Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is Worsening Renal Function an Ominous Prognostic Sign in Patients With Acute Heart Failure?: The Role of Congestion and Its Interaction With Renal Function

Background— Worsening renal function (WRF), traditionally defined as an increase in serum creatinine levels ≥0.3 mg/dL, is a frequent finding in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and has been associated with poorer outcomes in some but not all studies. We hypothesized that these discrepancies may be caused by the interaction between WRF and congestion in AHF patients. Methods and Results— We measured serum creatinine levels on a daily basis during the hospitalization and assessed the persistence of signs of congestion at discharge in 599 consecutive patients admitted at our institute for AHF. They had a postdischarge mortality and mortality or AHF readmission rates of 13% and 43%, respectively, after 1 year. Patients were subdivided into 4 groups according to the development or not of WRF and the persistence of ≥1 sign of congestion at discharge. Patients with WRF and no congestion had similar outcomes compared with those with no WRF and no congestion, whereas the risk of death or of death or AHF readmission was increased in the patients with persistent congestion alone and in those with both WRF and congestion (hazard ratio, 5.35; 95% confidence interval, 3.0–9.55 at univariable analysis; hazard ratio, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–4.18 at multivariable analysis for mortality; hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.39–3.3 at univariable analysis; and hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.88–2.2 at multivariable analysis for mortality and rehospitalizations). Conclusions— WRF alone, when detected using serial serum creatinine measurements, is not an independent determinant of outcomes in patients with AHF. It has an additive prognostic value when it occurs in patients with persistent signs of congestion.
Computer-based assessment of movement difficulties in Parkinson's disease

The prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) is increasing due to an ageing population. It is an unpredictable disease which requires regular assessment and monitoring. Current techniques used to assess PD are subjective. Clinicians observe movements made by a patient and subsequently rate the level of severity of, for example tremor or slowness of movement. Within this work, we have developed and evaluated a prototype computer-based assessment tool capable of collecting information on the movement difficulties present in PD. Twenty participants took part in an assessment of the tool, 10 of whom were diagnosed with PD and 10 were without the disease. Following the usage of the tool, it was found that there was a significant difference (p = 0.038) in the speed of movement between the two groups. We envisage that this tool could have the potential to enable more objective clinical conclusions to be made.
Reevaluation of the roles of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in the ovulatory process.

Circulating levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) are essential for the production of steroid hormones that regulate the timing of ovulation and target tissue responses, as well as maintenance of the corpus luteum and therefore early pregnancy. Clinical and basic science observations show that elevated levels of serum LH during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle are not only unnecessary for follicular maturation but are deleterious to normal reproductive processes. These elevations may occur as a result of administration of exogenous LH or through an endogenous pathological process (i.e. polycystic ovarian disease, PCOD). Resting levels of LH, synergizing with locally produced IGFs, inhibin and perhaps other growth factors, are adequate for normal follicular growth and steroidogenesis. Elevations in serum LH above these resting levels may result in increased androgen production that diminishes follicular function and reduces early embryo viability. Elevated LH levels during the preovulatory period may also negatively influence post-ovulatory events such as conception and implantation. With these facts in mind, the best results for ovulation induction would be expected with purified follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) administration to women following gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) down-regulation. It is hoped that this review provides the reader with an analysis of the complex series of events that regulate normal follicular maturation. The reevaluation of the two cell-two gonadotrophin theory suggests that during the preovulatory period, resting levels of LH are adequate for normal follicular maturation. Indeed, overstimulation of the ovary with excessive amounts of LH may diminish the ability of that target organ to produce fertile ova. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Productivity and Profitability of Four Crops Based Cropping Pattern in Cumilla Region of Bangladesh

Field experiment was conducted at the farmers' field of Amratoli, Barura multi location testing site of Cumilla during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to increase cropping intensity and productivity by inclusion of T. Aus in existing cropping pattern. Thus experiment variables were F: Existing cropping pattern (Potato -Boro-Fallow-T. Aman) and FA: Alternate cropping pattern (Potato- Boro- T. Aus- T.Aman). Research result indicated that rice equivalent yield (REY) in alternate cropping pattern was 43.46 t ha-1, which is 25.90% higher over existing pattern (34.52 t ha-1). Higher gross return (Tk. 651900 ha-1), gross margin (Tk. 416520 ha-1) and higher marginal benefit cost ratio (2.77) obtained from alternate cropping pattern messaged that this pattern may be recommended to other extrapolation areas of Cumilla region. The Agriculturists 2018; 16(2) 88-92
Ambiguous Part-of-Speech Tagging for Improving Accuracy and Domain Portability of Syntactic Parsers

