Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial feature selection problems

Motivated by frequently recurring themes in information retrieval and related disciplines, we define a genre of problems called combinatorial feature selection problems. Given a set S of multidimensional objects, the goal is to select a subset K of relevant dimensions (or features) such that some desired property /spl Pi/ holds for the set S restricted to K. Depending on /spl Pi/, the goal could be to either maximize or minimize the size of the subset K. Several well-studied feature selection problems can be cast in this form. We study the problems in this class derived from several natural and interesting properties /spl Pi/, including variants of the classical p-center problem as well as problems akin to determining the VC-dimension of a set system. Our main contribution is a theoretical framework for studying combinatorial feature selection, providing (in most cases essentially tight) approximation algorithms and hardness results for several instances of these problems.
A Dynamical Systems Approach to Infant Oral Feeding and Dysphagia: From Model System to Therapeutic Medical Device

Abstract A dynamical systems approach to infant feeding problems is presented. A theoretically motivated analysis of coordination among sucking, swallowing, and breathing is at the heart of the approach. Current views in neonatology and allied medical disciplines begin their analysis of feeding problems with reference to descriptive phases of moving fluid from the mouth to the gut. By contrast, in a dynamical approach, sucking, swallowing, and breathing are considered as a synergy characterized by more or less stable coordination patterns. Research with healthy and at-risk groups of infants is presented to illustrate how coordination dynamics distinguish safe swallowing from patterns of swallowing and breathing that place premature infants at risk for serious medical problems such as pneumonia. Coordination dynamics is also the basis for a new medical device: a computer-controlled milk bottle that controls milk flow on the basis of the infant's coordination patterns. The device is designed so that infants may gradually take complete control of milk flow as they begin to discover the relation between swallowing and breathing.
Effect of brick kiln emissions on commonly used vegetables of Kashmir Valley

Abstract To study the impact of brick kiln emissions on plant growth and productivity, a study was conducted on various biochemical parameters of three main vegetables Brassica oleracea L. , Phaseolus vulgaris L. , and Solanum melongena L. cultivated in the vicinity of the brick kiln area of the Panzan village of district Budgam (J&K). Plants in the vicinity of brick kilns are direct recipients of emissions and therefore important materials for assessing potential effects of kiln pollutants. The biochemical values of all the three vegetables of the brick kiln site when compared to the control site are significantly (P ≤ 0.05) different. The findings of the present work depict that the brick kilns are the prime reason for the deterioration of important consumable vegetables, which could lead to chaos in the food security of the area in concern besides a threat to local people in terms of health if proper pollution control devices or the replacement of brick kilns are not put in place with new technology.
Relative effectiveness of oral 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and vitamin D3 in raising wintertime serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in older adults.

BACKGROUND The relative potency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to vitamin D3 needs to be better defined so that food-composition tables can better reflect the true vitamin D nutritive value of certain foods. OBJECTIVE We performed a randomized, controlled intervention study in apparently healthy, free-living adults to investigate whether the intake of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is 5 times more potent in raising serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] during winter compared with an equivalent amount of vitamin D3. DESIGN A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind intervention study was conducted in adults aged ≥50 y (n = 56) who consumed a placebo, 20 μg vitamin D3, or 7 or 20 μg 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 daily throughout 10 wk of winter. Serum 25(OH)D was measured by using an enzyme-linked immunoassay, and serum albumin-corrected calcium (S-Ca) was assessed colorimetrically at the baseline, midpoint, and endpoint of the study. RESULTS The mean (±SD) increases (per microgram of vitamin D compound) in serum 25(OH)D concentrations over baseline after 10 wk of supplementation were 0.96 ± 0.62, 4.02 ± 1.27, and 4.77 ± 1.04 nmol · L(-1) · μg intake(-1) for the 20-μg vitamin D3/d and 7- and 20-μg 25-hydroxyvitamin D3/d groups, respectively. A comparison of the 7- and 20-μg 25-hydroxyvitamin D3/d groups with the 20-μg vitamin D3/d group yielded conversion factors of 4.2 and 5, respectively. There was no effect of treatment on S-Ca concentrations and no incidence of hypercalcemia (S-Ca >2.6 nmol/L). CONCLUSIONS Each microgram of orally consumed 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was about 5 times more effective in raising serum 25(OH)D in older adults in winter than an equivalent amount of vitamin D3. This conversion factor could be used in food-compositional tables for relevant foods. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01398202.
Coordination of Steps in Single-nucleotide Base Excision Repair Mediated by Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1 and DNA Polymerase β*

