Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Partition-Based Framework for Building and Validating Regression Models

Regression models play a key role in many application domains for analyzing or predicting a quantitative dependent variable based on one or more independent variables. Automated approaches for building regression models are typically limited with respect to incorporating domain knowledge in the process of selecting input variables (also known as feature subset selection). Other limitations include the identification of local structures, transformations, and interactions between variables. The contribution of this paper is a framework for building regression models addressing these limitations. The framework combines a qualitative analysis of relationship structures by visualization and a quantification of relevance for ranking any number of features and pairs of features which may be categorical or continuous. A central aspect is the local approximation of the conditional target distribution by partitioning 1D and 2D feature domains into disjoint regions. This enables a visual investigation of local patterns and largely avoids structural assumptions for the quantitative ranking. We describe how the framework supports different tasks in model building (e.g., validation and comparison), and we present an interactive workflow for feature subset selection. A real-world case study illustrates the step-wise identification of a five-dimensional model for natural gas consumption. We also report feedback from domain experts after two months of deployment in the energy sector, indicating a significant effort reduction for building and improving regression models.
Effect of Hydrogen-Rich Saline on Postoperative Intra-Abdominal Adhesion Bands Formation in Mice

Background Postsurgical peritoneal adhesions (PPAs) are pathologic fibrous bands within the peritoneal cavity. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) on PPAs formation in mice. Material/Methods Adhesions were induced in mice using the cecum rubbing model. The mice were allocated into 4 groups: control sham group without cecum rubbing; PPA group with saline applied intraperitoneally (i.p.) daily after cecum rubbing; PPA+HRS (5) group with 5 ml/kg of HRS applied i.p. daily after cecum rubbing; and PPA+HRS (10) group with 10 ml/kg of HRS applied i.p. daily after cecum rubbing. On the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days after the operation, mice were killed and pathological adhesion bands were quantified to detect the effect of HRS on PPAs formation. Results HRS did not affect PPAs formation on the 1st day, but did make a significant reduction on the 3rd and 7th days. A significant increase of t-PA and decrease of TGF-β1 and PAI-1 in the peritoneal fluids were observed in the HRS-treated groups. The levels of MDA and MPO in the HRS-treated groups were significantly lower than those in the PPA group. TNF-α and IL-6 levels in HRS-treated groups significantly decreased compared with those in the PPA group on postoperative day 3 and 7. Moreover, HRS decreased the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and TGF-β1 expression in the postsurgical adhesion bands. Conclusions These results showed that HRS had therapeutic potential for preventing PPAs formation, possibly through balancing the expression of TGF-β1, t-PA, and PAI-1, and inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.
Serial Correlation and the Combination of Forecasts

It is shown that regression-based methods of forecast combination lead to serially correlated combined prediction errors. The form of the serial correlation is characterized, and specification, estimation, and prediction are treated. A fully optimal combined predictor, which exploits the serial correlation, is developed and compared with existing regression-based methods in a numerical example, leading to decreases in mean squared prediction error.
Mental Health Professionals in Children's Advocacy Centers: Is There Role Conflict?

Two recent chapters in professional books have criticized children's advocacy centers for creating role conflict for mental health professionals because of their work with criminal justice and child protection professionals in children's advocacy centers as part of a coordinated response to child abuse. This article argues that these critiques misunderstand children's advocacy center practice and overestimate the risk of role conflict. Children's advocacy center standards set a boundary between forensic interviewing and therapy, which in most children's advocacy centers are done by separate professionals and never by the same professional for a given child. Many mental health professionals serve children's advocacy centers as consultants with no treatment role. Children's advocacy center therapists are rarely involved in investigation, and their participation in multidisciplinary teams focuses on children's interests and well-being.
Two Light-Induced Processes in the Photoreceptor Cells of Limulus Ventral Eye

