Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A study of features on Primary Question detection in Chinese online forums

Primary Question detection in online forum is a subtask of extracting question-answer pairs. In this paper, by surveying the forms of questions in Chinese online forums, a combination of textual and N-gram features achieved via feature selection is adopted to help detecting primary questions. By viewing primary question detection a binary classification problem, decision tree classifier C4.5 and support vector machine are introduced to distinguish questions from non-questions separately. Experimental results across multiple datasets demonstrate that the mixture of textual and N-gram features performs better than using each of them separately under both C4.5 and support vector machine. By computing the weight of each feature in the two classifiers, the top 6 features are found the very same except for a little adjustment of order, showing that the combination of textual and N-gram features is universal and effective in detecting primary questions.
Translational Activation of Developmental Messenger RNAs During Neonatal Mouse Testis Development1

ABSTRACT The basic tenets of germ cell development are conserved among metazoans. Following lineage commitment in the embryo, germ cells proliferate, transition into meiosis, and then differentiate into gametes capable of fertilization. In lower organisms such as Drosophila and C. elegans, germline stem cells make the decision to proliferate or enter meiosis based in large part on the regulated expression of genes by translational control. This study undertakes a direct characterization of mRNAs that experience translational control and their involvement in similar decisions in the mammalian testis. We previously showed that translation of mRNA encoding the germ cell-specific gene Rhox13 was suppressed in the fetal and neonatal testis. By investigating changes in message utilization during neonatal testis development, we found that a large number of mRNAs encoding both housekeeping and germ cell-specific proteins experience enhanced translational efficiency, rather than increase in abundance, in the testis as quiescent gonocytes transition to mitotic spermatogonia. Our results indicate that translational control is a significant regulator of the germ cell proteome during neonatal testis development.
Rank-Based Groupings and Decision Making

Rank-based groupings are uninformative signals of quality when the exact rank is known; therefore, they should be ignored in decision making. However, evidence is presented that rank-based groupings are used to determine the compensation of rookie players in the National Football League (NFL). The NFL draft, which largely determines rookie compensation, provides two signals of player quality, selection number, and round. However, the rounds are simply groupings based on selection number; thus, the rounds should not affect subsequent decisions. Sharp regression discontinuity design (RDD) estimates of discontinuities in rookie compensation at the round cutoffs are shown to be very large and robust. The first to second round discontinuity is −US$240,000 to −US$250,000, or 36% of the average salary of the first selection in the second round. The second to third round discontinuity is −US$60,000 to −US$70,000, or 17% of the average salary of the first selection in the third round. The results show rookie compensation, which comprises a large share of career earnings, is subject to heuristic thinking.
Intensive Behavioral Treatment for a Toddler at High Risk for Autism

Intensive, comprehensive treatment using a variety of applied behavior analysis methods was provided to a toddler who was determined to be at high risk for autism at the age of about 1 year. Initially, treatmentwas delivered in a one-to-one adult-child format in the child’s home and other settings, with gradual transitions to group instruction in early intervention and preschool classrooms. Intensi ve treatment continued for 3 years; by the 4th year, the childwas spending most of her time in a regular preschool classroom, with minimal ongoing one-to-one instruction. Direct observational data and results of norm-referenced tests documented large increases in language, social, cognitive, and daily living skills over the course of treatment.After 4 years, the child demonstrated no behavioral or developmental abnormalities, performed above her chronological age level on norm-referenced tests of cognitive and language skills, and was functioning as a typical child in a regular public school kindergarten classroom.
Trends in blood pressure control and antihypertensive treatment in clinical practice: the Brisighella Heart Study