We aim to improve the performance of a syntactic parser that uses a part-of-speech (POS) tagger as a preprocessor. Pipelined parsers consisting of POS taggers and syntactic parsers have several advantages, such as the capability of domain adaptation. However the performance of such systems on raw texts tends to be disappointing as they are affected by the errors of automatic POS tagging. We attempt to compensate for the decrease in accuracy caused by automatic taggers by allowing the taggers to output multiple answers when the tags cannot be determined reliably enough. We empirically verify the effectiveness of the method using an HPSG parser trained on the Penn Treebank. Our results show that ambiguous POS tagging improves parsing if outputs of taggers are weighted by probability values, and the results support previous studies with similar intentions. We also examine the effectiveness of our method for adapting the parser to the GENIA corpus and show that the use of ambiguous POS taggers can help development of portable parsers while keeping accuracy high.
Isoliquiritigenin Attenuates Atherogenesis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) exhibits antioxidation and anti-inflammation activity. We sought to investigate the effects and mechanism of ISL on the development of atherosclerotic lesions in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE−/−) mice. Firstly, we determined that ISL reduced the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), while it increased the expression of several lipoprotein-related genes in peritoneal macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). ISL also enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) protein levels and reversed the changes of ATP-binding cassette transporter A (ABCA1) and cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) in macrophages treated with oxidative low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Then, in an in vivo study, female apoE−/− mice were fed a Western diet with ISL (0, 20, 100 mg/kg/day) added for 12 weeks. We found that ISL decreased the plasma cholesterol levels of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)/LDL, promoted plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activities, and decreased plasma IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 levels. Moreover, ISL significantly reduced the atherosclerotic lesions and hepatic steatosis in apoE−/− mice. In the liver, ISL altered the expression of several key genes (such as SRBI, ABCA1, ABCG8, PPARγ, and FASN) involving cholesterol-selective uptake and excretion into bile, triglyceride (TG) biosynthesis, and inflammation. These results suggest that the atheroprotective effects of ISL are due to the improvement of lipid metabolism, antioxidation, and anti-inflammation, which involve PPARγ-dependent signaling.
Generating All Minimal Edge Dominating Sets with Incremental-Polynomial Delay

For an arbitrary undirected simple graph G with m edges, we give an algorithm with running time O(m^4 |L|^2) to generate the set L of all minimal edge dominating sets of G. For bipartite graphs we obtain a better result; we show that their minimal edge dominating sets can be enumerated in time O(m^4 |L|). In fact our results are stronger; both algorithms generate the next minimal edge dominating set with incremental-polynomial delay O(m^5 |L|) and O(m^4 |L|) respectively, when L is the set of already generated minimal edge dominating sets. Our algorithms are tailored for and solve the equivalent problems of enumerating minimal (vertex) dominating sets of line graphs and line graphs of bipartite graphs, with incremental-polynomial delay, and consequently in output-polynomial time. Enumeration of minimal dominating sets in graphs has very recently been shown to be equivalent to enumeration of minimal transversals in hypergraphs. The question whether the minimal transversals of a hypergraph can be enumerated in output-polynomial time is a fundamental and challenging question in Output-Sensitive Enumeration; it has been open for several decades and has triggered extensive research in the field.
Temporal Structure on Discourse Level within the Controlled Information Packaging Theory

The temporal structure of events on the discourse level has long been of great interest in both theoretical and computational linguistics. In this paper, we offer a unified approach to the temporal relationships related to a hierarchical discourse structure. We apply the method of pronoun resolution to the interpretation of tense. It is based on an analysis within the framework of the controlled information packaging theory. A unique aspect of our account is that temporal interpretation across discourse segments in global discourse is subject to the same principles as the interpretation of global anaphora, and that there is thus no need to postulate independent principles to account for the discourse behaviour of tense. In this way, we can neatly explain the general view that tense parallels the anaphoric nature of pronouns.
The influence of the Presumpscot Formation on seismic hazard in southern coastal Maine

