Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
From Multisets over Distributions to Distributions over Multisets

A well-known challenge in the semantics of programming languages is how to combine non-determinism and probability. At a technical level, the problem arises from the fact that there is a no distributive law between the powerset monad and the distribution monad — as noticed some twenty years ago by Plotkin. More recently, it has become clear that there is a distributive law of the multiset monad over the distribution monad. This article elaborates the details of this distributivity and shows that there is a rich underlying theory relating multisets and probability distributions. It is shown that the new distributive law, called parallel multinomial law, can be defined in (at least) four equivalent ways. It involves putting multinomial distributions in parallel and commutes with hypergeometric distributions. Further, it is shown that this distributive law commutes with a new form of zipping for multisets. Abstractly, this can be described in terms of monoidal structure for a fixed-size multiset functor, when lifted to the Kleisli category of the distribution monad. Concretely, an application of the theory to sampling semantics is included.
3. Rational Choice Theory, the Model of Frame Selection and Other Dual-Process Theories. A Critical Comparison

: Dual-process theories explain behavior as well as cognitive processes. They thus compete with other theories which explain, at least in part, the same phenomena. The question then is how the theories differ and which theory is to be preferred. This article focuses on the comparison of two dual-process theories with a wide version of rational choice theory. The dual-process theories are the MODE model and the model of frame selection. The wide version of rational choice theory assumes, among other things, that all kinds of motives must be considered when a behavior is explained, that beliefs matter and that individuals do what they think is best for them (subjective utility maximization). One major result of the analyses is that basic assumptions of dual-process theories in general and the two dual-process theories discussed, namely the MODE model and the model of frame selection, do not contradict RCT but complement it.
Real Options Approach for a Staged Field Development With Optional Wells

The decreasing average size of new discoveries in mature production areas makes the base of oil field investment decisions more uncertain than ever before. Fewer appraisal wells, which allow to decrease the amount of subsurface uncertainty, are typically drilled before the development of a small field compared to large fields. Therefore, new solutions are required to make small discoveries commercial given both technical and market uncertainties. Therefore, accounting for managerial flexibilities that enable to change the course of the project due to new information, becomes even more important for investment valuation. Combining the real options approach and decision analysis we present a novel model that allows to identify additional value created by a sequential drilling strategy for field development under oil price and resource uncertainty. We capture the sequence of key investment and operating decisions of a marginal field development in cooperation with an oil industry partner building a synthetic (yet realistic) project case. Addressing the flexibility to divide production wells drilling into two stages, we evaluate the option to wait to expand the production by drilling additional wells after the revelation of reservoir information based on a least-squares Monte Carlo algorithm. We identify the conditions under which the staged (phased) development is preferred compared to standard development. Furthermore, we propose a decision rule determining the optimal expansion timing based on new information on the reservoir and the oil price uncertainty. Our results suggest that staged development carries large upside potential for marginal field development under extensive reservoir uncertainty. We also illustrate that partial hedging against the downside risks within a staged development can improve project's economy significant enough to justify investment.
Are Disability And Employability The Eternal Antagonistics?