The dark-adapted current-voltage (I-V) curve of a ventral photoreceptor cell of Limulus, measured by a voltage-clamp technique, has a high slope-resistance region more negative than resting voltage, a lower slope-resistance region between resting voltage and zero, and a negative slope-resistance region more positive than 0 v. With illumination, we find no unique voltage at which there is no light-induced current. At the termination of illumination, the I-V curve changes quickly, then recovers very slowly to a dark-adapted configuration. The voltage-clamp currents during and after illumination can be interpreted to arise from two separate processes. One process (fast) changes quickly with change in illumination, has a reversal potential at +20 mv, and has an I-V curve with positive slope resistance at all voltages. These properties are consistent with a light-induced change in membrane conductance to sodium ions. The other process (slow) changes slowly with changes in illumination, generates light-activated current at +20 mv, and has an I-V curve with a large region of negative slope resistance. The mechanism of this process cannot as yet be identified.
Post-Decision Wagering Affects Metacognitive Awareness of Emotional Stimuli: An Event Related Potential Study

The present research investigated metacognitive awareness of emotional stimuli and its psychophysiological correlates. We used a backward masking task presenting participants with fearful or neutral faces. We asked participants for face discrimination and then probed their metacognitive awareness with confidence rating (CR) and post-decision wagering (PDW) scales. We also analysed psychophysiological correlates of awareness with event-related potential (ERP) components: P1, N170, early posterior negativity (EPN), and P3. We have not observed any differences between PDW and CR conditions in the emotion identification task. However, the "aware" ratings were associated with increased accuracy performance. This effect was more pronounced in PDW, especially for fearful faces, suggesting that emotional stimuli awareness may be enhanced by monetary incentives. EEG analysis showed larger N170, EPN and P3 amplitudes in aware compared to unaware trials. It also appeared that both EPN and P3 ERP components were more pronounced in the PDW condition, especially when emotional faces were presented. Taken together, our ERP findings suggest that metacognitive awareness of emotional stimuli depends on the effectiveness of both early and late visual information processing. Our study also indicates that awareness of emotional stimuli can be enhanced by the motivation induced by wagering.
Voltage‐ and cation‐dependent inactivation of L‐type Ca2+ channel currents in guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes

L‐type Ca2+ channel currents in native ventricular myocytes inactivate according to voltage‐ and Ca2+‐dependent processes. This study sought to examine the effect of β‐adrenergic stimulation on the contributions of voltage and Ca2+ to Ca2+ current decay. Ventricular myocytes were enzymatically isolated from guinea‐pig hearts. Inward whole‐cell Cd2+‐sensitive L‐type Ca2+ channel currents were recorded with the patch clamp technique and comparison was made between inward currents carried by Ca2+ and either Ba2+, Sr2+ or Na+. In control conditions the decay of Ca2+ currents was faster than Ba2+, Sr2+ or Na+ currents at negative voltages while at positive voltages there was no difference. The relationship between voltage and inactivation for Ca2+ currents was bell‐shaped, while that for Ba2+, Sr2+, and Na+ currents was sigmoid. Thus depolarisation progressively replaced Ca2+‐dependent inactivation in the fast phase of decay of Ca2+ channel currents with rapid voltage‐dependent inactivation. In the presence of isoproterenol (isoprenaline) the decay of Ca2+ currents was faster than Ba2+, Sr2+ or Na+ currents at all measured voltages (‐40 to +30 mV). The relationship between voltage and inactivation for Ca2+, Ba2+ and Sr2+ currents was bell‐shaped, while that for Na+ currents was sigmoid with less inactivation than under control conditions. Therefore the fast phase of decay of Ca2+ channel currents was now almost entirely due to Ca2+. It is concluded that the relative contributions of Ca2+‐ and voltage‐dependent mechanisms of inactivation of L‐type Ca2+ channels in native cardiac myocytes are modulated by β‐adrenergic stimulation influencing the amount of rapid voltage‐dependent inactivation.
Synergistic Effects of Nano-Sized Titanium Dioxide and Zinc on the Photosynthetic Capacity and Survival of Anabaena sp.

