Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding the effect of gender and age on the pattern of fat deposition in cattle

This experiment investigated changes in fat deposition, including intramuscular fat (imf), and total rib fat (subcutaneous, and intermuscular), with respect to the growth of Angus heifers and steers as they reach maturity. This was a serial slaughter experiment where 90 Angus steers and 75 heifers were grown in a feedlot and randomly allocated to a slaughter weight in a 200kg to 400kg carcass weight range. Measurements taken on each of the cattle at slaughter were total rib fat from a 6 rib fat dissection (4th/5th to 10th/11th ribs), imf content of the m. Iongissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), and Meat Standards Australia carcass grading data. Analysis of the results using general linear models showed that at any given fatness level, steers had a significantly higher level of intramuscular fat (p 0.05). There was a significantly linear increase (P<0.0001) in imf of the LTL as proportion of total dissectible fat. It can be concluded that steers are more efficient than heifers with respect to accumulation of imf, as they have a higher level of imf at the same fatness level.
Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography for interim response assessment of advanced-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a systematic review.

PURPOSE To systematically review the prognostic accuracy of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for interim response assessment of patients with untreated advanced-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Biologic Abstracts were searched for relevant studies. Two assessors independently reviewed studies for inclusion and extracted data. Relevant unpublished data were requested from the investigators if unavailable from publications. A meta-analysis of the prognostic accuracy was performed. RESULTS Thirteen studies involving 360 advanced-stage HL patients and 311 DLBCL patients met our inclusion criteria. Advanced-stage HL studies included few unfavorable-risk patients. DLBCL studies were heterogeneous. FDG-PET had an overall sensitivity of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.89) and a specificity of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94 to 0.99) for advanced-stage HL, and a sensitivity of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.87) and a specificity of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.93) for DLBCL. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses did not identify factors that affect prognostic accuracy. CONCLUSION For low- to intermediate-risk advanced-stage HL, FDG-PET performed after a few cycles of standard chemotherapy seems to be a reliable prognostic test to identify poor responders, warranting prospective studies to assess PET-based treatment strategies. For DLBCL, no reliable conclusions can be drawn due to heterogeneity. Interim PET remains an unproven test for routine clinical practice. Its use should be reserved for research settings where treatment regimens and imaging conditions are standardized.
Strong context‐dependent virulence in a host–parasite system: reconciling genetic evidence with theory

Summary 1 Parasites can have dramatic effects on the ecology of their hosts. Such strong host–parasite interactions are the result of either parasites with generally high virulence, or generally benign parasites that nevertheless express context-dependent virulence. Theoretically, one indication that an apparently benign parasite nevertheless has a large impact on its host should be the existence of strong genotypic interactions between host and parasite. 2 Crithidia bombi (Trypanosomatidae) is a highly prevalent but generally benign gut parasite of the bumble-bee Bombus terrestris. The demonstration of strong genotypic interactions between C. bombi and B. terrestris, however, suggests that context-dependent virulence may have a large impact on the host population. We thus investigated the effects of C. bombi across the entire life cycle of its host, including the stressful times of hibernation and colony-founding. Owing to the high prevalence and rates of transmission of the parasite in field populations, we used a large-scale laboratory experiment. 3 Under stressful hibernation, infected queens lost more mass. Infection also significantly reduced colony-founding success, colony size, male production and overall fitness, by up to 40%. These findings show that strong genotypic host–parasite interactions may indeed be a reliable indicator that apparently benign and highly prevalent parasites are nevertheless exerting a dramatic impact on their host populations.
Factors influencing cloud computing adoption in small medium enterprises

Cloud computing offers information technology (IT) infrastructure, platform, and various applications via the Internet with minimum start-up cost, network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources, and pay-per-use services. Although the potential for cloud computing is evident and much of the extant research has been carried out on cloud computing adoption, empirical studies on the factors that influence cloud computing adoption in the Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are, however, lacking. The objective of this study was to examine the factors that influence cloud computing adoption by the SMEs. We conducted a quantitative survey-based study to examine the relationship between perceived benefits, top management support, IT resources, external pressure, and cloud computing adoption. A free-form comment provided at the end of each section of the survey questionnaire was treated as qualitative data. We find that IT resources and external pressure significantly influence cloud computing adoption. Nonetheless, there is not enough evidence to support perceived benefits and top management support as significant factors of cloud computing adoption.
Characterization of Functional Domains of the Eukaryotic Co-chaperone Hip*

