Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic parameters for marbling and body score in Anglonubian goats using Bayesian inference via threshold and linear models

Objective The aim of this study was to estimate (co) variance components and genetic parameters for categorical carcass traits using Bayesian inference via mixed linear and threshold animal models in Anglonubian goats. Methods Data were obtained from Anglonubian goats reared in the Brazilian Mid-North region. The traits in study were body condition score, marbling in the rib eye, ribeye area, fat thickness of the sternum, hip height, leg perimeter, and body weight. The numerator relationship matrix contained information from 793 animals. The single- and two-trait analyses were performed to estimate (co) variance components and genetic parameters via linear and threshold animal models. For estimation of genetic parameters, chains with 2 and 4 million cycles were tested. An 1,000,000-cycle initial burn-in was considered with values taken every 250 cycles, in a total of 4,000 samples. Convergence was monitored by Geweke criteria and Monte Carlo error chain. Results Threshold model best fits categorical data since it is more efficient to detect genetic variability. In two-trait analysis the contribution of the increase in information and the correlations between traits contributed to increase the estimated values for (co) variance components and heritability, in comparison to single-trait analysis. Heritability estimates for the study traits were from low to moderate magnitude. Conclusion Direct selection of the continuous distribution of traits such as thickness sternal fat and hip height allows obtaining the indirect selection for marbling of ribeye.
A Framework to Guide the Assessment of Human–Machine Systems

Objective: We have developed a framework for guiding measurement in human–machine systems. Background: The assessment of safety and performance in human–machine systems often relies on direct measurement, such as tracking reaction time and accidents. However, safety and performance emerge from the combination of several variables. The assessment of precursors to safety and performance are thus an important part of predicting and improving outcomes in human–machine systems. Method: As part of an in-depth literature analysis involving peer-reviewed, empirical articles, we located and classified variables important to human–machine systems, giving a snapshot of the state of science on human–machine system safety and performance. Using this information, we created a framework of safety and performance in human–machine systems. Results: This framework details several inputs and processes that collectively influence safety and performance. Inputs are divided according to human, machine, and environmental inputs. Processes are divided into attitudes, behaviors, and cognitive variables. Each class of inputs influences the processes and, subsequently, outcomes that emerge in human–machine systems. Conclusion: This framework offers a useful starting point for understanding the current state of the science and measuring many of the complex variables relating to safety and performance in human-machine systems. Application: This framework can be applied to the design, development, and implementation of automated machines in spaceflight, military, and health care settings. We present a hypothetical example in our write-up of how it can be used to aid in project success.
PWM Common Mode Reference Generation for Maximizing the Linear Modulation Region of CHB Converters in Islanded Microgrids

Microgrid-interactive converters are increasingly expected to provide auxiliary services, particularly during islanded microgrid operation. Unbalanced, non-sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM) references may be required when converters provide auxiliary services, such as negative-sequence compensation. Since PWM references cannot exceed dc-bus voltage defined limits without causing overmodulation, the maximum positive-sequence voltage producible by microgrid-interactive converters may be diminished unless reference waveforms are adjusted. In this paper, a technique for maximizing the linear modulation region by injecting a common mode component into PWM references is proposed for microgrid-interactive cascaded H-bridge (CHB) converters. The technique presented can be implemented in real-time without lookup tables, is controller independent, is compatible with any carrier-based PWM method, enabling its use for symmetric and asymmetric CHB, and enables continued operation after internal fault events when utilized with fault tolerant PWM schemes. Experimental data verify the common mode injection technique.
MAX Mutations in Endometrial Cancer: Clinicopathologic Associations and Recurrent MAX p.His28Arg Functional Characterization

