Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Linking Content Information with Bayesian Personalized Ranking via Multiple Content Alignments

In many application domains of recommender systems, content-based information are available for users, objects or both. Such information can be processed during recommendation and significantly decrease the cold-start problem. However, content information may come from several, possibly external, sources. Some sources may be incomplete, less reliable or less relevant for the purpose of recommendation. Thus, each content source or attribute possess different level of informativeness, which should be taken into consideration during the process of recommendation. In this paper, we propose a multiple content alignments extension to the Bayesian Personalized Ranking Matrix Factorization (BPR-MCA). The proposed method incorporates multiple sources of content information in the form of user-to-user or object-to-object similarity matrices and aligns users' and items' latent factors ac-cording to these similarities. During the training phase, BPR-MCA also learns the relevance weight of each similarity matrix. BPR-MCA was evaluated on the MovieLens 1M dataset, extended by the content information from IMDB, DBTropes and ZIP code statistics. The experiment shows that BPR-MCA can help to significantly improve recommendation w.r. t. nDCG and AUPR over standard BPR under several cold-start scenarios.
Abdominal and Hip Flexor Muscle Activity During 2 Minutes of Sit-Ups and Curl-Ups

Abstract Burden, AM, and Redmond, C. Abdominal and hip flexor muscle activity during 2 minutes of sit-ups and curl-ups. J Strength Cond Res 27(8): 2119–2128, 2013—Previous studies have compared muscle activity between different types of sit-ups and curl-ups. However, few have examined the exercises used by the armed forces or investigated the influence of exercise duration on muscle activation. The aim of this study was to compare abdominal and hip flexor muscle activity between the style of sit-up used by the British Army and 4 variations of a curl-up, at the start, middle, and end of a 2-minute exercise period. Surface electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded from the upper and lower rectus abdominis, external oblique, transversus abdominis and internal oblique, and the rectus femoris (RF) of 23 British Army personnel. Isometric maximal voluntary contractions were used to normalize integrated EMGs to allow them to be compared between exercises. Curl-ups with arms crossed and feet restrained produced the highest integrated EMG in all the abdominal muscles (p < 0.05). Feet-restrained sit-ups and curl-ups also resulted in significantly higher activity in the RF than in nonrestrained versions of the curl-up (p < 0.001). The significant increase observed in muscle activity between the start and the end of the exercises (p < 0.001) was deemed to be in response to a reduction in force producing capacity of existing motor units. The RF experienced the greatest increase during exercises that activated the muscle the most, that is, sit-ups and curl-ups with feet restrained (p < 0.001). Previous research has indicated that such exercises produce high shear and compressive forces in the lower back, which can be injurious. Thus, if an organization wishes to assess the endurance of abdominal muscles, rather than hip flexors, then curl-ups without restraint of the feet should be performed instead of exercises in which the feet are restrained.
Mechanism of Metformin-dependent Inhibition of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) and Ras Activity in Pancreatic Cancer

Background: Metformin inhibits pancreatic cancer cell and tumor growth and down-regulated Sp transcription factors. Results: Inhibition of mTOR and Ras signaling by metformin is due to decreased expression of Sp-regulated insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), respectively. Conclusion: Metformin-induced down-regulation of Sp proteins affects multiple pro-oncogenic pathways. Significance: These results identify important metformin-induced anticancer activities. The antidiabetic drug metformin exhibits both chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity for multiple cancers including pancreatic cancer; however, the underlying mechanism of action of metformin is unclear. A recent study showed that metformin down-regulated specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors (TFs) Sp1, Sp3, and Sp4 in pancreatic cancer cells and tumors, and this was accompanied by down-regulation of several pro-oncogenic Sp-regulated genes. Treatment with metformin or down-regulation of Sp TFs by RNAi also inhibits two major pro-oncogenic pathways in pancreatic cancer cells, namely mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and epidermal growth factor (EGFR)-dependent activation of Ras. Metformin and Sp knockdown by RNAi decreased expression of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), resulting in inhibition of mTOR signaling. Ras activity was also decreased by metformin and Sp knockdown of EGFR, another Sp-regulated gene. Thus, the antineoplastic activities of metformin in pancreatic cancer are due, in part, to down-regulation of Sp TFs and Sp-regulated IGF-1R and EGFR, which in turn results in inhibition of mTOR and Ras signaling, respectively.
Applying Models for Vertical Inequity in the Property Tax to a Non-Market Value State