Objectives To assess trends in blood pressure (BP) awareness, control, treatment and use of different antihypertensive medications in a cohort of hypertensive patients. Design This study summarizes the results of a 12-year observation (1984–1996) of a cohort of 940 hypertensive patients from the population of 2329 participants to the Brisighella Heart Study (BHS). Primary outcome measures were the extent of BP control (systolic/diastolic BP < 140/90 mmHg) and prevalence of the use of various antihypertensive medications. Results From 1984 to 1996 the proportion of patients aware of elevated BP and treated for hypertension rose from 73 to 88% and from 43.8 to 50.3% in men, and from 77 to 87% and from 50 to 56.6% in women (P < 0.001 for all). The rate of BP control increased from 7.5 to 17.4% in men (P < 0.001) and from 7.3 to 18.5% in women (P < 0.001). This occurred with increased use of combination therapy (+0.2 drugs/person) and with a decline in the use of diuretics (−38.2% men and −28% women; P < 0.001) and an increase in use of calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) (24.2% in men and 12.2% in women; P < 0.001) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (30.7% in men and 30.8% in women; P < 0.001) as first-line drugs. The improved BP control was associated with a lower rate of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular (CV) events. Conclusions The results of this observational study confirm that the rate of BP control can be improved in daily clinical practice by increasing the use of drug combinations, as well as by the first-line prescription of ACE inhibitors and CCBs [and probably angiotensin II receptor inhibitors (ARBs].
Noncardiac Chest Pain

Goals Review of research directions in the etiology, evaluation, and treatment of patients with noncardiac chest pain. The author proposes a combined practical approach to noncardiac chest pain that incorporates these findings, which is useful in a clinical practice setting. Background Several major schools of thought have emerged in the etiology of noncardiac chest pain: acid reflux, motor disorder, altered pain threshold/hypersensitivity, and association with psychiatric dysfunction. There is significant overlap among these. Occult gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more common than motor disorders and is found in 30% to 40% of these patients; a subset has hypersensitivity, with a normal pH profile. Esophageal motility testing and endoscopy have a more limited role than 24-hour pH testing. Impedance planimetry and balloon sensory provocative testing remain research tools. Provocative testing with hydrochloric acid or edrophonium is less helpful than pH monitoring. Gastroesophageal reflux disease–induced chest pain requires high-dose long-term proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): at least 4 to 8 weeks. Psychotropics are superior to placebo, both in patients with and without psychiatric dysfunction. Results The author found combined PPIs and psychotropics helpful in patients with esophageal hypersensitivity and GERD, although supporting data is scant. Conclusions A brief 1-week high-dose PPI challenge, i.e., omeprazole test, may be cost-effective in a primary care setting. However, this approach may not be useful in a referral setting, where pH data and diary assessment of associated symptoms provide useful management help. A behavioral model approach, with early emphasis on patient education, integrated with physiologic data helps the most.
Catheter-Related Infections in Continuous Hemodiafiltration in Intensive Care Patients

Background/Aims: Infection control is of key importance especially in the application of long-term continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) involving invasive vascular catheterization to critically ill patients. We investigated hemodialysis catheter-related infections in long-term CHDF. Methods: We examined catheter infections in 54 patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and underwent CHDF for 2 weeks or longer. Results: With a total of 155 catheters (1,071 catheter days) studied, catheter colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection were noted with an incidence rate of 4.8 and 2.7 per 1,000 catheter days, respectively. No difference in catheter colonization rate was observed depending on the catheterization sites or duration of catheterization. Infections were identified in 39 patients (72%) and blood culture positivity was noted in 25 patients (46%). Conclusions: Since the majority of cases requiring long-term CHDF are complicated with a variety of infections, it is difficult to control infections associated with hemodialysis catheters separately from infections of other types. Systemic infection control should serve as a strategy finally leading to successful control of catheter-related infection.
The 5-Year Course of Intimate Partner Violence Among White, Black, and Hispanic Couples in the United States

