Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Scalable and practical One-Pass clustering algorithm for recommender system

Recommender systems apply artificial intelligence techniques for filtering unseen information and predict whether a user would like/dislike a given item. K-Means clustering-based recommendation algorithms have been proposed claiming to increase the scalability of recommender systems. One potential drawback of these algorithms is that they perform training offline and hence cannot accommodate the incremental updates with the arrival of new data, making them unsuitable for the dynamic environments. From this line of research, a new clustering algorithm called One-Pass is proposed, which is a simple realtime algorithm that maintains a good level of accuracy, scale well with data, and build the training model incrementally with the arrival of new data. We run One-Pass algorithm on four different datasets (MovieLens, Film Trust, Book Crossing, and Last-FM) and empirically show that the proposed algorithm outperforms K-Means in terms of recommendation and training time. Moreover, One-Pass algorithm is comparable to K-Means in term of accuracy and cluster quality.
Fungal Infections Associated with Long‐Term Mechanical Circulatory Support—Diagnosis and Management

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used as a treatment option for advanced heart failure. Fungal infections present a serious concern given the high association with major adverse events including death in this group of patients. The objective of this review is to summarize the incidence, risk factors, method for diagnosis, complication rate, and outcomes in patients with VADs who develop fungal infections. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12258 (J Card Surg 2014;29:95‐100)
Analysis of the Role of Homology Arms in Gene-Targeting Vectors in Human Cells

Random integration of targeting vectors into the genome is the primary obstacle in human somatic cell gene targeting. Non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), a major pathway for repairing DNA double-strand breaks, is thought to be responsible for most random integration events; however, absence of DNA ligase IV (LIG4), the critical NHEJ ligase, does not significantly reduce random integration frequency of targeting vector in human cells, indicating robust integration events occurring via a LIG4-independent mechanism. To gain insights into the mechanism and robustness of LIG4-independent random integration, we employed various types of targeting vectors to examine their integration frequencies in LIG4-proficient and deficient human cell lines. We find that the integration frequency of targeting vector correlates well with the length of homology arms and with the amount of repetitive DNA sequences, especially SINEs, present in the arms. This correlation was prominent in LIG4-deficient cells, but was also seen in LIG4-proficient cells, thus providing evidence that LIG4-independent random integration occurs frequently even when NHEJ is functionally normal. Our results collectively suggest that random integration frequency of conventional targeting vectors is substantially influenced by homology arms, which typically harbor repetitive DNA sequences that serve to facilitate LIG4-independent random integration in human cells, regardless of the presence or absence of functional NHEJ.
Contrasting biogeochemistry of nitrogen in the Atlantic and Pacific oxygen minimum zones

Abstract. We present new data for the stable isotope ratio of inorganic nitrogen species from the contrasting oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) of the Eastern Tropical North Atlantic, south of Cape Verde, and the Eastern Tropical South Pacific off Peru. Differences in minimum oxygen concentration and corresponding N-cycle processes for the two OMZs are reflected in strongly contrasting δ15N distributions. Pacific surface waters are marked by strongly positive values for δ15N-NO3–) reflecting fractionation associated with subsurface N-loss and partial NO3– utilization. This contrasts with negative values in NO3– depleted surface waters of the Atlantic which are lower than can be explained by N supply via N2 fixation. We suggest the negative values reflect inputs of nitrate, possibly transient, associated with deposition of Saharan dust. Strong signals of N-loss processes in the subsurface Pacific OMZ are evident in the isotope and N2O data, both of which are compatible with a contribution of canonical denitrification to overall N-loss. However the apparent N isotope fractionation factor observed is relatively low (vd=11.4 ‰) suggesting an effect of influence from denitrification in sediments. Identical positive correlation of N2O vs. AOU for waters with oxygen concentrations ([O2]
Risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus among blood donors in Cameroon: evidence for the design of an Africa‐specific donor history questionnaire

In sub‐Saharan Africa improving the deferral of at‐risk blood donors would be a cost‐effective approach to reducing transfusion‐transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. We performed a pilot case‐control study to identify the risk factors for HIV infection and to develop an adapted donor history questionnaire (DHQ) for sub‐Saharan Africa.
Review for Disease of the Year: Varicella Zoster Virus-Induced Anterior Uveitis

