Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TEXT2TABLE: Medical Text Summarization System Based on Named Entity Recognition and Modality Identification

With the rapidly growing use of electronic health records, the possibility of large-scale clinical information extraction has drawn much attention. It is not, however, easy to extract information because these reports are written in natural language. To address this problem, this paper presents a system that converts a medical text into a table structure. This system's core technologies are (1) medical event recognition modules and (2) a negative event identification module that judges whether an event actually occurred or not. Regarding the latter module, this paper also proposes an SVM-based classifier using syntactic information. Experimental results demonstrate empirically that syntactic information can contribute to the method's accuracy.
Implementation of multiple specialization in logic programs

We study the multiple specialization of logic programs based on abstract interpretation. This involves in general generating several versions of a program predicate for different uses of such predicate, making use of information obtained from global analysis performed by an abstract interpreter, and finally producing a new, "multiply specialized" program. While the topic of multiple specialization of logic programs has received considerable theoretical attention, it has never been actually incorporated in a compiler and its effects quantified. We perform such a study in the context of a parallelizing compiler and show that it is indeed a relevant technique in practice. Also, we propose an implementation technique which has the same power as the strongest of the previously proposed techniques but requires little or no modification of an existing abstract interpreter.
Measure twice and cut once: Robust dynamic voltage scaling for FPGAs

Although dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) is a popular power reduction solution that has been widely used by processors and ASICs, it is still not commercially adopted by FPGAs. A unique feature of FPGAs that leads to challenges in adopting DVS is that the critical path and hence the minimum safe Vdd depends on the configured application. We present a robust DVS technique that solves these challenges. For each application, we generate a calibration table (CT) that stores the actual failing points of that application on a specific FPGA, under various operating conditions. This CT is used to scale Vdd while the application is running to guarantee safe operation with minimal power consumption. We develop an automated tool (FRoC) that ensures a Fast-Robust-Calibration of the FPGA to any application using it. FRoC ensures that the calibration process is invisible to FPGA users and does not add any extra manual steps to the design process. We show that our proposed DVS technique achieves a 33% total power reduction on two large applications.
Strategic Disclosure Timing and Insider Trading

I provide evidence that managers strategically manipulate their company’s information environment to extract private benefits. Exploiting an SEC requirement that managers disclose certain material corporate events within five business days, I show that managers systematically disclose negative events when investors are more distracted, causing returns to under-react for approximately three weeks. Strategic disclosure tim- ing is concentrated among smaller firms with high retail-investor ownership and low analyst coverage. Furthermore, I use the fact that most insider sales are scheduled in advance to demonstrate that top managers are more than twice as likely to strategically time disclosures if the return under-reaction benefits their insider sales. Finally, I find that firms that systematically disclose negative news on Fridays have higher levels of earnings management.
Sexual selection in the wolf spider Hygrolycosa rubrofasciata: female preference for drum duration and pulse rate

The unusual form of sexual signaling, the drumming produced by the wolf spider Hygrolycosa rubrofasciata, allows exceptionally detailed studies of female preference patterns against signal characteristics. It is easy to manipulate the signals and to use large numbers of females in playback experiments. Males of H. rubrofasciata produce drums by striking their abdomen against dry leaves on the ground. Drums travel not only as substrate-borne vibrations, but also as airborne acoustic signals. Females respond sooner to drums transferred as substrate borne, but the mode of signal transfer has no effect on female preference for different types of drums. We investigated the effects of two key components of the drums, duration and pulse rate, on female choice. Previous studies have shown that the duration of the drum is both repeatable within males and variable between males. In contrast, pulse rate shows high within-male repeatability but only little variability between males. Using playbacks of manipulated drums, we found that females preferred drums of longer duration but that pulse rate had no effect on female preference. Our results suggest that drum duration may function as an indicator of male quality for choosy females. Pulse rate, on the other hand, is less likely to be an important trait in intersexual selection. Female preference for drum duration was open-ended within the natural variation of the drum durations, but it leveled off outside the normal range. Thus supernormal stimuli would not pay for males using this energetically demanding acoustic signal. Key words: acoustic signaling, drum duration, female choice, Hygrolycosa rubrofasciata, pulse rate, sexual selection, wolf spiders. [Behav Ecol 13:615–621 (2002)]
The Effect of Labeling and Numbering of Response Scales on the Likelihood of Response Bias

