Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combining Ivacaftor and Intensive Antibiotics Achieves Limited Clearance of Cystic Fibrosis Infections

Recent work shows that people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic lung infections generally remain persistently infected after treatment with drugs that target the CF physiological defect (called CFTR modulators). However, changes produced by modulators could increase antibiotic efficacy. ABSTRACT Drugs called CFTR modulators improve the physiologic defect underlying cystic fibrosis (CF) and alleviate many disease manifestations. However, studies to date indicate that chronic lung infections that are responsible for most disease-related mortality generally persist. Here, we investigated whether combining the CFTR modulator ivacaftor with an intensive 3.5-month antibiotic course could clear chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Staphylococcus aureus lung infections in subjects with R117H-CFTR, who are highly ivacaftor-responsive. Ivacaftor alone improved CFTR activity, and lung function and inflammation within 48 h, and reduced P. aeruginosa and S. aureus pathogen density by ∼10-fold within a week. Antibiotics produced an additional ∼10-fold reduction in pathogen density, but this reduction was transient in subjects who remained infected. Only 1/5 P. aeruginosa-infected and 1/7 S. aureus-infected subjects became persistently culture-negative after the combined treatment. Subjects appearing to clear infection did not have particularly favorable baseline lung function or inflammation, pathogen density or antibiotic susceptibility, or bronchiectasis scores on CT scans, but they did have remarkably low sweat chloride values before and after ivacaftor. All persistently P. aeruginosa-positive subjects remained infected by their pretreatment strain, whereas subjects persistently S. aureus-positive frequently lost and gained strains. This work suggests chronic CF infections may resist eradication despite marked and rapid modulator-induced improvements in lung infection and inflammation parameters and aggressive antibiotic treatment. IMPORTANCE Recent work shows that people with CF and chronic lung infections generally remain persistently infected after treatment with drugs that target the CF physiological defect (called CFTR modulators). However, changes produced by modulators could increase antibiotic efficacy. We tested the approach of combining modulators and intensive antibiotics in rapid succession and found that while few subjects cleared their infections, combined treatment appeared most effective in subjects with the highest CFTR activity. These findings highlight challenges that remain to improve the health of people with CF.
SCALING UP DESIGN CHALLENGES FOR LARGE SCALE SULFATE REDUCING BIOREACTORS 1

The first large scale, 1,200 gpm capacity, sulfate reducing bioreactor (SRBR) was constructed in 1996 to treat water from an underground lead mine in Missouri. Other large scale SRBR systems have been built elsewhere since then. This technology holds much promise for economically treating heavy metals and has progressed steadily from the laboratory to industrial applications. Scaling-up challenges from bench- and pilot-sized systems include designing for: seasonal temperature variations, minimizing short circuits, changes in metal loading rates, storm water impacts, and resistance to vandalism. However, the biggest challenge may be designing for the progressive biological degradation of the organic substrate and its effects on the hydraulics of the SRBR cells. Due to the wide variability of the organic materials that may be locally available at reasonable costs, the design of organic substrate SRBR systems is not and may never become a "cookbook" approach. Balancing substrate geochemical requirements with intuitive physical resistance to organic decay currently plays a large role in the large scale system design process.
In praise of Table 1: The importance of making better use of descriptive statistics

Abstract As data analytic methods in the managerial sciences become more sophisticated, the gap between the descriptive data typically presented in Table 1 and the analyses used to test the principal hypotheses advanced has become increasingly large. This contributes to several problems including: (1) the increasing likelihood that analyses presented in published research will be performed and/or interpreted incorrectly, (2) an increasing reliance on statistical significance as the principal criterion for evaluating results, and (3) the increasing difficulty of describing our research and explaining our findings to non-specialists. A set of simple methods for assessing whether hypotheses about interventions, moderator relationships and mediation, are plausible that are based on the simplest possible examination of descriptive statistics are proposed.
Two-dimensional buoyant plumes in a uniform co-flow

Abstract The behaviour of turbulent, buoyant, planar plumes is fundamentally coupled to the environment within which they develop. The effect of a background stratification directly influences a plumes buoyancy and has been the subject of numerous studies. Conversely, the effect of an ambient co-flow, which directly influences the vertical momentum of a plume, has not previously been the subject of theoretical investigation. The governing conservation equations for the case of a uniform co-flow are derived and the local dynamical behaviour of the plume is shown to be characterised by the scaled source Richardson number and the relative magnitude of the co-flow and plume source velocities. For forced, pure and lazy plume release conditions the co-flow acts to narrow the plume and reduce both the dilution and the asymptotic Richardson number relative to the classic zero co-flow case. Analytical solutions are developed for pure plumes from line sources, and for highly forced and highly lazy releases from sources of finite width in a weak co-flow. Contrary to releases in quiescent surroundings, our solutions show that all classes of release can exhibit plume contraction and the associated necking. For entraining plumes, a dynamical invariance spatially only occurs for pure and forced releases and we derive the co-flow strengths that lead to this invariance.
Evaluation of the Bond Strength of Asphalt Overlays

