Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Strength of social influence in trust networks in product review sites

Some popular product review sites such as Epinions allow users to establish a trust network among themselves, indicating who they trust in providing product reviews and ratings. While trust relations have been found to be useful in generating personalised recommendations, the relations between trust and product ratings has so far been overlooked. In this paper, we examine large datasets collected from Epinions and Ciao, two popular product review sites. We discover that in general users who trust each other tend to have smaller differences in their ratings as time passes, giving support to the theories of homophily and social influence. However, we also discover that this does not hold true across all trusted users. A trust relation does not guarantee that two users have similar preferences, implying that personalised recommendations based on trust relations do not necessarily produce more accurate predictions. We propose a method to estimate the strengths of trust relations so as to estimate the true influence among the trusted users. Our method extends the popular matrix factorisation technique for collaborative filtering, which allow us to generate more accurate rating predictions at the same time. We also show that the estimated strengths of trust relations correlate with the similarity among the users. Our work contributes to the understanding of the interplay between trust relations and product ratings, and suggests that trust networks may serve as a more general socialising venue than only an indication of similarity in user preferences.
Pharmacogenetics of hepatitis C: transition from interferon-based therapies to direct-acting antiviral agents

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as a major viral pandemic over the past two decades, infecting 170 million individuals, which equates to approximately 3% of the world’s population. The prevalence of HCV varies according to geographic region, being highest in developing countries such as Egypt. HCV has a high tendency to induce chronic progressive liver damage in the form of hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. To date, there is no vaccine against HCV infection. Combination therapy comprising PEGylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin has been the standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C for more than a decade. However, many patients still do not respond to therapy or develop adverse events. Recently, direct antiviral agents such as protease inhibitors, polymerase inhibitors, or NS5A inhibitors have been used to augment PEGylated interferon and ribavirin, resulting in better efficacy, better tolerance, and a shorter treatment duration. However, most clinical trials have focused on assessing the efficacy and safety of direct antiviral agents in patients with genotype 1, and the response of other HCV genotypes has not been elucidated. Moreover, the prohibitive costs of such triple therapies will limit their use in patients in developing countries where most of the HCV infection exists. Understanding the host and viral factors associated with viral clearance is necessary for individualizing therapy to maximize sustained virologic response rates, prevent progression to liver disease, and increase the overall benefits of therapy with respect to its costs. Genome wide studies have shown significant associations between a set of polymorphisms in the region of the interleukin-28B (IL28B) gene and natural clearance of HCV infection or after PEGylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin treatment with and without direct antiviral agents. This paper synthesizes the recent advances in the pharmacogenetics of HCV infection in the era of triple therapies.
On the Power of (Even a Little) Resource Pooling

We propose and analyze a multi-server model that captures a performance trade-off between centralized and distributed processing. In our model, a fraction p of an available resource is deployed in a centralized manner (e.g., to serve a most-loaded station) while the remaining fraction 1 − p is allocated to local servers that can only serve requests addressed specifically to their respective stations. Using a fluid model approach, we demonstrate a surprising phase transition in the steady-state delay scaling, as p changes: in the limit of a large number of stations, and when any amount of centralization is available (p > 0), the average queue length in steady state scales as log11−p11−λ when the traffic intensity λ goes to 1. This is exponentially smaller than the usual M/M/1-queue delay scaling of 11−λ, obtained when all resources are fully allocated to local stations (p = 0). This indicates a strong qualitative impact of even a small degree of resource pooling. We prove convergence to a fluid limit, and .
A novel FBMC scheme for Spatial Multiplexing with Maximum Likelihood detection

FBMC transmission system was proposed as an alternative approach to OFDM system since it has a higher spectral efficiency. One of the characteristics of FBMC is that the demodulated transmitted symbols are accompanied by interference terms caused by the neighboring transmitted data in time and frequency domain. The presence of this interference is an issue for the Maximum Likelihood (ML) implementation when we consider a Spatial Multiplexing MIMO system. In this paper, we will propose a new FBMC scheme and transmission strategy in order to avoid this interference term. This proposed scheme (called FFT-FBMC) transforms the FBMC system into an equivalent system as simple as OFDM. First, we will develop the FFT-FBMC in the case of SISO configuration, and then, we extend its application to Spatial Multiplexing MIMO configuration with Maximum Likelihood detection.1
Sensitivity characterization of differential detectors for acquisition of weak GNSS signals

