Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A at Environmentally Relevant Doses Adversely Affects the Murine Female Reproductive Tract Later in Life

Background Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during critical developmental periods causes adverse consequences later in life; an example is prenatal exposure to the pharmaceutical diethylstilbestrol (DES). Bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental estrogen used in the synthesis of plastics, is of concern because its chemical structure resembles that of DES, and it is a “high-volume production” chemical with widespread human exposure. Objectives In this study we investigated whether prenatal BPA causes long-term adverse effects in female reproductive tissues in an experimental animal model previously shown useful in studying effects of prenatal DES. Methods Timed pregnant CD-1 mice were treated on days 9–16 of gestation with BPA (0.1, 1, 10, 100, or 1,000 μg/kg/day). After delivery, pups were held for 18 months; reproductive tissues were then evaluated. Results Ovarian cysts were significantly increased in the 1-μg/kg BPA group; ovarian cyst-adenomas were seen in the other three BPA-treated groups but not in corn-oil controls. We observed increased progressive proliferative lesions of the oviduct after BPA treatment, similar to those described in response to DES. Further, although not statistically different from the controls, prominent mesonephric (Wolffian) remnants and squamous metaplasia of the uterus, as well as vaginal adenosis, were present in BPA-treated mice, similar to lesions reported following DES treatment. More severe pathologies observed in some BPA-treated animals included atypical hyperplasia and stromal polyps of the uterus; sarcoma of the uterine cervix; and mammary adenocarcinoma. We did not observe these lesions in controls. Conclusions These data suggest that BPA causes long-term adverse reproductive and carcinogenic effects if exposure occurs during critical periods of differentiation.
Reconstruction of incomplete decoded videos for use in objective quality metrics

Many full-reference objective metrics require that the original and the degraded video contain the same number of frames. Most codecs are not able to decode the video properly when the video is subject to packet losses and produce incomplete video files with lower number of frames than the original video. In this paper we present a simple method to reconstruct the degraded videos so that it has the same length as the original. Information regarding the frame numbers is inserted into the original uncompressed video and used later on to identify the missing frames and reconstruct the degraded video.
Prediction of protein tertiary structural classes based on ensemble learning

When human enter the post-genomic era, prediction of protein structure has become the main object of study in bioinformatics. While predicting protein tertiary structural classes has become a new hot research topic in it. In this paper, a noval feature extraction method based on the predicted secondary structure sequence and the corresponding E-H sequence is employed. Two hierarchical classification models are designed and the model which achieves better prediction accuracy is chosen. On the basis of the new hierarchical classification model, ensemble learning is employed to predict protein tertiary structure. To test this method proposed by us, using three datasets with low homology including 640 dataset, 25pdb dataset and 1189 dataset is better option as the examine dataset of prediction of protein tertiary structural classes. The 10-fold cross validation test is employed to examine this method and compare with other existing methods. The overall accuracies of our method are 5.57%, 4.53% and 2.16% higher on the three different datasets, respectively.
Whole-genome phylogeny of mammals: Evolutionary information in genic and nongenic regions

Ten complete mammalian genome sequences were compared by using the “feature frequency profile” (FFP) method of alignment-free comparison. This comparison technique reveals that the whole nongenic portion of mammalian genomes contains evolutionary information that is similar to their genic counterparts—the intron and exon regions. We partitioned the complete genomes of mammals (such as human, chimp, horse, and mouse) into their constituent nongenic, intronic, and exonic components. Phylogenic species trees were constructed for each individual component class of genome sequence data as well as the whole genomes by using standard tree-building algorithms with FFP distances. The phylogenies of the whole genomes and each of the component classes (exonic, intronic, and nongenic regions) have similar topologies, within the optimal feature length range, and all agree well with the evolutionary phylogeny based on a recent large dataset, multispecies, and multigene-based alignment. In the strictest sense, the FFP-based trees are genome phylogenies, not species phylogenies. However, the species phylogeny is highly related to the whole-genome phylogeny. Furthermore, our results reveal that the footprints of evolutionary history are spread throughout the entire length of the whole genome of an organism and are not limited to genes, introns, or short, highly conserved, nongenic sequences that can be adversely affected by factors (such as a choice of sequences, homoplasy, and different mutation rates) resulting in inconsistent species phylogenies.
Phylogeographic Analyses of Submesophotic Snappers Etelis coruscans and Etelis “marshi” (Family Lutjanidae) Reveal Concordant Genetic Structure across the Hawaiian Archipelago