Anabaena sp. was used to examine the toxicity of exposure to a nano-TiO2 suspension, Zn2+ solution, and mixtures of nano-TiO2 and Zn2+ suspensions. Typical chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, including effective quantum yield, photosynthetic efficiency and maximal electron transport rate, were measured by a pulse-amplitude modulated fluorometer. Nano-TiO2 particles exhibited no significant toxicity at concentrations lower than 10.0 mg/L. The 96 h concentration for the 50% maximal effect (EC50) of Zn2+ alone to Anabaena sp. was 0.38 ± 0.004 mg/L. The presence of nano-TiO2 at low concentrations (<1.0 mg/L) significantly enhanced the toxicity of Zn2+ and consequently reduced the EC50 value to 0.29 ± 0.003 mg/L. However, the toxicity of the Zn2+/TiO2 system decreased with increasing nano-TiO2 concentration because of the substantial adsorption of Zn2+ by nano-TiO2. The toxicity curve of the Zn2+/TiO2 system as a function of incremental nano-TiO2 concentrations was parabolic. The toxicity significantly increased at the initial stage, reached its maximum, and then decreased with increasing nano-TiO2 concentration. Hydrodynamic sizes, concentration of nano-TiO2 and Zn2+ loaded nano-TiO2 were the main parameters for synergistic toxicity.
Identification of the Chi site of Haemophilus influenzae as several sequences related to the Escherichia coli Chi site

The Escherichia coli Chi site 5′‐GCTGGTGG‐3′ modulates the activity of the powerful dsDNA exonuclease and helicase RecBCD. Genome sequence analyses revealed that Chi is frequent on the chromosome and oriented with respect to replication on the E. coli genome. Chi is also present much more frequently than predicted statistically for a random 8‐mer sequence. Although it is assumed that Chi is ubiquitous, there is virtually no proof that its features are conserved in other microorganisms. We therefore identified and analysed the Chi sequence of an organism for which the full genome sequence was available, Haemophilus influenzae. The biological test we used is based on our finding that rolling circle plasmids provide a specific substrate for RecBCD analogues in different microorganisms. Unexpectedly, several related sequences, corresponding to 5′‐GNTGGTGG‐3′ and 5′‐G(G/C)TGGAGG‐3′, showed Chi activity. As in E. coli, the H. influenzae Chi sites are frequent on the genome, which is in keeping with the need for frequent Chi sites for dsDNA break repair of chromosomal DNA. Although statistically over‐represented, this feature is less marked than that of the E. coli Chi site. In contrast to E. coli, the H. influenzae Chi motifs are only slightly oriented with respect to the replication strand. Thus, although Chi appears to have a highly conserved biological role in attenuating exonuclease activity, its sequence characteristics and statistical representation on the genome may differ according to the particular features of the host.
Supporting Team-First Visual Analytics through Group Activity Representations

Collaborative visual analytics (CVA) involves sensemaking activities within teams of analysts based on coordination of work across team members, awareness of team activity, and communication of hypotheses, observations, and insights. We introduce a new type of CVA tools based on the notion of “team-first” visual analytics, where supporting the analytical process and needs of the entire team is the primary focus of the graphical user interface before that of the individual analysts. To this end, we present the design space and guidelines for team-first tools in terms of conveying analyst presence, focus, and activity within the interface. We then introduce InsightsDrive, a CVA tool for multidimensional data, that contains team-first features into the interface through group activity visualizations. This includes (1) in-situ representations that show the focus regions of all users integrated in the data visualizations themselves using color-coded selection shadows, as well as (2) ex-situ representations showing the data coverage of each analyst using multidimensional visual representations. We conducted two user studies, one with individual analysts to identify the affordances of different visual representations to inform data coverage, and the other to evaluate the performance of our team-first design with exsitu and in-situ awareness for visual analytic tasks. Our results give an understanding of the performance of our team-first features and unravel their advantages for team coordination.
The manipulation of strain, when stress is controlled, modulates in vivo tendon mechanical properties but not systemic TGF-β1 levels