Background Genomic studies have revealed that multiple genes are mutated at varying frequency in endometrial cancer (EC); however, the relevance of many of these mutations is poorly understood. An EC-specific recurrent mutation in the MAX transcription factor p.His28Arg was recently discovered. We sought to assess the functional consequences of this hotspot mutation and determine its association with cancer-relevant phenotypes. Methods MAX was sequenced in 509 endometrioid ECs, and associations between mutation status and clinicopathologic features were assessed. EC cell lines stably expressing MAXH28R were established and used for functional experiments. DNA binding was examined using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Transcriptional profiling was performed with microarrays. Murine flank (six to 11 mice per group) and intraperitoneal tumor models were used for in vivo studies. Vascularity of xenografts was assessed by MECA-32 immunohistochemistry. The paracrine pro-angiogenic nature of MAXH28R-expressing EC cells was tested using microfluidic HUVEC sprouting assays and VEGFA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Twenty-two of 509 tumors harbored mutations in MAX, including 12 tumors with the p.His28Arg mutation. Patients with a MAX mutation had statistically significantly reduced recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio = 4.00, 95% confidence interval = 1.15 to 13.91, P = .03). MAXH28R increased affinity for canonical E-box sequences, and MAXH28R-expressing EC cells dramatically altered transcriptional profiles. MAXH28R-derived xenografts statistically significantly increased vascular area compared with MAXWT and empty vector tumors (P = .003 and P = .008, respectively). MAXH28R-expressing EC cells secreted nearly double the levels of VEGFA compared with MAXWT cells (P = .03, .005, and .005 at 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively), and conditioned media from MAXH28R cells increased sprouting when applied to HUVECs. Conclusion These data highlight the importance of MAX mutations in EC and point to increased vascularity as one mechanism contributing to clinical aggressiveness of EC.
On Geometric Models and Their Accuracy for Extrinsic Sensor Calibration

Extrinsic sensor calibration is an important task in robotics. There are various ways to perform the calibration task, but it often remains unclear which methods are better than the others. In this paper, we provide a systematic study about the calibration accuracy of three types of calibration methods, each represented by an abstract geometric model based on the sensor configuration and the calibration setup. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each model and perform a rigorous study on their noise sensitivity from a geometric perspective. As a result, we can reveal and quantify the relative calibration accuracies of the three models, thus answering the question of “which model is better and why? ”. Beside our analytical analysis, we also provide numerical simulation experiments that validate our findings.
Assessment of the spectrum of hepatic encephalopathy: A multicenter study

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major cause of morbidity in cirrhosis. However, its severity assessment is often subjective, which needs to be studied systematically. The aim was to determine how accurately trainee and nontrainee practitioners grade and manage HE patients throughout its severity. We performed a survey study using standardized simulated patient videos at 4 US and 3 Canadian centers. Participants were trainees (gastroenterology/hepatology fellows) and nontrainees (faculty, nurse practitioners, physician assistants). We determined the accuracy of HE severity identification and management options between grades <2 or ≥2 HE and trainees/nontrainees. In total, 108 respondents (62 trainees, 46 nontrainees) were included. For patients with grades <2 versus ≥2 HE, a higher percentage of respondents were better at correctly diagnosing grades ≥2 compared with grades <2 (91% versus 64%; P < 0.001). Specialized cognitive testing was checked significantly more often in grades <2, whereas more aggressive investigation for precipitating factors was ordered in HE grades >2. Serum ammonia levels were ordered in almost a third of grade ≥2 patients. For trainees and nontrainees, HE grades were identified similarly between groups. Trainees were less likely to order serum ammonia and low‐protein diets, more likely to order rifaximin, and more likely to perform a more thorough workup for precipitating factors compared with nontrainee respondents. There was excellent concordance in the classification of grade ≥2 HE between nontrainees versus trainees, but lower grades showed discordance. Important differences were seen regarding blood ammonia, specialized testing, and nutritional management between trainees and nontrainees. These results have important implications at the patient level, interpreting multicenter clinical trials, and in the education of practitioners. Liver Transplantation 24 587–594 2018 AASLD.
A hybrid-hierarchical genome assembly strategy to sequence the invasive golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei

Abstract Background For more than 25 years, the golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, has aggressively invaded South American freshwaters, having travelled more than 5000 km upstream across 5 countries. Along the way, the golden mussel has outcompeted native species and economically harmed aquaculture, hydroelectric powers, and ship transit. We have sequenced the complete genome of the golden mussel to understand the molecular basis of its invasiveness and search for ways to control it. Findings We assembled the 1.6-Gb genome into 20 548 scaffolds with an N50 length of 312 Kb using a hybrid and hierarchical assembly strategy from short and long DNA reads and transcriptomes. A total of 60 717 coding genes were inferred from a customized transcriptome-trained AUGUSTUS run. We also compared predicted protein sets with those of complete molluscan genomes, revealing an exacerbation of protein-binding domains in L. fortunei. Conclusions We built one of the best bivalve genome assemblies available using a cost-effective approach using Illumina paired-end, mate-paired, and PacBio long reads. We expect that the continuous and careful annotation of L. fortunei’s genome will contribute to the investigation of bivalve genetics, evolution, and invasiveness, as well as to the development of biotechnological tools for aquatic pest control.
Flexural Behaviour of Concrete-Filled Thin-Walled Steel Tubes with Longitudinal Reinforcement