As ice retreated from southern coastal Maine from 15,000 to 13,000 years ago, the ocean inundated coastal areas where the earth’s crust had been temporarily depressed by the weight of glacial ice. A thick veneer of glacial-marine clay and silt – the Presumpscot Formation – was deposited in coastal Maine lowlands. Due to its fine-grained character, shear waves from seismic events travel slowly through the Presumpscot Formation in comparison to other surficial sedimentary units. Low shear-wave velocities result in amplification of seismic waves, potentially increasing local seismic hazard. Prior study demonstrated that careful assignment of National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) site classifications to surficial geologic units based on shear velocities, can greatly improve earthquake loss estimations using programs like HAZUS-MH, particularly when compared with estimates using default and proxy values. The October 16, 2012 magnitude 4.0 earthquake in Hollis, Maine, provided another opportunity to assess the influence of the Presumpscot Formation on seismic hazard. Occurring in early evening, this strongest Maine earthquake in nearly 40 years was widely felt across the region. The Hollis area is near the transition between the western mountains which are mostly underlain by till, and the lowlands, mostly underlain by marine sand and mud. Using the USGS database of more than 2,000 “Did you feel it? ” geolocated responses in southern Maine, we tested whether respondents experienced different intensities of ground shaking depending on substrate. When normalized by population density within each surficial unit, we found no statistical difference in respondents’ experiences. However, when normalized for areal extent of each unit, we found that more people responded in areas underlain by NEHRP class ‘E’ materials (including the Presumpscot Formation) than for other classes. Our results suggest potentially greater intensity of ground shaking and seismic hazard in areas underlain with sediment of the Presumpscot Formation.
The Short Isoform of NF‐YA Belongs to the Embryonic Stem Cell Transcription Factor Circuitry

Totipotency of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is controlled at the transcriptional level by a handful of transcription factors (TFs) that promote stemness and prevent differentiation. One of the most enriched DNA elements in promoters and enhancers of genes specifically active in ESCs is the CCAAT box, which is recognized by NF‐Y, a trimer with histone‐like subunits—NF‐YB/NF‐YC—and the sequence‐specific NF‐YA. We show that the levels of the short NF‐YA isoform—NF‐YAs—is high in mouse ESCs (mESCs) and drops after differentiation; a dominant negative mutant affects expression of important stem cells genes, directly and indirectly. Protein transfections of TAT‐NF‐YAs stimulate growth and compensate for withdrawal of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in cell cultures. Bioinformatic analysis identifies NF‐Y sites as highly enriched in genomic loci of stem TFs in ESCs. Specifically, 30%–50% of NANOG peaks have NF‐Y sites and indeed NF‐Y‐binding is required for NANOG association to DNA. These data indicate that NF‐Y belongs to the restricted circle of TFs that govern mESCs, and, specifically, that NF‐YAs is the active isoform in these cells. STEM CELLS2012;30:2450–2459
Cloning and Characterization of a Novel Member of the Transforming Growth Factor-β/Bone Morphogenetic Protein Family*

Members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily of growth and differentiation factors have been identified in a wide variety of organisms, ranging from invertebrates to mammals. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) constitute a subgroup of proteins belonging to the TGF-β superfamily. BMPs were initially identified by their ability to induce endochondral bone formation at ectopic sites, suggesting a critical role for this family in development and regeneration of the skeleton. They are also expressed at a variety of nonskeletal sites during development, suggesting possible extraskeletal roles for these proteins. We cloned a novel member of the BMP family that is expressed at high levels in the placenta and the prostate and that we have designated as prostate-derived factor (PDF). Based on cDNA sequence analysis, the predicted PDF protein contains two cysteines in addition to the seven conserved cysteines that are the hallmark of the members of the TGF-β superfamily. In addition, Northern blot hybridization to poly(A)+ RNA showed low levels of expression in the kidney and pancreas. We further characterized the expression of this member of the BMP family by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. These results show high expression in the terminal villae of the placenta. The expression of the protein as visualized by immunohistochemistry shows an expression pattern identical to that of the message in the terminal villae of the placenta. In day 18 rat embryos, protein expression was also seen in the skin and in the cartilaginous tissue of developing skeleton. Orchidectomy and dihydrotestosterone treatment of rats revealed that PDF expression is regulated by androgens in the prostate. In addition, subcutaneous implantation of recombinant PDF induced cartilage formation and the early stages of endochondral bone formation. These data indicate that PDF has a functional relationship to the BMPs.
Are Self-Injurers Impulsive? The Harvard community has made this article openly available. Please share how this access benefits you. Your story matters

