Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Joint Representation Learning for Top-N Recommendation with Heterogeneous Information Sources

The Web has accumulated a rich source of information, such as text, image, rating, etc, which represent different aspects of user preferences. However, the heterogeneous nature of this information makes it difficult for recommender systems to leverage in a unified framework to boost the performance. Recently, the rapid development of representation learning techniques provides an approach to this problem. By translating the various information sources into a unified representation space, it becomes possible to integrate heterogeneous information for informed recommendation. In this work, we propose a Joint Representation Learning (JRL) framework for top-N recommendation. In this framework, each type of information source (review text, product image, numerical rating, etc) is adopted to learn the corresponding user and item representations based on available (deep) representation learning architectures. Representations from different sources are integrated with an extra layer to obtain the joint representations for users and items. In the end, both the per-source and the joint representations are trained as a whole using pair-wise learning to rank for top-N recommendation. We analyze how information propagates among different information sources in a gradient-descent learning paradigm, based on which we further propose an extendable version of the JRL framework (eJRL), which is rigorously extendable to new information sources to avoid model re-training in practice. By representing users and items into embeddings offline, and using a simple vector multiplication for ranking score calculation online, our framework also has the advantage of fast online prediction compared with other deep learning approaches to recommendation that learn a complex prediction network for online calculation.
Motivation and dropout in female handballers: a 21‐month prospective study

The purpose of this study was to test a motivational model of sport dropout that integrates the 4 stage-causal sequence proposed by the Hierarchical Model of Vallerand (1997) and elements from achievement goal theory (Nicholls, 1989). The model posits that a task involving motivational climate facilitates, while an ego-involving climate undermines, perceptions of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. In turn, feeling incompetent, non autonomous, and unrelated to others undermines self-determined motivation toward handball which leads to the intention of dropping out of handball. Finally, such intentions are implemented later on. Three-hundred and thirty-five females handballers completed a motivation questionnaire and were followed for 21-months. Results from structural equation modeling analyses provided basic support for the model. Findings are discussed in light of their theoretical and applied implications.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Pituranthos chloranthus (Benth.) Hook and Pituranthos tortu-osus (Coss.) Maire Essential Oils from Southern Tunisia

Essential oils (EO) from fresh and dry aerial parts of Pituranthos chloranthus (Benth.) Hook and Pituranthos tortuosus (Coss.) Maire were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. The main constituents of the EO obtained from fresh herb of P. chloranthus were found to be α-pinene, sabinene, cis-ocimene and myrcene. In dry biomass, a significant increase of the content of some compounds such as α-phellandrene, △,3-carene and β-phellandrene characterized the oil. Minor changes in the chemical composition of the P. tortuosus EOs obtained from fresh or dry herbs and the major constituents were found to be sabinene and myrcene with equilibrate amounts of α-pinene, p-cymene, cis-ocimene, limonene, trans-β-ocimene, γ-terpinene and cis-verbenol. The paper disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity and results showed an important inhibitory effect of oils obtained from fresh herb against most tested bacteria.
Engineering social contagions: Optimal network seeding in the presence of homophily

Abstract We use data on a real, large-scale social network of 27 million individuals interacting daily, together with the day-by-day adoption of a new mobile service product, to inform, build, and analyze data-driven simulations of the effectiveness of seeding (network targeting) strategies under different social conditions. Three main results emerge from our simulations. First, failure to consider homophily creates significant overestimation of the effectiveness of seeding strategies, casting doubt on conclusions drawn by simulation studies that do not model homophily. Second, seeding is constrained by the small fraction of potential influencers that exist in the network. We find that seeding more than 0.2% of the population is wasteful because the gain from their adoption is lower than the gain from their natural adoption (without seeding). Third, seeding is more effective in the presence of greater social influence. Stronger peer influence creates a greater than additive effect when combined with seeding. Our findings call into question some conventional wisdom about these strategies and suggest that their overall effectiveness may be overestimated.
Oncotargets and Therapy Dovepress Dovepress Paclitaxel-and/or Cisplatin-induced Ocular Neurotoxicity: a Case Report and Literature Review

