Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Automated Rating of Online Reviews Against the Underlying Topics

Even though the most online review systems offer star rating in addition to free text reviews, this only applies to the overall review. However, different users may have different preferences in relation to different aspects of a product or a service and may struggle to extract relevant information from a massive amount of consumer reviews available online. In this paper, we present a framework for extracting prevalent topics from online reviews and automatically rating them on a 5-star scale. It consists of five modules, including linguistic pre-processing, topic modelling, text classification, sentiment analysis, and rating. Topic modelling is used to extract prevalent topics, which are then used to classify individual sentences against these topics. A state-of-the-art word embedding method is used to measure the sentiment of each sentence. The two types of information associated with each sentence -- its topic and sentiment -- are combined to aggregate the sentiment associated with each topic. The overall topic sentiment is then projected onto the 5-star rating scale. We use a dataset of Airbnb online reviews to demonstrate a proof of concept. The proposed framework is simple and fully unsupervised. It is also domain independent, and, therefore, applicable to any other domains of products and services.
Demography and Selection Shape Transcriptomic Divergence in Field Crickets

Gene flow, demography, and selection can result in similar patterns of genomic variation and disentangling their effects is key to understanding speciation. Here, we assess transcriptomic variation to unravel the evolutionary history of Gryllus rubens and Gryllus texensis, cryptic field cricket species with highly divergent mating behavior. We infer their demographic history and screen their transcriptomes for footprints of selection in the context of the inferred demography. We find strong support for a long history of bidirectional gene flow, which ceased during the late Pleistocene, and a bottleneck in G. rubens consistent with a peripatric origin of this species. Importantly, the demographic history has likely strongly shaped patterns of neutral genetic differentiation (empirical FST distribution). Concordantly, FST based selection detection uncovers a large number of outliers, likely comprising many false positives, echoing recent theoretical insights. Alternative genetic signatures of positive selection, informed by the demographic history of the sibling species, highlighted a smaller set of loci; many of these are candidates for controlling variation in mating behavior. Our results underscore the importance of demography in shaping overall patterns of genetic divergence and highlight that examining both demography and selection facilitates a more complete understanding of genetic divergence during speciation.
Discretionary time among older adults: How do physical activity promotion interventions affect sedentary and active behaviors?

Investigation goals were to document discretionary time activities among older adults, determine whether time spent in discretionary activities varied by gender, and investigate whether participation in a prescribed physical activity (PA) intervention increased the time that older adults spend in discretionary time physical activities that were not specifically prescribed by interventions. Longitudinal data were drawn from 2 published studies of older adults. Study 1 compared 2 PA interventions in healthy older men and women (N = 103, M = 70.2 years), and Study 2 compared a PA intervention with a nutrition intervention in healthy older women (N = 93, M = 63.1 years). Participants in both studies completed similar assessments of their discretionary time activities using the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors questionnaire. Across both studies, at baseline, over 95% of participants reported talking on the telephone and reading as frequent sedentary discretionary time activities; over 80% reported visiting with friends and watching television or listening to the radio. Women engaged in significantly greater hours of social activities and household maintenance activities than did men (p < .05). From baseline to 12- month posttest, social, recreational, and household activities remained stable by gender and across time after participating in a PA intervention. Despite previously documented 2- to 3- hr increases in physical activities occurring in response to the study interventions, increases did not generalize for most participants to activities not prescribed by the intervention. Older adults are participating in numerous sedentary social and recreational activities that appear to remain stable across time and in the face of PA intervention prescriptions.
When Predators Help Prey Adapt and Persist in a Changing Environment

To persist in a changing world, populations must adapt. The ability to adapt is influenced by interactions with other species, such as predators. Recent experiments and theory suggest that selective pressures arising from predation may help prey adapt phenotypically to changing environments, but how this influences persistence remains unclear. In particular, it has not yet been shown whether predator-induced adaptation can outweigh predator-imposed reductions in population size, allowing prey to persist when they would otherwise go extinct. Here we examine if (and if so, how) predation can enhance the ability of prey to persist in a directionally changing environment. To do so, we extend a single-species quantitative-genetics framework that predicts rates of environmental change beyond which populations go extinct. While we assume predation decreases prey density, we find that predators can indeed help prey persist if they sufficiently increase prey adaptedness (decrease phenotypic lag). We show two ways this can occur: (1) the selective push, in which predators consume maladapted individuals and thus add selection that pushes the mean prey trait toward its optimum; and (2) the evolutionary hydra effect, when predation reduces prey density and thereby increases prey birthrate, allowing more selective events per unit time and effectively reducing generation time. We also discuss how our results apply more broadly to sources of mortality beyond predation.
New approaches for characterization of the genetic stability of vaccine cell lines

