Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A few good predictions: selective node labeling in a social network

Many social network applications face the following problem: given a network G=(V,E) with labels on a small subset O \subset V of nodes and an optional set of features on nodes and edges, predict the labels of the remaining nodes. Much research has gone into designing learning models and inference algorithms for accurate predictions in this setting. However, a core hurdle to any prediction effort is that for many nodes there is insufficient evidence for inferring a label. We propose that instead of focusing on the impossible task of providing high accuracy over all nodes, we should focus on selectively making the few node predictions which will be correct with high probability. Any selective prediction strategy will require that the scores attached to node predictions be well-calibrated. Our evaluations show that existing prediction algorithms are poorly calibrated. We propose a new method of training a graphical model using a conditional likelihood objective that provides better calibration than the existing joint likelihood objective. We augment it with a decoupled confidence model created using a novel unbiased training process. Empirical evaluation on two large social networks show that we are able to select a large number of predictions with accuracy as high as 95%, even when the best overall accuracy is only 40%.
Experimental investigation on the interference between UHF RFID and GSM

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a widely employed technology for automatic identification. However, it is affected by some interference issues. This paper is focused on the interference between Ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID systems and devices that communicate according to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard. Since the GSM and the UHF RFID frequency bands are close, the mobile phones communication can affect the efficiency of RFID systems. In this paper, an experimental analysis on the interference between GSM and UHF RFID is presented. The experimental results highlight the negative effects of the use of GSM devices in the proximity of operating UHF RFID systems. Moreover, the main elements that should be taken into account during the design of an RFID system that works in the same area with GSM devices are identified.
Effect of Saturated Lightweight Sand Substitution on Shrinkage in 0.35 w/b Concrete

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of internal curing as a method to mitigate autogenous shrinkage in high-performance concrete (HPC) having a low water binder ratio (w/b). To achieve this, the author substitutes 20% of normalweight (NW) sand by an equal mass of lightweight sand (LW) in HPC having a w/b of 0.35. Shrinkage is monitored using vibrating wire gauges cast at the center of 100 x 100 x 400 mm (4 x 4 x 16 in.) concrete samples. Results show that a 20% substitution of NW by a LW sand efficiently reduces autogenous and drying shrinkage. Moreover, the incorporation of 20% LW sand does not have a significant effect on 28-day compressive strength. Results also show low chloride ion permeability in the cementitious matrix. The author concludes that internal curing using partial replacement of NW sand by LW sand presents an efficient way to reduce autogenous and drying shrinkage in low w/b concretes, especially in cases where external water curing disallows in-depth curing of concrete.
Impact of health literacy on socioeconomic and racial differences in health in an elderly population

BACKGROUND: Differences in health literacy levels by race and education are widely hypothesized to contribute to health disparities, but there is little direct evidence.OBJECTIVE: To examine the extent to which low health literacy exacerbates differences between racial and socioeconomic groups in terms of health status and receipt of vaccinations.DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.PARTICIPANTS (OR PATIENTS OR SUBJECTS): Three thousand two hundred and sixty noninstitutionalized elderly persons enrolling in a Medicare managed care plan in 1997 in Cleveland, OH; Houston, TX: South Florida; and Tampa, FL.MEASUREMENTS: Dependent variables were physical health SF-12 score, mental health SF-12 score, self-reported health status, receipt of influenza vaccine, and receipt of pneumococcal vaccine. Independent variables included health literacy, educational attainment, race, income, age, sex, chronic health conditions, and smoking status.RESULTS: After adjusting for demographic and health-related variables, individuals without a high school education had worse physical and mental health and worse self-reported health status than those with a high school degree. Accounting for health literacy reduced these differences by 22% to 41%. Black individuals had worse self-reported health status and lower influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates. Accounting for health literacy reduced the observed difference in self-reported health by 25% but did not affect differences in vaccination rates.CONCLUSIONS: We found that health literacy explained a small to moderate fraction of the differences in health status and, to a lesser degree, receipt of vaccinations that would normally be attributed to educational attainment and/or race if literacy was not considered.
Tissue-specific dynamin-1 deletion at the calyx of Held decreases short-term depression through a mechanism distinct from vesicle resupply