The individual steps in single-nucleotide base excision repair (SN-BER) are coordinated to enable efficient repair without accumulation of cytotoxic DNA intermediates. The DNA transactions and various proteins involved in SN-BER of abasic sites are well known in mammalian systems. Yet, despite a wealth of information on SN-BER, the mechanism of step-by-step coordination is poorly understood. In this study we conducted experiments toward understanding step-by-step coordination during BER by comparing DNA binding specificities of two major human SN-BER enzymes, apurinic/aprymidinic endonuclease 1 (APE) and DNA polymerase β (Pol β). It is known that these enzymes do not form a stable complex in solution. For each enzyme, we found that DNA binding specificity appeared sufficient to explain the sequential processing of BER intermediates. In addition, however, we identified at higher enzyme concentrations a ternary complex of APE·Pol β·DNA that formed specifically at BER intermediates containing a 5′-deoxyribose phosphate group. Formation of this ternary complex was associated with slightly stronger Pol β gap-filling and much stronger 5′-deoxyribose phosphate lyase activities than was observed with the Pol β·DNA binary complex. These results indicate that step-by-step coordination in SN-BER can rely on DNA binding specificity inherent in APE and Pol β, although coordination also may be facilitated by APE·Pol β·DNA ternary complex formation with appropriate enzyme expression levels or enzyme recruitment to sites of repair.
Validity of serum testosterone, free androgen index, and calculated free testosterone in women with suspected hyperandrogenism.

OBJECTIVES There are technical limitations for the currently available methods of measuring serum total and free testosterone in females. The study objectives were to evaluate the usefulness of serum total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI), and calculated free testosterone (CFT) in the assessment of androgen status in women investigated for suspected hyperandrogenism. METHODS This is a case control study that was conducted during the period from 1(st) May 2011 to 31(st) October 2011 on 122 patients aged (18-45 years) whom were referred to the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory from the Endocrinology and Gynecology Clinics, Royal Hospital, Oman. Women with no clinical feature or laboratory data indicative of hormonal dysfunction and with midluteal progesterone >30 nmol/L were selected as controls (group 1; n=18). The patients were divided into subgroups based on the clinical/laboratory diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS [group 2; n=19), hirsutism (group 3; n=18), menstrual disturbances (irregularities) or infertility (group 4; n=49), as well as combination of PCOS or hirsutism and menstrual disturbances or infertility (group 5; n=18). Serum total testosterone and SHBG were measured, FAI was calculated as percentage ratio of total testosterone to SHBG values, and CFT was calculated according to Vermeulen equation. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in the mean levels of testosterone, FAI and CFT in each patient group compared with the control group. For diagnosing hyperandrogenism, each indicator was selected at the recommended cut-off: testosterone >3.0 nmol/L, SHBG <30 nmol/L, FAI >5%, and CFT >32 pmol/L. In group 2, 89.5% and 94.7% of the patients had increased FAI and CFT, respectively; compared with 36.4% for increased testosterone. In group 3, 88.9% and 88.9% of the patients had similarly increased FAI and CFT, respectively; compared with 66.7% for testosterone. In group 4, patients had 63.3% and 73.5% elevated FAI and CFT, respectively; compared with 53.1% for testosterone, while in group 5, patients had 83.3% and 88.9% elevated FAI and CFT, respectively, compared with 61.1% for testosterone. CONCLUSION The diagnosis of hyperandrogenism was most obvious when using CFT or FAI than testosterone alone. It is thus recommended to include these calculated parameters (CFT and/or FAI) in the routine investigation and assessment of women with disorders related to clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism.
Macroeconomic Variables, Euler Equation and Future Returns on Treasury Bonds: (Semi)Nonparametric Investigation

We find that the data on macroeconomic variables contain relevant information for explaining of future Treasury bond returns besides and beyond the information already contained in historic forward rates. In the forecasting exercise, we impose cross-sectional no-arbitrage-type restrictions on bond returns of multiple maturities and allow for flexible functional forms of dependence between the parameters of the pricing kernel and forecasting variables, by modeling these parameters as a (semi)nonparametric function of composite indexes (linear combinations) of the two sets of forecasting variables. Our GMM estimation procedure employs an innovative method for generating instrumental variables based on the kernel density of the underlying indexes.
Modes, Benefits, And Risks Of Voluntary And Electrically Induced Exercise In Persons With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Background: Sedentary lifestyles and physical deconditioning are commonly reported among persons with spinal cordinjury (SCI) ,although many forms of exercise have been shown to be beneficial. For individuals unable to perform voluntary exercise, involuntaryexercise by electrically stimulated contractions has been used to train individual body segments, invoke cycling movementswith or without arm propulsion, and stimulate ambulation. Objective: To evaluate the benefits and risks associated with various modes of exercise in persons with SCI. Methods: Literature review. Findings: Electrical stimulation of local muscle sites increases muscle mass and circulation and favorably alters muscle fiber composition.Electrically stimulated cycling has been observed to improve fitness, lower-extremity circulation and circulatory response to ischemia andto reverse cardiac muscle atrophy in persons with tetraplegia. Electrically stimulated ambulation improves upper-extremity endurance,lower-extremity circulation, and perception of body image. Studies of arm and wheelchair ergometry show increased arm endurance anddecreased cardiovascular risks associated with hyperlipidemia, while resistance training of the upper extremities improves strength andendurance. Because autonomic hyperreflexia, orthostatic intolerance, thermal dysregulation, and fracture are associated with exercise in SCI, risk reduction strategies and prompt intervention are required. Conclusions: Well-designed programs of exercise are beneficial for persons with tetraplegia and paraplegia. Risks an benefits varywith level of injury. Programs need to address prevention of and intervention for potential adverse effect associated with exercise in individuals with spinal cord dysfunction.
On the O(1/n) Convergence Rate of the Douglas-Rachford Alternating Direction Method

