Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural Query Performance Prediction using Weak Supervision from Multiple Signals

Predicting the performance of a search engine for a given query is a fundamental and challenging task in information retrieval. Accurate performance predictors can be used in various ways, such as triggering an action, choosing the most effective ranking function per query, or selecting the best variant from multiple query formulations. In this paper, we propose a general end-to-end query performance prediction framework based on neural networks, called NeuralQPP. Our framework consists of multiple components, each learning a representation suitable for performance prediction. These representations are then aggregated and fed into a prediction sub-network. We train our models with multiple weak supervision signals, which is an unsupervised learning approach that uses the existing unsupervised performance predictors using weak labels. We also propose a simple yet effective component dropout technique to regularize our model. Our experiments on four newswire and web collections demonstrate that NeuralQPP significantly outperforms state-of-the-art baselines, in nearly every case. Furthermore, we thoroughly analyze the effectiveness of each component, each weak supervision signal, and all resulting combinations in our experiments.
Text to Image Synthesis Using Generative Adversarial Networks

Generating images from natural language is one of the primary applications of recent conditional generative models. Besides testing our ability to model conditional, highly dimensional distributions, text to image synthesis has many exciting and practical applications such as photo editing or computer-aided content creation. Recent progress has been made using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). This material starts with a gentle introduction to these topics and discusses the existent state of the art models. Moreover, I propose Wasserstein GAN-CLS, a new model for conditional image generation based on the Wasserstein distance which offers guarantees of stability. Then, I show how the novel loss function of Wasserstein GAN-CLS can be used in a Conditional Progressive Growing GAN. In combination with the proposed loss, the model boosts by 7.07% the best Inception Score (on the Caltech birds dataset) of the models which use only the sentence-level visual semantics. The only model which performs better than the Conditional Wasserstein Progressive Growing GAN is the recently proposed AttnGAN which uses word-level visual semantics as well.
Structural covariance and cortical reorganisation in schizophrenia: a MRI-based morphometric study

Abstract Background In patients with schizophrenia, distributed abnormalities are observed in grey matter volume. A recent hypothesis posits that these distributed changes are indicative of a plastic reorganisation process occurring in response to a functional defect in neuronal information transmission. We investigated the structural covariance across various brain regions in early-stage schizophrenia to determine if indeed the observed patterns of volumetric loss conform to a coordinated pattern of structural reorganisation. Methods Structural magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained from 40 healthy adults and 41 age, gender and parental socioeconomic status matched patients with schizophrenia. Volumes of grey matter tissue were estimated at the regional level across 90 atlas-based parcellations. Group-level structural covariance was studied using a graph theoretical framework. Results Patients had distributed reduction in grey matter volume, with high degree of localised covariance (clustering) compared with controls. Patients with schizophrenia had reduced centrality of anterior cingulate and insula but increased centrality of the fusiform cortex, compared with controls. Simulating targeted removal of highly central nodes resulted in significant loss of the overall covariance patterns in patients compared with controls. Conclusion Regional volumetric deficits in schizophrenia are not a result of random, mutually independent processes. Our observations support the occurrence of a spatially interconnected reorganisation with the systematic de-escalation of conventional ‘hub’ regions. This raises the question of whether the morphological architecture in schizophrenia is primed for compensatory functions, albeit with a high risk of inefficiency.
Clinical implementation of AXB from AAA for breast: Plan quality and subvolume analysis

