Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of genetic parameters for test-day milk yield in Holstein cows using a random regression model

Test-day milk yield records of 11,023 first-parity Holstein cows were used to estimate genetic parameters for milk yield during different lactation periods. (Co)variance components were estimated using two random regression models, RRM1 and RRM2, and the restricted maximum likelihood method, compared by the likelihood ratio test. Additive genetic variances determined by RRM1 and additive genetic and permanent environmental variances estimated by RRM2 were described, using the Wilmink function. Residual variance was constant throughout lactation for the two models. The heritability estimates obtained by RRM1 (0.34 to 0.56) were higher than those obtained by RRM2 (0.15 to 0.31). Due to the high heritability estimates for milk yield throughout lactation and the negative genetic correlation between test-day yields during different lactation periods, the RRM1 model did not fit the data. Overall, genetic correlations between individual test days tended to decrease at the extremes of the lactation trajectory, showing values close to unity for adjacent test days. The inclusion of random regression coefficients to describe permanent environmental effects led to a more precise estimation of genetic and non-genetic effects that influence milk yield.
Distribution Planning to Optimize Profits in the Motion Picture Industry

We consider the distribution planning problem in the motion picture industry. This problem involves forecasting theater‐level box office revenues for a given movie and using these forecasts to choose the best locations to screen a movie. We first develop a method that predicts theater‐level box office revenues over time for a given movie as a function of movie attributes and theater characteristics. These estimates are then used by the distributor to choose where to screen the movie. The distributor's location selection problem is modeled as an integer programming‐based optimization model that chooses the location of theaters in order to optimize profits. We tested our methods on realistic box office data and show that it has the potential to significantly improve the distributor's profits. We also develop some insights into why our methods outperform existing practice, which are crucial to their successful practical implementation.
Association of computed tomography morphologic criteria with pathologic response and survival in patients treated with bevacizumab for colorectal liver metastases.

CONTEXT The standard criteria used to evaluate tumor response, the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), were developed to assess tumor shrinkage after cytotoxic chemotherapy and may be limited in assessing response to biologic agents, which have a cytostatic mechanism of action. OBJECTIVE To validate novel tumor response criteria based on morphologic changes observed on computed tomography (CT) in patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy regimens. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS A total of 234 colorectal liver metastases were analyzed from 50 patients who underwent hepatic resection after preoperative chemotherapy that included bevacizumab at a comprehensive US cancer center from 2004 to 2007; date of last follow-up was March 2008. All patients underwent routine contrast-enhanced CT at the start and end of preoperative therapy. Three blinded, independent radiologists evaluated images for morphologic response, based on metastases changing from heterogeneous masses with ill-defined margins into homogeneous hypoattenuating lesions with sharp borders. These criteria were validated with a separate cohort of 82 patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases treated with bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Response determined using morphologic criteria and RECIST was correlated with pathologic response in resected liver specimens and with patient survival. RESULTS Interobserver agreement for scoring morphologic changes was good among 3 radiologists (kappa, 0.68-0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51-0.93). In resected tumor specimens, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) percentages of residual tumor cells for optimal morphologic response was 20% (10%-30%); for incomplete response, 50% (30%-60%); and no response, 70% (60%-70%; P < .001). With RECIST, the median (IQR) percentages of residual tumor cells were for partial response 30% (10%-60%); for stable disease, 50% (20%-70%); and for progressive disease, 70% (65%-70%; P = .04). Among patients who underwent hepatic resection, median overall survival was not yet reached with optimal morphologic response and 25 months (95% CI, 20.2-29.8 months) with incomplete or no morphologic response (P = .03). In the validation cohort, patients with optimal morphologic response had median overall survival of 31 months (95% CI, 26.8-35.2 months) compared with 19 months (95% CI, 14.6-23.4 months) with incomplete or no morphologic response (P = .009). RECIST did not correlate with survival in either the surgical or validation cohort. CONCLUSION Among patients with colorectal liver metastases treated with bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy, CT-based morphologic criteria had a statistically significant association with pathologic response and overall survival.
Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Mice Lacking Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor p55*

