Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
End-to-End Argumentation Mining in Student Essays

Understanding the argumentative structure of a persuasive essay involves addressing two challenging tasks: identifying the components of the essay’s argument and identifying the relations that occur between them. We examine the under-investigated task of end-to-end argument mining in persuasive student essays, where we (1) present the ﬁrst results on end-to-end argument mining in student essays using a pipeline approach; (2) address error propagation inherent in the pipeline approach by performing joint inference over the outputs of the tasks in an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) framework; and (3) propose a novel objective function that enables F-score to be maximized directly by an ILP solver. We evaluate our joint-inference approach with our novel objective function on a publicly-available corpus of 90 essays, where it yields an 18.5% relative error reduction in F-score over the pipeline system.
Diffusion in Axon Guidance

Axon guidance by target‐derived diffusible factors plays an important role in the development of the nervous system. This paper considers the constraints imposed on this process by the mathematics of diffusion. A point source continuously producing a factor into an infinite three‐dimensional volume is considered as a model for both the in vivo and in vitro situation. Basic constraints for effective guidance are assumed to be that the concentration falls between certain maximum and minimum limits, and that the percentage change in concentration across the width of the growth cone exceeds a certain minimum value. The evolution of the shape of the gradient over time is analysed. Using biologically reasonable parameter values, it is shown that the maximum range over which growth cone guidance by a diffusible factor is possible for large times (several days) after the start of the production of the factor is 500–1000 μm. This maximum distance is independent of the diffusion constant of the diffusing molecule, applies to both chemoattractants and chemorepellents, and agrees with experimental data. At earlier times, however, the constraints may be satisfied for distances up to several millimetres. The time it takes for this maximum guidance distance to fall to the asymptotic value depends on the diffusion constant. This time is a few hours for a small molecule but as much as a few days for a large molecule. The model therefore predicts that guidance over distances larger than 1000 μm is possible if the start of production of the factor is carefully matched to the time when guidance is required.
Sirt7 Increases Stress Resistance of Cardiomyocytes and Prevents Apoptosis and Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy in Mice

Sirt7 is a member of the mammalian sirtuin family consisting of 7 genes, Sirt1 to Sirt7, which all share a homology to the founding family member, the yeast Sir2 gene. Most sirtuins are supposed to act as histone/protein deacetylases, which use oxidized NAD in a sirtuin-specific, 2-step deacetylation reaction. To begin to decipher the biological role of Sirt7, we inactivated the Sirt7 gene in mice. Sirt7-deficient animals undergo a reduction in mean and maximum lifespans and develop heart hypertrophy and inflammatory cardiomyopathy. Sirt7 mutant hearts are also characterized by an extensive fibrosis, which leads to a 3-fold increase in collagen III accumulation. We found that Sirt7 interacts with p53 and efficiently deacetylates p53 in vitro, which corresponds to hyperacetylation of p53 in vivo and an increased rate of apoptosis in the myocardium of mutant mice. Sirt7-deficient primary cardiomyocytes show a ≈200% increase in basal apoptosis and a significantly diminished resistance to oxidative and genotoxic stress suggesting a critical role of Sirt7 in the regulation of stress responses and cell death in the heart. We propose that enhanced activation of p53 by lack of Sirt7-mediated deacetylation contributes to the heart phenotype of Sirt7 mutant mice.
Are urban forests ecological traps for understory birds? An examination with Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis Cardinalis)

Although urbanization is one of the most ubiquitous and profound changes underway in landscapes throughout the world, its ecological consequences are not entirely understood. Most previous studies have examined only general patterns of diversity and community structure within urban habitats and have generally documented declines in many native species (e.g. Neotropical migrants) and increases in exotic species and a few native species. A variety of explanations for these patterns have been proposed, such as reductions in habitat area that usually accompany urbanization, land uses within the matrix between habitats (e.g. agriculture or urban development), disturbance by human activity, and changes in nesting substrates, food resources, predator communities, or competitors. Although many studies have focused on the negative ecological consequences of urbanization upon species, few studies have explicitly examined processes (e.g. habitat selection, demographics) responsible for high densities of urban-associated native birds such as Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis). Whether or not urbanizing landscapes are really good for some native species that seem to increase with urbanization remains poorly answered. The Northern Cardinal is an excellent model species for addressing this question. Although previous research shows that Northern Cardinals increase in urbanizing landscapes, perhaps
The Evolution of Dental Journals from 2003 to 2012: A Bibliometric Analysis

