Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing dental wear in reindeer using geometric morphometrical methods

Assessing dental wear is a useful tool for monitoring the interaction between ungulates and their food resources. However, using a univariate measurement for dental wear, like for instance height of the first molar may not capture the variation in dental wear important for the dental functional morphology. We here demonstrat e a method for assessing dental wear for ungulates by using geometric morphometrical methods on 11 mandibles from nine Svalbard reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) . Shape measurements were obtained from a combination of fixed and sliding semi-landmarks, and dental wear was estimated using residual variation of the landmarks. The morphometric measurements obtained showed a good fit when compared to subjective scores of dental wear. We conclude that this method may give a more integrated and robust assessment of dental wear than univariate methods, and suggest it to be used as an alternative or in addition to traditional measurements of dental wear. Abstract in Norwegian / Sammendrag: Vurdering av tannslitasje hos rein ved hjelp av geometrisk morfometriske metoder Vurdering av tannslitasje er en anvendbar metode for a overvake betydningen av miljoet for livshistorien til hovdyr. Imidlertid vil bruk av et enkelt mal, som for eksempel hoyde pa forste molar, ikke nodvendigvis fange opp variasjonen i tannslitasje som er viktig i forhold til tennenes funksjonelle morfologi. I denne artikkelen viser vi hvordan tannslitasje kan vurderes ved a anvende geometrisk morfometriske metoder pa 11 underkjever fra ni Svalbardrein ( Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus ). Formen pa tannrekka ble malt ved hjelp av en kombinasjon av fikserte og glidende semi-landemerker, hvor tannslitasje ble estimert ved a bruke residual variasjon av landemerkene. De morfometriske malene stemte godt overens med subjektiv vurdering av tannslitasje. Vi konkluderer at denne metoden kan gi en mer integrert og robust vurdering av tannslitasje enn univariate metoder, og foreslar den brukt som et alternativ til eller i tillegg til mer tradisjonelle mal pa tannslitasje.
Face Detection Based on Feature Tailoring and Skin Color Space

This paper is used to solve the time-consuming problem of training samples in Adaboost algo- rithm and propose an improved FTAdaboost algorithm based on feature tailoring. In the beginning, this paper is used to make all samples have the same weight, train them once and tailor the features before the first reflection point of the error rate curve which have high error rate and poor classification ability, then reduce the number of samples and save training time. According to the distribution of facial organs, the algorithm determines whether the specified area meets the characteristics of skin-color space, then eliminates the influence of wrong facial im- ages. The experimental results show that the algorithm based on feature tailoring can shorten the training time significantly and the detection with the skin-color space can decrease the error rate to some extent.
Mapping Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1A1 Activity using an [18F]Substrate‐Based Approach

Abstract Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) catalyze the oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids. Elevated ALDH expression in human cancers is linked to metastases and poor overall survival. Despite ALDH being a poor prognostic factor, the non‐invasive assessment of ALDH activity in vivo has not been possible due to a lack of sensitive and translational imaging agents. Presented in this report are the synthesis and biological evaluation of ALDH1A1‐selective chemical probes composed of an aromatic aldehyde derived from N,N‐diethylamino benzaldehyde (DEAB) linked to a fluorinated pyridine ring either via an amide or amine linkage. Of the focused library of compounds evaluated, N‐ethyl‐6‐(fluoro)‐N‐(4‐formylbenzyl)nicotinamide 4 b was found to have excellent affinity and isozyme selectivity for ALDH1A1 in vitro. Following 18F‐fluorination, [18F]4 b was taken up by colorectal tumor cells and trapped through the conversion to its 18F‐labeled carboxylate product under the action of ALDH. In vivo positron emission tomography revealed high uptake of [18F]4 b in the lungs and liver, with radioactivity cleared through the urinary tract. Oxidation of [18F]4 b, however, was observed in vivo, which may limit the tissue penetration of this first‐in‐class radiotracer.
Maternal/Perinatal Outcome in Women with Sickle Cell Disease: A Comparison of Two Time Periods

Objective To compare pregnancy outcomes in women with sickle cell disease from recent deliveries with a similar group delivered earlier. Methods During a 12-year period (2005–2016), data from pregnant women with hemoglobin SS or SC were collected from three university medical centers and compared with earlier studies (1979–2003) involving similar patients. The primary endpoints were maternal complications during pregnancy and newborn outcomes. Results There were 278 patients in the control group (1979–2003) compared with 150 patients in the study group (2005–2016). Women in the study group were older (P < 0.0001) and of less parity (P =0.0001), and complications of preterm delivery, preeclampsia, and having a transfusion were similar between the two groups (P = 0.45, 0.95, and 0.49, respectively). Pain crises were more common in the study group (P = 0.02) as was cesarean section (P < 0.0001), but there was a reduction in pulmonary complications (P = 0.0002). Maternal mortality was uncommon (control group [N=4] vs study group [N=3], P = 0.40). Newborn statistics revealed a similar gestational age at delivery (37 weeks), and the incidence of intrauterine growth restriction, as well as 5-minute Apgar score <7 did not differ by group (P = 0. 91, 0.85, and 0.16, respectively). Infants in the study group were heavier on average by approximately 220 g (P = 0.02), whereas the neonatal death rate was low (control group [N=1], study group [N=2] P = 0.60). Conclusions Recent pregnancy outcome statistics in women with sickle cell disease have not changed through the years. Innovative strategies to improve maternal and newborn outcomes among such patients are needed.
Acute Transdermal Nicotine Improves Cognitive Deficits in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