Concrete filled steel tubes (CFTs) are efficient members in structural applications including bridges, buildings and piled foundations and their use in the building industry is increasing. To date their primary use has been in axial applications, with the design methodology based on theory and tests of columns under loads applied axially or at relatively small eccentricities. Limited in to research into the behaviour of CFTs subjected to large eccentricities or loading in pure flexure have been conducted, with preliminary experimental investigation suggesting that stiffness of composite members tending towards that of the tube at relative low loads. An ongoing research program on the flexural behaviour of CFTs is being undertaken at the University of Western Sydney with a particular emphasis on thin-walled steel tubes that can provide an economical form of construction. In this paper, the results from additional experimental work will be presented with a particular emphasis on the stiffness of the members when subjected to flexural loading. The experimental work to date has demonstrated that even in composite specimens where there is negligible end slip; the stiffness of the specimens under pure flexure tends to the stiffness of the bare steel tube. A numerical model will also be presented that can accurately generate the bond/slip relationship of the concrete within the steel tubes and consequently the behaviour of the specimens modelled. From the experimental results and the numerical model some guidelines for the design of concrete filled tubes subjected to primarily flexural loading will be presented.
Elevated glypican‐1 expression is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most lethal cancer in humans, with a 5‐year survival rate of <5%. Recently, glypican‐1 (GPC1)‐expressing circulating exosomes were found to be a promising diagnostic tool for PDAC. However, the aberrant expression of GPC1 has not been systematically evaluated in large‐scale clinical samples of PDAC. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of GPC1 mRNA and protein expression features. Included in this study were 178 PDAC patients from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and 186 subjects whose tissues were used in immunohistochemical staining assays. We demonstrated that GPC1 mRNA was silenced in normal pancreata; however, it was re‐expressed in PDAC tissues probably because of the promoter hypomethylation. The GPC1 protein was barely expressed in the normal and adjacent noncancerous pancreata. In tumor tissues, 59.7% (111/186) of the detected samples showed positive expression. Notably, GPC1 was elevated in 63.6% (34/55) of early stage cases. High levels of GPC1 were associated with poorer differentiation and larger tumor diameters. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significant difference in overall survival between the groups categorized by GPC1 expression (P = 0.0028). Multivariate analyses indicated that GPC1 was a significant risk factor for poor overall survival with a 1.82‐fold increase in the hazard ratio (P = 0.0022). In conclusion, during pancreatic tumorigenesis, GPC1 was ectopically expressed and served as an independent poor prognostic factor. Our findings highlighted the alluring prospect of GPC1 as an early diagnostic and prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target for PDAC.
Spam Trapping System: Novel security framework to fight against spam botnets

In this paper, we inspire from two analogies: the warfare kill zone and the airport check-in system, to tackle the issue of spam botnet detection. We add a new line of defense to the defense-in-depth model called the third line. This line is represented by a security framework, named the Spam Trapping System (STS) and adopts the prevent-then-detect approach to fight against spam botnets. The framework exploits the application sandboxing principle to prevent the spam from going out of the host and detect the corresponding malware bot. We show that the proposed framework can ensure better security against malware bots. In addition, an analytical study demonstrates that the framework offers optimal performance in terms of detection time and computational cost in comparison to intrusion detection systems based on static and dynamic analysis.
Is the Danish Version of MATE Feasible? A Pilot Study on Feasibility and Adequacy

ABSTRACT Objective: Assessment is pivotal to the work of health care professionals and social workers, as it provides fundamental, systematic information that is essential when planning interventions. Many patients have addiction problems as well as psychiatric illness and they very often interact. An assessment tool addressing both areas would be beneficial for this large group of patients. This pilot study explores feasibility and adequacy of the Danish translation of the Measurements in Addiction for Triage and Evaluation (MATE) assessment in the following sectors: drug and alcohol treatment, psychiatry, and social service. Methods: Thirty staff members from psychiatric hospital, social services, and treatment institutions for alcohol and substance abuse were recruited. Staff that had direct contact with clients were planned to perform at least two MATE interviews. Results: Nineteen interviews were completed. Information gathered from MATE was reported to be adequate for making a triage decision, but psychiatric staff reported that MATE gathered too much irrelevant information, especially concerning daily life functioning. Overall feasibility was satisfactory, but staff and patients were at some points critical of wording, casting doubt on the understanding of some questions. Conclusions: This pilot study found that MATE gathers relevant and sufficient information in an appropriate amount of time.
Multiple face-component analysis: A unified approach towards facial recognition tasks