Bibliometrics are a set of methods, which can be used to analyze academic literature quantitatively and its changes over time. The objectives of this study were 1) to evaluate trends related to academic performance of dental journals from 2003 to 2012 using bibliometric indices, and 2) monitor the changes of the five dental journals with the highest and lowest impact factor (IF) published in 2003. Data for the subject category "Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine" was retrieved from the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) published from 2003 to 2012. Linear regressions analysis was used to determine statistical trends over the years with each bibliometric indicator as the dependent variable and the JCR year as the predictor variable. Statistically significant rise in the total number of dental journals, the number of all articles with the steepest rise observed for research articles, the number of citations and the aggregate IF was observed from 2003 to 2012. The analysis of the five top and five bottom-tire dental journals revealed a rise in IF however, with a wide variation in relation to the magnitude of this rise. Although the IF of the top five journals remained relatively constant, the percentile ranks of the four lowest ranking journals in 2003 increased significantly with the sharpest rise being noted for the British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. This study revealed significant growth of dental literature in absolute terms, as well as upward trends for most of the citation-based bibliometric indices from 2003 to 2012.
Specific Cleavage of Hepatitis C Virus RNA Genome by Human RNase P*

We have found that RNase P from HeLa cells specifically and efficiently cleaves hepatitis C virus (HCV) transcripts in vitro. The evidence includes identification of the 5′-phosphate polarity of the newly generated termini at position A2860 as well as immunological and biochemical assays. Active cleavage has been shown in five dominant sequences of HCV “quasispecies” differing at or near the position of cleavage, demonstrating that this is a general property of HCV RNA. During the analysis, a second cleavage event was found in the 3′ domain of the internal ribosome entry site. We have found that HCV RNA competitively inhibits pre-tRNA cleavage by RNase P, suggesting that HCV RNA has structural similarities to tRNA. This finding sets HCV apart from other pathogens causing serious human diseases and represents the first description of human RNase P-viral RNA cleavage. Here we discuss the possible meaning of these RNase P-accessible structures built into the viral genome and their possible role in vivo. Moreover, such structures within the viral genome might be vulnerable to attack by therapeutic strategies.
Degradation of Aqueous Rhodamine B With Gaseous Streamer Corona Plasma

Gaseous streamer corona plasma was used to treat the wastewater containing rhodamine B (RhB). Three kinds of discharge modes, including dc discharge, pulsed discharge, and dc/pulse bias discharge, were investigated. Both of RhB degradation rate and energy efficiency were studied under experimental conditions of different peak voltages, repetitive frequencies, H2O2 concentrations, and initial pH, respectively. The results showed that the pulsed discharge had the fastest degradation rate while having an energy efficiency similar to that of dc/pulse bias discharge. The best efficiency of dc/pulse bias discharge was achieved at moderate voltage (17 kV) and low repetitive frequency (100 Hz). Additional H2O2 was found to accelerate the degradation reaction as well as decreasing initial pH. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed that the products of degradation could be N, N-dimethylacetamide because of two strong peaks at 1656 and 1384 m-1.
Prevalence and Persistence of Escherichia coli Strains with Uropathogenic Virulence Characteristics in Sewage Treatment Plants

