Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Where are You Going? Next Place Prediction from Twitter

On line social networks (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) allow users to tag their posts with geographical coordinates collected through the GPS interface of smart phones. The time- and geo-coordinates associated with a sequence of tweets manifest the spatial-temporal movements of people in real life. This paper aims to analyze such movements to predict the next location of an individual based on the observations of his mobility behavior over some period of time and the recent locations that he has visited. To this end, we defined a prediction methodology based on a set of spatio-temporal features characterizing locations and movements among them. We then combined the features in a supervised learning approach based on M5 model trees. The experimental results obtained by using a real-world dataset show that the supervised method is effective in predicting the users next places achieving a remarkable accuracy.
Cefuroxime compared to piperacillin/tazobactam as empirical treatment of Escherichia coli bacteremia in a low Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) prevalence cohort

Objectives: On January 18, 2010, a part of the capital region of Denmark shifted the empirical treatment of febrile conditions from cefuroxime to piperacillin/tazobactam. We compare empirical treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam versus cefuroxime for Escherichia coli bacteremia with regard to 14 days mortality, in a low prevalence cohort of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli. Methods: From January 18, 2010 to December 31, 2012, we conducted a retrospective cohort study including patients with E. coli bacteremia from six university hospitals in Copenhagen, Denmark. Clinical and laboratory information was obtained from a bacteremia research database, including information on comorbidity, and we used Cox proportional hazard analysis to asses all-cause 14 days mortality. Results: A total of 568 patients receiving either cefuroxime (n=377) or piperacillin/tazobactam (n=191) as empirical therapy were included. In the Cox proportional hazard model, cefuroxime treatment was significantly associated with death (mortality rate ratio 3.95, CI 1.12–13.90). Other variables associated with death were health care related infection (MRR 3.20, CI 1.67–6.15), hospital-acquired infection (MRR 2,17, CI 1.02–4.62), admission at intensive care unit (MRR 20.45, 5.31–78.82), and combination therapy with ciprofloxacin (MRR 2.14, CI 0.98–4.68). Conclusion: Empiric cefuroxime treatment of E. coli bacteremia was significantly associated with higher 14 days mortality in comparison with piperacillin/tazobactam.
Heterotopia in Networked Learning: Beyond the Shadow Side of Participation in Learning Communities

As it has evolved, networked learning (NL) has come to emphasise the importance of the collaborative learning aspects and possibilities of online learning. The importance assumed for 'collaboration based' forms of participation within NL has almost become ubiquitous and is frequently seen as an unquestionable good aspect - a utopian view of participation which does not acknowledge the 'shadow side' of participation in learning. In the paper we examine some of the darker sides of collaborative participation which in its extreme manifestations can be experienced as normative and, we suggest, a form of tyranny of the dominant and which instead of having a liberating effect, reinforces a form of oppression and control. We argue this is most likely to be the case in the absence of reflexivity and understanding of different ways and approaches to participation. We go on to suggest an alternative and potentially more productive perspective which, after Foucault, is a heterotopian one. A perspective that acknowledges and assumes disruption and which disturbs our customary notion of ourselves. Participation in heterotopian spaces is disturbing and ambiguous, but it offers a space in which to imagine, to desire and act differently.
Fractionally-spaced Space Frequency Equalization in a MIMO-CDMA System

In this paper, we propose a novel fractionally-spaced space frequency equalization (FSSFE) scheme for a single carrier MIMO-CDMA system over frequency selective channels. Simulation results show that our proposed scheme significantly outperforms the conventional frequency domain equalization algorithms while with low complexity. We also provide performance and complexity analysis for the proposed FSSFE
Load Aware Adaptive Scheduling for Energy Efficient Suburban Massive MIMO Networks

This paper proposes an adaptive scheduling strategy to improve the energy efficiency of massive MIMO. The proposed technique combines a novel adaptive discontinuous transmission (ADTx) and antenna optimization that can optimize the number of active antennas and transmission period such that data can be delivered to users with the minimum power. The proposed ADTx utilizes a DTx principle and adaptive precoding technique selection. On the other hand, antennas optimization is used to relax the number of active antennas once the required period has been calculated. Although massive MIMO is initially designed to utilize the multiplexing users found in dense users scenario, this paper discusses the impact of the proposed technique to low density scenarios, in particular suburban scenario, because major parts of cellular coverage are low density. It will be shown that the proposed scheme provides significant energy efficiency (EE) and QoS improvement that can support green cellular network.
Frequency of deletion formation decreases exponentially with distance between short direct repeats

The effect of distance between 18 bp direct repeats on deletion formation has been examined in Bacillus subtilis. The deletion frequency decreased exponentially by more than 1000‐fold as the distance increased from 33 to 2313 bp. This decrease occurred in two distinct phases, which may be determined by DNA‐duplex flexibility. A similar relationship between deletion formation and distance was observed in a θ‐replicating plasmid and in the chromosome, indicating that this relationship might have a general validity.
THE BASIC NATURE OF ALTERED STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS : A SYSTEMS APPROACH

