Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust Integration of Contextual Information for Cross-Target Stance Detection

Stance detection deals with identifying an author’s stance towards a target. Most existing stance detection models are limited because they do not consider relevant contextual information which allows for inferring the stance correctly.Complementary context can be found in knowledge bases but integrating the context into pretrained language models is non-trivial due to the graph structure of standard knowledge bases. To overcome this, we explore an approach to integrate contextual information as text which allows for integrating contextual information from heterogeneous sources, such as structured knowledge sources and by prompting large language models.Our approach can outperform competitive baselines on a large and diverse stance detection benchmark in a cross-target setup, i.e. for targets unseen during training. We demonstrate that it is more robust to noisy context and can regularize for unwanted correlations between labels and target-specific vocabulary. Finally, it is independent of the pretrained language model in use.
Blood Supplementation Enhances Bartonella henselae Growth and Molecular Detection of Bacterial DNA in Liquid Culture

This study aims to improve diagnostic detection of Bartonella henselae. Patient samples are combined with enriched bacterial cultures aimed at growing Bartonella henselae for the best possible chance at detection. However, current Bartonella growth methods could be improved. The DNA extraction method used by most laboratories should also be optimized. Sheep blood was added to increase the growth of Bartonella henselae and multiple DNA extraction methods were to be compared to each other. ABSTRACT Bacteria of the genus Bartonella, a member of the Alphaproteobacteria, are fastidious, Gram-negative, aerobic bacilli that comprise numerous species, subspecies, and genotypes. Bartonella henselae, with a worldwide distribution, infects cats, dogs, horses, humans, and other mammals. Diagnostically, direct detection of Bartonella henselae in patient blood specimens by culture or molecular methods is required to confirm infection with this bacterium. Enrichment blood culture combined with quantitative PCR (qPCR) or ddPCR enhances the sensitivity of direct detection. The addition of sheep blood to liquid culture media increased the Bartonella henselae DNA concentration compared to controls, additionally improving PCR direct detection sensitivity. IMPORTANCE This study aims to improve diagnostic detection of Bartonella henselae. Patient samples are combined with enriched bacterial cultures aimed at growing Bartonella henselae for the best possible chance at detection. However, current Bartonella growth methods could be improved. The DNA extraction method used by most laboratories should also be optimized. Sheep blood was added to increase the growth of Bartonella henselae and multiple DNA extraction methods were to be compared to each other.
The ‘microbiome counterattack’: Insights on the soil and root‐associated microbiome in diverse chickpea and lentil genotypes after an erratic rainfall event

Abstract Legumes maintain soil fertility thanks to their associated microbiota but are threatened by climate change that causes soil microbial community structural and functional modifications. The core microbiome associated with different chickpea and lentil genotypes was described after an unexpected climatic event. Results showed that chickpea and lentil bulk soil microbiomes varied significantly between two sampling time points, the first immediately after the rainfall and the second 2 weeks later. Rhizobia were associated with the soil of the more productive chickpea genotypes in terms of flower and fruit number. The root‐associated bacteria and fungi were surveyed in lentil genotypes, considering that several parcels showed disease symptoms. The metabarcoding analysis revealed that reads related to fungal pathogens were significantly associated with one lentil genotype. A lentil core prokaryotic community common to all genotypes was identified as well as a genotype‐specific one. A higher number of specific bacterial taxa and an enhanced tolerance to fungal diseases characterized a lentil landrace compared to the commercial varieties. This outcome supported the hypothesis that locally adapted landraces might have a high recruiting efficiency of beneficial soil microbes.
Minimal Flavour Violation: an eective eld theory approach

We present a general analysis of extensions of the Standard Model which satisfy the criterion of Minimal Flavour Violation (MFV). We dene this general framework by constructing a low-energy eective theory containing the Standard Model elds, with one or two Higgs doublets and, as the only source of SU(3) 5 flavour symmetry breaking, the background values of elds transforming under the flavour group as the ordinary Yukawa couplings. We analyse present bounds on the eective scale of dimension-six operators, which range between 1 and 10 TeV, with the most stringent constraints imposed by B ! Xs. In this class of theories, it is possible to relate predictions for FCNC processes in B physics to those in K physics. We compare the sensitivity of various experimental searches in probing the hypothesis of MFV. Within the two-Higgs-doublet scenario, we develop a general procedure to obtain all tan -enhanced Higgs-mediated FCNC amplitudes, discussing in particular their impact in B ! ‘ + ‘ ,MB and B ! Xs. As a byproduct, we derive some two-loop tan -enhanced supersymmetric contributions to B ! Xs previously unknown.
Human embryonic stem cell‐derived mesenchymal stem cell secretome reverts silica‐induced airway epithelial cell injury by regulating Bmi1 signaling