ABSTRACT We investigated the prevalence and persistence of Escherichia coli strains in four sewage treatment plants (STPs) in a subtropical region of Queensland, Australia. In all, 264 E. coli strains were typed using a high-resolution biochemical fingerprinting method and grouped into either a single or a common biochemical phenotype (S-BPT and C-BPT, respectively). These strains were also tested for their phylogenetic groups and 12 virulence genes associated with intestinal and extraintestinal E. coli strains. Comparison of BPTs at various treatment stages indicated that certain BPTs were found in two or all treatment stages. These BPTs constituted the highest proportion of E. coli strains in each STP and belonged mainly to phylogenetic group B2 and, to a lesser extent, group D. No virulence genes associated with intestinal E. coli were found among the strains, but 157 (59.5%) strains belonging to 14 C-BPTs carried one or more virulence genes associated with uropathogenic strains. Of these, 120 (76.4%) strains belonged to seven persistent C-BPTs and were found in all four STPs. Our results indicate that certain clonal groups of E. coli with virulence characteristics of uropathogenic strains can survive the treatment processes of STPs. These strains were common to all STPs and constituted the highest proportion of the strains in different treatment tanks of each STP.
A $160~\mu {\rm W}$ 8-Channel Active Electrode System for EEG Monitoring

This paper presents an active electrode system for gel-free biopotential EEG signal acquisition. The system consists of front-end chopper amplifiers and a back-end common-mode feedback (CMFB) circuit. The front-end AC-coupled chopper amplifier employs input impedance boosting and digitally-assisted offset trimming. The former increases the input impedance of the active electrode to 2 GΩ at 1 Hz and the latter limits the chopping induced output ripple and residual offset to 2 mV and 20 mV, respectively. Thanks to chopper stabilization, the active electrode achieves 0.8 μVrms (0.5-100 Hz) input referred noise. The use of a back-end CMFB circuit further improves the CMRR of the active electrode readout to 82 dB at 50 Hz. Both front-end and back-end circuits are implemented in a 0.18 μm CMOS process and the total current consumption of an 8-channel readout system is 88 μA from 1.8 V supply. EEG measurements using the proposed active electrode system demonstrate its benefits compared to passive electrode systems, namely reduced sensitivity to cable motion artifacts and mains interference.
Oral health in a group of patients with Rett syndrome in the regions of Valencia and Murcia (Spain): A case-control study

Objectives: Rett syndrome (RS) is a rare disease with oral manifestations that have not been described in detail or in a standardized manner in the literature. The present study describes the oral health of the population with RS in two Spanish regions, following the protocol of the World Health Organization for conducting common oral health surveys. Study Design: A prospective, observational case-control study was carried out, involving a group of patients with RS (n1=41) and a mean age of 13.37±3.19 years, and an age- and gender-matched control group without RS (n0=82). The data referred to oral health and habits were recorded by means of a questionnaire and oral examination was used to document caries indicators (prevalence of caries, df(t), df(s), DMF(T), DMF(S) and indices referred to dental loss, morbidity, restoration), the Community Periodontal Index (CPI), and the most characteristic oral manifestations. Results: The most frequent oral habit in the patients with RS was diurnal bruxism, followed by stereotyped tongue movements and oral breathing. The caries scores were lower in the RS population than in the control group, but patients with RS showed greater periodontal alterations and a greater prevalence of drooling, dental wear, high-arched palate and anterior open bite. Conclusions: The population with RS exhibits characteristic and early oral habits and alterations, and periodontal problems that are more notorious than caries disease, so that our efforts should focus on the diagnosis and early correction of the parafunctional habits, promoting restorative treatment, and providing instructions on correct oral hygiene. Key words:Rett syndrome, oral habits, bruxism, caries.
Environmental Relationships And Predator-Prey Interactions Within The Snapper-Grouper Complex In The Southeastern U.S. Atlantic – Implications For Fisheries Management

v LIST OF TABLES . ix LIST OF FIGURES . x LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . xi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 REFERENCES . 9 CHAPTER 2: EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON REEF FISH COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN THE SOUTHEASTERN U.S. ATLANTIC . 14 2.
Wide Host Ranges of Herbivorous Beetles? Insights from DNA Bar Coding