Traditionally, people with disabilities have been excluded from the workplace despite they want to work, and their disabilities do not prevent them from doing so. They still suffer from stigmatization and this inequitable treatment, together with the lack of societal support, put their career development at risk. Through a bibliometric analysis, the study reviews more than 1.900 articles published in the last 50 years. It provides an overview of the topics analysed in relation to employment and disability. Thus, this study uncovers the areas that are receiving more attention based on the articles published in the last years. The results highlight that the topic remains relegated to journal directly connected with disabilities, which indicates a little acknowledgment of people with disabilities and their labour development. The evolution of studies has been congruent so that three differentiated periods have been identified, from merely legislation to social recognition.
Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Proteins-4 Enhanced the Tendon-to-bone Attachment Healing in a Murine Model of Rotator Cuff Tear: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Injuries on tendon-to-bone attachment (TBA) are common clinical dilemmas. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins-4 (BMP-4) has been found the potency in chondrogenesis. But there is rare studies focusing the influence of BMP-4 on the TBA healing. Thus, the objective of this study was to explore the effect of BMP-4 on the healing of TBA in murine model of rotator cuff tear.Methods: 120 mature C57BL/6 mice (12 weeks old) were randomly divided into BMP-4 group, noggin (an inhibitor of all BMP activities) group and control group after being established an injury model of supraspinatus tendon insertion. At week 2 and 4 after surgery, the supraspinatus tendon- humerus complex (SSTHC) were harvested for microradiographic, histologic, immunofluorescent and biomechanical evaluations.Results: Radiographic data showed that BMP-4 was able to improve the quality of subchondral bone, manifested as higher BV/TV, Tb.N, TB.Th, and lower Tb.Sp. Histologically, the BMP-4 group at week-2 and -4 showed better BTA healing interface, characterized by better organizational integration and remodeling, thicker fibrocartilage layer and more fibrocartilage cells. Immunoflorescence evaluation demonstrated the number of SOX 9 positive cells in the BMP-4 group was significantly more than that in the control or noggin group at postoperative weeks 2 and 4 (p<0.05 for all). Mechanical testing results demonstrated the failure load and stiffness in the BMP-4 group were significantly higher (p<0.05 for both), while in the noggin group were lower (p<0.05 for both), compared to the control group at postoperative weeks 4.Conclusion: BMP-4 might enhance the TBA healing by promoting the regeneration of fibrocartilaginous enthesis and mineralization, while noggin inhibited this process.Clinical Relevance: BMP-4 may be a potential therapy to augment TBA healing, and finally lead to more rapid rehabilitation and reduce risk of recurrent repair.
EGFR inhibition blocks cancer stem cell clustering and lung metastasis of triple negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive and metastatic breast cancer subtypes lacking targeted therapy. Our recent work demonstrated that circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters and polyclonal metastasis of TNBC are driven by aggregation of CD44+ cancer stem cells (CSC) and associated with an unfavorable prognosis, such as low overall survival. However, there is no existing therapeutic that can specifically block CTC or CSC cluster formation. Methods: Using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, we established an ex vivo tumor cell clustering assay for a pilot screening of blockade antibodies. After identifying EGFR as a target candidate, we modulated the gene expression and inhibited its kinase activity to determine its functional importance in tumor cell clustering and therapeutic inhibition of lung metastasis. We also examined the molecular regulation network of EGFR and a potential connection to CSC marker CD44 and microRNAs, which regulate CTC clustering. Results: We report here that EGFR inhibition successfully blocks circulating CSC (cCSC) clustering and lung metastasis of TNBC. EGFR enhances CD44-mediated tumor cell aggregation and CD44 stabilizes EGFR. Importantly, blocking EGFR by a novel anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (clone LA1) effectively blocked cell aggregation in vitro and reduced lung metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, our data demonstrated that the tumor suppressor microRNA-30c serves as another negative regulator of cCSC clustering and lung metastasis by targeting CD44 as well as its downstream effector EGFR. Conclusion: Our studies identify a novel anti-EGFR therapeutic strategy to inhibit cCSC aggregation and therefore abolish cCSC cluster-mediated metastasis of TNBC.
A comparative study of breed differences in the anatomical configuration of the equine vertebral column