Silicosis is an irreversible chronic pulmonary disease caused by long‐term inhalation and deposition of silica particles, which is currently incurable. The exhaustion of airway epithelial stem cells plays a pathogenetic role in silicosis. In present study, we investigated therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)‐derived MSC‐likes immune and matrix regulatory cells (IMRCs) (hESC‐MSC‐IMRCs), a type of manufacturable MSCs for clinical application in silicosis mice. Our results showed that the transplantation of hESC‐MSC‐IMRCs led the alleviation of silica‐induced silicosis in mice, accompanied by inhibiting epithelia‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), activating B‐cell‐specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi1) signaling and airway epithelial cell regeneration. In consistence, the secretome of hESC‐MSC‐IMRC exhibited abilities to restore the potency and plasticity of primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) proliferation and differentiation following the SiO2‐induced HBECs injury. Mechanistically, the secretome resolved the SiO2‐induced HBECs injury through the activation of BMI1 signaling and restoration of airway basal cell proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, the activation of BMI1 significantly enhanced the capacity of HBEC proliferation and differentiation to multiple airway epithelial cell types in organoids. Cytokine array revealed that DKK1, VEGF, uPAR, IL‐8, Serpin E1, MCP‐1 and Tsp‐1 were the main factors in the hESC‐MSC‐IMRC secretome. These results demonstrated a potential therapeutic effect of hESC‐MSC‐IMRCs and their secretome for silicosis, in part through a mechanism by activating Bmi1 signaling to revert the exhaustion of airway epithelial stem cells, subsequentially enhance the potency and plasticity of lung epithelial stem cells.
Multicenter Evaluation of the BIOFIRE Blood Culture Identification 2 Panel for Detection of Bacteria, Yeasts, and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Positive Blood Culture Samples

Diagnostic tools that can rapidly identify and characterize microbes growing in blood cultures are important components of clinical microbiology practice because they help to provide timely information that can be used to optimize patient management. This publication describes the bioMérieux BIOFIRE Blood Culture Identification 2 (BCID2) Panel clinical study that was submitted to the U.S. ABSTRACT Diagnostic tools that can rapidly identify and characterize microbes growing in blood cultures are important components of clinical microbiology practice because they help to provide timely information that can be used to optimize patient management. This publication describes the bioMérieux BIOFIRE Blood Culture Identification 2 (BCID2) Panel clinical study that was submitted to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Results obtained with the BIOFIRE BCID2 Panel were compared to standard-of-care (SoC) results, sequencing results, PCR results, and reference laboratory antimicrobial susceptibility testing results to evaluate the accuracy of its performance. Results for 1,093 retrospectively and prospectively collected positive blood culture samples were initially enrolled, and 1,074 samples met the study criteria and were included in the final analyses. The BIOFIRE BCID2 Panel demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 98.9% (1,712/1,731) and an overall specificity of 99.6% (33,592/33,711) for Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and yeast targets which the panel is designed to detect. One hundred eighteen off-panel organisms, which the BIOFIRE BCID2 Panel is not designed to detect, were identified by SoC in 10.6% (114/1,074) of samples. The BIOFIRE BCID2 Panel also demonstrated an overall positive percent agreement (PPA) of 97.9% (325/332) and an overall negative percent agreement (NPA) of 99.9% (2,465/2,767) for antimicrobial resistance determinants which the panel is designed to detect. The presence or absence of resistance markers in Enterobacterales correlated closely with phenotypic susceptibility and resistance. We conclude that the BIOFIRE BCID2 Panel produced accurate results in this clinical trial.
Why and how to use random forest variable importance measures (and how you shouldn't)

Random forests are becoming increasingly popular in many scientific fields, especially in genetics and bioinformatics, for assessing the importance of predictor variables in high dimensional settings. Advantages of random forests in these areas are that they can cope with “small n large p” problems, complex interactions and even highly correlated predictor variables. The talk gives a short introduction to the rationale of random forests and the their variable importance measures as well as the two random forest implementations offered in the R system for statistical computing: randomForest in the package of the same name by Breiman et al. (2006) and cforest in the package party by Hothorn et al. (2008). Moreover, recent research issues are addressed: • Solutions are presented for bias in random forest variable importance measures towards, e.g., predictor variables with many categories (Strobl, Boulesteix, Zeileis, and Hothorn 2007) and correlated predictor variables (Archer and Kimes 2008). • Currently suggested tests for random forest variable importance measures (Breiman and Cutler 2008; Rodenburg et al. 2008) are critically discussed in an outlook.
Use of secondary air kerma from dose area product and fluoroscopy time for preventive effective dose estimation in interventional radiology procedures for staff

