Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Bayesian, classical, and heuristic approaches in identifying acute disease events in lung transplant recipients

This study compares a typical heuristic algorithm with classical and Bayesian regression models in ascertaining the presence of acute bronchopulmonary disease events in lung transplant recipients. These models attempt to predict whether an epoch will end in an event, based on the preceding two weeks of data. The data consist of 150 two‐week epochs of daily to biweekly spirometry and symptom covariates for 30 subjects over 60 subject‐years. Seventy‐five ‘event’ epochs end on a day when an acute bronchopulmonary disease event is documented in the medical record; 75 randomly selected ‘non‐event’ epochs end on a day when no event is documented. The data are partitioned by randomly assigning 15 subjects for training and the remaining 15 subjects for testing. For cross‐validation, a second random partition is generated from the same data set. The statistical models are trained and tested on both partitions. For the heuristic algorithm, its historical event classifications on the same test cases are used. Classification performance on both partitions of all models is compared using receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivity and specificity, and a Shannon information score. Data partition did not appreciably affect statistical model performance. All statistical models, unlike the heuristic algorithm, performed significantly different than chance (family significance <0.05, Pearson independence chi‐square, Bonferroni multiple correction), and better than the heuristic algorithm. The best models were Bayesian changepoint models. Through a clinically oriented discussion, a case classified by all of these algorithms is presented, suggesting the clinical usefulness of the Bayesian approach compared with the classical and heuristic approaches. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subcortical Hyperintensities in Late-Life Depression: Acute Response to Treatment and Neuropsychological Impairment

Subcortical hyperintensities are easily visualized areas of signal abnormality that are seen on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Characteristically they occur in the white matter of the brain and are more common in elderly people. In depression, little is known of the clinical significance of subcortical hyperintensities or their contribution to the prognosis. Fifty-eight consecutive patients with DSM-III-R depression and an age range of 65 to 85 years were prospectively collected from an old-age psychiatry service. Response to treatment was assessed with a clinical global outcome measure. A neuropsychology battery was completed on all patients after treatment. Forty-four patients completed MRI scanning. The scans were scored using a regional rating system for hyperintensities. Forty-eight percent of patients had a favorable response to treatment on the clinical global outcome scale. Poor outcome was associated with female sex (p = .07), poor physical health (p = .040), diabetes (p = .018), psychosis (p = .026), and an early age at onset of first episode of depression (p = .036). Even after adjustment for confounding effects, there were significant neuropsychological associations with the regional hyperintensities. Distribution in the periventricular area correlated with delayed recall after distraction (p = .025), and punctate lesions in the basal ganglia correlated with impaired category production (p = .020). Pontine reticular formation hyperintensities were related to impaired psychomotor speed (p = 0.04). Location in the frontal deep-white matter (p = .024), basal ganglia (p = .03), and pontine reticular formation (p = .02) was associated with a poor acute response to treatment. However, the response to treatment was not related to total cerebral white-matter hyperintensity load. A logistic regression equation included all the significant prognostic features and found four independent predictors of poor outcome: More than five punctate lesions of the basal ganglia, diabetes, lower mean arterial pressure, and hyperintensity of the pontine reticular formation significantly predicted outcome. These four factors correctly predicted 95.6% of patients with a poor outcome and 85.7% with a favorable outcome. In late-life depression, subcortical hyperintensities are common. Lesions in the cerebral white matter are predominantly associated with memory disturbance, and those in deeper infratentorial areas, with psychomotor slowing and executive deficits. Total white-matter load has no prognostic value, and although some subcortical regions are associated with poor response, individually they have little specificity. However, a combination of involvement in three areas (basal ganglia, pons, and frontal lobe) is clinically relevant and predicts outcome with great accuracy (91%). Patients with lesions in the basal ganglia and deep white matter had an especially poor response to pharmacotherapy.
Acupuncture for Chronic Knee Pain: A Critical Appraisal of an Australian Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA) is common in the general population. For knee OA with chronic moderate-to-severe pain, acupuncture treatment is recommended. Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have indicated that acupuncture can decrease pain and improve function in patients with knee OA. Interestingly, a recent Australian RCT by Hinman et al. reported that acupuncture was not beneficial for knee OA. Objective: As the quality of the Hinman study is of significance to clinical decision-making, the current authors decided to perform a critical appraisal of this study. Methods: Critical appraisals were performed on the study design, statistical methods, and conclusions. Ethical concerns and the use of control groups are discussed in this article. Results: The RCT by Hinman et al. had multiple flaws in study design, acupuncture protocol, sample-size calculation, results analyses, and thus conclusions; in addition, there are ethical concerns regar.
Secreting germ cell tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). First results of the cooperative German/Italian pilot study (CNS sGCT).