ABSTRACT The genetic stability of cell lines is a critical analytical attribute required to demonstrate the quality of cells over time. During cell passage, mutations can arise in the genomic DNA, potentially leading to changes in the final vaccine product. The identity and integrity of master cell banks, extended cell banks, complementing cell lines or recombinant cell lines expressing transgenes has to be tested throughout the production process by the vaccine manufacturer. Over the past few years, the traditional methods for evaluation of genetic stability have been replaced with molecular approaches including quantitative PCR, digital PCR and high throughput sequencing. However, these molecular-based approaches are used in research laboratories and not within a GMP-compliant environment. In this article, we briefly discuss some opportunities and challenges in characterization of the genetic stability of vaccine cell lines with these molecular-based approaches.
Recommendation based on Mining Product Reviewers' Preference Similarity Network

Most products in e-commerce are with high cost (e.g., digital cameras, computers) and hence less likely experienced by users. Thus, the traditional recommender techniques (such as user-based collaborative ltering and content-based methods) are not applicable, because they largely assume that the users have prior experiences with the items. The \new user" is hence a typical phenomenon and challenging issue that recommender systems face in this environment. In this paper, we have particularly proposed to build product reviewers’ preference similarity network to solve this problem. Specically, with product reviews, we have attempted to recover each reviewer’s weight preferences over features, based on which all reviewers can be connected in an implicit network with the edge denoting their pairwise preference similarity. We additionally adopted the Latent Class Regression Model (LCRM) to identify the sub-communities in this network, where each sub-community corresponds to a cluster of like-minded reviewers. The new user’s stated feature preferences can be then matched to the cluster with most relevant reviewers and their reviewed products can be taken as recommendation candidates. The experimental results reveal that our novel method outperforms others that either did not consider reviews, or did not attempt to reconstruct reviewers’ inherent feature preferences (from their written reviews) for beneting the recommendation process. The LCRM-based clustering method was also proven with higher accuracy than related ones (like k-Means based clustering), especially when the new user’s stated preferences were less complete.
Differential Impact of Blood Pressure–Lowering Drugs on Central Aortic Pressure and Clinical Outcomes: Principal Results of the Conduit Artery Function Evaluation (CAFE) Study

Background— Different blood pressure (BP)–lowering drugs could have different effects on central aortic pressures and thus cardiovascular outcome despite similar effects on brachial BP. The Conduit Artery Function Evaluation (CAFE) study, a substudy of the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT), examined the impact of 2 different BP lowering-regimens (atenolol±thiazide-based versus amlodipine±perindopril-based therapy) on derived central aortic pressures and hemodynamics. Methods and Results— The CAFE study recruited 2199 patients in 5 ASCOT centers. Radial artery applanation tonometry and pulse wave analysis were used to derive central aortic pressures and hemodynamic indexes on repeated visits for up to 4 years. Most patients received combination therapy throughout the study. Despite similar brachial systolic BPs between treatment groups (&Dgr;0.7 mm Hg; 95% CI, −0.4 to 1.7; P=0.2), there were substantial reductions in central aortic pressures with the amlodipine regimen (central aortic systolic BP, &Dgr;4.3 mm Hg; 95% CI, 3.3 to 5.4; P<0.0001; central aortic pulse pressure, &Dgr;3.0 mm Hg; 95% CI, 2.1 to 3.9; P<0.0001). Cox proportional-hazards modeling showed that central pulse pressure was significantly associated with a post hoc–defined composite outcome of total cardiovascular events/procedures and development of renal impairment in the CAFE cohort (unadjusted, P<0.0001; adjusted for baseline variables, P<0.05). Conclusions— BP-lowering drugs can have substantially different effects on central aortic pressures and hemodynamics despite a similar impact on brachial BP. Moreover, central aortic pulse pressure may be a determinant of clinical outcomes, and differences in central aortic pressures may be a potential mechanism to explain the different clinical outcomes between the 2 BP treatment arms in ASCOT.
Characterization of Digestive Enzymes of Bruchid Parasitoids–Initial Steps for Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Legumes