One of the imperative components contributing to longevity and performance of asphalt concrete overlays is sufficient bond strength between the new overlay and existing surface. If the multi-layered asphalt pavement does not have ample bond strength to endure dynamic loads from traffic, surface distresses may develop. Surface distresses may occur in areas of, but not limited to, stopping, starting, and turning. These surface distresses are, but not limited to, de-bonding, delamination, slippage, or fatigue cracking. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a test method and testing device for measuring the bond strength between pavement layers. The research evaluated tack coat materials and HMA mix designs commonly used by West Virginia Division of Highways. The project was conducted in both laboratory and field. The effects of mix design, tack coat type, surface condition, and moisture damage were evaluated. Initial testing concluded that laboratory compaction using Superpave Gyratory Compactor affected bond strength. It was also found that the cut face which represents the worn surface and the new HMA face of the sample exhibit different bond strengths. Increased nominal maximum aggregate size of the mix design increased bond strength, but not a significant amount. Cut faced samples exhibited higher bond strength than milled samples on average. The bond strengths of samples with or without tack coat were not statistically different. For milled and cut faced samples, trackless tack coat was superior to a standard SS-1h emulsion. Set time from 0.25 to 2.0 hours, was statistically significant for both milled and cut faced samples. The difference in bond strength for moisture damage was statistically significant.
The front runner in roll waves produced by local disturbances

Abstract Roll waves produced by a local disturbance comprise a group of shock waves with steep fronts. We used a robust and accurate numerical scheme to capture the steep fronts in a shallow-water hydraulic model of the waves. Our simulations of the waves in clear water revealed the existence of a front runner with an exceedingly large amplitude – much greater than those of all other shock waves in the wave group. The trailing waves at the back remained periodic. Waves were produced continuously within the group due to nonlinear instability. The celerity depended on the wave amplitude. Over time, the instability produced an increasing number of shock waves in an ever-expanding wave group. We conducted simulations for three types of local disturbances of very different duration over a range of amplitudes. We interpreted the simulation results for the front runner and the trailing waves, guided by an analytical solution and the laboratory data available for the smaller waves in the trailing end of the wave group.
GATHERING AND SOWING ACROSS THE CENTRAL MAYA LOWLANDS: A REVIEW OF PLANT USE BY PRECERAMIC PEOPLES AND THE EARLY TO MIDDLE PRECLASSIC MAYA

Abstract The recovery of macro- and microbotanicals, along with the study of chemical residues, allows us to shed light on a number of anthropological issues concerning ancient populations. This article reviews the data available to date on the plants used by preceramic peoples during the Archaic period and by the Early to Middle Preclassic Maya across the central Maya lowlands. Archaeobotanical data suggest that early preceramic populations took advantage of their ecologically rich natural environment by gathering a range of wild foods and by cultivating domesticates such as maize, manioc, and chili peppers, a pattern that seemingly continued into the Early to Middle Preclassic, as the Maya settled into village life and left more visible traces of modifications to their natural environment in the form of canals and terraces. This region is of particular interest with regard to the development of sociopolitical complexity, as mobile hunter-gatherers used domesticates during the millennia that preceded the onset of sedentary life. These early populations set the stage for patterns of plant use that endured through time, but also across space in the Maya region.
Long-term population trends of Rhinolophus hipposideros and Myotis myotis in Poland

Abstract Bats are particularly susceptible to environmental changes because of their low reproductive rate, longevity, and high metabolic rates, which lead to relatively high food requirements. Thus, bat populations take a relatively long time to recover from increased mortality rates, and monitoring schemes should cover long time periods. In this work, we analyzed the population trajectories of two bat species, Rhinolophus hipposideros and Myotis myotis, the most numerous in five caves in southern Poland, which are known as important bat hibernacula on a continental scale. Data were collected by regular counts in 1985–2020, depending on the particular cave; in addition, previous data on the number of hibernating bats in these caves, available since 1951, were taken from existing publications. We analyzed time-series data using average locality indices and TRIM (TRends and Indices for Monitoring data) methods, and both produced similar results. Generally, the populations of the two studied bat species showed recent increasing trends, especially visible as an effect of recovery after years of decline. The situation recorded in southern Poland is very similar to that described in other places in Europe, where recoveries of bat populations have also been observed in the last decades. Although it is difficult to present results from formal analyses, because of the lack of good data, at least some factors—less exposure to contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals), improving food availability due to climate change, and a lower predation rate (including human pressure), both in the breeding season and during wintering—positively affected both species.
Relatable Role Models: An Online Intervention Highlighting First-Generation Faculty Benefits First-Generation Students