Background: Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is described as a neurobiological syndrome affecting approximately 5% of children and adolescents as reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2008. Problems in school are often a key clinical finding for children with ADHD. Children with ADHD are associated with low academic grades and poor academic performances. Current pharmacological treatments, like pychostimulants, help to decrease core behavioral symptoms and increase academic productivity, but overall performance on standardized tests are often unaffected.Previous research has shown those with ADHD are two times more likely to smoke cigarettes and initiate cigarette smoking at an earlier age in comparison to those without ADHD. Nicotine has proven beneficial with improvement of symptoms, moods, and cognitive functioning in studies containing both smoking and non-smoking adults with ADHD. This review will look at the effects of acute transdermal nicotine on cognitive functioning in children, adolescents, and young adults with attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Methods: An exhaustive search of available literature was performed using MEDLINE-Ovid, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
Deep neural networks for A-line-based plaque classification in coronary intravascular optical coherence tomography images

Abstract. We develop neural-network-based methods for classifying plaque types in clinical intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) images of coronary arteries. A single IVOCT pullback can consist of >500 microscopic-resolution images, creating both a challenge for physician interpretation during an interventional procedure and an opportunity for automated analysis. In the proposed method, we classify each A-line, a datum element that better captures physics and pathophysiology than a voxel, as a fibrous layer followed by calcification (fibrocalcific), a fibrous layer followed by a lipidous deposit (fibrolipidic), or other. For A-line classification, the usefulness of a convolutional neural network (CNN) is compared with that of a fully connected artificial neural network (ANN). A total of 4469 image frames across 48 pullbacks that are manually labeled using consensus labeling from two experts are used for training, evaluation, and testing. A 10-fold cross-validation using held-out pullbacks is applied to assess classifier performance. Noisy A-line classifications are cleaned by applying a conditional random field (CRF) and morphological processing to pullbacks in the en-face view. With CNN (ANN) approaches, we achieve an accuracy of 77.7 % ± 4.1 % (79.4 % ± 2.9 % ) for fibrocalcific, 86.5 % ± 2.3 % (83.4 % ± 2.6 % ) for fibrolipidic, and 85.3 % ± 2.5 % (82.4 % ± 2.2 % ) for other, across all folds following CRF noise cleaning. The results without CRF cleaning are typically reduced by 10% to 15%. The enhanced performance of the CNN was likely due to spatial invariance of the convolution operation over the input A-line. The predicted en-face classification maps of entire pullbacks agree favorably to the annotated counterparts. In some instances, small error regions are actually hard to call when re-examined by human experts. Even in worst-case pullbacks, it can be argued that the results will not negatively impact usage by physicians, as there is a preponderance of correct calls.
Intervention designs for perceived improved access to farm productivity- enhancing resources in the drylands: Case study of Kenya

Accepted 24 July, 2010 In Kenya’s dryland districts, gaps in access to productivity-enhancing resources are disconcertingly wide despite the growing number of external interventions. This research paper evaluates five past interventions to identify resource access gaps and effective designs replicable in the region. The study used cross-sectional data collected from sampled participants in each of the interventions. A two-stage regression model was used to assess the perceived effectiveness of the interventions. Results of the analysis showed that access to productivity-enhancing resources particularly irrigation, quality seeds, fertilizers and markets was patchy and low. Furthermore, access was significantly high where complementary resources could be found in a single intervention. Conclusively, resource planning should be an integral part of every intervention. Towards this end, irrigation and markets for credit and produce are critical. Moreover, use of the participatory intervention design is recommended in order to foster identification of complementary resources, which are relevant for specific socio-economic and natural contexts.
Apparent absence of Giardia infections among children under 5-years of age with acute watery diarrhoea in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Abstract Although the impact of diarrhoeal disease on paediatric health in Nigeria has decreased in recent years, it remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years. Rotavirus is recognised as an important aetiological agent, but information on the contribution of intestinal protozoa to watery diarrhoea in this age group in Nigeria is scarce. In this cross-sectional study, faecal samples from children admitted to healthcare centres in Abakaliki, Nigeria with acute watery diarrhoea (N = 199) and faecal samples from age-matched controls (N = 37) were examined for Cryptosporidium and Giardia using immunofluorescent antibody testing and molecular methods. Cryptosporidium was identified in 13 case samples (6.5%) and no control samples. For three samples, molecular characterisation indicated C. hominis, GP60 subtypes IaA30R3, IaA14R3 and IdA11. Giardia was not detected in any samples. This contrast in prevalence between the two intestinal protozoa may reflect their variable epidemiologies and probably differing routes of infection. Given that these two parasitic infections are often bracketed together, it is key to realise that they not only have differing clinical spectra but also that the importance of each parasite is not the same in different age groups and/or settings.
Quality criteria, instruments, and requirements for nursing documentation: A systematic review of systematic reviews.

