Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Search of New Imaging For Historical Earthquakes: A New Geophysical Survey Offshore Western Calabria (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

During the summer of 2010 we carried out a survey to acquire a multidisciplinary dataset within the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia (south-eastern Tyrrhenian sea, Italy), with the aim of studying the active tectonics affecting the region, including that potentially responsible for key, elusive earthquakes such as the to-date unexplained September 8, 1905 (MW 7-7.5) earthquake. The data here analyzed highlight the presence of several tectonic and morphologic features characterizing the investigated area. We have recognized the Angitola Channel, a deep and wide canyon showing a straight trend in its coastward segment, and a meandering trend in the seaward segment. Based on morpho-structural elements, we maintain that the Angitola Channel could be tectonically controlled. Moreover, several gravitational instabilities as slumps and slides affect the flanks of the morpho-structural high, detected offshore Capo Vaticano. Very high resolution seismic data have unveiled the presence of numerous fluid escape features and several mud volcanoes straddling the sector from the coastline to seawards.
Linking animal movement and remote sensing – mapping resource suitability from a remote sensing perspective

Optical remote sensing is an important tool in the study of animal behavior providing ecologists with the means to understand species–environment interactions in combination with animal movement data. However, differences in spatial and temporal resolution between movement and remote sensing data limit their direct assimilation. In this context, we built a data‐driven framework to map resource suitability that addresses these differences as well as the limitations of satellite imagery. It combines seasonal composites of multiyear surface reflectances and optimized presence and absence samples acquired with animal movement data within a cross‐validation modeling scheme. Moreover, it responds to dynamic, site‐specific environmental conditions making it applicable to contrasting landscapes. We tested this framework using five populations of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) to model resource suitability related to foraging achieving accuracies from 0.40 to 0.94 for presences and 0.66 to 0.93 for absences. These results were influenced by the temporal composition of the seasonal reflectances indicated by the lower accuracies associated with higher day differences in relation to the target dates. Additionally, population differences in resource selection influenced our results marked by the negative relationship between the model accuracies and the variability of the surface reflectances associated with the presence samples. Our modeling approach spatially splits presences between training and validation. As a result, when these represent different and unique resources, we face a negative bias during validation. Despite these inaccuracies, our framework offers an important basis to analyze species–environment interactions. As it standardizes site‐dependent behavioral and environmental characteristics, it can be used in the comparison of intra‐ and interspecies environmental requirements and improves the analysis of resource selection along migratory paths. Moreover, due to its sensitivity to differences in resource selection, our approach can contribute toward a better understanding of species requirements.
Clinical outcomes of patients with hepatorenal syndrome after living donor liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice for hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). However, the clinical benefits of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are not yet well established. We, therefore, investigated the outcomes of patients with HRS who underwent LDLT and patients with HRS who received transplants from deceased donors. This study focused on 71 patients with HRS out of a total of 726 consecutive adult Korean patients who underwent LT at a single Asian center. We compared 48 patients who underwent LDLT with 23 patients who underwent deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). Patients with HRS showed poorer survival than patients without HRS (P = 0.01). Poorer survival was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality for patients with HRS (18.3% versus 5.2%, P < 0.001). In comparison with DDLT, LDLT was associated with younger donors and shorter ischemic times. The survival rate with LDLT was significantly higher than the survival rate with DDLT (P = 0.02). Among patients with high Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores (≥30) or type 1 HRS, the survival rates for the LDLT group were not inferior to those for the DDLT group. LDLT significantly improved recipient survival after adjustments for several risk factors (hazard ratio = 0.20, 95% confidence interval = 0.05‐0.85, P = 0.03). Kidney function was significantly improved after LT, and there was no difference between LDLT and DDLT. No patients in the HRS cohort required maintenance renal replacement therapy. In conclusion, LDLT may be a beneficial option for patients with HRS. Liver Transpl 18:1237–1244, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Short-Term and Working Memory Treatments for Improving Sentence Comprehension in Aphasia: A Review and a Replication Study

