Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linear Contextual Bandits with Knapsacks

We consider the linear contextual bandit problem with resource consumption, in addition to reward generation. In each round, the outcome of pulling an arm is a reward as well as a vector of resource consumptions. The expected values of these outcomes depend linearly on the context of that arm. The budget/capacity constraints require that the total consumption doesn't exceed the budget for each resource. The objective is once again to maximize the total reward. This problem turns out to be a common generalization of classic linear contextual bandits (linContextual), bandits with knapsacks (BwK), and the online stochastic packing problem (OSPP). We present algorithms with near-optimal regret bounds for this problem. Our bounds compare favorably to results on the unstructured version of the problem where the relation between the contexts and the outcomes could be arbitrary, but the algorithm only competes against a fixed set of policies accessible through an optimization oracle. We combine techniques from the work on linContextual, BwK, and OSPP in a nontrivial manner while also tackling new difficulties that are not present in any of these special cases.
Status, Marriage, and Managers&Apos; Attitudes to Risk

Status concerns can drive risk-taking behavior by affecting the payoff to a marginal dollar of wealth. If status concerns arise endogenously due to competition in the marriage market, then unmarried individuals should take greater risks. We test this hypothesis by studying corporate CEOs. We find that single CEOs are associated with firms exhibiting higher stock return volatility, pursue more aggressive investment policies, and are not affected by increases in idiosyncratic risk. These effects are weaker for older CEOs. Our results also hold when we use variation in divorce laws across states to instrument for CEO marital status.
Impact of Definition on Prevalence of Food Cravings in a Random Sample of Young Women

The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of food cravings in a random sample of young women and to evaluate the impact of the definition used in food craving research. The Diagnostic interview for Genetic Studies and a questionnaire about food craving experiences were completed by 101 women aged between 18 and 45 years. Of this sample, 58% of respondents reported having ever experienced food cravings. Of these, 7% had experienced food cravings only during pregnancy. Fewer women met criteria for craving as the definition narrowed; 28% reported moderate to strong cravings with two features of intensity; 6% reported moderate to strong cravings with three features of intensity and 4% reported strong cravings with three features of intensity. Features of intensity or "core features" were those that related to strength of craving and were difficulty resisting eating, feeling anxious when the craved food was unavailable and a change in speed of consumption. Of strong cravers, 86% experienced at least two core features, compared with 48% of moderate and 10% of mild cravers. These features may aid in defining the craving state and should be taken into consideration in studies on food cravings.
Predominant Expression of Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor in the Rat Brain Microglia

Cellular localization of platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor in the rat brain was determined by (1) in situhybridization, (2) Northern blot analysis in primary cell cultures of neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and fibroblasts, and (3) Ca2+ imaging in hippocampal culture. In situ hybridization revealed that the PAF receptor mRNA is expressed intensely in microglia and moderately in neurons. Northern blot analysis revealed that PAF receptor mRNA is the most abundant in microglia. In primary hippocampal cultures, PAF elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration in microglia and also in neurons, but to a lesser extent. These results suggest predominant presence of PAF receptor in microglia. Cultured microglia also expressed cPLA2 mRNA the most intensely. PAF-activated microglia released arachidonic acid in a Ca2+-dependent manner and without conversion to its derivatives. We propose that microglia as well as neurons contribute to PAF-related events in the CNS by releasing arachidonic acid.
Profile and factors associated with mortality in mediastinal mass during hospitalization at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta.