The homo-oligomeric Hip protein cooperates with the 70-kDa heat shock cognate Hsc70 in the folding of newly synthesized polypeptide chains and in the conformational regulation of signaling molecules known to interact with Hsc70 and Hsp90. In order to further assess the role of Hip during protein biogenesis, a structure-function analysis of the Hip protein was initiated. By employing the yeast two-hybrid system, the Hsc70-binding site of Hip was mapped to a domain comprising multiple tetratricopeptide repeats and flanking charged α-helices. Affinity chromatography confirmed direct interaction of isolated Hip fragments and protein fusions bearing this region with the ATPase domain of Hsc70 in an ATP- and salt-dependent manner. Contact of Hip with the ATPase domain appears to be mediated primarily by the positively charged α-helix following the tetratricopeptide repeats. Furthermore, a domain required for homo-oligomerization was identified at the extreme amino terminus of Hip.
Resource location for relief distribution and victim evacuation after a sudden-onset disaster

Abstract Quick responses to sudden-onset disasters and the effective allocation of rescue and relief resources are vital for saving lives and reducing the suffering of the victims. This article deals with the problem of positioning medical and relief distribution facilities after a sudden-onset disaster event. The background of this study is the situation in Padang Pariaman District after the West Sumatra earthquake. Three models are built for the resource location and deployment decisions. The first model reflects current practice where relief distribution and victim evacuation are performed separately and relief is distributed by distribution centers within administrative boundaries. The second model allows relief to be distributed across boundaries by any distribution center. The third model further breaks down functional barriers to allow the evacuation and relief distribution operations share vehicles. These models are solved directly for small problems and by using a direct approach as well as heuristics for large problems. Test results on small problems show that resource sharing measures, both across boundaries and across different functions, improve on current practice. For large problems, the results give similar conclusions to those for small problems when each model is solved using its own best approach.
Comparison of isolates of Sporothrix schenckii obtained from fixed cutaneous lesions with isolates from other types of lesions.

Thirty-four clinical isolates of Sporothrix schenckii were studied for their temperature sensitivity and morphology in vitro. Four selected isolates were also studied for their morphology and growth rate in vivo. Conidia from 26 clinical isolates obtained from lymphocutaneous or extracutaneous lesions formed colonies at both 35 C and 37 C in vitro within five days. Conidia from eight isolates obtained from fixed cutaneous lesions (nonlymphangitic) formed colonies at 35 C but failed to do so at 37 C during a two-week incubation period. Studies of the growth rate at 25 C and morphology in vitro did not show any clear differences between the two groups of isolates. When the isolates that grew at 37 C were injected into mice by the intraperitoneal route, the organisms multiplied well in the internal organs but multiplied even better in the testes. Mice developed skin lesions on paws and tails within 72 days after injection. When the isolates that did not grow at 37 C were injected into mice by the same route, the organisms did not multiply in the internal organs but grew well in the testes. These mice did not develop any skin lesions during the 72day observation period. Epidermal or intradermal inoculation of conidia into guinea pigs showed that the isolates capable of growth at 37 C produced skin lesions with a lower concentration of conidia than the isolates not growing at 37 C. Of four additional isolates from natural sources, three grew at 37 C in vitro. Cutaneous sporotrichosis is a chronic mycosis caused by Sporothrix schenckii. The most common method of acquisition is traumatic implan
Prevalence of alcohol use and the interventions needed among adults: A community study in a rural area in South India

Background: The health issues and social problems associated with alcohol use are well known. This study seeks to identify the prevalence of alcohol consumption and dependence among alcohol users in a rural area of Trivandrum district. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of alcohol use among adults of Nellanad Panchayat, a rural area in Trivandrum, Kerala, to find out the interventions required among the alcohol users, and to identify persons with harmful and hazardous use of alcohol using AUDIT. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study in Nellanad Panchayat, Trivandrum district, Kerala. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 1545 residents in Nellanad Panchayat, a rural area in Kerala, by interviewing adults with the help of a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: The overall prevalence of current alcohol use was 146 (9.5%). The prevalence among males was 143 (18.3%) and females was 3 (0.4%). ASSIST scores showed that 99 (50%) of ever users required health education, 74 (37.8%) required counseling, whereas 23 (11.7%) required de-addiction. Conclusions: Among males, the alcohol consumption is still as high as 18.3%. The most important factor affecting alcohol use is peer pressure. Health education is the most required intervention to reduce burden of alcohol use.
PERAN PERKEMBANGAN TEKNOLOGI DIGITAL PADA STRATEGI PEMASARAN DAN JALUR DISTRIBUSI UMKM DI INDONESIA