The importance of the equine thoracolumbar vertebral column in orthopaedic disorders is well recognized and diagnostic imaging becomes more feasible, but little is known about variations in the anatomical configuration within breeds. In this descriptive post‐mortem study, anatomical variations in three widely differing breeds: Warmblood horses, Shetland ponies and semi‐feral Konik horses are described. The caudal cervical (C), thoracic (T), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) regions of the vertebral column of 30 Warmblood horses, 29 Shetland ponies and 18 Konik horses were examined using computed tomography and visualized by volume rendering. Homologous/morphologic variations in the caudal cervical area were frequently seen in Warmblood horses (43%), which was significantly more than in the other breeds (p < 0.001). The as standard described equine formula of 18 T, 6 L and 5 S vertebrae was seen in 78% of Konik horses, but only in 53% Warmblood horses and 38% Shetland ponies, which was significantly different (p < 0.05). Overall, Shetland ponies showed a higher tendency of thoracoization, lumbarization and more variations in the number of vertebrae and pairs of ribs. Ankylosed intertransverse joints (ITJs) between transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae were most common between the second last and last lumbar vertebra and prevalence was significantly higher in Shetland ponies (61%), than in Warmblood horses (38%) and Konik horses (7%) (p < 0.0001). Cranial to the second last lumbar vertebra there were fewer ITJs ankylosed (14%) in Warmblood horses (p < 0.0095), and this decrease in number of ankylosed ITJs was different compared to the change in ankylosed ITJs in Shetland ponies (p < 0.005). ITJs occurred asymmetrically in 15% (12/77) of the cases. A limitation of the study was that clinical data of the horses were only incompletely available, precluding any conclusions about the potential clinical implications of anatomical variations. Knowledge of variation in osseous anatomy of the equine thoracolumbar vertebral column is important for the interpretation of diagnostic imaging. To assess the functional importance and clinical relevance of this variation, follow‐up studies are necessary.
On Western strategy towards Russia: From ‘Putin first’ to ‘democracy first’

The article analyses two distinct approaches that Western leaders have taken to relations with Putin’s Russia. It argues that the dominant approach of fostering good relations with Vladimir Putin, prioritising these over support for longer-term democratic change in Russia, has not brought any results and is damaging the interests of Russian society, neighbouring countries and the West. The article analyses the prerequisites for deep change in Russia and argues that there is a need for the EU to comprehensively review and change its strategy towards Russia, putting democracy at its core. It discusses in detail the deterrence, containment and transformation elements of a new EU strategy. The article emphasises that the strategic approach of ‘democracy first’ in relations with Russia also relates to the future of democracy in general and should be a priority of EU–US cooperation.
Alternative Animal Models of Aging Research

Most research on mechanisms of aging is being conducted in a very limited number of classical model species, i.e., laboratory mouse (Mus musculus), rat (Rattus norvegicus domestica), the common fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and roundworm (Caenorhabditis elegans). The obvious advantages of using these models are access to resources such as strains with known genetic properties, high-quality genomic and transcriptomic sequencing data, versatile experimental manipulation capabilities including well-established genome editing tools, as well as extensive experience in husbandry. However, this approach may introduce interpretation biases due to the specific characteristics of the investigated species, which may lead to inappropriate, or even false, generalization. For example, it is still unclear to what extent knowledge of aging mechanisms gained in short-lived model organisms is transferable to long-lived species such as humans. In addition, other specific adaptations favoring a long and healthy life from the immense evolutionary toolbox may be entirely missed. In this review, we summarize the specific characteristics of emerging animal models that have attracted the attention of gerontologists, we provide an overview of the available data and resources related to these models, and we summarize important insights gained from them in recent years. The models presented include short-lived ones such as killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri), long-lived ones such as primates (Callithrix jacchus, Cebus imitator, Macaca mulatta), bathyergid mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber, Fukomys spp.), bats (Myotis spp.), birds, olms (Proteus anguinus), turtles, greenland sharks, bivalves (Arctica islandica), and potentially non-aging ones such as Hydra and Planaria.
Case Report: Viral Pneumonia Could Prompt the Advancement of Immune-Mediated Liver Disease

