Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Production Planning & Control: the Management of Operations a Knowledge Chain Management Framework to Support Integrated Decisions in Global Supply Chains a Knowledge Chain Management Framework to Support Integrated Decisions in Global Supply Chains

Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the " Content ") contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. Knowledge management has been identified as a key enabler to achieve organisation's value chain competitiveness. It, however, has been facing fresh challenges in a global supply chain setting. This paper proposes a global knowledge chain management (GKCM) framework that identifies and prioritises critical knowledge that a global supply chain can focus on to support integrated decisions. The framework explores three types of global context knowledge, namely global market knowledge, global capacity knowledge and global supply network configuration knowledge. Empirical study has been undertaken within the manufacturing industry to evaluate the GKCM framework. Analytic network process has been explored as a key method to assess the importance of the global knowledge constructs from supply chain managers' perspectives. A key contribution of the paper is that it advances existing knowledge chain management approaches within one organisation and its local supply chain to include the global context knowledge applicable to global manufacturing settings, and highlights how the GKCM framework can support global supply chain integrated decisions. 1. Introduction Global supply chains are now the approach of choice for most large companies, as the expansion of local supply chains into global supply chains has opened access not only to new markets but also new sources of supply (Crandall, Crandall, and Chen 2010). Management decisions in global supply chains face the challenges of complexity and uncertainty resulting from various internal and external factors, whether they are governmental, geo-economic or cultural. In practice, the global operation of many supply chains remains disintegrated, disconnected and non-spontaneous. It is important to understand the relevance …
Spatial quantitation of FISH signals in diploid versus aneuploid nuclei

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the most widely used molecular technique to visualize chromosomal abnormalities. Here, we describe a novel 3D modeling approach to allow precise shape estimation and localization of FISH signals in the nucleus of human embryonic stem cells (hES) undergoing progressive but defined aneuploidy. The hES cell line WA09 acquires an extra copy of chromosome 12 in culture with increasing passages. Both diploid and aneuploid nuclei were analyzed to quantitate the differences in the localization of centromeric FISH signals for chromosome 12 as it transitions from euploidy to aneuploidy. We employed superquadric modeling primitives coupled with principal component analysis to determine the 3D position of FISH signals within the nucleus. A novel aspect of our modeling approach is that it allows comparison of FISH signals across multiple cells by normalizing the position of the centromeric signals relative to a reference landmark in oriented nuclei. Using this model we present evidence of changes in the relative positioning of centromeres in trisomy‐12 cells when compared with diploid cells from the same population. Our analysis also suggests a significant change in the spatial distribution of at least one of the FISH signals in the aneuploid chromosome complements implicating that an overall change in centromere position may occur in trisomy‐12 due to the addition of an extra chromosome. These studies underscore the unique utility of our modeling algorithms in quantifying FISH signals in three dimensions. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Accessor Variety Criteria for Chinese Word Extraction

We are interested in the problem of word extraction from Chinese text collections. We define a word to be a meaningful string composed of several Chinese characters. For example, percent, and, more and more, are not recognized as traditional Chinese words from the viewpoint of some people. However, in our work, they are words because they are very widely used and have specific meanings. We start with the viewpoint that a word is a distinguished linguistic entity that can be used in many different language environments. We consider the characters that are directly before a string (predecessors) and the characters that are directly after a string (successors) as important factors for determining the independence of the string. We call such characters accessors of the string, consider the number of distinct predecessors and successors of a string in a large corpus (TREC 5 and TREC 6 documents), and use them as the measurement of the context independency of a string from the rest of the sentences in the document. Our experiments confirm our hypothesis and show that this simple rule gives quite good results for Chinese word extraction and is comparable to, and for long words outperforms, other iterative methods.
Digital tomosynthesis for bone erosion scoring in gout: comparison with plain radiography and computed tomography.