The objective is to contribute to the discussion on property tax inequity by employing the methodologies developed to test for vertical inequity in a tax system that currently does not rely on some form of market value in the assessment process. There is strong evidence that the property tax and the â€˜â€˜True Tax Valueâ€™â€™ assessment procedure employed in Indiana contains progressive vertical inequities rather than regressive inequities as is typically perceived. This is unique, as previous findings tend to support the notion that the property tax is regressive. It provides potentially pertinent information in light of the ongoing discussion surrounding the restructuring of Indianaâ€™s property tax assessment and property tax debates elsewhere.
Investigation of boundary condition effects on flow rate distribution in a human upper respiratory tract

Investigation of airflow behavior and distribution in the human respiratory tract has recently drawn the attention of researchers to study the particle movement and deposition in aerosol therapy and inhalation toxicology applications. Therefore, in this paper the steady-state flow behavior during inhalation in a human lung model has been numerically investigated. A three dimensional asymmetric and non-planar bifurcation model of trachea-bronchial airway was used in the present study. Computations were performed for two different boundary conditions: (a) the same flow rate for all the outlets and (b) the same static gauge pressure equal to zero for all the outlets. Reynolds numbers were chosen in the range of 1000 to 4000, corresponding to the breathing rates of 12–48 l/min. Detected reverse flow zones and the flow rate distribution were presented. Estimation of the flow rate distribution in the right (upper, middle and lower) lobes when using the second boundary condition was more accurate compared to the true distribution in the lungs. With increasing the inlet flow rate, flow rate distribution changed in cases where the second boundary condition was used but it was negligible. Reverse flow zones occurred more frequently when using the first boundary condition.
Radiation dose savings for adult pulmonary embolus 64-MDCT using bismuth breast shields, lower peak kilovoltage, and automatic tube current modulation.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess whether radiation dose savings using a lower peak kilovoltage (kVp) setting, bismuth breast shields, and automatic tube current modulation could be achieved while preserving the image quality of MDCT scans obtained to assess for pulmonary embolus (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS CT angiography (CTA) examinations were performed to assess for the presence or absence of pulmonary artery emboli using a 64-MDCT scanner with automatic tube current modulation (noise level=10 HU), two kVp settings (120 and 140 kVp), and bismuth breast shields. Absorbed organ doses were measured using anthropomorphic phantoms and metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) detectors. Image quality was assessed quantitatively as well as qualitatively in various anatomic sites of the thorax. RESULTS Using a lower kVp (120 vs 140 kVp) and automatic tube current modulation resulted in a dose savings of 27% to the breast and 47% to the lungs. The use of a lower kVp (120 kVp), automatic tube current modulation, and bismuth shields placed directly on the anterior chest wall reduced absorbed breast and lung doses by 55% and 45%, respectively. Qualitative assessment of the images showed no change in image quality of the lungs and mediastinum when using a lower kVp, bismuth shields, or both. CONCLUSION The use of bismuth breast shields together with a lower kVp and automatic tube current modulation will reduce the absorbed radiation dose to the breast and lungs without degradation of image quality to the organs of the thorax for CTA detection of PE.
S32826, A Nanomolar Inhibitor of Autotaxin: Discovery, Synthesis and Applications as a Pharmacological Tool