Abstract Although the roles of verbal short-term and working memory on spoken sentence comprehension skills in persons with aphasia have been debated for many years, the development of treatments to mitigate verbal short-term and working memory deficits as a way of improving spoken sentence comprehension is a new avenue in treatment research. In this article, we review and critically appraise this emerging evidence base. We also present new data from five persons with aphasia of a replication of a previously reported treatment that had resulted in some improvement of spoken sentence comprehension in a person with aphasia. The replicated treatment did not result in improvements in sentence comprehension. We forward recommendations for future research in this, admittedly weak at present, but important clinical research avenue that would help improve our understanding of the mechanisms of improvement of short-term and working memory training in relation to sentence comprehension.
Sticky platelet syndrome and anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy

We report a young patient who presented with nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy associated with the sticky platelet syndrome (SPS, a congenital prothrombotic disorder). A 15‐year‐old boy presented with a sudden, painless onset of a right inferior altitudinal visual field defect and marked optic disc oedema. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (including orbits), orbital ultrasound and haematological investigations including a routine hypercoagulability work‐up were negative. Further evaluation showed a positive assay for SPS which was confirmed on repeat testing. The SPS (characterized by platelet hyperaggregability and vascular occlusion) may be a potential thrombophilic risk factor for nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy.
Parallel lives: A phenomenological study of the lived experience of maladaptive daydreaming

ABSTRACT This qualitative study describes the lived experience of maladaptive daydreaming (MD), an excessive form of unwanted daydreaming that produces a rewarding experience based on a created fantasy of a parallel reality associated with a profound sense of presence. A total of 21 in-depth interviews with persons who self-identified as struggling with MD were analyzed utilizing a phenomenological approach. Interviewees described how their natural capacity for vivid daydreaming had developed into a time-consuming habit that resulted in serious dysfunction. The phenomenology of MD was typified by complex fantasized mental scenarios that were often laced with emotionally compensatory themes involving competency, social recognition, and support. MD could be activated if several requirements were met. Because social interaction seems to be incompatible with this absorbing mental activity, solitude was necessary. In addition, kinesthetic activity and/or exposure to evocative music also appeared to be essential features. Besides delivering a firsthand description of key characteristics of MD, the study also indicates that MD is associated with dysfunctionality for which participants expressed a substantial need for help.
Mice Lacking the Extracellular Matrix Protein WARP Develop Normally but Have Compromised Peripheral Nerve Structure and Function*

WARP is a recently identified extracellular matrix molecule with restricted expression in permanent cartilages and a distinct subset of basement membranes in peripheral nerves, muscle, and the central nervous system vasculature. WARP interacts with perlecan, and we also demonstrate here that WARP binds type VI collagen, suggesting a function in bridging connective tissue structures. To understand the in vivo function of WARP, we generated a WARP-deficient mouse strain. WARP-null mice were healthy, viable, and fertile with no overt abnormalities. Motor function and behavioral testing demonstrated that WARP-null mice exhibited a significantly delayed response to acute painful stimulus and impaired fine motor coordination, although general motor function was not affected, suggesting compromised peripheral nerve function. Immunostaining of WARP-interacting ligands demonstrated that the collagen VI microfibrillar matrix was severely reduced and mislocalized in peripheral nerves of WARP-null mice. Further ultrastructural analysis revealed reduced fibrillar collagen deposition within the peripheral nerve extracellular matrix and abnormal partial fusing of adjacent Schwann cell basement membranes, suggesting an important function for WARP in stabilizing the association of the collagenous interstitial matrix with the Schwann cell basement membrane. In contrast, other WARP-deficient tissues such as articular cartilage, intervertebral discs, and skeletal muscle showed no detectable abnormalities, and basement membranes formed normally. Our data demonstrate that although WARP is not essential for basement membrane formation or musculoskeletal development, it has critical roles in the structure and function of peripheral nerves.
Differential gene expression patterns between smokers and non‐smokers: cause or consequence?