This article examines the 5-year incidence, prevalence, and recurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among White, Black, and Hispanic intact couples in the United States. A national multistage household probability sample of couples, age 18 years or older, was interviewed in 1995 with a response rate of 85%, and reinter-viewed in 2000 with a response rate of 72%. Results indicate that the incidence and recurrence of IPV are higher for Blacks and Hispanics than for Whites. Compared to Whites, Hispanics are 2.5 times more likely to initiate IPV between baseline and follow-up and Blacks are 3.7 times more likely to report IPV at baseline and follow-up. Couples reporting severe IPV in 1995 are more likely than others to report severe IPV at follow-up. The rate of recurrence for severe IPV among Black and Hispanic couples is 6 and 4 times higher, respectively, than the rate among Whites. The results suggest that Blacks and Hispanics may be more affected by IPV.
Increased occurrence of IgE+ and FcepsilonRI+ cells in adenoids from atopic children.

BACKGROUND To examine the influence of atopy on the different cell populations in adenoids, we investigated the presence of IgE+ cells, cells expressing the high-affinity receptor for IgE (Fc(epsilon)RI), and various other cell populations in adenoid tissue, in atopic and nonatopic children with otitis media with effusion (OME) or adenoid hyperplasia (AH). METHODS Cryostat sections of adenoids from 14 atopic and 16 nonatopic children suffering from long-lasting OME (n=15) or obstructive AH (n=15) were investigated with immunohistochemical markers for T-cell subsets, mast cells, eosinophils, plasma cells, CD25, CD1a, IgE, and Fc(epsilon)RI. RESULTS Sensitization to allergens was correlated to an increase of IgE+ cells in the epithelium (P<0.01), the extrafollicular area (P<0.0001), and the follicles (P<0.001) of the adenoids and an increase of Fc(epsilon)RI+ cells in the extrafollicular area (P<0.01). A minority of the IgE+ cells were plasma cells. No significant differences in cells stained for IgE, Fc(epsilon)RI, or the other markers were observed between patients with OME and AH. CONCLUSIONS Atopy is associated with increased numbers of IgE+ and Fc(epsilon)RI+ cells in adenoids irrespective of whether the child has OME or AH.
The scheduling power of the EU Council Presidency

ABSTRACT Does the Presidency of the Council of the European Union have the ability to direct the political attention of this body by emphasizing and de-emphasizing policy issues according to its own priorities? This study examines this question empirically by relying on a new dataset on the monthly meeting duration of Council working parties in different policy areas between 1995 and 2014. The results of variance component analyses show that a considerable part of the over-time variation in the relative amount of political attention devoted to a policy area is systematically related to different Presidency periods. While not negating the constraints imposed on the Presidency by inherited agendas, programming and co-ordination requirements with other actors, the findings are consistent with the view that the Presidency has substantial scope for agenda-setting by determining what issues are being discussed, when they are being discussed and how much time is devoted for their discussion.
Synchronized Periodic Ca2+ Pulses Define Neurosecretory Activities in Magnocellular Vasotocin and Isotocin Neurons

The electrical activity of magnocellular neurosecretory cells (NSCs) is correlated with the release rates of neurohypophysial hormones. NSCs may control their secretory activity in a cooperative manner by changing their electrical activity in response to changes in the internal milieu. In the present study, we applied confocal Ca(2+) imaging to a sagittally hemisected rainbow trout brain to simultaneously monitor the neuronal activity of a number of NSCs. We found that NSCs in vitro showed synchronized pulsatile elevations of intracellular Ca(2+) levels at regular intervals. Double immunostaining of vasotocin (VT) and isotocin (IT) after the confocal imaging clarified that each of the VT and IT neuronal populations showed a distinct pattern of periodic Ca(2+) pulses. Simultaneous cell-attached patch recordings ensured that individual Ca(2+) pulses were associated with a phasic burst firing. Depolarizing stimuli by increasing the extracellular K(+) concentration from 5 to 7-9 mm reversibly shortened the interpulse intervals in both VT and IT neurons. Interpulse intervals but not durations of pulses were shortened by hypo-osmotic stimuli and prolonged by hyperosmotic stimuli, consistent with the osmoregulatory function of teleost NSCs. We therefore hypothesize that NSCs use intervals of synchronized periodic burst discharges to fit the levels of secretory activity to physiological requirements.
BRCA1 downregulates the kinase activity of Polo-like kinase 1 in response to replication stress