Significance Endocytosis is crucial for sustained synaptic transmission. During high-frequency neurotransmission, endocytosis recycles vesicular components rapidly and may promote the clearance of used SNAREs and other membrane proteins from release sites. We report that tissue-specific dynamin-1 deletion significantly reduces synaptic depression during bursts of the high-frequency stimulation at the mature calyx of Held in mice. This effect is contrary to the expected consequence of reduced recycling and cannot be explained by the commonly known mechanisms underlying short-term depression. Rather, the data imply that endocytosis may have a rapid, retrograde effect on transmitter release (e.g., through alterations of release site clearance) during high rates of synaptic vesicle fusion. Our finding indicates a role of dynamin-1 in high-frequency synaptic transmission and short-term plasticity. Dynamin is a large GTPase with a crucial role in synaptic vesicle regeneration. Acute dynamin inhibition impairs neurotransmitter release, in agreement with the protein’s established role in vesicle resupply. Here, using tissue-specific dynamin-1 knockout [conditional knockout (cKO)] mice at a fast central synapse that releases neurotransmitter at high rates, we report that dynamin-1 deletion unexpectedly leads to enhanced steady-state neurotransmission and consequently less synaptic depression during brief periods of high-frequency stimulation. These changes are also accompanied by increased transmission failures. Interestingly, synaptic vesicle resupply and several other synaptic properties remain intact, including basal neurotransmission, presynaptic Ca2+ influx, initial release probability, and postsynaptic receptor saturation and desensitization. However, acute application of Latrunculin B, a reagent known to induce actin depolymerization and impair bulk and ultrafast endocytosis, has a stronger effect on steady-state depression in cKO than in control and brings the depression down to a control level. The slow phase of presynaptic capacitance decay following strong stimulation is impaired in cKO; the rapid capacitance changes immediately after strong depolarization are also different between control and cKO and sensitive to Latrunculin B. These data raise the possibility that, in addition to its established function in regenerating synaptic vesicles, the endocytosis protein dynamin-1 may have an impact on short-term synaptic depression. This role comes into play primarily during brief high-frequency stimulation.
Superconducting Properties of Aromatic Hydrocarbon-Added Powder-in-Tube ${\rm MgB}_{2}/{\rm Fe}$ Tapes

We investigated the superconducting properties of aromatic hydrocarbon added in situ-processed powder-in-tube (PIT) MgB2/Fe tapes. We used aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, naphthalene, thiophene, ethyltoluene, toluene and xylene. We found that these aromatic hydrocarbons were very effective for increasing the Jc values. X-ray diffraction analyses suggest that the substitution of carbon for boron occurred in these tapes. The Jc values of 20 mol% benzene-added tapes reached 130 A/mm2 at 4.2 K and 10 T. This value was almost comparable to that of 10 mol% SiC-added tapes. The 10 mol% ethyltoluene-added tape showed a Jc of 390 at A/mm2 4.2 K and 8 T. This value is higher than that of the 10 mol% SiC-added tape.
Females in proestrus state maintain splenic immune functions and tolerate sepsis better than males.