ABSTRACT Role models improve outcomes for historically marginalized students by demonstrating that similar others are capable of success. Yet, little research has examined the impact of first-generation role models. The current studies investigate whether highlighting first-generation faculty increases first-generation students’ help-seeking intentions and belonging. Compared to continuing-generation students, first-generation students demonstrate higher relatability, intention to visit office hours (Study 1), and higher belonging (Study 2) when viewing first-generation versus continuing-generation faculty webpages. These effects occur only when first-generation identity is explicit (Study 3). This research provides initial evidence of the effectiveness of first-generation faculty campaigns, with potential to inform future initiatives.
Work discussion groups in Greek nurseries: the experience of facilitators and participants

ABSTRACT The paper presents qualitative research on the experience of facilitators and participants in work discussion groups in Greek nurseries. Work discussion groups offer a powerful mode of learning and development, not only in psychoanalytic oriented training but in educational settings in general, as they focus on the understanding of the emotional processes that underlie teaching and learning. Although there is evidence that provision of work discussion groups to teaching staff can have a far-reaching impact (i.e., they can help teachers manage the challenges of their work, reduce work-related stress, and promote the development of reflective practice), research on work discussion groups in early education settings is scarce. The present research aspires to contribute to this topic. Five facilitators and six nursery teachers who had participated for at least one year in work discussion groups run in Greek nurseries were interviewed on their experience. Their accounts were analysed using thematic analysis. The themes extracted from their accounts are compared and contrasted. The results demonstrate the generally positive experience from the work discussion groups in Greek nurseries, as reported by facilitators and teachers. The experience of being in a discussion group had an important impact on most nursery teachers, both on a professional and personal level. Suggestions for improvement of the experience, including the clear definition and safeguarding of the work discussion group’s setting, are discussed.
Lived Experiences of Recovery from Compulsive Sexual Behavior among Members of Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis

ABSTRACT Despite the prominence of 12-step recovery as an approach to addressing compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) worldwide, little is known about the phenomenological experiences of recovery from CSB among individuals who participate in 12-step groups for CSB (known as ‘S’ groups). The present qualitative study used in-depth interviews to explore lived experiences of recovery from CSB among 14 members (13 males and one female) of an ‘S’ group, Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA). Inductive thematic analysis of the interview data yielded five themes: (i) unmanageability of life as impetus for change, (ii) addiction as a symptom of a deeper problem, (iii) recovery is more than just abstinence, (iv) maintaining a new lifestyle and ongoing work on the self, and (v) the gifts of recovery. Participants typically described their initiation into recovery as being precipitated by the escalating negative consequences of their sexual behavior. Over time in recovery, they came to see their sexual acting out as a manifestation of unresolved underlying issues that would need to be addressed in recovery. They also came to believe that to achieve lasting abstinence from their problematic sexual behaviors, their overarching recovery goal would need to expand beyond just abstinence to the long-term maintenance of the quality of their recovery as a whole. This was achieved primarily through the creation and maintenance of a new lifestyle and engagement in ongoing work on the self. This new way of living was described as resulting in positive changes beyond just the alleviation of CSB symptoms, including personal transformation and improvements in overall quality of life. This qualitative study is the first to analyze recovery experiences of ‘S’ group members using a bottom-up approach and provides insights into how SLAA members describe and make sense of their recovery journeys.
Functional Morphology of Quetzalcoatlus Lawson 1975 (Pterodactyloidea: Azhdarchoidea)

