Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TrentoTeam at SemEval-2017 Task 3: An application of Grice Maxims in Ranking Community Question Answers

In this paper we present the Tren-toTeam system which participated to thetask 3 at SemEval-2017 (Nakov et al.,2017). We concentrated our work onapplying Grice Maxims(used in manystate-of-the-art Machine learning applica-tions(Vogel et al., 2013; Kheirabadiand Aghagolzadeh, 2012; Dale and Re-iter, 1995; Franke, 2011)) to ranking an-swers of a question by answers relevancy.Particularly, we created a ranker systembased on relevancy scores, assigned by 3main components: Named entity recogni-tion, similarity score, sentiment analysis.Our system obtained a comparable resultsto Machine learning systems.
Akt Mediates the Effect of Insulin on Epithelial Sodium Channels by Inhibiting Nedd4-2*

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays an important role in transepithelial Na+ absorption; hence its function is essential for maintaining Na+ and fluid homeostasis and regulating blood pressure. Insulin is one of the hormones that regulates activity of ENaC. In this study, we investigated the contribution of two related protein kinases, Akt (also known as protein kinase B) and the serum- and glucocorticoid-dependent kinase (Sgk), on insulin-induced ENaC activity in Fisher rat thyroid cells expressing ENaC. Overexpression of Akt1 or Sgk1 significantly increased ENaC activity, whereas expression of a dominant-negative construct of Akt1, Akt1K179M, decreased basal activity of ENaC. Inhibition of the endogenous expression of Akt1 and Sgk1 by short interfering RNA not only inhibited ENaC but also disrupted the stimulatory effect on ENaC of insulin and of the downstream effectors of insulin, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and PDK1. Conversely, overexpression of Akt1 or Sgk1 increased expression of ENaC at the cell membrane and overcame the inhibitory effect of Nedd4-2 on ENaC. Furthermore, mutation of consensus phosphorylation sites on Nedd4-2 for Akt1 and Sgk1, Ser342 and Ser428, completely abolished the inhibitory effect of Sgk1 and Akt1 on Nedd4-2 action. Together these data suggest that both Akt and Sgk are components of an insulin signaling pathway that increases Na+ absorption by up-regulating membrane expression of ENaC via a regulatory system that involves inhibition of Nedd4-2.
Guanosine improves motor behavior, reduces apoptosis, and stimulates neurogenesis in rats with parkinsonism

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) caused by an abnormal rate of apoptosis. Endogenous stem cells in the adult mammalian brain indicate an innate potential for regeneration and possible resource for neuroregeneration in PD. We previously showed that guanosine prevents apoptosis even when administered 48 hr after the toxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Here, we induced parkinsonism in rats with a proteasome inhibitor. Guanosine treatment reduced apoptosis, increased tyrosine hydroxylase–positive dopaminergic neurons and expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the SNc, increased cellular proliferation in the SNc and subventricular zone, and ameliorated symptoms. Proliferating cells in the subventricular zone were nestin‐positive adult neural progenitor/stem cells. Fibroblast growth factor‐2‐expressing cells were also increased by guanosine. Thus, guanosine protected cells from apoptosis and stimulated “intrinsic” adult progenitor/stem cells to become dopaminergic neurons in rats with proteasome inhibitor–induced PD. The cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying these effects may open new avenues for development of novel therapeutics for PD. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epigenetic Basis of Morphological Variation and Phenotypic Plasticity in Arabidopsis thaliana

Differences in epigenetic marks can explain substantial levels of variation in plant performance and often exert pleiotropic effects. Epigenetics is receiving growing attention in the plant science community. Epigenetic modifications are thought to play a particularly important role in fluctuating environments. It is hypothesized that epigenetics contributes to plant phenotypic plasticity because epigenetic modifications, in contrast to DNA sequence variation, are more likely to be reversible. The population of decrease in DNA methylation 1-2 (ddm1-2)-derived epigenetic recombinant inbred lines (epiRILs) in Arabidopsis thaliana is well suited for studying this hypothesis, as DNA methylation differences are maximized and DNA sequence variation is minimized. Here, we report on the extensive heritable epigenetic variation in plant growth and morphology in neutral and saline conditions detected among the epiRILs. Plant performance, in terms of branching and leaf area, was both reduced and enhanced by different quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in the ddm1-2 inherited epigenotypes. The variation in plasticity associated significantly with certain genomic regions in which the ddm1-2 inherited epigenotypes caused an increased sensitivity to environmental changes, probably due to impaired genetic regulation in the epiRILs. Many of the QTLs for morphology and plasticity overlapped, suggesting major pleiotropic effects. These findings indicate that epigenetics contributes substantially to variation in plant growth, morphology, and plasticity, especially under stress conditions.
A Conceptual Model of Recommender System for Algorithm Selection