AIM to obtain characteristics, variations of the type of mass, diagnostic modalities, and mortality factors during hospitalization in patients with mediastinal mass at our institute during a 10-year period. METHODS a case-control study was conducted, by browsing through the medical records of 113 mediastinal mass patients who were treated at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, during a 10-year period (January 2000-December 2009). Factors associated with mortality, i.e; sepsis, septic shock, pneumonia, lung tuberculosis, superior vena cava syndrome, massive pleural effusion, pericard effusion, and respiratory failure were analyzed by logistic regresion multivariate analysis. RESULTS two hundred and one mediastinal mass patients were diagnosed and treated at our institute, 113 medical records were available to be included in this study. There were 69 males and 44 females with the age range of 18-60 years. One-hundred and seven patients were symptomatic at presentation. Mediastinal tumor was the most common mediastinal mass found among the subjects. The most frequent mass location was in the anteriosuperior compartement. Chest X-ray imaging were able to detect 61 cases of mediastinal mass, while 42 patients underwent thoracotomy (open biopsy) to acquire histopathology diagnosis. The proportion of mortality during hospitalization reached 39.8%. Logistic regression multivariate analysis found sepsis (p=0.000), superior vena cava syndrome (p = 0.000), and massive pleural effusion (p=0.047), were significant factors associated with mortality during hospitalization. CONCLUSION the clinical and radiologic features of mediastinal mass patients in our institute showed that mediastinal mass may resemble the symptoms of other diseases. Types and diagnostic modalities performed in our study differs from other studies previously reported in other countries with a high proportion of mortality during hospitalization.
Simulating Land Cover Changes and Their Impacts on Land Surface Temperature in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Despite research that has been conducted elsewhere, little is known, to-date, about land cover dynamics and their impacts on land surface temperature (LST) in fast growing mega cities of developing countries. Landsat satellite images of 1989, 1999, and 2009 of Dhaka Metropolitan (DMP) area were used for analysis. This study first identified patterns of land cover changes between the periods and investigated their impacts on LST; second, applied artificial neural network to simulate land cover changes for 2019 and 2029; and finally, estimated their impacts on LST in respective periods. Simulation results show that if the current trend continues, 56% and 87% of the DMP area will likely to experience temperatures in the range of greater than or equal to 30°C in 2019 and 2029, respectively. The findings possess a major challenge for urban planners working in similar contexts. However, the technique presented in this paper would help them to quantify the impacts of different scenarios (e.g., vegetation loss to accommodate urban growth) on LST and consequently to devise appropriate policy measures.
Exercise capacity deterioration in patients with COPD: longitudinal evaluation over 5 years.

BACKGROUND Although exercise capacity is an important outcome measure in patients with COPD, its longitudinal course has not been analyzed in comparison to the change in pulmonary function. PURPOSES To examine how exercise capacity would deteriorate over time in patients with COPD, and what factors would contribute to it. METHODS A total of 137 male outpatients with moderate-to-very-severe COPD were examined. The average age was 69.0 +/- 6.6 years (+/- SD), and the mean postbronchodilator FEV(1) was 45.9 +/- 15.4% predicted. Progressive cycle ergometry and pulmonary function testing were performed at entry, and every 6 months thereafter over 5 years. Due to the presence of missing data, a mixed-effect model analysis was then used to estimate the longitudinal changes in various clinical parameters. RESULTS Peak oxygen uptake (Vo(2)), peak minute ventilation (Ve), and peak tidal volume (Vt) during exercise declined significantly over time (p < 0.0001), which was no less rapid than the deterioration in FEV(1). The mean decline rates for peak Vo(2) were 32 +/- 60 mL/min/yr and 0.5 +/- 1.0 mL/min/kg/yr. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the changes in peak Ve, peak Vt, and peak respiratory rates were significant predictors for the change in peak Vo(2). CONCLUSION We demonstrated clear evidence of measurable and progressive deterioration in exercise capacity in COPD patients, which was no less rapid than the decline in airflow limitation. Dynamic ventilatory constraints during exercise also deteriorated over time, which most significantly contributed to this exercise capacity deterioration. In addition to pulmonary function, the longitudinal follow-up of exercise capacity is important not to miss the overall deterioration in COPD.
The bone marrow constitutes a reservoir of pericyte progenitors