Autotaxin catalyzes the transformation of lyso-phosphatidylcholine in lyso-phosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA is a phospholipid possessing a large panel of activity, in particular as a motility factor or as a growth signal, through its G-protein coupled seven transmembrane receptors. Indirect evidence strongly suggests that autotaxin is the main, if not the only source of circulating LPA. Because of its central role in pathologic conditions, such as oncology and diabetes/obesity, the biochemical properties of autotaxin has attracted a lot of attention, but confirmation of its role in pathology remains elusive. One way to validate and/or confirm its central role, is to find potent and selective inhibitors. A systematic screening of several thousand compounds using a colorimetric assay and taking advantage of the phosphodiesterase activity of autotaxin that requires the enzymatic site than for LPA generation, led to the discovery of a potent nanomolar inhibitor, [4-(tetradecanoylamino)benzyl]phosphonic acid (S32826). This compound was inhibitory toward the various autotaxin isoforms, using an assay measuring the [14C]lyso-phosphatidylcholine conversion into [14C]LPA. We also evaluated the activity of S32826 in cellular models of diabesity and oncology. Nevertheless, the poor in vivo stability and/or bioavailability of the compound did not permit to use it in animals. S32826 is the first reported inhibitor of autotaxin with an IC50 in the nanomolar range that can be used to validate the role of autotaxin in various pathologies in cellular models.
Low-grade gliomas: dynamic susceptibility-weighted contrast-enhanced perfusion MR imaging--prediction of patient clinical response.

PURPOSE To determine retrospectively whether relative cerebral blood volume (CBV) measurements can be used to predict clinical response in patients with low-grade gliomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS Approval for this retrospective HIPAA-compliant study was obtained from the Institutional Board of Research Associates, with waiver of informed consent. Thirty-five patients (23 male and 12 female patients; median age, 39 years; range, 4-80 years) with histologically diagnosed low-grade gliomas (21 low-grade astrocytomas and 14 low-grade oligodendrogliomas and low-grade mixed oligoastrocytomas) were examined with dynamic susceptibility-weighted contrast material-enhanced perfusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Wilcoxon tests were used to compare patients in different response categories (complete response, stable, progressive, death) with respect to baseline relative CBV. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, log-rank tests, and Weibull survival models were used to characterize and evaluate the association of baseline relative CBV with time to progression. Tumor volumes and relative CBV measurements were obtained at initial examination and follow-up. RESULTS Lesions with relative CBV less than 1.75 had a median time to progression of 4620 days +/- 433 (standard deviation), and lesions with relative CBV more than 1.75 had a median time to progression of 245 days +/- 62. Patients who had an adverse event (either death or progression) had significantly higher (P = .003) relative CBV than did patients without adverse events (either complete response or stable disease). Lesions with low baseline relative CBV had stable tumor volumes at follow-up over time, whereas those with high baseline relative CBV (>1.75) had progressively increasing tumor volumes over time. CONCLUSION Dynamic susceptibility-weighted contrast-enhanced perfusion MR imaging can help to identify low-grade gliomas that will progress rapidly and a subset of low-grade gliomas that have a propensity for malignant transformation.
Multicenter, randomized controlled trial of yoga for sleep quality among cancer survivors.

