Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plankton Multiproxy Analyses in the Northern Patagonian Shelf, Argentina: Community Structure, Phycotoxins, and Characterization of Toxic Alexandrium Strains

The extensive Argentine continental shelf supports high plankton productivity and fish catches. In particular, El Rincon coastal area and the adjacent shelf fronts (38.5–42o S, 58.5–62o W) comprise diverse habitats and hold species of economic and ecological value. So far, studies of the microbial community at the base of the food web remain scarce. Here we describe the early spring plankton (>5-200 µm) structure in terms of abundance, biomass, species composition, functional groups and phycotoxin profiles in surface waters of El Rincon in September 2015. Diatoms were the most abundant and the largest contributors to carbon biomass at most stations. They dominated in coastal and inner-shelf (depths 20 µm) heterotrophic protists, e.g. various ciliates and dinoflagellates species were more abundant offshore. Scanning of phycotoxins in the field disclosed that paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins were dominated by gonyautoxins-1/4 (GTX1/4). Lipophilic toxins were detected in low abundance, e.g. domoic acid (DA), although a bloom of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. (up to 3.6 x 105 cells L-1) was detected at inner-shelf stations. Pectenotoxin-2 (PTX-2) and 13-desmethyl spirolide C (SPX-1) were the most abundant in the field. PTX-2 co-occurred with Dinophysis spp. , mainly D. tripos, while SPX-1 dominated at middle-shelf stations, where cells of Alexandrium catenella (1 strain) and A. ostenfeldii (3 strains) were isolated. The quantitative PSP profiles of the Alexandrium strains differed significantly from the field profiles. Moreover, the three A. ostenfeldii strains proved to be PSP producers and additionally produced 5 novel spirolides. Phylogenetic analyses of these first strains from the South Atlantic disclosed a new ribotype group suggesting a biogeographical distinction of the population. The plankton survey presented here contributes with baseline knowledge to evaluate potential ecosystem changes and to track the global distribution of toxigenic species.
HPnGs go Non-Linear: Statistical Dependability Evaluation of Battery-Powered Systems

Hybrid Petri nets with general transitions (HPnGs) provide a formalism for modeling safety-critical systems and evaluating their dependability with means of model checking. HPnGs form a restricted subclass of Stochastic Hybrid Automata and allow discrete, continuous and stochastic variables. Previously, discrete-event simulation and Statistical Model Checking (SMC) have been used to overcome the restrictions of existing analytical approaches, e.g., to a limited number of random variables. Also when simulating, the evolution of continuous variables has been restricted to piecewise-linear trajectories, where derivatives do not change between two events. Here, we extend the modeling formalism, the simulation and SMC approach to variables with a non-linear continuous evolution. The core idea of this extension lies in transforming the input system into a so-called second-order quantized state system. A case study on the Kinetic Battery Model validates our approach by comparing results to those obtained by Matlab.
Loan Default Prediction Using Diversified Sensitivity Undersampling

The loan default prediction is to predict rather the borrower will delay the repayment or not. This is an important problem for banking and finance companies. In this study, we focus on dealing with the data imbalance problem to enhance the performance of the loan default prediction. The approach in this study is a hybrid undersampling method that combines the clustering, the stochastic sensitivity measure and the radial basis function neural networks. A real loan default data from a P2P company in China is used to valid the performance of our method. Experiments results demonstrate that our approach yields a better generalization performance.
Doing it All? Mothers' College Enrollment, Time Use, and Affective Well-being.

The rising share of women in college with dependent children and growing emphasis on two-generation policies for reducing socioeconomic inequality have galvanized research aimed at determining whether mothers' increased education can improve their and their children's well-being. Yet as part of this effort, scholars have overlooked signs that mothers' college enrollment may not be unequivocally good for families. This research brief aims to bring greater attention to this "side of the story. " To do so, we analyze time diary (2003-2015) and well-being data (2010, 2011, 2013) from the American Time Use Survey. We find that mothers in college experience a time squeeze that limits their time in caregiving, self-care, and work, on one hand, and school-related activities on the other. This time squeeze may explain why mothers enrolled in college (compared to mothers who were not in school) also reported less happiness and more fatigue during activities with their children.
A Novel Resection–Intersection Algorithm With Fast Triangulation Applied to Monocular Visual Odometry