The molecular mechanisms causing smoking‐induced health decline are largely unknown. To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in cause and consequences of smoking behavior, we conducted a genome‐wide gene expression study in peripheral blood samples targeting 18 238 genes. Data of 743 smokers, 1686 never smokers and 890 ex‐smokers were available from two population‐based cohorts from the Netherlands. In addition, data of 56 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for ever smoking were used. One hundred thirty‐two genes were differentially expressed between current smokers and never smokers (P < 1.2 × 10−6, Bonferroni correction). The most significant genes were G protein‐coupled receptor 15 (P < 1 × 10−150) and leucine‐rich repeat neuronal 3 (P < 1 × 10−44). The smoking‐related genes were enriched for immune system, blood coagulation, natural killer cell and cancer pathways. By taking the data of ex‐smokers into account, expression of these 132 genes was classified into reversible (94 genes), slowly reversible (31 genes), irreversible (6 genes) or inconclusive (1 gene). Expression of 6 of the 132 genes (three reversible and three slowly reversible) was confirmed to be reactive to smoking as they were differentially expressed in monozygotic pairs discordant for smoking. Cis‐expression quantitative trait loci for GPR56 and RARRES3 (downregulated in smokers) were associated with increased number of cigarettes smoked per day in a large genome‐wide association meta‐analysis, suggesting a causative effect of GPR56 and RARRES3 expression on smoking behavior. In conclusion, differential gene expression patterns in smokers are extensive and cluster in several underlying disease pathways. Gene expression differences seem mainly direct consequences of smoking, and largely reversible after smoking cessation. However, we also identified DNA variants that may influence smoking behavior via the mediating gene expression.
Lack of a 5.9 kDa Peptide C-Terminal Fragment of Fibrinogen α Chain Precedes Fibrosis Progression in Patients with Liver Disease

Early detection of fibrosis progression is of major relevance for the diagnosis and management of patients with liver disease. This study was designed to find non-invasive biomarkers for fibrosis in a clinical context where this process occurs rapidly, HCV-positive patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT). We analyzed 93 LT patients with HCV recurrence, 41 non-LT patients with liver disease showing a fibrosis stage F≥1 and 9 patients without HCV recurrence who received antiviral treatment before LT, as control group. Blood obtained from 16 healthy subjects was also analyzed. Serum samples were fractionated by ion exchange chromatography and their proteomic profile was analyzed by SELDI-TOF-MS. Characterization of the peptide of interest was performed by ion chromatography and electrophoresis, followed by tandem mass spectrometry identification. Marked differences were observed between the serum proteome profile of LT patients with early fibrosis recurrence and non-recurrent LT patients. A robust peak intensity located at 5905 m/z was the distinguishing feature of non-recurrent LT patients. However, the same peak was barely detected in recurrent LT patients. Similar results were found when comparing samples of healthy subjects with those of non-LT fibrotic patients, indicating that our findings were not related to either LT or HCV infection. Using tandem mass-spectrometry, we identified the protein peak as a C-terminal fragment of the fibrinogen α chain. Cell culture experiments demonstrated that TGF-β reduces α-fibrinogen mRNA expression and 5905 m/z peak intensity in HepG2 cells, suggesting that TGF-β activity regulates the circulating levels of this protein fragment. In conclusion, we identified a 5.9 kDa C-terminal fragment of the fibrinogen α chain as an early serum biomarker of fibrogenic processes in patients with liver disease.
DeepFM: A Factorization-Machine based Neural Network for CTR Prediction

Learning sophisticated feature interactions behind user behaviors is critical in maximizing CTR for recommender systems. Despite great progress, existing methods seem to have a strong bias towards low- or high-order interactions, or require expertise feature engineering. In this paper, we show that it is possible to derive an end-to-end learning model that emphasizes both low- and high-order feature interactions. The proposed model, DeepFM, combines the power of factorization machines for recommendation and deep learning for feature learning in a new neural network architecture. Compared to the latest Wide & Deep model from Google, DeepFM has a shared input to its "wide" and "deep" parts, with no need of feature engineering besides raw features. Comprehensive experiments are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of DeepFM over the existing models for CTR prediction, on both benchmark data and commercial data.
[Detection of sperm chromosomes in Robertsonian translocation carriers by dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization].

