Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of a Shewanella halifaxensis Strain Isolated from the Intestine of Marine Red Seabream (Pagrus major), Which Includes an Integrative Conjugative Element with Macrolide Resistance Genes

ABSTRACT Shewanella halifaxensis strain 6JANF4-E-4 was isolated from the intestine of a red seabream (Pagrus major). Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this bacterium, which includes an integrative conjugative element of the SXT/R391 family, where the macrolide resistance determinants mef(C) and mph(G) exist.
Trap Designs for Monitoring Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

ABSTRACT Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), an invasive pest of small and stone fruits, has been recently detected in 39 states of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. This pest attacks ripening fruit, causing economic losses including increased management costs and crop rejection. Ongoing research aims to improve the efficacy of monitoring traps. Studies were conducted to evaluate howphysical trap features affect captures of D. suzukii.We evaluated five colors, two bait surface areas, and a top and side position for the fly entry point. Studies were conducted at 16 sites spanning seven states and provinces of North America and nine crop types. Apple cider vinegar was the standard bait in all trap types. In the overall analysis, yellow-colored traps caught significantly more flies than clear, white, and black traps; and red traps caught more than clear traps. Results by color may be influenced by crop type. Overall, the trap with a greater bait surface area caught slightly more D. suzukii than the trap with smaller area (90 vs. 40cm2). Overall, the two traps with a side-mesh entry, with or without a protective rain tent, caught more D. suzukii than the trap with a top-mesh entry and tent.
Spatio-temporal patterns of attacks on human and economic losses from wildlife in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Wildlife attacks on humans and economic losses often result in reduced support of local communities for wildlife conservation. Information on spatial and temporal patterns of such losses in the highly affected areas contribute in designing and implementing effective mitigation measures. We analyzed the loss of humans, livestock and property caused by wildlife during 1998 to 2016, using victim family’s reports to Chitwan National Park authorities and Buffer Zone User Committees. A total of 4,014 incidents were recorded including attacks on humans, livestock depredation, property damage and crop raiding caused by 12 wildlife species. In total >400,000 US dollar was paid to the victim families as a relief over the whole period. Most of the attacks on humans were caused by rhino, sloth bear, tiger, elephant, wild boar and leopard. A significantly higher number of conflict incidents caused by rhino and elephant were observed during full moon periods. An increase in the wildlife population did not coincide with an equal rise in conflict incidents reported. Underprivileged ethnic communities were attacked by wildlife more frequently than expected. Number of attacks on humans by carnivores and herbivores did not differ significantly. An insignificant decreasing trend of wildlife attacks on humans and livestock was observed with significant variation over the years. Tiger and leopard caused >90% of livestock depredation. Tigers killed both large (cattle and buffalo) and medium sized (goat, sheep, pig) livestock but leopard mostly killed medium sized livestock. Most (87%) of the livestock killing during 2012–2016 occurred within the stall but close (<500m) to the forest edge. Both the percentage of households with livestock and average holding has decreased over the years in buffer zone. Decreased forest dependency as well as conflict mitigation measures (electric and mesh wire fences) have contributed to keep the conflict incidents in control. Strengthening mitigation measures like construction of electric or mesh wire fences and predator-proof livestock corrals along with educating local communities about wildlife behavior and timely management of problem animals (man-eater tiger, rage elephant etc.) will contribute to reduce the conflict.
Automatic switching between indoor and outdoor position providers

In which way may an application switch instantly and reliably between an indoor and an outdoor positioning provider as a user enters and exits buildings? In this work we present a robust switching algorithm, utilizing the dynamic accuracy estimation of each position provider as a reliability indication. Our algorithm offers a fast automatic switch between the indoor and the outdoor provider, in a transparent way for the user. We also present experimental results, using GPS outdoors and a Bluetooth provider indoors. This technique was tested in our lab and was afterwards installed at the Hospital of Perugia, Italy, in the context of the Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Virgilius project, where users can navigate with a smartphone. This study is also a result of the research done in the context of the AAL EDLAH project, for optimizing the selection of the most adequate positioning technology. Accurate position estimations are used as input for the EDLAH object detection module.
Microarray Analysis of the Expression Profile of Long Non-Coding RNAs Indicates lncRNA RP11-263F15.1 as a Biomarker for Diagnosis and Prognostic Prediction of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating malignancy with poor prognostic outcomes. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the development and progression of carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, little is known about the role of lncRNAs in PDAC. The aim of the current study was to find differentially expressed lncRNAs and related mRNAs in human PDAC tissues and adjacent normal tissues by microarray analysis, and investigate the relationship between lncRNA RP11-263F15.1 levels and the clinicaopathological features of PDAC patients. It was found that 4364 lncRNAs and 4862 related mRNAs were significantly dysregulated in PDAC tissues as compared with adjacent normal tissues with a fold change ≥2.0 (P<0.05). GO and pathway analyses showed that the up-regulated gene profiles were related to several pathways associated with carcinogenesis, while the down-regulated gene profiles were closely correlated with nutrient metabolism. RP11-263F15.1 levels were associated with histologic differentiation (P=0.001). Besides, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high expression of RP11-263F15.1 was associated with poor outcomes, but multivariate analysis suggested that RP11-263F15.1 was not an independent factor for predicting prognosis of PDAC. In conclusion, these data indicate that differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were involved in the carcinogenesis of PDAC, and RP11-263F15.1 may prove to be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognostic prediction of PDAC.
Chromosome Y Isodicentrics in two Cases with Ambiguous genitalia and Features of Turner Syndrome

