Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cytomegalovirus infection in transplant recipients

Cytomegalovirus infection is a frequent complication after transplantation. This infection occurs due to transmission from the transplanted organ, due to reactivation of latent infection, or after a primary infection in seronegative patients and can be defined as follows: latent infection, active infection, viral syndrome or invasive disease. This condition occurs mainly between 30 and 90 days after transplantation. In hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in particular, infection usually occurs within the first 30 days after transplantation and in the presence of graft-versus-host disease. The major risk factors are when the recipient is cytomegalovirus seronegative and the donor is seropositive as well as when lymphocyte-depleting antibodies are used. There are two methods for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection: the pp65 antigenemia assay and polymerase chain reaction. Serology has no value for the diagnosis of active disease, whereas histology of the affected tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage analysis are useful in the diagnosis of invasive disease. Cytomegalovirus disease can be prevented by prophylaxis (the administration of antiviral drugs to all or to a subgroup of patients who are at higher risk of viral replication) or by preemptive therapy (the early diagnosis of viral replication before development of the disease and prescription of antiviral treatment to prevent the appearance of clinical disease). The drug used is intravenous or oral ganciclovir; oral valganciclovir; or, less frequently, valacyclovir. Prophylaxis should continue for 90 to 180 days. Treatment is always indicated in cytomegalovirus disease, and the gold-standard drug is intravenous ganciclovir. Treatment should be given for 2 to 3 weeks and should be continued for an additional 7 days after the first negative result for viremia.
Plant Diversity along the Eastern and Western Slopes of Baima Snow Mountain, China

Species richness and turnover rates differed between the western and eastern aspects of Baima Snow Mountain: maximum species richness (94 species in a transect of 1000 m2) was recorded at 2800 m on the western aspect and at 3400 m on the eastern aspect (126 species), which also recorded a much higher value of gamma diversity (501 species) than the western aspect (300 species). The turnover rates were the highest in the transition zones between different vegetation types, whereas species-area curves showed larger within-transect beta diversity at middle elevations. The effect of elevation on alpha diversity was due mainly to the differences in seasonal temperature and moisture, and these environmental factors mattered more than spatial distances to the turnover rates along the elevation gradient, although the impact of the environmental factors differed with the growth form (herb, shrubs or trees) of the species. The differences in the patterns of plant biodiversity between the two aspects helped to assess several hypotheses that seek to explain such patterns, to highlight the impacts of contemporary climate and historical and regional factors and to plan biological conservation and forest management in this region more scientifically.
Faculteit Economie En Bedrijfskunde Tweekerkenstraat 2 B-9000 Gent Ensemble Classification Based on Generalized Additive Models Ensemble Classification Based on Generalized Additive Models

Generalized additive models (GAMs) are a generalization of generalized linear models (GLMs) and constitute a powerful technique which has successfully proven its ability to capture nonlinear relationships between explanatory variables and a response variable in many domains. In this paper, GAMs are proposed as base classifiers for ensemble learning. Three alternative ensemble strategies for binary classification using GAMs as base classifiers are proposed: (i) GAMbag based on Bagging, (ii) GAMrsm based on the Random Subspace Method (RSM), and (iii) GAMens as a combination of both. In an experimental validation performed on 12 data sets from the UCI repository, the proposed algorithms are benchmarked to a single GAM and to decision tree based ensemble classifiers (i.e. RSM, Bagging, Random Forest, and the recently proposed Rotation Forest). From the results a number of conclusions can be drawn. Firstly, the use of an ensemble of GAMs instead of a single GAM always leads to improved prediction performance. Secondly, GAMrsm and GAMens perform comparably, while both versions outperform GAMbag. Finally, the value of using GAMs as base classifiers in an ensemble instead of standard decision trees is demonstrated. GAMbag demonstrates comparable performance to ordinary Bagging. Moreover, GAMrsm and GAMens outperform RSM and Bagging, while these two GAM 2 ensemble variations perform comparably to Random Forest and Rotation Forest. Sensitivity analyses are included for the number of member classifiers in the ensemble, the number of variables included in a random feature subspace and the number of degrees of freedom for GAM spline estimation.
Total lung capacity by plethysmography and high-resolution computed tomography in COPD