PURPOSE Thirty percent to 90% of cancer survivors report impaired sleep quality post-treatment, which can be severe enough to increase morbidity and mortality. Lifestyle interventions, such as exercise, are recommended in conjunction with drugs and cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of impaired sleep. Preliminary evidence indicates that yoga-a mind-body practice and form of exercise-may improve sleep among cancer survivors. The primary aim of this randomized, controlled clinical trial was to determine the efficacy of a standardized yoga intervention compared with standard care for improving global sleep quality (primary outcome) among post-treatment cancer survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 410 survivors suffering from moderate or greater sleep disruption between 2 and 24 months after surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy were randomly assigned to standard care or standard care plus the 4-week yoga intervention. The yoga intervention used the Yoga for Cancer Survivors (YOCAS) program consisting of pranayama (breathing exercises), 16 Gentle Hatha and Restorative yoga asanas (postures), and meditation. Participants attended two 75-minute sessions per week. Sleep quality was assessed by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and actigraphy pre- and postintervention. RESULTS In all, 410 survivors were accrued (96% female; mean age, 54 years; 75% had breast cancer). Yoga participants demonstrated greater improvements in global sleep quality and, secondarily, subjective sleep quality, daytime dysfunction, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, and medication use at postintervention (all P ≤ .05) compared with standard care participants. CONCLUSION Yoga, specifically the YOCAS program, is a useful treatment for improving sleep quality and reducing sleep medication use among cancer survivors.
Antiatherosclerotic Effects of Small-Molecular-Weight Compounds Enhancing Endothelial Nitric-Oxide Synthase (eNOS) Expression and Preventing eNOS Uncoupling

Many cardiovascular diseases are associated with reduced levels of bioactive nitric oxide (NO) and an uncoupling of oxygen reduction from NO synthesis in endothelial NO synthase (eNOS uncoupling). In human endothelial EA.hy 926 cells, two small-molecular-weight compounds with related structures, 4-fluoro-N-indan-2-yl-benzamide (CAS no. 291756-32-6; empirical formula C16H14FNO; AVE9488) and 2,2-difluoro-benzo[1,3]dioxole-5-carboxylic acid indan-2-ylamide (CAS no. 450348-85-3; empirical formula C17H13F2NO3; AVE3085), enhanced eNOS promoter activity in a concentration-dependent manner; with the responsible cis-element localized within the proximal 263 base pairs of the promoter region. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of the transcription factor Sp1 significantly reduced the basal activity of eNOS promoter, but it did not prevent the transcription activation by the compounds. Enhanced transcription of eNOS by AVE9488 in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells was associated with increased levels of eNOS mRNA and protein expression, as well as increased bradykinin-stimulated NO production. In both wild-type C57BL/6J mice and apolipoprotein E-knockout (apoE-KO) mice, treatment with AVE9488 resulted in enhanced vascular eNOS expression. In apoE-KO mice, but not in eNOS-knockout mice, treatment with AVE9488 reduced cuff-induced neointima formation. A 12-week treatment with AVE9488 or AVE3085 reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation in apoE-KO mice, but not in apoE/eNOS-double knockout mice. Aortas from apoE-KO mice showed a significant generation of reactive oxygen species. This was partly prevented by nitric-oxide inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, indicating eNOS uncoupling. Treatment of mice with AVE9488 enhanced vascular content of the essential eNOS cofactor (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-l-biopterin and reversed eNOS uncoupling. The combination of an up-regulated eNOS expression and a reversal of eNOS uncoupling is probably responsible for the observed vasoprotective properties of this new type of compounds.
The Male-Female Gap in Post-Baccalaureate School Quality

Women are less likely than men to earn degrees from high-quality post-baccalaureate programs, and this tendency has been growing over time. I show that, aside from the biomedical sciences, this can not be explained by changes in the type of program where women tend to earn degrees. Instead, sorting by quality within field is the main contributor to the growing gap. Most of this sorting is due to the initial choice in which program type to apply to. No gender differences arise in terms of enrollment or attrition choices, and admissions committees in high-quality post-baccalaureate programs appear to favor women.
Microencapsulated cell tracking

Microencapsulation of therapeutic cells has been widely pursued to achieve cellular immunoprotection following transplantation. Initial clinical studies have shown the potential of microencapsulation using semi‐permeable alginate layers, but much needs to be learned about the optimal delivery route, in vivo pattern of engraftment, and microcapsule stability over time. In parallel with noninvasive imaging techniques for ‘naked’ (i.e. unencapsulated) cell tracking, microcapsules have now been endowed with contrast agents that can be visualized by 1H MRI, 19F MRI, X‐ray/computed tomography and ultrasound imaging. By placing the contrast agent formulation in the extracellular space of the hydrogel, large amounts of contrast agents can be incorporated with negligible toxicity. This has led to a new generation of imaging biomaterials that can render cells visible with multiple imaging modalities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marketing and Post-Harvest Losses in Fruits: Its Implications on Availability and Economy

