Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiac troponin T predicts long-term outcomes in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Increased plasma troponin T (cTnT), but not troponin I (cTnI), is frequently observed in end-stage renal failure patients. Although generally considered spurious, we previously reported an associated increased mortality at 12 months. METHODS We studied long-term outcomes in 244 patients on chronic hemodialysis for up to 34 months, correlating the outcomes to plasma cTnT in routine predialysis samples. In addition, subsequent plasma samples at least 1 year later and within 6 months of data analysis were available in 97 patients and were used to identify patients with increasing plasma cTnT. The endpoints used were death and new or worsening coronary, cerebro-, and peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy. RESULTS Transplantation occurred more frequently in patients with low initial cTnT: 31%, 13%, and 3% in the groups with cTnT < 0.010, 0.010-0.099, and > or = 0.100 microg/L, respectively. In the same groups, total deaths occurred in 6%, 43%, and 59% and cardiac deaths in 0%, 14%, and 24% of patients. In patients with follow-up samples, the group with increasing cTnT had a significantly increased death (relative risk, 2.0; P = 0.028). The increase was mainly in cardiac and sudden deaths. CONCLUSIONS Higher plasma cTnT predicts long-term all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients, even at concentrations < 0.100 microg/L, as does an increasing cTnT concentration over time.
Segmentation Driven Low-rank Matrix Recovery for Saliency Detection

Low-rank matrix recovery (LRMR) model, aiming at decomposing a matrix into a low-rank matrix and a sparse one, has shown the potential to address the problem of saliency detection, where the decomposed low-rank matrix naturally corresponds to the background, and the sparse one captures salient objects. This is under the assumption that the background is consistent and objects are obviously distinctive. Unfortunately, in real images, the background may be cluttered and may have low contrast with objects. Thus directly applying the LRMR model to the saliency detection has limited robustness. This paper proposes a novel approach that exploits bottom-up segmentation as a guidance cue of the matrix recovery. This method is fully unsupervised, yet obtains higher performance than the supervised LRMR model. A new challenging dataset PASCAL-1500 is also introduced to validate the saliency detection performance. Extensive evaluations on the widely used MSRA-1000 dataset and also on the new PASCAL-1500 dataset demonstrate that the proposed saliency model outperforms the state-of-the-art models.
C2C Versus B2C: A Comparison of the Winner's Curse in Two Types of Electronic Auctions

Researchers studying on-line auction venues have focused on the businessto-consumer (B2C) auction and overlooked consumer-to-consumer (C2C) auctions. Since these two venues differ significantly in consumer type and auction rules, they are expected to generate different levels of consumer surplus. This paper explores the extent to which consumers in each type of auction experience the winner's curse - that is, pay more than the minimum fixed price for identical products. The paper also examines how product value, information asymmetry, and type of auction affect the occurrence of the winner's curse.
A fully programmable FSM-based Processing Engine for Gigabytes/s header parsing

In this paper we discuss a new architecture, which is deployed for multi-standard packet inspection and basic network processing tasks in a high-performance network coprocessor. Thereby, concepts, architecture, compiler tool-chain and VLSI area estimation for this programmable finite state machine based (FSM-based) Processing Engine, FPE, are presented. The microarchitecture comprises an FSM-controlled instruction sequencing mechanism, a novel register organization scheme and a short pipeline instead of a typical multi-staged processor pipeline. This introduces several advantages for efficient handling of conditional branches and small look-ups. Those advantages can be utilized for packet classification applications. The FPE data path performance is compared to an ARM9-type processor in two exemplary header parsing kernels from the ”CommBench” benchmark suite. According to the results, the presented engine provides a speed-up of 4 to 10 in terms of required computation cycles to the ARM9. Using a 65 nm VLSI technology, the FPE design is supposed to run at clock frequencies up to 2 GHz and requires about 1.8 mm2 chip area. Based on the specific transition rule memory organization, which is an essential element of the programmable FSM, a memory utilization of around 95 % can be achieved. However, the FPE micro-architecture requires a customized code translation chain in order to transfer high-level program code into an FSM representation. Basically, this is achieved by three steps: (1) generation of sequential, assembly-like macroinstructions, (2) scheduling and generation of FSM-based horizontal (parallel) micro-code and (3) organization of respective FSM rules in the ”instruction” memory. Our studies confirm the advantages of the FPE as a fully programmable highperformance header parsing engine.
Does Perception of Biological Motion Rely on Specific Brain Regions?

