Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Recommender Systems Using Linked Open Data-Based Semantic Analysis of Items

The Linked Open Data (LOD) project is a community effort that aims to publish structured data using open and liberal licences. The LOD cloud provides free access to datasets in diverse areas such as media, geography, publications and life sciences. These datasets are publicly available for machine and human consumption using Semantic Web standards and SPARQL endpoints. In addition to facilitating interoperability and integrity across diverse platforms, this movement not only opens up unique opportunities for developing novel and innovative applications but also makes the application development more efficient and cost-effective. This paper demonstrates how LOD can be a reliable and rich source of content information that supports recommender systems to overcome problems such as the item cold-start problem and limited content analysis that restrict many of the existing systems. By building on a robust measurement of the similarities between items using LOD, we present a hybrid recommender system that combines the semantic analysis of items with collaborative filtering approaches. The experimental evaluations of our proposed method using standard benchmark data and established measures show comparable overall accuracy and significant improvement in item cold-start situations.
American sign language recognition with the kinect

We investigate the potential of the Kinect depth-mapping camera for sign language recognition and verification for educational games for deaf children. We compare a prototype Kinect-based system to our current CopyCat system which uses colored gloves and embedded accelerometers to track children's hand movements. If successful, a Kinect-based approach could improve interactivity, user comfort, system robustness, system sustainability, cost, and ease of deployment. We collected a total of 1000 American Sign Language (ASL) phrases across both systems. On adult data, the Kinect system resulted in 51.5% and 76.12% sentence verification rates when the users were seated and standing respectively. These rates are comparable to the 74.82% verification rate when using the current(seated) CopyCat system. While the Kinect computer vision system requires more tuning for seated use, the results suggest that the Kinect may be a viable option for sign verification.
Single-wavelength two-photon excitation–stimulated emission depletion (SW2PE-STED) superresolution imaging

We developed a new class of two-photon excitation–stimulated emission depletion (2PE-STED) optical microscope. In this work, we show the opportunity to perform superresolved fluorescence imaging, exciting and stimulating the emission of a fluorophore by means of a single wavelength. We show that a widely used red-emitting fluorophore, ATTO647N, can be two-photon excited at a wavelength allowing both 2PE and STED using the very same laser source. This fact opens the possibility to perform 2PE microscopy at four to five times STED-improved resolution, while exploiting the intrinsic advantages of nonlinear excitation.
Insight in Schizophrenia and its Association with Executive Functions

Background: Lack of insight or awareness of illness is most frequently observed in patients with schizophrenia, and it influences treatment compliance. It has been hypothesized that the frontal dysfunction may explain poor insight in schizophrenia. Aim: The purposes of the study were to assess the degree of insight in schizophrenia and to examine the association, if any, between the degree of insight and executive functions in patients with schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: In this pre-post study, 30 patients of both sexes diagnosed to have schizophrenia were assessed with the Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). They were assessed once at the time of admission and then at the time of their discharge. Results: The study revealed that 70% of the subjects possessed poor awareness of mental disorder. There was significant improvement of insight over time. The degree of insight was significantly associated with the performance on WCST 2nd assessment. WCST scores were able to explain 42% of the variance in insight. Conclusion: Majority of schizophrenic patients possess poor insight. This poor insight is significantly associated with poor executive function. Hence poor insight may have a cognitive etiology.
Current approach in diagnosis and management of anterior uveitis

Uveitis is composed of a diverse group of disease entities, which in total has been estimated to cause approximately 10% of blindness. Uveitis is broadly classified into anterior, intermediate, posterior and panuveitis based on the anatomical involvement of the eye. Anterior uveitis is, however, the commonest form of uveitis with varying incidences reported in worldwide literature. Anterior uveitis can be very benign to present with but often can lead to severe morbidity if not treated appropriately. The present article will assist ophthalmologists in accurately diagnosing anterior uveitis, improving the quality of care rendered to patients with anterior uveitis, minimizing the adverse effects of anterior uveitis, developing a decision-making strategy for management of patients at risk of permanent visual loss from anterior uveitis, informing and educating patients and other healthcare practitioners about the visual complications, risk factors, and treatment options associated with anterior uveitis.
Rationale