Extreme response style (ERS) and acquiescence response style (ARS) are among the most encountered problems in attitudinal research. The authors investigate whether the response bias caused by these response styles varies with following three aspects of question format: full versus end labeling, numbering answer categories, and bipolar versus agreement response scales. A questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 5,351 respondents from the Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences household panel, of which a subsample was assigned to one of five conditions. The authors apply a latent class factor model that allows for diagnosing and correcting for ERS and ARS simultaneously. The results show clearly that both response styles are present in the data set, but ARS is less pronounced than ERS. With regard to format effects, the authors find that end labeling evokes more ERS than full labeling and that bipolar scales evoke more ERS than agreement style scales. With full labeling, ERS opposes opting for middle response categories, whereas end labeling distinguishes ERS from all other response categories. ARS did not significantly differ depending on test conditions.
Prostate intraepithelial neoplasia induced by prostate restricted Akt activation: The MPAKT model

To determine whether Akt activation was sufficient for the transformation of normal prostate epithelial cells, murine prostate restricted Akt kinase activity was generated in transgenic mice (MPAKT mice). Akt expression led to p70S6K activation, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), and bladder obstruction. mRNA expression profiles from MPAKT ventral prostate revealed similarities to human cancer and an angiogenic signature that included three angiogenin family members, one of which was found elevated in the plasma of men with prostate cancer. Thus, the MPAKT model may be useful in studying the role of Akt in prostate epithelial cell transformation and in the discovery of molecular markers relevant to human disease.
Hemispheric Differences in Higher-Order Object Processing and Effect of Expertise: Modular vs. Distributed Perspectives

What is the process by which our brains recognize higher-order visual objects, like faces, words and foreign scripts? How does perception change with experience, and what are the implications for human behavior? We are interested in exploring the extent to which face processing and word processing are mediated by different or same hemispheric mechanisms, and the extent to which experience with a particular orthographic script (English, Chinese) influences this hemispheric specialization. Two groups of participants were recruited: those who have never formally studied Chinese, and whose native language is English, and those whose native language was Chinese, and acquired English as a second language. A split-field psychophysics paradigm tests for competition and cooperation across hemispheres when participants match displays of faces or words or Chinese characters presented in the left or right visual field. Accuracy and reaction time are compared for a left versus right visual field presentation to determine hemispheric gradation for these three classes of stimuli. Whereas native English speakers show a right hemisphere advantage for faces and left hemisphere advantage for words, native Chinese speakers show a left hemispheric advantage for faces and no hemispheric advantage for words. Both groups show a left hemispheric dominance for Chinese characters. The differences and similarity between the two groups brings to light the role of experience in object representation and the potential malleability of neural resources. Results have implications for perceptual expertise, cortical plasticity, and experience-dependent perceptual learning. Hemispheric Differences 3
Multicentre analysis of current ST-elevation myocardial infarction acute care pathways

Background Rapid reperfusion with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is vital for patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the guideline-recommended time targets are regularly exceeded. The goal of this study was to gain insight into how Dutch PCI centres try to achieve these time targets by comparing their care processes with one another and with the European guideline-recommended process. In addition, accelerating factors perceived by care providers were identified. Methods In this multiple case study, interviews with STEMI care providers were conducted, transcribed and used to create process descriptions per centre. Analyses consisted of within-case and between-case analyses of the processes. Accelerating factors were identified by means of open and axial coding. Results In total, 28 interviews were conducted in six PCI centres. The centres differed from the guideline-recommended process on, for example, additional, unavoidable patient routings and monitoring delays, and from one another on the communication of diagnostic information (eg, transmitting all, only ambiguous or no ECGs) and catheterisation room preparation. These differences indicated diverging choices to maintain a balance between speed and diagnostic accuracy. Factors perceived by care providers as accelerating the process included trust in the tentative diagnosis, and avoiding unnecessary intercaregiver consultations. The combination of processes and accelerating factors were summarised in a model. Conclusions Numerous differences in processes between PCI centres were identified. Several time-saving strategies were applied by PCI centres, however, in different configurations. To further improve the care for patients with STEMI, best practices can be shared between centres and countries.
Human Bocavirus in Patients with Respiratory Tract Infection

Background Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a newly identified viral pathogen, and its clinical epidemiology and significance in respiratory infections have not yet been completely elucidated. We investigated the prevalence of HBoV infection and the association between viral (HBoV) load and clinical features of the infection in patients of all age-groups. Methods Nasopharyngeal aspirates from patients with symptoms of respiratory infection were tested for presence of HBoV by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. HBoV-positive patients were categorized into low- and high-viral-load groups using 1.0×106 copies/mL as the threshold value of viral load. Results Detection rate of HBoV was 4.8% (N=93) in a total of 1,926 samples with peak incidence of infection being observed in patients aged 6-12 months. HBoV infection was more frequently observed in young children, especially, in children aged less than 5 yr, and the HBoV load decreased with increase in age. HBoV was codetected with other respiratory viruses in 17 (18.3%) of the 93 HBoV-positive patients and 15 patients (88.2%) belonged to the low-viral-load group. Patients infected with HBoV alone showed a higher viral load than those patients in whom HBoV was codetected with other respiratory viruses (median load, 3.78×105 copies/mL vs. 1.94×104 copies/mL, P=0.014). Higher pulse rate (P=0.007) and respiratory rate (P=0.021) were observed in patients with a high-viral-load. Conclusions Our results suggest that HBoV may be the causative agent of respiratory infection in the high-viral-load group.
Inhibition of enzyme activity by nanomaterials: Potential mechanisms and implications for nanotoxicity testing