TNF-α (TNF) is produced primarily from macrophages and promotes numerous inflammatory reactions associated with atherosclerosis including the induction of vascular adhesion molecules and the recruitment and proliferation of monocyte/macrophages. There are two receptors known to elicit TNF responses, termed p55 and p75. Since p55 is thought to play the primary role in inflammatory processes, we postulated that the absence of p55 in mice would protect against atherosclerosis. In contrast, C57BL/6 mice lacking p55 had aortic sinus lesion sizes 2.3-fold larger than C57BL/6 wild type mice when fed an atherogenic diet (37,123 ± 3485 μm2 versus 16, 688 ± 2887 μm2, respectively, p < 0.0004). Plasma lipid levels were not different between strains. A 3-fold increase in the uptake and degradation of acetylated low density lipoprotein for p55-null as compared with wild type mice was demonstrated in cultured peritoneal macrophages. Immunohistochemical staining for scavenger receptor protein in the aortic sinus was more intense in lesions from the p55-null mice as compared with wild type controls. Our results support the concept that increased scavenger receptor activity contributes to excessive fatty streak formation. We conclude that TNF p55 receptors protect against atherosclerotic lesion development in the mouse.
The Effect of Remuneration Committee Independence on the Pay–Performance Relationship: Evidence from the Banking Industry in Poland

This article seeks to ascertain the impact of remuneration committee independence on the level of bank executive compensation in the context of the presence of a large blockholder, based on unique hand-collected panel data for all banks listed on the Polish stock exchange between 2005 and 2013. The recent postcrisis European Commission recommendation requiring banks to have independent board members on their remuneration committees does not necessarily reduce the level of executive pay or make incentive contracts more efficient. The findings show that executives of banks with a controlling shareholder and a greater number of independent board members on their remuneration committees are paid above the average for the sample. This excessive executive compensation may be interpreted as evidence of a violation of the rights of minority shareholders and depositors. The findings are consistent with managerial power theory.
Fatal pneumococcal sepsis eleven years after distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy for pancreatic cancer.

CONTEXT Overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis is defined as septicaemia and/or meningitis, usually fulminant, occurring days to several years after removal of the spleen. We report a case of a fulminant pneumococcal sepsis with a fatal outcome, occurring 11 years after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. CASE REPORT A 58-year-old woman presented to the emergency room in December 2011 with a 2-day history of mild fever and diarrhea, followed by hypotension, dyspnea, and peripheral cyanosis. Past medical history revealed a left breast quadrantectomy for lobular carcinoma, and distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy for ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma in October 2000. The patient was not aware of the need for prophylactic antibiotics and vaccination after splenectomy. At admission, blood tests revealed abnormal coagulation screen, abnormal liver and kidney function, and metabolic acidosis. Despite the administration of intravenous fluid, vasopressor agents, antibiotics and mechanical ventilatory support, the patient died for multiorgan failure 7 hours after admission in intensive care unit. Blood culture showed the growth of Streptococcus pneumonia. Necropsy showed multiorgan failure with adrenal necrotic hemorrhage due to pneumococcal septicemia. No recurrence of pancreatic cancer was noted. CONCLUSIONS Overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis is a well-known fatal complication which can occur in asplenic patients. The role of vaccination and antibiotics in preventing such complication is well-defined, but cases of fatal post-splenectomy sepsis are still reporting, also in vaccinated patients. High index of suspicion must be maintained for any febrile illness in asplenic patients.
Effect of oral melatonin on patients' anxiety scores and dose requirement of propofol during bispectral index-guided induction of general anesthesia

Background: Management of preoperative anxiety in surgical patients is usually required for better perioperative hemodynamics and patient management. Various pharmacological and nonpharmacological entities have been used for the management of anxiety. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of oral melatonin on patient anxiety scores and dose requirement of propofol using bispectral index (BIS)-guided induction of general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical Status I and II between 18 and 45 years of age scheduled to undergo elective surgery of more than 30 min participated in this study. Patients were divided into control and melatonin groups, comprising 30 patients each. Group M patients received two melatonin tablets (3 mg each) and Group C patients received two placebo tablets 120 min before induction. Anxiety scores using visual analog scale-anxiety at baseline and 120 min, mean dose requirement of propofol, time to attain BIS value of 55 in seconds, and hemodynamic parameters were studied in-between the groups. Results: There were significant differences between two groups in anxiety scores 120 min after drug dosage (P = 0.0013) with Group M patients with reduced levels of anxiety, and mean requirement of propofol in Group C (104.67 ± 16.34 mg) was found to be statistically significantly higher than Group M (70.67 ± 16.39 mg), P < 0.001. Hemodynamic parameters in terms of heart rate and mean arterial blood pressures were better for Group M in comparison to Group C. Conclusion: 6 mg of melatonin 120 min before elective surgery can allay anxiety in patients along with reduced dose requirement for propofol for BIS-guided induction of general anesthesia without any adverse effects.
Assessment of Topoisomerase II (cid:1) Status in Breast Cancer by Quantitative PCR, Gene Expression Microarrays, Immunohistochemistry, and Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization

Anthracyclines are frequently used for the treatment of breast cancer and topoisomerase II alpha ( TOP2A ) is considered to be the molecular target. Numerous studies have evaluated the predictive value of TOP2A using different methodological approaches and inconsistent results have been reported. Indeed, the correlation between techniques for the assessment of TOP2A status has not been well evaluated. In this study, we determined TOP2A status in 61 breast tumor samples by real-time PCR, DNA microarrays, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and then evaluated these results with clinical-patholog-ical features and breast cancer intrinsic subtypes. First, we observed a statistical significant correlation of TOP2A gene expression between real-time PCR and microarrays (Pearson coefficient, 0.816; P < 0.001), and
A container-based elastic cloud architecture for real-time full-motion video (FMV) target tracking

Full-motion video (FMV) target tracking requires the objects of interest be detected in a continuous video stream. Maintaining a stable track can be challenging as target attributes change over time, frame-rates can vary, and image alignment errors may drift. As such, optimizing FMV target tracking performance to address dynamic scenarios is critical. Many target tracking algorithms do not take advantage of parallelism due to dependencies on previous estimates which results in idle computation resources when waiting for such dependencies to resolve. To address this problem, a container-based virtualization technology is adopted to make more efficient use of computing resources for achieving an elastic information fusion cloud. In this paper, we leverage the benefits provided by container-based virtualization to optimize an FMV target tracking application. Using OpenVZ as the virtualization platform, we parallelize video processing by distributing incoming frames across multiple containers. A concurrent container partitions video stream into frames and then resembles processed frames into video output. We implement a system that dynamically allocates VE computing resources to match frame production and consumption between VEs. The experimental results verify the viability of container-based virtualization for improving FMV target tracking performance and demostrates a solution for mission-critical information fusion tasks.
RNase L: Its biological roles and regulation

2'‐5'oligoadenylate‐dependent ribonuclease L (RNase L) is one of the key enzymes involved in the function of interferons (IFNs), a family of cytokines participating in innate immunity against viruses and other microbial pathogens. Upon binding with its activator, 5'‐phosphorylated, 2'‐5' linked oligoadenylates (2‐5A), RNase L degrades single‐stranded viral and cellular RNAs and thus plays an important role in the antiviral and antiproliferative functions of IFNs. In recent years, evidence has revealed that RNase L displays a broad range of biological roles which are summarized in this review. iubmb Life, 58: 508‐514, 2006
Students’ voice: The hopes and fears of student-teacher candidates

Abstract It is widely claimed that learners interpret new information and experiences through their existing network of knowledge, experience, and beliefs. Research on professional identities of teachers highlight the impact of biographical factors such as teachers schooling experiences, motivations for entering teacher education programs, their initial teacher education experiences and contexts of professional practice, as influential of “construction, deconstruction and reconstruction” of teachers’ professional identities and the kind of teachers they become. The study investigates teacher education candidates’ hopes and fears concerning their future career as teachers. An open-ended questionnaire was distributed to 90 candidates in a teacher education college. The qualitative analysis identifies the domains of candidates’ hope and fears. The findings reveal that candidates expressed more hopes then fears. Their hopes and fears correspond with qualities of the “good teacher” and effective teaching. The study can support the development of prospective teachers towards expertise in teaching and assist program designers and educators in strengthening education programs by catering for students’ needs, taking into consideration their hopes and concerns.
A novel approach for introducing the electron-electron and electron-impurity interactions in particle-based simulations

A new method for employed electron-electron (e-e) and electron-ion (e-i) interactions in Monte Carlo particle based simulators is presented. By using a corrected Coulomb force in conjunction with a proper cutoff range, the "double" counting of the long range interaction is eliminated while reducing the simulation time for molecular dynamics by a factor of 1000. The proposed method naturally incorporated the multi-ion contributions, local distortions in the scattering potential due to the movement of the free charges, and carrier-density fluctuations. The doping dependence of the low-field mobility obtained from three-dimensional (3-D) resistor simulation closely follows experimental results, thus proving the correctness of the proposed approach.
Schnyder's Dystrophy of the Cornea A Swede-Finn Connection

