Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling relationships at multiple scales to improve accuracy of large recommender systems

The collaborative filtering approach to recommender systems predicts user preferences for products or services by learning past user-item relationships. In this work, we propose novel algorithms for predicting user ratings of items by integrating complementary models that focus on patterns at different scales. At a local scale, we use a neighborhood-based technique that infers ratings from observed ratings by similar users or of similar items. Unlike previous local approaches, our method is based on a formal model that accounts for interactions within the neighborhood, leading to improved estimation quality. At a higher, regional, scale, we use SVD-like matrix factorization for recovering the major structural patterns in the user-item rating matrix. Unlike previous approaches that require imputations in order to fill in the unknown matrix entries, our new iterative algorithm avoids imputation. Because the models involve estimation of millions, or even billions, of parameters, shrinkage of estimated values to account for sampling variability proves crucial to prevent overfitting. Both the local and the regional approaches, and in particular their combination through a unifying model, compare favorably with other approaches and deliver substantially better results than the commercial Netflix Cinematch recommender system on a large publicly available data set.
Posttransplantation Lymphoproliferative Disorder in Lung Transplant Recipients: A 15-Year Single Institution Experience

Background Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a well-recognized complication after solid-organ transplantation. Historically, most cases of PTLD among lung transplant recipients occurred within the first year from transplantation and were associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. However, there are increasing reports on a late-onset form of PTLD. Methods We reviewed all charts of patients undergoing either lung or heart-lung transplantation in a tertiary transplantation center between the years 1997 and 2012 and compared clinical and pathologic parameters between early- and late-onset PTLD. Results Ten patients with PTLD were identified. Median (range) time from transplantation to PTLD diagnosis was 41 (4–128) months. Three patients developed early PTLD. All were pretransplantation EBV seronegative and asymptomatic when diagnosed during surveillance chest imaging. In contrast, the seven patients with late-onset PTLD were all EBV seropositive before transplantation and were symptomatic at diagnosis. Although early-onset PTLD uniformly involved the transplanted lung, this was relatively rare in late-onset PTLD (3 of 3 vs. 1 of 7). All patients were initially treated with reduction of immunosuppression, with at least one additional treatment modality used, mainly chemoimmunotherapy. Eight patients attained complete remission. With a median follow-up of 17 months, 8 patients died, mainly from treatment-related causes rather than disease progression. Conclusion Our cohort of lung transplant recipients demonstrates a trend of late-onset PTLD with the majority of patients who died of treatment-related causes rather than disease progression. Therefore, substantial efforts should be focused on treatment-related mortality reduction.
Effect of Dietary Salt on Hemodynamics of Established Renal Hypertension in the Rabbit

SUMMARY Two groups of 10 rabbits were subjected to renal cellophane wrapping and sham operation. Their initial mean arterial pressures (MAP) were similar, 92 ± 1.5 and 90 ± 2.9 mm Hg. Six weeks later three experimental periods began, each of 2 weeks' duration, on low, normal, and high salt (1,9, and 50 mmole Na/100 g food) diets. Each group had two subgroups: rabbits with both kidneys, and rabbits with only one kidney and previous nephrectomy. The hemodynamic findings were similar in each group. After sham operation, the range of dietary salt produced no significant circulatory changes. After wrapping, MAP was reduced on low compared with normal and high salt diets (122 TS 132 and 136 mm Hg;p = 0.01). This was entirely due to lowering of cardiac output (CO) on low salt; on normal and high salt CO was higher than in sham-operated rabbits. Total peripheral resistance (TPR) in the wrapped animals was unaffected by diet, i.e., 21.4,20.5, and21.2 units on low, normal, and high salt— about 35% above values of sham-operated rabbits. Volume-related CO changes therefore produce long-term changes in MAP without alteration in TPR, which is not in conformity with the autoregulation theory of hypertension. Evidence of impaired capacity of wrapped compared with sham-operated rabbits to handle salt included diet-related bematocrit changes, lower creatinine clearance, and some differences in renin responses to salt. Giving saralasin reduced TPR while the rabbits were on low salt; the fall was twice as great in wrapped compared with sham-operated rabbits.
Quantitative Biometry of Body and Brain in the Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) and African Giant Rat (Cricetomys gambianus): Encephalization Quotient Implication