Perception of biological motions plays a major adaptive role in identifying, interpreting, and predicting the actions of others. It may therefore be hypothesized that the perception of biological motions is subserved by a specific neural network. Here we used fMRI to verify this hypothesis. In a group of 10 healthy volunteers, we explored the hemodynamic responses to seven types of visual motion displays: drifting random dots, random dot cube, random dot cube with masking elements, upright point-light walker, inverted point-light walker, upright point-light walker display with masking elements, and inverted point-light walker display with masking elements. A gradient in activation was observed in the occipitotemporal junction. The responses to rigid motion were localized posteriorly to those responses elicited by nonrigid motions. Our results demonstrate that in addition to the posterior portion of superior temporal sulcus, the left intraparietal cortex is involved in the perception of nonrigid biological motions.
MicroRNAs Influence Reproductive Responses by Females to Male Sex Peptide in Drosophila melanogaster

Across taxa, female behavior and physiology change significantly following the receipt of ejaculate molecules during mating. For example, receipt of sex peptide (SP) in female Drosophila melanogaster significantly alters female receptivity, egg production, lifespan, hormone levels, immunity, sleep, and feeding patterns. These changes are underpinned by distinct tissue- and time-specific changes in diverse sets of mRNAs. However, little is yet known about the regulation of these gene expression changes, and hence the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs), in female postmating responses. A preliminary screen of genomic responses in females to receipt of SP suggested that there were changes in the expression of several miRNAs. Here we tested directly whether females lacking four of the candidate miRNAs highlighted (miR-279, miR-317, miR-278, and miR-184) showed altered fecundity, receptivity, and lifespan responses to receipt of SP, when mated once or continually to SP null or control males. The results showed that miRNA-lacking females mated to SP null males exhibited altered receptivity, but not reproductive output, in comparison to controls. However, these effects interacted significantly with the genetic background of the miRNA-lacking females. No significant survival effects were observed in miRNA-lacking females housed continually with SP null or control males. However, continual exposure to control males that transferred SP resulted in significantly higher variation in miRNA-lacking female lifespan than did continual exposure to SP null males. The results provide the first insight into the effects and importance of miRNAs in regulating postmating responses in females.
Implications of evolution metrics on software maintenance

In the context of a hypothesis attributing the slow progress in achieving major global software process improvement, in part, to overlooking the role of feedback in that process, the FEAST/1 project is studying the impact of feedback on software evolution. Amongst its activities the project is analysing metrics of the evolution of several industrial systems, ranging from a financial transaction system to a very large real time system. The similarities which have emerged from a comparison of evolution metrics from several systems, support conclusions reached in a 1970s study of OS/360 evolution. The latest results suggest some refinement of earlier conclusions but indicate that both the metrics and the conclusions derived from them must be taken into account in the planning and implementation of successful software maintenance. Papers discussing the FEAST/1 results may accessed via the FEAST web page [fwp98].
Optimized Job Scheduling approach based on Genetic algorithms in smart Grid environment

The advances in communications and information technologies have been playing a major role in all aspects of our lives. One of those majors aspects that affect our daily lives is the power grids which lead to what we call Smart Grids. One of the major challenges in these grids is to optimize the consumption and resources. This paper presents an optimized job scheduling approach using genetic algorithm which provides a minimum cost for completing different tasks in a grid environment. In grid environment different independent appliances are sharing the same resources depending on the availability of resources and the need of these appliances to run. There are different job scheduling approached starting from typical strategies, Ant Colony (AC) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). In this paper we present a cost optimized Genetic Algorithm approach for appliances job scheduling by considering different parameters like job duration time, the resources availability and the job priority to start. The proposed approach is tested using a simulator written in c++ programming language. The results show that the total saving in cost is better than the previous approaches.
To wait or not to wait? Improving results when interviewing intoxicated witnesses to violence.

Witnesses to violent crimes are often alcohol intoxicated, but few studies have investigated the impact of alcohol on witness reports. This study investigated how alcohol intoxication and time of interview affected reports of intimate partner violence (IPV). One hundred thirty six healthy men (N = 66) and women (N = 70) were randomized to an alcohol group (0.8g/kg for men, 0.75g/kg for women) (N = 70) or control group (N = 66), given juice. Participants consumed drinks in a laboratory setting before they witnessed an IPV scenario. Fifty percent of the intoxicated and sober participants were interviewed ten minutes after viewing the film and all participants were interviewed one week later. For the analyses, participants in the alcohol group were divided into two groups (moderately/highly intoxicated) based on their BAC-level. Ten minutes after viewing the event, highly (BAC = 0.08-0.15) intoxicated witnesses gave shorter, but as accurate, reports as moderately intoxicated/sober witnesses. All witnesses gave shorter and less accurate reports one week later compared to immediately after. However, an immediate interview increased completeness one week later. In general, time and high intoxication made witnesses give less detailed accounts of actions and verbal information, but not of objects. Highly intoxicated witnesses reported less actions and verbal information in all interviews, while information regarding objects was reported to a similar extent. At the present BAC-level, it is beneficial to conduct an immediate free recall interview with intoxicated witnesses to obtain a maximum amount of correct information and minimize the negative effect of time.
From Use to Effective Use: A Representation Theory Perspective