vs56.6%, P , 0.001). 95patients(0.7%) werecoinfectedwithCOVID-19during2020.Therewasnodi ﬀ erence in the inpatient mortality rate between 2020 and 2019 (0.9% vs 1.0%, odds ratio 0.86, 95% con ﬁ dence interval 0.50-1.48). Length of hospitalization (4.64 days vs 4.69 days, P 5 0.158) and total hospitalization charges ($62577 vs $59719, P 5 0.28) were not signi ﬁ cantly di ﬀ erent between 2020 and 2019. Total duration from presentation to undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was similar between 2020 and 2019 (1.59 days vs 1.92 days, regression coe ﬃ cient -0.337, 95% CI -0.780 to 0.105). Conclusion: Analysis from the largest database for inpatient stays in the United States shows that the inpatient mortality rate and healthcare utilization were similar between the pandemic period (April-December 2020) to the same period for 2019. Time-to-ERCP was also similar. These ﬁ ndings di ﬀ er from other healthcare emergencies such as variceal bleeding or acute coronary syndrome. One possible explanationfor thisdi ﬀ erenceis that antibioticsare e ﬀ ective at initialstabilization for cholangitis unlike others whichrequire urgent invasive procedures. Baseline characteristicswere largely similarbetweenthe 2 groups indicating a representative population with less chances of selection bias.
Galectin‐1 on cervical epithelial cells is a receptor for the sexually transmitted human parasite Trichomonas vaginalis

The extracellular protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis causes the most prevalent non‐viral sexually transmitted human infection, yet the pathogenesis of infection is poorly understood, and host cell receptors have not been described. The surface of T. vaginalis is covered with a glycoconjugate called lipophosphoglycan (LPG), which plays a role in the adherence and cytotoxicity of parasites to human cells. T. vaginalis LPG contains high amounts of galactose, making this polysaccharide a candidate for recognition by the galactose‐binding galectin family of lectins. Here we show that galectin‐1 (gal‐1) is expressed by human cervical epithelial cells and binds T. vaginalis LPG. Gal‐1 binds to parasites in a carbohydrate‐dependent manner that is inhibited in the presence of T. vaginalis LPG. Addition of purified gal‐1 to cervical epithelial cells also enhances parasite binding, while a decrease in gal‐1 expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection decreases parasite binding. In contrast, the related galectin‐7 (gal‐7) does not bind T. vaginalis in a carbohydrate‐dependent manner, and is unable to mediate attachment of parasites to host cells. Our data are consistent with the presence of multiple host cell receptors for T. vaginalis of which gal‐1 is the first to be identified and highlight the importance of glycoconjugates in host–pathogen interactions.
Prevalence of Salmonella spp., and serovars isolated from captive exotic reptiles in New Zealand

Abstract AIM: To investigate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in captive exotic reptile species in New Zealand, and identify the serovars isolated from this population. METHODS: Cloacal swabs were obtained from 378 captive exotic reptiles, representing 24 species, residing in 25 collections throughout New Zealand between 2008 and 2009. Samples were cultured for Salmonella spp. , and suspected colonies were serotyped by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). RESULTS: Forty-three of the 378 (11.4%) reptiles sampled tested positive for Salmonella spp. , with 95% CI for the estimated true prevalence being 12–25% in exotic reptiles in this study population. Lizards tested positive for Salmonella spp. more often than chelonians. Agamid lizards tested positive more often than any other family group, with 95% CI for the estimated true prevalence being 56–100%. Six Salmonella serovars from subspecies I and two from subspecies II were isolated. The serovar most commonly isolated was S. Onderstepoort (30.2%), followed by S. Thompson (20.9%), S. Potsdam (14%), S. Wangata (14%), S. Infantis (11.6%) and S. Eastbourne (2.3%). All of the subspecies I serovars have been previously reported in both reptiles and humans in New Zealand, and include serovars previously associated with disease in humans. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study showed that Salmonella spp. were commonly carried by exotic reptiles in the study population in New Zealand. Several serovars of Salmonella spp. with known pathogenicity to humans were isolated, including S. Infantis, which is one of the most common serovars isolated from both humans and non-human sources in New Zealand. The limitations of this study included the bias engendered by the need for voluntary involvement in the study, and the non-random sampling design. Based on the serovars identified in this and previous studies, it is recommended native and exotic reptiles be segregated within collections, especially when native reptiles may be used for biodiversity restoration. Veterinarians and reptile keepers are advised to follow hygiene protocols developed to minimise reptile-associated salmonellosis.
Fast rates with high probability in exp-concave statistical learning

We present an algorithm for the statistical learning setting with a bounded exp-concave loss in $d$ dimensions that obtains excess risk $O(d \log(1/\delta)/n)$ with probability at least $1 - \delta$. The core technique is to boost the confidence of recent in-expectation $O(d/n)$ excess risk bounds for empirical risk minimization (ERM), without sacrificing the rate, by leveraging a Bernstein condition which holds due to exp-concavity. We also show that with probability $1 - \delta$ the standard ERM method obtains excess risk $O(d (\log(n) + \log(1/\delta))/n)$. We further show that a regret bound for any online learner in this setting translates to a high probability excess risk bound for the corresponding online-to-batch conversion of the online learner. Lastly, we present two high probability bounds for the exp-concave model selection aggregation problem that are quantile-adaptive in a certain sense. The first bound is a purely exponential weights type algorithm, obtains a nearly optimal rate, and has no explicit dependence on the Lipschitz continuity of the loss. The second bound requires Lipschitz continuity but obtains the optimal rate.
Nicotine Regulates Multiple Synaptic Proteins by Inhibiting Proteasomal Activity