Classifier selection process implies mastering a lot of background information on the dataset, the model and the algorithms in question. We suggest that a recommender system can reduce this effort by registering background information and the knowledge of the expert. In this study we propose such a system and take a first look on how it can be done. We compare various classifiers against different datasets and then come up with the most appropriate classifier for a particular dataset based on its unique characteristic.
Predifferentiated Adult Stem Cells and Matrices for Cardiac Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is a major field of research worldwide, with increasing clinical application, especially in cardiovascular pathology. However, the best stem cell source and type with optimal safety for functional engraftment remains unclear. An intermediate cardiac precommitted phenotype expressing some of the key proteins of a mature cardiomyocyte would permit better integration into the cardiac environment. The predifferentiated cells would receive signals from the environment, thus achieving gradual and complete differentiation. In cell transplantation, survival and engraftment within the environment of the ischemic myocardium represents a challenge for all types of cells, regardless of their state of differentiation. An alternative strategy is to embed cells in a 3-dimensional structure replicating the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for full tissue restoration and prevention of ventricular remodeling. The clinical translation of cell therapy requires avoidance of potentially harmful drugs and cytokines, and rapid off-the-shelf availability of cells. The combination of predifferentiated cells with a functionalized scaffold, locally releasing molecules tailored to promote in-situ completion of differentiation and improve homing, survival, and function, could be an exciting approach that might circumvent the potential undesired effects of growth factor administration and improve tissue restoration.
Hormones and menopausal status as predictors of depression in women in transition to menopause.

BACKGROUND Associations between depressed mood and hormonal changes during transition to menopause are controversial. To our knowledge, there has been no prospective study of these associations in women commencing when they are premenopausal. OBJECTIVE To longitudinally study the associations among reproductive hormones, menopausal status, and other predictors of depressed mood in midlife women. DESIGN Cohort study with 6 assessment periods during a 4-year interval. Blood samples were collected 12 times during the follicular phase (days 2-6). SETTING Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS A randomly identified, population-based, stratified sample of African American (n = 218) and white (n = 218) women aged 35 to 47 years with regular menstrual cycles, no hormonal or psychotropic medication use, and no serious physical or mental health problems at enrollment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score and history of depression via the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders. RESULTS There was an increased likelihood of depressive symptoms during transition to menopause and a decreased likelihood after menopause after adjustment for other predictors of depression, including history of depression, severe premenstrual syndrome, poor sleep, age, race, and employment status (P =.03). The likelihood of depressive symptoms decreased for individuals with a rapidly increasing follicle-stimulating hormone profile (P< or =.001) and also decreased with age compared with premenopausal women (P =.02). Participant aggregate profiles with increasing estradiol levels were significantly associated with depressive symptoms in bivariate analysis (P =.053). CONCLUSIONS Depressive symptoms as assessed herein increased during transition to menopause and decreased in postmenopausal women. Hormone associations provided corroborating evidence that the changing hormonal milieu contributes to dysphoric mood during transition to menopause.
Variable Stiffness Fiber with Self‐Healing Capability

A variable stiffness fiber made of silicone and low melting point alloys quickly becomes >700 times softer and >400 times more deformable when heated above 62 °C. It shows remarkable self-healing properties and can be clamped, knitted, and bonded, as shown in a foldable multi-purpose drone, a wearable cast for bone injuries, and a soft multi-directional actuator.
Coefficients of combining concept classes in a collection

This report considers combining information to improve retrieval. The vector space model has been extended so different classes of data are associated with distinct concept types and their respective subvectors. Two collections with multiple concept types are described, ISI-1460 and CACM-3204. Experiments indicate that regression methods can help predict relevance, given query-document similarity values for each concept type. After sampling and transformation of data, the coefficient of determination for the best model was . 48 (.66) for ISI (CACM). Average precision for the two collections was 11% (31%) better for probabilistic feedback with all types versus with terms only. These findings may be of particular interest to designers of document retrieval or hypertext systems since the role of links is shown to be especially beneficial.
Chromosomal Localization of the Human Renal Sodium Phosphate Transporter to Chromosome 5: Implications for X-Linked Hypophosphatemia

