Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbiological study of patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD) and the usefulness of analytical and clinical parameters in its identification (VIRAE study)

Purpose Respiratory infection is the most common cause for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD). The aim of this work was to study the etiology of the respiratory infection in order to assess the usefulness of the clinical and analytical parameters used for COPD identification. Patients and methods We included 132 patients over a period of 2 years. The etiology of the respiratory infection was studied by conventional sputum, paired serology tests for atypical bacteria, and viral diagnostic techniques (immunochromatography, immunofluorescence, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques). We grouped the patients into four groups based on the pathogens isolated (bacterial versus. viral, known etiology versus unknown etiology) and compared the groups. Results A pathogen was identified in 48 patients. The pathogen was identified through sputum culture in 34 patients, seroconversion in three patients, and a positive result from viral techniques in 14 patients. No significant differences in identifying etiology were observed in the clinical and analytical parameters within the different groups. The most cost-effective tests were the sputum test and the polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion Based on our experience, clinical and analytical parameters are not useful for the etiological identification of COPD exacerbations. Diagnosing COPD exacerbation is difficult, with the conventional sputum test for bacterial etiology and molecular biology techniques for viral etiology providing the most profitability. Further studies are necessary to identify respiratory syndromes or analytical parameters that can be used to identify the etiology of new AE-COPD cases without the laborious diagnostic techniques.
Influence Analysis in Business Social Media

In this paper, we describe a novel data model for particular online business social networks such as Tripadvisor and Yelp: we also define a greedy influence maximization algorithm to determine the most influential users on the base of proper influence patterns. The result of such analysis is then combined with some economic data in order to propose a set of possible financial strategies for business objects. Finally, a case study and some preliminary and interesting results are presented for the Yelp dataset.
Rate of passage of calcium-45 and yttrium-91 along the intestine, and calcium absorption in the laying fowl.

The passage of 45Ca and yttrium-91 (91Y) along the gastrointestinal tract of the laying fowl was compared by dosing either the crop or the duodenum with a double tracer dose. Passage time in the crop and along the intestinal tract was similar for both isotopes but "Ca appears to have moved more rapidly than "Y out of the stomach. The passage rate was highest in the duodenum and decreased progres sively down the intestine. Outflow of 45Ca from the intestine to the blood was rapid during the first 30 minutes after the duodenal administration, by which time the isotope hardly reached beyond the jejunum. The outflow appears to have slowed down considerably after 30 minutes, as also indicated by the specific activity of "Ca in blood plasma. It was concluded that the most effective site of calcium absorption in the laying hen is the jejunum. The possible errors in the determination of absorption with the aid of unabsorbed markers, are discussed. One of the first steps in investigating intestinal absorption is the identification of the absorption site. Results of a previous trial ( 1) with laying hens suggested that the absorption of calcium was almost com pletely restricted to the duodenum and je junum, with hardly any absorption in the ileum and colon. This conclusion was based on the assumption that the rate of passage of calcium along the intestine was the same as that of yttrium-91 (91Y), so that the cumulative absorption could be obtained from the Ca/91Y ratios. Marcus and Lengemann (2, 3) have used the transit time of 9IYin order to identify the site of absorption of 45Ca and 85Sr in the rat. Renner (4) calculated the absorption of fat along the chick-intestine from fat-tochromic oxide ratios. Undoubtedly, the as sumption made above holds for their work as well. In contrast with results with the hen (1), results with rats (3) and dogs (5) indicated that the ileum was the most ef fective segment in calcium absorption due to the relatively long transit time in this segment. The present study was designed to (a) test the previous assumption that the pas sage time through the intestine is the same for calcium and 91Y,and (b) evaluate the sites of effective absorption of J5Caby com paring the recovery of the isotope with its progress through the intestine, and by measuring its plasma concentration as a function of time following the delivery of a single dose into the duodenum.
Fashion Style in 128 Floats: Joint Ranking and Classification Using Weak Data for Feature Extraction

We propose a novel approach for learning features from weakly-supervised data by joint ranking and classification. In order to exploit data with weak labels, we jointly train a feature extraction network with a ranking loss and a classification network with a cross-entropy loss. We obtain high-quality compact discriminative features with few parameters, learned on relatively small datasets without additional annotations. This enables us to tackle tasks with specialized images not very similar to the more generic ones in existing fully-supervised datasets. We show that the resulting features in combination with a linear classifier surpass the state-of-the-art on the Hipster Wars dataset despite using features only 0.3% of the size. Our proposed features significantly outperform those obtained from networks trained on ImageNet, despite being 32 times smaller (128 single-precision floats), trained on noisy and weakly-labeled data, and using only 1.5% of the number of parameters.
GML2GML: Generic and Interoperable Round-Trip Geodata Editing – Concepts and Example