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate whether nanoparticle-exposure affects enzyme function and to determine the mechanisms responsible. Silicon, Au, and CdSe nanoparticles were synthesized in house and their physicochemical properties were characterized. The activity of purified lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was inhibited or abolished by all nanoparticles tested. Inhibition was dependent upon particle core and surface-functional group composition. Inhibition of LDH was absent in crude tissue homogenates, in the presence of albumin, and at the isoelectric point of the protein, indicating that nanoparticles bind non-specifically to abundant proteins via a charge interaction. Circular dichroism spectroscopy suggests that the structure of LDH may be altered by nanoparticles in a manner different from that of bulk controls. We present new data on the specific physicochemical properties of nanoparticles that may lead to bioactivity and highlight a number of potentially serious problems with common nanotoxicity testing methods.
The Lhx9-integrin pathway is essential for positioning of the proepicardial organ

The development of the vertebrate embryonic heart occurs by hyperplastic growth as well as the incorporation of cells from tissues outside of the initial heart field. Amongst these tissues is the epicardium, a cell structure that develops from the precursor proepicardial organ on the right side of the septum transversum caudal to the developing heart. During embryogenesis, cells of the proepicardial organ migrate, adhere and envelop the maturing heart, forming the epicardium. The cells of the epicardium then delaminate and incorporate into the heart giving rise to cardiac derivatives, including smooth muscle cells and cardiac fibroblasts. Here, we demonstrate that the LIM homeodomain protein Lhx9 is transiently expressed in Xenopus proepicardial cells and is essential for the position of the proepicardial organ on the septum transversum. Utilizing a small-molecule screen, we found that Lhx9 acts upstream of integrin-paxillin signaling and consistently demonstrate that either loss of Lhx9 or disruption of the integrin-paxillin pathway results in mis-positioning of the proepicardial organ and aberrant deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. This leads to a failure of proepicardial cell migration and adhesion to the heart, and eventual death of the embryo. Collectively, these studies establish a requirement for the Lhx9-integrin-paxillin pathway in proepicardial organ positioning and epicardial formation. Summary: In Xenopus, Lhx9, a LIM homeodomain protein, acts upstream of integrin-paxillin signaling to control positioning and migration of proepicardial cells, and subsequent epicardium formation.
Is maternal progesterone actually independent of the fetal steroids?

Progesterone and estradiol are the foremost steroid hormones in human pregnancy. However, the origin of maternal progesterone has still not been satisfactorily explained, despite the generally accepted opinion that maternal LDL-cholesterol is a single substrate for placental synthesis of maternal progesterone. The question remains why the levels of progesterone are substantially higher in fetal as opposed to maternal blood. Hence, the role of the fetal zone of fetal adrenal (FZFA) in the synthesis of progesterone precursors was addressed. The FZFA may be directly regulated by placental CRH inducing an excessive production of sulfated 3beta-hydroxy-5-ene steroids such as sulfates of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) and pregnenolone (PregS). Due to their excellent solubility in plasma these conjugates are easily transported in excessive amounts to the placenta for further conversion to the sex hormones. While the significance of C19 3beta-hydroxy-5-ene steroid sulfates originating in FZFA for placental estrogen formation is mostly recognized, the question "Which maternal and/or fetal functions may be served by excessive production of PregS in the FZFA? " - still remains open. Our hypothesis is that, besides the necessity to synthesize de novo all the maternal progesterone from cholesterol, it may be more convenient to utilize the fetal PregS. The activities of sulfatase and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) are substantially higher than the activity of cytochrome P450scc, which is rate-limiting for the placental progesterone synthesis from LDL-cholesterol. However, as in the case of progesterone synthesis from maternal LDL-cholesterol, the relative independence of progesterone levels on FZFA activity may be a consequence of substrate saturation of enzymes converting PregS to progesterone. Some of the literature along with our current data (showing no correlation between fetal and maternal progesterone but significant partial correlations between fetal and maternal 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone (Prog20alpha) and between Prog20alpha and progesterone within the maternal blood) indicate that the localization of individual types of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is responsible for a higher proportion of estrone and progesterone in the fetus, but also a higher proportion of estradiol and Prog20alpha in maternal blood. Type 2 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17HSD2), which oxidizes estradiol to estrone and Prog20alpha to progesterone, is highly expressed in placental endothelial cells lining the fetal compartment. Alternatively, syncytium, which is directly in contact with maternal blood, produces high amounts of estradiol and Prog20alpha due to the effects of type 1, 5 and 7 17? -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17HSD1, 17HSD5, and 17HSD7, respectively). The proposed mechanisms may serve the following functions: 1) providing substances which may influence the placental production of progesterone and synthesis of neuroprotective steroids in the fetus; and 2) creating hormonal milieu enabling control of the onset of labor.
Evaluation of polypharmacy and appropriateness of prescription in geriatric patients: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care hospital

