Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A time‐dependent logistic hazard function for modeling variable age of onset in analysis of familial diseases

The paper presents an extension of the regressive logistic models proposed by Bonney [Biometrics 42:611–625, 1986], to address the problems of variable age‐of‐onset and time‐dependent covariates in analysis of familial diseases. This goal is achieved by using failure time data analysis methods, and partitioning the time of follow up in K mutually exclusive intervals. The conditional probability of being affected within the kth interval (k = 1…K) given not affected before represents the hazard function in this discrete formulation. A logistic model is used to specify a regression relationship between this hazard function and a set of explanatory variables including genotype, phenotypes of ancestors, and other covariates which can be time dependent. The probability that a given person either becomes affected within the kth interval (i.e., interval k includes age of onset of the person) or remains unaffected by the end of the kth interval (i.e., interval k includes age at examination of the person) are derived from the general results of failure time data analysis and used for the likelihood formulation. This proposed approach can be used in any genetic segregation and linkage analysis in which a penetrance function needs to be defined. Application of the method to familial leprosy data leads to results consistent with our previous analysis performed using the unified mixed model [Abel and Demenais, Am J Hum Genet 42:256–266, 1988], i.e., the presence of a recessive major gene controlling susceptibility to leprosy. Furthermore, a simulation study shows the capability of the new model to detect major gene effects and to provide accurate parameter estimates in a situation of complete ascertainment.
Fear conditioning and extinction in anxiety- and depression-prone persons

Anxiety and depression frequently co-occur and may share similar deficits in the processing of emotional stimuli. High anxiety is associated with a failure in the acquisition and extinction of fear conditioning. Despite the supposed common deficits, no research has been conducted on fear acquisition and extinction in depression. The main aim of the present study was to investigate and compare fear acquisition and extinction in anxiety- and depression-prone participants. Non-clinical anxious, depressive, anxious-depressive and control participants performed a fear discrimination task. During acquisition, the CS+ predicted an aversive event (unconditioned stimulus, US) and the CS− safety (no US). During extinction, the CS+ was no longer followed by the US, rendering it (temporarily) into a safety signal. On each CS participants rated their US expectancy; skin conductance responses (SCRs) were measured throughout. The expectancy scores indicated that high anxiety resulted in less safety learning during acquisition and extinction; no effect of depression was observed. SCRs showed that high-anxiety persons displayed less discrimination learning (CS+ minus CS−) during acquisition than low-anxiety persons. During extinction, high-depression persons demonstrated more discriminative SCR than low-depression persons. The observed discrepancies in response patterns of high-anxiety and -depression persons seem to indicate distinctive information processing of emotional stimuli.
Distributed weighted least squares estimation with fast convergence in large-scale systems

We propose a distributed method for weighted least squares estimation. Our method is suitable for large-scale systems, in which each node only estimates a subset of the unknown parameters. As opposed to other works, our goal is to maximize the convergence speed of the distributed algorithm. To this end, we propose a distributed method for estimating the optimal value of certain scaling parameter on which this speed depends. To further speed the convergence, we use a simple preconditioning method, and we bound the difference between the resulting speed, and the fastest theoretically achievable using preconditioning. We include numerical experiments to illustrate the performance of the proposed method.
NORAX: Enabling Execute-Only Memory for COTS Binaries on AArch64

