Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A feasibility study of POI recommendation based on bursts of visits

As the number of users of location based social networks (LBSNs) grows, a large volume of valuable data including check-in data have been stored in them and available to us. In this paper, we focus on bursts of visits and show a feasibility study of exploiting them for point-of-interest (POI) recommendation on LBSN. We extract bursts of visits from time series check-in data stored in LBSN and suppose them as a signal that events happened. In other words, the bursts could indicate the locations and durations of some events. We make use of the signals and visited locations of users whose check-in data are similar for simple POI recommendation. Our experimental results indicate that it would be valuable to take bursts of visits into account for POI recommendation.
Sal k 4, a New Allergen of Salsola kali, Is Profilin: A Predictive Value of Conserved Conformational Regions in Cross-Reactivity with Other Plant-Derived Profilins

The aim of this study was to investigate a new allergen of Salsola kali, Sal k 4, and to investigate the predictive value of the conserved conformational regions in cross-reactivity with other plant-derived profilins. The Sal k 4-coding sequence was cloned, expressed, and purified by one-step Ni2+ affinity chromatography to recover high-purity target protein. We assessed cross-reactivity and predicted conserved conformational regions among rSal k 4 and other plant-derived profilins. Immunodetection and inhibition assays using 30 individual sera from S. kali allergic patients indicated that purified rSal k 4 might be the same as that in the crude extract. The results of inhibition assays among rSal k 4 and other plant-derived profilins were in accordance with the homology of the predicted conserved conformational regions. Amino acid sequence homology analysis showed that a high degree of IgE cross-reactivity among plant-derived profilins might depend on the predicted conserved conformational regions.
An Efficient Heterogeneous Register File Implementation for FPGAs

For the future of computing, wide usage of heterogeneous architecture is indispensable since advances in technology scaling cannot satisfy the expected increase in performance of computational platforms anymore. FPGA is a promising platform for heterogeneous computing due to its configurable structure. Each part of an FPGA can be configured to perform a different task that it is best suited for. Such a heterogeneous system needs a common register file (RF) that can serve different parts of the FPGA with at different characteristics in terms of running frequency, data consumption/production rate, required number of ports, data widths, address spaces and endianness. In this study, we propose a heterogeneous register file (HRF) architecture for FPGA-based heterogeneous systems. The designed register file uses a heterogeneous multi-port base-RF to provide such heterogeneity. For the power and area reduction, the design takes advantage of frequency differences between processing elements and HRF by an efficient multi-pumping system. According to the literature, this is the first study on FPGA-based heterogeneous RFs. For experimentation, HRF is tested in four different heterogeneous architectures with increasing complexity. For all HRF configurations, speed, area and energy are measured. Test results of the HRF on Xilinx Virtex-5 show that our heterogeneous register file outperforms other RF architectures implemented by conventional methods.
Parallelizable Encryption Mode with Almost Free Message Integrity

In this document we propose a new mode of operation for symmetric key block cipher algorithms. The main feature distinguishing the proposed mode from existing modes is that along with providing con dentiality of the message, it also provides message integrity. In other words, the new mode is not just a mode of operation for encryption, but a mode of operation for authenticated encryption. As the title of the document suggests, the new mode achieves the additional property with little extra overhead, as will be explained below.
No cutaneous histamine release with buprenorphine?

Most narcotics cause histamine release, both systemic and cutaneous. Whether buprenorphine causes histamine release is not yet known. We conducted intradermal tests on 11 healthy adults with buprenorphine in dilutions of 1:10000, 1:1000, 1:100 and 1:10 and with 0.9% saline and histamine 10‐3 mol/1. The size of dermal reaction was noted after 15 and 30 min. None of the volunteers showed any cutaneous reaction suggestive of histamine release with buprenorphine. The absence of histamine‐releasing activity of buprenorphine may be due to the structure of the drug resulting in its decreased basicity or to the insufficient concentration of the drug achieved at mast cell membrane.
Link between Serum Pepsinogen Concentrations and Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Findings