Digital tomosynthesis for bone erosion scoring in gout: comparison with plain radiography and computed tomography SIR, CT is the current gold standard for the assessment of bone erosion in inflammatory arthritis [1]. However, CT is costly and requires large radiation doses. Digital tomo-synthesis is a recently developed imaging method in which multiple projected images obtained at different angles are collected with a digital detector [2, 3]. These cross-sectional images are used to reconstruct three-dimensional images of the scanned object. Several recent studies have reported that tomosynthesis allows low-cost, low-radiation detection of bone erosion in RA [4, 5]. Bone erosion is a frequent complication of tophaceous gout. The radiographic appearance of gouty erosions differs from that of RA, with sclerotic edges, overhanging margins and preserved periarticular bone [6]. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and reproduci-bility of digital tomosynthesis compared with plain radiography (XR) and CT for the scoring of bone erosion in gout. Thirty-six people with gout were prospectively recruited from rheumatology outpatient clinics in Auckland, New Zealand (97% male, mean disease duration 18 years, 78% with s.c. tophi). All participants had gout according to the 1977 ARA classification criteria. XR and CT scans of the dominant wrist were obtained as previously reported [7]. Tomosynthesis was performed on the same day using a commercially available tomosynthesis unit (Volume RAD, (Fig. 1). A coronal projection was acquired, with the X-ray tube moving in an arc of 40 relative to a fixed solid-state detector. Focal spot size was 0.6 mm. The exposure factors were a tube voltage of 50 kV and current of 100 mA with a total exposure time of 6.3 s. The tomographic layer height was 35 mm, yielding 30 partitions of 1-mm nominal thickness. This study was approved by the New Zealand Ministry of Health Ethics Committee. All patients provided written informed consent according to the Declaration of Helsinki. Each image was scored separately by at least two readers for bone erosion using semi-quantitative volume assessment using sites and scoring as for the RA MRI score erosion method for the wrist [8]. XRs were scored by a musculoskeletal radiologist [A.G. (reader 1)] and a rheumatologist with experience in scoring XRs [N.D. (reader 2)]. The tomosynthesis images were scored by three musculoskeletal radiologists [reader 1, M.R. (reader 3) and A.D. (reader 4)] and the CT images were scored by two musculoskeletal radiologists (readers 1 and 3). …
Emerging Themes in Epidemiology Open Access Analytic Perspective Propensity Scores in the Presence of Effect Modification: a Case Study Using the Comparison of Mortality on Hemodialysis versus Peritoneal Dialysis

Purpose: To control for confounding bias from non-random treatment assignment in observational data, both traditional multivariable models and more recently propensity score approaches have been applied. Our aim was to compare a propensity score-stratified model with a traditional multivariable-adjusted model, specifically in estimating survival of hemodialysis (HD) versus peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: Using the Dutch End-Stage Renal Disease Registry, we constructed a propensity score, predicting PD assignment from age, gender, primary renal disease, center of dialysis, and year of first renal replacement therapy. We developed two Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate survival on PD relative to HD, a propensity score-stratified model stratifying on the propensity score and a multivariable-adjusted model, and tested several interaction terms in both models. Results: The propensity score performed well: it showed a reasonable fit, had a good c-statistic, calibrated well and balanced the covariates. The main-effects multivariable-adjusted model and the propensity score-stratified univariable Cox model resulted in similar relative mortality risk estimates of PD compared with HD (0.99 and 0.97, respectively) with fewer significant covariates in the propensity model. After introducing the missing interaction variables for effect modification in both models, the mortality risk estimates for both main effects and interactions remained comparable, but the propensity score model had nearly as many covariates because of the additional interaction variables. Conclusion: Although the propensity score performed well, it did not alter the treatment effect in the outcome model and lost its advantage of parsimony in the presence of effect modification. Introduction Using observational data to compare outcomes associated with different treatments may result in biased estimates because of non-random treatment assignment. To correct for variables that may confound an association, the traditional approach is to apply multivariable-adjusted modeling, but in recent years, use of propensity scores has become increasingly popular [1]. The concept of a multivariate confounder score was first introduced
Molecular Imaging Approaches to the Evaluation of Infectious Diseases- A Prospective Assessment

Abstract : Molecular imaging, primarily defined as nuclear and optical imaging have been used extensively in neuroscience, cardiovascular, inflammation and oncology research to evaluate disease progression and drug intervention. Opportunities exist to extend the use of the tools developed for the above disease areas into infectious diseases caused by lethal and debilitating BSL3/4 pathogens such as alphaviruses and filoviruses. Virus distribution and replication can be monitored in animal models preclinically using reengineered pathogens containing nuclear or optical bioreporters. Use of the bioreporters will establish the tissue burden of virus, provide a means of assessing the effect of direct antiviral agents on pathogen replication and identify reservoirs of virus that may appear late in the disease that are left unaffected by drug therapy. Measuring tissue viral levels by imaging more directly assesses the degree of infection and when related to tissue levels of a PET radiolabeled drug, a relationship between plasma and tissue drug and virus levels can be established to better direct therapeutic intervention. The consequences of infection can be assessed dynamically using specific PET/SPECT tracers developed to assess inflammation, hypoxia, metabolism, perfusion, apoptosis, hemorrhage and end organ damage. Colocalization of radiolabeled drug, virus and changes in tissue function can be used to define the stage of disease progression, monitor drug efficacy and allow for a greater mechanistic understanding of the viral infection. Given the sensitivity and specificity of molecular imaging approaches, coupling measures of viral load, tissue response and proteomic and genomic biomarker approaches may better define markers of BSL3/4 infection and disease progression.
A selective amplifier gene for tamoxifen‐inducible expansion of hematopoietic cells