Introduction: interventional radiology workers are potentially exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation, therefore preventive dose estimation is mandatory for the correct risk classification of staff. Effective dose (ED) is a radiation protection quantity strictly related to the secondary air kerma (K S), using appropriate multiplicative conversion factors (ICRP 106). The aim of this work is to evaluate the accuracy of K S estimated from physically measurable quantities such as dose-area product (DAP) or fluoroscopy time (FT). Methods: radiological units (n = 4) were characterized in terms of primary beam air kerma and DAP-meter response, consequently defining a DAP-meter correction factor (CF) for each unit. K S, scattered from an anthropomorphic phantom and measured by a digital multimeter, was then compared with the value estimated from DAP and FT. Different combinations of tube voltages, field sizes, current and scattering angles were used to simulate the variation of working conditions. Further measurements were performed to estimate the couch transmission factor for different phantom placements on the operational couch, defining a CF as the mean transmission factor. Results: when no CFs were applied, the measured K S showed a median percentage difference of between 33.8% and 115.7% with respect to K S evaluated from DAP, and between −46.3% and 101.8% for K S evaluated from FT. By contrast, when previously defined CFs were applied to the evaluated K S, the median percentage difference between the measured K S and the value evaluated from DAP ranged from between −7.94% and 15.0%, and between −66.2% and 17.2% for that evaluated from FT. Conclusion: when appropriate CF are applied, the preventive ED estimation from the median DAP value seems to be more conservative and easier to obtain with respect to the one obtained from the FT value. Further measurements should be performed with a personal dosimeter during routine activities to assess the proper K S to ED conversion factor.
To Fold or Not to Fold: Diastereomeric Optimization of an α-Helical Antimicrobial Peptide

Membrane disruptive α-helical antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer an opportunity to address multidrug resistance; however, most AMPs are toxic and unstable in serum. These limitations can be partly overcome by introducing D-residues, which often confers protease resistance and reduces toxicity without affecting antibacterial activity, presumably due to lowered α-helicity. Here, we investigated 31 diastereomers of the α-helical AMP KKLLKLLKLLL. Three diastereomers containing two, three, and four D-residues showed increased antibacterial effects, comparable hemolysis, reduced toxicity against HEK293 cells, and excellent serum stability, while another diastereomer with four D-residues additionally displayed lower hemolysis. X-ray crystallography confirmed that high or low α-helicity as measured by circular dichroism indicated α-helical or disordered structures independently of the number of chirality switched residues. In contrast to previous reports, α-helicity across diastereomers correlated with both antibacterial activity and hemolysis and revealed a complex relationship between stereochemistry, activity, and toxicity, highlighting the potential of diastereomers for property optimization.
Enhancement of single-photon sources with metamaterials

M. Y. Shalaginov, S. Bogdanov, V. V. Vorobyov, A. S. Lagutchev, A. V. Kildishev, A. V. Akimov, A. Boltasseva, and V. M. Shalaev1,∗ School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region,141700, Russia Russian Quantum Center, Skolkovo Innovation Center, Moscow Region, 143025, Russia Lebedev Physical Institute RAS, Moscow, 119991, Russia
Role of bacterial efflux pumps in antibiotic resistance, virulence, and strategies to discover novel efflux pump inhibitors

The problem of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria has reached a crisis level. The treatment options against infections caused by multiple drug-resistant bacteria are shrinking gradually. The current pace of the discovery of new antibacterial entities is lagging behind the rate of development of new resistance. Efflux pumps play a central role in making a bacterium resistant to multiple antibiotics due to their ability to expel a wide range of structurally diverse compounds. Besides providing an escape from antibacterial compounds, efflux pumps are also involved in bacterial stress response, virulence, biofilm formation, and altering host physiology. Efflux pumps are unique yet challenging targets for the discovery of novel efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs). EPIs could help rejuvenate our currently dried pipeline of antibacterial drug discovery. The current article highlights the recent developments in the field of efflux pumps, challenges faced during the development of EPIs and potential approaches for their development. Additionally, this review highlights the utility of resources such as natural products and machine learning to expand our EPIs arsenal using these latest technologies.
Judgments and Attributions of Intimate Partner Violence in China: The Role of Directionality, Gender Stereotypicality, and Ambivalent Sexism