BACKGROUND Secreting germ cell tumors are an invariably fatal subgroup within the malignant pediatric brain tumors. Thus in 1993, an international working group was initiated to establish a cooperative study for diagnostic and treatment of intracranial secreting germ cell tumors of the CNS. To pilot this protocol, since 1994 German and Italian patients are treated in accordance with the established guidelines. METHODS Regarding to the achieved consensus within the international protocol committee a characteristical diagnostic imaging (CT/MRI scan) of head and spine and a significant increase of tumor markers beta-HCG (> 50 IU/l) and/or AFP (> 25 ng/ml) are defined as sufficient diagnostic criteria. Additionally staging procedures include an initial CSF cytology. Treatment consists of 4 courses PEI: platinum (20 mg/m2 day 1-5), VP16 (100 mg/ m2 day 1-3), and ifosfamide (1.5 g/m2 day 1-5). Surgery of the residual tumor is administered after chemotherapy, if resection is possible, followed by craniospinal irradiation (30 Gy with tumor boost 24 Gy). RESULTS Until September 96, 19 patients (16 boys and 3 girls) aged 8 to 19 years are registered and have finished their treatment. Seven children are diagnosed by elevated tumor markers. Six of 7 children with stereotactic fine needle biopsy and histology of germinoma have a significant marker increase as a specific characteristic for secreting non-germinomatous germ cell tumors. In 6 patients, the tumor is primarily resected, 2 children are biopsied. In 2 children spinal metastases are diagnosed initially. Tumor marker response is evaluated in 16 children. Thirteen of 16 patients show a clear marker normalization after 2 courses of PEI. One boy with a slight increase of the tumor marker after the 4th course developed an early spinal relapse and died. One girl showed a spinal recurrence during focal radiotherapy. She is still under relapse treatment. A significant decrease of tumor volume after chemotherapy is documented in 10/13 children, who have a definite signal tumor at start of therapy. In 3 children tumor volume does not change despite of marker normalization. Histology of these tumors is teratoma. One of these children died postoperatively because of tumor bleeding. 17/19 patients are alive, 16 of them are in complete remission with a median follow-up of 11 months. CONCLUSION These results show a further significant increase of event-free survival (EFS 81%). The piloted chemotherapy is proven to be effective and the protocol is now open as an international SIOP CNS GCT study that is started in October 1996.
Minimal Biotransformation and Toxicity of Desflurane in Guinea Pig Liver Slices

Biotransformation and hepatotoxicity of desflurane were evaluated in the guinea pig liver slice culture system. Liver slices (250–300 μm) were prepared from 600—650-g male Hartley guinea pigs. The slices were incubated in sealed vials in a Krebs-Henseleit buffer at 37oC under 95% O2. Desflurane was vaporized to produce media concentrations of 0.7—2.3 mM. After incubation (3–24 h) viability of the slices was determined (K+ content; protein synthesis/ secretion) along with the biotransformation of desflurane (F−). Isoflurane (2.3 mM) was included in the studies for comparative purposes. Although desflurane caused a mild concentration-related reduction in slice K+ content (1.1–2.2 mM; 20%—40% of control), the effects were less than those produced by 2.3 mM isoflurane (50% of control). High concentrations of desflurane decreased protein synthesis at the first 9 h of incubation, and isoflurane decreased protein synthesis throughout the incubation period. Neither anesthetic affected protein secretion. The biotransformation of desflurane was minimal with threefold less F− produced from desflurane than isoflurane.
"I feel stupid I can't delete...": A Study of Users' Cloud Deletion Practices and Coping Strategies

Deletion of data from cloud storage and services is an important aspect of privacy and security. But how easy or simple a task is it for users to complete? Cloud users' deletion practices, challenges and coping strategies have not been well studied to date. We undertook an exploratory study to better understand this issue. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews and use of deletion scenarios with 26 subjects, we explored several key questions: why and when cloud users would like to delete, why cloud users cannot delete, what causes such failures, what users do to work around these problems, and finally what do users want in terms of usable deletion in the cloud. We found that users' failure to delete arises from lack of information about deletion, incomplete mental models of the cloud and deletion within the cloud, and poorly designed user interfaces for deletion functions. Our results also show that users develop different coping strategies such as deleting from certain devices only, seeking help and changing service providers, to overcome such challenges. However, these strategies may not always produce desired results. We also discuss potential ways to improve the usability of deletion in the cloud.
Oligodendrogenesis of adult neural progenitors: differential effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor and mesenchymal stem cell derived factors