We have developed a novel system for expansion of gene‐modified hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells to overcome the low efficiency of current gene transfer methodology. This system involves ‘selective amplifier genes’, that encode fusion proteins between the granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor receptor (GCR) and the hormone‐binding domain of estrogen receptor (ER). Hematopoietic progenitors expressing the chimeras showed estrogen‐responsive growth in a controllable manner. However, endogenous estrogen may activate the fusion proteins in vivo, depending on the hormonal status of the subjects.
Machine Meets Man: Evaluating the Psychological Reality of Corpus-based Probabilistic Models

Abstract Linguistic convention typically allows speakers several options. Evidence is accumulating that the various options are preferred in different contexts, yet the criteria governing the selection of the appropriate form are often far from obvious. Most researchers who attempt to discover the factors determining a preference rely on the linguistic analysis and statistical modeling of data extracted from large corpora. In this paper, we address the question of how to evaluate such models and explicitly compare the performance of a statistical model derived from a corpus with that of native speakers in selecting one of six Russian TRY verbs. Building on earlier work we trained a polytomous logistic regression model to predict verb choice given the sentential context. We compare the predictions the model makes for 60 unseen sentences to the choices adult native speakers make in those same sentences. We then look in more detail at the interplay of the contextual properties and model computationally how individual differences in assessing the importance of contextual properties may impact the linguistic knowledge of native speakers. Finally, we compare the probability the model assigns to encountering each of the six verbs in the 60 test sentences to the acceptability ratings the adult native speakers give to those sentences. We discuss the implications of our findings for both usage-based theory and empirical linguistic methodology.
Fitting the pieces together: current research on the genetic basis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly disruptive childhood-onset disorder that often persists into adolescence and adulthood. Comorbidity with other problems, such as autism, dyslexia and conduct disorder (CD) is very common. Although little is known about the pathophysiology of ADHD, family, twin and adoption studies have shown that it is highly heritable. Whole genome linkage studies suggest there are no common susceptibility genes of moderate effect size. Most published research has been based on functional candidate gene studies. The most consistent evidence for association with ADHD relates to a dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene variable number tandem repeat (VNTR), a dopamine D5 receptor (DRD5) gene microsatellite and a dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene VNTR. In addition, the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) val158/108 met variant has been shown to increase risk for associated antisocial behavior. The first genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of ADHD have been completed and although larger studies are still required to detect common risk variants, novel risk pathways are being suggested for ADHD. Further research on the contribution of rare variants, larger genome-wide association and sequencing studies and ADHD phenotype refinement is now needed.
Aspergillus lentulus sp. nov., a New Sibling Species of A. fumigatus

ABSTRACT In a prior study, we identified seven clinical isolates of an Aspergillus sp. that were slow to sporulate in multiple media and demonstrated decreased in vitro susceptibilities to multiple antifungals, including amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, and caspofungin. These isolates were initially considered to be variants of Aspergillus fumigatus because of differences in mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences and unique randomly amplified polymorphic DNA PCR patterns (S. A. Balajee, M. Weaver, A. Imhof, J. Gribskov, and K. A. Marr, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 48: 1197-1203, 2004). The present study was performed to clarify the taxonomic status of these organisms by phylogenetic analyses based on multilocus sequence typing of five genes (the β-tubulin gene, the rodlet A gene, the salt-responsive gene, the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, and the internal transcribed spacer regions). Results revealed that four of the seven variant isolates clustered together in a clade very distant from A. fumigatus and distinct from other members of the A. fumigatus group. This new clade, consisting of four members, was monophyletic with strong bootstrap support when the protein-encoding regions were analyzed, indicating a new species status under the phylogenetic species concept. Phenotype studies revealed that the variant isolate has smaller conidial heads with diminutive vesicles compared to A. fumigatus and is not able to survive at 48°C. Our findings suggest the presence of a previously unrecognized, potentially drug-resistant Aspergillus species that we designate A. lentulus.
A healthy Nordic diet and physical performance in old age: findings from the longitudinal Helsinki Birth Cohort Study