Adult bone marrow is a rich reservoir of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells. Mobilization and recruitment of bone marrow‐derived cells to injured or ischemic tissue or tumors endorse the initiation and maintenance of angiogenic processes in the adult by incorporating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) into the developing vasculature and by recruiting accessory hematopoietic cells. Recent data have now revealed that the origin of bone marrow‐derived vascular cells is not restricted to endothelial cells but also includes pericytes—the perivascular support cells. Several laboratories have now reported the existence of pericyte progenitor cells, and these cells, like EPC, can be mobilized and recruited to the remodeling vasculature under ischemic conditions and in tumors. This review focuses on pericytes in vessel formation and on recent discoveries about their bone marrow origin in the adult.
Free female mate choice in house mice affects reproductive success and offspring viability and performance

We tested a critical assumption of sexual dialectics theory (Gowaty 1997, Feminism and Evolutionary Biology, Chapman & Hall) using house mice, Mus musculus. We asked if female house mice accrue viability benefits for their offspring when they mate with males they prefer versus with males they do not prefer. Our experiment was designed to eliminate or control other mechanisms of reproductive competition besides female mate choice. After allowing females to discriminate behaviourally between two males, which were at random with respect to phenotypic variation discriminating females were paired with preferred (P) or nonpreferred (NP) males. We then tested whether females mating with males they preferred had offspring of higher viability than females mating with nonpreferred males. In pairwise comparisons, we tested for differences in offspring performance in dominance contests and in nest-building skill. At weaning, we exposed half of the pups to cold stress. We tested progeny performance and viability in the laboratory or in outdoor field enclosures. In comparison to P females, NP females produced significantly fewer litters. Sons from P matings were socially dominant to sons from NP matings. Adult offspring from P matings built better nests than those from NP matings. In field enclosures significantly fewer NP than P offspring survived to 60 days after introduction. Male and female progeny from P matings established larger home ranges and constructed better nests than progeny from NP matings. This is the first demonstration of progeny viability differences for females allowed to express mate preferences between males presented to them at random. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
A case-control investigation of the relation between hyperlipidaemia and calcific aortic valve stenosis

Objective To investigate the relation of hyperlipidaemia to calcific aortic valve stenosis. Design A case-control study designed to detect a clinically relevant difference in the fasting plasma concentrations of total cholesterol between the groups at the 5% level with a power of 90%. Predefined subgroup analyses were based on presence of significant coronary disease and valve morphology (that is, bicuspid or tricuspid). Setting A district general hospital. Subjects 20 patients with severe calcific aortic stenosis and 20 controls. Results Mean (SD) fasting plasma total cholesterol in patients with aortic stenosis was 0.79 (1.50) mmol/l greater than in the controls (p = 0.029). The magnitude of differences between patients with aortic stenosis and controls was similar whether the patients had coronary artery disease (0.78 (1.73) mmol/l) or not (0.80 (1.37) mmol/l). The presence of a stenosed tricuspid aortic valve was associated with a significant increase in plasma cholesterol (1.70 (0.87) mmol/l, p = 0.012). For bicuspid valves the degree of elevation of plasma cholesterol was less and not statistically significant. Conclusions Calcific aortic stenosis is associated with hypercholesterolaemia, especially when the valve is tricuspid. Further studies are necessary to confirm that the relation is causal. This finding may have implications for measures to prevent the most common cause of cardiac valve replacement in the developed world.
Prevalence of Haemoplasma Infections in Stray Cats in Northern Italy