ABSTRACT Varicella zoster virus (VZV)-induced anterior uveitis (AU) may complicate the course of primary varicella infection typically seen in children. In adults, especially with advanced age, VZV AU is more commonly associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) with or without skin rash affecting the distribution of the ophthalmic nerve due to reactivation of the latent VZV in the trigeminal ganglion. While it is typically a mild self-limiting AU in primary infection, HZO AU is often accompanied by keratitis, may have a chronic recurrent course, and lead to sectoral iris atrophy, pupillary distortion, and ocular hypertension. Diagnosis is often clinical and proven by analysis of aqueous humor for viral genome or antiviral antibodies. Systemic antiviral agents and topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment. Visual prognosis is favorable with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Healthism in Denmark: State, market, and the search for a “Moral Compass”

This article focuses on contemporary responses to public health messages in Denmark, a country whose system of social welfare is, like that of the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe, undergoing increasing levels of marketization and privatization. Drawing primarily upon Robert Crawford’s analysis of healthism as a neoliberal project, the aim of this article is to develop critical understandings of how individuals respond both bodily and emotionally to ideologies of health and the body in the context of a changing marketplace for the consumption of health and its messages. This article will analyze perceptions and practices of health in Denmark. The findings will then be discussed in relation to dimensions inspired by the work of Crawford, who regards “health” as a “super-value,” an outcome of individual security strategies, and mode of citizenship in the marketplace. The article argues that Crawford’s discussion does not fully capture the ways in which people use their bodies to valorize themselves. First, the perception of the state is perceived as being aligned with commercial interests. As a consequence, neither state- nor market-based (i.e. commercial health product and service providers) health advice is fully trusted. Instead, the opinions of non-market actors such as peers and friends as well as of alternative practitioners that are considered outside the market since they do not represent corporate interests become more attractive among citizen-consumers who are concerned about their health. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of our findings for theorization of public health and health policy.
Supervised Learning Approaches to Classify Sudden Stratospheric Warming Events

AbstractSudden stratospheric warmings are prominent examples of dynamical wave–mean flow interactions in the Arctic stratosphere during Northern Hemisphere winter. They are characterized by a strong temperature increase on time scales of a few days and a strongly disturbed stratospheric vortex. This work investigates a wide class of supervised learning methods with respect to their ability to classify stratospheric warmings, using temperature anomalies from the Arctic stratosphere and atmospheric forcings such as ENSO, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), and the solar cycle. It is demonstrated that one representative of the supervised learning methods family, namely nonlinear neural networks, is able to reliably classify stratospheric warmings. Within this framework, one can estimate temporal onset, duration, and intensity of stratospheric warming events independently of a particular pressure level. In contrast to classification methods based on the zonal-mean zonal wind, the approach herein distinguish.
Procalcitonin interference in an immunometric calcitonin assay

Abstract Background. Procalcitonin (PCT) increases in septic patients, and is not transformed into calcitonin (CT). We found in septic patients, a significant increase of CT, as determined by an immunoassay using polyclonal antibodies. We compare determination using polyclonal and monoclonal AB. Methods. We included 34 patients: 17 with clinical signs of sepsis, a positive haemoculture (PCT > 0.5 μg/L) and 17 without them (PCT < 0.1 μg/L). CT was determined by two above-mentioned methods. The influence on CT levels was observed after using the high-concentration PCT calibrator addition to a mixed serum sample with a low concentration of CT. The dilution test of the high-concentration calibrator PCT was performed by an IBL calibrator, with a zero calcitonin concentration. Results. In the septic patients we found an interference in calcitonin determination using the polyclonal AB (IRMA); 24.1–718 μg/L, proportional to the PCT levels (r = 0.814, p < 0.0001). When using the monoclonal AB (ELISA), the calcitonin levels < 6.5–46.3 ng/L, and no interference of PCT was observed. In the non-septic group, we did not record any PCT interference using either the polyclonal or the monoclonal AB, and the CT levels were within the reference ranges using the two methods (r = 0.997, p < 0.0001). The recovery and dilution tests confirmed interference by PCT on the calcitonin determination with the polyclonal antibody. Conclusions. Results show that in septic patients there is visible interference of PCT in the calcitonin determination, principally in the IRMA method (polyclonal AB); while no such relationship was observed in the ELISA method (monoclonal AB).
Plasmodium falciparum ligand binding to erythrocytes induce alterations in deformability essential for invasion