The serum pepsinogen (PG) assay findings are correlated with the status of Helicobacter pylori infection, but there are controversies on the link with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopic findings. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of a serum PG assay for correlating with endoscopic findings in H. pylori-seroprevalent adult population. Korean adults who visited for a health check-up were included consecutively. Subjects after gastrectomy or H. pylori eradication were excluded. After completing the serum PG assay and anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer on the same day of UGI endoscopy, subjects with equivocal serology test finding or gastric neoplasm were excluded. Of the 4,830 included subjects, 3,116 (64.5%) were seropositive for H. pylori. Seropositive finding was related to high serum PG I (P < 0.001) and PG II (P < 0.001) concentrations, low PG I/II ratio (P < 0.001), old age (P < 0.001), and male gender (P = 0.006). After adjusting age and gender, the serum PG I and II concentrations were positively correlated with the presence of nodular gastritis (NG) (all P = 0.003). The serum PG I was positively correlated with gastric ulcer (P = 0.003), and it was correlated with duodenal ulcer in seropositive subjects (P = 0.008). The PG I/II ratio was positively correlated with erosive esophagitis, while it was inversely related to chronic atrophic gastritis and metaplastic gastritis (all P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that the serum PG assay finding correlates well with the UGI endoscopic finding. A higher serum PG concentration in subjects with NG and peptic ulcer disease suggests that endoscopic findings reflect gastric secreting ability.
On the complexity of hierarchical problem solving

Competent Genetic Algorithms can efficiently address problems in which the linkage between variables is limited to a small order k. Problems with higher order dependencies can only be addressed efficiently if further problem properties exist that can be exploited. An important class of problems for which this occurs is that of hierarchical problems. Hierarchical problems can contain dependencies between all variables (k=n) while being solvable in polynomial time.An open question so far is what precise properties a hierarchical problem must possess in order to be solvable efficiently. We study this question by investigating several features of hierarchical problems and determining their effect on computational complexity, both analytically and empirically. The analyses are based on the Hierarchical Genetic Algorithm (HGA), which is developed as part of this work. The HGA is tested on ranges of hierarchical problems, produced by a generator for hierarchical problems.
Least Informative Dimensions

We present a novel non-parametric method for finding a subspace of stimulus features that contains all information about the response of a system. Our method generalizes similar approaches to this problem such as spike triggered average, spike triggered covariance, or maximally informative dimensions. Instead of maximizing the mutual information between features and responses directly, we use integral probability metrics in kernel Hilbert spaces to minimize the information between uninformative features and the combination of informative features and responses. Since estimators of these metrics access the data via kernels, are easy to compute, and exhibit good theoretical convergence properties, our method can easily be generalized to populations of neurons or spike patterns. By using a particular expansion of the mutual information, we can show that the informative features must contain all information if we can make the uninformative features independent of the rest.
Constraint-Based Interaction Control of Robots Featuring Large Compliance and Deformation

This paper introduces a framework for constraint-based force/position control of robots that exhibit large nonlinear structural compliance and that undergo large deformations. Controller synthesis follows hereto the principles of the Task Frame and instantaneous Task Specification using Constraints (iTaSC) formalisms. iTaSC is found particularly suitable due to its ability to express and combine control tasks in a natural way. Control tasks can be formulated as combinations of target positions, velocities, or forces expressed in an arbitrary number and type of coordinate frames. The proposed framework is applied to a mixed mechatronic system composed of a traditional rigid-link robot whose end-effector is a continuum (flexible) link. A selection of different position/force control tasks is prepared to demonstrate the validity and general nature of the proposed framework.
Scaling behavior of a directed sandpile automata with random defects.

In a recent paper [B. Tadic, U. Nowak, K. D. Usadel, R. Ramaswamy, and S. Padlewski, Phys. Rev. A 45, 8536 (1992)], the directed two-dimensional sandpile is modified to include a concentration [ital p] of randomly placed holes. For [ital p][gt]0, they observe a characteristic cutoff size for the duration (and mass) of avalanches. This breaks the formal power-law behavior that is a signature of self-organized criticality. The scaling of these characteristic sizes with the concentration of defects is observed empirically to follow a power law, and the exponents are numerically determined. In this Brief Report, it is shown that a previously described mean-field approximation can account for the observed exponents.
A separated splitting technique for disconnected rare event sets

A key challenge for an efficient splitting technique is defining the importance function. If the rare event set consists of multiple separated subsets this challenge becomes bigger since the most likely path to the rare event set may be very different from the most likely path to an intermediate level. We propose to mitigate this problem of path deviation by estimating the subset probabilities separately using a modified splitting technique. We compare the proposed separated splitting technique with a standard splitting technique by estimating the probability of entering either of two separated intervals on the real line. The squared relative error of the estimator is shown to be significantly higher when using standard splitting than when using separated splitting. We show that this difference increases if the rare event probability becomes smaller, illustrating the advantage of the separated splitting technique.
Beryllium Biobank 3: Considerations for Improving Chronic Beryllium Disease Screening