Fruits are important sources of vitamins and minerals and their role in improving nutritional status needs no emphasis. Fruit production in India, which is the second largest in the world (9 per cent), is growing at a significant growth of 3.74 per cent per annum from 28.63 million tonnes in 1991-92 to 63.50 million tonnes in 2007-08. The per capita availability of fruits even with this increase is lower at 107 g/day than the recommended level of 120 g. One of the main reasons attributed to lower availability is the large quantity of post-harvest losses that occurs at various stages of marketing, which ranged from 15 to 50 per cent (FAO, 1981; Roy, 1989). There have been very few systematic attempts to estimate the losses at each stage of handling and its causal factors. Many studies have been conducted on post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables based on small-scale experiments but do not reflect the real situations (Ratnam and Nema, 1967; Biswas, 1969; FAO, 1981; Waheed et al., 1986; Government of India, 1985; Madan and Ullasa, 1993). A few studies also estimated losses at each stage of marketing but had not estimated the total value of losses at the macro level which could have provided a scientific basis for valuation (Krishna, 1976; Senthilinathan and Srinivasan, 1994; Srinivas et al., 1997; Gajanana et al., 2002; Sreenivasa Murthy et al., 2004). The post-harvest losses not only reduce the availability of fruits but also result in increase in per unit cost of transport and marketing (Subrahmanyam, 1986). This affects both the producers (reduction in share in consumers’ price) and the consumers (reduced availability and higher prices). At the macro level, rough estimate indicates that India annually loses fruits worth about Rs.13,569 crores (based on 30 per cent loss). The reduction in post-harvest losses is a complementary means for increasing the production, i.e., the cost of preventing losses is less than producing the same
Involvement of a Plasmid in Virulence of Campylobacter jejuni 81-176

ABSTRACT Campylobacter jejuni strain 81-176 contains two, previously undescribed plasmids, each of which is approximately 35 kb in size. Although one of the plasmids, termed pTet, carries atetO gene, conjugative transfer of tetracycline resistance to another strain of C. jejuni could not be demonstrated. Partial sequence analysis of the second plasmid, pVir, revealed the presence of four open reading frames which encode proteins with significant sequence similarity to Helicobacter pyloriproteins, including one encoded by the cag pathogenicity island. All four of these plasmid-encoded proteins show some level of homology to components of type IV secretion systems. Mutation of one of these plasmid genes, comB3, reduced both adherence to and invasion of INT407 cells to approximately one-third that seen with wild-type strain 81-176. Mutation of comB3 also reduced the natural transformation frequency. A mutation in a second plasmid gene, a virB11 homolog, resulted in a 6-fold reduction in adherence and an 11-fold reduction in invasion compared to the wild type. The isogenic virB11 mutant of strain 81-176 also demonstrated significantly reduced virulence in the ferret diarrheal disease model. The virB11 homolog was detected on plasmids in 6 out of 58 fresh clinical isolates of C. jejuni, suggesting that plasmids are involved in the virulence of a subset ofC. jejuni pathogens.
Institutional Ownership and Return Reversals Following Short-Term Return Consistency

Securities with consistently strong positive (negative) returns during the previous two weeks have future returns that are higher (lower) than those that do not. The results hold for various robustness checks, including those involving firm size, share turnover, past return levels, and bid-ask bounce. The returns to short horizon consistency trading strategies are reliable through time and are both economically and statistically significant. There is also some evidence that longer periods of consistency lead to greater risk-adjusted profits. Most surprising is that this effect holds only for those firms with high institutional ownership.