Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Updates to the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System Implications of Changes in Version 6 . 5-6 . 55 for Diet Formulation and Evaluation

The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) is a software model for evaluation and formulation of ruminant diets, primarily for dairy and beef cattle. Development was initiated nearly 40 years ago (Fox, 2014), and CNCPS has undergone extensive and ongoing improvement ever since. The objective of this paper is to describe the more significant changes implemented in the recent updates to CNCPS v6.5 and v6.55, and to describe their implications for users of CNCPS. Our focus is on changes with significant implications for dairy, and to some extent beef, ration formulation and evaluation in terms of predictions of animal level performance outcomes. To better understand those recent changes and their implications for CNCPS users, it is helpful to see them in a context relative to the origin and ongoing evolution of CNCPS. Thus the first portion of this paper provides a general overview of the development of CNCPS since its first release, along with a brief description of some of the more significant changes along the way. The second part discusses changes specific to CNCPS v6.5 and v6.55, and the implications for users. Especially when combined with earlier changes implemented in CNCPS v6.0 and v6.1, these changes produce significant departures from the predictions made by CPM v3 and earlier versions of CNCPS. Users of earlier versions of CNCPS such as CPM v3 are therefore strongly encouraged to note the extent of these differences, and to move to a platform implementing the new version to capture advantages of CNCPS v6.55.
Advanced Skeletal Muscle MR Imaging Approaches in the Assessment of Muscular Dystrophies

Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are inherited diseases that lead to progressive skeletal muscle weakness and functional decline. Currently, the diagnosis is generally made on clinical grounds and confirmed by genetic testing, serologic assessments, neurophysiologic measurements or muscle biopsy. Given our understanding of the pathophysiology of these dystrophies, advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques may assist clinicians in identification and monitoring of skeletal muscle disease progression in MDs using non-invasive approaches. In this article, we review MR imaging techniques that have been used to quantify skeletal muscle involvement in the various muscle dystrophies, such as in vivo spectroscopic procedures to quantify lipids (1H), muscle bioenergetics (31P) or cellular function (23Na). We also summarize studies that have used T2 relaxation measurements to evaluate muscular dystrophies. While carbon spectroscopy (13C), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) imaging have not yet been explored in the assessment of skeletal muscles of MD patients, we briefly describe these techniques as they have been useful in skeletal muscle examinations of healthy and injured muscles. Thus, they could potentially be of diagnostic and prognostic value in skeletal muscle evaluations of MD patients. The article concludes by commenting on potential for image processing methods such as texture analysis in the evaluation of muscle images from MD patients.
Forests dominate the interannual variability of the North American carbon sink

Understanding what drives the interannual variability (IAV) of the land carbon sink is crucial for improving future predictions of this important, yet uncertain, component of the climate system. While drivers of global and hemispheric-scale net ecosystem exchange (NEE) IAV have been investigated, our understanding of the drivers of NEE IAV at regional scales (e.g. sub-continental, biome-level) is quite poor. Here we explore the biome-level attribution and drivers of North American NEE using inverse estimates derived from a dense network of atmospheric CO2 observations. We find that deciduous broadleaf and mixed forests are the primary regions responsible for North American NEE IAV, which differs from the ecoregions identified for the globe and Northern Hemisphere. We also find that a suite of terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) do not agree on the dominant biome contributing to NEE IAV, with TBMs falling along an apparent spectrum ranging between those with IAV dominated primarily by forested ecosystems to those with IAV dominated by non-forested ecosystems. Furthermore, this regional trade-off in TBM NEE IAV is found to be linked to differing regional responses to environmental drivers among TBMs. This work displays the importance of extra-tropical forests in driving continental NEE IAV and also highlights the challenges and limitations of using TBMs to inform regional-scale carbon flux dynamics.
The management of Bochdalek congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a single center experience and review of the literature

Objectives: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare congenital anomaly of the diaphragm with pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension and has serious consequences. Despite recent diagnosis and treatment strategies, CDH is still a challenging condition. We aim to present our clinical experiences of CDH, and review of the literature. Methods: Data of CDH patients who were operated in our clinic between January 2010 and September 2018 were obtained from the patient's chart. The clinical course and results of the patients with Bochdalek type CDH were reviewed. Results: We performed diaphragmatic closure in 16 patients with Bochdalek CDH during study period. Fourteen (82%) cases were diagnosed antenatally. In 5 (29%) patients, preoperative pulmonary hypertension developed and nitric oxide was administered. Twelve of the sixteen patients (75%) underwent primary repair and 4 of them underwent prosthetic patch. Three patients were repaired thoracoscopically. Five (31%) patients died due to severe persistent pulmonary hypertension on postoperative period. There was no recurrence in our patients who were followed-up for a mean of 27 months. Conclusion: In the management of Bochdalek CDH, the clinical success has been increasing in parallel with the important developments with the application of new treatment modalities in the neonatal intensive care units and new surgical techniques in recent years.
ANALYSIS OF 2 X 2 CROSS-OVER TRIALS USING AN INTEGRATED MACRO PACKAGE