In this paper, we assess the potential of several forms of the postcoherent differential detectors for the detection of weak Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals. We analyze in detail two different detector forms, namely the pair-wise differential detector (PWD) and noncoherent differential detector (NCDD). First, we follow a novel approach to obtain analytic expressions to characterize statistically the PWD. Then, we use these results to propose a polynomial-like model fitted by simulation to the sensitivity loss experienced by the differential operation with respect to coherent summing. This sensitivity loss formula is also used to characterize the NCDD, which is shown to be more adequate than the PWD for the acquisition of GNSS signals. A comparison between the PWD, NCDD, and the traditional noncoherent detector (NCD) is also carried out in this study. The results highlight the superior performance of the NCDD over the NCD for the acquisition of weak signals. For the case of the PWD, its performance is sensitive to Doppler shift. The conclusions drawn from the simulation results are confirmed in the acquisition of real Global Positioning System L1 C/A signals.
Multicriteria evaluation and optimization of the ultrasonic sealing performance based on design of experiments and response surface methodology

Proper closure is an essential packaging quality aspect and can, amongst others, be achieved with ultrasonic sealing. The ultrasonic sealing performance depends on the film type, and the seal settings, such as seal time, applied force and ultrasonic amplitude. Because these parameters are less intuitive than heat seal parameters and optimal settings are undefined for many films, this work presents an efficient approach to evaluate the effect of these settings on the ultrasonic sealing performance. An experimental design defines the experiments to perform. A response surface methodology is then used to model the relation between seal settings and sealing performance. Based on these models, the seal settings are optimized. As there are several criteria to express sealing performance, single‐criteria and multicriteria optimizations are described.
Lumbar Disc Degeneration is Facilitated by MiR-100-Mediated FGFR3 Suppression

Background/Aims: The pathogenesis of lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) involved activation of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) by differential expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and FGFR3. Nevertheless, the molecular regulation of FGFR1 and FGFR3 in the lumber disc cells remains elusive. Methods: We examined the FGFR1 and FGFR3 levels and microRNAs (miRNAs) levels in the resected LDD discs, compared to the traumatized, non-LDD discs. We analyzed the binding of miR-100 to the 3′UTR of FGFR3 mRNA and its effects on FGFR3 translation by bioinformatics analysis and by luciferase-reporter assay, respectively. We modified miR-100 levels in a human nucleus pulposus SV40 cell line (HNPSV), and examined the effects on the expression of FGFR3 and MMP13, by RT-qPCR, Western blot and ELISA. Results: The levels of FGFR1 and miR-100 were significantly higher, while the levels of FGFR3 were significantly lower, in LDD discs, compared to the control non-LDD discs. The levels of FGFR3, but not the levels of FGFR1, inversely correlated with the levels of miR-100. Moreover, miR-100 was found to bind to the 3'UTR of FGFR3 mRNA to prevent its translation. In miR-100-modified HNPSV cells, we found that miR-100 decreased FGFR3 levels, and increased MMP13 levels. Conclusion: miR-100 may activate MMP13 through 3′UTR-suppressoin of FGFR3 mRNA to facilitate development of LDD.
3D Building Roof Modeling by Optimizing Primitive's Parameters Using Constraints from LiDAR Data and Aerial Imagery

In this paper, a primitive-based 3D building roof modeling method, by integrating LiDAR data and aerial imagery, is proposed. The novelty of the proposed modeling method is to represent building roofs by geometric primitives and to construct a cost function by using constraints from both LiDAR data and aerial imagery simultaneously, so that the accuracy potential of the different sensors can be tightly integrated for the building model generation by an integrated primitive’s parameter optimization procedure. To verify the proposed modeling method, both simulated data and real data with simple buildings provided by ISPRS (International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing), were used in this study. The experimental results were evaluated by the ISPRS, which demonstrate the proposed modeling method can integrate LiDAR data and aerial imagery to generate 3D building models with high accuracy in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The experimental results also show that by adding a component, such as a dormer, to the primitive, a variant of the simple primitive is constructed, and the proposed method can generate a building model with some details.
[Effect of food television advertising on the preference and food consumption: systematic review].

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of papers that assess the effect of television food advertisings (TFA) in the food preferences and consumption in different age groups. METHODS Randomized clinical trials published up to November 2010 were searched in Pubmed, Ebsco, Cochrane and Scielo. Studies were included if they assessed the effect of direct exposition to TFA over the food preferences, demand, and consumption. RESULTS Ten studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the three studies conducted on preschooler children an increase in selection and demand of advertized foods was reported. All the fives studies conducted on scholar children reported negative outcomes in those children exposed to unhealthy food. An increase on food consumption was observed in two of the three studies conducted on adults. CONCLUSION The assess studies show that in pre-school and school children the effect of advertising on food consumption was consistent, while in adults there is a trend toward an strong association of exposure food advertising and preference, consumption and demand of the food advertised.
Aalborg Universitet Time Series Management Systems : A Survey