Background: The impact of the influenza A (H1N1) and SARS-CoV-2 virus on the development of autoimmune hepatitis has not been described previously. Methods: In this case series, we evaluated the dynamic changes in liver function of three patients with autoimmune hepatitis who presented with viral infection (two with the H1N1 and one with the SARS-CoV-2 virus) during the recent COVID-19 outbreak. Result: Patient 1 was a 68-year-old woman with a history of hepatitis of unknown origin before being infected with the H1N1 virus. Autoimmune hepatitis with an exacerbation of liver injury was diagnosed during the infection. Patient 2 was a 48-year-old woman with pre-existing autoimmune hepatitis. Despite being on immunosuppressant therapy (using glucocorticoids), liver injury recurred with elevated total bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels post H1N1 infection. Patient 3 was a 61-year-old woman with probable autoimmune hepatitis. Liver injury recurred with a flare in alanine transaminase/aspartate transaminase levels post SARS-CoV-2 infection, in spite of the patient being on liver protection therapy (using ursodeoxycholic acid). Conclusion: The case series raises the possibility that COVID-19 or influenza induced pneumonia triggers the progression of autoimmune hepatitis.
Numerical Investigation of Axonal Damage for Regular and Irregular Axonal Distributions

Recently, various researches have revealed the importance of the investigations performed for evaluating mechanical properties and damages of the brain tissues while dealing with the production of surgical ligaments and helmets. Therefore, it is vital to study the structure of the brain both experimentally and numerically. By experimental tests, despite being costly, it is almost impossible to establish stress distribution in micro scale, which causes injury. Micromechanical predictions are effective ways to assess brain behavior. They can be applied to compensate for some experimental test limitations. In this work, a numerical study of the axonal injury in different heterogeneous porcine brain parts with different axon distributions under quasi-static loading is provided. In order to produce a heterogeneous structure, axons are distributed in regular, semi-regular, and irregular patterns inside the representative volume element. To accurately examine the brain tissue time-dependent behavior, a visco-hyperelastic constitutive model is developed. Also, axonal damage is studied under different conditions by applying different levels of load and rate. Because of geometrical complexities, a self-consistent method was applied to study the damage in higher volume fractions of the axon. The results reveal that the regions of the brain enjoying a regular axon distribution would have higher strength. In addition, among the two influential load and loading rate parameters, the brain tissue in all regions shows more sensitivity toward the applying load.
Predictor Analysis in Radiofrequency Ablation of Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Single Center Experience

Purpose To confirm the efficacy of ultrasound (US) guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules, we evaluated as primary outcome the technical efficacy and clinical success in a single center dataset. The secondary outcome was to find a correlation between nodules’ pre-treatment features and volume reduction rate (VRR) ≥75% at 12 months after RFA and during follow-up period. Methods This retrospective study included 119 consecutive patients (99 females, 20 males, 51.5 ± 14.4 years) with benign thyroid nodules treated in our hospital between October 2014 and December 2018 with a mean follow-up of 26.8 months (range 3–48). Clinical and US features before and after RFA were evaluated by a US examination at 1, 3, 6, 12 months and annually thereafter up to 48 months. Results The median pre-treatment volume was 22.4 ml; after RFA we observed a statistically significant volume reduction from the first month (11.7 ml) to the last follow-up (p < 0.001 for all follow-up times). The median VRR was 47.1, 55.3, 61.2, 67.6, 72.8, 71.3, and 62.9% at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months of follow-up respectively, showing a progressive significant improvement up to 24 months (VRRs 1 vs 3 months, 3 vs 6 months and 6 vs 12 months p < 0.001, 12 vs 24 months p = 0.05) while no differences at 24 vs 36 and 36 vs 48 months were observed. Symptoms improved significantly (complete resolution 64.35%, partial resolution 35.65%), and neck circumference was reduced as compared to pre-treatment (p < 0.001). Lower pre-treatment neck circumference (37.5 vs 36.0 cm, p = 0.01) was a positive predictor of VRR ≥75% at 12 months. Macrocystic echostructure (HR 2.48, p 0.046) and pre-treatment volume >22.4 ml (HR 0.54, p 0.036) were found to be independent positive and negative predictors of VRR ≥75% respectively. One-month post RFA VRR ≥50% represented the best positive predictor of technical success. Conclusions This study confirmed the efficacy of RFA in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules. In particular we show that by selecting macrocystic nodules smaller than 22.4 ml better long-term response can be achieved, which is predicted by an early shrinkage of the nodule.
Mirror Self-Recognition in Pigeons: Beyond the Pass-or-Fail Criterion