The aim of this study is to describe the interchanging role of digital marketing and traditional marketing as the key marketing strategi and marketing mix of the Small Medium Enterprise in Indonesia. The study using qualitative descriptive methods with case study ‘Kepiting Nyinyir’, one of Small Medium Enterprise in Jakarta. The result of this study found significant role of digital technology supported the distribution channel of Small Medium Enterprise to expand the business. Digital marketing as the new concept and perspective is interchanging the role of traditional marketing by balancing online and offline activities. The interchanging role of digital marketing and traditional marketing showed shifting in marketing strategy, from segmentation and targeting to customer community confirmation, brand positioning & differentiation to brand clarification of character and codification, tactical marketing mix (product, place, price & promotion) to connected marketing mix (co-creation, communal activation, currency & conversation).
Induction of Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma Cell Proliferation by Estrogen Is Associated with an Altered Expression of Bcl‐xL

PURPOSEOne of the features of thyroid carcinoma is its predilection for women of reproductive age relative to men. An increased risk has also been documented in women who have used estrogens for gynecologic reasons. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism by which sex hormones contribute to the development of thyroid carcinoma, which is not well understood at present. MATERIALS AND METHODSIn this study, we investigated the effects of estradiol and testosterone on cell proliferation in a human thyroid papillary carcinoma cell line (KAT5) by MTT assay. We also studied the expression of estrogen receptors and the levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL protein, pro-apoptotic Bax protein, and messenger RNA in the cells by Western blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTSThe results showed that estradiol promotes cell proliferation when compared with cells treated with testosterone and untreated cells, and that the growth-promoting effect of estradiol was attenuated by tamoxifen. The expression of Bcl-xL was markedly increased in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in an elevated ratio of Bcl-xL to Bax. DISCUSSIONWe conclude that estradiol promotes KAT5 cell proliferation and that the underlying mechanism may be associated with up-regulation of Bcl-xL expression. The data provide insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the epidemiologic data that shows a two- to threefold increased prevalence of thyroid carcinoma in women relative to men. From the therapeutic point of view, the finding that estradiol enhances anti-apoptotic signaling pathways may be significant in the search for novel prevention and treatment strategies of thyroid carcinomas.
1-1-2014 Inference for Approximating Regression Models

The assumptions underlying the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model are regularly and sometimes severely violated. In consequence, inferential procedures presumed valid for OLS are invalidated in practice. We describe a framework that is robust to model violations, and describe the modifications to the classical inferential procedures necessary to preserve inferential validity. As the covariates are assumed to be stochastically generated ("Random-X"), the sought after criterion for coverage becomes marginal rather than conditional. We focus on slopes, mean responses, and individual future observations. For slopes and mean responses, the targets of inference are redefined by means of least squares regression at the population level. The partial slopes that that regression defines, rather than the slopes of an assumed linear model, become the population quantities of interest, and they can be estimated unbiasedly. Under this framework, we estimate the Average Treatment Effect (ATE) in Randomized Controlled Studies (RCTs), and derive an estimator more efficient than one commonly used. We express the ATE as a slope coefficient in a population regression and immediately prove unbiasedness that way. For the mean response, the conditional value of the best least squares approximation to the response surface in the population rather than the conditional value of y, is aimed to be captured. A calibration through pairs bootstrap can markedly improve such coverage. Moving to observations, we show that when attempting to cover future individual responses, a simple in-sample calibration technique that widens the empirical interval to contain $(1-\alpha)*100\%$ of the sample residuals is asymptotically valid, even in the face of gross model violations. OLS is startlingly robust to model departures when a future y needs to be covered, but nonlinearity, combined with a skewed X-distribution, can severely undermine coverage of the mean response. Our ATE estimator dominates the common estimator, and the stronger the R squared of the regression of a patient's response on covariates, treatment indicator, and interactions, the better our estimator's relative performance. By considering a regression model as a semiparametric approximation to a stochastic mechanism, and not as its description, we rest assured that a coverage guarantee is a coverage guarantee. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Statistics First Advisor Lawrence D. Brown
Collagen type VI in neural crest development: Distribution in situ and interaction with cells in vitro