Code reuse attacks exploiting memory disclosure vulnerabilities can bypass all deployed mitigations. One promising defense against this class of attacks is to enable execute-only memory (XOM) protection on top of fine-grained address space layout randomization (ASLR). However, recent works implementing XOM, despite their efficacy, only protect programs that have been (re)built with new compiler support, leaving commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) binaries and source-unavailable programs unprotected. We present the design and implementation of NORAX, a practical system that retrofits XOM into stripped COTS binaries on AArch64 platforms. Unlike previous techniques, NORAX requires neither source code nor debugging symbols. NORAX statically transforms existing binaries so that during runtime their code sections can be loaded into XOM memory pages with embedded data relocated and data references properly updated. NORAX allows transformed binaries to leverage the new hardware-based XOM support—a feature widely available on AArch64 platforms (e.g., recent mobile devices) yet virtually unused due to the incompatibility of existing binaries. Furthermore, NORAX is designed to co-exist with other COTS binary hardening techniques, such as in-place randomization (IPR). We apply NORAX to the commonly used Android system binaries running on SAMSUNG Galaxy S6 and LG Nexus 5X devices. The results show that NORAX on average slows down the execution of transformed binaries by 1.18% and increases their memory footprint by 2.21%, suggesting NORAX is practical for real-world adoption.
Real-time non-intrusive appliance load monitoring under supply voltage fluctuations

This paper presents a complete real-time implementation of a Non-Intrusive Appliance Load Monitoring (NIALM) system that, is robust under residential voltage level fluctuations. Existing NIALM techniques rely on multiple measurements taken at high sampling rates, but, only have been proven in simulated environments without even considering the effect of residential voltage level fluctuations — which is a severe problem in power systems of most developing countries like Sri Lanka. In contrast, through the NIALM method proposed in this paper, accurate load monitoring results were obtained in realtime using only smart meter measurements taken at a low sampling rate from a real appliance setup under residential voltage level fluctuations. In the proposed NIALM method, initially in the learning phase, a properly constructed MATLABTM Graphical User Interface (GUI) was used to acquire signals of each appliance active power consumption and voltage levels. Then, obtained active power measurements were separated into subspace components (SCs) via the Karhunen Loeve' Expansion (KLE) while also taking the voltage variations into account. Using those SCs, a unique information rich appliance level signature database was constructed and it was then used to obtain the signatures for all possible device combinations. Next, a separate GUI was designed to identify the turned ON appliance combination in the current time window using the pre-constructed signature databases, after reading the total residential active power consumption and the supply voltage. To validate the proposed real-time NIALM implementation, data from a laboratory arrangement consisting of ten household appliances was used. From the results, it was found that the proposed method is capable of accurately identifying the turned on appliances even under severe residential supply voltage level fluctuations.
Impact of a Frequency Modulated Pulsewidth Modulation (PWM) Switching Converter on the Input Power System Quality

In this paper, we show that a frequency modulated (FM) source of conducted emission has an adverse effect on a dc power system, although it is believed that frequency modulation of the interferer reduces such effects. Spread spectrum modulation is a commonly proposed technique of electromagnetic interference (EMI) reduction. It is often suggested that an FM pulsewidth modulation ramp be used in a voltage mode controlled dc-dc switching converter for reduction of conducted and radiated EMI. However, this paper shows that this technique is not as beneficial as is commonly perceived. The power quality standard MIL-STD 704, which is the origin of the EMI standard MIL-STD 461, puts restriction on several parameters other than the frequency spectrum of the disturbance, which is the only parameter that is specified in the EMI norms and tested in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests. In this paper, we show that different interferers which are compatible to the same EMC limit, may affect the same power system differently. This difference is noticed if the other power quality parameters are considered. We have also mentioned that the actual benefit from spread spectrum modulation-based EMI reduction depends on the savings in printed circuit board (PCB) footprint area that we get by using a smaller filter. Through a numerical study, we have shown that such a method leads to only a negligible savings in PCB area in spite of significant EMI reduction. Moreover, this brings about a degraded performance on the other parameters that are not normally checked in EMI tests.
'Single Dose MgSo4 Regimen' for Eclampsia - A Safe Motherhood Initiative.

OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy and the safety of the single dose MgSo4 ('VIMS') regimen in treating eclamptic seizures and their effect on the maternal and foetal outcomes. METHODS A prospective, observational study was conducted in the period from 2003 to 2007. 513 eclamptic women who were admitted to the Dept of OBG, VIMS, Bellary, received single doses of 4g diluted 50% Mgso4 intravenously, with simultaneous 4g 50% MgSo4 intramuscularly. The recurrent seizures, maternal mortality and the perinatal mortality were measured. RESULTS 9.16% of recurrence (11.66%-16.49%), 3.3% of maternal mortality (1.8%-4.9%) and 24.8 % ( 21.1%-28.7%) of perinatal mortality were observed. The statistical analysis was done by using confidence intervals, standard deviations, means and the Standard normal "Z" test. CONCLUSION The single dose MgSo4 regimen is effective and safe in controlling eclamptic convulsions. The 'VIMS' regimen can be used at First Referral Units, before shifting the patients to tertiary care centres. This approach has special implications in the developing countries, especially at the primary care level, where the standard obstetric care is not widely available.
Nighttime sleep-wake patterns and self-soothing from birth to one year of age: a longitudinal intervention study.

BACKGROUND The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe the longitudinal development of sleep-wake patterns of solitary-sleeping infants from 1 to 12 months of age, (2) identify effects on sleep patterns and on self-soothing behaviors of introducing a novel sleep aid, and (3) identify predictive factors of self-soothing at 12 months using a transactional model as a guide. METHODS Eighty infants' nighttime sleep-wake patterns and associated variables were studied at 5 times across the first year of life using videosomnography and questionnaires. RESULTS Sleep-wake state developmental changes, as reported in investigations of infant sleep, were replicated, although a great deal of individual variability in the development of all sleep-related variables was noted. No major effects on sleep or on self-soothing behavior were evident from the introduction of the novel sleep aid. Three variables were identified as significant predictors of self-soothing at 12 months: decreasing amounts of time spent out of crib across the first year, high levels of quiet sleep at birth, and longer parental response times to infant awakenings at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS These data lend preliminary support for the transactional model and suggest that infant and parental factors interact to influence the development of self-soothing.
Effects of Centrally Applied Serotonin in Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus on Regulation of Bile Secretion and Lipid Metabolism in the Rat

Ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) is one of the brain regions responsible for regulating gastrointestinal activities and lipid metabolism. Hepatic enzymes and serum lipids are controlled by the central nervous system and VMH is involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism. In the present study we sought to establish the role of serotonin to regulation of bile secretion, serum lipids level and hepatic enzymes in the rat. Rats were cannulated in the VMH for the administration of serotonin. After 1 week the common bile duct was cannulated and bile samples were collected after the administration of 5-HT, and biochemical analyses occurred on blood samples. Centrally applied 5-HT increased bile secretion at all studied periods and also decreased LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) level. Present findings show that 5-HT participates in the central regulation of bile secretion in the rat, and VMH can be a special site for regulation of bile secretion and lipid levels.
Summative evaluation for design science artifact using structured walkthrough

Artifact evaluation is important as it helps to validate and provide direct attention to the artifact's rigor, usefulness, clarity and completeness in the field of design science. In the case of Knowledge Audit Process for Inter-agencies (KAP-I) Framework, both formative and summative evaluation were implemented to ensure all evaluation criteria are met. The summative evaluation for the artifact was carried out through a structured walkthrough, a technique in simulation that provides feedbacks from the real world. An inter-agencies collaboration case study was engaged to simulate the framework. A total of six suggestions of amendments were addressed. The positive comments gathered and highlighted from the summative evaluation exercise proved that the formative evaluation had been well served. Despite the changes made towards the refined KAP-I Framework, the main processes and flows of the KAP-I Framework remain and it also proved that the KAP-I Framework is fit for the inter-agencies setup and KAP-I Framework has achieved its rigor, usefulness, clarity and completeness.
Reverse Engineering: A Key Component of Systems Biology to Unravel Global Abiotic Stress Cross-Talk