There are very few studies that have investigated host-specificity among tropical herbivorous insects. Indeed, most of the trophic interactions of herbivorous insects in Southeast Asian tropical rainforests remain unknown, and whether polyphagous feeding is common in the herbivores of this ecosystem has not been determined. The present study employed DNA bar coding to reveal the trophic associations of adult leaf-chewing chrysomelid beetles in a Bornean rainforest. Plant material ingested by the adults was retrieved from the bodies of the insects, and a portion of the chloroplast rbcL sequence was then amplified from this material. The plants were identified at the family level using an existing reference database of chloroplast DNA. Our DNA-based diet analysis of eleven chrysomelid species successfully identified their host plant families and indicated that five beetle species fed on more than two families within the angiosperms, and four species fed on several families of gymnosperms and/or ferns together with multiple angiosperm families. These findings suggest that generalist chrysomelid beetles associated with ecologically and taxonomically distant plants constitute a part of the plant-insect network of the Bornean rainforest.
MiRNA-30a inhibits AECs-II apoptosis by blocking mitochondrial fission dependent on Drp-1

Apoptosis of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs‐II) is a key determinant of initiation and progression of lung fibrosis. However, the mechanism of miR‐30a participation in the regulation of AECs‐II apoptosis is ambiguous. In this study, we investigated whether miR‐30a could block AECs‐II apoptosis by repressing mitochondrial fission dependent on dynamin‐related protein‐1 (Drp‐1). The levels of miR‐30a in vivo and in vitro were determined through quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). The inhibition of miR‐30a in AECs‐II apoptosis, mitochondrial fission and its dependence on Drp‐1, and Drp‐1 expression and translocation were detected using miR‐30a mimic, inhibitor‐transfection method (gain‐ and loss‐of‐function), or Drp‐1 siRNA technology. Results showed that miR‐30a decreased in lung fibrosis. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies revealed that the up‐regulation of miR‐30a could decrease AECs‐II apoptosis, inhibit mitochondrial fission, and reduce Drp‐1 expression and translocation. MiR‐30a mimic/inhibitor and Drp‐1 siRNA co‐transfection showed that miR‐30a could inhibit the mitochondrial fission dependent on Drp‐1. This study demonstrated that miR‐30a inhibited AECs‐II apoptosis by repressing the mitochondrial fission dependent on Drp‐1, and could function as a novel therapeutic target for lung fibrosis.
Cambios en la composición y abundancia de la comunidad microalgal del Pacífico colombiano, en relación con el evento "El Niño" 97-98

El desarrollo del Fenómeno "El Niño" 97-98 afectó la composición microalgal del Pacífico Colombiano, incrementando la abundancia y distribución de especies de dinoflagelados. Por otro lado, se observó una disminución en el número de las especies y poblaciones de diatomeas. En relación con el registro de especies nuevas, se evidenció la presencia de Prorocentrum mexicanum, la cual aparentemente arribó al área de muestreo a través de la Corriente de California hacia la zona costera norte. De igual manera se reportan por primera vez: Chaetoceros aequatorialis , Asteromphalus arachne, Navicula directa, Palmeria hardmaniana, Alexandrium tropicale, Cladopixis brachiolata, Polykrikos kofoidii y Gonyaulax jollifei.
Vision-based pedestrian detection: the PROTECTOR system

This paper presents the results of the first large-scale field tests on vision-based pedestrian protection from a moving vehicle. Our PROTECTOR system combines pedestrian detection, trajectory estimation, risk assessment and driver warning. The paper pursues a "system approach" related to the detection component. An optimization scheme models the system as a succession of individual modules and finds a good overall parameter setting by combining individual ROCs using a convex-hull technique. On the experimental side, we present a methodology for the validation of the pedestrian detection performance in an actual vehicle setting. We hope this test methodology to contribute towards the establishment of benchmark testing, enabling this application to mature. We validate the PROTECTOR system using the proposed methodology and present interesting quantitative results based on tens of thousands of images from hours of driving. Although results are promising, more research is needed before such systems can be placed at the hands of ordinary vehicle drivers.
United States Military Cancer Institute Clinical Trials Group (USMCI GI-01) Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Targeted Nodal Assessment and Ultrastaging With Standard Pathological Evaluation for Colon Cancer