The collection of time series data increases as more monitoring and automation are being deployed. These deployments range in scale from an Internet of things (IoT) device located in a household to enormous distributed Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) producing large volumes of data at high velocity. To store and analyze these vast amounts of data, specialized Time Series Management Systems (TSMSs) have been developed to overcome the limitations of general purpose Database Management Systems (DBMSs) for times series management. In this paper, we present a thorough analysis and classification of TSMSs developed through academic or industrial research and documented through publications. Our classification is organized into categories based on the architectures observed during our analysis. In addition, we provide an overview of each system with a focus on the motivational use case that drove the development of the system, the functionality for storage and querying of time series a system implements, the components the system is composed of, and the capabilities of each system with regard to Stream Processing and Approximate Query Processing (AQP). Last, we provide a summary of research directions proposed by other researchers in the field and present our vision for a next generation TSMS.
Effects of Ruminal Infusion of Garlic Oil on Fermentation Dynamics, Fatty Acid Profile and Abundance of Bacteria Involved in Biohydrogenation in Rumen of Goats

This study aimed to investigate the effects of ruminal infusion of garlic oil (GO) on fermentation dynamics, fatty acid (FA) profile, and abundance of bacteria involved in biohydrogenation in the rumen. Six wethers fitted with ruminal fistula were assigned to two groups for cross-over design with a 14-d interval. Each 30-d experimental period consisted of a 27-d adaptation and a 3-d sample collection. Goats were fed a basal diet without (control) or with GO ruminal infusion (0.8 g/d). Ruminal contents collected before (0 h) and at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h after morning feeding were used for fermentation analysis, and 0 h samples were further used for FA determination and DNA extraction. Garlic oil had no influence on dry matter intakes of concentrate and hay. During ruminal fermentation, GO had no effects on total VFA concentration and individual VFA molar proportions, whereas GO increased the concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and microbial crude protein (p<0.05). Compared with control, GO group took a longer time for total VFA concentration and propionate molar proportion to reach their respective maxima after morning feeding. The ratio of acetate to propionate in control reduced sharply after morning feeding, whereas it remained relatively stable in GO group. Fatty acid analysis showed that GO reduced saturated FA proportion (p<0.05), while increasing the proportions of C18, t11–18:1 (TVA), c9,t11-conjugated linoleic acid (c9,t11-CLA), t10,c12-CLA, and polyunsaturated FA (p<0.05). The values of TVA/(c9,t11-CLA+TVA) and C18:0/(TVA+ C18:0) were reduced by GO (p<0.05). Real-time PCR showed that GO tended to reduce Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus abundance (p = 0.058), whereas GO had no effect on total abundance of the Butyrivibrio group bacteria. A low correlation was found between B. proteoclasticus abundance and C18:0/(TVA+C18:0) (p = 0.910). The changes of fermentation over time suggested a role of GO in delaying the fermentation process and maintaining a relatively modest change of ruminal environment. The inhibitory effects of GO on the final step of biohydrogenation may be related to its antibacterial activity against B. proteoclasticus and other unknown bacteria involved.
Spontaneous Skin Ulceration and Defective T Cell Function in CD18 Null Mice

A null mutation was prepared in the mouse for CD18, the β2 subunit of leukocyte integrins. Homozygous CD18 null mice develop chronic dermatitis with extensive facial and submandibular erosions. The phenotype includes elevated neutrophil counts, increased immunoglobulin levels, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and abundant plasma cells in skin, lymph nodes, gut, and kidney. Very few neutrophils were found in spontaneously occurring skin lesions or with an induced toxic dermatitis. Intravital microscopy in CD18 null mice revealed a lack of firm neutrophil attachment to venules in the cremaster muscle in response to N-formyl- methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. A severe defect in T cell proliferation was found in the CD18 null mice when T cell receptors were stimulated either by staphylococcal enterotoxin A or by major histocompatibility complex alloantigens demonstrating a greater role of CD11/CD18 integrins in T cell responses than previously documented. The null mice are useful for delineating the functions of CD18 in vivo.
Characteristics, stability and outcomes of the 2011 GOLD COPD groups in the ECLIPSE cohort

