Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overdominant quantitative trait loci for yield and fitness in tomato

Heterosis, or hybrid vigor, is a major genetic force that contributes to world food production. The genetic basis of heterosis is not clear, and the importance of loci with overdominant (ODO) effects is debated. One problem has been the use of whole-genome segregating populations, where interactions often mask the effects of individual loci. To assess the contribution of ODO to heterosis in the absence of epistasis, we carried out quantitative genetic and phenotypic analyses on a population of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) introgression lines (ILs), which carry single marker-defined chromosome segments from the distantly related wild species Solanum pennellii. The ILs revealed 841 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for 35 diverse traits measured in the field on homozygous and heterozygous plants. ILs showing greater reproductive fitness were characterized by the prevalence of ODO QTL, which were virtually absent for the nonreproductive traits. ODO can result from true ODO due to allelic interactions of a single gene or from pseudoODO that involves linked loci with dominant alleles in repulsion. The fact that we detected dominant and recessive QTL for all phenotypic categories but ODO only for the reproductive traits indicates that pseudoODO due to random linkage is unlikely to explain heterosis in the ILs. Thus, we favor the true ODO model involving a single functional Mendelian locus. We propose that the alliance of ODO QTL with higher reproductive fitness was selected for in evolution and was domesticated by man to improve yields of crop plants.
Issuer Default Risk and Rating Agency Conflicts

This study examines whether rating agencies assign more stringent and accurate rating adjustments for issuers with higher default risk and whether this leads to adjustments that are more relevant to financial markets. We expect that rating agencies will make more informative subjective adjustments to limit their reputational risk for issuers with a higher likelihood of default—an event that can reveal the quality of assigned ratings. For defaulting issuers, especially those with a higher pre-failure default risk, we find that adjustments grow more stringent and accurate in the months leading up to default and better predict lender default recovery rates. For all issuers, we find that adjustments are more stringent and accurate as issuers’ default risk grows. We also find that the relevance of adjustments increases with issuers’ default risk, as evidenced by adjustments being more predictive of issuer default and offering yields and an increased market reaction to adjustment changes.
A Flight Simulator Study to Evaluate Manual Flying Skills of Airline Pilots

This paper reports an experimental study with the objective to assess pilots’ raw-data-based flight performance which is affected by long-term practice and structured training. Fifty-seven airline pilots with different levels of aviation experience scheduled on an Airbus fleet, representing contrary levels of practice and training, had to fly a simulated 45 minutes approach and landing scenario while flight performance data were objectively recorded. The level of practice and training was found to have a significant influence on manual flying skills. Pilots with low levels of practice and training showed a large variance in manual flight performance; pilots with high levels of practice and training demonstrated high and homogenous performance.
Comparison of endoscopic and external dacryocystorhinostomy for treatment of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the success rates of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) and external DCR (EX-DCR) for the treatment of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANLDO). DESIGN: This was a retrospective, comparative, nonrandomized clinical study. METHODS: Reviewed medical records of PANLDO underwent DCR at Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital from May 2011 to June 2017. Data regarding the lacrimal passage system, comorbidities, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Anatomical success was defined as patency confirmed by intranasal endoscopic inspection of the ostium and successful lacrimal irrigation; functional success was defined as complete resolution of epiphora and positive fluorescein dye disappearance test, which were assessed at postoperative 6th months. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy patients (37 males, 133 females, mean age 57 years) underwent 178 DCR surgeries for PANLDO. The overall anatomical success rate was 94.4% (93.5% in EN-DCR vs. 95.8% in EX-DCR, P = 0.511) and functional success rate was 90.4% (90.7% in EN-DCR and 90.1% in EX-DCR, P = 0.909). Surgical outcomes were comparable between two groups. Complication rate was low in both groups, including 11 cases of early canalicular stent dislodge (7 in EN-DCR, 4 in EX-DCR), one case of postoperative nasal bleeding in EN-DCR, and two skin wound dehiscence and three cutaneous keloid formation in EX-DCR. None of these cases were concluded into surgical failure at the final visit. The time to symptoms relief was statistical significantly shorter in EN-DCR group (1.7 vs. 3.7 weeks in EX-DCR, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Success rate of DCR for PANLDO in our study was high, and complication rate was low for both endoscopic and external approaches. There was no statistically significant difference between them. EN-DCR provided higher satisfaction due to quicker recovery and lack of external incision. Endoscopic DCR should be considered as the primary treatment of choice for PANLDO.
Anorexia nervosa and cannabis abuse: a case report -

