Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dual Adversarial Autoencoders for Clustering

As a powerful approach for exploratory data analysis, unsupervised clustering is a fundamental task in computer vision and pattern recognition. Many clustering algorithms have been developed, but most of them perform unsatisfactorily on the data with complex structures. Recently, adversarial autoencoder (AE) (AAE) shows effectiveness on tackling such data by combining AE and adversarial training, but it cannot effectively extract classification information from the unlabeled data. In this brief, we propose dual AAE (Dual-AAE) which simultaneously maximizes the likelihood function and mutual information between observed examples and a subset of latent variables. By performing variational inference on the objective function of Dual-AAE, we derive a new reconstruction loss which can be optimized by training a pair of AEs. Moreover, to avoid mode collapse, we introduce the clustering regularization term for the category variable. Experiments on four benchmarks show that Dual-AAE achieves superior performance over state-of-the-art clustering methods. In addition, by adding a reject option, the clustering accuracy of Dual-AAE can reach that of supervised CNN algorithms. Dual-AAE can also be used for disentangling style and content of images without using supervised information.
In Which Arm Position Is a Hill-Sachs Lesion Created?

Background: It has been believed that a Hill-Sachs lesion (HSL) is created with the arm in abduction and external rotation at the time of dislocation. However, no studies have clarified the arm position in which an HSL is created. Purpose: To determine the arm position in which an HSL is created. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: The computed tomography images of 100 shoulders of 100 patients (72 males and 28 females; mean age, 30 years old) with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder were investigated using an image analyzing software. Three-dimensional surface bone models of the scapula and humerus were created separately. The humerus was moved so that the HSL perfectly fit the anterior rim of the glenoid. This arm position was recorded 3-dimensionally. Results: Considering the scapulohumeral rhythm, the average arm position in which the HSL and the anterior glenoid rim best fit was 74° of abduction, 27° of external rotation, and 3° of horizontal flexion relative to the trunk. Conclusion: The arm position when an HSL and the anterior glenoid rim best fit is 74° of abduction, 27° of external rotation, and 3° of horizontal flexion, which seems to be the arm position when the HSL has been created. This result suggests 2 possibilities: dislocation occurred in this midrange position or HSL was not created at the time of dislocation but later in the mid–range of motion. However, as we have no information on the arm position at the time of dislocation, we cannot conclude which of these possibilities is true in our study. Clinical Relevance: This study gives us a better understanding of the timing of HSL occurrence. Shoulder dislocation may occur at the end range of motion or in the mid–range of motion, but an HSL is created in the mid–range of motion.
Tuberculosis following renal transplantation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: a national registry-based cohort study

Increased tuberculosis (TB) disease risk has consistently been observed among solid organ transplant recipients [1, 2]. This may result from post-transplant immunosuppressive therapy, although underlying disease processes leading to transplant (including chronic kidney disease) are also associated with increased risk [3]. TB among transplant recipients is associated with increased risk of drug toxicity, drug–drug interactions, graft failure and mortality [4], and can lead to transmission to other vulnerable hospitalised patients. Consequently, global guidelines recommend systematic screening of patients undergoing solid organ transplant for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) [3]. Among a nationwide cohort of renal transplant recipients (n=30 433), TB incidence was highest in the first year post-transplant. Asian ethnicity and CMV seropositivity were independent risk factors for post-transplant TB http://bit.ly/2YSVGt2
Which patients with chronic pruritus are presented for psychological assessment by their dermatologists? Results from a consecutive sample

Chronic pruritus (CP) is a frequent symptom that poses special diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for dermatologists. To identify the causes underlying CP, a comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment is necessary1,2 . CP can impair life quality and can be associated with clinically relevant depression and anxiety levels; also, a psychiatric comorbidity can be present independent of CP, but it may affect its dermatological management1,3,4 . However, not all CP patients undergo a psychological assessment. It remains unclear which individual variables of CP patients would suggest a referral for a psychological assessment by their dermatologists. We sought to investigate this relationship in a large sample of CP patients attending the Center for Chronic Pruritus (KCP) at the University of Münster. Between 2007 and 2016, data from 6,374 consecutive CP inpatients were entered into the database. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Application of Transcriptomics to Enhance Early Diagnostics of Mycobacterial Infections, with an Emphasis on Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis

Mycobacteria cause a wide variety of disease in human and animals. Species that infect ruminants include M. bovis and M. avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP). MAP is the causative agent of Johne’s disease in ruminants, which is a chronic granulomatous enteric infection that leads to severe economic losses worldwide. Characteristic of MAP infection is the long, latent phase in which intermittent shedding can take place, while diagnostic tests are unable to reliably detect an infection in this stage. This leads to unnoticed dissemination within herds and the presence of many undetected, silent carriers, which makes the eradication of Johne’s disease difficult. To improve the control of MAP infection, research is aimed at improving early diagnosis. Transcriptomic approaches can be applied to characterize host-pathogen interactions during infection, and to develop novel biomarkers using transcriptional profiles. Studies have focused on the identification of specific RNAs that are expressed in different infection stages, which will assist in the development and clinical implementation of early diagnostic tests.
Incorporating Conversational Strategies in a Social Robot to Interact with People with Dementia

Background: Socially assistive robots (SARs) have the potential to assist nonpharmacological interventions based on verbal communication to support the care of persons with dementia (PwDs). However, establishing verbal communication with a PwD is challenging. Thus, several authors have proposed strategies to converse with PwDs. While these strategies have proved effective at enhancing communication between PwDs and their caregivers, they have not been used or tested in the domain of human-robot interaction. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of incorporating conversational strategies proposed in the literature for caregivers, during PwD-robot interactions. Methods: We conducted a total of 23 group sessions based on music and conversation therapy, where a SAR interacted with 12 PwDs (mean = 80.25 years) diagnosed with mild to moderate-stage dementia. Using a single subject research approach, we designed an AB study to assess the effectiveness of the conversational strategies in the PwD-robot interaction. Our analysis focuses on the direct communication between the PwDs and the robot, and the perceived enjoyment of PwDs. Results: The number of utterances made from a PwD to the robot increased significantly when the conversational strategies were included in the robot. In addition, PwDs engaged in more sustained conversations. Additionally, PwDs enjoyed conversing with the robot Eva, as much as listening to music. These results indicate that the use of these conversational strategies is effective at increasing the interaction between PwD and a SAR. Conclusions: PwDs who participated in the study engaged and enjoyed the interaction with the SAR. The results provide evidence of the importance of incorporating appropriate conversational strategies in SARs that support interventions for the care and social stimulation of PwDs.
Impact of chronic immobilization stress on parameters of colonic homeostasis in BALB/c mice

The intestinal epithelium is a monolayer of cells arranged side-by-side and connected by tight junction (TJ) proteins expressed at the apical extreme of the paracellular membrane. This layer prevents stress-induced inflammatory responses, thus helping to maintain gut barrier function and gut homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of chronic immobilization stress on the colonic expression of various parameters of homeostasis. A total of two groups of female BALB/c mice (n=6) were included: A stressed group (short-term immobilization for 2 h/day for 4 consecutive days) and an unstressed (control) group. Colon samples were obtained to detect neutrophils and goblet cells by optical microscopy, TJ protein expression (occludin, and claudin −2, −4, −7, −12 and −15) by western blotting, mRNA levels of TJ genes and proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, −6 and −8] by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, fecal lactoferrin by ELISA and the number of colony-forming units of aerobic bacteria. Compared with goblet cells in control mice, goblet cells were enlarged and reduced in number in stressed mice, whereas neutrophil cellularity was unaltered. Stressed mice exhibited reduced mRNA expression for all evaluated TJ mRNAs, with the exception of claudin-7, which was upregulated. Protein levels of occludin and all claudins (with the exception of claudin-12) were decreased in stressed mice. Fecal lactoferrin, proinflammatory cytokine mRNA levels and aerobic bacterial counts were all increased in the stressed group. These results indicated that immobilization stress induced proinflammatory and potential remodeling effects in the colon by decreasing TJ protein expression. The present study may be a useful reference for therapies aiming to regulate the effects of stress on intestinal inflammatory dysfunction.
Congenital heart defects in offspring of women with Type 2 diabetes - a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION The risk of congenital heart defects in the offspring of women with Type 2 diabetes is only sparsely described. The aim of this review was to estimate the prevalence of congenital heart defects in offspring of women with Type 2 diabetes in comparison to offspring of women with Type 1 diabetes and to offspring of the background population. METHODS This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases. Studies were included if they were published from 2007 to 2018, comprised a minimum of 200 offspring of women with Type 2 diabetes and examined the prevalence of congenital heart defects. RESULTS Five cohort studies with a total of 23,845 offspring of women with Type 2 diabetes were included. The studies were heterogeneous with respect to method of diagnosis and whether terminated pregnancies were included, and a meta-analysis could not be performed. The mean prevalence of congenital heart defects was 44 (range: 26-65) per 1,000 offspring. The mean relative risk was 0.82 (range: 0.53-1.01) compared with offspring of women with Type 1 diabetes, and 3.83 (range: 2.53-5.49) compared with the background population. A positive association was described between the prevalence of congenital heart defects and the maternal glycated haemoglobin level, but not with medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS The risk of congenital heart defects among offspring of women with Type 2 diabetes was comparable to that of offspring of women with Type 1 diabetes and almost four times higher than in the background population.
Evolution and clustering of prodromal parkinsonian features in GBA1 carriers