Abstract Purpose Two dose calculation algorithms are available in Varian Eclipse software: Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) and Acuros External Beam (AXB). Many Varian Eclipse‐based centers have access to AXB; however, a thorough understanding of how it will affect plan characteristics and, subsequently, clinical practice is necessary prior to implementation. We characterized the difference in breast plan quality between AXB and AAA for dissemination to clinicians during implementation. Methods Locoregional irradiation plans were created with AAA for 30 breast cancer patients with a prescription dose of 50 Gy to the breast and 45 Gy to the regional node, in 25 fractions. The internal mammary chain (IMCCTV) nodes were covered by 80% of the breast dose. AXB, both dose‐to‐water and dose‐to‐medium reporting, was used to recalculate plans while maintaining constant monitor units. Target coverage and organ‐at‐risk doses were compared between the two algorithms using dose–volume parameters. An analysis to assess location‐specific changes was performed by dividing the breast into nine subvolumes in the superior–inferior and left–right directions. Results There were minimal differences found between the AXB and AAA calculated plans. The median difference between AXB and AAA for breastCTV V 95%, was <2.5%. For IMCCTV, the median differences V 95%, and V 80% were <5% and 0%, respectively; indicating IMCCTV coverage only decreased when marginally covered. Mean superficial dose increased by a median of 3.2 Gy. In the subvolume analysis, the medial subvolumes were “hotter” when recalculated with AXB and the lateral subvolumes “cooler” with AXB; however, all differences were within 2 Gy. Conclusion We observed minimal difference in magnitude and spatial distribution of dose when comparing the two algorithms. The largest observable differences occurred in superficial dose regions. Therefore, clinical implementation of AXB from AAA for breast radiotherapy is not expected to result in changes in clinical practice for prescribing or planning breast radiotherapy.
Paris Polyphylla-Derived Saponins Inhibit Growth of Bladder Cancer Cells by Inducing Mutant P53 Degradation While Up-Regulating CDKN1A Expression

Objectives: Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PPVY), a Chinese herb, has long been used for cancer treatment, and its steroidal saponins are suggested to exert an anti-tumor activity, however, the underlying mechanism is incompletely understood and their effect on bladder cancer (BC) remains unknown. The present study is thus designed to address these issues. Material and Methods: Total steroidal saponins were extracted with ethanol from PPVY and used to treat BC cells (HT1197 and J82 carrying mutant p53). Gene expression was determined using qPCR and immunoblotting and cell cycle analyzed using flow cytometry. DNA damage response activation was assessed using immunofluorescence staining. Results: PPVY saponins treatment led to dose-dependent declines in the number of both HT1197 and J82 cells with IC50 approximately 1.2 μg/ml, which was coupled with strong growth arrest at G2/M phase and the activation of DNA damage response pathway. Moreover, the clonogenic potential of these cells was severely impaired even in the presence of low concentrations of PPVY saponins. Mechanistically, PPVY saponins induced the degradation of mutant p53 while stimulated CDKN1A gene transcription. Phosphorylated AKT was diminished in PPVY saponin-treated cells, but its specific inhibitor LY294002 exhibited significantly weaker efficacy in inducing CDKN1A expression than did PPVY saponins. Conclusion: PPVY saponins activate DNA damage response pathway, degrade mutant p53 and stimulate CDKN1A expression, thereby inhibiting BC cell growth. Given their poor absorption via oral administration, PPVY saponins may be applicable for intravesical instillations in BC treatment.
Structural Change and Labor Productivity Growth in Indonesia

: Structural changes indicate reallocation of inputs from less productive sectors to more productive sectors. Some literature indicate that the impact of structural change could become a structural bonus for productivity growth. However, the others indicate that structural changes could become a structural burden. This study aims to examine the impact of structural changes on labor productivity growth in Indonesia and the determinants of that growth. The methods used are shift-share analysis and panel data regression. The data consist of total output and sectorial labors as well as other macro data from 30 provinces of Indonesia during 2003-2014. The combination of both methods show a corresponding result that structural changes have a weak impact on labor productivity growth in Indonesia. This result implies the need for support of more relevant government policies by improving the quality of human resources, investment, infrastructure, and maintaining macroeconomic stability to get more benefits from structural changes.
Length of Disability Prognosis in Acute Occupational Low Back Pain: Development and Testing of a Practical Approach