SUMMARY A range of tools offer possibilities for transforming geodata to SVG. We do not want to add yet another of such map generation projects, but investigate the general possibilities and restrictions for bidirectional XSL transformations between GML (Geographic Markup Language), SLD (Styled Layer Descriptor), and SVG. This is necessary in order to develop standards-based GIS applications supporting geodata-editing of geometry and attribute data. We explore the possibilities for a truly generic generation of these bi-directional transformations based on the GML application schema. This results in a cascade of several XSL transformations from the database schema to XSL code that finally transforms between GML data and SVG in both directions taking the style descriptions from SLD documents.
GIF Transcriptional Coregulators Control Root Meristem Homeostasis

GRF-INTERACTING FACTORs, including ANGUSTIFOLIA3, GIF2, and GIF3, control root meristem and quiescent center organization through interactions with GRF transcription factors and BRAHMA complexes. In the root meristem, the quiescent center (QC) is surrounded by stem cells, which in turn generate the different cell types of the root. QC cells rarely divide under normal conditions but can replenish damaged stem cells. In the proximal meristem, the daughters of stem cells, which are referred to as transit-amplifying cells, undergo additional rounds of cell division prior to differentiation. Here, we describe the functions of GRF-INTERACTING FACTORs (GIFs), including ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3), in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. GIFs have been shown to interact with GRF transcription factors and SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes. We found that combinations of GIF mutants cause the loss of QC identity. However, despite their QC impairment, GIF mutants have a significantly enlarged root meristem with additional lateral root cap layers. We show that the increased expression of PLETHORA1 (PLT1) is at least partially responsible for the large root meristems of an3 mutants. Furthermore, we found that GIFs are necessary for maintaining the precise expression patterns of key developmental regulators and that AN3 complexes bind directly to the promoter regions of PLT1 as well as SCARECROW. We propose that AN3/GIFs participate in different pathways that control QC organization and the size of the meristem.
Quantifying phenological plasticity to temperature in two temperate tree species

Summary 1. Phenotypic plasticity allows large shifts in the timing of phenology within one single generation and drives phenotypic variability under environmental changes, thus it will enhance the inherent adaptive capacities of plants against future changes of climate. 2. Using five common gardens set along an altitudinal gradient (100–1600 m asl.), we experimentally examined the phenotypic plasticity of leaf phenology in response to temperature increase for two temperate tree species (Fagus sylvatica and Quercus petraea). We used seedlings from three populations of each species inhabiting different altitudes (400, 800 and 1200 m asl.). Leaf unfolding in spring and leaf senescence in autumn were monitored on seedlings for 2 years. 3. Overall, a high phenological plasticity was found for both species. The reaction norms of leaf unfolding date to temperature linearly accelerated for both species with an average shift of )5AE7 days per degree increase. Timing of leaf senescence exhibited hyperbolic trends for beech due to earlier senescence at the lowest elevation garden and no or slight trends for oak. There was no difference in the magnitude of phenological plasticity among populations from different elevations. For both species, the growing season length increased to reach maximum values at about 10–13 � C of annual temperature according to the population. 4. Since the magnitude of phenological plasticity is high for all the tested populations, they are likely to respond immediately to temperature variations in terms of leaf phenology. Consequently the mid- to high-elevation populations are likely to experience a longer growing season with climate warming. The results suggest that climate warming could lengthen the growing season of all populations over the altitudinal gradient, although the low-elevation populations, especially of beech, may experience accelerated senescence and shorter growing season due to drought and other climate changes associated with warming.
Developmental origin of shark electrosensory organs

Vertebrates have evolved electrosensory receptors that detect electrical stimuli on the surface of the skin and transmit them somatotopically to the brain. In chondrichthyans, the electrosensory system is composed of a cephalic network of ampullary organs, known as the ampullae of Lorenzini, that can detect extremely weak electric fields during hunting and navigation. Each ampullary organ consists of a gel‐filled epidermal pit containing sensory hair cells, and synaptic connections with primary afferent neurons at the base of the pit that facilitate detection of voltage gradients over large regions of the body. The developmental origin of electroreceptors and the mechanisms that determine their spatial arrangement in the vertebrate head are not well understood. We have analyzed electroreceptor development in the lesser spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) and show that Sox8 and HNK1, two markers of the neural crest lineage, selectively mark sensory cells in ampullary organs. This represents the first evidence that the neural crest gives rise to electrosensory cells. We also show that pathfinding by cephalic mechanosensory and electrosensory axons follows the expression pattern of EphA4, a well‐known guidance cue for axons and neural crest cells in osteichthyans. Expression of EphrinB2, which encodes a ligand for EphA4, marks the positions at which ampullary placodes are initiated in the epidermis, and EphA4 is expressed in surrounding mesenchyme. These results suggest that Eph–Ephrin signaling may establish an early molecular map for neural crest migration, axon guidance and placodal morphogenesis during development of the shark electrosensory system.
Recent advances in tree hydraulics highlight the ecological significance of the hydraulic safety margin.