This paper proposes a new technique for two-view camera pose estimation applied to vehicular monocular visual odometry. The proposed method is based on the resection–intersection concept using Gauss–Newton non-linear regression to minimize projection residuals. Different from other solutions, the proposed method does not suppose fixed positions of points during resection but rather takes into account the adjustment in the 3-D position of points when calculating the new camera pose increment. A simplified fast two-view triangulation method is used to mitigate the cost of intense 3-D point position recalculation. The method is integrated into a monocular visual odometry solution and tested on the KITTI public dataset. The final system does not use loop closing or key frame selection, and RANSAC is replaced by sequential backward selection. The resection–intersection method presents robustness to errors in initial camera pose and rapid convergence rate, reaching the final camera pose in up to three iterations in 65% of the cases. A single thread Python/OpenCV implementation of the monocular visual odometry system on an Intel Core i7 spent around 75 ms per frame, of which one third was used in the resection–intersection step. The achieved results presented better accuracy than all other published monocular odometry works in the KITTI benchmark, in a simple solution using only two consecutive frames for camera pose estimation.
Integrative Analysis of Three RNA Sequencing Methods Identifies Mutually Exclusive Exons of MADS-Box Isoforms During Early Bud Development in Picea abies

Recent efforts to sequence the genomes and transcriptomes of several gymnosperm species have revealed an increased complexity in certain gene families in gymnosperms as compared to angiosperms. One example of this is the gymnosperm sister clade to angiosperm TM3-like MADS-box genes, which at least in the conifer lineage has expanded in number of genes. We have previously identified a member of this sub-clade, the conifer gene DEFICIENS AGAMOUS LIKE 19 (DAL19), as being specifically upregulated in cone-setting shoots. Here, we show through Sanger sequencing of mRNA-derived cDNA and mapping to assembled conifer genomic sequences that DAL19 produces six mature mRNA splice variants in Picea abies. These splice variants use alternate first and last exons, while their four central exons constitute a core region present in all six transcripts. Thus, they are likely to be transcript isoforms. Quantitative Real-Time PCR revealed that two mutually exclusive first DAL19 exons are differentially expressed across meristems that will form either male or female cones, or vegetative shoots. Furthermore, mRNA in situ hybridization revealed that two mutually exclusive last DAL19 exons were expressed in a cell-specific pattern within bud meristems. Based on these findings in DAL19, we developed a sensitive approach to transcript isoform assembly from short-read sequencing of mRNA. We applied this method to 42 putative MADS-box core regions in P. abies, from which we assembled 1084 putative transcripts. We manually curated these transcripts to arrive at 933 assembled transcript isoforms of 38 putative MADS-box genes. 152 of these isoforms, which we assign to 28 putative MADS-box genes, were differentially expressed across eight female, male, and vegetative buds. We further provide evidence of the expression of 16 out of the 38 putative MADS-box genes by mapping PacBio Iso-Seq circular consensus reads derived from pooled sample sequencing to assembled transcripts. In summary, our analyses reveal the use of mutually exclusive exons of MADS-box gene isoforms during early bud development in P. abies, and we find that the large number of identified MADS-box transcripts in P. abies results not only from expansion of the gene family through gene duplication events but also from the generation of numerous splice variants.
Early spatial attention deployment toward and away from aggressive voices

&NA; Salient vocalizations, especially aggressive voices, are believed to attract attention due to an automatic threat detection system. However, studies assessing the temporal dynamics of auditory spatial attention to aggressive voices are missing. Using event‐related potential markers of auditory spatial attention (N2ac and LPCpc), we show that attentional processing of threatening vocal signals is enhanced at two different stages of auditory processing. As early as 200 ms post‐stimulus onset, attentional orienting/engagement is enhanced for threatening as compared to happy vocal signals. Subsequently, as early as 400 ms post‐stimulus onset, the reorienting of auditory attention to the center of the screen (or disengagement from the target) is enhanced. This latter effect is consistent with the need to optimize perception by balancing the intake of stimulation from left and right auditory space. Our results extend the scope of theories from the visual to the auditory modality by showing that threatening stimuli also bias early spatial attention in the auditory modality. Attentional enhancement was only present in female and not in male participants.
Design and Anti-Interference Ability Analysis of RFID Positioning System for Mine Locomotive

Aiming at the precision and anti-interference ability of the positioning system of mine electric locomotive based on RFID, the experimental research and analysis are carried out. First, the basic principle of RFID is introduced, and then the positioning system is designed for the transmission system of mine electric locomotive. By analyzing and comparing the RFID characteristics of different frequency bands, the operating frequency of the positioning system is selected. RFID positioning accuracy and anti-interference ability are tested respectively, which includes three abnormal conditions: tag covered by soil, covered by water, and adjacent to metal. The relationship among the transmitting power, the detection distance and the vertical height of the reader are obtained, and the quantitative analysis of the influence of the water, soil and metal on the positioning ability and accuracy is made. The research results can provide a basis for the implementation of the positioning system.
Elderly do benefit from induction chemotherapy: High dose mitoxantrone‐based (“5 + 1”) induction chemotherapy regimen in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia

An intensive “5 + 1” regimen, which included bolus high dose cytarabine (HiDAC) at 3 g/m2 once daily over 3 hours on days 1‐5 and high dose mitoxantrone (HDM) 80 mg/m2 on day 2, was evaluated in 101 consecutively treated newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients at a single center since 2009. The median age was 65 (range 18‐90) years. The 4 and 8‐week mortality in our cohort was 3/101 (2.9%) and 7/99 (7%), respectively. The overall response (complete remission [CR] + CRi) was 76.2% (77/101). The median overall survival (OS) stratified by age group <60, 60‐69 and ≥70 years were 56, 31 and 9 months respectively (log‐rank, P = 0.02). 51.7% (45/84) of patients with intermediate/adverse risk category proceeded to allogeneic stem cell transplants. Among these 84 patients, the percentage of patients able to proceed to transplant in age groups <60, 60‐69, and ≥ 70 years were 75% (18/24), 60.7% (17/28), and 31.2% (10/32), respectively. In conclusion, HDM‐based chemotherapy regimen produces high CR rates, is well tolerated and more patients can undergo curative postremission therapy including stem cell transplant.
Unsupervised Machine Learning-Based User Clustering in Millimeter-Wave-NOMA Systems

Millimeter-wave non-orthogonal multiple access (mm-wave-NOMA) systems exploit the power domain for multiple accesses to further enhance the spectral efficiency. User clustering and power allocation can effectively exploit the potential of NOMA in mm-wave systems. This paper investigates the sum rate maximization problem of mm-wave-NOMA systems under the constraints of the total transmission power and users’ predefined rate requirements. The formulated optimization problem is a non-linear programming problem and, thus, is non-convex and challenging to solve, especially when the number of users becomes large. Sparked by the correlation features of the users’ channels in mm-wave-NOMA systems, we develop a K-means-based machine learning algorithm for user clustering. Moreover, for a practical dynamic scenario where the new users keep arriving in a continuous fashion, we propose a K-means-based online user clustering algorithm to reduce the computational complexity. Furthermore, to further enhance the performance of the proposed mm-wave-NOMA system, we derive the optimal power allocation policy in a closed form by exploiting the successive decoding feature. Simulation results reveal that: 1) the proposed machine learning framework enhances the performance of mm-wave-NOMA systems compared to the conventional user clustering algorithms and 2) the proposed K-means-based online user clustering algorithm provides a comparable performance to the conventional K-means algorithm and strikes a good balance between performance and computational complexity.
Real-time management model for frequent Big Data errors : Automatic Clean Repository For Big Data (ACR)

In this paper we present a solution that manages in real time the frequent errors of big data flows. In this model, we propose a repository in which the metadata, errors, and cleaning correction algorithms are stored for a given domain. In the first step, the system is supervised by an advisor that estimates the corresponding errors cleaning algorithm for a given context, according to the obtained results. At the second step, the system, thanks to its learning module, becomes autonomous in the selection algorithm procedure. To allow this capability, the proposed approach is designed and built on the basis of the Strategy Pattern. This pattern brings the possibility of building a family of algorithms, encapsulate each one, make them interchangeable and allow them to evolve independently of used context.
Enhancement of Visuospatial Working Memory by the Differential Outcomes Procedure in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease

In the present study we investigated the efficacy of the differential outcomes procedure (DOP) to improve visuospatial working memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The DOP associates correct responses to the to-be-remember stimulus with unique outcomes. Eleven patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, 11 participants with MCI, and 17 healthy matched controls performed a spatial delayed memory task under the DOP and a control condition (non-differential outcomes –NOP-). We found that performance (terminal accuracy) was significantly better in the DOP condition relative to the NOP condition in all three groups of participants. AD patients performed worse, and took longer to benefit from the DOP. In line with previous animal and human research, we propose that the DOP activates brain structures and cognitive mechanisms that are less affected by healthy and pathological aging, optimizing in this way the function of the cognitive system.
A systematic review of local antibiotic devices used to improve wound healing following the surgical management of foot infections in diabetics