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health problem worldwide. IPV-related perceptions and attitudes are linked to IPV’s actual perpetration and related victimization. There is a typical gender paradigm in IPV, wherein women are victims and men are perpetrators, which influences judgments toward IPV. Some socio-cultural norms or unjust notions of gender are also intertwined with this paradigm and influence perceptions of IPV. This study explored judgments and attributions of IPV in the Chinese context while extensively considering directionality, gender stereotypes, and ambivalent sexism by surveying 887 participants online. Participants read 1 of 12 scenarios and made judgments and attributions of responsibility regarding IPV. The results indicate that hostile sexism is negatively correlated with IPV perception but positively correlated with its justification. The direction of perpetration and gender stereotypicality had some main effects on judgments of IPV, and there were some interactions between these factors. The perception level of IPV involving a traditional male partner was higher when the man was the perpetrator or when his female partner was traditional. In the unidirectional IPV scenarios, the perpetrators were judged as significantly more responsible than the victims, while in the bidirectional IPV scenarios, men were judged as significantly more responsible than women. Moreover, the relationship between gender stereotypicality and responsibility attributions to female partners was significantly moderated by benevolent sexism (BS). Participants with a high level of BS tended to attribute less responsibility to traditional women than non-traditional women in bidirectional IPV scenarios. Future studies on IPV should pay attention to the influence of directionality and gender stereotypes. More efforts ought to be made to reduce IPV and overcome gender role stereotypes and sexism.
Numerical Solution of Lienard Equation Using Hybrid Heuristic Computation

2 Abstract: In this paper, a hybrid heuristic computing technique, stochastic in nature, is used for obtaining an approximate numerical solution of the Lienard equation. The proposed technique converts the nonlinear differential equation into an equivalent global error minimization problem. A trial solution is developed using a fitness function with unknown adaptable parameters. The memetic computation or hybrid genetic algorithms (HGAs) combining genetic algorithm (GA) with interior point algorithm (IPA), active set algorithm (ASA) and pattern search (PS) is used to solve the minimization problem and to obtain the unknown adaptable parameters. The accuracy and efficacy of the proposed technique is illustrated by considering the Lienard's equation with two special cases. Comparison of numerical results is made with the exact solution and two important deterministic standard methods, including variational iteration method (VIM) and differential transform method (DTM). The comparison of numerical results validate the effectiveness and viability of the suggested technique. The results obtained by the proposed method are found to be in excellent agreement with the exact solution.
On the upper bound of the number of limit cycles obtained by the second order averaging method I

For e small we consider the number of limit cycles of the system ẋ = −y(1+x)+eF (x, y), ẏ = x(1+x)+eG(x, y), where F and G are polynomials of degree n starting with terms of degree 1. We prove that at most 2n−1 limit cycles can bifurcate from the periodic orbits of the unperturbed system (e = 0) using the averaging theory of second order.
Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration in Adolescents and Young Adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health crisis with long-term adverse consequences for both victims and perpetrators. Patterns of violence often begin during adolescence, yet most interventions target adult relationships. A systematic review was conducted to identify correlates of IPV victimization and perpetration among adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Eligible studies included participants 10 to 24 years old, took place in SSA, and tested a statistical association between a correlate and an IPV outcome. Correlates were defined as any condition or characteristic associated with statistically significant increased or decreased risk of IPV victimization or perpetration. PsycInfo, PubMed, Embase, and African Index Medicus were searched and included studies published between January 1, 2000 and February 4, 2022. The search resulted in 3,384 original studies, of which 55 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Correlates were first qualitatively synthesized by developmental period (e.g., early adolescence, older adolescence, and young adulthood) and then organized in a conceptual framework by correlate type (e.g., socio-demographic; health, behavior, and attitudes; relational; or contextual). Over two decades of literature reveals variability in evidence by developmental period but also substantial overlap in the correlates of victimization and perpetration. This review identifies multiple points for intervention and results suggest the urgent need for earlier, developmentally appropriate prevention efforts among younger adolescents as well as combined approaches that target both victimization and perpetration of IPV.
Patient-Centered Care Through Nurse Practitioner–Led Integrated Behavioral Health: A Case Study

Integrated behavioral health can improve primary care and mental health outcomes. Access to behavioral health and primary care services in Texas is in crisis because of high uninsurance rates, regulatory restrictions, and lack of workforce. To address gaps in access to care, a partnership formed among a large local mental health authority in central Texas, a federally designated rural health clinic, and the Texas A&M University School of Nursing to create an interprofessional team-based health care delivery model led by nurse practitioners in rural and medically underserved areas of central Texas. Academic–practice partners identified 5 clinics for an integrated behavioral health care delivery model. From July 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021, a total of 3183 patient visits were completed. Patients were predominantly female (n = 1719, 54%) and Hispanic (n = 1750, 55%); 1050 (33%) were living at or below the federal poverty level; and 1400 (44%) were uninsured. The purpose of this case study was to describe the first year of implementation of the integrated health care delivery model, barriers to implementation, challenges to sustainability, and successes. We analyzed data from multiple sources, including meeting minutes and agendas, grant reports, direct observations of clinic flow, and interviews with clinic staff, and identified common qualitative themes (eg, challenges to integration, sustainability of integration, outcome successes). Results revealed implementation challenges with the electronic health record, service integration, low staffing levels during a global pandemic, and effective communication. We also examined 2 patient cases to illustrate the success of integrated behavioral health and highlighted lessons learned from the implementation process, including the need for a robust electronic health record and organizational flexibility.