The Hawaiian Archipelago has become a natural laboratory for understanding genetic connectivity in marine organisms as a result of the large number of population genetics studies that have been conducted across this island chain for a wide taxonomic range of organisms. However, population genetic studies have been conducted for only two species occurring in the mesophotic or submesophotic zones (30+m) in this archipelago. To gain a greater understanding of genetic connectivity in these deepwater habitats, we investigated the genetic structure of two submesophotic fish species (occurring ∼200–360 m) in this archipelago. We surveyed 16 locations across the archipelago for submesophotic snappers Etelis coruscans (N = 787) and E. “marshi” (formerly E. carbunculus; N = 770) with 436–490 bp of mtDNA cytochrome b and 10–11 microsatellite loci. Phylogeographic analyses reveal no geographic structuring of mtDNA lineages and recent coalescence times that are typical of shallow reef fauna. Population genetic analyses reveal no overall structure across most of the archipelago, a pattern also typical of dispersive shallow fishes. However some sites in the mid-archipelago (Raita Bank to French Frigate Shoals) had significant population differentiation. This pattern of no structure between ends of the Hawaiian range, and significant structure in the middle, was previously observed in a submesophotic snapper (Pristipomoides filamentosus) and a submesophotic grouper (Hyporthodus quernus). Three of these four species also have elevated genetic diversity in the mid-archipelago. Biophysical larval dispersal models from previous studies indicate that this elevated diversity may result from larval supplement from Johnston Atoll, ∼800 km southwest of Hawaii. In this case the boundaries of stocks for fishery management cannot be defined simply in terms of geography, and fishery management in Hawaii may need to incorporate external larval supply into management plans.
Cellular automata encryption method: description, evaluation and tests

The paper presents the principles of a dynamic key encryption method based on cellular automaton type key generator. The reason of using a cellular automata model for this kind of application is mainly based on its high degree of parallelism and huge number of possible states. Cellular automata can be hardware implemented using hardware devices or circuits which permit such a level of parallelization, like the FPGAs. For research purposes, we evaluated the reliability and performances of such an encryption method and tested a complex implementation using a top level FPGA development board.
A decision support system utilizing a semantic agent

The adaptabilty, rapidity, and focus on high quality solutions offered by agile methodology have lead to a paradigm shift in the software development process in many enterprises. Agile methodology is iterative in nature, with each iteration i.e. timebox lasting 2–6 weeks. Iterations involve small teams comprising 9–19 developers working through the entire software development life cycle. Agile methodology works on two basic principles. The first being regular adaptation to changing circumstances and the second -focus on technical excellence and good design and high quality code. The first principle accommodates that tasks in an agile project cannot be predicted more than a week in advance. Thus the need arises for project teams to incorporate experts in the problem domain, such that they are better equipped to handle changes rapidly. However this methodology has been criticised as it may not bring about the benefits intended by the second principle unless practised by skilled programmers, who can create high quality code. Hence a project manager should be equipped with a highly skilled team. We propose the utilization of a semantic agent [4], which will act on behalf of the project manager and suggest experts based on a set of parameters. Our semantic agent is based on a semantic matching algorithm [7]. This algorithm utilizes an ontology based similarity framework to make recommendations and suggest training paths to satisfy the requirements of the project manager. The agent uses this algorithm to recommend employees based on their expertise, past experience and availability. Further, based on recommendations made by the agent we classify employees as experts and non experts and suggest knowledge transfer [8] methods to upgrade their skills.
Interposing an ontogenic model between Genetic Algorithms and Neural Networks