AIM To obtain an overview of existing evidence on quality criteria, instruments, and requirements for nursing documentation. DESIGN Systematic review of systematic reviews. DATA SOURCES We systematically searched the databases PubMed and CINAHL for the period 2007-April 2017. We also performed additional searches. REVIEW METHODS Two reviewers independently selected the reviews using a stepwise procedure, assessed the methodological quality of the selected reviews, and extracted the data using a predefined extraction format. We performed descriptive synthesis. RESULTS Eleven systematic reviews were included. Several quality criteria were described referring to the importance of following the nursing process and using standardized nursing terminologies. In addition, some evidence-based instruments were described for assessing the quality of nursing documentation, such as the D-Catch. Furthermore, several requirements for formats and systems of electronic nursing documentation were found that refer to the importance of user-friendliness and development in consultation with nursing staff. CONCLUSION Aligning documentation with the nursing process, using standard terminologies, and using user-friendly formats and systems appear to be important for high-quality nursing documentation. The lack of evidence-based quality indicators presents a challenge in the pursuit of high-quality nursing documentation. IMPACT There is uncertainty in nursing practice about which criteria have to be met to achieve high-quality documentation. Aligning documentation with the nursing process, using standard terminologies, and using user-friendly formats and systems appear to be important. These findings can help nursing staff and care organizations enhance the quality of nursing documentation.
Yaps: Python Frontend to Stan

Stan is a popular probabilistic programming language with a self-contained syntax and semantics that is close to graphical models. Unfortunately, existing embeddings of Stan in Python use multi-line strings. That approach forces users to switch between two different language styles, with no support for syntax highlighting or simple error reporting within the Stan code. This paper tackles the question of whether Stan could use Python syntax while retaining its self-contained semantics. The answer is yes, that can be accomplished by reinterpreting the Python syntax. This paper introduces Yaps, a new frontend to Stan based on reinterpreted Python. We tested Yaps on over a thousand Stan models and made it available open-source.
Disordered Eating Attitudes and Behavioral and Neuroelectric Indices of Cognitive Flexibility in Individuals with Overweight and Obesity

Impairment in cognitive flexibility is a trait characteristic among individuals with diagnosed eating disorders. However, the extent to which these relationships exist in individuals with overweight or obesity remains unclear. Furthermore, there is a lack of knowledge characterizing the neural underpinnings of these relationships. The current study aimed to investigate disordered eating attitudes and cognitive flexibility among adults with overweight and obesity. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and a task-switching paradigm were collected from 132 adults (50 males, Body Mass Index (BMI) = 32.0 ± 5.8 kg/m2). Behavioral measures (accuracy and reaction time (RT)) and neuroelectric indices (amplitude and latency) of the P3 component were assessed. Hierarchical linear regressions, following adjustment of age, sex, intelligence quotient (IQ), weight status, and diet quality were developed using summative and subscale scores of the EAT-26. Higher EAT-26 summative scores, and the Dieting subscale, were related to longer RT. Only the Bulimia and Food Preoccupation subscale was related to longer P3 latency. The relationship between disordered eating attitudes and cognitive flexibility extends to individuals with overweight and obesity and is independent of age, sex, IQ, weight status, and diet quality. These findings are important, as differences in cognitive flexibility can lead to behavioral rigidity. Future work should aim to examine other neuroelectric components to identify where differences driving behavioral latencies may be occurring.
Shortened head-up tilting test guided by systolic pressure reductions in neurocardiogenic syncope.

