Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SACHEM, a Real-Time Intelligent Diagnosis System Based on the Discrete Event Paradigm

SACHEM is an extensive large-scale, real-time, knowledge-based system designed to monitor and diagnose complex dynamic processes such as blast furnaces. This article aims at illustrating the way the paradigm of discrete events allowed the design of SACHEM as a recursive abstraction process of discrete events. This recursive abstraction process is the basis of a “perception-based” approach of diagnosis. A first formalization of this kind of diagnosis is proposed and illustrated with the example of the perception of a “scaffolding” phenomenon. Some considerations about blast furnaces, SACHEM, and its development are also provided to argue the operational flavor of a“perception-based”approach for diagnosis.
Lactational Stage of Pasteurized Human Donor Milk Contributes to Nutrient Limitations for Infants

Background. Mother’s own milk is the first choice for feeding preterm infants, but when not available, pasteurized human donor milk (PDM) is often used. Infants fed PDM have difficulties maintaining appropriate growth velocities. To assess the most basic elements of nutrition, we tested the hypotheses that fatty acid and amino acid composition of PDM is highly variable and standard pooling practices attenuate variability; however, total nutrients may be limiting without supplementation due to late lactational stage of the milk. Methods. A prospective cross-sectional sampling of milk was obtained from five donor milk banks located in Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, Texas-Ft Worth, and California. Milk samples were collected after Institutional Review Board (#07-0035) approval and informed consent. Fatty acid and amino acid contents were measured in milk from individual donors and donor pools (pooled per Human Milk Banking Association of North America guidelines). Statistical comparisons were performed using Kruskal–Wallis, Spearman’s, or Multivariate Regression analyses with center as the fixed factor and lactational stage as co-variate. Results. Ten of the fourteen fatty acids and seventeen of the nineteen amino acids analyzed differed across Banks in the individual milk samples. Pooling minimized these differences in amino acid and fatty acid contents. Concentrations of lysine and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were not different across Banks, but concentrations were low compared to recommended levels. Conclusions. Individual donor milk fatty acid and amino acid contents are highly variable. Standardized pooling practice reduces this variability. Lysine and DHA concentrations were consistently low across geographic regions in North America due to lactational stage of the milk, and thus not adequately addressed by pooling. Targeted supplementation is needed to optimize PDM, especially for the preterm or volume restricted infant.
Restricted Strong Convexity Implies Weak Submodularity

We connect high-dimensional subset selection and submodular maximization. Our results extend the work of Das and Kempe (2011) from the setting of linear regression to arbitrary objective functions. For greedy feature selection, this connection allows us to obtain strong multiplicative performance bounds on several methods without statistical modeling assumptions. We also derive recovery guarantees of this form under standard assumptions. Our work shows that greedy algorithms perform within a constant factor from the best possible subset-selection solution for a broad class of general objective functions. Our methods allow a direct control over the number of obtained features as opposed to regularization parameters that only implicitly control sparsity. Our proof technique uses the concept of weak submodularity initially defined by Das and Kempe. We draw a connection between convex analysis and submodular set function theory which may be of independent interest for other statistical learning applications that have combinatorial structure.
Predictors of adverse outcome in a diabetic population following acute coronary syndromes.