The 2011 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classifies patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) into four groups (A to D). We explored the characteristics, stability and relationship to outcomes of these groups within the ECLIPSE study (Evaluation of COPD Longitudinally to Identify Predictive Surrogate End-points) (n = 2101). Main results showed that: 1) these groups differed in several clinical, functional, imaging and biological characteristics in addition to those used for their own definition; 2) A and D groups were relatively stable over time, whereas groups B and C showed more temporal variability; 3) the risk of exacerbation over 3 years increased progressively from A to D, whereas that of hospitalisation and mortality were lowest in A, highest in D and intermediate and similar in B and C, despite the former having milder airflow limitation. The prevalence of comorbidities and persistent systemic inflammation were highest in group B. The different longitudinal behaviour of group A versus B and C versus D (each pair with similar forced expiratory volume in1 s (FEV1) values supports the 2011 GOLD proposal of assessing COPD patients by more than FEV1 only. However the assumption that symptoms do not equate to risk appears to be naïve, as groups B and C carry equally poor clinical outcomes, though for different reasons. Exploring distribution, characteristics, temporal stability and relationship with 2011 GOLD group outcomes in ECLIPSE http://ow.ly/mjJ8p
ATF6alpha Promotes Astroglial Activation and Neuronal Survival in a Chronic Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Accumulating evidence suggests a crucial role for the unfolded protein response (UPR) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this study, we investigated the relevance of the UPR in a mouse model of chronic MPTP/probenecid (MPTP/P) injection, which causes severe and persistent degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Enhanced activation of the UPR branches, including ATF6α and PERK/eIF2α/ATF4, was observed after MPTP/P injections into mice. Deletion of the ATF6α gene accelerated neuronal degeneration and ubiquitin accumulation relatively early in the MPTP/P injection course. Surprisingly, astroglial activation was strongly suppressed, and production of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and anti-oxidative genes, such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and xCT, in astrocytes were reduced in ATF6α −/− mice after MPTP/P injections. Decreased BDNF expression in ATF6α −/− mice was associated with decreased expression of GRP78, an ATF6α-dependent molecular chaperone in the ER. Decreased HO-1 and xCT levels were associated with decreased expression of the ATF4-dependent pro-apoptotic gene CHOP. Consistent with these results, administration of the UPR-activating reagent tangeretin (5,6,7,8,4′-pentamethoxyflavone; IN19) into mice enhanced the expression of UPR-target genes in both dopaminergic neurons and astrocytes, and promoted neuronal survival after MPTP/P injections. These results suggest that the UPR is activated in a mouse model of chronic MPTP/P injection, and contributes to the survival of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, in part, through activated astrocytes.
Theory of mind and psychoses

Background. A cardinal feature of schizophrenia is the sufferer's difficulty in interacting appropriately within the social milieu. This deficit has recently been associated with the concept of theory of mind, more commonly construed as a working model to understand behavioural patterns in autistic children. In this paper the complex relationships between theory of mind, IQ and psychoses are addressed. Methods. Five experimental groups were used; non-psychiatric controls, affective disorder, schizophrenia with normal pre-morbid IQ, schizophrenia with pre-morbid IQ in the mildly learning disabled range, and mild learning disability with no history of psychiatric illness. All subjects were given a first order Theory of Mind Task and if successful, a second order Theory of Mind Task was then administered. All subjects were rated using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Results. Subjects with schizophrenia and subjects with mild learning disability show impaired ability on a second order theory of mind task. However, when patients who are unable to answer reality questions are removed from the analysis specific impairment of theory of mind is only seen in subjects with schizophrenia. Furthermore, this impairment is relatively specific to particular psychopathological clusters in subjects with schizophrenia. Even though the same clusters of psychopathology are also seen in patients with affective disorder, their presence is not associated with poor second order theory of mind performance. Conclusions. Impaired theory of mind on second order tests is specific to schizophrenia when compared to mild learning disability and affective disorder control groups. Subjects with schizophrenia and pre-morbid mild learning disability show greater impairment than subjects with schizophrenia and a pre-morbid IQ within the normal range.
Restoration of prostaglandin E2-producing splenic macrophages in 89Sr-treated mice with bone marrow from Corynebacterium parvum primed donors.

Administration of Corynebacterium parvum (CP), 56 mg/kg ip to CBA/J mice effected the induction of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) producing macrophages (M phi) in the bone marrow and the spleen. Maximal release of PGE2 from M phi cultured in vitro with calcium ionophore A23187 for 2 h was reached by marrow M phi removed on 5 days after CP (450 ng/mg cell protein), and by splenic M phi 9 days after CP (400 ng/mg). Neither M phi population, however, yielded more than 6.0 ng/mg leukotriene C4. To assess ontogenic relationships mice were depleted of bone marrow and blood monocytes by iv injection of the bone-seeking isotope, 89Sr. CP was given at several points before or after bone marrow cell depletion. PGE2 production by splenic M phi harvested on day 9 after CP was profoundly impaired when CP was administered either concurrently with or 3 days after 89Sr. When CP was administered 1, 3, 5, and 7 days before 89Sr, however, the induction of PGE2-producing M phi in the spleen was unaffected. To determine whether bone marrow cells from CP-injected donors can restore PGE2-producing splenic M phi (PGSM) in 89Sr-mice, recipient mice which had and had not received CP 3 days after 89Sr were transfused with 5 x 10(6) syngeneic bone marrow cells from donor mice prepared at varying intervals after CP administration. The results clearly indicate the capacity of bone marrow cells harvested on either day 1 or 2 following CP to restore PGSM in CP-primed, but not unprimed, recipients. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)