Five to 25% of patients with PD carry glucocerebrosidase gene mutations, and 10% to 30% of glucocerebrosidase carriers will develop PD by age 80. Stratification of PD risk in glucocerebrosidase carriers provides an opportunity to target disease‐modifying therapies.
Genome Wide Association Study of Karnal Bunt Resistance in a Wheat Germplasm Collection from Afghanistan

Karnal bunt disease of wheat, caused by the fungus Neovossia indica, is one of the most important challenges to the grain industry as it affects the grain quality and also restricts the international movement of infected grain. It is a seed-, soil- and airborne disease with limited effect of chemical control. Currently, this disease is contained through the deployment of host resistance but further improvement is limited as only a few genotypes have been found to carry partial resistance. To identify genomic regions responsible for resistance in a set of 339 wheat accessions, genome-wide association study (GWAS) was undertaken using the DArTSeq® technology, in which 18 genomic regions for Karnal bunt resistance were identified, explaining 5–20% of the phenotypic variation. The identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosome 2BL showed consistently significant effects across all four experiments, whereas another QTL on 5BL was significant in three experiments. Additional QTLs were mapped on chromosomes 1DL, 2DL, 4AL, 5AS, 6BL, 6BS, 7BS and 7DL that have not been mapped previously, and on chromosomes 4B, 5AL, 5BL and 6BS, which have been reported in previous studies. Germplasm with less than 1% Karnal bunt infection have been identified and can be used for resistance breeding. The SNP markers linked to the genomic regions conferring resistance to Karnal bunt could be used to improve Karnal bunt resistance through marker-assisted selection.
Stochastic Fixed Point Optimization Algorithm for Classifier Ensemble

This paper considers a classifier ensemble problem with sparsity and diversity learning, which arises in the field of machine learning, and shows that the classifier ensemble problem can be formulated as a convex stochastic optimization problem over the fixed point set of a quasi-nonexpansive mapping. Specifically, for such a problem, this paper proposes an algorithm referred to as the stochastic fixed point optimization algorithm and performs a convergence analysis for three types of step size: 1) constant step size; 2) decreasing step size; and 3) a step size computed by line searches. In the case of a constant step size, the results indicate that a sufficiently small constant step size allows a solution to the problem to be approximated. In the case of a decreasing step size, conditions are shown under which the algorithm converges in probability to a solution. For the third case, a variation of the basic proposed algorithm also achieves convergence in probability to a solution. The high classification accuracies of the proposed algorithms are demonstrated through numerical comparisons with the conventional algorithm.
CT Correlation of Skeletal Landmarks and Vascular Anatomy in Civilian Adult Trauma Patients: Implications for Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA).

BACKGROUND REBOA is a valuable resuscitative adjunct in a variety of clinical settings. In resource-limited or emergency environments, REBOA may be required with delayed or absent image-guidance or verification. Catheter insertion lengths may be informed by making CT correlations of skeletal landmarks with vascular lengths. METHODS 2247 trauma patients with CT imaging between 2000-2015 at a single civilian tertiary care center were identified, yielding 1789 patients with adequate contrast opacification of the arterial system in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Individual scans were analyzed using MATLAB software, with custom high-throughput image processing algorithms applied to correlate centerline vascular anatomy with musculoskeletal landmarks. Data were analyzed using R version 3.3. RESULTS The median centerline distance from the skin access to the aortic bifurcation was longer by 0.3 cm on the right than on the left side. Median Aortic Zone I length was 21.6 (IQR, 20.3-22.9) cm, while Zone III was 8.7 (7.8-9.5) cm. Torso extent (TE) correlation to Zone I was much higher than for Zone III (R2 0.58 vs 0.26 (right) and 0.58 vs. 0.27 (left), p<0.001). Assuming a 4 cm balloon length, optimal fixed insertion length would be 48 cm and 28 cm for Zones I and III (Error 0.4% vs 33.3%), respectively, although out of zone placements can be reduced if adjusted for TE (Error 0% vs 26.4%). CONCLUSIONS CT morphometry suggests a fixed REBOA catheter insertion length of 48 cm for Zone I and 28 cm for Zone III is optimal (on average, for average-height individuals), with improved accuracy by formulaic adjustments for torso extent. High residual error for Zone III placement may require redesign of existing catheter balloon lengths or consideration of the relative risk associated with placing the balloon catheter too low or too high. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Premedication effect of melatonin on propofol induction dose for anesthesia, anxiety, orientation and sedation after abdominal surgery: a double-blinded randomized trial