Chromosome Y Isodicentrics in two Cases with Ambiguous genitalia and Features of Turner Syndrome Karyotype investigations using classical cytogenetics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used for the characterization of Y chromosome structural anomalies found in two patients with ambiguous genitalia and features of Turner syndrome. Both exhibited mosaic karyotypes of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The karyotype was 45, X[90]/ 46, X, idic(Y)(p11.3). ish idic(Y) (wcpY+, DXYS130++,SRY++,DYZ3++,DYZ1++, DYS224++)[10] in one case, and the karyotype was 45, X[65]/46, X, idic(Y) (q11). ish idic(Y)(SRY++, RP11-140H23-)[35] in the other case. Derivative Y chromosomes were different in shape and size and positive for the SRY gene, a common underlying element of ambiguous genitalia phenotypes. These results add new information concerning the role of Y chromosome structural abnormalities in sex determination pathway perturbation which are poorly understood, and highlight the importance of the sex chromosomes integrity for a normal sex phenotype development.
Determining a Maximum‐Tolerated Schedule of a Cytotoxic Agent

Summary Most phase I clinical trials are designed to determine a maximum‐tolerated dose (MTD) for one initial administration or treatment course of a cytotoxic experimental agent. Toxicity usually is defined as the indicator of whether one or more particular adverse events occur within a short time period from the start of therapy. However, physicians often administer an agent to the patient repeatedly and monitor long‐term toxicity due to cumulative effects. We propose a new method for such settings. It is based on the time to toxicity rather than a binary outcome, and the goal is to determine a maximum‐tolerated schedule (MTS) rather than a conventional MTD. The model and method account for a patient's entire sequence of administrations, with the overall hazard of toxicity modeled as the sum of a sequence of hazards, each associated with one administration. Data monitoring and decision making are done continuously throughout the trial. We illustrate the method with an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) trial to determine how long a recombinant human growth factor can be administered as prophylaxis for acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD), and we present a simulation study in the context of this trial.
Digital Inequalities of Family Life Information Seeking and Family Well-Being Among Chinese Adults in Hong Kong: A Population Survey

Background Inequalities in Internet use and health information seeking are well documented, but less is known about information for family life activities. Objective We investigated the social determinants of online family life information seeking behaviors and its associations with family well-being among Chinese adults in Hong Kong. Methods A probability-based telephone survey was conducted in 2012 to record family life information seeking behaviors, including frequency of seeking and paying attention to family life information, levels of trust, and perceived usefulness of family life information. Family well-being was assessed using 3 single items on perceived family harmony, happiness, and health, with higher scores indicating greater well-being. Adjusted odds ratios for family life information seeking behaviors by socioeconomic characteristics and lifestyle behaviors, and adjusted beta coefficients for family well-being by family life information seeking behaviors were calculated. Results Of 1537 respondents, 57.57% (855/1537) had ever and 26.45% (407/1537) sought monthly family life information through the Internet. Lower educational attainment and household income, smoking, and physical inactivity were associated with less frequent seeking and paying attention (all P<.05). Greater perceived family health was associated with more frequent attention (adjusted β=.32, 95% CI.11-.52), greater levels of trust (adjusted β=.28, 95% CI .07-.48), and perceived usefulness (adjusted β=.23, 95% CI .01-.45) of family life information. Frequent attention and higher level of trust were also associated with greater family harmony (adjusted β=.22, 95% CI .002-.41) and happiness (adjusted β=.23, 95% CI .003-.42), respectively. Conclusions This is the first study investigating family life information seeking behaviors and suggested inequalities of online family life information seeking behaviors. The association between family life information seeking behavior and family well-being needs to be confirmed in prospective studies.
Giving Up the Finite State Machine in the Control of Lower-Limb Wearable Robots?