Objective: To optimize beryllium worker screening. Methods: Beryllium-exposed persons are classified as beryllium-exposed, beryllium-sensitized (BeS), or chronic beryllium disease. Implications of defining BeS by two or more positive lymphocyte proliferation tests (LPTs) were investigated with a simple binomial model. The potential effect of adjusting the interval for repeated intensive testing to detect chronic beryllium disease among persons with BeS was assessed with a Markov model. Results: Accuracy of properly identifying BeS is reduced as the number of repeated tests increases. Markov simulation illustrates that adjusting second-stage screening intervals on the basis of personal risk may significantly affect cost-effectiveness. Conclusions: The criteria for classification as BeS should be adjusted depending on the number of LPTs performed. Modifying the interval for repeated intensive testing on the basis of each worker's data can improve cost-effectiveness.
Fractionating E-Wave Deceleration Time Into Its Stiffness and Relaxation Components Distinguishes Pseudonormal From Normal Filling

Background—Pseudonormal Doppler E-wave filling patterns indicate diastolic dysfunction but are indistinguishable from the normal filling pattern. For accurate classification, maneuvers to alter load or to additionally measure peak E′ are required. E-wave deceleration time (DT) has been fractionated into its stiffness (DTs) and relaxation (DTr) components (DT=DTs+DTr) by analyzing E-waves via the parametrized diastolic filling formalism. The method has been validated with DTs and DTr correlating with simultaneous catheterization-derived stiffness (dP/dV) and relaxation (&tgr;) with r=0.82 and r=0.94, respectively. We hypothesize that DT fractionation can (1) distinguish between unblinded (E′ known) normal versus pseudonormal age-matched groups with normal left ventricular ejection fraction, and (2) distinguish between blinded (E′ unknown) normal versus pseudonormal groups, based solely on E-wave analysis. Methods and Results—Data (763 E-waves) from 15 age-matched, pseudonormal (elevated E/E′) and 15 normal subjects were analyzed. Conventional echocardiographic and parametrized diastolic filling stiffness (k) and relaxation (c) parameters and DTs and DTr were compared. Conventional diastolic function parameters did not differentiate between unblinded groups, whereas k, c (P<0.001) and DTs, DTr (P<0.001) did. Independent, blinded (E′ not provided) analysis of 42 subjects (30 subjects from unblinded training set and 12 additional subjects from validation set, 581 E-waves) showed that R (=DTr/DT) had high sensitivity (0.90) and specificity (0.86) in differentiating pseudonormal from normal once E′ revealed actual classification. Conclusions—arametrized diastolic filling–based E-wave analysis (k, c or DTs and DTr) can differentiate normal versus pseudonormal filling patterns without requiring knowledge of E′.
Performance estimation and slack matching for pipelined asynchronous architectures with choice

This paper presents a fast analytical method for estimating the throughput of pipelined asynchronous systems, and then applies that method to develop a fast solution to the problem of pipelining ldquoslack matchingrdquo. The approach targets systems with hierarchical topologies, which typically result when high-level (block structured) language specifications are compiled into data-driven circuit implementations. A significant contribution is that our approach is the first to efficiently handle architectures with choice (i.e. the presence of conditional computation constructs such if-then-else and conditional loops).
Robust facial expressions recognition using 3D average face and ameliorated adaboost

One of the most crucial techniques associated with Computer Vision is technology that deals with facial recognition, especially, the automatic estimation of facial expressions. However, in real-time facial expression recognition, when a face turns sideways, the expressional feature extraction becomes difficult as the view of camera changes and recognition accuracy degrades significantly. Therefore, quite many conventional methods are proposed, which are based on static images or limited to situations in which the face is viewed from the front. In this paper, a method that uses Look-Up-Table (LUT) AdaBoost combining with the three-dimensional average face is proposed to solve the problem mentioned above. In order to evaluate the proposed method, the experiment compared with the conventional method was executed. These approaches show promising results and very good success rates. This paper covers several methods that can improve results by making the system more robust.
Double Q($\sigma$) and Q($\sigma, \lambda$): Unifying Reinforcement Learning Control Algorithms

Temporal-difference (TD) learning is an important field in reinforcement learning. Sarsa and Q-Learning are among the most used TD algorithms. The Q($\sigma$) algorithm (Sutton and Barto (2017)) unifies both. This paper extends the Q($\sigma$) algorithm to an online multi-step algorithm Q($\sigma, \lambda$) using eligibility traces and introduces Double Q($\sigma$) as the extension of Q($\sigma$) to double learning. Experiments suggest that the new Q($\sigma, \lambda$) algorithm can outperform the classical TD control methods Sarsa($\lambda$), Q($\lambda$) and Q($\sigma$).
CoverageAnalyzer (CAn): A Tool for Inspection of Modification Signatures in RNA Sequencing Profiles