Alternating direction methods (ADMs) have been well studied in the literature, and they have found many efficient applications in various fields. In this note, we focus on the Douglas-Rachford ADM scheme proposed by Glowinski and Marrocco, and we aim at providing a simple approach to estimating its convergence rate in terms of the iteration number. The linearized version of this ADM scheme, which is known as the split inexact Uzawa method in the image processing literature, is also discussed.
Impact of ocean phytoplankton diversity on phosphate uptake

Significance Nutrient uptake is a central property of ocean biogeochemistry, but our understanding of this process is based on laboratory cultures or bulk environmental studies. Thus, mathematical descriptions of nutrient uptake, at the heart of most biogeochemical models, must rely on this limited information. Hence, we have little knowledge of how natural phytoplankton populations vary in their abilities to take up key nutrients. Using advanced analytical techniques, this study provides the first comprehensive in situ quantification of nutrient uptake capabilities among dominant phytoplankton groups. Supported by a model that considers plastic ecological responses in an evolutionary context, this work further provides a fundamentally new framework for the integration of microbial diversity to describe and understand the controls of ocean nutrient assimilation. We have a limited understanding of the consequences of variations in microbial biodiversity on ocean ecosystem functioning and global biogeochemical cycles. A core process is macronutrient uptake by microorganisms, as the uptake of nutrients controls ocean CO2 fixation rates in many regions. Here, we ask whether variations in ocean phytoplankton biodiversity lead to novel functional relationships between environmental variability and phosphate (Pi) uptake. We analyzed Pi uptake capabilities and cellular allocations among phytoplankton groups and the whole community throughout the extremely Pi-depleted western North Atlantic Ocean. Pi uptake capabilities of individual populations were well described by a classic uptake function but displayed adaptive differences in uptake capabilities that depend on cell size and nutrient availability. Using an eco-evolutionary model as well as observations of in situ uptake across the region, we confirmed that differences among populations lead to previously uncharacterized relationships between ambient Pi concentrations and uptake. Supported by novel theory, this work provides a robust empirical basis for describing and understanding assimilation of limiting nutrients in the oceans. Thus, it demonstrates that microbial biodiversity, beyond cell size, is important for understanding the global cycling of nutrients.
The equatorward wall of the subauroral trough in the afternoon/evening sector

Although ionospheric troughs are a very important feature of the subauroral ionosphere, many of their properties remain incompletely documented and understood. Here Dynamics Explorer-2 satellite data are used to investigate one specific part of this complex phenomenon, namely its equatorward wall. We find that in the afternoon/evening sector of the Northern Hemisphere the location of this density drop depends primarily on the level of geomagnetic activity and magnetic local time. Longitudinal variations are only of secondary importance. A formula is derived which summarizes these variations. The magnitude of the density drop in the trough wall depends primarily on altitude and longitude, and to a lesser degree on local time and geomagnetic activity. These variations are also described quantitatively. Using a superposed epoch type of averaging procedure, a mean latitudinal profile of the trough wall is derived. No anomalous increase in the density at the equatorward edge of the trough is observed. There is, however, a significant increase in the electron temperature at the location of the density drop. Our results are important for the empirical description and numerical simulation of ionospheric troughs. They also may be used to define the boundary between middle and subauroral latitudes.
Radicalization and counter-radicalization at British universities: Muslim encounters and alternatives

Abstract This paper explores the ‘spaces’ left over for Muslims to be ‘radical’ and the management of minority identities in light of their securitization in the UK. The paper considers a key site of this management of ‘radical’ identities: the university. The university works as prototypical case because of the ways in student activism and identity are a priori drawn together but also because of the prevalence of higher education among terrorists in the UK and USA. As a result, universities have been specifically targeted in counterterrorism and counter-radicalization measures. The paper reveals through student narratives how security discourses of ‘radicalization’ constrain their activism, university experience and identities. Yet, alternative identity constructions emerge that work against the moderate/radical binary. These narratives show how incomplete the process is of incorporating Muslims into the nation.
The Unique Antigen Receptor Signaling Phenotype of B-1 Cells Is Influenced by Locale but Induced by Antigen1