Two by two cross·over designs are frequently used in clinical trials. Jones and Kenward (1989) have outlined a framework for analyzing 2 x 2 cross·over trials. The framework includes techniques which can be used to quantitatively and visually assess the association between the treatments and the response of interest. We have developed a macro package, using SAS" procedures, to analyze data from a 2 x 2 cross·over design according to the framework. Most of the techniques implemented in our macro package are commonly used to analyze cross·over data. These techniques are sUbject profiles plots, a sequencesby-periods plot, an analysis of variance table, residuals plots, and a confidence interval. The package also includes a less commonly used, but very powerful, plot which allows one to visually assess the carry-over and treatment effects. Introduction In the development of a treatment for a disease, the effectiveness of the clinical candidate Is assessed by performing clinical trials. A 2 x 2 cross-over design Is one of the study designs often used for such trials. In a 2 x 2 cross-over trial, each subject Is randomly assigned to one of two treatment sequences; treatment A in period one followed by treatment B in period two or treatment B in period one followed by treatment A in· period two. Since the treatment effect can be tested by the typically smaller within-subject variation, a smaller sample size is required to detect a treatment effect. Thus, the advantage of a 2 x 2 cross-over design is ns efficient use of resources. As the availability of subjects and the cost of studies are always two of the realistic concerns for clinical trials, a 2 x 2 cross-over design has its indispensable place. Jones and Kenward have proposed a framework for analyzing 2 x 2 cross-over designs in the book Design and Analysis of Cross-Over Trials. We have written a macro package using SAS to implement portions of the framework. For illustration, we will follow one of the examples used in Chapter 2 of their book. The data were originally presented by Patel (1983) in a study of bronchial asthma Example: Objective: To compare the efficacy of treatments A and B with respect to the Forced Expired Volume in one second (FEV1) in Iners. 1427 Variables: FEVI measurement taken in the first treatment period. FEVI measurement taken in the second treatment period. SEQUENCE 1 (AB) SEQUENCE 2 (BA) Period 1 Period 2 Period 1 Period 2 Subject Yl Y2 Subject Yl Y2 1 1.28 1.33 1 3.06 1.38 2 1.60 2.21 2 2.68 2.10 3 2.46 2.43 3 2.60 2.32 4 1.41 1.81 4 1.48 1.30 5 1.40 0.85 5 2.08 2.34 6 1.12 1.20 6 2.72 2.48 7 0.90 0.90 7 1.94 1.11 8 2.41 2.79 8 3.35 3.23 9 1.16 1.25 Linear model: Yijk = /l + Sik + "j + • d(i,j) + ). d(i,j-l) + eijk where,
Intuitive Space Weather Displays to Improve Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

Abstract : Making definitive attributions concerning satellite anomalies proves to be a challenging endeavor given the dynamic space environment, the threat of adversarial actions, and unanticipated system failures. Further, decision makers are usually contending with performance-shaping factors such as time pressure and the knowledge that errors can be extremely costly. Significant consequences can emerge with erroneous conclusions, whether it's failing to thwart an adversary's attack against our space assets, or misconstruing an environmental effect for a hostile action that drives a response. Although accurate and reliable measurements of the disturbances in the earth's magnetic field and the flux of high energy protons and electrons have been available for decades, it remains challenging to translate these data into actionable information concerning the potential threat to on-orbit assets. Even though satellite operators actively monitor these hazards, until very recently there has been a limited statistical relationship between the measured radiation environment and the likelihood of an anomaly to the on-orbit asset. To address this need, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is supporting work to make space environmental effects information more accessible and actionable for users in the operational community. The tool under development leverages O'Brien's hazard quotients (which are derived from historical records of on-orbit anomalies) to relay the potential effect by presenting anomaly likelihood information related to surface charging, internal charging, single-event effects, and the total accumulated particle dose.
Junior designers’ awareness of personal values and their employment choices

For junior designers, friction between personal and organizational values can lead to frustration. This paper addresses job selection choices of junior designers, and how they are affected by an awareness of personal values. An experiment (n=106) shows how an explicit awareness of personal values (based on the Schwartz Value Survey) affects the choices and motivations of junior designers. Results show that, overall, junior designers select vacancies that express values that are congruent with their own values. In addition, a greater awareness of personal values is found to lead to more confidence in one’s choice, and to a greater tendency to look for a match between personal and organizational values based on complementarity (rather than congruence). These findings are to help junior designers to make professional choices based on personal values and ambitions, promoting the best fit for their first job.
Low-energy spectral features of supernova (anti)neutrinos in inverted hierarchy

