Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
QuickFOIL: Scalable Inductive Logic Programming

Inductive Logic Programming (ILP) is a classic machine learning technique that learns first-order rules from relational-structured data. However, to-date most ILP systems can only be applied to small datasets (tens of thousands of examples). A long-standing challenge in the field is to scale ILP methods to larger data sets. This paper presents a method called QuickFOIL that addresses this limitation. QuickFOIL employs a new scoring function and a novel pruning strategy that enables the algorithm to find high-quality rules. QuickFOIL can also be implemented as an in-RDBMS algorithm. Such an implementation presents a host of query processing and optimization challenges that we address in this paper. Our empirical evaluation shows that QuickFOIL can scale to large datasets consisting of hundreds of millions tuples, and is often more than order of magnitude more efficient than other existing approaches.
Spatiotemporal control of mitosis by the conserved spindle matrix protein Megator

A putative spindle matrix has been hypothesized to mediate chromosome motion, but its existence and functionality remain controversial. In this report, we show that Megator (Mtor), the Drosophila melanogaster counterpart of the human nuclear pore complex protein translocated promoter region (Tpr), and the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) protein Mad2 form a conserved complex that localizes to a nuclear derived spindle matrix in living cells. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments supports that Mtor is retained around spindle microtubules, where it shows distinct dynamic properties. Mtor/Tpr promotes the recruitment of Mad2 and Mps1 but not Mad1 to unattached kinetochores (KTs), mediating normal mitotic duration and SAC response. At anaphase, Mtor plays a role in spindle elongation, thereby affecting normal chromosome movement. We propose that Mtor/Tpr functions as a spatial regulator of the SAC, which ensures the efficient recruitment of Mad2 to unattached KTs at the onset of mitosis and proper spindle maturation, whereas enrichment of Mad2 in a spindle matrix helps confine the action of a diffusible “wait anaphase” signal to the vicinity of the spindle.
A Unique Subset of γδ T Cells Expands and Produces IL-10 in Patients with Naturally Acquired Immunity against Falciparum Malaria

Although expansions in γδ T cell populations are known to occur in the peripheral blood of patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum, the role of these cells in people with naturally acquired immunity against P. falciparum who live in malaria-endemic areas is poorly understood. We used a cross-sectional survey to investigate the role of peripheral blood γδ T cells in people living in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, a malaria-endemic area. We found that the proportion of non-Vγ9 γδ T cells was higher in non-hospitalized uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients (UMPs) from this region. Notably, we found that the non-Vγ9 γδ T cells in the peripheral blood of UMPs and negative controls from this region had the potential to expand and produce IL-10 and interferon-γ when cultured in the presence of IL-2 and/or crude P. falciparum antigens for 10 days. Furthermore, these cells were associated with plasma interleukin 10 (IL-10), which was elevated in UMPs. This is the first report demonstrating that, in UMPs living in a malaria-endemic area, a γδ T cell subset, the non-Vγ9 γδT cells, expands and produces IL-10. These results contribute to understanding of the mechanisms of naturally acquired immunity against P. falciparum.
Comparison of Auditory, Somatosensory, and Visually Instructed and Internally Generated Finger Movements: A PET Study

We sought to determine how the pattern of cerebral activation, and in particular in frontal motor areas, during the performance of conditional motor tasks is dependent upon the modality of instruction (visual, auditory, or somatosensory). Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes with externally instructed movements were also compared with internally generated, self-paced, movements. We used positron emission tomography (PET) with the tracer H2(15O) to measure rCBF in 22 healthy volunteers. External stimuli consisted of the randomized presentation of single or double impulses using a single modality for each condition. In the movement scans, the subjects used the index and middle fingers of their right hands to press a left button for a single and a right button for a double impulse, respectively. In the control scans, subjects were required to covertly distinguish a single from a double stimulus without a motor response. Data were analyzed using conventional subtraction techniques with a statistical threshold of Z > 2.33 with corrections for multiple comparisons. When the activation differences between the three externally instructed movement conditions were statistically compared, nonsignificant trends toward increased rCBF in the sensory cortex of the modality of the cue were observed but no differential activity in cortical motor areas. Internally generated movements, when compared to externally triggered movements, were associated with enhanced activation in bilateral medial and lateral premotor, dorsolateral prefrontal and superior parietal regions, largely confirming previous reports. The data indicate that, on a regional level, modality-specific processing in a conditional motor task does not occur in frontal motor areas and is probably confined to sensory areas.
Functional organization of perisylvian activation during presentation of sentences in preverbal infants