Ubiquitination regulates the degradation, membrane trafficking, and transcription of proteins. At mammalian synapses, the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) influences synaptic transmission and plasticity. Nicotine also has the ability to affect synaptic function via mechanisms that remain partially unknown. We found that nicotine, at concentrations achieved by smokers, reduced proteasomal activity, produced accumulation of ubiquitinated synaptic proteins, and increased total protein levels. In particular, a 24 h exposure to nicotine decreased proteasome-dependent degradation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunit, as indicated by the accumulation of ubiquitinated α7. The same nicotine treatment increased the levels of the AMPA glutamate receptor subunit GluR1, the NMDA receptor subunit NR2A, the metabotropic receptor mGluR1α, the plasticity factor Homer-1A, and the scaffolding postsynaptic density protein PSD-95, whereas the levels of another scaffolding protein, Shank, were reduced. These changes were associated with an inhibition of proteasomal chymotrypsin-like activity by nicotine. The nAChR antagonist mecamylamine was only partially able to block the effects of nicotine on the UPS, indicating that nAChR activation does not completely explain nicotine-induced inhibition of proteasomal catalytic activity. A competition binding assay suggested a direct interaction between nicotine and the 20S proteasome. These results suggest that the UPS might participate in nicotine-dependent synaptic plasticity.
Contemporary Indications and Therapeutic Implications for Digoxin Use

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Appropriate medical therapy using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers improves outcomes in HF, whereas the role of digoxin is still not clearly defined. Digoxin is currently recommended for patients with HF who are symptomatic despite standard therapy and for controlling the ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation. Digoxin is a time-tested drug that accounts for 20 million drug prescriptions annually in the United States. It has favorable hemodynamic effects for patients with HF and atrial tachyarrhythmias. We conducted a systematic literature search for the current indications for digoxin. Despite extensive research and safety data, the literature suggests that digoxin is underused in clinical settings. Citing the literature where available, our review highlights the various clinical settings where digoxin is indicated. Despite difficulties with designing prospective studies in acute HF settings and lack of outcomes data, we believe that digoxin will continue to serve an important role in optimizing care in certain acute and chronic cardiac conditions.
The Influence of Musculoskeletal Injury on Cognition

Background: Safe return-to-play decisions after concussion can be challenging for sports medicine specialists. Neuropsychological testing is recommended to objectively measure concussion-related cognitive impairments. Purpose: The objective of this study was to measure cognitive functioning among 3 specific athletic groups: (1) athletes with no injuries (n = 36), (2) athletes with musculoskeletal injuries (n = 18), and (3) athletes with concussion (n = 18). Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Seventy-two intercollegiate athletes completed preseason baseline cognitive testing and follow-up assessment using the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) test battery. Injured athletes were tested within 72 hours of injury. A 1-way analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline scores was performed to determine if differences existed in cognitive test scores among the 3 groups. Results: A group of athletes with concussion performed significantly worse than a group of athletes with no injuries on the following subtests of the ANAM at follow-up: Code Substitution Learning, Match to Sample, and Simple Reaction. Athletes with musculoskeletal injuries performed significantly worse than those with no injury on the Match to Sample subtest. No significant differences between athletes with concussion and athletes with musculoskeletal injuries were found on all ANAM subtests. Conclusion: Concussion produces cognitive impairment in the acute recovery period. Interestingly, athletes with musculoskeletal injuries also display a degree of cognitive impairment as measured by computerized tests. Clinical Relevance: Although these findings support previous research that neuropsychological tests can effectively measure concussion-related cognitive impairment, this study provides evidence that athletic injury, in general, also may produce a degree of cognitive disruption. Therefore, a narrow interpretation of scores of neuropsychological tests in a sports concussion context should be avoided.
Analysis of the Small Sample Size Performance of Fast Fully Adaptive STAP Techniques for MTI Radar

Abstract : In ground surveillance from an airborne or space-based radar it is desirable to be able to detect small moving targets, such as tanks or wheeled vehicles, within severe ground clutter. For operational moving target indication (MTI) systems the clutter filter coefficients have to be updated frequently due to rapidly changing interference environment. This report examines the small sample size performance of different fast fully adaptive space-time processors (STAP) and compares it to the optimum-detector performance. These recently proposed techniques, named Matrix Transformation based Projection (MTP) and Lean Matrix Inversion (LMI), were originally developed to provide fast man-made jammer suppression in large surface phased array radars with many elements. For this application they have been proven to operate with near-optimum performance, yet with a computational expense drastically reduced from that of the optimum detector in most practical cases. The investigation herein focuses on the performance achieved when only a few data samples are available to adapt (update) the clutter filter coefficient. In this report, the techniques are described and a number of simulations carried out. The two applications, STAP and jammer suppression, are similar; both are required to suppress an interference which is characterized by a certain number of dominant eigenvalues of the sample space-time covariance matrix. Despite the similarities the performance between the two differs due to the different shapes of their eigenvalue distribution. The LMI is shown to give the best Signal-to-Noise-plus-Clutter Ratio (SNCR) for a given computational load.
A multicenter family practitioners’ research on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease screening using the COPD Assessment Test