OBJECTIVE To study the technique of dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization(D-FISH) and its application value in sperm chromosomes of Robertsonian translocation carriers. METHODS The technique of dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization was used. Biotin labelled 13q14.3 specific probe and Digoxigenin labeled 14q11.1 specific probe were used for in situ hybridization of sperm specimens in 2 Robertsonian translocation carriers. Hybridization signals for chromosomes 13 and 14 in the sperm interphase nucleus were counted. RESULTS Under the microscope, Biotin labeled 13q 14.3 specific probe showed 1 green hybridization signal and Digoxigenin labeled 14q 11.1 specific probe showed 1 red hybridization signal. Interphase nucleus counter-stained with DAPI showed blue. From the total of 3,000 sperm interphase nuclei, the positive rate for 1 green hybridization signal and 1 red hybridization signal was 13q/14q(39.33%), for 1 green and 2 red was 13q/14q, 14q(11.57%), for 1 green was 13q/-(9.27%), for 2 green and 1 red was 13q,13q/14q(12.87%), for 1 red was -/14q(9.87%) and for 2 green and 2 red was 13q,13q/14q, 14q(12.26%). CONCLUSIONS D-FISH of the human sperm interphase nucleus can be applied to the determination of sperm chromosomes of Robertsonian translocation carriers and the analysis of the laws of chromosomal segregation in the meiosis. The technique can be widely used in such aspects of human reproduction as insemination under the microscope and preimplantation embryos genetic diagnosis.
Reversible Linkage of Two Distinct Small Molecule Inhibitors of Myc Generates a Dimeric Inhibitor with Improved Potency That Is Active in Myc Over-Expressing Cancer Cell Lines

We describe the successful application of a novel approach for generating dimeric Myc inhibitors by modifying and reversibly linking two previously described small molecules. We synthesized two directed libraries of monomers, each comprised of a ligand, a connector, and a bioorthogonal linker element, to identify the optimal dimer configuration required to inhibit Myc. We identified combinations of monomers, termed self-assembling dimeric inhibitors, which displayed synergistic inhibition of Myc-dependent cell growth. We confirmed that these dimeric inhibitors directly bind to Myc blocking its interaction with Max and affect transcription of MYC dependent genes. Control combinations that are unable to form a dimer do not show any synergistic effects in these assays. Collectively, these data validate our new approach to generate more potent and selective inhibitors of Myc by self-assembly from smaller, lower affinity components. This approach provides an opportunity for developing novel therapeutics against Myc and other challenging protein:protein interaction (PPI) target classes.
Endo-testing: unit testing with mock objects

Unit testing is a fundamental practice in Extreme Programming, but most non-trivial code is difficult to test in isolation. It is hard to avoid writing test suites that are complex, incomplete, and difficult to maintain and interpret. Using Mock Objects for unit testing improves both domain code and test suites. They allow unit tests to be written for everything, simplify test structure, and avoid polluting domain code with testing infrastructure.
The effect of diffusion on the dynamics of unsteady detonations

Abstract The dynamics of a one-dimensional detonation predicted by a one-step irreversible Arrhenius kinetic model are investigated in the presence of mass, momentum and energy diffusion. A study is performed in which the activation energy is varied and the length scales of diffusion and reaction are held constant. As the activation energy is increased, the system goes through a series of period-doubling events and eventually undergoes a transition to chaos. The rate at which these bifurcation points converge is calculated and shown to be in agreement with the Feigenbaum constant. Within the chaotic regime, there exist regions in which there are limit cycles consisting of a small number of oscillatory modes. When an appropriately fine grid is used to capture mass, momentum and energy diffusion, predictions are independent of the differencing scheme. Diffusion affects the behaviour of the system by delaying the onset of instability and strongly influencing the dynamics in the unstable regime. The use of the reactive Euler equations to predict detonation dynamics in the unstable and marginally stable regimes is called into question as the selected reactive and diffusive length scales are representative of real physical systems; reactive Navier–Stokes is a more appropriate model in such regimes.
Effect of intrafusal muscle mechanics on mammalian muscle spindle sensitivity