Understanding the global abiotic stress response is an important stepping stone for the development of universal stress tolerance in plants in the era of climate change. Although co-occurrence of several stress factors (abiotic and biotic) in nature is found to be frequent, current attempts are poor to understand the complex physiological processes impacting plant growth under combinatory factors. In this review article, we discuss the recent advances of reverse engineering approaches that led to seminal discoveries of key candidate regulatory genes involved in cross-talk of abiotic stress responses and summarized the available tools of reverse engineering and its relevant application. Among the universally induced regulators involved in various abiotic stress responses, we highlight the importance of (i) abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) hormonal cross-talks and (ii) the central role of WRKY transcription factors (TF), potentially mediating both abiotic and biotic stress responses. Such interactome networks help not only to derive hypotheses but also play a vital role in identifying key regulatory targets and interconnected hormonal responses. To explore the full potential of gene network inference in the area of abiotic stress tolerance, we need to validate hypotheses by implementing time-dependent gene expression data from genetically engineered plants with modulated expression of target genes. We further propose to combine information on gene-by-gene interactions with data from physical interaction platforms such as protein–protein or TF-gene networks.
αB‐crystallin (HspB5) in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy

The small heat shock protein αB‐crystallin (HspB5) is known to be overexpressed in several neurodegenerative disorders. In familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular deposition of mutated transthyretin (TTR), activation of heat shock factor 1 ‐HSF1‐ by extracellular TTR deposition has been shown as well as induction of the expression of heat shock proteins, HSP27 and HSP70. Here we investigate the expression of αB‐crystallin in FAP. We first detected αB‐crystallin in aggregates extracted from tissues of both FAP patients and transgenic mice for the human V30M mutant TTR; however, subsequent studies by confocal fluorescence microscopy did not confirm the association of αB‐crystallin with TTR aggregates; thus the presence of αB‐crystallin in aggregate extracts might derive from the extraction procedure. Increased levels of αB‐crystallin were observed by immunohistochemistry in human FAP skin, as compared to normal skin. Furthermore, skin, stomach and dorsal root ganglia from V30M transgenic mice showed increased expression of αB‐crystallin as compared to controls without deposition. A human neuroblastoma cell line incubated with TTR aggregates displayed increased expression of αB‐crystallin. Overall, these results show that extracellular TTR deposits induce an intracellular response of αB‐crystallin. This small heat shock protein (HSP), which is important for anti‐apoptotic and chaperone properties, may have a protective role in FAP.
Effect of RF power level on the arc-TiO2 dense film for dye-sensitized solar cell performance

Graded index TiO2 compact layer (arc-TiO2) that improved transmittance and reduced electron recombination in dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is employed by RF sputtering. Effects of arc-TiO2 prepared at various RF sputtering power to the performances of DSSC were investigated by means of open-circuit voltage decay (OCVD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The slow decay behaviour of the photo-voltage attributed to the desirable merits of the arc-TiO2 compact layer has been evidence by the OCVD measurement. The improvement of adhesion between arc-TiO2 film and porous-TiO2 has decrease the interfacial-charge resistance R1 in the EIS measurement, thus facilitating the charge-transfer process of the electron in the DSSC. A remarkable improvement in the overall conversion efficiency has been achieved at 100 W of RF power, representing almost 42 % increment compared to the cell without the compact layer is mainly due to the higher and red-shifted transmittance peaks, and also the ability to reduce the charge recombination in the DSSC.
Assessing the risk to health care staff from long-term exposure to anticancer drugs - the case of monoclonal antibodies