The oligodendrogenic program of progenitor cells in the adult CNS follows a sequential process of progenitor proliferation, fate choice, determination, differentiation, maturation and survival. Previously, we described a soluble activity derived from mesenchymal stem cells that induces oligodendrogenesis in adult neural progenitor cells. Here, we hypothesized that ciliary neurotrophic factor might be a candidate for this activity, since (i) it is expressed by mesenchymal stem cells and (ii) it can promote oligodendrogenesis during development. Along the course of the study, we found differential effects by ciliary neurotrophic factor and by the mesenchymal stem cells‐derived activity on neural progenitors. While the mesenchymal stem cells‐derived activity induced oligodendrogenesis at the expense of astrogenesis and promoted oligodendroglial differentiation/maturation, the effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor was restricted to the latter one. This was reflected at the levels of the cell fate determinants Olig1, Olig2, Id2, and the oligodendroglia‐maturation transcription factor GTX/Nkx6.2. Finally, experiments using blocking antibodies excluded ciliary neurotrophic factor to be the mesenchymal stem cell‐derived oligodendroglial activity. In summary, this work provides evidence for differential effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor and mesenchymal stem cells‐derived activity on oligodendrogenesis of adult neural progenitor cells.
Transcription Factor UAF, Expansion and Contraction of Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) Repeats, and RNA Polymerase Switch in Transcription of Yeast rDNA

ABSTRACT Strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae defective in transcription factor UAF give rise to variants able to grow by transcribing endogenous ribosomal DNA (rDNA) by RNA polymerase II (Pol II). We have demonstrated that the switch to growth using the Pol II system consists of two steps: a mutational alteration in UAF and an expansion of chromosomal rDNA repeats. The first step, a single mutation in UAF, is sufficient to allow Pol II transcription of rDNA. In contrast to UAF mutations, mutations in Pol I or other Pol I transcription factors can not independently lead to Pol II transcription of rDNA, suggesting a specific role of UAF in preventing polymerase switch. The second step, expansion of chromosomal rDNA repeats to levels severalfold higher than the wild type, is required for efficient cell growth. Mutations in genes that affect recombination within the rDNA repeats, fob1 and sir2, decrease and increase, respectively, the frequency of switching to growth using Pol II, indicating that increased rDNA copy number is a cause rather than a consequence of the switch. Finally, we show that the switch to the Pol II system is accompanied by a striking alteration in the localization and morphology of the nucleolus. The altered state that uses Pol II for rDNA transcription is semistable and heritable through mitosis and meiosis. We discuss the significance of these observations in relation to the plasticity of rDNA tandem repeats and nucleolar structures as well as evolution of the Pol I machinery.
A contextual-moderator analysis of emotional autonomy and adjustment in adolescence.

This study investigated the relation between emotional autonomy, as measured by Steinberg and Silverberg's Emotional Autonomy Scale (EA), and adolescent adjustment as moderated by several individual, familial, and cultural contexts. Subjects were 96 adolescents (10-18 years old) and their mothers and teachers. Results indicate that when the affective nature of the parent-adolescent relationship is positive (e.g., maternal warmth is high or intensity of parent-adolescent conflict is low), positive adolescent adjustment is more likely when adolescents report less emotional autonomy. On the other hand, when the family environment is more stressful, emotional autonomy is positively associated with adolescent adjustment. Findings suggest that higher scores on the EA scale index emotional detachment from parents and that such detachment is detrimental in supportive familial environments but adaptive in less supportive familial environments. That emotional detachment from parents appears to serve a protective function in certain stressful situations is viewed as analogous to the adoption of an avoidant attachment strategy during infancy.
B Cell Ligand Discrimination Through a Spreading and Contraction Response

B cells recognize foreign antigens by virtue of cell surface immunoglobulin receptors and are most effectively activated by membrane-bound ligands. Here, we show that in the early stages of this process, B cells exhibit a two-phase response in which they first spread over the antigen-bearing membrane and then contract, thereby collecting bound antigen into a central aggregate. The extent of this response, which is both signaling- and actin-dependent, determines the quantity of antigen accumulated and hence the degree of B cell activation. Brownian dynamic simulations reproduce essential features of the antigen collection process and suggest a possible basis for affinity discrimination. We propose that dynamic spreading is an important step of the immune response.
Sparse and Robust Factor Modelling

Factor construction methods are widely used to summarize a large panel of variables by means of a relatively small number of representative factors. We propose a novel factor construction procedure that enjoys the properties of robustness to outliers and of sparsity; that is, having relatively few nonzero factor loadings. Compared to more traditional factor construction methods, we find that this procedure leads to better interpretable factors and to a favorable forecasting performance, both in a Monte Carlo experiment and in two empirical applications to large data sets, one from macroeconomics and one from microeconomics.
Clinical, laboratory and molecular findings and long-term follow-up data in 96 French patients with PMM2-CDG (phosphomannomutase 2-congenital disorder of glycosylation) and review of the literature