The most lethal form of malaria in humans is caused by Plasmodium falciparum. These parasites invade erythrocytes, a complex process involving multiple ligand-receptor interactions. The parasite makes initial contact with the erythrocyte followed by dramatic deformations linked to the function of the Erythrocyte binding antigen family and P. falciparum reticulocyte binding-like families. We show EBA-175 mediates substantial changes in the deformability of erythrocytes by binding to glycophorin A and activating a phosphorylation cascade that includes erythrocyte cytoskeletal proteins resulting in changes in the viscoelastic properties of the host cell. TRPM7 kinase inhibitors FTY720 and waixenicin A block the changes in the deformability of erythrocytes and inhibit merozoite invasion by directly inhibiting the phosphorylation cascade. Therefore, binding of P. falciparum parasites to the erythrocyte directly activate a signaling pathway through a phosphorylation cascade and this alters the viscoelastic properties of the host membrane conditioning it for successful invasion. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.21083. 001
The Ubiquitin-like with PHD and Ring Finger Domains 1 (UHRF1)/DNA Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) Axis Is a Primary Regulator of Cell Senescence*

As senescence develops, cells sequentially acquire diverse senescent phenotypes along with simultaneous multistage gene reprogramming. It remains unclear what acts as the key regulator of the collective changes in gene expression at initiation of senescent reprogramming. Here we analyzed time series gene expression profiles obtained in two different senescence models in human diploid fibroblasts: replicative senescence and H2O2-induced senescence. Our results demonstrate that suppression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)-mediated DNA methylation activity was an initial event prior to the display of senescent phenotypes. We identified seven DNMT1-interacting proteins, ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1), EZH2, CHEK1, SUV39H1, CBX5, PARP1, and HELLS (also known as LSH (lymphoid-specific helicase) 1), as being commonly down-regulated at the same time point as DNMT1 in both senescence models. Knockdown experiments revealed that, among the DNMT1-interacting proteins, only UHRF1 knockdown suppressed DNMT1 transcription. However, UHRF1 overexpression alone did not induce DNMT1 expression, indicating that UHRF1 was essential but not sufficient for DNMT1 transcription. Although UHRF1 knockdown effectively induced senescence, this was significantly attenuated by DNMT1 overexpression, clearly implicating the UHRF1/DNMT1 axis in senescence. Bioinformatics analysis further identified WNT5A as a downstream effector of UHRF1/DNMT1-mediated senescence. Senescence-associated hypomethylation was found at base pairs −1569 to −1363 from the transcription start site of the WNT5A gene in senescent human diploid fibroblasts. As expected, WNT5A overexpression induced senescent phenotypes. Overall, our results indicate that decreased UHRF1 expression is a key initial event in the suppression of DNMT1-mediated DNA methylation and in the consequent induction of senescence via increasing WNT5A expression.
TBP/TFIID-dependent activation of MyoD target genes in skeletal muscle cells

Change in the identity of the components of the transcription pre-initiation complex is proposed to control cell type-specific gene expression. Replacement of the canonical TFIID-TBP complex with TRF3/TBP2 was reported to be required for activation of muscle-gene expression. The lack of a developmental phenotype in TBP2 null mice prompted further analysis to determine whether TBP2 deficiency can compromise adult myogenesis. We show here that TBP2 null mice have an intact regeneration potential upon injury and that TBP2 is not expressed in established C2C12 muscle cell or in primary mouse MuSCs. While TFIID subunits and TBP are downregulated during myoblast differentiation, reduced amounts of these proteins form a complex that is detectable on promoters of muscle genes and is essential for their expression. This evidence demonstrates that TBP2 does not replace TBP during muscle differentiation, as previously proposed, with limiting amounts of TFIID-TBP being required to promote muscle-specific gene expression. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.12534. 001
Crystal Structure of Dielectric Ceramics in the La(Mg_0.5Ti_0.5)O_3–BaTiO_3 System

The crystal structure of microwave dielectric ceramics in the (1 − x )La(Mg_0.5Ti_0.5)O_3 (LMT)– x BaTiO_3 (BT) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.9) system has been refined by Rietveld method using x-ray powder diffraction data. LMT and BT were found to form a solid solution in the whole compositional range. The increase of BaTiO_3 content results in the following sequence of structure transformations of those solid solutions: P 2_1/ n (a^−a^−c^+, B-site ordered) → Pbnm (a^−a^−c^+) → I 4/ mcm (a^0a^0c^−) → Pm 3 m (a^0a^0a^0). These structural changes are related to the disappearance of B-site cation ordering ( x > 0.1), in-phase tilting ( x > 0.3), and antiphase tilting ( x > 0.5), respectively.
Effects of Aqua Aerobics on Body Composition, Body Mass, Lipid Profile, and Blood Count in Middle-Aged Sedentary Women