Study Design. Retrospective cohort study. Objectives. Practical evaluation of a rapid prognostic screening method to predict length of disability after acute occupational low back pain (OLBP). Summary of Background Data. Few studies have evaluated the prognostic value of administrative data and selected clinical variables in typical practice settings. Methods. Nurse case manager (NCM) input for 16 variables and 7 administrative data variables were collected for 494 OLBP cases with at least 30 days of disability. Length of disability (LOD) was ascertained by individual indemnity payment analysis. Cases were censored after accumulating 365 days of temporary total disability or if they received a lump sum settlement. Prognostic variables were evaluated by Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results. In a multivariate model, prolonged LOD was associated with older age, shorter job tenure, female gender, presence of language barriers, comorbidity, prior work absence, delayed referral, attorney involvement nonsupportive of return to work (RTW), and low RTW motivation. Although only 12% of overall variance in LOD was explained by the model, high-risk and low-risk terciles were readily distinguished. Conclusions. In a typical setting, data collection and risk prediction by nurses or case managers are feasible and provide specific information that can be used to identify who should receive intervention, as well as some guidance on factors that should be addressed.
Phase I trial of plerixafor combined with decitabine in newly diagnosed older patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia carries a dismal prognosis in older patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of decitabine combined with the CXCR4 antagonist plerixafor in newly diagnosed older patients with acute myeloid leukemia and to evaluate the effects of plerixafor on leukemia stem cells. Patients were treated with monthly cycles of decitabine 20 mg/m2 days 1–10 and escalating doses of plerixafor (320–810 mcg/kg) days 1–5. Sixty-nine patients were treated, with an overall response rate of 43%. Adverse karyotype did not predict response (P=0.31). Prior hypomethylating agent treatment was the strongest independent predictor of adverse overall survival (hazard ratio 3.1; 95%CI: 1.3–7.3; P=0.008) and response (14% in previously treated patients, 46% in treatment naïve; P=0.002). As expected, the most common toxicities were myelosuppression and infection. Plerixafor induced mobilization of leukemia stem and progenitor cells, but did not cause clinically significant hyperleukocytosis. Reduction in leukemia stem cells appeared to correlate with duration of response. Plerixafor can be safely added to decitabine in poor-prognosis, elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients. The maximum tolerated dose of the combination was 810 mcg/kg. While mobilization of leukemia stem cells was observed in some patients, the clinical benefit of adding plerixafor was uncertain. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 01352650.
Correcting Vitamin D Insufficiency Improves Some But Not All Aspects of Physical Performance During Winter Training in Taekwondo Athletes.

We investigated the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on physical performance during winter training in vitamin D insufficient taekwondo athletes. Thirty-five collegiate male and female taekwondo athletes, aged 19-22 years with low serum 25(OH)D concentration (28.8 ± 1.10 nmol/L), were randomly assigned to a vitamin D group (n = 20) or a placebo group (n = 15). Subjects received either a vitamin D3 capsule (5,000 IU/day) or a placebo during 4 weeks of winter training. Blood samples were collected for analyzing serum 25(OH)D concentration. Physical performance tests included Wingate anaerobic test, isokinetic muscle strength and endurance, a countermovement jump test, sit-ups, agility test, and 20-m pacer. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations increased significantly in the vitamin D group (96.0 ± 3.77 nmol/L) after 4 weeks of supplementation, but no changes were found in the placebo group (F = 242.44, p = .000). There were significant interaction effects for anaerobic peak power (F = 7.49, p = .010) and isokinetic knee extension at 180 deg/s (F = 6.08, p = .019). Changes in serum 25(OH)D concentration were positively associated with changes in peak power and isokinetic knee extension at 180 deg/s. However, no significant interaction effects were observed in other performance variables. This study suggests that 4 weeks of vitamin D supplementation elevates serum 25(OH)D concentration to sufficient levels. Correcting vitamin D insufficiency improves some but not all aspects of performance. Thus, efficacy of vitamin D supplementation to enhance performance remains unclear.
Three Essays on Relationships among Financial Institutions