Sensitivity differences between primary and secondary endings of mammalian muscle spindles under various conditions of stretch and fusimotor activation may be due to differences in their respective mechanoelectric transducers or to mechanical properties of the intrafusal muscle supporting those endings. This study of isolated cat muscle spindles examines the strain in individual intrafusal muscle fibers resulting from stretch and fusimotor stimulation. The degree of local stretch occurring at the sensory endings under these conditions was measured. The results support the hypothesis that the sensitivities of primary and secondary endings are quite similar. They are directly related to the local stretch of the underlying muscle which may be altered by changes in muscle stress and stiffness.
Multiple and High‐Titer Single Autoantibodies in Schoolchildren Reflecting the Genetic Predisposition for Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract: The study aimed to compare the HLA specificities of AAb‐positive healthy schoolchildren with those of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). HLA‐DRB1 and DQB1 alleles were determined in 178 AAb‐positive and 339 AAb‐negative schoolchildren aged 6‐17 years without first‐degree relatives with T1D and in 274 patients with T1D. AAbs against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA), protein tyrosine phosphatase (IA‐2A), and insulin (IAA) were determined by 125I‐antigen binding, and islet cell cytoplasmic antibodies (ICAs) immunohistochemically. Here, 82.6% (147/178) of AAb‐positive schoolchildren had single AAbs and 17.4% (31/178) had multiple AAbs. In both groups, GADA occurred with highest and IAA with lowest frequency. In children with single AAbs at levels between the 99th and 99.9th percentile, frequencies of the diabetes‐associated DRB1 (*03, *04) and DQB1 (*02, *0302) alleles and the protective DRB1 (*15) and DQB1 (*0602) alleles did not differ from those of controls. In patients, the positive associations were confirmed for DRB1*04 (OR = 5.39) and DQB1*0302 (OR = 9.05), whereas DRB1*15 (OR = 0.05) and DQB1*0602 (OR = 0.06) were negative‐associated (p < 0.001). The same association was found in schoolchildren with multiple AAbs for DRB1*04 (OR = 3.84), DQB1*0302 (OR = 4.95), and DRB1*15 (OR = 0.1; p < 0.001‐0.014), and with high‐titer single AAbs (≥99.9th percentile), but none of them had DQB1*0602. The highest risk genotype DQB1*02/*0302 occurred in 36.5% of patients (OR = 21.07) and in 19.3% of children with multiple AAbs (OR = 8.8; p<0.001). It is concluded that probands with multiple and high‐titer single AAbs in the general population have the same genetic predisposition for T1D as patients and are therefore at highest risk for the disease.
Effects of ploidy and sex-locus genotype on gene expression patterns in the fire ant Solenopsis invicta

Males in many animal species differ greatly from females in morphology, physiology and behaviour. Ants, bees and wasps have a haplodiploid mechanism of sex determination whereby unfertilized eggs become males while fertilized eggs become females. However, many species also have a low frequency of diploid males, which are thought to develop from diploid eggs when individuals are homozygous at one or more sex determination loci. Diploid males are morphologically similar to haploids, though often larger and typically sterile. To determine how ploidy level and sex-locus genotype affect gene expression during development, we compared expression patterns between diploid males, haploid males and females (queens) at three developmental timepoints in Solenopsis invicta. In pupae, gene expression profiles of diploid males were very different from those of haploid males but nearly identical to those of queens. An unexpected shift in expression patterns emerged soon after adult eclosion, with diploid male patterns diverging from those of queens to resemble those of haploid males, a pattern retained in older adults. The finding that ploidy level effects on early gene expression override sex effects (including genes implicated in sperm production and pheromone production/perception) may explain diploid male sterility and lack of worker discrimination against them during development.