Objectives Spirometry is known to be a gold standard for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is an eight-item questionnaire currently in use to evaluate patients with COPD. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate if CAT is an adequate tool for screening COPD. Methods In total, 600 persons aging ⩾40 years old were randomly selected from three different family practice units located in the city center. CAT was asked to the participants and a spirometry was used to assess pulmonary obstruction. Pulmonary obstruction was defined as forced expiratory volume in first second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC)<70% and then COPD diagnosis was confirmed with the reversibility test. The relationship between CAT results and pulmonary function test values was evaluated. Results In this sampling, the prevalence of COPD was 4.2%. Reliability of the CAT in the study group was acceptable (Cronbach’s α: 0.84). The CAT scores was significantly higher in patients with COPD (P<0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between CAT score and FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio (r=−0.31, P<0.001; r=−0.26, P<0.001; r=0.18, P=0.001). Among smokers, phlegm was the predominating symptom (P=0.01). Sensitivity of CAT was 66.67% and its specificity was 75.15% to determine COPD. Conclusions CAT is a reliable questionnaire and there is an apparent relationship between the total CAT scores and COPD. However, CAT’s ability to screen COPD is limited since it may miss the symptom-free cases.
On loss compensation, amplification and lasing in metallic metamaterials

The design of metamaterials, which are artificial materials that can offer unique electromagnetic properties, is based on the excitation of strong resonant modes. Unfortunately, material absorption—mainly due to their metallic parts—can damp their resonances and hinder their operation. Incorporating a gain material can balance these losses, but this must be performed properly, as a reduced or even eliminated absorption does not guarantee loss compensation. Here we examine the possible regimes of interaction of a gain material with a passive metamaterial and show that background amplification and loss compensation are two extreme opposites, both of which can lead to lasing.
Should ABO‐incompatible deceased liver transplantation be reconsidered?

In this issue of Transplant International, two separate groups, one from China and one from northern Europe, present their retrospective experiences and results in ABOincompatible (ABOin) deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) in adult recipients [1,2]. Both groups conclude that ABOin DDLT might be life-saving and might be used in urgent cases. In the study by the Sun Yat-sen University group from Guangzhou, China [2], in a population of recipients suffering from acute hepatitis B virus liver failure, ABOin graft survival was 28% at 3 years, compared with 66.5% and 71% for ABO compatible (ABOc) and ABO identical (ABOid) grafts, respectively (P < 0.05). The increased rate of failures in ABOin DDLT was related to vascular thrombosis and biliary complications. In this Asian series, 77% of the recipients were blood group O patients receiving nonO grafts, and the number of A2 ABOin DDLT was not determined. The immunosuppression was quite classical, associating basiliximab, calcineurin inhibitors, mycophenolate mofetil and steroids [2]. The second study by Thorsen et al. [1] reported the experience in ABOin DDLT from two centres of Norway and Sweden. In 88% of the cases, this European series included blood group O patients receiving non-O grafts. Considering global patient survivals of the whole series, their results were excellent, with patient survivals at 79% and 75% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. However, these patient survivals came at the price of a high rate of vascular and biliary complications and a high rate of retransplantations. The graft survivals of the A2 ABOin DDLT were slightly better (although statistically nonsignificant due to the small sample size) than the non-A2 ABOin DDLT (80% vs. 60% at 1 year and 67% vs. 48% at 3 years, respectively) [1]. In contrast to other types of transplanted organs, the liver graft is somehow protected against preformed antibodies. It has been established for decades that liver transplantation against blood group is possible both in children and in adult recipients, with prolonged graft survivals without rejection in some cases [3]. Pretransplant lymphocytotoxic cross-match is not considered before DDLT by most groups [4]. Combined liver and kidney transplantation has been advocated to allow kidney transplantation in highly sensitized cross-match positive kidney candidates [5]. In the 80s of last century, ABOin DDLT was regularly performed to save patients with fulminant hepatic failure, either as a definitive treatment or as a bridge to ABOc DDLT [6]. However, with the success of DDLT and the increased waiting lists, it was considered that ABOin graft survival was not sufficient to ethically justify this policy. As a consequence, in most allocation schemes, ABOin DDLT