The relationships between learning, development and evolution in Nature is taken seriously, to suggest a model of the developmental process whereby the genotypes manipulated by the Genetic Algorithm (GA) might be expressed to form phenotypic neural networks (NNet) that then go on to learn. ONTOL is a grammar for generating polynomial NN ets for time-series prediction. Genomes correspond to an ordered sequence of ONTOL productions and define a grammar that is expressed to generate a NNet. The NNet's weights are then modified by learning, and the individual's prediction error is used to determine GA fitness. A new gene doubling operator appears critical to the formation of new genetic alternatives in the preliminary but encouraging results presented.
Digital interventions to promote self-management in adults with hypertension systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To synthesize the evidence for using interactive digital interventions (IDIs) to support patient self-management of hypertension, and to determine their impact on control and reduction of blood pressure. Method: Systematic review with meta-analysis was undertaken with a search performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, Cochrane Library, DoPHER, TROPHI, Social Science Citation Index and Science Citation Index. The population was adults (>18 years) with hypertension, intervention was an IDI and the comparator was usual care. Primary outcomes were change in SBP and DBP. Only randomized controlled trials and studies published in journals and in English were eligible. Eligible IDIs included interventions accessed through a computer, smartphone or other hand-held device. Results: Four out of seven studies showed a significantly greater reduction for intervention compared to usual care for SBP, with no difference found for three. Overall, IDIs significantly reduced SBP, with the weighted mean difference being −3.74 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) −2.19 to −2.58] with no heterogeneity observed (I-squared = 0.0%, P = 0.990). For DBP, four out of six studies indicated a greater reduction for intervention compared to controls, with no difference found for two. For DBP, a significant reduction of −2.37 mmHg (95% CI −0.40 to −4.35) was found, but considerable heterogeneity was noted (I-squared = 80.1%, P = <0.001). Conclusion: IDIs lower both SBP and DBP compared to usual care. Results suggest these findings can be applied to a wide range of healthcare systems and populations. However, sustainability and long-term clinical effectiveness of these interventions remain uncertain.
A Systems Approach : Evolving IT into a Centre for Business Innovation and Technology Solutions ( C-Bits )

Given the rapid pace of technological evolution, firms are faced with a multitude of technologies. Typically the ownership for technologies is seen to fall within the ambient of information technology (IT) divisions. However IT divisions are often seen as not being sufficiently innovative and creative to support firms in their journey towards achieving competitive advantages. In addition IT divisions are seen more as technology providers failing to make the transition to innovation, driving systems adoption and integrating technologies into critical business processes i.e. commercialization success. In this paper a systems engineering approach is used to transform a traditional IT division into a centre for business innovation and technology solutions (C-Bits). The paper describes a four year transformation within a global organization. The approach provides important lessons on how systems engineering techniques may be applied to transform an IT division into a strategic functional unit within a global organization.
Program DYNAFIT for the analysis of enzyme kinetic data: application to HIV proteinase.

A computer program with the code name DYNAFIT was developed for fitting either the initial velocities or the time course of enzyme reactions to an arbitrary molecular mechanism represented symbolically by a set of chemical equations. Seven numerical tests and five graphical tests are applied to judge the goodness of fit. Experimental data on the inhibition of the dissociative dimeric proteinase from HIV were used in four test examples. A set of initial velocities was analyzed to see if a tight-binding inhibitor could bind to the HIV proteinase monomer. Three different sets of progress curves were analyzed (i) to determine the kinetic properties of an irreversible inhibitor, (ii) to investigate the dissociation and denaturation mechanism for the protease dimer, and (iii) to investigate the inhibition mechanism for a transient inhibitor. The program is available by anonymous ftp via uwmml.pharmacy. wisc.edu and on the World Wide Web via http://uwmml.pharmacy. wisc.edu.
The war against women

This stunning work of research by one of America's leading feminists constructs a completely convincing argument that there is, indeed, a war against women. French reveals, for example, that although women do most of the world's work and produce 45 percent of the world's food, they hold only 10 percent of the world's income and 1 percent of the world's property.
Audience Prism: Segmentation and Early Classification of Visitors Based on Reading Interests

The largest Media and Entertainment (M&E) web portals today cater to more than 100 Million unique visitors every month. In Customer Relationship Management, customer segmentation plays an important role, with the goal of targeting different products for different segments. Marketers segment their customers based on customer attributes. In the non-subscription based media business, the customer is analogous to the visitor, the product to the content, and a purchase to consumption. Knowing which segment an audience member belongs to, enables better engagement. In this work, we address the problems: 1) How can we segment audience members of an M&E web property based on their media consumption interests? 2) When a new visitor arrives, how can we classify them into one of the above defined segments (without having to wait for consumption history)? We apply our proposed solution to a real world data-set and show that we can achieve coherent clusters and can predict cluster membership with a high level of accuracy. We also build a tool that the editors can find valuable towards understanding their audience.
On Neuro-inspired Wireless Sensor Networks

The complexity of nodes in wireless sensor networks is an important variable that determines their size, cost, and functionality. When these factors are drastically minimized, new applications become possible in which nodes are not only truly ubiquitous in the environment, but also available in huge numbers. This article discusses concepts from neuroscience that will be useful in the miniaturization of nodes as well as in the optimization of the sensing and communication strategies employed.
Fast Generation of Virtual X-ray Images for Reconstruction of 3D Anatomy