Background Phosphomannomutase 2-congenital disorder of glycosylation (PMM2-CDG) is a multisystem inborn error of metabolism. Objectives To better characterise the natural history of PMM2-CDG. Methods Medical charts of 96 patients with PMM2-CDG (86 families, 41 males, 55 females) were retrospectively reviewed. Data on clinical, laboratory and molecular parameters at diagnosis were analysed. Follow-up data at last examination were reported for 25 patients. Results The patients were born between 1963 and 2011. Diagnosis of PMM2-CDG was made at a mean (SD) age of 6.8 (8.5) years. The presenting signs were mostly neurological (hypotonia, intellectual disability, cerebellar syndrome) and observed in almost all the patients. A total of 38 patients (14 males, 24 females) exhibited, in addition to neurological signs, visceral features including at least one of these: feeding difficulty requiring a nutritional support (n=23), cardiac features (n=20; pericarditis: 14, cardiac malformation: 9, cardiomyopathy: 2), hepato-gastrointestinal features (n=12; chronic diarrhoea: 7, protein-losing enteropathy: 1, ascites: 3, liver failure: 1, portal hypertension: 1), kidney features (n=4; nephrotic syndrome: 2, tubulopathy: 2) and hydrops fetalis (n=1). Twelve patients died at a mean age of 3.8 years (especially from pericarditis and other cardiac issues). Laboratory abnormalities mostly included elevated transaminases and abnormal coagulation parameters. High thyreostimulin levels, hypocholesterolemia, hypoalbuminemia and elevated transaminases were associated with the visceral phenotype. Besides the common Arg141His PMM2 variant harboured by half of the patients, 45 different variants were observed. Conclusions PMM2-CDG clinical phenotype is heterogeneous in terms of clinical course, with no clear division between neurological and visceral presentations.
Trends and time variability in the northern continental shelf of the western Mediterranean

[1] Different works appearing during the last decade show that the western Mediterranean has suffered a temperature and salinity increase during the 20th century. Most of these works analyze long-term trends in Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW) and Western Mediterranean Deep Water (WMDW); those dealing with changes in shallow and coastal waters are very scarce. It is still an open question whether these changes are due to meteorological factors occurring in the western Mediterranean or if they are caused by the salinity increase of the water masses contributing to deep water formation. In this work we analyze the data obtained in the last decade of the 20th century (and longer time series in some cases) within the frame of six projects aimed at the systematic collection of hydrographic data at fixed stations in the northern sector of the western Mediterranean (mainly in coastal areas). We detect strong warming trends in those stations located in the continental shelf (and probably with no influence of the LIW). This result could indicate that changes observed in the WMDW cannot be explained only on the basis of changes imported from the eastern basin. Another striking result is that these trends are an order of magnitude higher than those reported for the rest of the century, indicating that the 1990s have been an exceptionally warm decade. On the other hand, time series affected by the LIW show a salinity increase, and in some cases this is not accompanied by the corresponding temperature increment, indicating that the LIW salinity increase could also be a factor to be taken into account.
Charge-density waves and superconductivity as an alternative to phase separation in the infinite-U Hubbard-Holstein model.

We investigate the density instabilities present in the infinite-U Hubbard-Holstein model both at zero and finite momenta as well as the occurrence of Cooper instabilities with a specific emphasis on the role of long-range Coulomb forces. In carrying out this analysis special attention is devoted to the effects of the strong local e-e interaction on the e-ph coupling and particularly to both the static and dynamic screening processes dressing this coupling. We also clarify under which conditions in strongly correlated electron systems a weak additional interaction, e.g., a phonon-mediated attraction, can give rise to a charge instability. In the presence of long-range Coulomb forces, the frustrated phase separation leads to the formation of incommensurate charge density waves. These instabilities, in turn, lead to strong residual scattering processes between quasiparticles and to superconductivity, thus providing an interesting clue to the interpretation of the physics of the copper oxides. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Cesarean myomectomy in modern obstetrics: More light and fewer shadows

The study aim was to evaluate management of myomas during cesarean section, the pro and cons and the outcomes of cesarean myomectomy. Moreover, we tried to investigate the long‐term outcomes of cesarean myomectomy. The authors conducted a literature review using scientific databases, focusing on the benefits and outcomes of cesarean myomectomy and the recent trends regarding this topic, and identified relevant articles, related references and other papers citing them. Despite the demonstrated advantages of cesarean myomectomy, postponed myomectomy after cesarean section was recommended in some instances. Apart from recent reports on the safety and feasibility of cesarean myomectomy, the current literature also describes serious complications of cesarean myomectomy, including even maternal death. This poses a question about the reported rate of complications: whether it is underestimated in common practice. Although some studies strongly suggest the safety of cesarean myomectomy, data on the long‐term outcomes of cesarean myomectomy in women are lacking. The risk–benefit ratio of cesarean myomectomy should be re‐evaluated in the new century, given the increasing patient age, incidence of myoma in pregnancy, and the wide use of assisted reproductive techniques.