The present study addressed the effect of melatonin premedication on propofol induction dose for anesthesia in abdominal surgery. This is a double-blinded clinical trial in which abdominal surgery patients admitted to the Valiasr Hospital, Iran (n = 88) were enrolled and individually randomized into two groups: melatonin and placebo groups sublingually administered 3 mg of melatonin and placebo, respectively, 50 minutes before surgery. Their anxiety, orientation, and sedation were recorded before melatonin administration, anesthesia induction, and recovery, while we also recorded the propofol induction dose required for general anesthesia. Anxiety was seen less in the melatonin group than the placebo group (P < 0.05), whereas orientation was significantly different before anesthesia induction (P = 0.044) and sedation was the same before the induction (P = 0.044) and recovery (P = 0.049) in both groups, with a better efficiency in the melatonin group in which a lower dose of propofol was used (P = 0.002). The sedation, anxiety, and propofol dose used were lower in the melatonin group than the placebo group. The recommended dosage was 3 mg of melatonin once to achieve an anesthetic depth index or a bispectral index of 40. The study was approved by Ethical Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences with IR.ARAKMU. REC.1395. 432 code in July 2016, and the trial was registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with IRCT20141209020258N98 in September 2016.
Novel Insights into the Effect of Hyperforin and Photodynamic Therapy with Hypericin on Chosen Angiogenic Factors in Colorectal Micro-Tumors Created on Chorioallantoic Membrane

Photodynamic therapy with hypericin (HY-PDT) and hyperforin (HP) could be treatment modalities for colorectal cancer (CRC), but evidence of their effect on angiogenic factors in CRC is missing. Convenient experimental model utilization is essential for angiogenesis research. Therefore, not only 2D cell models, but also 3D cell models and micro-tumors were used and compared. The micro-tumor extent and interconnection with the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was determined by histological analyses. The presence of proliferating cells and HY penetration into the tumor mass were detected by fluorescence microscopy. The metabolic activity status was assessed by an colorimetric assay for assessing cell metabolic activity (MTT assay) and HY accumulation was determined by flow cytometry. Pro-angiogenic factor expression was determined by Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). We confirmed the cytotoxic effect of HY-PDT and HP and showed that their effect is influenced by structural characteristics of the experimental model. We have pioneered a method for analyzing the effect of HP and cellular targeted HY-PDT on pro-angiogenic factor expression in CRC micro-tumors. Despite the inhibitory effect of HY-PDT and HP on CRC, the increased expression of some pro-angiogenic factors was observed. We also showed that CRC experimental micro-tumors created on quail CAM could be utilized for analyses of gene and protein expression.
Visualization and quantification of digitally dissected muscle fascicles in the masticatory muscles of Callithrix jacchus using non-destructive DiceCT.

The organization and length of a muscle's fascicles contributes its contractile properties. Longer fascicles permit increased muscle excursion, while changes in fascicle orientation relate to the overall vector of contractile force. Collecting data on fascicle architecture has traditionally involved destructive and irreversible gross dissection. In recent years, however, new imaging modalities have permitted muscles and their fascicles to be visualized non-destructively. Here we present data from a primate (Callithrix jacchus) in which, for the first time, individual muscle fascicles are digitally "dissected" (segmented and reconstructed) using non-destructive, high-resolution diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DiceCT) techniques. We also present quantitative data on the length and orientation of these fascicles within ten muscle divisions of the jaw adductor and abductor musculature (superficial, deep, and zygomatic portions of temporalis and masseter; medial and lateral pterygoid; anterior and posterior digastric) and compare these digitally measured lengths to fascicular lengths measured using traditional gross and chemical dissection. Digitally-derived fascicle lengths correspond well to their dissection-derived counterparts. Moreover, our analyses of changes in fascicle orientation across the adductor complex enable us to visualize previously uncharacterized levels of detail, and highlight significant variation between adjacent muscle layers within muscle groups (e.g., between superficial, deep and zygomatic portions of masseter and temporalis). We conclude that this technique offers great potential to future research, particularly for questions centered around the visualization and quantification of obscured and often-overlooked muscles such as the pterygoid and digastric muscles, and for deriving more accurate models of the masticatory system as a whole. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Incorporating Enterprise Architecture in the Supply Chain

ii Acknowledgements . iv List of Tables . xii List of Figures . xiv Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 Incorporation . 2 Enterprise Architecture . 3 Research Questions and Purpose . 5 Overview of Dissertation . 6 Chapter 2: Foundational Literature and Framework Development . 8 Organizational Diffusion Process . 10 Acceptance . 15 Routinization . 18 Assimilation . 26 Unified Framework of Technological Innovation Incorporation . 29 Summary . 31 Chapter 3: Research Design and Methodology . 32 Hypotheses Regarding Acceptance Factors . 32 Measures of Acceptance . 35