OBJECTIVES To determine: a) whether the cell-mediated immune response during sepsis differs in females vs. males; and b) whether the survival rate in females is different than in males after a septic insult. DESIGN A prospective, randomized animal study. SETTING University research laboratory. SUBJECTS Male and female proestrus C3H/HeN mice. INTERVENTIONS After anesthesia, male and proestrus female mice underwent cecal ligation puncture to induce sepsis. The mice were killed at 24 hrs after the onset of sepsis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Splenocyte proliferation, as well as splenocyte interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-3 release, was determined by bioassay. In additional studies, survival rate after septic challenge was measured over 10 days. Splenocyte proliferative capacity and splenocyte IL-2 and IL-3 release were markedly decreased in male, but not in female, septic mice. Furthermore, the survival rate of septic female proestrus mice was significantly higher than in comparable male mice. CONCLUSIONS These results support the concept that the immune response of females differs from males, and that females are immunologically better positioned to meet the challenge of sepsis.
Incidence and Severity of Prescribing Errors in Parenteral Nutrition for Pediatric Inpatients at a Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Objectives Pediatric inpatients are particularly vulnerable to medication errors (MEs), especially in highly individualized preparations like parenteral nutrition (PN). Aside from prescribing via a computerized physician order entry system (CPOE), we evaluated the effect of cross-checking by a clinical pharmacist to prevent harm from PN order errors in a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit (NICU/PICU). Methods The incidence of prescribing errors in PN in a tertiary level NICU/PICU was surveyed prospectively between March 2012 and July 2013 (n = 3,012 orders). A pharmacist cross-checked all PN orders prior to preparation. Errors were assigned to seven different error-type categories. Three independent experts from different academic tertiary level NICUs judged the severity of each error according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) Index (categories A–I). Results The error rate was 3.9% for all 3,012 orders (118 prescribing errors in 111 orders). 77 (6.0%, 1,277 orders) errors occurred in the category concentration range, all concerning a relative overdose of calcium gluconate for peripheral infusion. The majority of all events (60%) were assigned to categories C and D (without major harmful consequences) while 28% could not be assigned due to missing majority decision. Potential harmful consequences requiring interventions (category E) could have occurred in 12% of assessments. Conclusion Next to systematic application of clinical guidelines and prescribing via CPOE, order review by a clinical pharmacist is still required to effectively reduce MEs and thus to prevent minor and major adverse drug events with the aim to enhance medication safety.
Change of hepatitis B virus genotypes in acute and chronic infections in Japan

During 35 years from 1971 to 2005, 153 patients with acute and 4,277 with chronic HBV infection visited the Toranomon Hospital in Tokyo, Japan. They were grouped into seven 5‐year periods, and HBV genotypes/subgenotypes were determined. Patients with acute HBV infection were younger (P = 0.046), predominantly male (P = 0.004), possessed higher alanine aminotransferase levels (P < 0.001), positive more frequently for HBeAg (P < 0.001), and had lower HBV DNA loads (P = 0.014) than those with chronic infection. Sexual transmission was more frequent in patients with acute than chronic HBV infection (67% vs. 3%, P < 0.001). The number of patients with acute infection increased throughout 1971–2005. Patients with chronic infection increased since 1971, peaked in 1986–1990 and then decreased. The number of patients increased since 1990–2000 again, however, reflecting recent boost of acute HBV infection. The distribution of HBV genotypes was considerably different between patients with acute and chronic infections (A, B, and C: 28.6%, 10.3%, and 59.5% vs. 3.0%, 12.3%, and 84.5%, respectively, P < 0.001). Since 1991, genotype A foreign to Japan started to increase sharply in patients with acute infection, and gradually in those with chronic infection. There was a trend for the foreign subgenotype B2/Ba to increase recently (P < 0.05). Despite immunoprophylaxis of high‐risk babies born to carrier mothers with hepatitis B e antigen, implemented nationally since 1986, acute and chronic infections with HBV have been increasing in Japan. Based on genotypes/subgenotypes changing with time, the resurgence of hepatitis B could be attributed to infections, with foreign HBV genotypes/subgenotypes, spreading swiftly by sexual contact. J. Med. Virol. 80:1880–1884, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of Acute Dietary Manipulations on DXA and BIA Body Composition Estimates