Combination of reverse transcription (RT) and deep sequencing has emerged as a powerful instrument for the detection of RNA modifications, a field that has seen a recent surge in activity because of its importance in gene regulation. Recent studies yielded high-resolution RT signatures of modified ribonucleotides relying on both sequence-dependent mismatch patterns and reverse transcription arrests. Common alignment viewers lack specialized functionality, such as filtering, tailored visualization, image export and differential analysis. Consequently, the community will profit from a platform seamlessly connecting detailed visual inspection of RT signatures and automated screening for modification candidates. CoverageAnalyzer (CAn) was developed in response to the demand for a powerful inspection tool. It is freely available for all three main operating systems. With SAM file format as standard input, CAn is an intuitive and user-friendly tool that is generally applicable to the large community of biomedical users, starting from simple visualization of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data, up to sophisticated modification analysis with significance-based modification candidate calling.
Metastatic lesions from prostate cancer do not express oestrogen and progesterone receptors

Hobish et al.1 have recently indicated that neither lymph node nor distant metastases from prostate cancer patients apparently express oestrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PRs), as revealed by immunohistochemical analysis. Incidentally, the authors report that different human prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU145, and PC3) were also found to be negative for both ERs and PRs using multiple experimental approaches, namely reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), ligand binding assay (LBA), and immunocytochemical assay (ICA). Although the absence of ERs or PRs from metastatic lesions of advanced human prostatic carcinoma could be in some respect predictable, all the above evidence apparently conflicts with our previous reports in which, using RT-PCR, LBA, and ICA approaches, LNCaP cells were found to express not negligible amounts of ER but also PR2 and the ER-associated heat shock protein 27 kD (hsp27),3 which has been proposed to serve as a marker of oestrogen sensitivity in both breast and endometrial epithelial cells.4 On the contrary, PC3 cells displayed only nuclear ER, though in far lower amounts, and were PR-negative, as revealed by LBA and ICA.2,5 Based on the fact that in in vitro systems, a heterogeneous cell line is invariably exposed to the numerous selective pressures of an artificial environment, it is hard to figure out the reasons for this apparent discrepancy. Furthermore, a number of methodological differences may also account for this inconsistency, but to embark here in a technical debate seems inappropriate and may eventually result in confusion. There remain, however, significant unresolved issues concerning the mechanisms responsible for the susceptibility of prostate cancer tissues and cells to oestrogen action. As repeatedly reported by our own and other groups,2,6–9 growth of LNCaP cells is significantly stimulated by physiological concentrations (0·01–1 n) of oestradiol (E2). Furthermore, the growth increase induced by E2 is even greater than that observed using either natural (DHT) or synthetic (R1881) androgens, under exactly the same experimental conditions. This effect is mediated through binding of oestradiol to genuine ER, being completely abolished by the pure anti-oestrogen, ICI-182,780, but unaffected by the pure anti-androgen, casodex.2 Equally, we have observed that E2 inhibits the growth of androgen non-responsive PC3 cells, presumably through a post-transcriptional increase of TGFâ. 5 Earlier studies failed to detect ERs from nuclear extracts or cytosol fractions of LNCaP cells.7,10 These studies have put forward the hypothesis that the
Health coaching for glaucoma care: a pilot study using mixed methods

Introduction Adherence to glaucoma medications is essential for successful treatment of the disease but is complex and difficult for many of our patients. Health coaching has been used successfully in the treatment of other chronic diseases. This pilot study explores the use of health coaching for glaucoma care. Methods A mixed methods study design was used to assess the health coaching intervention for glaucoma patients. The health coaching intervention consisted of four to six health coaching sessions with a certified health coach via telephone. Quantitative measures included demographic and health information, adherence to glaucoma medications (using the visual analog adherence scale and medication event monitoring system), and an exit survey rating the experience. Qualitative measures included a precoaching health questionnaire, notes made by the coach during the intervention, and an exit interview with the subjects at the end of the study. Results Four glaucoma patients participated in the study; all derived benefits from the health coaching. Study subjects demonstrated increased glaucoma drop adherence in response to the coaching intervention, in both visual analog scale and medication event monitoring system. Study subjects’ qualitative feedback reflected a perceived improvement in both eye and general health self-care. The subjects stated that they would recommend health coaching to friends or family members. Conclusion Health coaching was helpful to the glaucoma patients in this study; it has the potential to improve glaucoma care and overall health.