The gait cycle is typically viewed as a periodic sequence of discrete events, starting with heel contact during initial stance and ending with knee extension during late swing. This convention has informed the design of control strategies for powered prostheses and orthoses, which almost universally utilize the concept of a finite state machine (FSM), e.g., the five states in Fig. 1. Each state (or phase) of the FSM has a separate control model that usually enforces joint impedances [1] or tracks patterns of joint angles, velocities, or torques. These prosthetic legs switch between control models based on switching rules or estimates of gait cycle phase that rely on multiple sources of sensory feedback. The higher-level state machines required for multiple ambulation modes (e.g., level ground, ramps, and stairs) can involve hundreds of control and switching parameters, presenting a critical challenge to the clinical viability of powered prostheses and orthoses [2].
A 14 GHz non-contact radar system for long range heart rate detection

This study presents a 14 GHz CW Doppler radar to measure respiration and heart rate. A leakage cancellation technique is used to detect the heart rate of humans for long range detection. Arctangent demodulation without dc offset compensation can be applied because of the heterodyne receiver structure and the leakage cancellation technique. HRV analysis of the radar system and the ECG signal, which is measured directly, are compared. Based on the measurement results, the radar can detect respiration and the heart rate with a small error rate.
TFEB Amplification Renal Cell Carcinoma Detected by Chromosome Genomic Array Testing: A Case Report for Diagnosis of a Novel Entity

Background: The accurate diagnosis and corresponding prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are challenged by overlapping histological features and imprecise immunohistochemical (IHC) markers, which easily leads to misdiagnosis of rare subtypes, such as translocation RCC (tRCC). Case presentation: We report here a rare case of TFEB amplified RCC presenting in a 47-year-old male with a 10 cm renal mass and regional lymph node metastases. This tumor was initially diagnosed as a clear cell RCC (ccRCC). However, chromosome genomic array testing (CGAT) revealed TFEB gene amplification, which was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). TFEB transcript overexpression was demonstrated by RNA in situ hybridization. The tumor histology was reassessed and relabelled as unclassified RCC based on unusual histologic features and a non-specific IHC profile. The tumor rapidly progressed with distant metastatic disease that responded to treatment with sunitinib for 11 months. Conclusions: TFEB gene amplification without rearrangement/translocation appears to be a novel entity. Ours is a rare TFEB gene amplification RCC case with metastasis and unusual morphology. The workup of our case demonstrates the potential role for CGAT to aid in the subtype classification of RCC tumors.
Openness, inequality and poverty: Endowments matter

Using tariffs as a measure of openness, this paper finds consistent evidence that the conditional effects of trade liberalization on inequality are correlated with relative factor endowments. Trade liberalization, measured by changes in tariff revenues, is associated with increases in inequality in countries well-endowed with highly skilled workers and capital or with workers that have very low education levels. Similar, although less robust, results are also obtained when decile data are used instead of the usual Gini coefficients. Taken together, the results are strongly supportive of the factor-proportions theory of trade and suggest that trade liberalization in poor countries where the share of the labor force with little education is high raises inequality. Simulation results also suggest that relatively small changes in inequality as measured by aggregate measures of inequality, like the Gini coefficient, are magnified when estimates are carried out using decile data.
Visual analysis of void and reinforcement characteristics in X-ray computed tomography dataset series of fiber-reinforced polymers

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are of great importance in various industries because of their superior properties as compared to conventional materials, their versatile processing, and their wide application possibilities. To fulfil the high-quality standards in its respective applications, industrial 3D X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is increasingly used. It enables an accurate, non-destructive characterization of material features such as inclusions, voids, fibers, or other reinforcements, which is of core importance for material and component design. In this work we present FeatureAnalyzer, a generalization of the previously introduced PorosityAnalyzer tool, which allows to analyze dataset series as generated for exploring the parameter space of image processing workflows (including pre-filtering, segmentation, postprocessing or quantification) applied to XCT datasets of fiber-reinforced polymers. With a scatter plot matrix (SPLOM), the characteristics of the features of interest may be examined in more detail regarding the used input and output parameters. Individual results may be selected in the SPLOM and analyzed using 2D slice views and 3D renderings. For this work, three different samples (sample #1 - #3) were scanned by means of XCT and were evaluated by using FeatureAnalyzer. The samples #1 and #2 have a porosity value of approximately 1.7 vol. %. By using the FeatureAnalyzer in combination with SPLOM, the threshold parameters could be analyzed before the over-segmentation of voids occurs. Additional evaluations by parallel coordinates clearly show, that sample #2 has a higher number of spherical voids in the center of the specimen compared to sample #1. By evaluating the resin content of sample #3, the individual layer thickness could be measured. The source code of the tool is available on Github: https://github.com/3dct/open_iA/
Influence of variations in systemic blood flow and pressure on cerebral and systemic oxygen saturation in cardiopulmonary bypass patients.