Modulators of loading‐induced in vivo adaptations in muscle–tendon complex (MTC) mechanical properties remain unclear. Similarly contentious, is whether changes in MTC characteristics are associated with growth factor levels. Four groups were subjected to varying magnitudes of stress/strain: Group 1 trained with the MTC at a shortened position (MTCS; n = 10); Group 2 at a lengthened position (MTCL; n = 11; stress levels matched to MTCS); Group 3 over a wide range of motion (MTCX; n = 11); and Group 4 (n = 10) was the control population (no training). Patella tendon Stiffness (P < 0.001), Young's modulus, and quadriceps torque (P < 0.05) increments (only seen in the training groups), showed MTCL and MTCX groups responses to be superior to those of MTCS (P < 0.05). In addition, MTCL and MTCX better maintained adaptations compared to MTCS (P < 0.05) following detraining, with a pattern of slower loss of improvements at the early phase of detraining in all training groups. There were no significant changes (P > 0.05) in antagonist cocontraction, patella tendon dimensions or circulating transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β1) levels following training or detraining in any of the groups. We conclude that chronically loading the MTC in a relatively lengthened position (which involves greater strains) enhances its mechanical properties, more so than loading in a shortened position. This is true even after normalizing for internal stress. The underlying endocrine mechanisms do not appear to be mediated via TGF‐β1, at least not at the systemic level. Our findings have implications with regard to the effectiveness of eccentric loading on improved tendon structural and mechanical properties.
Mechanisms of Regulation of Epithelial Sodium Channel by SGK1 in A6 Cells

The serum and glucocorticoid induced kinase 1 (SGK1) participates in the regulation of sodium reabsorption in the distal segment of the renal tubule, where it may modify the function of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). The molecular mechanism underlying SGK1 regulation of ENaC in renal epithelial cells remains controversial. We have addressed this issue in an A6 renal epithelial cell line that expresses SGK1 under the control of a tetracycline-inducible system. Expression of a constitutively active mutant of SGK1 (SGK1T S425D) induced a sixfold increase in amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current (I sc). Using noise analysis we demonstrate that SGK1 effect on I sc is due to a fourfold increase in the number of functional ENaCs in the membrane and a 43% increase in channel open probability. Impedance analysis indicated that SGK1T S425D increased the absolute value of cell equivalent capacitance by an average of 13.7%. SGK1T S425D also produced a 1.6–1.9-fold increase in total and plasma membrane subunit abundance, without changing the half-life of channels in the membrane. We conclude that in contrast to aldosterone, where stimulation of transport can be explained simply by an increase in channel synthesis, SGK1 effects are more complex and involve at least three actions: (1) increase of ENaC open probability; (2) increase of subunit abundance within apical membranes and intracellular compartments; and (3) activation of one or more pools of preexistent channels within the apical membranes and/or intracellular compartments.
Optical coherence tomography study of experimental anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and histologic confirmation.

PURPOSE The optic nerve is part of the central nervous system, and interruption of this pathway due to ischemia typically results in optic atrophy and loss of retinal ganglion cells. In this study, we assessed in vivo retinal changes following murine anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and compared these anatomic measurements to that of histology. METHODS We induced ischemia at the optic disc via laser-activated photochemical thrombosis, performed serial SD-OCT and manual segmentation of the retinal layers to measure the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and total retinal thickness, and correlated these measurements with that of histology. RESULTS There was impaired perfusion and leakage at the optic disc on fluorescein angiography immediately after AION and severe swelling and distortion of the peripapillary retina on day-1. We used SD-OCT to quantify the changes in retinal thickness following experimental AION, which revealed significant thickening of the GCC on day-1 after ischemia followed by gradual thinning that plateaued by week-3. Thickness of the peripapillary sensory retina was also increased on day-1 and thinned chronically. This pattern of acute retinal swelling and chronic thinning on SD-OCT correlated well with changes seen in histology and corresponded to loss of retinal ganglion layer cells after ischemia. CONCLUSIONS This was a serial SD-OCT quantification of acute and chronic changes following experimental AION, which revealed changes in the GCC similar to that of human AION, but over a time frame of weeks rather than months.
A Multicenter, Prospective Study of a New Fully Covered Expandable Metal Biliary Stent for the Palliative Treatment of Malignant Bile Duct Obstruction