Paclitaxel (PTX) and/or cisplatin (CDDP), as important cytotoxic anti-cancer agents, are widely used to treat various solid tumors. Both may cause moderate or severe neurotoxicity, but ocular neurotoxicity is also occasionally reported. A patient diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer suffering acute ocular neurotoxicity 10 days after paclitaxel and CDDP administration at the recommended dose is described in the present case report, and PTX-and/or CDDP-induced ocular neurotoxicity are summarized according to previous reports. Possible mechanisms and the potential diagnostic, therapeutic and predictive strategies of PTX-and/or CDDP-induced ocular neurotoxicity are reviewed, to help the oncologist to take the infrequent toxicity of cytotoxic drugs into account and improve patient safety during anti-cancer therapy.
Genomic Targets of Brachyury (T) in Differentiating Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Background The T-box transcription factor Brachyury (T) is essential for formation of the posterior mesoderm and the notochord in vertebrate embryos. Work in the frog and the zebrafish has identified some direct genomic targets of Brachyury, but little is known about Brachyury targets in the mouse. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we use chromatin immunoprecipitation and mouse promoter microarrays to identify targets of Brachyury in embryoid bodies formed from differentiating mouse ES cells. The targets we identify are enriched for sequence-specific DNA binding proteins and include components of signal transduction pathways that direct cell fate in the primitive streak and tailbud of the early embryo. Expression of some of these targets, such as Axin2, Fgf8 and Wnt3a, is down regulated in Brachyury mutant embryos and we demonstrate that they are also Brachyury targets in the human. Surprisingly, we do not observe enrichment of the canonical T-domain DNA binding sequence 5′-TCACACCT-3′ in the vicinity of most Brachyury target genes. Rather, we have identified an (AC)n repeat sequence, which is conserved in the rat but not in human, zebrafish or Xenopus. We do not understand the significance of this sequence, but speculate that it enhances transcription factor binding in the regulatory regions of Brachyury target genes in rodents. Conclusions/Significance Our work identifies the genomic targets of a key regulator of mesoderm formation in the early mouse embryo, thereby providing insights into the Brachyury-driven genetic regulatory network and allowing us to compare the function of Brachyury in different species.
Biogenic Uraninite Nanoparticles and Their Importance for Uranium Remediation

Biogenic uraninite is of interest to geoscientists for its importance to bioremediation strategies, remarkably small particle size, and biological origin. Recent studies have begun to illuminate the chemical/structural complexities of this important natural nanomaterial. Intriguingly, in spite of its incredibly diminutive size, the molecular-scale structure, energetics, and surface-area-normalized dissolution rates of hydrated biogenic uraninite appear to be similar to those of coarser-particle, abiotic, stoichiometric UO 2 . These findings have important implications for the role of size as a moderator of nanoparticle aqueous reactivity and for the bioremediation of subsurface U(VI) contamination.
Multiple Sclerosis and CCSVI: A Population-Based Case Control Study

Background Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) has been associated to multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To evaluate the possible association between CCSVI and MS, using a population-based control design. Methods A random cohort of 148 incident MS patients were enrolled in the study. We have also studied 20 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), 40 patients with other neurological diseases (OND), and 172 healthy controls. Transcranial (TCC) and Echo Color Doppler (ECD) were carried out in 380 subjects. A subject was considered CCSVI positive if ≥2 venous hemodynamic criteria were fulfilled. Results CCSVI was present in 28 (18.9%) of the MS patients, in 2 (10%) of CIS patients, in 11 (6.4%) of the controls, and in 2 (5%) of the OND patients. A significant association between MS and CCSVI was found with an odds ratio of 3.41 (95% confidence interval 1.63–7.13; p = 0.001). CCSVI was significantly more frequent among MS subjects with a disease duration longer than 144 months (26.1% versus 12.6% of patients with duration shorter than 144 months; p = 0.03) and among patients with secondary progressive (SP) and primary progressive (PP) forms (30.2% and 29.4, respectively) than in patients with relapsing remitting (RR) MS (14.3%). A stronger association was found considering SP and PP forms (age adjusted OR = 4.7; 95% CI 1.83–12.0, p = 0.001); the association was weaker with the RR patients (age adjusted OR = 2.58; 95%CI 1.12–5.92; p = 0.02) or not significant in CIS group (age adjusted OR = 2.04; 95%CI 0.40–10.3; p = 0.4). Conclusions A higher frequency of CCSVI has been found in MS patients; it was more evident in patients with advanced MS, suggesting that CCSVI could be related to MS disability.
Erythropoietin Does Not Alter Serum Profiles of Neuronal and Axonal Biomarkers After Traumatic Brain Injury: Findings From the Australian EPO-TBI Clinical Trial