Objective:Our randomized controlled trial previously demonstrated improved staging accuracy with targeted nodal assessment and ultrastaging (TNA-us) in colon cancer (CC). Our objective was to test the hypothesis that TNA-us improves disease-free survival (DFS) in CC. Methods:In this randomized trial, targeted nodal assessment and ultrastaging resulted in enhanced lymph node diagnostic yield associated with improved staging accuracy, which was further associated with improved disease-free survival in early colon cancer. Results:Clinical parameters of the control (n = 94) and TNA-us (n = 98) groups were comparable. Median (interquartile range) lymph node yield was higher in the TNA-us arm: 16 (12–22) versus 13 (10–18); P = 0.002. Median follow-up was 46 (29–70) months. Overall 5-year DFS was 61% in the control arm and 71% in the TNA-us arm (P = 0.11). Clinical parameters of node-negative patients in the control (n = 51) and TNA-us (n = 55) groups were comparable. Lymph node yield was higher in the TNA-us arm: 15 (12–21) versus 13 (8–18); P = 0.03. Five-year DFS differed significantly between groups with node-negative CC (control 71% vs TNA-us 86%; P = 0.04). Survival among stage II CC alone was higher in the TNA-us group, 83% versus 65%; P = 0.03. Adjuvant chemotherapy use was nearly identical between groups. TNA-us stratified CC prognosis; DFS differed significantly between ultrastaged and conventionally staged node-negative patients [control pN0 72% vs TNA-us pN0(i−) 87%; P = 0.03]. Survival varied according to lymph node yield in patients with node-negative CC [5-year DFS: <12 lymph nodes = 57% vs 12+ lymph nodes = 85%; P = 0.011] but not in stage III CC. Conclusions:TNA-us is associated with improved nodal diagnostic yield and enhanced staging accuracy (stage migration), which is further associated with improved DFS in early CC. This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov under the registration number: NCT01623258.
Intergroup relationships and quality improvement in healthcare

Background Intergroup problems among physicians, nurses and administrators in healthcare settings sometimes retard such settings' ability to foster enhanced quality of care. Without knowledge of the social dynamics that generate the difficulties, it is impossible to address some crucial issues that may affect quality initiatives. Methods This paper reviews three types of dynamics, social identity, communities of practice and socialisation into particular professional identities that affect relationships among professional groups in healthcare settings. Recommendations A suggestion is made for the creation of cross-boundary communities of practice, socialisation into them and dual, superordinate identities as a means to foster more effective intergroup dynamics and, thus, contribute to a greater quality of care.
Within and transgenerational immune priming in an insect to a DNA virus

Invertebrates mount a sophisticated immune response with the potential to exhibit a form of immune memory through ‘priming’. Increased immune protection following early exposure to bacteria has been found both later in life (within generation priming) and in the next generation (transgeneration priming) in a number of invertebrates. However, it is unclear how general immune priming is and whether immune priming occurs in response to different parasites, including viruses. Here, using Plodia interpuctella (Lepidoptera) and its natural DNA virus, Plodia interpunctella granulosis virus, we find evidence for both within generation and transgeneration immune priming. Individuals previously exposed to low doses of virus, as well as the offspring of exposed individuals, are subsequently less susceptible to viral challenge. Relatively little is known about the mechanisms that underpin viral immunity but it is probable that the viral immune response is somewhat different to that of bacteria. We show that immune priming may, however, be a characteristic of both responses, mediated through different mechanisms, suggesting that immune memory may be a general phenomenon of insect immunity. This is important because immune priming may influence both host–parasite population and evolutionary dynamics.