Abstract Epidemiological studies have shown that a number of nutrients are associated with better physical performance. However, little is still known about the role of the whole diet, particularly a healthy Nordic diet, in relation to physical performance. Therefore, we examined whether a healthy Nordic diet was associated with measures of physical performance 10 years later. We studied 1072 participants from the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study. Participants’ diet was assessed using a validated 128-item FFQ at the mean age of 61 years, and a priori-defined Nordic diet score (NDS) was calculated. The score included Nordic fruits and berries, vegetables, cereals, PUFA:SFA and trans-fatty acids ratio, low-fat milk, fish, red and processed meat, total fat and alcohol. At the mean age of 71 years, participants’ physical performance was measured using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT), and an overall SFT score was calculated. Women in the highest fourth of the NDS had on average 5 points higher SFT score compared with those in the lowest fourth (P for trend 0·005). No such association was observed in men. Women with the highest score had 17 % better result in the 6-min walk test, 16 % better arm curl and 20 % better chair stand results compared with those with the lowest score (all P values<0·01). In conclusion, a healthy Nordic diet was associated with better overall physical performance among women and might help decrease the risk of disability in old age.
QT interval variations and mortality risk: Is there any relationship?

Abnormal prolongation and shortening of the electrocardiographic QT interval duration, which occur in the hereditary forms of long and short QT syndromes, are associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Even within the normal range, these altered durations are associated with an increased mortality risk in the general population. While extreme prolongation or reduction of the QT interval predisposes patients to malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, the precise dose-response relationship between the QT interval and cardiovascular disease mortality is still unknown. This paper describes the need for more standardized methods for measuring and reporting the QT interval and the need for more precise assessments of the risk associated with QT interval variation.
INVITED REVIEW: Plant self‐incompatibility in natural populations: a critical assessment of recent theoretical and empirical advances

Self‐incompatibility systems in plants are genetic systems that prevent self‐fertilization in hermaphrodites through recognition and rejection of pollen expressing the same allelic specificity as that expressed in the pistils. The evolutionary properties of these self‐recognition systems have been revealed through a fascinating interplay between empirical advances and theoretical developments. In 1939, Wright suggested that the main evolutionary force driving the genetic and molecular properties of these systems was strong negative frequency‐dependent selection acting on pollination success. The empirical observation of high allelic diversity at the self‐incompatibility locus in several species, followed by the discovery of very high molecular divergence among alleles in all plant families where the locus has been identified, supported Wright's initial theoretical predictions as well as many of its later developments. In the last decade, however, advances in the molecular characterization of the incompatibility reaction and in the analysis of allelic frequencies and allelic divergence from natural populations have stimulated new theoretical investigations that challenged some important assumptions of Wright's model of gametophytic self‐incompatibility. We here review some of these recent empirical and theoretical advances that investigated: (i) the hypothesis that S‐alleles are selectively equivalent, and the evolutionary consequences of genetic interactions between alleles; (ii) the occurrence of frequency‐dependent selection in female fertility; (iii) the evolutionary genetics of self‐incompatibility systems in subdivided populations; (iv) the evolutionary implications of the self‐incompatibility locus's genetic architecture; and (v) of its interactions with the genomic environment.
Meconium microbiome as a new source of information about long-term health and disease: questions and answers

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the diagnostic role of meconium microbiota as a source of information about the intrauterine environment of the developing fetus and possibly health and disease in later life. Methods: The literature review of over 30 papers published in international journals in the years 2001–2017, on the bacterial composition of meconium and early feces, investigated by metagenomic DNA sequencing in experimental studies on animals and clinical studies in neonates born after normal and pathological pregnancies. Results: The bacterial composition of meconium reflects the in utero microbial environment. Bacterial colonization of the fetal gut is a source of microbial stimulation and may provide a primary signal for the maturation of a balanced postnatal innate and adaptive immune system. Clarification of a possible relationship between the presence of specific bacteria in meconium and their active role in the abnormal course of pregnancy may improve our knowledge of the pathomechanisms modifying the intrauterine environment with short- and long-term effects on the immune system and metabolic pathways. Conclusion: Diversified intrauterine microbiome may modify the environment of the developing fetus with possible short- and long-term impact on the individual’s health and disease. Meconium which provides the individual-specific information about the intrauterine microbiome composition is a biological material with potential uses in routine clinical diagnostic practice.