Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spring / Summer 2018 Machine Learning – An Opportunity for New Directions and to Engage with New Areas

3An opportunity for new directions and to engage with new areas 3ML andmixed integer programming 3 Is ML really the hero that the OR community needs? 3Data-centric versus problem-centric methods 3ML applications in the energy sector 3ML applications in material science 3ML and ethnography: a marriage made in heaven 3 INFORMS Student Chapter spotlight: Northeastern University 3 INFORMS Student Chapter highlights
Intestinal Microbiome in Preterm Infants Influenced by Enteral Iron Dosing

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the intestinal microbiome in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants who received different enteral iron supplementation (EIS) doses. Study Design: Longitudinal stool collection in 80 VLBW infants were conducted up to 2 months postnatally in a prospective study. The 16S rRNA regions V4 was used to calculate microbiome compositions and the Piphillin software was used for bacterial functional prediction. Linear mixed effect models and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed to examine the relationships between initial EIS dosage and stool microbiome and bacterial functional potential. Results: There were 105 samples collected before and 237 collected after EIS started from infants with birth gestational age and weight of 28.1 ± 2.4 weeks and 1103 ± 210 g, respectively. The average postnatal age at start of EIS was 17.9 ± 6.9 days and the average initial EIS dose was 4.8 ± 1.1 mg · kg−1 · day−1. Infants who were started on ≥6 mg · kg−1 · day−1 had higher abundances of Proteus and Bifidobacterium and a lower alpha diversity than those started on lower doses (P < 0.05). Infants given higher EIS doses had higher bacterial predicted functional potentials for ferroptosis and epithelial invasion after 2 weeks post EIS. Conclusions: Higher EIS dosage is linked to higher abundances of Proteus and Bifidobacterium, and a less diverse microbiome and higher predicted potential of bacterial epithelial invasion. These observational findings should be further studied in a randomized study to elucidate the optimal dosage of EIS in VLBW infants.
The Effects of Firm Size on Job Quality: A Comparative Study for Britain and France

Using linked employer-employee data from two comparable surveys this article examines the links between non-pecuniary job quality and workplace characteristics in Britain and France – countries with very different employment regimes. The results show that job quality is better in Britain than it is in France, despite its minimalist regulatory regime. The difference is apparent for all dimensions of job quality (skill development, training participation, job autonomy, job insecurity, work-life balance and relations between employers and employees), except skills' match to a job. Firm size is negatively associated with non-pecuniary job quality in both countries but in France the association is confined to only the largest firms. Internal Labour Markets (ILMs) are associated with higher job quality in France, but not in Britain.
Biological evolution’s use of representational redescription

I encountered Annette Karmiloff-Smith several times between the 1980s and 2012. We also occasionally exchanged email messages. We worked on related problems and had partly overlapping ideas about a multi-layer development process. In particular, there are overlaps and differences between her notion of “representational redescription” and the “meta-configured genome” idea based on a revision of the “altricial/precocial” distinction used by biologists. We shared the view that understanding mechanisms involved in development is more important than collecting data about ages at which various fashionable developmental tests are passed. Our problems and some of our methodology overlapped, but our views on explanatory frameworks were different. My main inspiration regarding what needed to be explained came from Immanuel Kant’s theories about the nature of mathematical knowledge (about spatial structures and processes) as “awakened by” but not “derived from” experience, whereas although inspired by Jean Piaget (who had read Kant) Annette seems not to have been interested in Piaget’s work on mathematical cognition, and had not read his (posthumous) book on necessity, though it was she who informed me about it. On reading Beyond Modularity about ten years after it was published I noticed unexpected overlaps, but I don’t think Annette was interested in my investigations because I was not ready to propose specific explanatory mechanisms (e.g. for mathematical insight – a still unsolved problem) and I did not think neural nets, her favourite candidate, were adequate to the task. Nevertheless, I believe there were deep commonalities in our thinking, as well as differences that I’ll try to explain. I regret that we did not have opportunities to engage more deeply, and perhaps achieve a new synthesis.
Thionation of quinolizidine alkaloids and their derivatives via Lawesson’s reagent