Purpose To examine the effects of acute preassessment diets on body composition estimates obtained by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Methods In a counterbalanced design, 48 males and females were provided with two 1-d diets: high-carbohydrate diet (9 g CHO·kg−1) and very low-carbohydrate diet (1 to 1.5 g CHO·kg−1). For each condition, body composition was assessed in the morning after an overnight fast, in the afternoon after feeding, and the following morning after a second overnight fast. Results Acute food ingestion, regardless of macronutrient content, altered DXA and BIA body composition estimates, and both sexes responded similarly. DXA total and regional lean soft tissue estimates increased up to 1.7% and 3% on average in response to feeding, with individual increases of over 4.5% and 9%. DXA total and trunk fat mass estimates decreased by up to 3% on average. All DXA-derived measures of body composition returned to baseline values after the second overnight fast. Impedance measured by BIA decreased by 4.4% in response to feeding, leading to a 2% increase in total body water and fat-free mass, with individual increases up to 4.5%. BIA fat mass estimates decreased 1.4% to 2.4%, with individual decreases of up to 10%. Unlike DXA, most BIA-derived estimates did not return to baseline values after a second overnight fast. Conclusions Acute food and fluid intake can artificially influence body composition estimates, regardless of macronutrient content. An overnight fast is likely sufficient preassessment dietary control for DXA and possibly sufficient for BIA.
A Case–Control Study of Lung Cancer Nested in a Cohort of European Asphalt Workers

Background We conducted a nested case–control study in a cohort of European asphalt workers in which an increase in lung cancer risk has been reported among workers exposed to airborne bitumen fume, although potential bias and confounding were not fully addressed. Objective We investigated the contribution of exposure to bitumen, other occupational agents, and tobacco smoking to the risk of lung cancer among asphalt workers. Methods Cases were cohort members in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Israel who had died of lung cancer between 1980 and the end of follow-up (2002–2005). Controls were individually matched in a 3:1 ratio to cases on year of birth and country. We derived exposure estimates for bitumen fume and condensate, organic vapor, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as for asbestos, crystalline silica, diesel motor exhaust, and coal tar. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for ever-exposure, duration, average exposure, and cumulative exposure after adjusting for tobacco smoking and exposure to coal tar. Results A total of 433 cases and 1,253 controls were included in the analysis. The OR was 1.12 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.84–1.49] for inhalation exposure to bitumen fume and 1.17 (95% CI, 0.88–1.56) for dermal exposure to bitumen condensate. No significant trend was observed between lung cancer risk and duration, average exposure, or cumulative exposure to bitumen fume or condensate. Conclusions We found no consistent evidence of an association between indicators of either inhalation or dermal exposure to bitumen and lung cancer risk. A sizable proportion of the excess mortality from lung cancer relative to the general population observed in the earlier cohort phase is likely attributable to high tobacco consumption and possibly to coal tar exposure, whereas other occupational agents do not appear to play an important role.
Early alterations in rat colonic mucosal cyclic nucleotide metabolism and protein kinase activity induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine.

The present study examined the acute effects of intrarectal administration of a single dose (25 mg/kg) of the colon carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) on DNA synthesis and cyclic nucleotide metabolism in rat colonic mucosa. DMH initially inhibited DNA synthesis (12 and 24 hr postinstillation) in distal colonic mucosa, at which time there were no detectable alterations in tissue cyclic adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine 3′:5′-monophosphate (cGMP), or cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PK) activity compared to values in the vehicle control. At three and five 5 days after DMH, [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA was significantly increased. There was a concurrent reduction in tissue cAMP content and the state of activation (activity ratio) of cytosolic PK. cGMP levels did not change significantly in response to DMH. At three and five days after DMH, there was also an increase in the proportion of the type I isoenzyme of cytosolic PK, a form which has been associated with increased proliferative activity and a less differentiated cellular state in other tissues. DMH-induced increases in DNA synthesis and the PK isoenzyme pattern were observed in both the superficial and lower crypt (proliferative) epithelial cells isolated from colonic mucosa. DMH-induced changes in DNA, cAMP, and PK were transient, and values had returned to control levels by 10 days. In short-term cultures of rat colonic segments, N 6, O2 ′-dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate, prostaglandin E2, and vasoactive intestinal peptide, agents which increased colonic mucosal cAMP, all significantly suppressed [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA in vitro in both tissue with and without exposure to DMH in vivo . By contrast, equimolar N 6, O2 ′-dibutyryl cyclic guanosine 3′:5′-monophosphate and 10 µm N -methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine, a carcinogen which increased endogenous cGMP accumulation in colonic mucosa 2-fold, were without acute effects on DNA synthesis in vitro . The present data are consistent with an inhibitory influence of cAMP on the proliferative activity of colonic epithelium and suggest that reductions of cAMP and cAMP-dependent PK activity could play a permissive role in the enhancement of DNA synthesis observed three to five days after DMH.
Differences in the pattern of anastomotic leakage after oesophagectomy in two high-volume centres.