Information systems must be used effectively to obtain maximum benefits from them. However, despite a great deal of research on when and why systems are used, very little research has examined what effective system use involves and what drives it. To move from use to effective use requires understanding an information system's nature and purpose, which in turn requires a theory of information systems. We draw on representation theory, which states that an information system is made up of several structures that serve to represent some part of the world that a user and other stakeholders must understand. From this theory, we derive a high-level framework of how effective use and performance evolve, as well as specific models of the nature and drivers of effective use. The models are designed to explain the effective use of any information system and offer unique insights that would not be offered by traditional views, which tend to consider information systems to be just another tool. We explain how our theory extends existing research, provides a rich platform for research on effective use, and how it contributes back to the theory of information systems from which it was derived.
The Relationship Between the Number of Intersections of Staple Lines and Anastomotic Leakage After the Use of a Double Stapling Technique in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Purpose: Laparoscopic intracorporeal colorectal anastomosis with double stapling technique is difficult because of unsuitable cutting angle in narrow pelvic cavity. For reasons of tilted and long linear staple line of rectal stump, circular anastomotic plane can make multiple intersections. The present study was designed to assess whether multiple intersections after double stapling technique is the risk factor of anastomotic complication in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Materials and Methods: In total, 128 consecutive left colon and rectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal resection with double stapling technique were enrolled in this study. In all cases, operator tried to reduce intersections by inversion and invagination techniques. They were subdivided into 3 groups: 58 patients with no intersection of staple lines (group A), 62 patients with 1 point of intersection (group B) and 8 patients with 2 points of intersection (group C). Intraoperative air leakage, incomplete cut ring, postoperative bleeding, anastomotic stenosis, and leakage were compared between the 3 groups. Results: Clinical anastomotic leakage was identified in 1 (group C) of 128 patients (0.7%). Overall anastomotic leakage rate was 0% (0/58) in group A, 0% (0/62) in group B, and 12.5% (1/8) in group C (P=0.001). In univariate analysis, intersections of staple lines were associated with anastomotic complications. There were no statistically significant differences between the 3 groups in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The number of intersections of staple lines is associated with anastomotic leakage, and the inversion technique is a useful method for avoiding anastomotic leakage. Using an appropriate technique by skilled operator, double stapling technique for laparoscopic anterior resection is safe and feasible.
Clustering of Tissue-Specific Sub-TADs Accompanies the Regulation of HoxA Genes in Developing Limbs

HoxA genes exhibit central roles during development and causal mutations have been found in several human syndromes including limb malformation. Despite their importance, information on how these genes are regulated is lacking. Here, we report on the first identification of bona fide transcriptional enhancers controlling HoxA genes in developing limbs and show that these enhancers are grouped into distinct topological domains at the sub-megabase scale (sub-TADs). We provide evidence that target genes and regulatory elements physically interact with each other through contacts between sub-TADs rather than by the formation of discreet “DNA loops”. Interestingly, there is no obvious relationship between the functional domains of the enhancers within the limb and how they are partitioned among the topological domains, suggesting that sub-TAD formation does not rely on enhancer activity. Moreover, we show that suppressing the transcriptional activity of enhancers does not abrogate their contacts with HoxA genes. Based on these data, we propose a model whereby chromatin architecture defines the functional landscapes of enhancers. From an evolutionary standpoint, our data points to the convergent evolution of HoxA and HoxD regulation in the fin-to-limb transition, one of the major morphological innovations in vertebrates.
Asymptotic Analysis of Correlated Multi-Antenna Broadcast Channels

In this paper we consider the MIMO broadcast channel with antenna correlation at the transmitter and receiver. We derive the theoretical sum rate of systems with a large number of antennas for zero-forcing and regularized zero-forcing precoders. Particularly, we apply the results to volume-limited devices where the correlation originates from a dense antenna packing. Throughout this contribution we make extensive use of recent tools from random matrix theory. Simulations confirm the theoretical claims and also indicate that in most scenarios the asymptotic derivations applied to a finite number of users give good approximations of the true ergodic sum rate.
Supersonic dislocation stability and nano-twin formation at high strain rate