Today the occupational health and safety risk involved when handling most anticancer drugs is well recognized and, as a result of regulatory requirements, safety measures have been established. There is little knowledge about the occupational hazard posed by handling monoclonal antibodies assigned to ATC Class L01XC. The aim of our study was to evaluate the occupational risk of monoclonal antibodies. Using the information obtained in a systematic review of the literature, the potentially dangerous properties of the active drug substances were assessed using a specially devised algorithm. As a result, all monoclonal antibodies in question were categorized as substances with developmental toxicity. In addition, gemtuzumab ozogamicin was categorized as mutagenic. In view of the high molecular weights and the proteinogenic nature of monoclonal antibodies, the route of exposure for health care staff is limited to inhalation, unless there is an accident. Employers should implement the necessary administrative and engineering controls. Employees should adhere to the standards in order to avoid occupational exposure. The hazard assessment algorithm devised and the evaluation procedure may also be used for other drugs considered to be dangerous.
A Study on Common-Control Channel Construction for Sub-Carrier Selecting MC-CDMA Systems

In this paper, we proposed a common-control channel construction for SCS-MC-CDMA systems. By multiplexing a narrow-band common-control channel into traffic channels, in the standby mode, the mobile stations (MS) needs to receive only the narrowband common-control channel, which leads to lower power consumption. Moreover, with the proposed channel construction, the cell search algorithm becomes simple. Cell specification is accomplished by simply measuring sub-carriers that are common-control channel candidates. The long code necessary for the traffic channel is received as a data from the common-control channel. We evaluated communication quality of common-control and traffic channels through computer simulations. By setting the transmitted power ratio of common-control to traffic channel appropriately, sufficient communication quality is accomplished in both channels
Prophylactic cranial irradiation in small-cell lung cancer: findings from a North Central Cancer Treatment Group Pooled Analysis.

BACKGROUND This pooled analysis evaluated the outcomes of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in 739 small-cell lung cancer (SCLC patients with stable disease (SD) or better following chemotherapy ± thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) to examine the potential advantage of PCI in a wider spectrum of patients than generally participate in PCI trials. PATIENTS AND METHODS Three hundred eighteen patients with extensive SCLC (ESCLC) and 421 patients with limited SCLC (LSCLC) participated in four phase II or III trials. Four hundred fifty-nine patients received PCI (30 Gy/15 or 25 Gy/10) and 280 did not. Survival and adverse events (AEs) were compared. RESULTS PCI patients survived significantly longer than non-PCI patients {hazard ratio [HR] = 0.61 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52-0.72]; P < 0.0001}. The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 56% and 18% for PCI patients versus 32% and 5% for non-PCI patients. PCI was still significant after adjusting for age, performance status, gender, stage, complete response, and number of metastatic sites (HR = 0.82, P = 0.04). PCI patients had significantly more grade 3+ AEs (64%) compared with non-PCI patients (50%) (P = 0.0004). AEs associated with PCI included alopecia and lethargy. Dose fractionation could be compared only for LSCLC patients and 25 Gy/10 was associated with significantly better survival compared with 30 Gy/15 (HR = 0.67, P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS PCI was associated with a significant survival benefit for both ESCLC and LSCLC patients who had SD or a better response to chemotherapy ± TRT. Dose fractionation appears important. PCI was associated with an increase in overall and specific grade 3+ AE rates.
A feedback-based construction of multilayer measurement matrix for compressive sensing

A feedback-based multilayer measurement matrix (FBMM) within compressive sensing (CS) framework is introduced. In CS, the restricted isometry property (RIP) condition of measurement matrix determines the reconstruction precision. The smaller coherence between measurement matrix and sparse dictionary, the better signal reconstruction performs. However, the construction of a small coherence measurement matrix with large size (e.g., Gaussian matrix) consumes numerous of storage and calculation. Therefore, we introduce a FBMM algorithm where small measurement matrix is applied by feedback method for multilayer to reduce the consumption of resource. Finally, we prove that the FBMM algorithm satisfies the RIP conditionally and provides several selectable measurement matrix with different measuring dimensions. In addition, we established several experiment to test the performance of the proposed algorithm and compare with the traditional algorithm. we conclude that the FBMM algorithm can reduce the consumption of resource for hardware implementation with acceptable reconstruction precision.