When I was asked to speak at this meeting and discuss my theory of the basic nature of altered states of consciousness, I was quite pleased with the idea of being able to speak to a group who would be able to give me useful feedback from their expertise on the workings of the mind. Little did I know, however, that I would also be asked to perform a miracle, namely to cover the basic nature of altered states of consciousness in 30 to 40 minutes! I'm going to see what I can do with this kind of challenge, but I warn you we are going to cover an awful lot of ground very rapidly in order to get this overview. Hopefully, we shall have time in the workshop this afternoon for those who would like to go into various aspects of the theory in more detail. More detailed presentations of the theory and background data can be found elsewhere (Tart, 1970; 1971a; 1971b; 1974; 1975a; 1975b).
Long‐term safety and efficacy of recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) in subjects with haemophilia A

The safety, efficacy and prolonged half‐life of recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) in previously treated patients with severe haemophilia A was demonstrated in the phase 3 A‐LONG and Kids A‐LONG studies. Here, we report interim safety and efficacy data from the rFVIIIFc extension study, ASPIRE (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01454739).
Inside Ownership, Risk Sharing and Tobin's q-Ratios: Evidence from REITs

We investigate relations among inside ownership, managerial expenses, risk sharing and equity valuations. Our engine of analysis—Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)—provides a unique and rich framework for analysis since we can calculate extremely accurate measures of asset replacement costs, and hence relative valuation (Tobin's q). Further, the nature of the financial statements allows us to examine the impact of insider ownership on agency costs since we can accurately measure the costs of the entire management team. Our results show that firms with greater insider holdings tend to invest in assets with lower systematic risk and use less debt in their capital structure. At the same time, managerial expenses are lower as inside ownership increases. Finally, higher levels of insider ownership are associated with higher relative valuation as measured by both higher premiums to net asset value and higher multiples of cash flows. The results have implications for the design of optimal management contracts for both REITs and firms in general.
A cluster-based load balancing algorithm in cloud computing

Workload and resource management are two essential functions provided at the service level of the distributed systems infrastructure. To improve the global throughput of these software environments, workloads have to be evenly scheduled among the available resources. To realize this goal, several load balancing strategies and algorithms have been proposed. Most o f t h e s e strategies were developed assuming homogeneous set of sites linked with homogeneous and fast networks. However, for computational grids, we must address some new issues, namely: heterogeneity, scalability and adaptability. In this paper, we propose a decentralized cluster-based algorithm which achieves dynamic load balancing in the cloud architecture. The proposed algorithm presents the following main features: (i) it supports heterogeneity, (ii) scalability, (iii) low network congestion and (iv) absence of any bottleneck node due to its decentralized nature. Simulation results using CloudSim show the performance analysis of the algorithm for patronizing our claims about the load balancing achieved in the system.
The efficacy of cognitive behavior therapies: a quantitative review of the research evidence.

The efficacy of cognitive behavior therapies was assessed in a quantitative review. Analysis based on 48 studies indicated that cognitive behavior therapies were superior to no treatment; however, there was no firm evidence that these therapies were superior to other psychotherapies. Our analyses failed to find cognitive behavior therapies emphasizing behavioral techniques to be more effective than primarily cognitive approaches. Also, the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapies appeared relatively uniform across diagnostic categories and equally effective when administered in a group or individual format. Additional evidence would be necessary to justify the contention that cognitive behavior therapies are either better than other psychotherapies or the treatment of choice for particular disorders.
Over-Expression of the Functional Interleukin-11α Receptor in the Development of B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Several cytokines have been found to play a role in the pathogenesis of B-CLL. In the present study using reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), FACS analysis and immunofluorescence we have shown the constitutive expression of IL-11 and IL-11Rα in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). The expression level of IL-11Rα in B-CLL cells is much higher than in PBL of normal donors. Recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11) activates B-CLL cells, leading to morphologic alterations of the cells and increase in cell number and size. Short-term cultivation in the presence of rhIL-11 did not lead to quantitative changes in the ratio of the living vs apoptotic and dead cells. However, in contrast to rhIL-6, pretreatment with rhIL-11, did not cause B-CLL cells to be resistant to the action of dexamethasone. These data suggest an essential role for the IL-11/IL11Rα system in the pathogenesis of the malignant B-CLL cells.
A syndrome of peripheral lipodystrophy, hyperlipidaemia and insulin resistance in patients receiving HIV protease inhibitors