Abstract Direct thionation of quinolizidine alkaloids (-)-cytisine, methylcytisine, thermopsine and some of their carbonyl derivatives was realized. It was established that carrying out of the reaction in the boiling toluene with 0.5 eq. of Lawesson’s reagent (LR) is most effective for synthesis of thio analogues of methyl-, allyl-, benzylcytisine and thermopsine. It was found, that formation of thioamides is preferable in the case with starting 3-carboxamides of (-)-cytisine or 2-oxo and 4-oxo derivatives of methylcytisine; and an excess of LR is needed for their exhaustive thionation. It was shown, that thionation of ‘cytisine substituted’ urea and thiourea, as well as Diels-Alder adducts of methylcitisine with phenylmaleimide on basis of this approach was not quite successful: only thionation of the 2-pyridone core has occurred. It should be noted that transformation of urea and thiourea is complicated by side reactions leading to low yields of thio products, and the result of LR interaction with mentioned above diastereomeric Diels-Alder adducts depends on their stereochemistry and thermodynamic stability under reaction conditions. Graphical Abstract
Effect of Prehospital Antibiotic Therapy on Clinical Outcome and Pathogen Detection in Children With Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion/Pleural Empyema.

BACKGROUND Parapneumonic pleural effusion and pleural empyema (PPE/PE) are complications of community-acquired pneumonia. The objective of this study was to analyze prehospital antibiotic therapy (PH-ABT) of children with PPE/PE and investigate its effects on clinical outcome and pathogen detection. METHODS Prospective nationwide active surveillance in Germany between October 2010 and June 2018. Children and adolescents <18 years of age with pneumonia-associated PE or PPE requiring drainage or with persistence of PPE/PE >7 days were included. RESULTS A total of 1724 children with PPE/PE were reported, of whom 556 children (32.3% of 1719 with available data) received PH-ABT. Children with PH-ABT had a shorter median hospital length of stay (15 vs. 18 days, P < 0.001), a longer time from onset of symptoms until hospital discharge (25 vs. 23 days, P = 0.002), a lower rate of intensive care unit admission (58.3% vs. 64.4%, P = 0.015) and fewer infectious complications (5.9% vs. 10.0%; P = 0.005). Bacterial pathogens in blood or pleural fluid culture were detected in 597 (34.5%) of 1513 children. Positive culture results were less frequent in children with than without PH-ABT (81/466 [17.4%] vs. 299/1005 [29.8%]; P < 0.001), whereas detection rates in pleural fluid samples by polymerase chain reaction were similar (91/181 [50.3%] vs. 220/398 [55.3%]; P = 0.263). CONCLUSIONS In children with PPE/PE, PH-ABT significantly reduced the overall rate of bacterial pathogen detection by culture, but not by polymerase chain reaction. PH-ABT was associated with a lower rate of infectious complications but did not affect the overall duration of disease. We therefore speculate that the duration of PPE/PE is mainly a consequence of an infection-induced inflammatory process, which can only partially be influenced by antibiotic treatment.
The Effect of Name and Narrative Voice in Online Adoption Profiles on the Length of Stay of Sheltered Cats in the UK