Purpose. The aim of the present investigations was to determine the effects of aqua aerobics on body weight and composition, lipid profile, and selected blood count parameters in middle-aged sedentary females. Methods. Twenty-one women were randomly assigned to an experimental group (age 56.20 ± 2.57 years, height 162.80 ± 4.76 cm, weight 74.03 ± 3.84 kg) that participated in aqua aerobics classes three times a week for three months and a control group (mean age 56.44 ± 3.28 years, height 165.00 ± 3.91 cm, weight 70.01 ± 11.36 kg) not involved in any kind of targeted exercise. The aqua aerobics classes were tailored to suit the age and abilities of the participants, with workout intensity controlled and maintained at approximately 128–137 bpm. Results. significant differences between the experimental and control groups were found for body weight, total body water, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass. A significant increase in post-intervention hemoglobin and erythrocyte counts was observed in the experimental group. Conclusions. Future studies should determine the intensity of physical activity with the most beneficial effect on blood variables in middle-aged and older individuals.
Hospital Length of Stay—Does 1% TBSA Really Equal 1 Day?

Length of stay (LOS) continues to be a standard variable when evaluating progress and outcomes in burn care. Common wisdom would dictate that this measure is linearly related to TBSA. Is this truly the case? A retrospective review of the National Burn Repository was conducted to evaluate factors that affect hospital LOS. The National Burn Repository data set was obtained from the American Burn Association. Data from the years 2002–2007 were extracted. Unique patients were identified by removing readmissions, outpatients, and patients not admitted. Patients whose “HOSPLOS” and/or “AREATOT” field was blank or 0 were excluded, as were nonthermally injured patients. Patients without an entry for age and dead patients were also excluded. This left a final data set of 52,712 patients for analysis. The data were then analyzed, with %TBSA burned as the independent variable. In patients who survived their entire LOS, the mean LOS increased linearly by decile. Females with a TBSA <40% have a trend toward increased LOS relative to their male counterparts of the same TBSA; however, this trend reverses for TBSA ≥40%. Age alone is not a significant predictor of increasing LOS. The cause of burns was predominantly flame related across all deciles of TBSA, and most etiologies for burn demonstrate the predicted increase in LOS per %TBSA. LOS was not significantly affected by insurance type or whether the injury was work related or not. This analysis was confounded by the small numbers of patients with burns >60% and age older than 70 years. Anticipating hospital LOS is not a simple task. Using complex statistical analysis, a linear trend associated with %TBSA can be seen; however, other variables do contribute. Until the precise role of these variables can be elucidated, anticipating patient LOS to be 1 day for every %TBSA is still a useful exercise.
Acceptability and feasibility of a multiple-behavior, computer-tailored intervention for underserved pregnant women.

INTRODUCTION A pilot test of a computer-tailored intervention designed to promote positive health behaviors during pregnancy among a low-income population across multiple ethnic groups was conducted. METHODS Intervention content, based on the transtheoretical model, offered pregnant women assistance with smoking cessation, stress management, and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. Pregnant women (N = 87) were recruited from federally qualified health centers. After completing the intervention, women answered a 16-item evaluation. RESULTS Participants rated the program very positively, with 89.7% to 95.5% of participants agreeing or strongly agreeing with all evaluation items. For example, 95.4% of respondents reported that the program could help them be healthier, that they learned new information, and that the program was designed for pregnant women like themselves. Additionally, the majority of participants (92%) reported that they would recommend the program to a friend. There were no significant differences in the ratings based on demographic characteristics of the participants. Qualitative responses support acceptability for the program. Further, assessments before and after completion of the program indicated an increase in intention to make behavioral changes. DISCUSSION With acceptability and feasibility confirmed, the next steps are to test efficacy and consequently to distribute the program to populations of underserved pregnant women.
The Role of CD 247 Polymorphisms in Bulgarian Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Decreased expression of the tCR ζ-chain has been reported in several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Recent evidence suggests that this deficiency may be due to polymorphisms in the CD247 gene. A total 52 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (Sle) and 95 healthy controls of Bulgarian ethnicity were genotyped for 837C>g, rs1052230, 844A>t, and rs1052231 using a taqMan genotyping assay. None of the two polymorphisms appeared associated with the diseases. On the other hand, we have found that the -837gg genotype and the g allele were associated with hematological disease. the -844AA genotype and the A allele appeared associated with the hematological disease as well. the -843AA genotype and the A allele were found to be associated with antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests and immunological disease. An association was found between the -837g allele and arthritis. the Ag haplotype was found to be associated with hematological disease, ANA, and immunological disease. Our preliminary data confirm the previous findings that the CD247 polymorphisms are mainly associated with the clinical outcome of the disease and less with susceptibility.