INTRODUCTION People with diabetes are at increased risk for heart failure (HF), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and death following acute coronary syndromes (ACS). It is important to recognize the most powerful predictors of these events after an ACS as early as possible, in order to address them more aggressively. This is particularly important considering that various studies have shown that this population is undertreated in the setting of ACS. OBJECTIVES To characterize a diabetic population presenting with ACS and to determine independent predictors of HF, MACE and mortality on follow-up. METHODS This was a longitudinal, observational, retrospective study including 471 consecutive diabetic patients, both previously known and newly diagnosed, hospitalized for ACS in a single center between May 2004 and December 2006. A mean 12-month follow-up was conducted. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the independent predictors of HF, MACE and mortality on follow-up, divided into different periods--1 month, 6 months and 1 year. RESULTS Of the overall diabetic population, 67.3% were male and mean age was 69 +/- 11 years. Mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 62 +/- 22 ml/min and mean left ventricular ejection traction (LVEF) was 50%. diagnosis on admission was ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 31.3%, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in 50.1%, unstable angina (UA) in 14.3% and ACS with left bundle branch block or pacemaker in 4.2%. Cardiac catheterization was performed in 55.6% of the patients during the index hospitalization. Mortality during hospitalization and at 1 year was 6.4% and 10.4%, respectively. The one-year MACE rate was 20.4% and hospitalization for HF occurred in 10.1% of the patients. The independent predictors of HF at 1 year were blood glucose on admission > 184.5 mg/dl, GFR < 63.8 ml/min, LVEF < 46.5% and NSTEMI, while predictors of mortality were LVEF < 40.5% and Killip class on admission > I. Blood glucose on admission > 130.5 mg/dl and LVEF < 49.5% were independent predictors of MACE, whereas cardiac catheterization was a protective factor. CONCLUSION Following ACS diabetic patients have high rates of mortality, HF and MACE. The low rate of invasive strategy may contribute to this situation. HF during hospitalization, whether by low LVEF or Killip class > I, and higher blood glucose on admission were powerful predictors of poorer outcome. Moreover, the use of recommended cardiovascular agents and procedures were protective factors. These findings suggest that diabetic patients should not be excluded from recommended cardiovascular interventions. Efforts should be made to identify these high-risk patients as early as possible in order to manage them carefully and aggressively to improve their poor prognosis.
Genetic deficiency of human mast cell alpha-tryptase.

BACKGROUND Human alpha- and beta-tryptases are proteases secreted by mast cells. Beta (but not alpha) tryptases are implicated in asthma. Genes encoding both types of tryptases cluster on chromosome 16p13.3. OBJECTIVE This study examines the hypothesis, generated from mapping data, that alpha-alleles compete with some beta-alleles at one locus and that an adjacent locus contains beta-alleles exclusively. This hypothesis predicts that beta-alleles outnumber alpha and that some genomes lack alpha genes altogether. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we developed PCR-based techniques to distinguish alpha from beta genes. We then genotyped genomic DNA from individuals and tryptase-expressing cell lines. RESULTS In support of our hypothesis, we find that alpha-tryptase deficiency affects 80/274 (29%) of individuals surveyed. The genotype of the alpha-deficient individuals is betabetabetabeta, due to inheritance of four beta genes. The percentage of the population with the mixed genotypes alphaalphabetabeta and alphabetabetabeta is 21% and 50%, respectively. Accounting for all alpha- and beta-alleles at the tandem loci on 16p13.3, overall alpha-allele frequency is only 0.23, with beta-alleles considerably outnumbering alpha as hypothesized. In samples of defined ethnicity, alpha deficiency affects 45% of Caucasians, but a much lower percentage of other backgrounds, including African-Americans and Asians. Examination of cell lines reveals that HMC-1 and U-937 lack alpha-genes; thus, lack of alpha transcripts in these cells is due to absence of alpha-genes rather than beta-selective transcription. By contrast, alpha-transcribing Mono Mac 6 and KU812 cells contain alpha- and beta-genes. CONCLUSIONS Genetic alpha-tryptase deficiency is common and varies strikingly between ethnic groups. Because beta-tryptases are implicated in allergic disorders, inherited differences in alpha/beta-genotype may affect disease susceptibility, severity and response to tryptase inhibitor therapy.
Toward a Biophysically Plausible Bidirectional Hebbian Rule