Genetically modified (GM) legumes expressing the α-amylase inhibitor 1 (αAI-1) from Phaseolus vulgaris L. or cysteine protease inhibitors are resistant to several bruchid pests (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In addition, the combination of plant resistance factors together with hymenopteran parasitoids can substantially increase the bruchid control provided by the resistance alone. If the strategy of combining a bruchid-resistant GM legume and biological control is to be effective, the insecticidal trait must not adversely affect bruchid antagonists. The environmental risk assessment of such GM legumes includes the characterization of the targeted enzymes in the beneficial species and the assessment of the in vitro susceptibility to the resistance factor. The digestive physiology of bruchid parasitoids remain relatively unknown, and their susceptibility to αAI-1 has never been investigated. We have detected α-amylase and serine protease activities in all five bruchid parasitoid species tested. Thus, the deployment of GM legumes expressing cysteine protease inhibitors to control bruchids should be compatible with the use of parasitoids. In vitro inhibition studies showed that sensitivity of α-amylase activity to αAI-1 in the parasitoids was comparable to that in the target species. Direct feeding assays revealed that harmful effects of α-amylase inhibitors on bruchid parasitoids cannot be discounted and need further evaluation.
G protein βγ subunits directly interact with and activate phospholipase Cϵ

Phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes hydrolyze membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2) and regulate Ca2+ and protein kinase signaling in virtually all mammalian cell types. Chronic activation of the PLCϵ isoform downstream of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) contributes to the development of cardiac hypertrophy. We have previously shown that PLCϵ-catalyzed hydrolysis of Golgi-associated phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) in cardiac myocytes depends on G protein βγ subunits released upon stimulation with endothelin-1. PLCϵ binds and is directly activated by Ras family small GTPases, but whether they directly interact with Gβγ has not been demonstrated. To identify PLCϵ domains that interact with Gβγ, here we designed various single substitutions and truncations of WT PLCϵ and tested them for activation by Gβγ in transfected COS-7 cells. Deletion of only a single domain in PLCϵ was not sufficient to completely block its activation by Gβγ, but blocked activation by Ras. Simultaneous deletion of the C-terminal RA2 domain and the N-terminal CDC25 and cysteine-rich domains completely abrogated PLCϵ activation by Gβγ, but activation by the GTPase Rho was retained. In vitro reconstitution experiments further revealed that purified Gβγ directly interacts with a purified fragment of PLCϵ (PLCϵ-PH-RA2) and increases PIP2 hydrolysis. Deletion of the RA2 domain decreased Gβγ binding and eliminated Gβγ stimulation of PIP2 hydrolysis. These results provide first evidence that Gβγ directly interacts with PLCϵ and yield insights into the mechanism by which βγ subunits activate PLCϵ.
Joint TOA/DOA based geolocation system for social safety robots

In this paper, we propose an efficient twodimensional geo-location system for social safety robots, where its location is obtained by direction of arrival (DOA) and time of arrival (TOA) of the radio signal of IEEE 802.11a. The proposed system requires only two reference signals while the conventional systems generally deploy more than three reference signals. For estimating TOA and DOA information together, we employ a multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed geo-location system achieves accuracy within 3 meters error in 2 kilo-meters coverage generally required for mobile social safety robots.
Convection-Enhanced Delivery

MRI visualization of the basal ganglia. These ﬁndings were replicated in the experimental setting using an FDA-approved intracerebral catheter that was stereotactically inserted into the thalamus or basal ganglia of 7 swine. Five swine were infused with normal saline, and 2 were infused with autologous CSF. Flow rates varied between 1 μl/min to 6 μl/min to achieve convective distributions. Concurrent MRI was performed at 15-minute intervals to monitor the volume of infusion and observe the imaging changes of the deep subcortical structures. The animals were then clinically observed, and necropsy was performed within 48 hours, 1 week, or 1 month for histological analysis. RESULTS In all animals, the white matter tracts became hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging as compared with basal ganglia nuclei, enabling better deﬁnition of the deep brain anatomy. The volume of distribution and infusion (Vd/Vi ratio) ranged from 2.5 to 4.5. There were no observed clinical eﬀects from the infusions. Histological analysis demonstrated mild neuronal eﬀects from saline infusions but no eﬀects from CSF infusions. CONCLUSIONS This work provides the initial foundation for a novel approach to improve the visualization of deep brain anatomy during MRI-guided, stereotactic procedures. Convective infusions of CSF alter the extracellular ﬂuid content of the brain for improved MRI without evidence of clinical or toxic eﬀects 4) .
Molecular, cellular, and behavioral changes associated with pathological pain signaling occur after dental pulp injury

