural descriptions) used to recognise familiar objects appear ultimately to depend on semantic memory.
Efficacy of a synbiotic supplementation in the prevention of common winter diseases in children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study

Background and aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a synbiotic supplementation in reducing common winter diseases in children. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study was conducted in young school-age children (3—7 years old) during a winter period. Participants were otherwise healthy children who suffered from at least three episodes of ear, nose and throat (ENT), respiratory tract or gastrointestinal illness during the previous winter. They were supplemented daily with either a synbiotic preparation (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, Bifidobacterium infantis R0033, Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071, and fructooligosaccharide) or a matched placebo for 3 months. Over this period, all emergent health episodes of any type were recorded by parents in a diary. They were checked by investigators at regular monthly visits. The main study outcome was the percentage of children free of any episode during the study course. Results: We randomized 135 children (mean age: 4.1±1.0 years) to the synbiotic group (n = 62) or placebo (n = 73) group. At least one illness episode was reported in 32 children in the synbiotic group and 50 in the placebo group (51.6% versus 68.5%). This corresponded to a significant 25% relative risk reduction (95% CI 0.6—44.3%; p = 0.045). This difference was due to a decrease in the number of children who suffered from at least one ENT, respiratory tract or gastrointestinal disorder (50.0% with synbiotic versus 67.1% with placebo; p = 0.044). At least one sickness school day loss was noted in 25.8% of children with the synbiotic as compared with 42.5% with placebo (p = 0.043). No treatment related side effects were detected in either group. Conclusions: This study suggests that a 3-month supplementation with this synbiotic preparation can decrease the risk of occurrence of common infectious diseases in children and limits the risk of school day loss.
The DEEP2 Galaxy Redshift Survey: environments of post-starburst galaxies at z∼ 0.1 and ∼0.8

Post-starburst (also known as K+A) galaxies exhibit spectroscopic signatures indicating that their star formation was recently quenched; they are candidates for galaxies in transition from a star-forming phase to a passively evolving phase. We have spectroscopically identified large samples of post-starburst galaxies both in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) at z ~ 0.1 and in the DEEP2 Galaxy Redshift Survey at z ~ 0.8, using a uniform and robust selection method based on a cut in Hβ line emission rather than the more problematic [O I I ] λ3727. Based on measurements of the overdensity of galaxies around each object, we find that post-starburst galaxies brighter than 0.4L B * at low redshift have a similar, statistically indistinguishable environment distribution as blue galaxies, preferring underdense environments, but dramatically different from that of red galaxies. However, at higher-z, the environment distribution of post-starburst galaxies is more similar to red galaxies than to blue galaxies. We conclude that the quenching of star formation and the build-up of the red sequence through the K+A phase is happening in relatively overdense environments at z ~ 1 but in relatively underdense environments at z ~ 0. Although the relative environments where quenching occurs are decreasing with time, the corresponding absolute environment may have stayed the same along with the quenching mechanisms, because the mean absolute environments of all galaxies has to grow with time. In addition, we do not find any significant dependence on luminosity in the environment distribution of K+As. The existence of a large K+A population in the field at both redshifts indicates that cluster-specific mechanisms cannot be the dominant route by which these galaxies are formed. Our work also demonstrates that studying post-starburst-environment relations by measuring the K+A fraction in different environments, as is the common practice, is highly non-robust; modest changes in the comparison population used to define the fraction can drastically alter conclusions. Statistical comparisons of the overall environment distributions of different populations are much better behaved.
Structural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Frames Subjected to Progressive Collapse

With the threat of terrorist attack looming large, the ability of a building to mitigate progressive collapse is of key interest to government agencies. Alternate load path (ALP) approach is one of the direct methods to assess progressive collapse resistance by introducing a column removal scenario. An experimental program, comprising eight reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column sub-assemblages and seven RC frames, was carried out to investigate structural behavior and progressive collapse resistance of RC frame members subjected to a middle column removal scenario (MCRS), in particular, large-deformation behavior. Each sub-assemblage specimen consisted of a two-bay beam, a middle beam-column joint (just above a removed column) and two end-column stubs. Each frame specimen comprised a two-bay, a middle joint and two side columns, and most of frame specimens also include beam extensions. With increasing two-bay beam deflection, three different structural mechanisms, i.e. flexural action, compressive arch action (CAA) and catenary action, can be sequentially mobilized in a load-deflection history. Flexural action capacity is determined with a conventional plastic hinge mechanism. CAA is developed accompanied by beam axial compression and catenary action is mobilized when beam axial force changes from compression to tension. On top of flexural action capacity, both CAA and catenary action can significantly increase structural resistance, suggesting large potential of structures. However, compared with CAA, catenary action involves much large deflections and requires large rotation capacities of RC beams. In the sub-assemblage tests, the effects of specimen detailing, top and bottom reinforcement ratios at the middle joint regions, and span-to-depth ratios of two-bay beams on structural behavior were investigated. In the frame tests, the effects of boundary conditions of the frame specimens and specimen detailing are studied. In particular, three special detailing techniques were introduced, targeting at increasing beam-end rotation capacities.
Effect of managed care on children's relationships with their primary care physicians: differences by race.

CONTEXT Racial and ethnic disparities in the quality of the patient-provider relationship have been documented previously, but only among adults. Few studies have examined this aspect of primary care quality for children, and none has examined the role of managed care in mediating disparities. OBJECTIVE To explore variations in the associations among 3 managed care policies and the sustained patient-provider relationship for children by racial and ethnic group. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Telephone survey of parents of a random sample of 413 children attending elementary school in a large school district spanning 3 cities in southern California. Self-reported managed care information was validated through contact with health plan representatives. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Parent reporting of the strength of affiliation and interpersonal relationships among the child, the family, and the health care provider. RESULTS Parents of Hispanic and black children reported significantly lower strength of affiliation than whites did (mean, 3.19 and 3.27 vs 3.57; P<.05 and P<.01, respectively). Asians and Hispanics reported significantly poorer interpersonal relationships with providers than whites did (mean, 3.35 and 3.38 vs 3.53; P<.05 for both). Managed care policies requiring patients to (1) sign up with a particular provider, (2) seek a referral for specialty care, and (3) stay within a network were associated with reductions in the interpersonal relationship. All minority groups, but not whites, reported significantly poorer relationships when managed care policies were present. Asian children were most sensitive to the managed care policies. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that racial and ethnic minority children experience poorer patient-provider relationships compared with white children, even controlling for socioeconomic status and health system factors. Minority children are particularly sensitive to managed care policies that restrict patient freedom in choosing where to seek care. Implementing less restrictive policies may enhance the development of the patient-provider relationship.