Simple Summary A fundamental aim of shelters, pounds and other rescue facilities is to minimise the length of stay (LOS) of animals prior to rehoming, since a prolonged LOS in a shelter environment can be detrimental to behaviour, health and welfare and have a financial impact on the shelter. Previous research reveals that LOS is impacted by different factors relating to adopter preferences, to the animal (e.g., age, sex, breed, and colour), and to the shelter environment (e.g., cage placement, cage design and the provision of enrichment). This paper aimed to assess the impact of two immutable “static” factors (age and sex), and two easily changeable “dynamic” factors (cats’ names and whether the adoption description was written in the first or third person), on the LOS of cats rehomed from three charity shelters in the UK. The results demonstrated that age and sex both impacted LOS, with young cats and male cats rehomed fastest. The category of name did not affect LOS, but cats with a description written in the third person were rehomed quicker. This finding is important to shelters as it identifies a simple, no cost intervention that might save money and improve cat welfare by reducing LOS. Abstract A prolonged length of stay (LOS) in a rehoming shelter can be detrimental to cat behaviour, health and welfare. Research shows LOS is impacted by animal signalment, behaviour and personality, whether or not previously owned or a stray, and considerations such as cage placement, cage design and the provision of enrichment. A retrospective study was undertaken at a charity organisation that rehomes surrendered and stray cats from three UK shelters. Records from 2011 to 2015, relating to 4460 rehomed cats aged between 1.0 year and 20.1 years old, were analysed to investigate factors that might affect LOS. Univariate and multivariate analysis determined the effects of name, adoption description (first person vs. third person), age and sex on LOS. The final multivariate model demonstrated that age, sex and adoption description, but not name, had a significant effect on LOS. Younger cats, male cats and cats with adoption profiles written in the third person had a significantly shorter mean LOS. Survival curves conducted using a log-rank test and time-to-event analysis, using the dates of relinquishment and rehoming, revealed that cats with a third person description had a shorter LOS. Shelters should consider writing adoption descriptions in the third person to minimise LOS.
A Centimeter-wave Study of Methanol and Ammonia Isotopologues in Sgr B2(N): Physical and Chemical Differentiation between Two Hot Cores

We present new radio-frequency interferometric maps of emission from the 14NH3, 15NH3, and NH2D isotopologues of ammonia and the 12CH3OH and 13CH3OH isotopologues of methanol toward Sgr B2(N). With a resolution of ∼3″ (0.1 pc), we are able to spatially resolve emission from two hot cores in this source and separate it from absorption against the compact H ii regions in this area. The first (N1) is the well-known v = 64 km s−1 core, and the second (N2) is a core 6″ to the north at v = 73 km s−1. Using emission from 15NH3 and hyperfine satellites of 14NH3 metastable transitions, we estimate the 14NH3 column densities of these sources and compare them to those of NH2D. We find that the ammonia deuteration fraction of N2 is roughly 10–20 times higher than that in N1. We also measure an [15NH3/14NH3] abundance ratio that is apparently 2–3 times higher in N2 than in N1, which could indicate a correspondingly higher degree of nitrogen fractionation in N2. In addition, we find that N2 has a factor of 7 higher methanol abundance than N1. Together, these abundance signatures suggest that N2 is a younger source, for which species characteristic of grain chemistry at low temperatures are currently being actively liberated from ice mantles and have not yet reached chemical equilibrium in the warm gas phase. The high D abundance and possible high 15N abundance in NH3 found in N2 are interesting for studying the potential interstellar origin of abundances in primitive solar system material.
Perceptions and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students of West Bengal

Background: Self medications with over the counter (OTC) drugs usage has been prevalent among medical students. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the perceptions and practice of self-medication among medical students. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive observational study with cross sectional study design carried out over a period of one month (Nov 2017) at NRS Medical College of Kolkata. 910 undergraduate medical students participated in the study. Information was elicited with the help of a predesigned, pretested, self administered questionnaire and results were analyzed and tabulated using descriptive statistics. Results: A large majority of the students (94%) gave history of self medications in last 6 months. Pain, fever, cough/cold were the major symptoms for which medications were taken, while quick relief, minor ailments were considered as the main cause of self medication Antipyretics(82.6%),analgesics(72.0%) and vitamins(76.5%) were the main group of drugs which were used for self medications.56. 4 % of the students had good /very good attitude score regarding perception of self medication. Significant association was found between attitude score and residence and academic year of students. Conclusion:
Monte Carlo Dosimetry for 125 I Eye Plaque Brachytherapy