We examined the functional organization of cerebral activity in 3-month-old infants when they were listening to their mother language. Short sentences were presented in a slow event-related functional MRI paradigm. We then parsed the infant's network of perisylvian responsive regions into functionally distinct regions based on their speed of activation and sensitivity to sentence repetition. An adult-like structure of functional MRI response delays was observed along the superior temporal regions, suggesting a hierarchical processing scheme. The fastest responses were recorded in the vicinity of Heschl's gyrus, whereas responses became increasingly slower toward the posterior part of the superior temporal gyrus and toward the temporal poles and inferior frontal regions (Broca's area). Activation in the latter region increased when the sentence was repeated after a 14-s delay, suggesting the early involvement of Broca's area in verbal memory. The fact that Broca's area is active in infants before the babbling stage implies that activity in this region is not the consequence of sophisticated motor learning but, on the contrary, that this region may drive, through interactions with the perceptual system, the learning of the complex motor sequences required for future speech production. Our results point to a complex, hierarchical organization of the human brain in the first months of life, which may play a crucial role in language acquisition in our species.
Hypointense Hepatic Lesions Depicted on Gadobenate Dimeglumine-Enhanced Three-Hour Delayed Hepatobiliary-Phase MR Imaging: Differentiation between Benignancy and Malignancy

Gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging simultaneously provides both morphological and functional information by the acquisition of dynamic and hepatobiliary-phase imaging. Focal lesions with no functioning hepatocytes, where hepatobiliary metabolism is blocked or inhibited, are generally unable to uptake and excrete gadobenate dimeglumine into the bile. Such lesions are typically malignant and usually appear hypointense as compared to the normal liver parenchyma as seen on hepatobiliary-phase imaging. However, various benign hepatic lesions may also be hypointense due to (a) the presence of no functioning hepatocytes, (b) damage to the functioning hepatocytes or (c) impairment of biliary function as depicted on hepatobiliary-phase imaging. All of these imaging features may result in recognition of the benign hepatic lesions as hepatic malignancies. As depicted on three-hour delayed hepatobiliary-phase imaging, peripheral iso/hyperintensity due to fibrotic tissue compared to the hypointense center with a fuzzy margin may be a clue for the presence of a benign hepatic lesion. In contrast, peripheral hypointensity due to rich tumoral cellularity compared to the center with a clear margin may favor an indication of the presence of a malignant hepatic lesion.
Bone disorders in children and adolescents with chronic HCV infection.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although several studies have demonstrated a higher incidence of bone disorders in HCV-infected adults, the bone turnover alterations occurring in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C has not been thoroughly focused yet. We performed a study on a cohort of 30 HCV infected caucasian children and adolescents to assess the prevalence of osteodystrophy and evaluate a possible prophylactic and therapeutic approach. METHODS Data regarding biochemical markers of bone metabolism were collected. Moreover, results of ultra-sonographic bone densitometry yearly performed were evaluated in comparison with data obtained from more than 500 healthy children and adolescents. RESULTS Osteocalcin and telopeptide of the collagen molecule type-1, CTX, appeared higher than normal in 8/30 and in 7/30 cases respectively; the 25OH vitamin D values were normal in 25/28 cases. By densitometry osteoporosis was detected in 2 patients and osteopenia in other 5. After stratification of cases by age groups, the incidence of osteopenia/osteoporosis appeared higher among children than among adolescents. Osteocalcin levels tended to be higher in cases where hepatic fibrosis were not detected. CONCLUSIONS The higher number of cases of osteopenia/osteoporosis in children than in adolescents is worthy of note, although not statistically significant. Ultrasound densitometry confirmed its important early diagnostic role in asymptomatic HCV infected children; moreover, also the increase in serum levels of osteocalcin may be considered as early marker of osteodystrophy of complementary value. Larger studies will be needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of antiviral and supportive care in these patients.
Small Bowel Adenocarcinomas Complicating Crohn's Disease Are Associated With Dysplasia: A Pathological and Molecular Study