Although the commonly used quadratic Hebbian-;anti-Hebbian rules lead to successful models of plasticity and learning, they are inconsistent with neurophysiology. Other rules, more physiologically plausible, fail to specify the biological mechanism of bidirectionality and the biological mechanism that prevents synapses from changing from excitatory to inhibitory, and vice versa. We developed a synaptic bidirectional Hebbian rule that does not suffer from these problems. This rule was compared with physiological homosynaptic conditions in the hippocampus, with the results indicating the consistency of this rule with long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) phenomenologies. The phenomenologies considered included the reversible dynamics of LTP and LTD and the effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate blockers and phosphatase inhibitors.
Connectivity of path graphs

In the paper we present lower bounds for the connectivity of a path graph P2(G) of a graph G. Let δ ≥ 3 be the minimum degree of G. We prove that if G is a connected graph, then P2(G) is at least (δ−1)connected; and if G is 2-connected, then P2(G) is at least (2δ−2)connected. We remark that if G is a δ-regular graph then P2(G) is (2δ−2)-regular, and hence, if G is 2-connected then P2(G) is (2δ−2)connected; its theoretical maximum.
Computerized Posturographic Measurement in Elderly Women with Unilateral Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective To identify the subtle change of postural control in elderly patients with unilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) with computerized dynamic posturography. Method Twenty-two healthy women and twenty-six women with unilateral knee OA, aged 60 and over, were enrolled. The computerized posturographic measures included a weight bearing pattern during squatting and sit-to-stand, sway velocity of center of gravity (COG) during one leg standing, on-axis velocity and directional control of COG during rhythmic weight shift, rising index during sit-to-stand, end sway during tandem walk, and movement time during step up/over. Results It was shown that patients bore significantly less weight on the affected side during the 30° and 60° squat and sit-to-stand. Sway velocity of COG during one leg standing was greater whereas the on-axis velocity and directional control during the front/back rhythmic weight shift were significantly lower in the patient group. The rising index during sit-to-stand was significantly lower and movement time during step up/over with the affected side was significantly longer in patients. Conclusion This study demonstrated in detail a decline of postural balance by utilizing computerized posturography in elderly women with unilateral knee OA. They had less weight-bearing, more sway, and less ability of intentional postural control on the affected side.
Indigenous Knowledge Creation Practices: The Case of Ethiopia

Knowledge management in general, and knowledge creation in particular, gives organizations a competitive advantage in the knowledge era. Although there is a lack of deliberate knowledge management and creation efforts in modern Ethiopia, the country possesses 1,700-year old indigenous practices of knowledge creation. This research in progress seeks to explore the extent to which indigenous knowledge creation practices can inform knowledge creation practices in organizations. We use Nonaka’s SECI model (Socialization Externalization Combination Internalization) to guide our inquiry, and rely on a qualitative, interpretive field study approach to investigate indigenous knowledge management initiatives and their transferability. This research will be relevant not only to researchers interested in knowledge management in the developing world, but also for those interested in conducting research within indigenous communities.
robo2 and robo3 interact with eagle to regulate serotonergic neuron differentiation

The function of the central nervous system (CNS) depends crucially upon the correct differentiation of neurons and formation of axonal connections. Some aspects of neuronal differentiation are known to occur as axonal connections are forming. Although serotonin is a highly conserved neurotransmitter that is important for many CNS functions, little is known about the process of serotonergic neuron differentiation. We show that in Drosophila, expression of the serotonin transporter (SerT) is both temporally and physically related to midline crossing. Additionally, we show that the axon guidance molecules roundabout2 and roundabout3 (robo2/3) are necessary for serotonergic neuron differentiation and function independently of their ligand, slit. Loss of robo2 or robo3 causes a loss of SerT expression in about half of neurons, and resembles the phenotype seen in mutants for the transcription factor eagle (eg). Finally, we show a direct relationship between robo2/3 and eg: robo2/3 mutants lose Eg expression in serotonergic neurons, and robo2 and eg interact genetically to regulate SerT expression. We propose that post-midline expression of Robo2/3 is part of a signal that regulates serotonergic neuron differentiation and is transduced by the transcription factor Eg.
Essential tremor is associated with disruption of functional connectivity in the ventral intermediate Nucleus—Motor Cortex—Cerebellum circuit