Common clinical wisdom suggests that people who engage in self-injury are impulsive. However, virtually all prior work in this area has relied on individuals’ self-report of impulsiveness, despite evidence that people are limited in their ability to accurately report on cognitive processes that occur outside awareness. To address this knowledge gap, we used performance-based measures of several dimensions of impulsiveness to assess whether people engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) demonstrate greater impulsiveness than non-injurers. In Study 1, we compared adolescent self-injurers ( n =64) to age, sex, and race/ethnicity matched, non-injurious controls ( n =30) on self-report impulsiveness (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children, Present and Lifetime Version, Kaufman et al., 1997), and on performance-based measures of two dimensions of impulsiveness: behavioral disinhibition (Conners' Continuous Performance Test, Connors, 1995) and risky decision-making (Iowa Gambling Task, Bechara et al., 1994). In Study 2, we compared adult female self-injurers ( n =20) to age and race/ethnicity matched, non-injurious controls ( n =20) on self-report impulsiveness (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, Patton et al., 1995), and performance-based measures of behavioral disinhibition, risky decision-making, and two measures of delay discounting (Kirby et al., 1999; Richards et al., 1999). In both studies, self-injurers reported greater impulsiveness; however, performance-based measures of impulsiveness failed to detect any between-group differences. We propose several potential explanations for the discrepancies observed between self-report and performance-based measures of impulsiveness and discuss directions for future research on impulsiveness and self-injury.
NUBSL A Freely Placeable, Low-cost Notification Utility

We propose a tangible notification utility for remote maintenance of flats or houses in the context of “Internet of Things”, focusing on two core aspects: First, an alert feature in case of urgent problems which immediately informs the user about threats, damages or events with high priority, utilizing sound and light to ensure immediate response. Additionally, passive reminder functionality was implemented, which is related to tasks or events with low priority, in order to inform the user without distracting him from his current objectives. The novelty of the approach is the versatility of the devices, their mobility and the ability to place them anywhere in proximity to the user.
Activities of Dalbavancin In Vitro and in a Rabbit Model of Experimental Endocarditis Due to Staphylococcus aureus with or without Reduced Susceptibility to Vancomycin and Teicoplanin

ABSTRACT For the treatment of rabbit endocarditis, dalbavancin given once daily (10 mg/kg of body weight for 4 days) or as a single 40-mg/kg dose was active against Staphylococcus aureus with or without reduced susceptibility to glycopeptides, as expected from its good in vitro activity, even in broth supplemented with 90% serum and given its prolonged elimination half-life.
A Decision Tree of Bigrams is an Accurate Predictor of Word Sense

This paper presents a corpus-based approach to word sense disambiguation where a decision tree assigns a sense to an ambiguous word based on the bigrams that occur nearby. This approach is evaluated using the sense-tagged corpora from the 1998 SENSEVAL word sense disambiguation exercise. It is more accurate than the average results reported for 30 of 36 words, and is more accurate than the best results for 19 of 36 words.
A Survey of Privacy Policy Languages

Most consumers are sensitive to privacy issues when conducting business online. Protecting information by enforcing security and privacy practices internally is a way for organizations to increase business by building trust with such consumers. They can express their privacy practices as policies in a human readable format to help consumers make informed decisions. Many privacy languages are available for representing policies, but they tend to use formats convenient to their implementations, and there is no single framework or metric to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of these languages. In this research, we are interested in succinctly summarizing the literature available on privacy policy languages; providing an account of the features, characteristics and requirements of the languages; and, describing a comprehensive framework for analysis. We expect our results to aid implementers in choosing an existing language and to provide guidelines for building languages in the future. We expect this research to be a starting point towards developing frameworks and metrics for analyzing privacy policy languages.
Comparative Evaluation of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays Based on Crude and Recombinant Leishmanial Antigens for Serodiagnosis of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Leishmania infantum Visceral Infections in Dogs

ABSTRACT The diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis remains difficult in rural areas where the disease is endemic, and serologic methods still need assessment, as they are not very sensitive for the detection of asymptomatic infectious dogs. Here we present data on the development of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based methods for the detection of antibodies against recombinant leishmanial antigens (namely, the recombinant K26 [rK26] and rK39 antigens from Leishmania infantum and the rA2 protein from Leishmania donovani) in comparison to ELISAs employing crude soluble antigen (CSA). The assays utilized sera from known negative controls (n = 25) and clinically asymptomatic (n = 50) and symptomatic (n = 50) dogs with confirmed L. infantum infections. Additional studies were also done using sera from animals harboring other infections (n = 14) for the evaluation of cross-reactivity. Our study indicated that rK26 and rK39 used in ELISAs provided very high sensitivities for the detection of symptomatic dogs (94% and 100%, respectively), followed by CSA (88%) and rA2 (70%). Conversely, rA2 was more sensitive for asymptomatic dogs (88%) than rK39 and rK26 (both 66%) and CSA (30%). Some cross-reactivity in sera from dogs with other infections (Leishmania braziliensis and Leptospira interrogans) was identified, but the rA2 protein provided the greatest specificity (98%). Data further indicate that all three recombinant proteins must be used in parallel to detect essentially all infected dogs. Efforts should be made to develop a cheap and reliable serologic test based on epitope selection from these diagnostic markers for the sensitive detection of L. infantum-infected dogs.