In response to DNA damage or replication stress, proliferating cells are arrested at different cell cycle stages for DNA repair by downregulating the activity of both the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and other important cell cycle kinases, including Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) . The signaling pathway to inhibit CDKs is relatively well understood, and breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and other DNA damage response (DDR) factors play a key role in this process. However, the DNA damage-induced inhibition of PLK1 is still largely a mystery. Here we show that DNA damage and replication stress stimulate the association between BRCA1 and PLK1. Most importantly, we demonstrate that BRCA1 downregulates the kinase activity of PLK1 by modulating the dynamic interactions of Aurora A, hBora, and PLK1. Together with previous findings, we propose that in response to replication stress and DNA damage, BRCA1 plays a critical role in downregulating the kinase activity of both CDKs and PLK1.
Toxicological investigations on the respirable fraction of silicon carbide grain products by the in vitro vector model

Abstract Increased lung cancer incidence with workers at the production site of crude silicon carbide (SiC) using the Acheson process has been reported. Several agents derived from the process were discussed as causative factors. Recently concern had been expressed about the presence of cleavage fragments (CFs) in commercial products fulfilling the WHO criteria for fibers. This study has focused on the toxicological significance of such CFs. The test samples were respirable fractions of five different commercial samples of SiC grains. The CF content (scanning electron microscopy) was in the range 17–493 fibers/µg. Crystalline silica and whiskers could not be detected. Quartz DQ12, cristobalite, SiC whisker, UICC crocidolite and electrocorundum were used as control reference samples. Biological activity was assessed with the in vitro vector model (VM) on ex vivo rat and guinea pig alveolar macrophages (AMs). The dose range of the VM is derived from calculated AM loads from intratracheal instillation experiments and confirmed by measured AM loads from inhalation studies on alumina monohydrate particles with low biological activity: ≤120 pg/AM. The response of the references was clearly different from that of the SiC grains which yielded low toxicity overall. However, the parameter reactive oxygen species secreted by AMs was elevated at the higher SiC doses, but not related to the CF content of these samples. Our data showed that CFs seem to have no biological relevance. This is in agreement with results from recent studies in which no carcinogenic activity had been demonstrated for CFs.
Low AZGP1 expression predicts for recurrence in margin‐positive, localized prostate cancer

Men with positive margins after radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer (PC) have a 40–50% biochemical relapse rate at 5 years. Adjuvant radiotherapy improves biochemical progression‐free and overall survival in men with positive margins, but is associated with increased toxicity. There is an urgent need to identify new prognostic markers to define the group of patients who would benefit from multimodality therapy.
Effect of dietary selenium source, level, and pig hair color on various selenium indices.