ABSTRACTIt is known that there is a high rate of comorbidity of alcohol-substance abuse and eating disorders. The compounds of cannabis, such as tetrahydrocannabinol, activate endogenous cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the brain. Stimulating the CB1 receptor is known to cause increased appetite and an antiemetic effect and because of these effects cannabinoids are used clinically. In this case report, a young girl diagnosed anorexia nervosa and using cannabis will be presented. The patient, a 17 year-old, had complaints of loss weight and had used cannabis for three years. It was found that, although cannabis caused increased appetite, she induced weight loss by self-induction of vomiting and excessive exercise. According to a scan of the literature in Turkey, such a case of using cannabis comorbid with anorexia nervosa has not previously been reported. In this respect, discussion of the case in detail is important.
The variability of extracellular fluid space (sucrose) in man during a 24 hour period.

The water content of the human body averages 60 per cent of its total weight. Techniques for measurement and criteria for accuracy have been developed for total body water but there are no generally accepted standards for extracellular fluid volume (EFV). It is our purpose in this paper to describe our exploration of the erratic variations of extracellular fluid volume in normal subjects as measured by sucrose infusions and to discuss wide fluctuations in what had been thought hitherto to be a "steady state. " It is believed that most methods of estimating EFV using nonelectrolyte labels achieve rapid equilibration in, and measure mainly, interstitial and plasma water, and that the substances used diffuse incompletely into the cerebrospinal fluid, joint spaces, bone and tendon water, or into glandular lumina, or gastrointestinal tract water (2). This incomplete mixing of test substance in these spaces should not be expected to introduce large errors into this estimation since plasma and interstitial fluid must comprise the major portion of EFV. Walser, Seldin and Grollman (3) have proposed the term "functional EFV" for the volume thus measured. However, the accuracy of EFV estimates has been further questioned with reports that even large nonelectrolyte molecules, such as inulin and sucrose, may leave the EFV and penetrate cell membranes (4, 5). Most methods for measuring extracellular fluid
Natural history of treatment-emergent central sleep apnea on positive airway pressure: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION: Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TECSA) is observed in some patients when they are treated with positive airway pressure (PAP) after significant resolution of the preexisting obstructive events in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature for studies describing the natural history of TECSA. METHODS: PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochran Library databases were searched through June 29, 2017. RESULTS: Five studies were identified that discussed the natural history of TECSA. TECSA developed in 3.5%–19.8% of PAP-treated patients. Treatment-persistent central sleep apnea (TPCSA), representing protracted periods of PAP therapy-related central apneas, was noted in 14.3%–46.2% of patients with TECSA. Delayed-TECSA (D-TECSA) represents an anomalous TECSA entity appearing weeks to months after initial PAP therapy. D-TECSA was observed in 0.7%–4.2% of OSA patients undergoing PAP treatment (after at least 1 month). In patients with TECSA, a higher apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and central apnea index at their baseline study or a higher residual AHI at their titration study may be associated with an increased likelihood of conversion to TPCSA. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, TECSA developed in 3.5%–19.8% of PAP-treated patients with OSA. The vast majority will experience complete resolution of central apneas over a few weeks to months. Unfortunately, about a third of patients with TECSA may continue to exhibit persistence of central sleep apnea on reevaluation. A small proportion may experience D-TECSA after few weeks to several months of initial exposure to PAP therapy.
Dynamic Load Balancing Based on Constrained K-D Tree Decomposition for Parallel Particle Tracing