In this study, Brachytherapy dose distribution is evaluated for a 12 mm COMS eye plaque loaded with model 6711-125I seeds. The dose rate constant, air kerma strength per contained activity (UmCi-1) for the radioactive seed (model 6711) and air kerma strength to deliver 85 Gy in depth of 5 mm on central axis in water and homogenized eye were also calculated. Furthermore, comparison between MCNP4C and MCNP5 codes was done. Due to the Silastic carrier attenuation, PMMA carrier with lower effective atomic number has been studied as a substitute. The results show that the Silastic insert has significant effect on the dose reduction along the central axis of the eye plaque in comparison with PMMA insert. The isodose contours were plotted by considering lens and homogenized eye composition. has been uniformly adsorbed. The thickness of radioactive layer was estimated about 2 μm. Monte Carlo calculations: The dose distributions were simulated by use of two versions of the Monte Carlo (MC) radiation transport code published by Los Alamos National Laboratory. The photon cross-section library of MCNP5 (MCPLIB04) is based on the ENDF/B-VI data [9] and the MCNP version 4C photon cross-section library (DLC-200) is based on Storm and Israel [10]. The dose rate distributions in water were calculated from the energy deposition averaged over a cell using the MCNP F6 tally in MeV/g/ particle and converted to absorbed dose by conversion factors. The photon energies and Photons per disintegration for 125I were extracted from TG-43U1 [6]. According to TG43-U1 recommendation, the proposed formula for two-dimensional dose rate is: ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 0 0 , , , , K G r D r S g r F r G r θ θ θ θ • = ∧ (1) Where Ḋ (r,θ) is the dose rate in water at the distance r in cm from a line source and θ denotes the polar angle specifying the point of interest, Sk is the air-kerma strength has unit of U = cGy cm 2 h-1, Λ is the dose rate constant expressed in cGy h2-1 U-1; ( ) ( ) 0 0 , , G r G r θ θ is the geometry factor; r0,θ0 are the reference position, r0 = 1 cm and θ0=90°, g (r) is the radial dose function; and F(r,θ) is the anisotropy function. Citation: Sadeghi M, Farshadi A, Saidi P, Hosseini SH, Jafari A (2018) Monte Carlo Dosimetry for 125I Eye Plaque Brachytherapy. J Nucl Med Radiat Ther 9: 367. doi: 10.4172/2155-9619.1000367
Can HRM Improve Schools' Performance?

Evidence on schools' performance is confined to comparisons across schools, usually based on value-added measures. We adopt an alternative approach comparing schools to observationally equivalent workplaces in the rest of the British economy using measures of workplace performance that are common across all workplaces. We focus on the role played by management practices in explaining differences in the performance of schools versus other workplaces, and performance across the schools' sector. We find intensive use of HRM practices is correlated with substantial improvement in workplace performance, both among schools and other workplaces. However, the types of practices that improve school performance are different from those that improve performance elsewhere in the economy. Furthermore, in contrast to the linear returns to HRM intensity in most workplaces, improvements in schools' performance are an increasing function of HRM intensity.
Endoscopic full-thickness resection of polyps involving the appendiceal orifice: a multicenter international experience