Aim To characterize and compare total lung capacity (TLC) measured by plethysmography with high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and to identify variables that predict the difference between the two modalities. Methods Fifty-nine consecutive patients referred for the evaluation of COPD were retrospectively reviewed. Patients underwent full pulmonary function testing and HRCT within 3 months. TLC was obtained by plethysmography as per American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society standards and by HRCT using custom software on 0.75 and 5 mm thick contiguous slices performed at full inspiration (TLC). Results TLC measured by plethysmography correlated with TLC measured by inspiratory HRCT (r = 0.92, P < 0.01). TLC measured by plethysmography was larger than that determined by inspiratory HRCT in most patients (mean of 6.46 ± 1.28 L and 5.34 ± 1.20 L respectively, P < 0.05). TLC measured by both plethysmography and HRCT correlated significantly with indices of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity [FVC] and FVC%), static lung volumes (residual volume, percent predicted [RV%], total lung capacity, percent predicted [TLC%], functional residual capacity, percent predicted [FRC%], and inspiratory capacity, percent predicted), and percent emphysema. TLC by plethysmography and HRCT both demonstrated significant inverse correlations with diffusion impairment. The absolute difference between TLC measured by plethysmography and HRCT increased as RV%, TLC%, and FRC% increased. Gas trapping (RV% and FRC%) independently predicted the difference in TLC between plethysmography and HRCT. Conclusion In COPD, TLC by plethysmography can be up to 2 L greater than inspiratory HRCT. Gas trapping independently predicts patients for whom TLC by plethysmography differs significantly from HRCT.
Comparing the Cognitive Mechanisms of False Memories with the Misinformation and DRM Paradigms

Many methodologies have been used to generate false memories, with the misinformation (MI) paradigm and the Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm being the most commonly studied. The MI paradigm generates false memories based on retroactive interference across episodes, while the DRM paradigm generates false memories based on semantic similarities across stimuli. Since current research is ambiguous about whether the processes for different types of false memories are similar, the purpose of this project was to compare the neural mechanisms between MI and DRM false memories. We used a novel paradigm to limit methodological differences, while maintaining the defining characteristics of each paradigm. We made ERP predictions for false memories in both paradigms based on four current cognitive theories of false memories: fuzzy-trace theory, spreading activation/monitoring theory, global matching models, and source of activation confusion (SAC) model. We found no LPC, FN400, or N2 neural differences between the two types of false memories. This result is discussed in the context of the theories and the implications about our understanding of false memories. Our results support that there may not be mechanistic differences in false memory recollection when paradigms to produce the false memories are similar. Comparing the Cognitive Mechanisms of False Memories with the Misinformation and DRM Paradigms Meagan O’Neill GENERAL AUIDENCE ABSTRACT Many methodologies have been used to generate false memories (or retrieval of an incorrect detail of an experienced event), with the misinformation (MI) paradigm and the DeeseRoediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm being the most commonly studied. The MI paradigm generates false memories based on incorrectly described details provided by the experimenter across episodes, while the DRM paradigm generates false memories based on semantic similarities across lists of words. Since current research is ambiguous about whether the processes for different types of false memories are similar, the purpose of this project was to compare the MI and DRM false memories. We used a novel paradigm to limit differences driven by different methods, while maintaining the defining characteristics of each paradigm. The four current memory theories informed our event-related potential (time-locked electroencephalogram) predictions. The four theories are fuzzy-trace theory, spreading activation/monitoring theory, global matching models, and source of activation confusion (SAC) model. We found no late positive component (an ERP component indicating recollective processes), FN400 (an ERP component indicating familiarity processes), or N2 (an ERP component indicating conflict) differences between the two types of false memories. This result is discussed in the context of these theories and the implications about our understanding of false memories. Our results support that there may not be differences in false memory recollection when paradigms to produce the false memories are similar
Regulation of Drosophila Life Span by Olfaction and Food-Derived Odors

Smell is an ancient sensory system present in organisms from bacteria to humans. In the nematode Caeonorhabditis elegans, gustatory and olfactory neurons regulate aging and longevity. Using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, we showed that exposure to nutrient-derived odorants can modulate life span and partially reverse the longevity-extending effects of dietary restriction. Furthermore, mutation of odorant receptor Or83b resulted in severe olfactory defects, altered adult metabolism, enhanced stress resistance, and extended life span. Our findings indicate that olfaction affects adult physiology and aging in Drosophila, possibly through the perceived availability of nutritional resources, and that olfactory regulation of life span is evolutionarily conserved.
Alteration of the Leptin Network in Late Morbid Obesity Induced in Mice by Brain Infection with Canine Distemper Virus