ABSTRACT We reconstruct the proportions and possible motions of the skeleton of the giant azhdarchid pterosaur Quetzalcoatlus. The neck had substantial dorsoventral mobility, and the head and the neck could swing left and right through an arc of ca. 180°. In flight, it is most plausible that the hind limbs were drawn up bird-like, with the knee anterior to the acetabulum. In this position, an attachment of the wing membrane to the hind limb would have been useless. A straight-legged posterior extension of the hind limb, such as rotation of the hind limb into a fully ‘bat-like’ pose, was likely prevented by soft tissues of the hip joint. Given these difficulties, the traditional ‘broad-winged’ bat-like restoration is unrealistic. On the ground, Quetzalcoatlus, like other ornithodirans, had an erect stance and a parasagittal gait. Terrestrial locomotion was powered almost entirely by the hind limbs. The pace length would have been limited to the length of the glenoacetabular distance, except that Quetzalcoatlus (like other pterodactyloids) had a unique gait in which the forelimb was elevated out of the way of the hind limb from step to step. If the humerus were retracted 80° and adducted nearly to the body wall, the elbow and wrist may have been able to extend to effect a quadrupedal launch with assistance from the hind limbs, assuming sufficient long bone strength and sufficient extensor musculature at these forelimb joints. A bipedal launch using the hind limbs alone also appears plausible: despite the animal’s great size, the hind limb to torso length ratio is the greatest for all known pterosaurs.
REDIT: A Tool and Dataset for Extraction of Personal Data in Documents of the Public Administration Domain

English. New regulations on transparency and the recent policy for privacy force the public administration (PA) to make their documents available, but also to limit the diffusion of personal data. The present work displays a first approach to the extraction of sensitive data from PA documents in terms of named entities and semantic relations among them, speeding up the process of extraction of these personal data in order to easily select those which need to be hidden. We also present the process of collection and annotation of the dataset. Italiano. Le nuove regolamentazioni sulla trasparenza e la recente legislazione sulla privacy hanno spinto la pubblica amministrazione a rendere i loro documenti pubblicamente consultabili limitando però la diffusione di dati personali. Presentiamo qui un primo approccio all’estrazione di questi dati da documenti amministrativi in termini di named entities e relazioni semantiche tra di esse, in modo da facilitare la selezione dei dati che devono rimanere privati. Presentiamo inoltre il processo di collezione e annotazione del dataset.
Hate Speech and Topic Shift in the Covid-19 Public Discourse on Social Media in Italy

The availability of large annotated corpora from social media and the development of powerful classification approaches have contributed in an unprecedented way to tackle the challenge of monitoring users' opinions and sentiments in online social platforms across time but also arose the challenge of temporal robustness of such detection and monitoring systems. We used as case study a dataset of tweets in Italian related to the COVID-19 induced lockdown in Italy to measure how quickly the most debated topic online shifted in time. We concluded that it is a promising approach but dedicated corpora and fine tuning of algorithms are crucial for more insightful results. © 2021 for this paper by its author. Use permitted under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).
A First Step Towards Automatic Consolidation of Legal Acts: Reliable Classification of Textual Modifications

The automatic consolidation of legal texts with the integration of its successive amendments and corrigenda might have an important practical impact on public institutions, citizens and organizations. This process involves two steps: a) the classification of the textual modifications in amendment acts and b) the integration within a single document of such modifications. In this work we propose a methodology to solve step a) by exploiting Machine Learning and Natural Language Process techniques on the Italian versions of European Regulations: our results suggest that the methodology we propose is a reliable first milestone toward the automatic consolidation of legal texts.
WITS: Wikipedia for Italian Text Summarization

Abstractive text summarization has recently improved its performance due to the use of sequence to sequence models. However, while these models are extremely data-hungry, datasets in languages other than English are few. In this work, we introduce WITS (Wikipedia for Italian Text Summarization), a large-scale dataset built exploiting Wikipedia articles’ structure. WITS contains almost 700,000 Wikipedia articles, together with their human-written summaries. Compared to existing data for text summarization in Italian, WITS is more than an order of magnitude larger and more challenging given its lengthy sources. We explore WITS characteristics and present some baselines for future work.
FANCY: A Diagnostic Data-Set for NLI Models

We present here FANCY (FActivity, Negation, Common-sense, hYpernimy), a new dataset with 4000 sentence pairs concerning complex linguistic phenomena such as factivity, negation, common-sense knowledge, hypernymy and hyponymy. The analysis is developed on two levels: coarse-grained for the labels of the Natural Language Inference (NLI), that is to say the task of determining whether a hypothesis is true (entailment), false (contradiction), or undetermined (neutral) and fine-grained for the linguistic features of each phenomenon. For our experiments, we analyzed the quality of the sentence embeddings generated from two transformer-based neural models, BERT (Devlin et al., 2018) and RoBERTa (Liu et al., 2019b), that were fine-tuned on MNLI and were tested on our dataset, using CBOW as a baseline. The results obtained are lower than the performance of the same models on benchmarks like GLUE (Wang et al., 2018) and SuperGLUE (Wang et al., 2019) and allow us to understand which linguistic features are the most difficult to understand.