ABSTRACT: Hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets, an X-linked dominant disorder, is the most common form of vitamin D–resistant rickets in humans (McKusick number 307800). Biochemically, these patients exhibit hypophosphatemia due to a defect in the renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate. The human cDNA encoding for the renal phosphate transporter has been recently cloned using the expression system in the Xenopus laevis oocytes. Because hypophosphatemic vitamin D–resistant rickets has an X-linked mode of transmission, we hypothesized that the gene encoding the renal phosphate transporter might map to the X chromosome. In this report, we determined the chromosomal localization of the human renal phosphate transporter using three independent methods. First, DNA from somatic cell hybrid panels was examined by Southern blotting for the phosphate transporter. Second, the polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify DNA from somatic cell hybrids. Third, fluorescent in situ hybridization was used to sublocalize the renal phosphate transporter. All three methods localized the renal phosphate transporter to chromosome 5q13. Our results indicate that either derangement of a gene other than the phosphate transporter gene that is encoded on chromosome 5 is responsible for X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets or, alternatively, a gene encoded on the X chromosome has an epistatic effect on the expression of the renal phosphate transporter on chromosome 5.
Minimally Invasive Cervical Spine Foraminotomy and Lateral Mass Screw Placement

Study Design. This technique article describes accomplishing multilevel posterior cervical decompression and lateral mass screw placement through a tubular retraction system. Objective. Multilevel foraminotomy and instrumented fusion using lateral mass screw fixation can be achieved through a minimally invasive technique using specialized retractors and intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging. Summary of Background Data. Minimally invasive surgical techniques have been adapted to the cervical spine with good results. These techniques have the theoretical advantages of reducing morbidity, blood loss, perioperative pain, and length of hospital stay associated with conventional open posterior spinal exposure. Methods. Minimally invasive access to the posterior cervical spine was performed with exposure through a paramedian muscle-splitting approach. With the assistance of a specialized tubular retraction system with a deep soft tissue expansion mechanism, multilevel posterior cervical decompression and fusion can be accomplished. Results. Minimized access to perform multilevel posterior cervical foraminotomy and fusion can be safely accomplished with tubular retraction systems. Complications associated with these techniques can include inadequate decompression, improper instrumentation placement, or neurologic injury due to poor access and visualization. Conclusion. Multilevel foraminotomy and instrumented fusion using lateral mass screw fixation can be safely achieved using these techniques. Complications associated with these strategies are typically due to inadequate visualization, incomplete decompression, or poor placement of instrumentation. As with all minimally invasive spine techniques, the surgeon must ensure that goals of the surgery, both technical and clinical outcomes, are comparable to those of a conventional open procedure.
Optimization of domestic heating system by implementing model predictive control

The present study aims to investigate model predictive control in optimization of hybrid solar/gas heating system of buildings and reduction of energy used. In the article, a building has been investigated in a sample day of Tehran and model predictive control has been implemented using two heating sources of solar and gas energies. Afterward, its performance has been evaluated through redesign of this method for laboratory model and test implementation. Eventually, it was found that model predictive control has high performance in temperature setting in the range of comfort temperature for the considered day. On the other hand, according to laboratory test results, this method outperforms on-off controller and PID methods in temperature setting and can set the temperature in a time span 1/5 of mentioned methods.
Endothelial microparticles delivering microRNA-155 into T lymphocytes are involved in the initiation of acute graft-versus-host disease following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) upregulation has been observed in acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, the role of EMPs remains unclear. We found that EMPs derived from TNF-α-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EA.hy926) concentrated more microRNA-155 (miR-155) compared with maternal cells. The miR-155 levels in MPs from peripheral blood of aGVHD patients and mice were remarkably elevated and significantly higher than the levels in plasma. Moreover, the rising peak of miR-155 in MPs occurred significantly prior to the peak in T lymphocytes. Additionally, we observed fluorescently-labeled miR-155 in EMPs actively transported into recipient T lymphocytes. Inhibition of miR-155 in EMPs by antagomir-155 did not influence the proliferation and apoptosis of T lymphocytes, but induced defective differentiation toward Th1, Th9 and Th17 cells and skewed differentiation toward Th2 and Treg cells. Furthermore, intravenous injection of miR-155-deficient-EMPs into aGVHD mice significantly attenuated the exacerbation of aGVHD manifestations and abnormal T lymphocytes differentiation induced by high concentration EMPs. Taken together, these data provide a mechanistic framework in which miR-155 delivered by EMPs is involved in aGVHD pathogenesis by activating specific T lymphocytes functions. The results may provide new therapeutic approaches for aGVHD while preserving graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect.
Simple Polarization-Reconfigurable Antenna With T-Shaped Feed

In this letter, a novel polarization-reconfigurable antenna with a T-shaped feed is proposed. This antenna mainly comprises a square patch, a T-shaped feed, two p-i-n diodes, two conductive pads with a via hole, and a square ring slot in a ground plane. The two p-i-n diodes and two conductive pads with a via hole are used to switch the polarization mode of the antenna. Each branch line of the T-shaped feed is connected to or disconnected from the ground plane through the conductive pads with a via hole by independently adjusting the bias states of the two p-i-n diodes. As a result, the proposed antenna exhibits either a right-hand circular polarization (CP) or a left-hand CP when only one of the two p-i-n diodes is in the on state. On the other hand, the antenna exhibits a linear polarization (LP) property when the two p-i-n diodes are in the OFF state.
N-{Bis[methyl(phenyl)amino]phosphoryl}-2,2,2-trichloroacetamide