ABSTRACT Viruses can induce progressive neurologic disorders associated with diverse pathological manifestations, and therefore, viral infection of the brain can impair differentiated neural functions, depending on the initial viral tropism. We have previously reported that canine distemper virus (CDV) targets certain mouse brain structures, including the hypothalamus, early and selectively. Infected mice exhibit acute encephalitis, with late disease, characterized by motor impairment or obesity syndrome, appearing in some of the surviving mice several months after the initial viral replication. In the present study, we show viral persistence in the hypothalami of obese mice, as demonstrated by low, but still significant, levels of CDV nucleoprotein transcripts, associated with a dramatic decrease in F gene mRNAs. Given the pivotal role of the hypothalamus in obesity (eating behavior, energy consumption, and neuroendocrine function) and that of leptin, the adipose tissue-derived satiety factor acting through hypothalamic receptors, we analyzed the leptin networks in both obese and nonobese mice. The discrepancy found between the chronic and dramatic increase in blood leptin levels and the occurrence of obesity may be due to leptin resistance in the brain. In fact, expression of the long leptin receptor isoform, representing the functional leptin receptor, was specifically downregulated in the hypothalami of obese mice, explaining their inability to generate an adequate response to leptin in the brain. Intriguingly, during the acute phase of infection, its expression was increased in CDV-targeted structures in all infected mice and remained high in obese mice in all CDV-targeted structures, except for the hypothalamus. The biphasic change in hypothalamic leptin receptor expression seen during the progression of CDV-induced obesity provides a new paradigm for understanding mechanisms of neuroendocrinological, virus-induced abnormalities.
The Good, the Bad, and the Expert: How Consumer Expertise Affects Review Valence Effects on Purchase Intentions in Online Product Reviews

This study aims to shed more light on the question whether, and under what circumstances, valence affects consumers' intention to buy a product after reading an online review. We hypothesize that receiver expertise could possibly moderate a the impact of review valence on consumers' purchase intentions, and b the asymmetric effects of positive and negative reviews. To test these hypotheses, we conducted an experiment, exposing participants n=470 to reviews varying in valence i.e., positive, neutral, negative, with purchase-intention as the dependent variable. The results support the moderating role of receiver expertise for both the influence and weight of review valence effects. This explains the inconsistent results for review valence reported in previous studies.
Fractional pilot reuse in massive MIMO systems

Pilot contamination is known to be one of the main impairments for massive MIMO multi-cell communications. Inspired by the concept of fractional frequency reuse and by recent contributions on pilot reutilization among non-adjacent cells, we propose a new pilot allocation scheme to mitigate this effect. The key idea is to allow users in neighboring cells that are closest to their base stations to reuse the same pilot sequences. Focusing on the uplink, we obtain expressions for the overall spectral efficiency per cell for different linear combining techniques at the base station and use them to obtain both the optimal pilot reuse parameters and the optimal number of scheduled users. Numerical results show a remarkable improvement in terms of spectral efficiency with respect to the existing techniques.
Creativity’s Need for Relevance in Research and Real Life: Let’s Set a New Agenda for Positive Outcomes

Abstract Despite an ongoing surge of interest in creativity (both in academia and the public eye), it is essential that researchers focus on why creativity matters. Studies that empathize variables that help increase creativity are absolutely valuable, but I argue that need more work on how creativity can lead to positive outcomes. Much of the existing literature examines how creativity can improve school or work performance – which it does. Yet when these studies are compared with similar ones on conscientiousness, it is hard to argue that increasing creativity is the best way to succeed in school or work (at least using traditional metrics). I argue that as a field, we need to expand our ideas about how creativity can be beneficial. I end with an open call for suggestions.
Prediction of Learner Perception and Acceptance of E-Learning System for Learning with TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) in King Khalid University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

E-Learning has become an increasingly popular learning approach in higher Education institutions due to the rapid growth of Internet Technology in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, it has been integrated in many university programs and it is one of the new learning trends. Our King Khalid University is such a one rapidly growing institutions of using E-Learning System in higher education in Saudi Arabia. E-Learning is not intended to replace the traditional classroom setting, but to provide new opportunities and new virtual environment for interaction and communication between the students and teacher. The benefit of E-Learning System will not be maximized unless learners use the system even though e-learning is the main pillar of Learning. This study focuses on the individual learners’ perception and acceptance of the E-Learning System in KKU as an effective learning tool based on Technology Acceptance Model by evaluating the relationships among perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude towards using and behavioral intention to use the technology. TAM proposes that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness predict application usage. The study investigated TAM with the E-Learning and used TAM as a basis for hypothesizing the effects of above specified variables on the use of E-Learning System as the learning application.
Quantum Digital Signatures