Drought-induced cavitation resistance varies considerably between tree species and forest ecosystems (Maherali et al., 2004; Delzon et al., 2010) and is closely linked to survival under severe drought in both conifers (Brodribb & Cochard, 2009; Brodribb et al., 2010) and angiosperms (Kursar et al., 2009; Anderegg et al., 2012; Barigah et al., 2013; Urli et al., 2013). Choat et al. (2012) recently reported that most trees operate very close to their threshold of cavitation, leaving them potentially vulnerable to drought-induced mortality in a warmer/drier world (Engelbrecht, 2012). Indeed, species growing in dry environments are more resistant to droughtinduced cavitation (more negative water potential at 50% cavitation, P50) but experience a more negative minimumwater potential (Pmin) than those growing in wet environments. The so-called hydraulic safety margin, the difference between the level of water stress experienced by a species in the field (Pmin) and the level of water stress leading to hydraulic failure, is, therefore, remarkably narrow, whatever the forest species and biome considered (Choat et al., 2012). This pattern provides clues to the global droughtinduced mortality currently observed, even in very wet environments, such as tropical forests (Allen et al., 2010). Klein et al. (2014) play down the functional significance of the hydraulic safety margin in the vulnerability of forests to drought, pointing out the important role played by additional mechanisms, such as the ability of trees to repair embolism. While it is obvious that drought-induced forest dieback is a complex process involving a number of biotic and abiotic factors, we would like to draw the attention of scientists to the state of evidence for embolism repair, thereby guiding research on tree drought resistance into the most relevant and fruitful directions
Gene expression profiling of taxol-resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells with siRNA-mediated FOLR 1 downregulation

Objectives: Our previous study has shown that downregulation of FOLR1 by siRNA partially reversed taxolresistant phenotype in taxol-resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. We aim to gain further insight into the molecular mechanisms of this process and identify the differentially expressed genes after FOLR1 downregulation. Method: The global gene expression profile was identified and analyzed using the Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 array. Results: There was a significant dysregulation in the global gene expression of the FOLR1-suppressed taxolresistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. There were 41 upregulated genes and 109 downregulated genes. QRT-PCR validation of the selected differentially expressed genes demonstrated there was a good correlation with the microarray analysis. There was a significant deregulation of expression in the apoptosis-related genes such as BIRC3, PRKX, TNFRSF10A and involved in Viral carcinogenesis, MAPK signaling pathways after FOLR1 was downregulated. Conclusion: The suppression of FOLR1 by RNA interference altered gene expression profile of taxol-resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. The apoptosis-related genes and the gene alterations in viral carcinogenesis, MAPK signaling pathways might be important in FOLR1 siRNA-induced taxol-resistant reversal.
Eigenplaces: Analysing Cities Using the Space–Time Structure of the Mobile Phone Network

Several attempts have already been made to use telecommunications networks for urban research, but the datasets employed have typically been neither dynamic nor fine grained. Against this research backdrop the mobile phone network offers a compelling compromise between these extremes: it is both highly mobile and yet still localisable in space. Moreover, the mobile phone's enormous and enthusiastic adoption across most socioeconomic strata makes it a uniquely useful tool for conducting large-scale, representative behavioural research. In this paper we attempt to connect telecoms usage data from Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM) to a geography of human activity derived from data on commercial premises advertised through Pagine Gialle, the Italian ‘Yellow Pages’. We then employ eigendecomposition—a process similar to factoring but suitable for this complex dataset—to identify and extract recurring patterns of mobile phone usage. The resulting eigenplaces support the computational and comparative analysis of space through the lens of telecommuniations usage and enhance our understanding of the city as a ‘space of flows’.
Predicting Responses to Contemporary Environmental Change Using Evolutionary Response Architectures

Rapid environmental change currently presents a major threat to global biodiversity and ecosystem functions, and understanding impacts on individual populations is critical to creating reliable predictions and mitigation plans. One emerging tool for this goal is high-throughput sequencing technology, which can now be used to scan the genome for signs of environmental selection in any species and any system. This explosion of data provides a powerful new window into the molecular mechanisms of adaptation, and although there has been some success in using genomic data to predict responses to selection in fields such as agriculture, thus far genomic data are rarely integrated into predictive frameworks of future adaptation in natural populations. Here, we review both theoretical and empirical studies of adaptation to rapid environmental change, focusing on areas where genomic data are poised to contribute to our ability to estimate species and population persistence and adaptation. We advocate for the need to study and model evolutionary response architectures, which integrate spatial information, fitness estimates, and plasticity with genetic architecture. Understanding how these factors contribute to adaptive responses is essential in efforts to predict the responses of species and ecosystems to future environmental change.
Flexible and stretchable power sources for wearable electronics