Background and Study Aims. Endoscopic placement of self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) is indicated for palliation of inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. A fully covered biliary SEMS (WallFlex Biliary RX Boston Scientific, Natick, USA) was assessed for palliation of extrahepatic malignant biliary obstruction. Patients and Methods. 58 patients were included in this prospective, multicenter series conducted under an FDA-approved IDE. Main outcome measurements included (1) absence of stent occlusion within six months or until death, whichever occurred first and (2) technical success, need for reintervention, bilirubin levels, stent patency, time to stent occlusion, and adverse events. Results. Technical success was achieved in 98% (57/58), with demonstrated acute removability in two patients. Adequate clinical palliation until completion of followup was achievedin 98% (54/55) of evaluable patients, with 1 reintervention due to stent obstruction after 142 days. Mean total bilirubin decreased from 8.9 mg/dL to 1.2 mg/dL at 1 month. Device-related adverse events were limited and included 2 cases of cholecystitis. One stent migrated following radiation therapy. Conclusions. The WallFlex Biliary fully covered stent yielded technically successful placement with uncomplicated acute removal where required, appropriate reduction in bilirubin levels, and low rates of stent migration and occlusion. This SEMS allows successful palliation of malignant extrahepatic biliary obstruction.
The cytoplasmic domains of immunoglobulin (Ig) alpha and Ig beta can independently induce the precursor B cell transition and allelic exclusion

In mature B cells, signals transduced through membrane immunoglobulin (Ig) produce cellular activation, yet the same receptor can also mediate deletion and silencing of autoreactive B cells. In addition, Ig expression during the antigen-independent phase of B cell development regulates the precursor B (pre-B) cell transition and allelic exclusion. To account for the diverse regulatory functions induced by membrane Ig, it has been proposed that individual receptor components have independent physiologic activities. Here we establish a role for Ig alpha in the pre-B cell transition and allelic exclusion. We find that the cytoplasmic domain of Ig alpha contains sufficient information to trigger both of these antigen-independent events. Direct comparisons of the cytoplasmic domains of Ig alpha and Ig beta show that the two are indistinguishable in the induction of the pre-B cell transition and allelic exclusion. Our experiments suggest that, despite the reported differences in certain biochemical assays, Ig alpha and Ig beta have redundant functions in the developing B cell.
Determining Teachers’ TPACK through observations and self-report data

This study reports an arrangement directed at the development of 12 pre-service teachers’ TPACK, by guiding them in developing, practicing and teaching lessons that integrate technology for the first time. Interview, observation, and survey data were collected throughout the study. Results from the study confirmed the contention of Koehler and Mishra (2008) that teachers’ TPACK can be expressed in different ways for different students and in different contextual conditions. Analysis of lesson plan documents showed a well presented theoretical development of the teachers’ TPACK. This seemed to have aligned with their self-reported beliefs which reported slightly higher competencies of TPACK. Observation data however, indicated that teachers had acquired technology integration skills but demonstrated relatively low competencies in blending the components of TPACK. The study leaves no doubts that these teachers’ stated pedagogical beliefs did not align with their instructional practices
Energy Drinks and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Current Literature

Energy drinks (EDs) are commonly used as a dietary supplement by young adolescents and adults. They are often used as a source of energy in order to enhance physical and mental performance. EDs contain a variety of substances, but caffeine is the main component. Safety has been the biggest concern associated with consuming EDs. Case reports, observational studies, and meta-analyses have been done in order to determine the effects of EDs on cardiovascular changes. The detrimental effects of EDs are cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, prolonged QT interval, aortic dissection, and death. In this article, we review case reports, observational studies, and meta-analyses of EDs and the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. We also review active ingredients, pharmacokinetics, and the mechanism of action of EDs.