Relationships between the brain and body weights were quantitatively examined in two important species African rodents to determine how accurate to estimate the former from the latter, and also the level of their intelligence using encephalization quotient (EQ). Twenty five animals, made up of 13 grasscutters (6 males and 7 females) and 12 African giant rats (6 males and 6 females) in each case were weighed and measured using a standard quantitative morphometric method. The results indicated that, for many of the behavioural repertoires of the grasscutter (GRC) and African giant rat (AGR), there were similarities in the gross features of their brains. The brain weight of the GRC was almost twice larger than that of the AGR (P < 0.0001), and significantly correlated positively with its body weight (r = 0.65, P < 0.01), whereas, the brain of the AGR correlated significantly with its EQ (r = 0.77, P < 0.003) and negatively with its body weight (r = -0.05). The mean EQ of the GRC (0.40) was significantly higher than that of AGR (0.19) (P < 0. 01). Also, the males mean EQ in the GRCs and females EQ in the AGRs were higher than their females or males counterparts, respectively. In conclusion, brain weight may be estimated accurately from body mass in the GRC. The GRC has a higher intelligence than the AGR, but both species have EQ values below average intelligence.
Is the Stock Market Just a Side Show? Evidence from a Structural Reform

The 2005 split-share reform in China mandated the conversion of nontradable stocks into tradable status. This paper examines the effects of stock markets on corporate outcomes exploiting multiple institutional features of the Chinese conversion program. Using a generalized propensity score matching approach, we identify increases in corporate profitability, investment, value, and productivity as a result of the reform. We also identify changes in firms’ likelihood to issue shares and engage in mergers, as well as changes in dividend and capital structure policies. Our findings provide insights on the role of stock markets in shaping corporate activity and on the impact of regulation on economic growth.
Performance of Integrated Packet Voice/Data Token-Passing Rings

This paper presents performance results that indicate that packetized voice service can be provided on a token-passing ring without adversely affecting the performance of data traffic. This is accomplished by introducing a relatively mild priority structure: stations are limited to a single packet transmission per medium access, and voice packets are given access priority over data packets at the same station. In addition, voice traffic is allowed longer packet lengths than data traffic. Several versions of this basic scheme are considered: 1) the number of active stations is constrained so that voice packets are guaranteed access within one packetization period, 2) no guarantee on access time is provided and voice packets are discarded when the waiting time exceeds one packetization period, and 3) no guarantee on access time is provided and voice packets are buffered until they can be transmitted.
BIOTRANSFORMATION OF DERAMCICLANE IN PRIMARY HEPATOCYTES OF RAT, MOUSE, RABBIT, DOG, AND HUMAN

The metabolic fate of deramciclane [(1R,2S,4R)-(–)-2-phenyl-2-(2′-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-1,7,7-trimethyl-bicyclo[2.2. 1]heptane], a new anxiolytic drug candidate, has been determined in rat, mouse, rabbit, dog, and human hepatocytes. Rat and rabbit cells were the most active, whereas the rate of metabolism was quite slow in human hepatocytes. During biotransformation, deramciclane underwent side chain modification and oxidation at several positions of the molecule. The side chain modification led to the formation of N-desmethyl deramciclane and phenylborneol. The oxidation of deramciclane resulted in several hydroxy-, carboxy-, and N-oxide derivatives. The hydroxylation took place at primary or secondary carbons of the camphor ring as well as at the side chain; furthermore, dihydroxylated derivatives were also found. The side chain-modified metabolites were also oxidized to hydroxy- or carboxy-derivatives. Conjugation of phase I metabolites, as a route of elimination, was also observed in rat, rabbit, and dog hepatocytes. Although there were some species differences in biotransformation of deramciclane, it was concluded that phase I metabolism in human liver cells seemed to be similar to the metabolism in the hepatocytes isolated from rat. With careful approach, the rat model may be considered to be predictive for human metabolism of deramciclane.
The Differential Effects of the Blue-Stain Fungus Leptographium qinlingensis on Monoterpenes and Sesquiterpenes in the Stem of Chinese White Pine (Pinus armandi) Saplings