Spontaneous mirror self-recognition is achieved by only a limited number of species, suggesting a sharp “cognitive Rubicon” that only few can pass. But is the demarcation line that sharp? In studies on monkeys, who do not recognize themselves in a mirror, animals can make a difference between their mirror image and an unknown conspecific. This evidence speaks for a gradualist view of mirror self-recognition. We hypothesize that such a gradual process possibly consists of at least two independent aptitudes, the ability to detect synchronicity between self- and foreign movement and the cognitive understanding that the mirror reflection is oneself. Pigeons are known to achieve the first but fail at the second aptitude. We therefore expected them to treat their mirror image differently from an unknown pigeon, without being able to understand that the mirror reflects their own image. We tested pigeons in a task where they either approached a mirror or a Plexiglas barrier to feed. Behind the Plexiglas an unknown pigeon walked at the same time toward the food bowl. Thus, we pitched a condition with a mirror-self and a foreign bird against each other, with both of them walking close toward the food bowl. By a detailed analysis of a whole suit of behavioral details, our results make it likely that the foreign pigeon was treated as a competitor while the mirror image caused hesitation as if being an uncanny conspecific. Our results are akin to those with monkeys and show that pigeons do not equal their mirror reflection with a conspecific, although being unable to recognize themselves in the mirror.
Long-Term Outcome of Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa: Family Treatment Apartments Compared With Child Psychiatric Inpatient Treatment

Introduction: The family is rarely involved in treatment when the patient with anorexia nervosa (AN) is hospitalized. Family treatment apartment (FTA) represents an intervention that includes the family in the intensive treatment of AN. This study compares the short- and long-term outcomes of adolescents treated in FTA with those who received inpatient hospital care. In FTA, the parents are responsible for providing meal support, whereas in hospital care, the staff is responsible. Methods: Sixty-eight previous patients admitted during the period 1990–2009 participated in a follow-up, 43 from the FTA where the whole family is admitted for treatment and 25 from regular psychiatric inpatient care. The follow-up consisted of a personal meeting with structured interviews, measurement of height and weight, and self-rating questionnaires. Result: Readmissions due to weight loss within 6 months from discharge were less common in the FTA group. At follow-up, 14.2 years after admission, there was no difference in eating disorder pathology between the groups. There were significantly lower scores on general psychiatric pathology and significantly higher scores on quality of life in the FTA group. Discussion: The treatment in FTA aims to give the family the ability to handle AN when it is most challenging. FTA may thus provide a helpful context for treatment with a basic sense of security along with skills that could contribute to better general mental health at follow-up.
Radiation-Induced Immunity and Toxicities: The Versatility of the cGAS-STING Pathway

In the past decade, radiation therapy (RT) entered the era of personalized medicine, following the striking improvements in radiation delivery and treatment planning optimization, and in the understanding of the cancer response, including the immunological response. The next challenge is to identify the optimal radiation regimen(s) to induce a clinically relevant anti-tumor immunity response. Organs at risks and the tumor microenvironment (e.g. endothelial cells, macrophages and fibroblasts) often limit the radiation regimen effects due to adverse toxicities. Here, we reviewed how RT can modulate the immune response involved in the tumor control and side effects associated with inflammatory processes. Moreover, we discussed the versatile roles of tumor microenvironment components during RT, how the innate immune sensing of RT-induced genotoxicity, through the cGAS-STING pathway, might link the anti-tumor immune response, radiation-induced necrosis and radiation-induced fibrosis, and how a better understanding of the switch between favorable and deleterious events might help to define innovative approaches to increase RT benefits in patients with cancer.