Objective:To describe a syndrome of peripheral lipodystrophy (fat wasting of the face, limbs and upper trunk), hyperlipidaemia and insulin resistance in patients receiving potent HIV protease inhibitor therapy. Design:Cross-sectional study. Setting:Outpatient clinic of a university teaching hospital. Patients:HIV-infected patients either receiving at least one protease inhibitor (n = 116) or protease inhibitor-naive (n = 32), and healthy men (n = 47). Interventions and main outcome measures:Lipodystrophy was assessed by physical examination and questionnaire and body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasting triglyceride, cholesterol, free fatty acid, glucose, insulin, C-peptide and fructosamine levels, other metabolic parameters, CD4 lymphocyte counts, and HIV RNA load were also assessed. Results:HIV protease inhibitor-naive patients had similar body composition to healthy men. HIV protease inhibitor therapy was associated with substantially lower total body fat (13.2 versus 18.7 kg in protease inhibitor-naive patients; P = 0.005), and significantly higher total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Lipodystrophy was observed clinically in 74 (64%) protease inhibitor recipients after a mean 13.9 months and 1(3%) protease inhibitor-naive patient (P = 0.0001). Fat loss occurred in all regions except the abdomen after a median 10 months. Patients with lipodystrophy experienced a relative weight loss of 0.5 kg per month and had significantly higher triglyceride, cholesterol, insulin and C-peptide levels and were more insulin-resistant than protease inhibitor recipients without lipodystrophy. Patients receiving ritonavir and saquinavir in combination had significantly lower body fat, higher lipids and shorter time to lipodystrophy than patients receiving indinavir. Three (2%) patients developed new or worsening diabetes mellitus. Conclusion:A syndrome of peripheral lipodystrophy, hyperlipidaemia and insulin resistance is a common complication of HIV protease inhibitors. Diabetes mellitus is relatively uncommon.
Developmental origins of midlife grip strength: findings from a birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that the prenatal environment has long-term effects on adult grip strength, but little is known about the effects of the postnatal environment. We tested whether prepubertal growth, pubertal growth, or the development of motor and cognitive capabilities was associated with midlife muscle strength independently of other determinants of grip strength. METHODS Handgrip strength and body size were measured in a representative British sample of 1406 men and 1444 women 53 years old with prospective childhood data. Normal regression models were used to examine the effects of birth weight, postnatal height and weight gain before 7 years and between 7 and 15 years, motor milestones and cognitive ability on grip strength at age 53, taking account of lifetime social class, current physical activity, and health status. RESULTS Birth weight and prepubertal height gain were associated with midlife grip strength, independently of later weight and height gain and other determinants. Pubertal growth was also independently associated with midlife grip strength; for men weight gain during puberty was beneficial, whereas for women it was height gain. Those participants with earlier infant motor development had better midlife grip strength, which was partly confounded by the growth trajectory. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that components of prenatal, prepubertal, and pubertal growth have long-term effects on midlife grip strength. To the extent that these associations are modifiable, interventions in childhood that help to build muscle mass and strength, such as increased physical exercise, may have long-term beneficial effects on adult muscle strength and may help to prevent sarcopenia, disability, and frailty in later life.
A new algorithm for computing joins with grid files

The BR/sup 2/-directory representation, a directory structure for grid files, and a join algorithm for the evaluation of general n-ary joins on grid files are presented. It is shown that the CPU cost of the join algorithm is successfully reduced by introducing an inner join. A comparison with the hash join algorithm and a join algorithm on k-d trees for equijoins is based on a cost model developed for query processing with grid files. The join algorithm outperforms the hash join, a specialized join method for equijoins, and the join algorithm on k-d trees for equijoins. <<ETX>>
Why linguists don’t do dates

McMahon, A. M. , & McMahon, R. (2006). Why linguists don’t do dates. In P. Forster, & C. Renfrew (Eds.), Phylogenetic methods and the prehistory of languages. (pp. 153-160). Cambridge: McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research.
Are long jumps of Cauchy mutations effective in fast evolutionary programming?

It had been discovered that not long jumps but short jumps with large variances among Cauchy mutations had contributed to the better performance of fast evolutionary programming (FEP) than that of classical evolutionary programming (CEP). One strong force to push the effective Cauchy mutations to have the shorter step sizes came from the different behaviors of the the same self-adaptation used in CEP and FEP on optimizing the same test functions from the same initial populations. This paper explored such correlation between the mutation step sizes and self-adaptation, and suggests that it is as necessary to set up an upper bound as to have a lower bound on the strategy parameters in self-adaptation.
Mapping of protein- and chromatin-interactions at the nuclear lamina

The nuclear envelope and lamina define the nuclear periphery and are implicated in many nuclear processes, including chromatin organization, transcription and DNA replication. Mutations in lamin A proteins, major components of the lamina, interfere with these functions and cause a set of phenotypically diverse diseases referred to as laminopathies. The phenotypic diversity of laminopathies is thought to be the result of alterations in specific protein- and chromatin interactions due to lamin A mutations. Systematic identification of lamin A-protein and -chromatin interactions will be critical to uncover the molecular etiology of laminopathies. Here we summarize and critically discuss recent technology to analyze lamina protein- and chromatin interactions.
An intervention to improve social participation for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Pilot study