We propose a dynamically load-balanced algorithm for parallel particle tracing, which periodically attempts to evenly redistribute particles across processes based on k-d tree decomposition. Each process is assigned with (1) a statically partitioned, axis-aligned data block that partially overlaps with neighboring blocks in other processes and (2) a dynamically determined k-d tree leaf node that bounds the active particles for computation; the bounds of the k-d tree nodes are constrained by the geometries of data blocks. Given a certain degree of overlap between blocks, our method can balance the number of particles as much as possible. Compared with other load-balancing algorithms for parallel particle tracing, the proposed method does not require any preanalysis, does not use any heuristics based on flow features, does not make any assumptions about seed distribution, does not move any data blocks during the run, and does not need any master process for work redistribution. Based on a comprehensive performance study up to 8K processes on a Blue Gene/Q system, the proposed algorithm outperforms baseline approaches in both load balance and scalability on various flow visualization and analysis problems.
Content-Priority-Aware Chunk Scheduling Over Swarm-Based P2P Live Streaming System: From Theoretical Analysis to Practical Design

In this work, we revisit two chunk, which is the smallest video data unit for scheduling and transmission, scheduling policies that are essentially mutually exclusive but beneficial for swarm-based P2P live streaming systems. The first is content-diversified oriented (cd-oriented) policy, which regards each chunk of equal importance and schedules chunks to be sent in a near-random fashion. With this approach, peers hold different parts of stream content and contribute their available bandwidth to the system. The second is importance-first oriented (if-oriented) policy, which gives each chunk a content-dependent priority, usually in a rate-distortion (RD) sense, and first schedules the highest-priority chunk to be sent. In doing so, important chunks are more likely to be successfully received before their playback; the reconstructed video quality is thus enhanced under poor network conditions. We successfully identify a simple methodology, which operates on the data availability domain, to leverage both policies. (Data availability here means the set of data units that the user can get from its source(s)). This allows us to deploy dynamic strategy switch scheduling in practical systems to further improve the received video quality of each peer. Simulation results show that our data-availability driven dynamic strategy switch not only overcomes the drawbacks of the two individual policies but also retains the benefits of both. Most importantly, it bridges the gap between rate-distortion analysis on compressed video and P2P content delivery research.
Urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder with exclusive heterologous component of epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma at metastatic site

Urothelial carcinoma of urinary bladder with divergent differentiation into rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an extremely uncommon aggressive phenomenon. We present a case of a 74-year-old male with bladder carcinoma which metastasized to the abdominal wall as epithelioid RMS. To the best knowledge of our literature searches, an oligometastasis of exclusive heterologous component has not been described before. The clinical, radiological, and immunohistochemistry profile of the patient supported the monoclonal nature of the tumor.
Nasal cytology as a screening tool in formaldehyde-exposed workers.

Background Workers in pathology and anatomy laboratories may be exposed to formaldehyde. An evaluation of the early effects of this substance is, therefore, paramount. This preliminary study was conducted to evaluate if nasal cytology could be used as a tool to detect changes in nasal mucosa in workers exposed to formaldehyde. Aims To assess whether nasal cytology was able to reveal any alteration of nasal mucosa in workers exposed to formaldehyde compared to unexposed subjects, and to ascertain whether a specific pattern of alterations correlated with years of exposure in order to evaluate long-term occupational exposure effects. Methods The study included a group of workers exposed to formaldehyde and a group of non-exposed workers. All subjects underwent clinical examination, followed by nasal cytology. Pathological indices from each rhinocytograms were compared between the two groups. Results Nasal cytology revealed a chronic inflammatory non-allergic condition in the exposed group. Qualitative analysis of data distribution of neutrophils and mucous-secreting/ciliated cells ratio showed data clustering with a cut-off set at 15 years of exposure. The mean formaldehyde concentrations ranged from <0.04 to 0.15 parts per million (ppm). The maximum levels of formaldehyde concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 0.67 ppm. Conclusions Our data indicate that nasal cytology may be a promising tool for the health surveillance of workers exposed to formaldehyde and may also represent a useful research tool for the study of the health effects of other chemicals irritants for the upper airways.
Quinolone Resistance ( qnr ) genes in Fecal Carriage of Extended Spectrum beta-Lactamases producing Enterobacteria isolated from Children in Niger