When conifers such as Chinese white pine (Pinus armandi Fr.) are attacked by insects or pathogens, they respond by increasing their content of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. In this study, we determined the effects of the blue-stain fungus Leptographium qinlingensis Tang and Chen on monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in the phloem and xylem of the stem of P. armandi saplings. We found that the total monoterpene concentrations in the phloem and xylem of the stem and the total sesquiterpene concentrations in the xylem of the stem were significantly higher in L. qinlingensis-inoculated saplings than in control (mechanically wounded) saplings or untreated saplings. Additionally, the proportions of β-pinene in the xylem of the stem and limonene + β-phellandrene in the phloem and xylem of the stem were significantly higher in L. qinlingensis-inoculated saplings than in both control and untreated saplings. The proportions of individual sesquiterpenes in the phloem and xylem of the stem were significantly greater in L. qinlingensis-inoculated saplings than in untreated saplings. Based on the results of this study, we suggest that increases in total monoterpene and sesquiterpene concentrations, as well as increases in the concentrations of β-pinene and limonene + β-phellandrene, may play an important defensive role against blue-stain fungus L. qinlingensis inoculation.
Superiority of network motifs over optimal networks and an application to the revelation of gene network evolution

MOTIVATION Estimating the network of regulative interactions between genes from gene expression measurements is a major challenge. Recently, we have shown that for gene networks of up to around 35 genes, optimal network models can be computed. However, even optimal gene network models will in general contain false edges, since the expression data will not unambiguously point to a single network. RESULTS In order to overcome this problem, we present a computational method to enumerate the most likely m networks and to extract a widely common subgraph (denoted as gene network motif) from these. We apply the method to bacterial gene expression data and extensively compare estimation results to knowledge. Our results reveal that gene network motifs are in significantly better agreement to biological knowledge than optimal network models. We also confirm this observation in a series of estimations using synthetic microarray data and compare estimations by our method with previous estimations for yeast. Furthermore, we use our method to estimate similarities and differences of the gene networks that regulate tryptophan metabolism in two related species and thereby demonstrate the analysis of gene network evolution. AVAILABILITY Commercial license negotiable with Gene Networks Inc. (cherkis@gene-networks.com) CONTACT sascha-ott@gmx.net
Dynamics of resilience in forced migration: a 1-year follow-up study of longitudinal associations with mental health in a conflict-affected, ethnic Muslim population

Objective The concept of ‘resilience’ is of increasing interest in studies of mental health in populations facing adversity. However, lack of longitudinal data on the dynamics of resilience and non-usage of resilience-specific measurements have prevented a better understanding of resilience-mental health interactions. Hence, the present study was conducted to investigate the stability of levels of resilience and its associations with sociodemographic and mental health exposures in a conflict-affected internal-migrant population in Sri Lanka. Design A prospective follow-up study of 1 year. Setting Puttalam district of North Western province in postconflict Sri Lanka (baseline in 2011, follow-up in 2012). Participants An ethnic Muslim population internally displaced 20 years ago (in 1990) from Northern Sri Lanka, aged 18 or above and currently in the process of return migration. Measures It was hypothesised that levels of resilience would be associated with mental health outcomes. Resilience was measured on both occasions using the 14-item Resilience Scale (RS-14), social support by the Multidimensional Social Support Scale and Lubben Social Network Scale and common mental disorders by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Results Of 450 participants interviewed at baseline in 2011, 338 (75.1%) were re-interviewed in 2012 after a 1-year follow-up. The mean resilience scores measured by RS-14 were 80.2 (95% CI 78.6 to 81.9) at baseline and 84.9 (83.5 to 86.3) at follow-up. At both time points, lower resilience was independently associated with food insecurity, lower social support availability and social isolation. At both time points, there were significant associations with common mental disorders (CMDs) in unadjusted analyses, but they only showed independence at baseline. The CMD prevalence, maintenance and incidence at follow-up was 8.3%, 28.2% and 2.2%, respectively. Conclusions In this displaced population facing a potential reduction in adversity, resilience was more strongly and robustly associated with economic and social factors than with the presence of mental disorder.
Systematic Literature Review of Basal Bolus Insulin Analogue Therapy during Pregnancy