Persistent pain can occur after routine dental treatments in which the dental pulp is injured. To better understand pain chronicity after pulp injury, we assessed whether dental pulp injury in mice causes changes to the sensory nervous system associated with pathological pain. In some experiments, we compared findings after dental pulp injury to a model of orofacial neuropathic pain, in which the mental nerve is injured. After unilateral dental pulp injury, we observed increased expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA and decreased tachykinin precursor 1 gene expression, in the ipsilateral trigeminal ganglion. We also observed an ipsilateral increase in the number of trigeminal neurons expressing immunoreactivity for ATF3, a decrease in substance P (SP) immunoreactive cells, and no change in the number of cells labeled with IB4. Mice with dental pulp injury transiently exhibit hindpaw mechanical allodynia, out to 12 days, while mice with mental nerve injury have persistent hindpaw allodynia. Mice with dental pulp injury increased spontaneous consumption of a sucrose solution for 17 days while mental nerve injury mice did not. Finally, after dental pulp injury, an increase in expression of the glial markers Iba1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein occurs in the transition zone between nucleus caudalis and interpolaris, ipsilateral to the injury. Collectively these studies suggest that dental pulp injury is associated with significant neuroplasticity that could contribute to persistent pain after of dental pulp injury.
Risk Factors for Carbapenemase-Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CP-CRE) Acquisition Among Contacts of Newly Diagnosed CP-CRE Patients

OBJECTIVE Carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CP-CRE) are extremely drug-resistant pathogens. Screening of contacts of newly identified CP-CRE patients is an important step to limit further transmission. We aimed to determine the risk factors for CP-CRE acquisition among patients exposed to a CP-CRE index patient. METHODS A matched case-control study was performed in a tertiary care hospital in Israel. The study population was comprised of patients who underwent rectal screening for CP-CRE following close contact with a newly identified CP-CRE index patient. Cases were defined as positive tests for CP-CRE. For each case patient, 2 matched controls were randomly selected from the pool of contacts who tested negative for CP-CRE following exposure to the same index case. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS In total, 53 positive contacts were identified in 40 unique investigations (896 tests performed on 735 contacts) between October 6, 2008, and June 7, 2012. bla KPC was the only carbapenemase identified. In multivariate analysis, risk factors for CP-CRE acquisition among contacts were (1) contact with an index patient for ≥3 days (odds ratio [OR], 9.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0–48.9), (2) mechanical ventilation (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.4–11.9), and (3) carriage or infection with another multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO; OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.0–7.1). Among patients who received antibiotics, cephalosporins were associated with a lower risk of acquisition. CONCLUSIONS Patient characteristics (ventilation and carriage of another MDRO) as well as duration of contact are risk factors for CP-CRE acquisition among contacts. The role of cephalosporins requires further study. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–7
Progressive failure analysis of CFRP laminate with interacting holes under compressive loading

Composite structures such as hull of a ship and wings of aircraft are subjected to compressive loading. The behavior and strength of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) panels subjected to tensile loading has been studied rigorously by various researchers, whereas compressive behavior is not well addressed. In this study, behavior of CFRP panel with multiple interacting holes of various configurations (1H, 2HL, 2HT, and 2HD) under compressive loading is studied. A three-dimensional finite element-based progressive failure analysis (PFA) is used to model the damage progression in CFRP laminates. Damage detection is carried out using both Hashin’s failure and Ye’s-delamination criterions. Using these failure criterions, failure and post failure behavior of CFRP laminate with cutouts are predicted. The material is assumed to behave as linear elastic until final failure. Sudden degradation rule of material property is employed and subsequently PFA is carried out successively. Using digital image correlation (DIC) technique, whole field surface strain is obtained experimentally and is used for validating finite element analysis (FEA) model. Load–deflection behavior as well as path of damage progression is predicted by both PFA simulation and experiment. They are found to be in good agreement thereby confirming the accuracy of PFA implementation. Among all the configurations, one with two holes along the longitudinal direction (2HL) is recommended for design application as it exhibits low stress concentration factor and sustains higher initiation and final failure load.
Ionic Currents Mediated by a Prokaryotic Homologue of CLC Cl− Channels

CLC-ec1 is an E. coli homologue of the CLC family of Cl− channels, which are widespread throughout eukaryotic organisms. The structure of this membrane protein is known, and its physiological role has been described, but our knowledge of its functional characteristics is severely limited by the absence of electrophysiological recordings. High-density reconstitution and incorporation of crystallization-quality CLC-ec1 in planar lipid bilayers failed to yield measurable CLC-ec1 currents due to porin contamination. A procedure developed to prepare the protein at a very high level of purity allowed us to measure macroscopic CLC-ec1 currents in lipid bilayers. The current is Cl− selective, and its pH dependence mimics that observed with a 36Cl− flux assay in reconstituted liposomes. The unitary conductance is estimated to be <0.2 pS. Surprisingly, the currents have a subnernstian reversal potential in a KCl gradient, indicating imperfect selectivity for anions over cations. Mutation of a conserved glutamate residue found in the selectivity filter eliminates the pH-dependence of both currents and 36Cl− flux and appears to trap CLC-ec1 in a constitutively active state. These effects correlate well with known characteristics of eukaryotic CLC channels. The E148A mutant displays nearly ideal Cl− selectivity.