The clinical benefits of targeting the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) for the treatment of tremors in essential tremor (ET) patients suggest that the VIM is a key hub in the network of tremor generation and propagation and that the VIM can be considered as a seed region to study the tremor network. However, little is known about the central tremor network in ET patients. Twenty‐six ET patients and 26 matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. After considering structural and head‐motion factors and establishing the accuracy of our seed region, a VIM seed‐based functional connectivity (FC) analysis of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS‐fMRI) data was performed to characterize the VIM FC network in ET patients. We found that ET patients and HCs shared a similar VIM FC network that was generally consistent with the VIM anatomical connectivity network inferred from normal nonhuman primates and healthy humans. Compared with HCs, ET patients displayed VIM‐related FC changes, primarily within the VIM‐motor cortex (MC)‐cerebellum (CBLM) circuit, which included decreased FC in the CBLM and increased FC in the MC. Importantly, tremor severity correlated with these FC changes. These findings provide the first evidence that the pathological tremors observed in ET patients might be based on a physiologically pre‐existing VIM ‐ MC ‐ CBLM network and that disruption of FC in this physiological network is associated with ET. Further, these findings demonstrate a potential approach for elucidating the neural network mechanisms underlying this disease. Hum Brain Mapp 37:165–178, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biphasic Effect of Gingipains from Porphyromonas gingivalis on the Human Complement System1

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the supporting structures of the teeth and is caused by, among other agents, Porphyromonas gingivalis. P. gingivalis is very resistant to killing by human complement, which is present in a gingival fluid at 70% of the serum concentration. We found that the incubation of human serum with purified cysteine proteases of P. gingivalis (gingipains) or P. gingivalis wild-type strains W83 and W50 resulted in a drastic decrease of the bactericidal activity of the serum. In contrast, serum treated with P. gingivalis mutants lacking gingipains (particularly strains without HRgpA) maintained significant bactericidal activity. To understand in detail the mechanism by which gingipains destroy the serum bactericidal activity, we investigated the effects of gingipains on the human complement system. We found that all three proteases degraded multiple complement components, with arginine-specific gingipains (HRgpA and RgpB) being more efficient than lysine-specific gingipain (Kgp). Interestingly, all three proteases at certain concentrations were able to activate the C1 complex in serum, which resulted in the deposition of C1q on inert surfaces and on bacteria themselves. It is therefore plausible that P. gingivalis activates complement when present at low numbers, resulting in a local inflammatory reaction and providing the bacteria with a colonization opportunity and nutrients. At later stages of infection the concentration of proteases is high enough to destroy complement factors and thus render the bacteria resistant to the bactericidal activity of complement.
The Management Centre Research Papers EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS , THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTRACT AND EMPLOYEE OUTCOMES : AN ANALYSIS AND REVIEW OF THE EVIDENCE

There has been growing interest in the impact of flexible employment contracts on workers affected by them. In the light of assumptions that such workers are significantly disadvantaged, European-wide legislation has been introduced to ensure that they are treated similarly to permanent employees. The evidence on the impact of flexible employment contracts on employees’ attitudes and behaviour is reviewed within the framework of the psychological contract. The body of research is limited but is sufficient to challenge the assumption that workers on flexible contracts are invariably disadvantaged. Those on contract of choice, in particular knowledge workers who may be pursuing boundaryless careers are especially likely to report positive outcomes. The evidence also indicates that a framework that incorporates the psychological contract provides additional value in explaining variations in outcomes. * This review was initially prepared as a background paper for a project on “Employment Contracts, the Psychological Contract and Employee Well-Being” funded by SALTSA, the Swedish Trade Union organization. I would like to acknowledge the significant input of other colleagues who formed part of the SALTSA project, namely Kerstin Isaksson (Sweden), Rita Claus and Hans De Witte (Belgium), Moshe Krausz (Israel) Gisela Mohr (Germany), Jose Maria Peiro (Spain), Rene Schalk (The Netherlands). I would also like to thank Michael Clinton of King’s College, London, for his helpful input. There is a wider literature on the subject in the native language literature of each of these countries which is not included in this review. The same group are now collaborating on a project funded by the European Union with the same title. † DAVID GUEST, The Management Centre, School of Social Science & Public Policy, King's College, University of London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NN, United Kingdom. Tel/Fax: +44-(0)20-7848 4252, Email: david.guest@kcl.ac. uk
Consumption of Lean Fish Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Population Based Cohort Study of Norwegian Women