We present a quantum digital signature scheme whose security is based on fundamental principles of quantum physics. It allows a sender (Alice) to sign a message in such a way that the signature can be validated by a number of different people, and all will agree either that the message came from Alice or that it has been tampered with. To accomplish this task, each recipient of the message must have a copy of Alice's"public key,"which is a set of quantum states whose exact identity is known only to Alice. Quantum public keys are more difficult to deal with than classical public keys: for instance, only a limited number of copies can be in circulation, or the scheme becomes insecure. However, in exchange for this price, we achieve unconditionally secure digital signatures. Sending an m-bit message uses up O(m) quantum bits for each recipient of the public key. We briefly discuss how to securely distribute quantum public keys, and show the signature scheme is absolutely secure using one method of key distribution. The protocol provides a model for importing the ideas of classical public key cryptography into the quantum world.
Color-Biased Regions of the Ventral Visual Pathway Lie between Face- and Place-Selective Regions in Humans, as in Macaques

The existence of color-processing regions in the human ventral visual pathway (VVP) has long been known from patient and imaging studies, but their location in the cortex relative to other regions, their selectivity for color compared with other properties (shape and object category), and their relationship to color-processing regions found in nonhuman primates remain unclear. We addressed these questions by scanning 13 subjects with fMRI while they viewed two versions of movie clips (colored, achromatic) of five different object classes (faces, scenes, bodies, objects, scrambled objects). We identified regions in each subject that were selective for color, faces, places, and object shape, and measured responses within these regions to the 10 conditions in independently acquired data. We report two key findings. First, the three previously reported color-biased regions (located within a band running posterior–anterior along the VVP, present in most of our subjects) were sandwiched between face-selective cortex and place-selective cortex, forming parallel bands of face, color, and place selectivity that tracked the fusiform gyrus/collateral sulcus. Second, the posterior color-biased regions showed little or no selectivity for object shape or for particular stimulus categories and showed no interaction of color preference with stimulus category, suggesting that they code color independently of shape or stimulus category; moreover, the shape-biased lateral occipital region showed no significant color bias. These observations mirror results in macaque inferior temporal cortex (Lafer-Sousa and Conway, 2013), and taken together, these results suggest a homology in which the entire tripartite face/color/place system of primates migrated onto the ventral surface in humans over the course of evolution. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Here we report that color-biased cortex is sandwiched between face-selective and place-selective cortex on the bottom surface of the brain in humans. This face/color/place organization mirrors that seen on the lateral surface of the temporal lobe in macaques, suggesting that the entire tripartite system is homologous between species. This result validates the use of macaques as a model for human vision, making possible more powerful investigations into the connectivity, precise neural codes, and development of this part of the brain. In addition, we find substantial segregation of color from shape selectivity in posterior regions, as observed in macaques, indicating a considerable dissociation of the processing of shape and color in both species.
The Composition Effect of Consumption around Retirement: Evidence from Singapore

It is well established that consumption is "hump" shaped over an individual's lifecycle, peaking in middle age and then declining in the years that follow. Prior research has documented that consumption declines at retirement, which is inconsistent with the standard lifecycle model with consumption smoothing. Using a unique dataset with detailed administrative records of credit and debit card transactions, we show the hump shaped lifecycle consumption pattern as documented in the literature. Additionally, we show compositional changes in consumption expenditures across individuals in the years surrounding retirement confirming the results of Aguiar and Hurst (2005, 2013).
Brachial Artery Elastic Mechanics in Patients With Heart Failure

Studies of arterial elasticity in patients with heart failure (HF) have produced varying results. In addition, the direct effects of smooth muscle relaxation on arterial wall mechanics in these patients have not been well characterized. Nineteen patients with New York Heart Association class II to IV HF and 17 age- and size-matched normal subjects were studied by using a recently validated technique for measuring brachial arterial wall mechanics over a wide pressure range. The left brachial artery was imaged through a water-filled blood pressure cuff by use of an ultrasound wall-tracking system at baseline and after 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG). Simultaneous radial artery pressure waveforms were recorded by tonometry. Transmural pressure (TP) was reduced by increasing water pressure in the cuff. Baseline area, compliance, and pulse wave velocity versus TP curves were similar in the normal subjects and the patients with HF. The incremental elastic modulus versus TP curve tended to be lower in the patients with HF. The wall-to-lumen ratio was increased in HF (P =0.05). NTG significantly shifted the area versus TP (P <0.001) and compliance versus TP (P <0.05) curves upward and the pulse wave velocity versus TP (P <0.05) curve downward in both groups. NTG also significantly (P <0.001) shifted the stress versus strain curve to the right in both groups but did not alter the incremental elastic modulus versus TP curve. We conclude that the brachial arterial wall-to-lumen ratio is increased in HF. This finding occurs together with a trend toward reduced arterial stiffness such that overall mechanical behavior of the brachial artery is preserved. Smooth muscle relaxation with NTG produces similar improvements in brachial arterial wall mechanics in normal subjects and in patients with HF.