v LIST OF TABLES . vii LIST OF FIGURES . ix CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 CHAPTER 2 DOES AN AFFILIATED BANK IMPROVE LIFE INSURER PERFORMANCE DURING THE 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS? 3 CHAPTER 3: CORRELATED TRADING BY LIFE INSURERS AND ITS IMPACT ON BOND PRICES . 54 CHAPTER 4: EFFECTS OF RELATIONSHIPS ON EXECUTION COSTS IN THE U.S. CORPORATE BOND MARKET . 110 CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION.149 REFERENCES . 151 APPENDIX A: LSV MEASURE ILLUSTRATION . 165 APPENDIX B: CHAPTER 4 VARIABLE DESCRIPTIONS . 166
Acute Noise Exposure Is Associated With Intrinsic Apoptosis in Murine Central Auditory Pathway

Noise that is capable of inducing the hearing loss (NIHL) has a strong impact on the inner ear structures and causes early and most obvious pathophysiological changes in the auditory periphery. Several studies indicated that intrinsic apoptotic cell death mechanisms are the key factors inducing cellular degeneration immediately after noise exposure and are maintained for days or even weeks. In addition, studies demonstrated several changes in the central auditory system following noise exposure, consistent with early apoptosis-related pathologies. To clarify the underlying mechanisms, the present study focused on the noise-induced gene and protein expression of the pro-apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (APAF1) and the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 related protein a1a (BCL2A1A) in the cochlear nucleus (CN), inferior colliculus (IC) and auditory cortex (AC) of the murine central auditory pathway. The expression of Bcl2a1a mRNA was upregulated immediately after trauma in all tissues investigated, whereas the protein levels were significantly reduced at least in the auditory brainstem. Conversely, acute noise has decreased the expression of Apaf1 gene along the auditory pathway. The changes in APAF1 protein level were not statistically significant. It is tempting to speculate that the acoustic overstimulation leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and induction of apoptosis by regulation of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins. The inverse expression pattern on the mRNA level of both genes might reflect a protective response to decrease cellular damage. Our results indicate the immediate presence of intrinsic apoptosis following noise trauma. This, in turn, may significantly contribute to the development of central structural deficits. Auditory pathway-specific inhibition of intrinsic apoptosis could be a therapeutic approach for the treatment of acute (noise-induced) hearing loss to prevent irreversible neuronal injury in auditory brain structures and to avoid profound deficits in complex auditory processing.
A survey on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of physicians towards pharmacovigilance in Jordanian health centres.

Background Knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care professionals towards pharmacovigilance are strongly associated with reporting adverse drug reactions, as proven by a number of studies. This study aims to evaluate the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards pharmacovigilance among physicians working at health centres of the Jordanian Ministry of Health. Methods This took the form of a cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires were distributed by the researcher and research assistant to the physicians. Twenty primary and comprehensive health centres were covered. Results The study included 106 physicians. Poor knowledge and practices were observed (mean knowledge score of 1.5±1.2 out of five, and mean practice score of 5.5±1.8 out of 15), while a high level of positive attitudes was observed (mean attitude score of 9.3±1.3 out of 10). Half of the physicians were aware that monitoring adverse drug reactions in Jordan is carried out by the Jordan Pharmacovigilance Centre. The majority of physicians (95.2%) mentioned that they rarely or never used the adverse drug reactions reporting form in Jordan. Conclusions It is clear that there is a need to initiate educational activities and intervention programmes to raise the awareness of health care providers in Jordan regarding pharmacovigilance.
A deployable electrical load forecasting solution for commercial buildings