Background The effects of fish consumption and n-3 fatty acids on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have recently been debated. Objective We explored the risk of T2DM in relation to consumption of lean fish, fatty fish, fish products and total fish as well as cod liver oil supplements in a representative sample of Norwegian women. Design This was a prospective population based cohort study in 33740 women free of T2DM, stroke, angina or heart attack and with detailed information on important co-variates and dietary intake at baseline. Risk ratios and corresponding 95% CI were estimated using Poisson regression with log-person time as offset. Results Lean fish consumption was inversely associated with T2DM compared to zero intake. Risk ratios and 95% CI for intake of 75 and 100 g lean fish per day were 0.71 (0.51, 0.98) and 0.67 (0.46, 0.98), respectively. There was no effect of intake of fatty fish, fish products, total fish or use of cod liver oil supplements on the risk of T2DM. Conclusion Lean fish consumption of 75–100 g/d had a beneficial effect on T2DM. It remains unclear whether lean fish in itself has a protective effect on T2DM or that lean fish consumers have a protective life-style that we were not able to take into account in this study. Unfavorable effects of fatty fish consumption or use of cod liver oil supplements on T2DM were not observed.
Change in Surface Hardness of BisGMA/TEGDMA Polymer due to Enzymatic Action

The surface microhardness of specimens made of a BisGMA/ TEGDMA polymer was measured before and during treatment for 60 days with phosphate buffer or phosphate-buffered esterase solution with an activity corresponding to the mean hydrolase activity of human saliva. The hardness of the buffer-treated specimens was unchanged during the incubation period, while that of the esterase-treated specimens decreased gradually. After about five days of treatment, no further change in hardness was observed for up to 60 days. Based on the difference in the calculated hardness of the specimens as a function of the applied load during measurement, it was estimated that the mean microhardness of the outermost surface layer of the esterase-treated specimens was diminished by about 15%, compared with that of the buffer-treated specimens. From these results, it was concluded that the wear resistance of a BisGMA/TEGDMA polymer is most likely diminished by hydrolases in saliva.
Errors in DNA replication as a basis of malignant changes.

Summary In this essay we have considered possible relationships between errors in DNA replication and malignant progression. Theoretical and experimental studies designed to determine the energy of interaction between different nucleotides have been reviewed. The difference of the energy of interaction between complementary and noncomplementary base pairs (1 to 3 kcal) is not sufficient to account for the exactness of DNA replication that is observed in vivo or in vitro. Thus, DNA polymerases must play a role in base selection. This point has been established by the detection of polymerases that copy polynucleotide templates with few errors and the detection of others that make many errors. Different mechanisms for base selection by polymerases have been considered. Our findings that both extracts of human leukemic lymphocytes and a purified DNA polymerase from avian myeloblastosis virus have exceptionally high error rates have been considered in relationship to oncogenesis. A hypothesis is presented that relates mistakes in DNA replication, as promoted by error-prone DNA polymerases, to tumor progression. We have also considered a more general concept encompassing early cellular changes that lead to oncogenesis. The justification for this essay is that both of these hypotheses are open to immediate experimental analysis.