Computer vision plays an important role in the AI dream of building a machine that can interact with humans as another person would. Among various computer vision tasks this machine would have to perform to interact effectively with humans, facial recognition tasks such as identity recognition, gender recognition, ethnicity recognition etc. are of immense importance. While several reasonably accurate algorithms for performing several of these individual tasks in isolation exist, not much work has been done in developing an algorithm for performing all of these tasks simultaneously. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that explores this idea. We have conducted experiments for the joint estimation of several components of the face such as identity, gender, ethnicity and expression on two well known datasets, namely, the Radboud faces dataset and the NimStim face stimulus dataset. The results we have obtained show the feasibility of considering facial recognition tasks under a single unified framework and that of building systems capable of multi-component recognition.
Soft tissue treatment changes with fixed functional appliances and with maxillary premolar extraction in Class II division 1 malocclusion patients

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the soft tissue changes and post-treatment status after complete fixed functional appliance non-extraction and maxillary premolar extraction treatment in patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion. Materials/methods The sample consisted of 96 lateral cephalograms of 48 patients, divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 23 patients treated with fixed functional appliance associated with fixed appliances, with initial and final mean ages of 12.71 and 15.16 years, respectively, mean treatment time of 2.44 years and initial mean overjet of 6.83 mm. Group 2 comprised 25 patients treated with extraction of two maxillary premolars with initial and final mean ages of 13.05 and 15.74 years, respectively, mean treatment time of 2.67 years and initial mean overjet of 7.01 mm. t-Tests were used to compare treatment changes and the final cephalometric statuses between the groups. Results According to the results, there was no inter-group difference regarding the soft tissue changes and post-treatment status. Limitations The use of exclusively one type of fixed functional appliance in group 1 and performance of only one type of mechanics during space closure in group 2 were not always possible. Conclusion Late pubertal patients with Class II division 1 malocclusion treated with fixed functional appliances associated with fixed appliances present similar soft tissue results as two-maxillary premolar extraction treatments.
Efficacy and safety of dose-dense paclitaxel plus carboplatin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer

Objective Interval debulking surgery (IDS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is currently one of the preferred treatment options for advanced ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of dose-dense paclitaxel plus carboplatin therapy (ddTC therapy) as NAC for these cancers. Patients and methods A retrospective study was conducted in 25 patients with Stage III/IV ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer who received ddTC therapy as NAC. For ddTC therapy, paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) was administered intravenously on Days 1, 8 and 15 and carboplatin (AUC 6.0 mg/ml × min) was administered intravenously on Day 1 every 3 weeks. IDS was performed after three cycles of ddTC therapy, and ddTC therapy was also continued after surgery. Results With ddTC therapy as NAC, the response rate was 92% and disease progression did not occur in any patient. Grade 4 hematologic toxicity and ≥Grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity both occurred in 8% of the patients, but no patient discontinued NAC because of adverse events. When IDS was performed, the complete surgery rate was 64% and the optimal surgery rate was 96%. ≥Grade 3 perioperative complications occurred in 16% of the patients, but there were no perioperative deaths. Median overall survival was 35.7 months and median progression-free survival was 17.7 months. Conclusion This study showed that ddTC therapy was considerably effective and tolerable as NAC. The complete surgery rate was high with IDS, and perioperative complications were acceptable.
Psychological well-being of Portuguese expatriates in Sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study

Background Psychological health problems are highlighted among the most relevant disease patterns in expatriates. The purpose of this study was to determine the psychological well-being in Portuguese expatriates in Angola and Mozambique, considering the increasing expatriation wave. Methods A cross-sectional self-administered web survey was conducted in a sample of 352 Portuguese civil expatriates in Angola and Mozambique. Clinically significant psychological distress was determined using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12 and associated factors were studied using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results GHQ-12 items showed good internal consistency as reflected by the Cronbach's alpha. One-third of the screened expatriates corresponded to cases of clinically significant psychological distress. Age, country of birth, self-reported psychological symptoms and self-perception of general health in the previous 3 months were identified as independent variables associated with psychological distress. Conclusions Increasing awareness and monitoring expatriates mental health should be in the health agenda, furthermore considering them a risk group in need of evidence-based mental health expatriate preparedness. The use of user-friendly validated tools, such as GHQ-12, allowing objective assessment and surveillance of these hard to reach populations should be reinforced.