Improved understanding of the plastic deformation of metals during high-strain-rate shock loading is key to predicting their resulting material properties. This paper presents the results of molecular-dynamics simulations which address two fundamental questions related to materials deformation: the stability of supersonic dislocations and the mechanism of nano-twin formation. The results show that aluminium plastically deforms by the subsonic motion of edge dislocations when subjected to applied shear stresses of up to 600 MPa. Although higher applied stresses initially drive transonic dislocations, this motion is transient, and the dislocations decelerate to a sustained subsonic saturation velocity. Slowing of the transonic dislocation is controlled by the interaction with excited Rayleigh waves. 800 MPa marks a critical shear stress at which dislocation glide gives way to nano-twin formation via the homogeneous nucleation of Shockley partial dislocation dipoles. At still higher applied stresses, additional dislocation dipole nucleation produces a mid-stacking fault transformation of the twinned material.
Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Comorbid Conditions for Ménière’s Disease

Objectives: The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of Ménière’s disease and investigate its relationship with: demographic factors; symptoms and conditions that are known or hypothesized to be associated with Ménière’s disease; other physical diseases; mental health. Design: The authors used cross-sectional data from the UK Biobank to compare 1376 self-reported Ménière’s participants with over 500,000 without Ménière’s. The data set has comprehensive anthropometric measures, questionnaire data investigating health, well-being, diet, and medical and drug-prescribing history for each participant. The authors used logistic regression models to investigate the relationship of Ménière’s disease with: demographic factors; symptoms and conditions that are known or hypothesized to be associated with Ménière’s disease; other physical diseases; and mental health. Results: Ménière’s disease was more common in participants who were older (adjusted odds ratio per 10-year increase: 1.5 [95% confidence interval:1.4–1.6]), white (odds ratio: 1.7;1.2–2.3), female (1.4;1.3–1.6), and having higher body mass index categories (p < 0.001). The Ménière’s group had greater odds of hearing difficulty (10.9;9.6–12.5), current tinnitus (68.3;47.8–97.5), and had fallen more than once in the last year (2.1;1.8–2.5). Ménière’s participants had greater odds of reporting at least one disease from each grouping of allergic, immune dysfunction, or autonomic dysfunction (2.2;1.8–2.6), and poor mental health (2.1;1.8–2.5). Conclusions: This study provides an evidence base that improves understanding of Ménière’s disease. Associations were noted with a number of diseases, and the authors hypothesize a role for the autonomic nervous system and immune system dysfunction in Ménière’s etiology. The study also highlights the physical and mental health correlates of the condition.
Identification of novel and conserved functional and structural elements of the G1 cyclin Cln3 important for interactions with the CDK Cdc28 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Regions of the budding yeast G1 cyclin Cln3 were characterized using mutational analysis and viability assays to identify functionally relevant and novel mutant alleles of CLN3. Cyclin proteins are conserved, and Cln3 contains a region with homology to the cyclin box, which is thought to mediate physical interactions with the cyclin‐dependent kinase. CLN3 was found to have characteristics similar to the conserved cyclin fold found in higher eukaryotic cyclin boxes, which consist of five α‐helices. Peptide linker sequences inserted within helices 1, 2, 3 and 5 resulted in a loss of Cln3 function, showing cyclin fold structure similar to that previously observed for the G1 cyclin Cln2. A clustered‐charge‐to‐alanine scan mutagenesis revealed two regions of Cln3 important for Cln3‐dependent viability. The first region encompasses the conserved cyclin box. The second region is identified with alanine substitutions located well past the cyclin box, just prior to the C‐terminal region of Cln3 important for protein stability. Cln3 with mutational changes in each of these regions are expressed at steady‐state levels higher than wild‐type Cln3, and show some defect in binding to Cdc28. The conserved hydrophobic patch domain (HPD) of cyclins is present within the first helix of the cyclin box. Alanine substitutions introduced into the HPD of Cln3 and Cln2 show functional defects while maintaining physical interaction with Cdc28 as measured by co‐immunoprecipitation assay. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reinforcement Learning with Parameterized Actions

We introduce a model-free algorithm for learning in Markov decision processes with parameterized actions—discrete actions with continuous parameters. At each step the agent must select both which action to use and which parameters to use with that action. We introduce the Q-PAMDP algorithm for learning in these domains, show that it converges to a local optimum, and compare it to direct policy search in the goal-scoring and Platform domains.
Field investigation of engineering properties and uniformity of subgrades chemically treated with LKD

A field investigation was performed immediately after the construction of a subgrade treated with 5% lime kiln dust (LKD) to determine the degree of uniformity and quality achieved using current construction techniques. A 280-m long section of a road was chosen for the field tests. The first 140 m was treated with LKD over a target thickness of 41 cm (16 inches), which is the current standard practice in Indiana. The second 140 m was treated with a reduced target thickness of 36-cm (14 inches). For the thicker, 41-cm treated subgrade, the increase in california bearing ratio (CBR) with respect to that of the untreated soil at the site was around 100%, as average, while for the thinner, 36-cm treated subgrade it was about 350%. All field and laboratory test results showed consistently better and more uniform results for the 36-cm thick treated subgrade than for the 41-cm thick treated subgrade.