Currently standard insulin therapy for pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus (DM) is a combination of intermediate Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) and regular human insulin. In contrast, for non-pregnant individuals with diabetes, standard insulin therapy is basal bolus therapy (BBT) using a combination of rapid- and long-acting insulin analogues designed to mimic physiologic biphasic insulin secretion by the pancreatic beta cells. Although there are published reports describing use of BBT during pregnancy, due to the lack of strong clinical evidence regarding safety and efficacy of BBT during pregnancy, its use has not been adopted as standard insulin administration during pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus. To evaluate the evidence for this discrepant clinical management, we conducted a systematic review. Search strategy and selection criteria: PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for publications between 1996 and 2014. Search terms: lispro, apart, glargine, detemir, glulisine, Humalog, NovoLog, Lantus, Levemir, Apidra, pregnancy, and diabetes. Included: randomized clinical trials, prospective and retrospective cohort analyses, case-control studies and case series and reports. Search limited to human studies and English language. Excluded: review articles. Nineteen studies were identified that assessed safety/efficacy of rapid-acting insulin analogues, lispro and aspart, and 23 studies that assessed the long-acting insulin analogues, glargine and detemir, in pregnant patients complicated with pregestational (PGDM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The principal efficacy endpoint examined in the selected studies was glycated hemoglobin levels. Other study outcome variables to assess maternal glycemic control included fasting and postprandial glucose levels, large for gestational age (LGA) infants, mean birth weight, congenital malformations, and incidence of hypoglycemic events. Compared to conventional insulin therapy, insulin analogue use provided similar overall glycemic control in pregnancy. In addition, they contributed to greater postprandial glucose control. There was no compelling evidence that insulin analogue use was associated with any significant differences in maternal and neonatal outcomes, particularly in terms of incidences in maternal and neonatal hypoglycemia, LGA, and congenital malformations. Given the documented benefits of physiological insulin replacement, we found no reason that BBT should not be standard prenatal care for pregnancies complicated by DM.
Gross Anatomy of the Brachial Plexus Sheath in Human Cadavers

Background and Objectives: Major nerves and vessels run alongside each other in a “neurovascular bundle” kept together by connective tissue that is often referred to by anatomists, surgeons, and anesthesiologists as the “sheath. ” Our goal was to macroscopically demonstrate the brachial plexus sheath in embalmed and fresh cadaver dissections. Methods: Systematic dissections were performed on 11 embalmed cadavers (6 females and 5 males), plus one fresh, unembalmed male cadaver. Dissections were started in the arm, and progressed proximally to the axilla and the supraclavicular area. Notes and photographic documentation were obtained. Results: A sheath around the neurovascular bundle of the brachial plexus was visible to the naked eye in every dissection. The sheath had a fibrous external appearance, and was filled with loose connective tissue. No evidence of septa was found. Conclusions: We observed a macroscopic fibrous structure surrounding the plexus, which was filled with loose connective tissue lacking any apparent organization.
Relationship of predominantly mild current smoking to out-of-office blood pressure in a community sample in Africa