In the asymmetric unit of the crystal structure of the title compound, C16H17Cl3N3O2P, there are two crystallographically independent molecules, which form dimers via N—H⋯O hydrogen bonding between the N—H group and the P=O group. In the molecular structure, the phosphoryl group is anti to the carbonyl group. The two benzene rings are oriented at dihedral angles of 54.3 (2) and 49.7 (2)° in the two independent molecules.
Clonal Infection with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Following Periodontal Therapy

Mechanical debridement results in a shift of the bacterial composition in the periodontal pocket on the species level. It is unknown, however, whether a clonal change within a species could lead to the emergence of strains with different levels of virulence. Therefore, in the present study, the genetic variability of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was assessed and strains identified which were associated with periodontal disease progression following periodontal therapy, i.e., refractory periodontitis. Twenty adult patients with untreated periodontitis and subgingival colonization of A. actinomycetemcomitans were randomly assigned to receive full-mouth scaling alone or scaling with an adjunctive antimicrobial therapy. Both groups received supportive periodontal therapy at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. Subgingival plaque samples were taken at every visit; venous blood was obtained at 24 months only. A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates were typed by the RAPD method, and antibody reactivity against outer membrane proteins was assessed by immunoblot analysis. Eleven distinct RAPD patterns were found in 18 patients completing the study. All patients harbored only one A. actinomycetemcomitans genotype, and within each patient this genotype persisted throughout the 24-month observation period. No differences in the expression of antibody reactivity against outer membrane proteins were found between strains isolated at baseline and at 24 months. Three genotypes were associated with reduced survival rates of teeth without probing attachment loss of 2 mm or more. The results indicated that (i) most patients harbored only one A. actinomycetemcomitans genotype; (ii) the genotype persisted following therapy; and (iii) only some genotypes were associated with refractory periodontitis.
Accurate thermal characterization of a GaN PA MMIC using Thermoreflectance thermography

The reliability of power microwave devices is often determined by its peak operating junction temperature. In this paper, an accurate thermal characterization of a Gallium Nitride power amplifier Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit device using Thermoreflectance thermography is presented. The measured gate temperatures using Thermoreflectance thermography are compared with measured temperatures using Infrared thermography and calculated temperatures from finite element analysis.
Comparing Ku-band NSCAT scatterometer and ERS-2 altimeter winds

Differences between sea surface wind speed estimated from the measurements of two different Ku-band satellite-borne sensors are investigated. The first sensor is the altimeter radar on board the European Remote Sensing Satellite, ERS-2, of the European Space Agency. The second one is the NASA scatterometer, NSCAT, on board the Japanese satellite ADvanced Earth Observing System (ADEOS). Because of the different physical processes involved in the measurements of the two sensors, differences are expected between the two retrieved surface wind speed data. The analyzed data set was extracted from the ERS-2 acid NSCAT collocated data base set up, within ADEOS validation activities, by the French Centre ERS d'Archivage et de Traitement (CERSAT), from the Institut Francais de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer. The dataset covers almost the whole life of NSCAT, from September, 1996, to June, 1997, and consists in more than 800000 pairs of collocated altimeter and scatterometer measurements. On average, wind speed estimates were found to be in agreement over the medium 4-9 ms/sup -1/ wind speed range. At low speed, NSCAT wind speed is overestimated relative to the altimeter one, and inversely, at high wind speed, over 10-17 ms/sup -1/ range, NSCAT is underestimated. The impact of significant wave height and incidence angle on difference between wind speed retrievals from the two sensors was then investigated. Some systematic behaviors were observed as a function of these two parameters and discussed in view of other available analysis and backscatter modeling development.
Power allocation in coordinated multi-cell networks using Stackelberg game

In this paper, we study the power allocation problem in multi-cell orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) networks. In order to improve system performance in cell-edges, users are separated into two groups with respect to their distance from base-stations (BSs): Central users and cell-edge users. Coordinated multi-point joint transmission (CoMP-JT) technology incorporated with static clustering is used for users near the cell-edges. In addition, our goal is to serve users with different target signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) according to their requested quality of services. Consequently, revenue of the service provider is considered as another factor and two Stackelberg games are proposed to allocate proper powers to central and cell-edge users. In the proposed algorithm, by assuming the fact that users agree to pay more to have better quality of service levels, the service provider determines optimum prices for unit power transmitted to users requesting different quality of services. Eventually, our simulation results demonstrate that lower power levels is required to provide dynamic quality of service levels for different users.