Objective: To determine profiles of serum ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy-chain, examine whether erythropoietin administration reduce their concentrations, and whether biomarkers discriminate between erythropoietin and placebo treatment groups. Design: Single-center, prospective observational study. Setting: A sub-study of the erythropoietin-traumatic brain injury clinical trial, conducted at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Patients: Forty-four patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Interventions: Epoetin alfa 40,000 IU or 1 mL sodium chloride 0.9 as subcutaneous injection within 24 hours of traumatic brain injury. Measurements and Main Results: Ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1, phosphorylated neurofilament heavy-chain, and erythropoietin concentrations were measured in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from D0 (within 24 hr of injury, prior to erythropoietin/vehicle administration) to D5. Biomarker concentrations were compared between injury severities, diffuse versus focal traumatic brain injury and erythropoietin or placebo treatment groups. Ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 peaked at 146.0 ng/mL on D0, significantly decreased to 84.30 ng/mL on D1, and declined thereafter. Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy-chain levels were lowest at D0 and peaked on D5 at 157.9 ng/mL. D0 ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 concentrations were higher in diffuse traumatic brain injury. Peak phosphorylated neurofilament heavy-chain levels on D3 and D4 correlated with Glasgow Outcome Score–Extended, predicting poor outcome. Erythropoietin did not reduce concentrations of ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 or phosphorylated neurofilament heavy-chain. Conclusions: Serum ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy-chain increase after traumatic brain injury reflecting early neuronal and progressive axonal injury. Consistent with lack of improved outcome in traumatic brain injury patients treated with erythropoietin, biomarker concentrations and profiles were not affected by erythropoietin. Pharmacokinetics of erythropoietin suggest that the dose given was possibly too low to exert neuroprotection.
Time‐domain properties of reactive dual circuits

The present work explores some effects of the replacement of capacitors by inductors and vice versa in state and semistate models of lumped circuits. Such a replacement, when performed together with an inversion of the capacitance and inductance matrices, yields a transformation of the form λ→λ−1 in the system spectra. In the semistate context, this covers in particular extremal cases in which null eigenvalues or infinite ones with higher index appear in the matrix pencil associated with the model; these cases describe certain pathological circuit configurations. This approach leads to a discussion of new properties of strictly passive circuits; specifically, from the known fact that the index of strictly passive circuits does not exceed two, we derive that the index of null eigenvalues in this setting cannot exceed one. This precludes in particular Takens‐Bogdanov degeneracies, defined by an index‐two double‐zero eigenvalue, in strictly passive circuits. Although the results are addressed in a linear context, they can be extended via linearization to non‐linear problems, as it is the case in the transformation of singularity‐induced bifurcation phenomena into steady bifurcations discussed at the end of the paper. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Association Between Dairy Consumption and Insulin Resistance

The Association Between Dairy Consumption and Insulin Resistance Andrea Erickson Department of Exercise Sciences, BYU Master of Science Background: A cross-sectional design was employed to ascertain the relationship between dairy consumption and insulin resistance (IR) in 272 middle-aged, nondiabetic women. Methods: Participants kept a seven-day weighed food record to report their diets, including consumption of dairy foods. IR was assessed using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), using the following formula: fasting plasma insulin (μU/ml) x fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/405. The Bod Pod was used to examine body fat percentage, and accelerometry over a seven-day period was used to assess physical activity. HOMA values were log-transformed and regression analysis and the General Linear Model procedure were used to determine how mean HOMA differed across low, moderate, and high dairy intake groups. Results: (Mean ± SD) age: 40.1 ± 3.0 years, physical activity (average activity counts for one week, divided by 1,000): 2700.1 ± 781.9, body fat percentage: 31.7 ± 6.9, weight (kg): 66.1 ± 10.0, fasting glucose (mg/dL): 86.7 ± 5.9, fasting insulin (μU/mL): 7.0 ± 4.2, energy intake (kcal/day): 2051.9 ± 319.1, kcal from carbohydrate (%): 55.7 ± 6.2, kcal from protein (%): 13.8 ± 2.5, kcal from fat (%): 30.5 ± 5.8, soluble fiber (g per 1,000 kcal): 1.7 ± 0.9, insoluble fiber (g per 1,000 kcal): 3.8 ± 1.9, dairy intake (servings/day): 1.1 ± 1.0, HOMA: 1.5 ± 1.0, log-transformed HOMA: 0.3 ± 0.6. Those in the highest quartile for dairy consumption had significantly higher log-transformed HOMA (0.41 ± 0.53) than those in the moderate (0.22 ± 0.55) or low (0.19 ± 0.58) consumption categories (F = 6.90, p = 0.0091). This relationship remained significant after controlling for all covariates (F = 4.71, p = 0.030). Controlling for physical activity strengthened the relationship between dairy consumption and IR by 7%. Adjusting for body weight, percent of kcal from fat, and insoluble and soluble fiber intake also strengthened the relationship. Controlling for energy intake and body fat percentage weakened the relationship by 32% and 13%, respectively, though it remained significant. Conclusion: High dairy consumption is significantly associated with IR in middle-aged, nondiabetic women.
Delaying Onset of Dementia: Are Two Languages Enough?