Qnr genes are known to confer a low level resistance to fluoroquinolone in Enterobacteriaceae. Their presence with other antibiotic resistance mechanism as extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) on the same plasmid are common and can spread widely. This study aimed to detect the presence of qnr genes in ESBL-producing commensal Enterobacteriaceae in 443 children aged 6 to 59 months included in a clinical trial conducted by Doctors without Borders/Epicentre at Maradi, Niger. A total of 78 strains among 163 ESBL-producing commensal Enterobacteriaceae with phenotypic resistance to quinolone were selected and identified with the API 20E identification system. A multiplex PCR with specific primers was then performed to detect the presence of qnrA, qnrB and qnrS genes. These strains included 63 E. coli and 15 Klebsiella spp. We found 42 (53.9%) of them harboring at least one qnr gene: E. coli (n=28) and Klebsiella spp (n=14) : 4 (9.5%) qnrA, 11 (26.2%) qnrB and 27 (64. 3%) qnrS. This is the first identification of qnr genes in ESBL producing commensal E. coli and Klebsiella spp in children without antibiotic therapy in the seven precedent days in Niger. These genes could be involved in the resistance to quinolones in Niger.
Incentives in Tournaments with Endogenous Prize Selection

Tournament incentive schemes offer payments dependent on relative performance and are intended thereby to motivate agents to exert productive effort. Unfortunately, however, an agent may also be tempted to degrade the production of his competitors in order to improve the own relative position. We investigate whether this sabotage problem is mitigated in a repeated interaction between the agents and the principal. As sabotage can hardly be observed in real-world organizations, we employ a controlled experiment. Our data provide clear evidence that agents' behavior is not only guided by competition between agents but also by the possibility of punishing the principal via sabotage.
EUV Hartmann sensor for wavefront measurements at the Free-electron LASer in Hamburg

A compact, self-supporting Hartmann wavefront sensor was developed for the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft x-ray range. The device is adapted to the characteristics of the Free-electron LASer in Hamburg (FLASH). It operates in a wavelength range from 6 to 30 nm with the capability to measure the wavefront quality of individual free-electron laser (FEL) pulses for beam characterization as well as for beamline alignment and monitoring behind user experiments. We report on online-Hartmann wavefront measurements at beamline BL2 with λ13. 5 nm/90 accuracy for wavefront rms (wrms). The results were used to align the ellipsoidal focusing mirror at the beamline, decreasing the residual root mean square (rms) wavefront aberrations by more than a factor of 3 to 2.6 nm. The spot size of 31 μm (x) and 27 μm (y) full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) as well as other beam parameters evaluated from wavefront and intensity data are consistent with independent profile measurements in the focal region, employing both a high-resolution EUV camera and poly(methyl metacrylate) (PMMA) imprints.
The rate and pattern of tail autotomy in five species of Puerto Rican anoles