Abstract Background Endoscopic resection of lesions involving the appendiceal orifice remains a challenge. We aimed to report outcomes with the full-thickness resection device (FTRD) for the resection of appendiceal lesions and identify factors associated with the occurrence of appendicitis. Methods This was a retrospective study at 18 tertiary-care centers (USA 12, Canada 1, Europe 5) between November 2016 and August 2020. Consecutive patients who underwent resection of an appendiceal orifice lesion using the FTRD were included. The primary outcome was the rate of R0 resection in neoplastic lesions, defined as negative lateral and deep margins on post-resection histologic evaluation. Secondary outcomes included the rates of: technical success (en bloc resection), clinical success (technical success without need for further surgical intervention), post-resection appendicitis, and polyp recurrence. Results 66 patients (32 women; mean age 64) underwent resection of colonic lesions involving the appendiceal orifice (mean [standard deviation] size, 14.5 (6.2) mm), with 40 (61 %) being deep, extending into the appendiceal lumen. Technical success was achieved in 59/66 patients (89 %), of which, 56 were found to be neoplastic lesions on post-resection pathology. Clinical success was achieved in 53/66 (80 %). R0 resection was achieved in 52/56 (93 %). Of the 58 patients in whom EFTR was completed who had no prior history of appendectomy, appendicitis was reported in 10 (17 %), with six (60 %) requiring surgical appendectomy. Follow-up colonoscopy was completed in 41 patients, with evidence of recurrence in five (12 %). Conclusions The FTRD is a promising non-surgical alternative for resecting appendiceal lesions, but appendicitis occurs in 1/6 cases.
Acute severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 treatment overview for pediatrics

Purpose of review The novel severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has caused a world-wide pandemic with devastating effects. Fortunately, most children display only mild-to-moderate symptoms, but there are a subset that will have severe symptoms warranting treatment. This review evaluates the current evidence for antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatment of acute SARS-COV-2 infections, including coronavirus disease 2019 in pediatrics. Recent findings Treatment recommendations continue to evolve with emerging results from clinical trials. Initial therapies were tailored to repurposed medications, and have now transitioned toward more specific antiviral therapy. In addition to specific antiviral therapy, there is also support to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammatory damage seen in coronavirus disease 2019. Much of the data result from adult studies with subsequent extrapolation to pediatrics. Summary Recommended therapy will continue to adapt as results return from clinical trials. A continued commitment from the National Institutes of Health and research community to assist in determining optimal therapies for pediatric patients is essential. Until then, most recommendations will likely be informed from the results seen in adult populations.
Incorporating RNA‐Seq transcriptomics into glycosylation‐integrating metabolic network modelling kinetics: Multiomic Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell bioreactors

In this work, the kinetic model based on the previously developed metabolic and glycan reaction networks of the ovarian cells of the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line was improved by the inclusion of transcriptomic data that took into account the values of the RPKM gene (Reads per Kilobase of Exon per Million Reads Mapped). The transcriptomic (RNASeq) data were obtained together with metabolic and glycan data from the literature, and the concentrations with RPKM values were collected at several points in time from two fed‐batch processes. First, the fluxes were determined by regression analysis of the metabolic data, then these fluxes were corrected by using the fold change in gene expression as a measure of enzyme concentrations. Next, the corrected fluxes in the kinetic model were used to calculate the concentration profiles of the metabolites, and literature data were used to evaluate the predicted results of the model. Compared to other studies where the concentration profiles of CHO cell metabolites were described using a kinetic model without consideration of RNA‐Seq data to correct the fluxes, this model is unique. The additional integration of transcriptomic data led to better predictions of metabolic concentrations in the fed‐batch process, which is a significant improvement of the modelling technique used.
Efficient and Provably Secure Certificateless Aggregate Signature Scheme from Bilinear Pairings

The most important contribution of modern cryptography is the invention of digital signatures. To deal with specific application scenarios, digital signature schemes have been evolved with different variants. One of such variant is aggregate signature scheme, which allows aggregation of different signatures by different users on different messages, to achieve computational and communication efficiency. Such schemes are useful in the design of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETS), and Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETS); where storage, bandwidth and computational complexity are major constraints. In order to improve the computational and communicational efficiency along with security, in this paper, we propose a novel Certificateless Aggregate Signature (CLAS) scheme and extended it to achieve full aggregation. The proposed CLAS scheme is using bilinear pairings over elliptic curves and is proven secure in Random Oracle Model under the assumption of Computational Diffie-Hellman Problem is hard. The security of the proposed CLAS scheme is proven without using Forking Lemma to achieve tight security. We compared our scheme with well known existing schemes. Efficiency analysis shows that our scheme is much efficient than existing schemes in terms of communication and computational costs.