Background:Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with an increased risk of small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA). However, there are no guidelines for the screening and early diagnosis of SBA. Colorectal cancer associated with chronic colitis arises from dysplasia. High-risk patients benefit from surveillance colonoscopies aimed to detect dysplasia. The dysplasia–carcinoma sequence remains poorly documented in CD-associated SBA. Moreover, molecular data about SBA complicating CD and associated dysplasia are very limited. We therefore assessed dysplasia and several key molecular markers of carcinogenesis in SBA and dysplasia developed in patients with CD. Methods:Forty-five SBA complicating CD and 4 specimens with dysplasia without SBA were screened. In SBA, we looked for dysplasia and determined their pathological characteristics (type, grade, distribution). We also stained for mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2), p53, &bgr;-catenin, and p16 and looked for KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA mutations. Results:All neoplastic lesions, except 1 lesion, were found in inflamed mucosal areas. Dysplasia was found in 20 of 41 patients with SBA (49%). Dysplasia was flat or raised, low grade or high grade, and adjacent or distant to concomitant SBA. Molecular markers of SBA carcinogenesis complicating CD were similar to those observed in chronic colitis-related colorectal cancer (KRAS, BRAF, p53, MSI), although differences were observed for &bgr;-catenin and p16. No PIK3CA mutations were observed. Conclusions:These results suggest that there is an inflammation–dysplasia–adenocarcinoma sequence in at least half of CD-related SBA, similar to what is observed in chronic colitis-related colorectal cancer and may have implications for the prevention and treatment of this cancer.
Postexertional malaise in women with chronic fatigue syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Postexertional malaise (PEM) is a defining characteristic of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) that remains a source of some controversy. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of an exercise challenge on CFS symptoms from a patient perspective. METHODS This study included 25 female CFS patients and 23 age-matched sedentary controls. All participants underwent a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test. Subjects completed a health and well-being survey (SF-36) 7 days postexercise. Subjects also provided, approximately 7 days after testing, written answers to open-ended questions pertaining to physical and cognitive responses to the test and length of recovery. SF-36 data were compared using multivariate analyses. Written questionnaire responses were used to determine recovery time as well as number and type of symptoms experienced. RESULTS Written questionnaires revealed that within 24 hours of the test, 85% of controls indicated full recovery, in contrast to 0 CFS patients. The remaining 15% of controls recovered within 48 hours of the test. In contrast, only 1 CFS patient recovered within 48 hours. Symptoms reported after the exercise test included fatigue, light-headedness, muscular/joint pain, cognitive dysfunction, headache, nausea, physical weakness, trembling/instability, insomnia, and sore throat/glands. A significant multivariate effect for the SF-36 responses (p < 0.001) indicated lower functioning among the CFS patients, which was most pronounced for items measuring physiological function. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that PEM is both a real and an incapacitating condition for women with CFS and that their responses to exercise are distinctively different from those of sedentary controls.
Toward Better Pain Management: The Development of a "Pain Stewardship Program" in a Tertiary Children's Hospital.

OBJECTIVE Despite increased focus on pediatric pain, uncontrolled pain is still a problem for hospitalized pediatric inpatients. A program was designed to find patients with uncontrolled pain and develop a framework to oversee their pain management. This report details the development of a pain stewardship program with data from the first year of its activity. METHODS Hospitalized inpatients in a tertiary care pediatric center in the mid-Atlantic region were included in the study. Pain scores are recorded every 4 hours in the hospital electronic health record. A report was constructed to find all patients with an average pain score ≥7 in the preceding 12 hours. The charts of these patients were reviewed by our anesthesia pain service, and all patients were grouped into 1 of the following action categories: (1) no action required; (2) telephone call to the patient's attending physician; (3) one-time consultation; (4) consultation with ongoing management; or (5) patient was already on the anesthesia pain service. Demographic data, pain regimens, and outcomes were recorded in a prospectively collected database. RESULTS There were 843 records on 441 unique patients. Only 22% required action to be taken by the anesthesia pain service. The pain stewardship database revealed that patients with sickle cell disease or abdominal pain required more frequent attention. CONCLUSIONS An electronic health record-based pain stewardship program is an important step in identifying all children in the hospital with undermanaged pain, and it provides a warning system that may improve patient care, outcomes, and satisfaction.
A conceptual framework for evolving software processes

Software processes are complex entities that may last for long periods of time and are carried out through the interaction of humans and computerized tools. They need to continuously evolve in order to cope with different kinds of changes or customizations both in the organization and in the technologies used to support software production activities.In recent years, many software process support technologies have been developed, and have currently been further extended and used in trial projects. Moreover, some research prototypes have generated commercial products, that are marketed and currently used in industrial organizations. Despite these significant efforts and results, however, there is still little conceptual characterization and assessment of the properties of software processes and related support environments. It is difficult to compare and assess existing approaches. Even a common characterization of the problems to be addressed seems to be problematic and difficult to achieve. This is particularly true when we consider the process evolution problem, for which it does not seem that a common view of the issue has been established yet.This paper aims at proposing a conceptual framework to describe and assess flexible and evolving software processes. It is based on the assumption that a software process is composed of two main components: a software production process to carry out software production activities, and a software meta-process to improve and evolve the whole software process.The general requirements and properties of the process domain are first discussed, and the meta-process concept is introduced. Then, we discuss several process related concepts and, in particular, the relationship between the meta-process and the rest of the software process. Methods and technologies needed to support the meta-process are highlighted and discussed. Finally, we apply the resulting framework to an example, in order to show the potential and expected benefits of the proposed approach.
Production of two hemopoietic growth factors is differentially regulated in single T lymphocytes activated with an anti-T cell receptor antibody.