This study investigated the prevalence of feline haemoplasma infections in a number of stray cat colonies in Milan, Northern Italy. Blood samples from 260 stray cats were evaluated, with conventional PCR, for the presence of DNA associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” (CMhm). Odd ratios (OR) were calculated to identify risk factors for haemoplasma infections. PCR was positive in 86 out of 260 subjects (33.1%), with a prevalence of 10.8% (28/260 cats) for Mhf and 22.3% (58/260 cats) for CMhm. No coinfections were registered. There were significant associations between infections and season of sampling, that is, a negative association between winter sampling and a haemoplasma positive status (OR = 0.29, P = 0.001), or CMhm positive status (OR = 0.29, P = 0.01). Haemoplasma infections are common in stray cats in Milan. Thus, domestic cats with outdoor access should be routinely monitored and treated for ectoparasites to minimize risks of disease acquisition. Moreover, as these infections are transmitted via blood, feline blood donors from this area should be screened by PCR and preferably be drawn from a population of indoor cats regularly treated for fleas.
Windowed All Phase Biorthogonal Transform and Its Application in JPEG-Like Image Compression

This paper proposes new concepts of the windowed all phase biorthogonal transform (WAPBT), which is inspired by the all phase biorthogonal transform (APBT). In the light of windowed all phase digital filter theory, windowed all phase biorthogonal transforms is proposed. The matrices of WAPBT based on DFT, WHT, DCT and IDCT are deduced, which can be used in image compression instead of the conventional DCT, and the image compression scheme proposed in this paper is called WAPBT-based JPEG (WAPBT-JPEG). With optimal window sequence of WAPBT for image compression obtained by using generalized pattern search algorithm (GPSA), the peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and visual quality of the reconstructed images using the WAPBT-JPEG is outgoing DCT-based JPEG (DCT-JPEG) and APBT-based JPEG (APBT- JPEG) approximately at all bit rates. What is more, by comparison with DCT-JPEG, the advantage of proposed scheme is that the quantization table is simplified and the transform coefficients can be quantized uniformly. Therefore, the computing time becomes shorter and the hardware implementation is easier. Index Terms—Windowed all phase biorthogonal transform (WAPBT), image compression, discrete cosine transform (DCT), JPEG algorithm, generalized pattern search algorithm (GPSA), windowed all phase digital filter (APDF)
The Effects of Various Kinds of Lateral Wedge Insoles on Performance of Individuals with Knee Joint Osteoarthritis

Background: Knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most incapacitating diseases affecting older population, which is associated with pain and functional limitation. Various kinds of conservative treatment have been used to decrease knee pain and to improve the quality of life of the subjects suffering from this disease. There are discrepancies in the clinical effects reported for the use of lateral wedge insole in spite of being used as one of the first conservative mechanical treatments for patients with medial compartments of knee OA. Methods: A total of 36 subjects with medial knee compartment OA were recruited in this research project. Subjects were randomized into two groups to receive 3- and 7-mm lateral wedge insoles based on the date of birth of the participants. Some parameters such as severity of knee pain, Tibiofemoral angle (TFA), severity of OA, and quality of life were selected in this research project. Results: The use of both 3-mm and 7-mm lateral wedge insole improves the quality of life and decreases knee joint pain. However, the effect of 7 mm lateral wedge insole was more than that of 3 mm. Conclusion: Using lateral wedge insole is a simple, inexpensive therapy for decreasing pain and improving quality of life; however, most research must be carried out to find the effects of lateral wedge on severity of knee joint OA and aligning TFA.
Pilot Physical Activity Intervention Reduces Severity of ADHD Symptoms in Young Children

Objective: Physical activity associates with mental health and neurocognitive function, showing potential for addressing ADHD symptoms. As a preliminary assessment of this potential, the authors piloted a before-school physical activity intervention for young children. Method: Seventeen children (Grades K-3) exhibiting four or more hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms on the Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (Pelham, 2002) completed about 26 min of continuous moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily over eight school weeks. The authors administered cognitive, motor, social, and behavioral functioning measures at pre- and postprogram, assessed response inhibition weekly, and coded negative behaviors daily. Results: Several measures showed significant or marginally significant change over time (effect size = 0.35-0.96) with additional measures showing meaningful effect size values (≥ 0.20). Response inhibition effects were most consistent. Most participants (64% to 71%) exhibited overall improvement according to postprogram parent, teacher, and program staff ratings. Conclusion: Physical activity shows promise for addressing ADHD symptoms in young children.
Enhanced Lipid Peroxidation and Platelet Activation as Potential Contributors to Increased Cardiovascular Risk in the Low‐HDL Phenotype