Compliant battery design strategy for wearable power sources with high degree of flexibility and stretchability. Flexible and stretchable power sources represent a key technology for the realization of wearable electronics. Developing flexible and stretchable batteries with mechanical endurance that is on par with commercial standards and offer compliance while retaining safety remains a significant challenge. We present a unique approach that demonstrates mechanically robust, intrinsically safe silver-zinc batteries. This approach uses current collectors with enhanced mechanical design, such as helical springs and serpentines, as a structural support and backbone for all battery components. We show wire-shaped batteries based on helical band springs that are resilient to fatigue and retain electrochemical performance over 17,000 flexure cycles at a 0.5-cm bending radius. Serpentine-shaped batteries can be stretched with tunable degree and directionality while maintaining their specific capacity. Finally, the batteries are integrated, as a wearable device, with a photovoltaic module that enables recharging of the batteries.
OpenStreetMap in 3D - Detailed Insights on the Current Situation in Germany

This paper investigates the generation of virtual three-dimensional city models based on collaboratively collected geographic information from the OpenStreetMap project. In particular, the suitability of OpenStreetMap (OSM) data for the generation of 3D building models is investigated. The diversity and quantity of different building attributes theoretically provides new opportunities and challenges in creating detailed virtual building models for cities. With regards on the different building attributes, the current situation in Germany is quantitatively analysed and elaborated. The complete virtual city models are made available and accessible over the Internet via specialized web services. Thereby, all these services of the presented 3D spatial data infrastructure (3D-SDI) are based on open standards or draft specifications of the open geospatial consortium (OGC). Besides three-dimensional building models, the services also contain a Digital Elevation Model (DTM) based on open data of the Spatial Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), as well as other kinds of OSM information such as Point-of-Interests. Additionally, reoccurring elements, that is elements which can be easily reproduced by duplicating a prototype and positioning it at the right position, are integrated and can be derived within the system. The service is available at www.osm-3d.de.
Antimicrobial Peptides: Diversity, Mechanism of Action and Strategies to Improve the Activity and Biocompatibility In Vivo

Antibiotic resistance is projected as one of the greatest threats to human health in the future and hence alternatives are being explored to combat resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown great promise, because use of AMPs leads bacteria to develop no or low resistance. In this review, we discuss the diversity, history and the various mechanisms of action of AMPs. Although many AMPs have reached clinical trials, to date not many have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to issues with toxicity, protease cleavage and short half-life. Some of the recent strategies developed to improve the activity and biocompatibility of AMPs, such as chemical modifications and the use of delivery systems, are also reviewed in this article.
The Canadian Trial of Carbohydrates in Diabetes (CCD), a 1-y controlled trial of low-glycemic-index dietary carbohydrate in type 2 diabetes: no effect on glycated hemoglobin but reduction in C-reactive protein.

BACKGROUND The optimal source and amount of dietary carbohydrate for managing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are unknown. OBJECTIVE We aimed to compare the effects of altering the glycemic index or the amount of carbohydrate on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), plasma glucose, lipids, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in T2DM patients. DESIGN Subjects with T2DM managed by diet alone (n=162) were randomly assigned to receive high-carbohydrate, high-glycemic-index (high-GI), high-carbohydrate, low-glycemic-index (low-GI), or low-carbohydrate, high-monounsaturated-fat (low-CHO) diets for 1 y. RESULTS The high-GI, low-GI, and low-CHO diets contained, respectively, 47%, 52%, and 39% of energy as carbohydrate and 31%, 27%, and 40% of energy as fat; they had GIs of 63, 55, and 59, respectively. Body weight and HbA1c did not differ significantly between diets. Fasting glucose was higher (P=0.041), but 2-h postload glucose was lower (P=0.010) after 12 mo of the low-GI diet. With the low-GI diet, overall mean triacylglycerol was 12% higher and HDL cholesterol 4% lower than with the low-CHO diet (P<0.05), but the difference in the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol disappeared by 6 mo (time x diet interaction, P=0.044). Overall mean CRP with the low-GI diet, 1.95 mg/L, was 30% less than that with the high-GI diet, 2.75 mg/L (P=0.0078); the concentration with the low-CHO diet, 2.35 mg/L, was intermediate. CONCLUSIONS In subjects with T2DM managed by diet alone with optimal glycemic control, long-term HbA1c was not affected by altering the GI or the amount of dietary carbohydrate. Differences in total:HDL cholesterol among diets had disappeared by 6 mo. However, because of sustained reductions in postprandial glucose and CRP, a low-GI diet may be preferred for the dietary management of T2DM.