Abstract Objective: To increase flexible thinking, self-regulation and empathy for adolescents with ASD. Method: Five adolescents (M = 13.5 years; SD = 0.84 years; four males) were assessed pre and post intervention for flexible thinking and social competence (as measured by the SSIS). Parents rated their adolescent’s social competence pre and post intervention. Results: A large decrease was found in parent rating of their child’s level of hyperactivity (12.8, SD = 2.3; 11, SD = 2.2) (p = 0.034) (Cohen’s d = 0.95). Parents increased their rating of their child’s cooperation and empathy (Cohen’s d = 0.71 and 0.56, respectively). A medium effect for flexible thinking was observed in three items (Cohen’s d = 0.5 to 0.62) and a large effect for one item (Cohen’s d = 1.35). Adolescents decreased self-scoring on the social scale post intervention. Conclusion: Improvements were observed in adolescents’ flexible thinking and social insights, and parent’s perception of their child’s self-regulation.
Variational approximate inference in latent linear models

Latent linear models are core to much of machine learning and statistics. Specific examples of this model class include Bayesian generalised linear models, Gaussian process regression models and unsupervised latent linear models such as factor analysis and principal components analysis. In general, exact inference in this model class is computationally and analytically intractable. Approximations are thus required. In this thesis we consider deterministic approximate inference methods based on minimising the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence between a given target density and an approximating `variational' density. First we consider Gaussian KL (G-KL) approximate inference methods where the approximating variational density is a multivariate Gaussian. Regarding this procedure we make a number of novel contributions: sufficient conditions for which the G-KL objective is differentiable and convex are described, constrained parameterisations of Gaussian covariance that make G-KL methods fast and scalable are presented, the G-KL lower-bound to the target density's normalisation constant is proven to dominate those provided by local variational bounding methods. We also discuss complexity and model applicability issues of G-KL and other Gaussian approximate inference methods. To numerically validate our approach we present results comparing the performance of G-KL and other deterministic Gaussian approximate inference methods across a range of latent linear model inference problems. Second we present a new method to perform KL variational inference for a broad class of approximating variational densities. Specifically, we construct the variational density as an affine transformation of independently distributed latent random variables. The method we develop extends the known class of tractable variational approximations for which the KL divergence can be computed and optimised and enables more accurate approximations of non-Gaussian target densities to be obtained.
Development of A Practical Automatic Parking Technology for Automobiles

This paper aims at developing a practical automatic parking technology for 4-wheeled cars, which is able to park cars subject to parking space constraint and steering angle saturation. The feedback law is designed based on the switching control method proposed by the authors for chained systems. The focus of this paper is to prove a condition on the state under which the stability is guaranteed even when the steering angle is saturated. The proposed method is validated by numerous parking experiments.
Gamma-loud Quasars: A View with BeppoSAX

We present BeppoSAX observations of three γ-ray-emitting quasars, namely, 0836+710, 1510-089, and 2230+114. The three objects have been detected up to ~100 keV showing extremely flat power-law spectra above 2 keV (energy index α2-10 = 0.3-0.5). The soft X-ray spectrum of 0836+710 implies either an absorption column density higher than the Galactic one or an intrinsically very hard slope (α0.1-1 = -0.2) below 1 keV. 1510-089 shows a soft excess, with the low-energy spectrum steeper (α0.1-1 = 1.6) than the high-energy power law. The results are discussed in the framework of current inverse Compton models for the high-energy emission of flat-spectrum radio quasars and are used to estimate the physical quantities in the jet-emitting region and to shed light on the energy transport mechanisms in jets. Finally we discuss the estimates of the jet luminosity in the context of the Blandford & Znajek mechanism for jet production.
Beclin–phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase complex functions at the trans‐Golgi network

Autophagy is an intracellular bulk protein degradation system. Beclin is known to be involved in this process; however, its role is unclear. In this study, we showed that Beclin was co‐immunoprecipitated with phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 3‐kinase, which is also required for autophagy, suggesting that Beclin is a component of the PtdIns 3‐kinase complex. Quantitative analyses using a cross‐linker showed that all Beclin forms a complex with PtdIns 3‐kinase, whereas ∼50% of PtdIns 3‐kinase remains free from Beclin. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that the majority of Beclin and PtdIns 3‐kinase localize to the trans‐Golgi network (TGN). Some PtdIns 3‐kinase is also distributed in the late endosome. These results suggest that Beclin and PtdIns 3‐kinase control autophagy as a complex at the TGN.