INTRODUCTION Complications to oesophageal and junctional cancer surgery are common and have not diminished much during the past ten years. An unusually high occurrence of anastomotic dehiscence occurred in Denmark in 2009 and 2010 as seen in the national database for oesophagus, cardiac and gastric (ECV) cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS In accordance with national guidelines, all patients resected for oesophageal and junctional cancer in Denmark from 2003 were prospectively entered into a national database. Data concerning anaesthesia, peri- and post-operative course, complications, re-operations and time spent in intensive care unit were obtained retrospectively from hospital records. An in-depth analysis of data from two high-volume centres performing ECV cancer surgery according to national guidelines was performed. RESULTS A total of 881 patients (Centre 1: 438; Centre 2: 443) were resected for oesophageal and junctional cancer. A total of 79 patients with anastomotic insufficiency (AI) were detected (Centre 1: 36; Centre 2: 43). By using a grading system, it was shown that AI was more severe and occurred earlier in one centre than in the other. Possible factors of influence are discussed, including neoadjuvant oncological therapy, use of thoracoscopically performed anastomosis and perioperative inotrophic drugs. CONCLUSION Thanks to the establishment of a nationwide database in pursuance of national guidelines, it was possible to detect variations in quality of surgery over time, evaluate serious complications early and undertake an in-depth analysis of possible aetiological factors. Particularly, comparison was facilitated by the use of a standardised grading system for complications. FUNDING not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.
Proteinuria Following a Switch from Calcineurin Inhibitors to Sirolimus

Background. Sirolimus is an alternative option for kidney transplant patients treated with calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) when renal function is deteriorating. However, the incidence of proteinuria following a switch from CNI to sirolimus has caused concern, and was therefore investigated here. Methods. In a retrospective study, 68 renal transplant recipients were switched from CNI to sirolimus. Proteinuria was measured using 24-hour urine collection before the switch and collections 3, 6, 12, and 24 months thereafter. In addition, proteinuria was measured in patients who had to be switched back to CNI due to side effects. Survival analyses were performed. Results. Baseline proteinuria was 0.39±0.69 g/day in all 68 patients. It increased to a mean 1.44±1.90 g/day at 3 months (P<0.001) and remained elevated at 6, 12 and 24 months. When sirolimus was withdrawn after the CNI-sirolimus switch for 19 patients, proteinuria decreased from 1.95±2.06 g/day to 0.9±1.4 g/day (P<0.05). Proteinuria above 0.3 g/day before the CNI-sirolimus switch correlated significantly with the decrease of renal function thereafter. Conclusion. CNI-treated kidney transplant recipients may develop reversible proteinuria when switched to sirolimus.
Applying science to violence prevention.

Violence in America runs the risk of becoming endemic at very high levels. Each year, approximately 25500 people die from homicide and 31000 die from suicide in the United States. 1 Violence is the second leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 15 and 24 years and the leading cause of death for young African Americans in this age group. 2 Adolescents and young adults are disproportionately represented among the victims and perpetrators of violence in our society. The average age of both violent offenders and victims has been growing younger and younger in recent years. 3 Youth interpersonal violence is also closely associated with the problems of child abuse and neglect, dating violence, substance abuse, suicide, and violence against women. 4 Because research suggests that violence is also transmitted from one generation to the next 5 and that aggressive children tend to become violent