BACKGROUND Although both pressure and flow are considered important determinants of regional organ perfusion, the relative importance of each is less established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of variations in flow, pressure, or both on cerebral and whole-body oxygen saturation. METHODS Thirty-four consenting patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass were included. Using a randomized cross-over design, four different haemodynamic states were simulated: (i) 20% flow decrease, (ii) 20% flow decrease with phenylephrine to restore baseline pressure, (iii) 20% pressure decrease with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) under baseline flow, and (iv) increased flow with baseline pressure. The effect of these changes was evaluated on cerebral (Sc(O₂)) and systemic (Sv(O₂)) oxygen saturation, and on systemic oxygen extraction ratio (OER). Data were assessed by within- and between-group comparisons. RESULTS Decrease in flow was associated with a decrease in [from 63.5 (7.4) to 62.0 (8.5) %, P<0.001]. When arterial pressure was restored with phenylephrine during low flow, Sc(O₂) further decreased from 61.0 (9.7) to 59.2 (10.2) %, P<0.001. Increase in flow was associated with an increase in Sc(O₂) from 62.6 (7.7) to 63.6 (8.9) %, P=0.03, while decreases in pressure with the use of SNP did not affect Sc(O₂). Sv(O₂) was significantly lower (P<0.001) and OER was significantly higher (P<0.001) in the low flow arms. CONCLUSIONS In the present elective cardiac surgery population, Sc(O₂) and Sv(O₂) were significantly lower with lower flow, regardless of systemic arterial pressure. Moreover, phenylephrine administration was associated with a reduced cerebral and systemic oxygen saturation.
Critical Review of Research Methods Used to Consider the Impact of Human-Animal Interaction on Older Adults' Health.

Background and Objectives Most research on human-animal interaction (HAI) and human health focuses on one of three perspectives: (a) health effects of pet ownership; (b) health effects of contact with a companion animal; or (c) health effects of animal-assisted interventions including animal-assisted therapies, and animal-assisted activities. Methods We reviewed research methods used to address each perspective, within the context of human aging, and identified challenges associated with these methods. Results The complex challenges involved in designing studies to address all three perspectives and examples of research design elements that can be used to alleviate issues raised in each type of study are provided. Discussion and Implications We suggest emerging methodologies that may be helpful for answering important questions from all three perspectives about the relationship of HAI to health outcomes for older adults.
Voxel-based morphometry in Alzheimers disease and mild cognitive impairment: Systematic review of studies addressing the frontal lobe

ABSTRACT Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) is a useful approach for investigating neurostructural brain changes in dementia. We systematically reviewed VBM studies of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), specifically focusing on grey matter (GM) atrophy in the frontal lobe. Methods: Two searches were performed on the Pubmed database. A set of exclusion criteria was applied to ensure the selection of only VBM studies that directly investigated GM volume abnormalities in AD and/or MCI patients compared to cognitively normal controls. Results: From a total of 46 selected articles, 35 VBM studies reported GM volume reductions in the frontal lobe. The frontal subregions, where most of the volume reductions were reported, included the inferior, superior and middle frontal gyri, as well as the anterior cingulate gyrus. We also found studies in which reduced frontal GM was detected in MCI patients who converted to AD. In a minority of studies, correlations between frontal GM volumes and behavioural changes or cognitive deficits in AD patients were investigated, with variable findings. Conclusion: Results of VBM studies indicate that the frontal lobe should be regarded as an important brain area when investigating GM volume deficits in association with AD. Frontal GM loss might not be a feature specific to late AD only. Future VBM studies involving large AD samples are warranted to further investigate correlations between frontal volume deficits and both cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Case-Based Reasoning for Army Compositions in Real-Time Strategy Games

—Over the years, there have been numerous successful applications of artiﬁcial intelligence techniques in the ﬁeld of computer gaming. However, traditional graph-search based techniques often fail to perform at human level in real-time games with non-discrete game states. This fact encouraged the research of Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) and its applications to various aspects of computer game AI, especially in case of real-time strategies. We show how CBR can be used in the process of selecting the most effective army composition in a strategy game StarCraft, based on the game-related knowledge base designed by human experts (gamers).
Energy Efficient D2D-Assisted Offloading with Wireless Power Transfer

Traffic offloading via device-to-device (D2D) communications has been proposed to improve the network capacity and alleviate the increasing traffic burden on cellular base stations (BSs). However, the success of D2D communications largely relies on the D2D transmitters' (D2D-Txs) willingness of sharing contents (due to the energy consumption for transmission). In this paper, we model and analyze wireless powered D2D-assisted offloading (WPDO) in underlying cellular networks, where the D2D-Tx is allowed to receive power from the nearest BS as well as other interfering BSs, and then D2D-Tx broadcasts the popular contents to nearby users. The average received power at D2D-Tx and the success probability of D2D-Tx transmission are derived. Furthermore, based on the proposed model, we maximize the network energy efficiency while guaranteeing users' required data rates. Our results confirm that the maximum energy efficiency of the WPDO network can be achieved by jointly optimizing the fraction of time for wireless power transfer and the offloading range of D2D-Tx.