Schnyde's crystalline dystrophy is an uncommon hereditary disease in which there is abnormal deposition of cholesterol and/or lipid usually in the anterior stroma of the central and peripheral cornea. Four families with Schnyder's dystrophy have been identified in central Massachusetts. Of the 173 living members of these pedigrees, 60 patients were examined by the author. Eighteen patients had Schnyder's dystrophy. Affected individuals <23 years of age had bilateral, central disc-like corneal opacification. Those >23 years of age also demonstrated prominent arcus lipoides. By age 40, all affected individuals developed a diffuse stromal haze. Only 50% of affected individuals had corneal crystalline deposits. Abnormal cholesterol deposition affected the entire stromal thickness in the majority of patients. Although the four families said that they were not related to each other, all had ancestry from towns within a 100-k area on the southwest coast of Finland. Patients in this area of Finland were examined by the author and demonstrated signs of Schnyder's dystrophy. This may represent the largest cohort of Schnyder's dystrophy described to date.
Effect of Suture Caliber and Number of Core Strands on Repair of Acute Achilles Ruptures: A Biomechanical Study

Background: Controversy exists regarding the ideal Achilles rupture treatment; however, operative treatment is considered for athletes and active patients. The ideal repair construct is evolving, and the effect of suture caliber or number of core strands has not been studied. Methods: Simulated mid-substance Achilles ruptures were performed in 24 cadavers. Specimens were randomized to three 6-core-strand style repair constructs: (1) 4 No. 2 sutures and two 2-mm tapes (2T); (2) 2 No. 2 sutures and four 2-mm tapes (4T); (3) 12 (double-6-strand) strand repair (12 No. 2-0 sutures [12S]). Repairs were subjected to a cyclic loading protocol representative of postoperative rehabilitation. These data were compared to a previously published standard open repair technique (6-core strands with No. 2 sutures) on 9 specimens tested under the same conditions.6 Results: No significant elongation differences were observed between the repair groups and the previously published standard repair group in the first 2 stages of the simulated rehabilitation protocol. Both the 2T and 12S repairs survived a significantly greater number of cycles to failure (P = 0.0005, P = 0.0267, respectively) and had a significantly higher failure load (P = .0005, P = .0118, respectively) compared to the previously published data. These 2 constructs consistently survived the advanced stages of the simulated rehabilitation protocol. The majority of repairs failed at the knots. Conclusions: In this study, the 2T and 12S constructs survived the later stages of our simulated rehabilitation protocol, suggesting that they may be able to accommodate a more aggressive clinical rehabilitation protocol. Substituting suture-tape for 2 core strands or doubling the core strands with a smaller-caliber suture created a biomechanically stronger construct. Clinical Relevance: Achilles repair with an added nonabsorbable, high–tensile strength tape allowed for a stronger construct that may allow for a more aggressive, early rehabilitation protocol and earlier return to function.
A lateral approach to the repair of propagating fractures of the medial condyle of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bone in 18 racehorses.

OBJECTIVES To report the technique, observations on fracture configurations and results of treatment by fixation lag screw following the fracture plane determined by an approach to the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone (MC3/MT3) that begins laterally over the metacarpo(metatarso)phalangeal joint and extends dorsally over the diaphysis of the bone. STUDY DESIGN Case series. ANIMALS Thoroughbred horses (n=18) with propagating fractures of the medial condyle of MC3/MT3. METHODS Retrospective analysis of case records of horses with fractures of the medial condyle of MC3/MT3 that propagated sagittaly or in a spiral configuration into the diaphysis, repaired surgically under general anesthesia by screw fixation in lag fashion through a lateral approach with periosteal reflection. RESULTS Fractures were readily identified at surgery, enabling screw fixation in lag fashion following the fracture plane. Fracture configurations varied and could be classified as sagittal and spiral fractures with fractures within each group generally following a similar course. All horses recovered relatively uneventfully from general anesthesia and surgery, and all fractures healed well. Thirteen horses returned to training; 5 subsequently raced. CONCLUSIONS Repair of propagating sagittal and spiral fractures of the medial condyle of MC3/MT3 with diaphyseal involvement, through a lateral approach with periosteal reflection permits stable fixation with minimal complications. In this series there were no catastrophic failures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Fractures of the medial condyle of MC3/MT3 that propagate either sagittaly or in a spiral configuration into the diaphysis can be successfully repaired with screw fixation in lag fashion using a lateral approach with periosteal reflection.
Effect of TQM principles on performance of Indian SMEs: the case of automotive supply chain

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of Total Quality Management (TQM) principles on organizational performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Indian auto component sector. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on survey data collected from quality heads of 120 Auto component SMEs in India and uses correlation and regression analysis to test the relationships between quality management principles (QMPs) and organizational performance. Findings – The study provides evidence that application of TQM principles such as “Process Approach,” “Mutually Beneficial Supplier Relationship” and “Factual Approach to Decision-Making” has a positive influence on the performance of Indian auto component SMEs. Practical implications – This study presents a number of managerial implications, specifically for quality managers in Indian auto component SMEs. The focus of these organizations should be on strengthening the supply chain and operations. The quality managers need to.