Aims Local antibiotics are used in the surgical management of foot infection in diabetic patients. This systematic review analyzes the available evidence of the use of local antibiotic delivery systems as an adjunct to surgery. Materials and Methods Databases were searched to identify eligible studies and 13 were identified for inclusion. Results Overall, the quality of the studies was poor. A single trial suggested that wound healing is quicker when a gentamicin‐impregnated collagen sponge was implanted at time of surgery, with no difference in length of stay or rate of amputation. Results from studies with high risk of bias indicated no change in wound healing when a gentamicin‐impregnated sponge was implanted during transmetatarsal amputation, but a reduction in the incidence of wound breakdown (8% vs 25%, not statistically significant) was identified. A significant cost reduction was identified when using an antimicrobial gel to deliver antibiotics and anti‐biofilm agents (quorum‐sensing inhibitors) compared with routine dressings and systemic antibiotics. Analyses of case series identified 485 patients who were treated using local antibiotic delivery devices. The rates of wound healing, re‐operation, and mortality were comparable to those that have been previously reported for the routine management of these infections. Conclusion There is a lack of good‐quality evidence to support the use of local antibiotic delivery devices in the treatment of foot infections in patients with diabetes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100‐B:1409‐15.
Dapagliflozin and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND The cardiovascular safety profile of dapagliflozin, a selective inhibitor of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 that promotes glucosuria in patients with type 2 diabetes, is undefined. METHODS We randomly assigned patients with type 2 diabetes who had or were at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease to receive either dapagliflozin or placebo. The primary safety outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or ischemic stroke. The primary efficacy outcomes were MACE and a composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure. Secondary efficacy outcomes were a renal composite (≥40% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate to <60 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body‐surface area, new end‐stage renal disease, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes) and death from any cause. RESULTS We evaluated 17,160 patients, including 10,186 without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, who were followed for a median of 4.2 years. In the primary safety outcome analysis, dapagliflozin met the prespecified criterion for noninferiority to placebo with respect to MACE (upper boundary of the 95% confidence interval [CI], <1.3; P<0.001 for noninferiority). In the two primary efficacy analyses, dapagliflozin did not result in a lower rate of MACE (8.8% in the dapagliflozin group and 9.4% in the placebo group; hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.03; P=0.17) but did result in a lower rate of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure (4.9% vs. 5.8%; hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.95; P=0.005), which reflected a lower rate of hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.88); there was no between‐group difference in cardiovascular death (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.17). A renal event occurred in 4.3% in the dapagliflozin group and in 5.6% in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.87), and death from any cause occurred in 6.2% and 6.6%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.04). Diabetic ketoacidosis was more common with dapagliflozin than with placebo (0.3% vs. 0.1%, P=0.02), as was the rate of genital infections that led to discontinuation of the regimen or that were considered to be serious adverse events (0.9% vs. 0.1%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes who had or were at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, treatment with dapagliflozin did not result in a higher or lower rate of MACE than placebo but did result in a lower rate of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure, a finding that reflects a lower rate of hospitalization for heart failure. (Funded by AstraZeneca; DECLARE–TIMI 58 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01730534.)
Blood–brain barrier permeability measured using dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: a validation study

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is an important and dynamic structure which contributes to homeostasis in the central nervous system. BBB permeability changes occur in health and disease but measurement of BBB permeability in humans is not straightforward. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) can be used to model the movement of gadolinium contrast into the brain, expressed as the influx constant Ki. Here evidence is provided that Ki as measured by DCE‐MRI behaves as expected for a marker of overall BBB leakage. These results support the use of DCE‐MRI for in vivo studies of human BBB permeability in health and disease.
Human Coronavirus in Hospitalized Children With Respiratory Tract Infections: A 9-Year Population-Based Study From Norway

Abstract Background The burden of human coronavirus (HCoV)-associated respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in hospitalized children is poorly defined. We studied the occurrence and hospitalization rates of HCoV over 9 years. Methods Children from Sør-Trøndelag County, Norway, hospitalized with RTIs and asymptomatic controls, were prospectively enrolled from 2006 to 2015. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were analyzed with semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for HCoV subtypes OC43, 229E, NL63, and HKU1, and 13 other respiratory pathogens. Results HCoV was present in 9.1% (313/3458) of all RTI episodes: 46.6% OC43, 32.3% NL63, 16.0% HKU1, and 5.8% 229E. Hospitalization rates for HCoV-positive children with lower RTIs were 1.5 and 2.8 per 1000 <5 and <1 years of age, respectively. The detection rate among controls was 10.2% (38/373). Codetections occurred in 68.1% of the patients and 68.4% of the controls. In a logistic regression analysis, high HCoV genomic loads (cycle threshold <28 in PCR analysis) were associated with RTIs (odds ratio = 3.12, P = .016) adjusted for relevant factors. Conclusions HCoVs occurred in 1 of 10 hospitalized children with RTIs and asymptomatic controls. A high HCoV genomic load was associated with RTI. HCoVs are associated with a substantial burden of RTIs in need of hospitalization.