Electrical load forecasting for buildings plays a key role in the smart-grid paradigm, since accurate forecasts help in efficient energy management. This paper presents a practical solution, which can be readily deployed, by considering various real-life issues. Load forecasting algorithms are developed using Non-linear AutoRegressive model with eXogenous input (NARX) neural network and Support Vector Regression (SVR) to forecast the power consumption for day ahead, week ahead and month ahead at 15 minute granularity. Missing values, outliers in the power consumption data are treated using simple but effective techniques based on the thorough understanding of the power consumption time-series data. Autoregressive features, temperature and some efficacious contextual information, which are completely pertinent to this problem, are being derived to model this heterogeneous time series that consists of disparate patterns on weekdays, weekends and holidays. The novelty of the solution lies in the fact that it extensively models all the variations and produces accurate long term predictions at high granularity (15 min). The algorithms are validated using the actual power consumption data from three Office buildings; forecasting accuracy of both SVR and NARX neural network are comparable, the latter performs better by a thin margin. The average forecasting accuracy is nearly 93%, 88–90% and 85–87% for day ahead, week ahead and month ahead forecasting respectively.
Human gastric cancer modelling using organoids

Objective Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the fifth most common malignancy worldwide. In this study, human and mouse gastric cancer organoids were generated to model the disease and perform drug testing to delineate treatment strategies. Design Human gastric cancer organoid cultures were established, samples classified according to their molecular profile and their response to conventional chemotherapeutics tested. Targeted treatment was performed according to specific druggable mutations. Mouse gastric cancer organoid cultures were generated carrying molecular subtype-specific alterations. Results Twenty human gastric cancer organoid cultures were established and four selected for a comprehensive in-depth analysis. Organoids demonstrated divergent growth characteristics and morphologies. Immunohistochemistry showed similar characteristics to the corresponding primary tissue. A divergent response to 5-fluoruracil, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, epirubicin and docetaxel treatment was observed. Whole genome sequencing revealed a mutational spectrum that corresponded to the previously identified microsatellite instable, genomic stable and chromosomal instable subtypes of gastric cancer. The mutational landscape allowed targeted therapy with trastuzumab for ERBB2 alterations and palbociclib for CDKN2A loss. Mouse cancer organoids carrying Kras and Tp53 or Apc and Cdh1 mutations were characterised and serve as model system to study the signalling of induced pathways. Conclusion We generated human and mouse gastric cancer organoids modelling typical characteristics and altered pathways of human gastric cancer. Successful interference with activated pathways demonstrates their potential usefulness as living biomarkers for therapy response testing.
Mucosal immunogenicity of polysaccharides conjugated to a peptide or multiple-antigen peptide containing T- and B-cell epitopes

In this study we investigated the mucosal and systemic responses to two T-cell-independent polysaccharides, a serogroup f polysaccharide (formed of rhamnose glucose polymers [RGPs]) from Streptococcus mutans OMZ 175 and a mannan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, covalently conjugated either to a linear peptide (peptide 3) or to a multiple-antigen peptide (MAP), both derived from S. mutans protein SR, an adhesin of the I/II protein antigen family of oral streptococci. Peptide 3 and MAP, which contained at least one B- and one T-cell epitope, were tested as carriers for the polysaccharides and as protective immunogens. Intragastric intubation of rats with the conjugates (RGPs-peptide 3, RGPs-MAP, mannan-peptide 3, and mannan-MAP) associated with liposomes produced salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies which reacted with RGPs or mannan, peptide 3 or MAP, protein SR, and S. mutans or S. cerevisiae cells. Administration of conjugate boosters to the animals showed that both carriers conjugated to the polysaccharides were able to induce, in immunized animals, a salivary antipolysaccharide IgA memory. In contrast, animals primed and challenged with unconjugated polysaccharide showed no anamnestic response. Rats orally immunized with the conjugates also developed systemic primary antipolysaccharide and antipeptide IgM antibody responses which were characterized by a switch from IgM to IgG during the course of the secondary response. Data presented here demonstrated that both peptide 3 and the MAP construct can act as good carriers for orally administered polysaccharides. Unexpectedly, the use of a MAP did not further improve the immunogenicity of polysaccharides at the mucosal level; nevertheless, such a construct should be of great interest in overcoming the problem of genetic restriction induced by linear peptides.