We propose a novel GPU-based approach to render virtual X-ray projections of deformable tetrahedral meshes. These meshes represent the shape and the internal density distribution of a particular anatomical structure and are derived from statistical shape and intensity models (SSIMs). We apply our method to improve the geometric reconstruction of 3D anatomy (e.g. pelvic bone) from 2D X-ray images. For that purpose, shape and density of a tetrahedral mesh are varied and virtual X-ray projections are generated within an optimization process until the similarity between the computed virtual X-ray and the respective anatomy depicted in a given clinical X-ray is maximized. The OpenGL implementation presented in this work deforms and projects tetrahedral meshes of high resolution (200.000+ tetrahedra) at interactive rates. It generates virtual X-rays that accurately depict the density distribution of an anatomy of interest. Compared to existing methods that accumulate X-ray attenuation in deformable meshes, our novel approach significantly boosts the deformation/projection performance. The proposed projection algorithm scales better with respect to mesh resolution and complexity of the density distribution, and the combined deformation and projection on the GPU scales better with respect to the number of deformation parameters. The gain in performance allows for a larger number of cycles in the optimization process. Consequently, it reduces the risk of being stuck in a local optimum. We believe that our approach will improve treatments in orthopedics, where 3D anatomical information is essential.
On the Expressiveness and Complexity of MongoDB

A significant number of novel database architectures and data models have been proposed during the last decade. While some of these new systems have gained in popularity, they lack a proper formalization, and a precise understanding of the expressiveness and the computational properties of the associated query languages. In this paper, we aim at filling this gap, and we do so by considering MongoDB, a widely adopted document database managing complex (tree structured) values represented in a JSON-based data model, equipped with a powerful query mechanism. We provide a formalization of the MongoDB data model, and of a core fragment, called MQuery, of the MongoDB query language. We study the expressiveness of MQuery, showing its equivalence with nested relational algebra. We further investigate the computational complexity of significant fragments of it, obtaining several (tight) bounds in combined complexity, which range from LOGSPACE to alternating exponential-time with a polynomial number of alternations.
Postoperative pain intensity after using different instrumentation techniques: a randomized clinical study

Abstract Postoperative pain is a frequent complication associated with root canal treatment, especially during apical instrumentation of tooth with preexisting periradicular inflammation Objectives The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the influence of the instrumentation techniques on the incidence and intensity of postoperative pain in single-visit root canal treatment. Material and Methods Ninety patients with single root/canal and non-vital pulps were included. The patients were assigned into 3 groups according to root canal instrumentation technique used; modified step-back, reciprocal, and rotational techniques. Root canal treatment was carried out in a single visit and the severity of postoperative pain was assessed via 4-point pain intensity scale. All the participants were called through the phone at 12, 24 and 48 h to obtain the pain scores. Data were analyzed through the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results There was significant difference between all groups (p<0.05). The modified step-back technique produced postoperative pain significantly lower than the rotational (p=0.018) and reciprocal (p=0.020) techniques. No difference was found between the reciprocal and rotational techniques (p=0.868). Postoperative pain in the first 12 h period (p=0.763) and in the 24 h period (p=0.147) was not significantly different between the groups. However, the difference in the 48 h period was statistically different between the groups (p=0.040). Conclusion All instrumentation techniques caused postoperative pain. The modified step-back technique produced less pain compared to the rotational and reciprocal techniques.
Elementary School Students' Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use with an eBooks Learning System in China

The purpose of this study is to develop an eBooks learning system perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use survey for elementary school students. The sample of this study includes 6672 students (age 6-12) in China who have experience using eBooks learning system. The results indicate that students, in general, believe using eBooks would enhance their Learning performance but it is not easy to use. Ebooks experience show a significant effect on the perceived usefulness. It is found that students with more experience of using the eBooks tend to have higher scores on the scale of perceived usefulness.
On Updating Inheritance Relationship in XML Documents

It is a fact that many XML query languages lack support for update operations. Those that have minimal support do not concern with preserving documents’ constraints, and consequently the results are updated XML documents with low integrity. In this paper we propose a methodology to accommodate XML Update without violating the original document constraints. The main focus is on the preserving the inheritance relationship semantics. Based on the exclusive-disjoint constraints, we distinguish the inheritance into the union and mutual exclusive inheritance. And based on the number of ancestors, we distinguish them into single and multiple inheritance. The proposed method can be implemented in different ways, where in this paper we apply XQuery language. Since the XML update requires schema, in this paper we also propose the mapping of the inheritance relationship in the conceptual level to the XML Schema. We use XML Schema for structure validation, even though the algorithm can be used by any schema languages.