Background Low high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels are major predictors of cardiovascular (CV) events, even in patients on statin treatment with low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) at target. In animal models HDLs protect LDL from oxidation and blunt platelet activation. Our study aimed to examine whether HDL levels are related to in vivo oxidative stress and platelet activation, as determinants of atherothrombosis. Methods and Results Urinary 8‐iso‐PGF2α and 11‐dehydro‐TXB2, in vivo markers of oxidative stress and platelet activation, respectively, were measured in 65 coronary heart disease (CHD) normocholesterolemic patients with HDL ≤35 mg/dL, and in 47 CHD patients with HDL >35 mg/dL. The 2 eicosanoids were also measured before and after an intensive exercise program in sedentary people (n=18) and before and after fenofibrate treatment in otherwise healthy subjects with low HDL (n=10). Patients with HDL ≤35 mg/dL showed significantly higher urinary 8‐iso‐PGF2α (median [25th to 75th percentiles]: 289 [189 to 380] versus 216 [171 to 321] pg/mg creatinine, P=0.019) and 11‐dehydro‐TXB2 (563 [421 to 767] versus 372 [249 to 465] pg/mg creatinine, P=0.0001) than patients with higher HDL. A direct correlation was found between urinary 8‐iso‐PGF2α and 11‐dehydro‐TXB2 in the entire group of patients (ρ=0.77, P<0.0001). HDL levels were inversely related to both 8‐iso‐PGF2α (ρ=−0.32, P=0.001) and 11‐dehydro‐TXB2 (ρ=−0.52, P<0.0001). On multiple regression, only 8‐iso‐PGF2α (β=0.68, P<0.0001) and HDL level (β=−0.29, P<0.0001) were associated with urinary 11‐dehydro‐TXB2 excretion, independent of sex, age, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. Both intensive exercise and fenofibrate treatment significantly reduced the 2 eicosanoids in healthy subjects, in parallel with an HDL increase. Conclusions A low HDL phenotype, both in CHD patients and in healthy subjects, is associated with increased lipid peroxidation and platelet activation. These data provide novel insight into the mechanisms linking low HDL with increased CV risk.
Risk factors for patient‐reported medical errors in eleven countries

Objectives The aim of this study was to identify common risk factors for patient‐reported medical errors across countries. In country‐level analyses, differences in risks associated with error between health care systems were investigated. The joint effects of risks on error‐reporting probability were modelled for hypothetical patients with different health care utilization patterns.
Phylogenomic datasets provide both precision and accuracy in estimating the timescale of placental mammal phylogeny

The fossil record suggests a rapid radiation of placental mammals following the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) mass extinction 65 million years ago (Ma); nevertheless, molecular time estimates, while highly variable, are generally much older. Early molecular studies suffer from inadequate dating methods, reliance on the molecular clock, and simplistic and over-confident interpretations of the fossil record. More recent studies have used Bayesian dating methods that circumvent those issues, but the use of limited data has led to large estimation uncertainties, precluding a decisive conclusion on the timing of mammalian diversifications. Here we use a powerful Bayesian method to analyse 36 nuclear genomes and 274 mitochondrial genomes (20.6 million base pairs), combined with robust but flexible fossil calibrations. Our posterior time estimates suggest that marsupials diverged from eutherians 168–178 Ma, and crown Marsupialia diverged 64–84 Ma. Placentalia diverged 88–90 Ma, and present-day placental orders (except Primates and Xenarthra) originated in a ∼20 Myr window (45–65 Ma) after the K–Pg extinction. Therefore we reject a pre K–Pg model of placental ordinal diversification. We suggest other infamous instances of mismatch between molecular and palaeontological divergence time estimates will be resolved with this same approach.