A method has been developed to measure the production by single activated T lymphocytes of two hemopoietic growth factors, granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) and multipotential CSF (multi-CSF or IL-3). When individual cells of the L3T4 (CD4)+ F23.1+ T cell clone E9.D4 were transferred by micromanipulation into wells coated with the monoclonal anti-T cell receptor antibody F23.1, up to 90% of cells produced CSF as detected by CSF-dependent hemopoietic cell lines. Production occurred in the absence of proliferation and did not require the addition of accessory cells or IL-2. Both the frequency of CSF-producing cells and the average production per positive cell depended on the density of the immobilized stimulating ligand, indicating that the response of each cell is not an all-or-none phenomenon but varies with the strength of stimulation. Individual cells of the clone varied over a 100-fold range in their total CSF titer with a mean value of about 0.05 U/cell. They also varied in their relative production of GM-CSF and multi-CSF. Thus, low producing cells secreted only GM-CSF whereas high producing cells also secreted multi-CSF. The failure of low producing cells to secrete multi-CSF was not genetically based since such cells could give rise to progeny that synthesized multi-CSF. These results suggest that the synthesis of these two lymphokines can be differentially regulated at the level of the single cell.
Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE): A Review of the Literature Orientated on Two Clinical Presentations—Typical and Atypical

Background/Aim: Recently, a comparative study on the incidence of AFE has highlighted rather confusing results, showing that the complication is more than three times higher in North America than that in some European countries. In this paper, we put forward the hypothesis that this discrepancy is due to inaccurate diagnosis of non-classical form of AFE (atypical AFE). We also provide an outline of symptoms that characterize this type of AFE based on the analysis of all available case reports. Material and Methods: We searched Medline from 1969 (its inception) to 2011, using the key words “amniotic fluid embolism”. The search produced 1127 articles, including 208 case reports of AFE and other publications identified as eligible for our study (11 review articles and 6 population-based studies of the last few years). Moreover, we looked through the articles from the period before “inception of Medline” to find 178 earlier case reports. Full texts were analyzed. Results and Conclusions: (i) Worldwide, 447 cases of AFE have been reported, including 70 cases of atypical AFE (15.7%). (ii) Typical AFE is characterized by three clinical phases (cardiopulmonary collapse, clotting disorders and hemorrhages, multiorgan disturbances), whereas the atypical one shows lack of cardiopulmonary collapse as the initial presentation—the first to appear is obstetric hemorrhage and/or pulmonary and renal dysfunction. (iii) Four subclasses of atypical AFE were distinguished on the basis of case reports: uterine hemorrhage-type of AFE, ARDS as the only presentation of atypical AFE, paradoxical AFE, and cesarean section-related atypical AFEs.
An experimental investigation of partial control

In Partial Control, the understood subject of an obligatorily controlled complement is construed as properly containing the controlling argument (e.g., John wanted [PRO to gather at noon], where PRO = John and contextually salient others). Since this phenomenon was first systematically described by Landau (2000), many accounts of it have been offered. But some of the diversity in these accounts reflects disagreement over what the facts are. To address this, we use experimental syntax to collect and analyze sentence acceptability judgments that bear on the availability of Partial Control across a wide range of control predicates. Results indicate a substantial amount of gradability in the availability of Partial Control as a function of the choice of control predicate, in a way that depends in part on the predicate’s temporal, aspectual, and modal properties. Although these findings are not fully consistent with any existing approach to Partial Control, we suggest that Pearson’s (2013) approach lays a promising foundation for further research.
Topical mydriatics affect light-evoked retinal responses in anesthetized mice.

PURPOSE To characterize effects of the muscarinic antagonist atropine (A) and the alpha-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine (P), on mydriasis and light-evoked signaling in mice anesthetized by ketamine and xylazine (K+X). METHODS Pupillary areas of anesthetized C57BL/6 mice were measured, with or without topical application of A or A+P. Dark-adapted ERGs were recorded from 2- to 4-month-old C57BL/6 and 7.5-month-old albino hrhoG/hrhoG mice after application of A or P singly or in combination, before or after induction of K+X anesthesia. Effects of GABA were tested in the hrhoG/hrhoG mice. RESULTS K+X anesthesia resulted in maximum mydriasis that was not enhanced by A or A+P. Dark-adapted b-wave amplitudes (-1.3 log sc td s) after K+X anesthesia were similar with or without A or P. A+P in the presence of K+X produced a slow growth in b-wave amplitude, reaching a plateau of twofold enhancement in 1 hour. Recordings of responses to varying flash energies revealed that the effects of A+P were on the maximum amplitude of the a- and b-waves and not on their sensitivity. Scotopic threshold responses were augmented as well. In photoreceptor-degenerated mice (hrhoG/hrhoG), an electronegative ERG wave recorded with K+X+A, was converted to a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-sensitive response with two electropositive components with A+P after K+X. CONCLUSIONS Topical administration of A and P together, but not separately, in the presence of K+X, leads to a slow, dramatic enhancement of a- and b-waves by an unknown mechanism independent of pupil dilation.