The first experiment evaluated the effects of feeding various levels of Se, two Se sources, and hair color on selenosis responses in growing-finishing pigs. The study conducted in two replicates was a 2 x 6 x 2 factorial arrangement in a split-plot design. Sodium selenite and Se-enriched yeast added at 0.3, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 ppm Se served as the main plot and pig hair color as the subplot. A total of 96 crossbred pigs were allotted and fed their treatment diets for a 12-wk period. White and dark (red or black) hair samples were collected from the dorsal-midline at the 4-, 8-, and 12-wk periods from one pig of each hair color from each treatment pen. Lower pig weights (P < 0.10) and daily gains (P < 0.05) occurred as dietary Se level increased when pigs were fed either Se source. Selenosis responses were somewhat more severe, when the inorganic Se source was fed. Alopecia and hoof separation were encountered after the 8-wk period when pigs were fed inorganic rather than organic Se. Plasma Se increased as dietary level increased (P < 0.01), when organic Se was provided (P < 0.01), and was higher (P < 0.05) when pigs were white-haired. A time x hair color x dietary Se level interaction (P < 0.05) occurred, in which hair Se concentration was higher in dark- than in white-colored pigs and increased as dietary Se level increased as the experiment progressed. The correlation coefficient between dietary Se level and hair Se concentration averaged 0.90 (P < 0.01). Cysteine was the amino acid in the highest concentration in hair, but this and other amino acids were not affected by Se level, Se source, or hair color. A second experiment was a 3 x 6 factorial arrangement in a split-plot design with three 9-mo-old gilts from each of the Yorkshire, Duroc, and Hampshire breeds to determine whether hair Se concentration differed by body location and breed. Hair samples were collected from the shoulder, back, rump, front-leg, belly, and hind-leg areas. Hair Se concentration was higher in red- and white-haired pigs and lower in black-haired gilts (P < 0.01). Higher hair Se concentrations (P < 0.05) occurred from the lower than from the upper body areas. Our results suggest that selenosis occurs at dietary levels > 5 ppm and that white-haired pigs exhibit alopecia sooner than dark-haired pigs. No difference in hair Se concentration occurred when diets were < 1 ppm Se, but as dietary Se level increased dark-haired pigs retained more Se in their hair than white-haired pigs.
The communication goals and needs of cancer patients: a review

The aim of this review paper is to critique the empirical literature pertaining to the communication needs and goals of cancer patients, and to provide direction for research in this area. According to the conceptual framework of Feldman‐Stewart et al., patient–physician communication occurs for the fundamental purpose of addressing each participant's goal(s). This review is divided into two categories of goals: (a) optimal medical management of the cancer, and (b) optimal attention to the patient's psychosocial response to cancer. Optimal medical management includes discussions about disease status and the treatment plan, and the effectiveness of these discussions is frequently determined by assessing patient understanding, satisfaction, and well‐being. The literature suggests that cancer patients continue to have unmet communication needs, and communication outcomes are enhanced when physicians attend to the emotional needs of patients. Research gaps in communication research are highlighted, including the need for additional study of several external factors affecting the patient and provider. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Value of CT in the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected acute small-bowel obstruction.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the role of CT in the diagnosis of patients with suspected acute small-bowel obstruction in whom clinical and plain radiographic findings were inconclusive. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Fifty-seven nonconsecutive patients with suspected acute small-bowel obstruction were referred for CT to differentiate small-bowel obstruction from ileus (33 patients) or to establish the cause of obstruction (24 patients). The final diagnosis was established either by surgery (42 patients) or by the clinical evolution (15 patients). The change in the prescan diagnosis as to the presence, cause, and severity (strangulation) of small-bowel obstruction made on the basis of the CT findings was noted. Finally, the changes in therapy resulting from the CT information were recorded. RESULTS CT correctly distinguished between small-bowel obstruction and ileus in all cases except one. CT enabled us to modify an erroneous clinical diagnosis correctly in 12 (21%) of 57 cases, including eight cases for which pre-CT diagnosis was ileus and four cases for which pre-CT diagnosis was small-bowel obstruction. CT allowed us to predict the cause of obstruction correctly in 33 (85%) of 39 patients with confirmed small-bowel obstruction but it failed to differentiate adhesions from internal hernias and radiation enteritis. The pre-CT diagnosis of the cause of obstruction was correctly changed because of CT findings in 17 (44%) of 39 patients with subsequently proved small-bowel obstruction. CT was able to identify strangulation in nine of the 12 patients with proved strangulation, which altered the pre-CT diagnosis in three patients. CT findings correctly modified the management in 12 (21%) of 57 patients, by changing either a conservative management to an operative one in 10 (18%), or an operative to a conservative one by differentiating ileus from obstruction in two patients. CONCLUSION Our findings show that CT is a valuable diagnostic procedure in patients with suspected acute small-bowel obstruction. CT not only is useful in distinguishing obstruction from paralytic ileus, but it frequently establishes the cause of the obstruction and the presence of strangulation. CT findings lead to decisions to treat patients surgically in a significant number of patients.