Objectives As the impact of mild smoking on blood pressure (BP) is uncertain, we assessed the relationship between predominantly mild current smoking and out-of-office BP and the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotype on this relationship in a community sample of black African ancestry. Methods In 689 participants randomly recruited from an urban, developing community of black African descent, we assessed smoking habits, out-of-office (24-h), and in-office conventional and central (applanation tonometry) BP, and ACE insertion (I)/deletion (D) variant genotype. Results A total of 14.5% (n = 100) were current smokers, the majority being mild (72%, 7.4 ± 4.6 cigarettes/day). Despite current smokers having only modest increases in in-office (P < 0.05) and similar central aortic BP values as nonsmokers, current smokers had higher unadjusted (P < 0.005–P < 0.0005) and multivariate adjusted 24-h SBP/DBP (mmHg; smokers = 123 ± 15/76 ± 10; nonsmokers = 118 ± 14/72 ± 9; P < 0.005–P < 0.0005) than nonsmokers, effects that were DD genotype-dependent (P < 0.005 for interaction) and replicated in sex-specific groups, nondrinkers, and in overweight and obese. Current smoking was second only to age in the quantitative impact on 24-h DBP. Smoking 4.6 cigarettes per day (one standard deviation) translated into increases in 24-h SBP (mmHg) of 2.12 [confidence interval (CI) = 1.77–2.47] in all participants and 3.62 (CI = 3.13–4.12) in participants with the DD genotype. The risk of uncontrolled 24-h BP was increased in smokers as compared to nonsmokers (adjusted odds ratio = 1.87, CI = 1.02–3.41, P < 0.05), an effect that was enhanced in participants with the DD genotype (adjusted odds ratio = 4.01, CI = 1.59–10.09, P < 0.005). Conclusion Mild current smoking is independently associated with an appreciable proportion of out-of-office BP in a black African community, an effect that is ACE genotype-dependent.
ZODIACAL EXOPLANETS IN TIME (ZEIT). III. A SHORT-PERIOD PLANET ORBITING A PRE-MAIN-SEQUENCE STAR IN THE UPPER SCORPIUS OB ASSOCIATION

We confirm and characterize a close-in ( P orb -->? > = 5.425 days), super-Neptune sized ( 5.04 − 0.37 + 0.34 -->? > R ⊕ -->? > ) planet transiting K2-33 (2MASS J16101473-1919095), a late-type (M3) pre-main-sequence (11 Myr old) star in the Upper Scorpius subgroup of the Scorpius–Centaurus OB association. The host star has the kinematics of a member of the Upper Scorpius OB association, and its spectrum contains lithium absorption, an unambiguous sign of youth ( < 20 -->? > Myr) in late-type dwarfs. We combine photometry from K2 and the ground-based MEarth project to refine the planet’s properties and constrain the host star’s density. We determine K2-33’s bolometric flux and effective temperature from moderate-resolution spectra. By utilizing isochrones that include the effects of magnetic fields, we derive a precise radius (6%–7%) and mass (16%) for the host star, and a stellar age consistent with the established value for Upper Scorpius. Follow-up high-resolution imaging and Doppler spectroscopy confirm that the transiting object is not a stellar companion or a background eclipsing binary blended with the target. The shape of the transit, the constancy of the transit depth and periodicity over 1.5 yr, and the independence with wavelength rule out stellar variability or a dust cloud or debris disk partially occulting the star as the source of the signal; we conclude that it must instead be planetary in origin. The existence of K2-33b suggests that close-in planets can form in situ or migrate within ∼10 Myr, e.g., via interactions with a disk, and that long-timescale dynamical migration such as by Lidov–Kozai or planet–planet scattering is not responsible for all short-period planets.
A Full-Reference Quality Metric for Geometrically Distorted Images

In multimedia applications, there has been an increasing interest in the use of quality measures based on human perception; however, research has not dealt with distortions due to geometric transformations. In this paper, we propose a method to objectively assess the perceptual quality of geometrically distorted images, based on image features processed by human vision. The proposed approach is a full-reference image quality metric focusing on the problem of local geometric distortions and is based on the use of Gabor filters that have received considerable attention because the characteristics of certain cells in the visual cortex of some mammals can be approximated by these filters. The novelty of the proposed technique is that it considers both the displacement field describing the distortion and the structure of the image. The experimental results show the good performances of the proposed metric.
Locomotion: The Cost of Gastropod Crawling

The power of locomotion of a terrestrial slug rises linearly with crawling speed. The metabolic cost of movement is 904 joules per kilogram per meter, considerably more than that reported for other forms of locomotion. This high cost is primarily attributable to the production of the pedal mucus by which the slug adheres to the substratum.