Objectives: To assess the polypharmacy and appropriateness of prescriptions in geriatric patients in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: An observational study was done in geriatric patients (>60 years) of either gender. The data collected from patients included: Socio-demographic data such as age, gender, marital status, educational status, socioeconomic status, occupation, nutritional status, history of alcohol/smoking, exercise history, details of comorbid diseases, medication history, findings of clinical examination etc. In this study, polypharmacy was considered as having 5 or more medications per prescription. Medication appropriateness for each patient was analysed separately based on their medical history and clinical findings by applying medication appropriateness index, screening tool to alert to right treatment (START) and Beers criteria and STOPP criteria. Results: A total of 426 patients, 216 (50.7%) were males and 210 (49.3%) were females. Polypharmacy was present in 282 prescriptions (66.2%). Highest prevalence of polypharmacy was seen in 70-79 years age group compared to the other two groups and it was statistically significant. Out of 426 patients, 36 patients were receiving drugs which were to be avoided as per Beers criteria. Among the total patients, 39 patients were overprescribed as per MAI, 56 patients were under prescribed as per START criteria and 85 out of 426 prescriptions were inappropriate in accordance with beers criteria, stop criteria, start criteria and MAI index. Conclusion: Around 66.19% patients were receiving polypharmacy. Significant number of patients were receiving drugs which are to be avoided as well as overprescribed and under prescribed. Inappropriate prescription was seen in a good number of patients.
Study of Organic Honey from the Northeast of Portugal

Concerns about traces of numerous toxic substances and authenticity have prompted consumer demand for honey that is certified as organic, based on strict ecological, natural principles and traceability. The present study aims to characterize organic honey samples (n = 73) from Northeast Portugal, with respect to floral nectar origin, physicochemical parameters and microbial safety. The phenols and flavonoids contents, often referred to as responsible for honey’s bioactive properties, were also assessed. All organic honey samples were classified as monofloral lavender (Lavandula sp.), exceeded in quality the international physicochemical standards and showed low microbiological counts (yeast, moulds and aerobic mesophiles), with negative results in respect to fecal coliforms, Salmonella and sulphite-reducing Clostridium spp. Correlation of the palynological, physicochemical and microbiological results is necessary to check the authenticity, quality and sanitation of honey. Although not required by international legislation, results of those assessments provide a complete outlook and elucidation of the organic honey’s properties, which could promote its valorisation.
Appropriately timed analgesics control pain due to chest tube removal.

BACKGROUND Pain during chest tube removal can be moderately to severely intense and distressful to patients. Little evidence-based research has guided clinicians in attempts to alleviate such pain. OBJECTIVE To test pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions to alleviate pain during chest tube removal in cardiac surgery patients. METHODS Four interventions were tested in 74 patients in a randomized, double-blind study: (1) 4 mg intravenous morphine and procedural information; (2) 30 mg intravenous ketorolac and procedural information; (3) 4 mg intravenous morphine plus procedural and sensory information; and (4) 30 mg intravenous ketorolac plus procedural and sensory information. Analgesics were administered to correspond to peak effect, and scripted information was provided. Pain intensity and pain distress were measured before analgesic administration, immediately after chest tube removal, and 20 minutes later Pain quality was measured immediately after chest tube removal. Level of sedation was measured before and 20 minutes after chest tube removal. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were used to test differences among groups over time. RESULTS Pain intensity, pain distress, and sedation levels did not differ significantly among groups. However, procedural pain intensity (mean 3.26, SD 3.00) and pain distress (mean 2.98, SD 3.18) scores for all were low. Patients remained alert, regardless of which analgesic was administered. CONCLUSIONS If used correctly, either an opioid (morphine) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (ketorolac) can substantially reduce pain during chest tube removal without causing adverse sedative effects. Thus, clinicians may choose among several safe and effective analgesic interventions during chest tube removal.