There is an emerging literature suggesting that speaking two or more languages may significantly delay the onset of dementia. Although the mechanisms are unknown, it has been suggested that these may involve cognitive reserve, a concept that has been associated with factors such as higher levels of education, occupational status, social networks, and physical exercise. In the case of bilingualism, cognitive reserve may involve reorganization and strengthening of neural networks that enhance executive control. We review evidence for protective effects of bilingualism from a multicultural perspective involving studies in Toronto and Montreal, Canada, and Hyderabad, India. Reports from Toronto and Hyderabad showed a significant effect of speaking two or more languages in delaying onset of Alzheimer's disease by up to 5 years, whereas the Montreal study showed a significant protective effect of speaking at least four languages and a protective effect of speaking at least two languages in immigrants. Although there were differences in results across studies, a common theme was the significant effect of language use history as one of the factors in determining the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, the Hyderabad study extended the findings to frontotemporal dementia and vascular dementia.
Persistence of Trichomonas gallinae in Birdseed

SUMMARY Trichomonas gallinae has emerged worldwide as a cause of mortality in songbirds (passerines). The congregation of numerous birds, including the reservoir hosts, pigeons and doves (columbids), at backyard feeding and watering sources has been suggested as a potential driver for the outbreaks. Evidence supporting a role for water in transmission has been established, but the role of birdseed in the transmission of trichomoniasis remained to be investigated. We assessed the survival of T. gallinae in three commercial birdseeds (mixed seed, black-oil sunflower seed, and niger seed) routinely used to attract passerine birds to local properties. Trichomonad suspensions were inoculated (low dose: 1 × 103; high dose: 1 × 105) into each of the three seed types in petri dishes, using both dry and moist (water-soaked) conditions, in triplicate. Petri dishes were incubated at 37 C and monitored for T. gallinae survival for 48 hr by wet-mount microscopy and by InPouch™ TF medium culture for 10 days. Surviving trichomonads were not detected in any of the dry birdseed treatments. In moist conditions, however, trichomonads were found to survive ≤24 hr in all three seed types and ≤48 hr in the mixed seed that contained organic debris. We demonstrate that T. gallinae has the ability to survive in moist birdseed, which suggests that public bird-feeding sites may play a significant role in the transmission of trichomoniasis.
Is diversification rate related to climatic niche width

Aim Diversification rates are critically important for understanding patterns of species richness, both among clades and among regions. However, the ecological correlates of variation in diversification rates remain poorly explored. Here, we test several hypotheses relating diversification rate and niche width across amphibian families (frogs and salamanders). Location Global. Methods We characterized climatic niches for 5784 amphibian species using databases for species distributions and climate. We estimated the niche width of each family using the range of values for climatic variables across all sampled species, and using the mean of species niche widths. We estimated diversification rates for families given their total number of described species and a timecalibrated phylogeny. We estimated relationships between variables using phylogenetic comparative methods. Results We found a significant positive relationship between family niche width and diversification rate, but a weak relationship between mean species niche width and diversification rate, despite both niche width variables being correlated. In fact, the deviation from this relationship (i.e. residuals of family niche width versus mean species niche width) was the best predictor of diversification rate. The observed relationship between niche width and diversification was independent of clade range size and niche position (e.g. whether clades occurred in tropical or temperate climates) and significantly different from null patterns derived from random sampling effects. Main conclusions Our results identify climatic niche width, and especially the relationship between family and species-level niche widths, as a major correlate of diversification rates among amphibian families. These results suggest that climatic niche divergence among species within clades can be important in explaining large-scale diversity patterns, possibly even more so than a clade’s geographic area or whether it is primarily temperate or tropical.
Effect of N and Al-N dual doping on optical, photoluminescence and transport properties of ZnO films

N-doped and Al-N dual-doped ZnO thin films have been synthesized on glass substrate by low-cost spray pyrolysis technique. Introduction of N and Al in ZnO affects the surface morphology and electro-optical properties of ZnO. SEM micrographs clearly show the formation of nano-scale semi-spherical and hexagonal crystalline grains. 3D AFM images revealed the formation of crystalline grains with array structure. Transparency of the films increased substantially for N and Al-N dual-doping in ZnO lattice in the measured optical spectrum range (380 to 1000 nm). Optical band gap calculations reveal that the un-doped, N-doped and Al-N dual-doped ZnO thin films are direct band gap semiconductors. The carrier concentration of undoped and Al-N dual-doped ZnO samples is found to be in the order of ∼1015 cm−3. Highly N (>6%) doped ZnO samples shows p-type behavior. Photoluminescence study confirms both near band edge (NBE) and the deep level (DLE) emissions.
Auditory Responses in Cochlear Implant Users With and Without GJB2 Deafness

Objective/Hypothesis: It is reasonable to suppose that the pattern of sensorineural damage along the length of the cochlea depends on the etiology of a hearing loss (HL). In GJB2‐related deafness, we hypothesize that gap junction deficits are uniformly distributed and will result in similar damage along the length of the cochlea as compared with non‐GJB2 subjects. We assessed this by measuring patterns of neural activity and hearing from apical versus basal cochlear implant electrode regions.