Background: In lizards, tail autotomy is used in defence against predators. Question: Can we infer predation regime from the frequency and pattern of tail autotomy in five lizard species? Organisms: Five species of common Puerto Rican anoles: Anolis cristatellus, A. evermanni, A. gundlachi, A. krugi, and A. pulchellus. Methods: Monte Carlo simulations. Our Monte Carlo models incorporated the probability of tail loss (as opposed to mortality) during a predatory attack, the strength of the tail over its length (tail strength modelled as a heterogeneous probability of breakage among caudal vertebrae in the tail), and age-biased sampling (young lizards are more likely to have intact tails, but less likely to be included in our sample). Results: Our models exhibited good fit to the data, with the best fitting model showing a significant lack of fit in only one species. Our parameter estimates had biologically reasonable values. Our estimated rate of mortality from predatory attacks resulting in either mortality or tail injury was quite high (> 0.4 in the best fitting model) for all species. In three of the five species, the best fitting model included heterogeneity in the strength (probability of breakage) of the tail over its length, with the tail much more likely to break towards the tip than towards the base. The remaining two species (A. krugi and A. pulchellus), for which heterogeneous tail strength was not part of the best fitting model, are known from other studies to be ecologically and morphologically similar. These two also had the most similar estimated mortality rates.
Antibacterial Activity of Naturally Occurring Compounds from Selected Plants

Man is in constant contact with a large number of different bacteria which temporarily or permanently inhibit his body creating temporary or permanent community. Relations which are thus established are various and very complex, from those positive to those whose consequences for man are extremely negative. Very often, both on and in man’s body, bacteria which have the ability to cause an infection are present. This ability of pathogenic bacteria is reflected in possession of certain pathogenicity factors. A set of factors which enable successful invasion and damage of the host are: toxins, surface structures and enzymes. Between the host and the pathogen very complex relations are established whose income depends on host’s characteristics as well as on pathogen’s characteristics.
Effect of filler characteristics on radiopacity of experimental nanocomposite series*

Abstract This study evaluated the radiopacity of experimental nanocomposites and compared the values to those of human’s enamel and dentin. Three disc-shape (6 mm diameter × 1 mm thickness) specimens of each eleven nanocomposite series based on different filler particle size formulations (range of 100–1500 nm) and two shapes (spherical and irregular) were prepared in a split Teflon mold. After irradiation by a halogen light, the series were digitally radiographed (Kodak Unit imaging) along with 99.5% Aluminum step-wedge. The radiographic density in Mean Gray Values were measured, and then converted into Al (Aluminum) equivalent (mm). The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Tukey’s HSD post hoc test and independent t-test (α = 0.05). The radiopacity values varied among the nanocomposite series (p < 0.05). The highest mean Al equivalent was recorded in bi-modal irregular-shape series, I-450/1000 (RZD 111) (2.74 ± 0.41) followed by monomodal irregular-shape, I-450 (RZD 103) (2.31 ± 0.43). The lowest value was expressed by monomodal spherical-shape larger size filler series, S-1000 (RZD 105) (0.12 ± 0.02). The irregular-shape series showed more radiopacities than the spherical-shape series in a range equivalent to those of enamel and dentin. The regression analysis demonstrated a decrease in the radiopacity values with increasing filler particle size of both spherical and irregular-shape monomodal series. The shape and composition of nanofillers have an effect on radiopacity of the experimental series.
Effect of plant extracts Kitaibelia vitifolia on antioxidant activity, chemical characteristics, microbiological status and sensory properties of Pirotski kachkaval cheese

The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of cheese (Pirotski kachkaval) fortification by polyphenols attributed to Kitaibelia vitifolia ethanol herb extract, applied in two different manners (added to the cheese curd after texturizing or sprayed on surface of cheese). Investigation of the used antioxidant effects of polyphenols, physic-chemical composition, microbiological quality and sensory properties of Pirotski kachkaval was undertaken. Antioxidant activity of conventional and fortified cheese was evaluated by five contemporary and compatible methods, and revealed a slight emphasis on phenol-linked antioxidant activity of fortified samples of cheese in comparison to samples of the control group. Fortified Pirotski kachkaval had higher sensory evaluation scores than the controls. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) changes were observed in moisture content and total solids of control and modified series of cheese, but other parameters did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III 46009 i br. OI 172016]