We have examined the spatiotemporal distribution of collagen type VI (Col VI) during neural crest development in vivo and its ability to promote neural crest cell attachment and migration in vitro. An affinity purified antiserum and chain‐specific monoclonal antibodies against chicken Col VI were employed to immunolocalize the collagen in tissue sections and by immunoblotting. At stages of initial neural crest cell migration, the α1(VI) and α2(VI) chains were immunolocalized in apposition with basement membrances of the neural tube, somites, notochord and ectoderm, whereas no immunoreactivity was seen for the α3(VI) chain. Immunoblotting analysis confirmed the expression of α1(VI) and α2(VI) chains and the lack of detectable immunoreactivity for the α3(VI) chain at these early phases of neural crest development. Conversely, at advanced phases of migration and following gangliogenesis, expression of α3(VI) chain coincided with that of α1(VI) and α2(VI) chains in apposition with basement membrances, around the dorsal root ganglia, and in fibrillar arrangements within the developing dermis and ventral sclerotome. The ability of Col VI to promote neural crest cell attachment and migration was tested in vitro using quantitative assays for these processes. Both native microfilaments and isolated tetramers of Col VI strongly promoted neural crest cell attachment and migration. Optimal stimulation of neural crest cell adhesion and migration was dependent upon structural integrity of Col VI since unfolded and disassembled α chains only weakly promoted cell attachment and were virtually inactive in supporting cell movement. The importance of a native macromolecular organization of Col VI further was analyzed in experiments in which dissociated tetramers were reassociated by Ca2+‐ and temperature‐dependent self‐aggregation. In contrast to native microfilaments, these oligomeric complexes were less effective in promoting neural crest cell movement, but still retained the ability to stimulate maximal cell attachment. The results indicate that Col VI is a primary component of the extracellular matrix deposited along neural crest migratory pathways, where it may participate in the regulation of cell movement by functioning as a migratory substrate. The ability of Col VI to promote neural crest cell adhesion and motility is highly dependent upon maintainance of a native macromolecular arrangement. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multiple functions of cation-chloride cotransporters in the fish retina

A GABA- or glycine-induced increase in Cl− permeability can produce either a depolarization or hyperpolarization, depending on the Cl− equilibrium potential. It has been shown that retinal neurons express the chloride cotransporters, Na-K-2Cl (NKCC) and K-Cl (KCC), the primary molecular mechanisms that control the intracellular Cl− concentration. We thus studied (1) the localization of these cotransporters in the fish retina, and (2) how suppression of cotransporter activity in the fish retina affects function. Specific antibodies against NKCC and KCC2 revealed that both cotransporters were expressed in the outer and inner plexiform layers, and colocalized in many putative amacrine cells and in cells of the ganglion cell layer. However, the somata of putative horizontal cells displayed only NKCC immunoreactivity and many bipolar cells were only immunopositive for KCC2. In the outer retina, application of bumetanide, a specific inhibitor of NKCC activity, (1) increased the steady-state extracellular concentration of K+ ([K+]o) and enhanced the light-induced decrease in the [K+]o, (2) increased the sPIII photoreceptor-dependent component of the ERG, and (3) reduced the extracellular space volume. In contrast, in the outer retina, application of furosemide, a specific inhibitor of KCC activity, decreased sPIII and the light-induced reduction in [K+]o, but had little effect on steady-state [K+]o. In the inner retina, bumetanide increased the sustained component of the light-induced increase in [K+]o. These findings thus indicate that NKCC and KCC2 control the [K+]o and extracellular space volume in the retina in addition to regulating GABA- and glycine-mediated synaptic transmission. In addition, the anatomical and electrophysiological results together suggest that all of the major neuronal types in the fish retina are influenced by chloride cotransporter activity.
Bifactor Modeling of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) in a Chilean Sample

The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions evaluates executive functioning through the observation of students’ performance in real contexts. Most psychometric studies of the scale have only tested the first-order structure, despite the hierarchical configuration of its theoretical model. A bifactor model was conducted on a normative sample of 5- to 18-year-old Chileans (M age = 11.3 years, SD = 3.7) to test a hierarchical structure of three first-order factors and an independent second-order factor. Bifactor analyses showed best fit for the proposed hierarchical structure. Findings supported a method to evaluate executive functioning models that provides a general global factor score that may complement existing indices and thus help clinicians to make better inferences.
Does the rhetoric always hide bad intention: annual report’s tone and stock crash risk

ABSTRACT In this paper, by examining the relationship between tone and stock crash risk, we investigate whether tone embedded in annual reports transmits information to the market or it is just a way of impressing management. We consider the optimism of tone as the construct of public information received by investors, and the truthfulness of tone as the construct of private information held by the management, respectively. We find that, overall, the optimism of tone in the annual report has no significant impact on stock crash risk in the year following the release of the annual report. However, after taking the truthfulness of tone into account, we find that when the tone is not true, the stock crash risk in the following year will increase if tone becomes more optimistic, indicating that an overly positive tone is likely to be the result of management hiding some bad news or releasing false good news for their self-interest. On the other hand, when the tone in annual reports is true, the positive correlation between tone and crash risk will be significantly suppressed, indicating that positive language expresses managers’ real thoughts, without bad intention.