Normal animals contain an autoreactive B lymphocyte subset, the B-1 subset, which is controlled by undefined mechanisms to prevent autoimmunity. Using a VH11Vκ9 Ig transgenic mouse, with a specificity prototypic of the subset, we have explored conditions responsible for the previously reported Ag hyporesponsiveness of these cells. We report that peritoneal VH11Vκ9 B cells exhibit typical B-1 behavior with high basal intracellular free Ca2+ and negligible receptor-mediated calcium mobilization. However, splenic B cells from this mouse, while phenotypically similar to their peritoneal counterparts, including expression of CD5, mount robust B-2-like responses to Ag as measured by calcium influx and altered tyrosine phosphorylation responses. When these splenic cells are adoptively transferred to the peritoneal cavity and encounter their cognate self-Ag, they acquire a B-1 signaling phenotype. The ensuing hyporesponsiveness is characterized by increases in both basal intracellular calcium and resting tyrosyl phosphorylation levels and is highlighted by a marked abrogation of B cell receptor-mediated calcium mobilization. Thus, we show that self-Ag recognition in specific microenvironments such as the peritoneum, and we would propose other privileged sites, confers a unique form of anergy on activated B cells. This may explain how autoreactive B-1 cells can exist while autoimmunity is avoided.
Impact of a drier Early–Mid-Holocene climate upon Amazonian forests

This paper uses a palaeoecological approach to examine the impact of drier climatic conditions of the Early–Mid-Holocene (ca 8000–4000 years ago) upon Amazonia's forests and their fire regimes. Palaeovegetation (pollen data) and palaeofire (charcoal) records are synthesized from 20 sites within the present tropical forest biome, and the underlying causes of any emergent patterns or changes are explored by reference to independent palaeoclimate data and present-day patterns of precipitation, forest cover and fire activity across Amazonia. During the Early–Mid-Holocene, Andean cloud forest taxa were replaced by lowland tree taxa as the cloud base rose while lowland ecotonal areas, which are presently covered by evergreen rainforest, were instead dominated by savannahs and/or semi-deciduous dry forests. Elsewhere in the Amazon Basin there is considerable spatial and temporal variation in patterns of vegetation disturbance and fire, which probably reflects the complex heterogeneous patterns in precipitation and seasonality across the basin, and the interactions between climate change, drought- and fire susceptibility of the forests, and Palaeo-Indian land use. Our analysis shows that the forest biome in most parts of Amazonia appears to have been remarkably resilient to climatic conditions significantly drier than those of today, despite widespread evidence of forest burning. Only in ecotonal areas is there evidence of biome replacement in the Holocene. From this palaeoecological perspective, we argue against the Amazon forest ‘dieback’ scenario simulated for the future.
Audio-to-Tag mapping: A novel approach for music similarity computation

Similarity measurement between musical pieces is a hard problem. Recent research on contextual information assigned (tags) in social networking services has shown to be highly effective in measuring musical similarity. Nevertheless, such an approach requires adequate amount of tags assigned to each musical datum. In the case of the so called “cold-start” problem, this assumption is not valid for several music data. Herein, we address this problem by proposing the utilisation of a learning mechanism that maps musical data from audio feature space to tag feature space. The developed mapping can be applied to musical data with no or limited contextual information, in order to more accurately evaluate similarity and avoid the sole use of audio-based similarity measures that may affect the similarity measurement quality. Experimental results with real musical data illustrate the substantial gains of the proposed method.
Clinical efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for osteoarthritis treatment: A meta-analysis

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Materials We performed a meta-analysis of relevant published clinical studies. An electronic search was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of MSC-based therapy in knee OA. The visual analogue scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Lequesne algofunctional indices (Lequesne), Lysholm knee scale (Lysholm), Tegner activity scale (Tegner) and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Results Eleven eligible trials with 582 knee OA patients were included in the present meta-analysis. We demonstrated that MSC treatment could significantly decrease VAS and increase IKDC scoresafter a 24-month follow-up compared with controls (P<0.05). MSC therapy also showed significant decreases in WOMAC and Lequesne scores after the 12-month follow-up (P<0.01). Analysis of Lysholm (24-month) and Tegner (12- and 24-month) scores also demonstrated favorable results for MSC treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Overall, MSC transplantation treatment was shown to be safe and has great potential as an efficacious clinical therapy for patients with knee OA.