To the Editor: We read with interest and appreciated the article by Pitzalis et al.1 However, an important methodological issue requires further clarification with regard to the Finapres method. Specifically, the authors do not mention whether and how corrections were made to avoid the artifacts in pressure measurements caused by changes in body position during the test. The traces shown in the Figure suggest that the pressure measurements are influenced, during the tilting-up phase, by the change in hydrostatic pressure at the finger-cuff. This is reflected by the presumably fictitious step increase in both diastolic and systolic pressures of about 20 mm Hg in the tracings corresponding in time with the uptilting. Indeed, the reliability of Finapres is not perfectly linear, and may over- or underestimate pressure values …
Outcomes After Radiotherapy Alone for Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression in Patients with Oligo-metastatic Breast Cancer

Background/Aim: Patients with oligo-metastatic breast cancer are a unique patient subgroup with more favourable outlook than most patients with metastatic disease. Prognostic factors in these patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) were evaluated. Patients and Methods: In 159 patients irradiated for MSCC from oligo-metastatic breast cancer, seven characteristics were retrospectively analyzed including age, interval between breast cancer diagnosis and irradiation of MSCC, time developing motor deficits, ambulatory status, involved vertebrae, performance score (ECOG-PS) and radiotherapy regimen. Results: Improvement of motor function was significantly associated with time developing motor deficits (p=0.017), post-radiotherapy ambulatory status with pre-radiotherapy ambulation (p=0.012) and ECOG-PS 1-2 (p=0.029). Radiation doses of 39-40 Gy (equivalent doses) resulted in 1- and 2-year local control of 100% and 95%. On multivariate analyses, higher doses were associated with local control (p=0.011). Pre-radiotherapy ambulatory status (p=0.001) and ECOG-PS 1-2 (p=0.002) were associated with survival. Conclusion: Significant prognostic factors were identified for patients with MSCC from oligo-metastatic breast cancer. Higher radiation doses improved local control.
K2p3.1 protein is expressed as a transmural gradient across the rat left ventricular free wall

K2p3.1, also known as TASK‐1, is a twin‐pore acid‐sensitive repolarizing K+ channel, responsible for a background potassium current that significantly contributes to setting the resting membrane potential of cardiac myocytes. Inhibition of IK2p3.1 alters cardiac repolarization and is proarrhythmogenic. In this study, we have examined the expression of K2p3.1 and function of this channel in tissue and myocytes from across the left ventricular free wall.
Correction: Transplantation of Adult Mouse iPS Cell-Derived Photoreceptor Precursors Restores Retinal Structure and Function in Degenerative Mice

This study was designed to determine whether adult mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), could be used to produce retinal precursors and subsequently photoreceptor cells for retinal transplantation to restore retinal function in degenerative hosts. iPSCs were generated using adult dsRed mouse dermal fibroblasts via retroviral induction of the transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, KLF4 and c-Myc. As with normal mouse ES cells, adult dsRed iPSCs expressed the pluripotency genes SSEA1, Oct4, Sox2, KLF4, c-Myc and Nanog. Following transplantation into the eye of immunecompromised retinal degenerative mice these cells proceeded to form teratomas containing tissue comprising all three germ layers. At 33 days post-differentiation a large proportion of the cells expressed the retinal progenitor cell marker Pax6 and went on to express the photoreceptor markers, CRX, recoverin, and rhodopsin. When tested using calcium imaging these cells were shown to exhibit characteristics of normal retinal physiology, responding to delivery of neurotransmitters. Following subretinal transplantation into degenerative hosts differentiated iPSCs took up residence in the retinal outer nuclear layer and gave rise to increased electro retinal function as determined by ERG and functional anatomy. As such, adult fibroblast-derived iPSCs provide a viable source for the production of retinal precursors to be used for transplantation and treatment of retinal degenerative disease. Citation: Tucker BA, Park I-H, Qi SD, Klassen HJ, Jiang C, et al. (2011) Transplantation of Adult Mouse iPS Cell-Derived Photoreceptor Precursors Restores Retinal Structure and Function in Degenerative Mice. PLoS ONE 6(4): e18992. doi:10.1371/journal.pone. 0018992 Editor: Branden Nelson, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, United States of America Received October 22, 2010; Accepted March 23, 2011; Published April 29, 2011 Copyright: 2011 Tucker et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Funding: BAT is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (DP2 new innovators award) and the Foundation Fighting Blindness; MJY is supported by grants from the Lincy and Discovery Eye Foundations and Research to Prevent Blindness; GQD is supported by grants from the NIH, and is an investigator of the Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. * E-mail: budd-tucker@uiowa.edu
Firm-Specific Capital, Productivity Shocks and Investment Dynamics

The theoretical literature on business cycles predicts a positive investment response to productivity improvements. In this work we question this prediction from theoretical and empirical standpoints. We first show that a negative short-term response of investment to a positive technology shock is consistent with a plausibly parameterized new Keynesian DSGE model in which capital is firm-specific and monetary policy is not fully accommodative. Employing Bayesian techniques, we then provide evidence that permanent productivity improvements have short-term contractionary effects on investment. Even if this result emerges in both the firm-specific and rental capital specifications, only with the former the estimated average price duration is in line with microeconometric evidence. In the firm-specific capital model, strategic complementarity in price setting leads to a degree of price inertia which is higher than that implied by the frequency at which firms change their prices.