In the dense supernova core, self-interactions may align the flavor polarization vectors of {nu} and {nu} and induce collective flavor transformations. Different alignment Ansaetze are known to describe approximately the phenomena of synchronized or bipolar oscillations and the split of {nu} energy spectra. We discuss another phenomenon observed in some numerical experiments in inverted hierarchy, showing features akin to a low-energy split of {nu} spectra. The phenomenon appears to be approximately described by another alignment Ansatz which, in the considered scenario, reduces the (nonadiabatic) dynamics of all energy modes to only two {nu} plus two {nu} modes. The associated spectral features, however, appear to be fragile when passing from single to multiangle simulations.
An Investigation into the Impact of Mobile Technologies on Economic Growth and Employment in the Caribbean By Lloyd Amaghionyeodiwe

The adoption of mobile technologies in developing countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Asia has grown exponentially. People in poor regions are using mobile phones for banking, business transactions, socializing, staying connected and monitor the weather. This has reduced the need for travel, lead to the creation of new businesses, shorten supply chains and boost productivity. Consequently, these technologies can be used to eliminate the time and distance barriers between businesses and their customers. This paper examined the impact of mobile technologies in ten Caribbean countries which are primarily developing countries. It utilized a cross-country panel data and regression analysis to estimate and investigates the impact of mobile technologies on economic growth. Results from the paper showed that all the coefficient of the mobile technology components namely the internet user ratio, mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions and the fixed-telephone subscriptions were all significant and positive across all the regressions. This is because of the belief that they contribute to the knowledge spillover, which consequently enhances economic growth.
Application of Hooke & Jeeves Algorithm in Optimizing Fusion Zone Grain Size and Hardness of Pulsed Current Micro Plasma Arc Welded AISI 304L Sheets

AISI 304L is an austenitic Chromium-Nickel stainless steel offering the optimum combination of corrosion resistance, strength and ductility. These attributes make it a favorite for many mechanical components. The paper focuses on developing mathematical models to predict grain size and hardness of pulsed current micro plasma arc welded AISI 304L joints. Four factors, five level, central composite rotatable design matrix is used to optimize the number of experiments. The mathematical models have been developed by Response Surface Method (RSM) and its adequacy is checked by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) technique. By using the developed mathematical models, grain size and hardness of the weld joints can be predicted with 99% confidence level. The developed mathematical models have been optimized using Hooke and Jeeves algorithm to minimize grain size and maximize the hardness.
Equivariant estimation of common location parameter of two exponential populations using censored samples

In this paper, we consider the problem of estimating common location parameter of two exponential populations using type-II censored sam- ples when the scale parameters are unknown. The loss function is taken as the quadratic loss. First, we derive a class of a ne equivariant esti- mators, which includes the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and the uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimator (UMVUE). A suf- cient condition for improving estimators in the class is derived. Con- sequently, estimators dominating the MLE and the UMVUE in terms of the risk values are obtained. An example is given to compute the estimates using our result. Finally a simulation study has been carried out to numerically compare the risk functions of all the estimators.
Traffic Intensity Estimation in Finite Markovian Queueing Systems

In many everyday situations in which a queue is formed, queueing models may play a key role. By using such models, which are idealizations of reality, accurate performance measures can be determined, such as traffic intensity (ρ), which is defined as the ratio between the arrival rate and the service rate. An intermediate step in the process includes the statistical estimation of the parameters of the proper model. In this study, we are interested in investigating the finite-sample behavior of some well-known methods for the estimation of ρ for single-server finite Markovian queues or, in Kendall notation, M/M/1/K queues, namely, the maximum likelihood estimator, Bayesian methods, and bootstrap corrections. We performed extensive simulations to verify the quality of the estimators for samples up to 200. The computational results show that accurate estimates in terms of the lowest mean squared errors can be obtained for a broad range of values in the parametric space by using the Jeffreys’ prior. A numerical example is analyzed in detail, the limitations of the results are discussed, and notable topics to be further developed in this research area are presented.
8 Human Male Meiosis and Sperm Aneuploidies

Reports indicate that infertile males, especially those with low sperm count, have an increase in chromosomally-abnormal spermatozoa, therefore the study of these individuals is critical for the field of assisted reproduction. Importantly, aneuploid sperm remain able to fertilize eggs, often resulting in repetitive intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) failure, recurrent miscarriage, and offspring with increased genetic risk. Most numerical chromosomal abnormalities, especially monosomies, are inviable and result in spontaneous abortion. However, a subset of chromosomal abnormalities can result in live birth, including trisomies 13, 18, and 21 and sex chromosome aneuploidies. Offspring with these aneuploidies typically display physical disabilities, mental retardation, infertility, etc. (reviewed by Martin, 2008). Thus, effective diagnostic methods to detect sperm aneuploidy are of great interest.
Title The roles of herbal remedies in survival and quality of life among long-term breast cancer survivors-results of a prospective study Permalink

Background: Few data exist on survival or health-related quality of life (QOL) related to herbal remedy use among long-term breast cancer survivors. The objective of this report is to examine whether herbal remedy use is associated with survival or the health-related QOL of these long-term breast cancer survivors. Methods: In 1999-2000, we collected the information of herbal remedy use and QOL during a telephone interview with 371 Los Angeles Non-Hispanic/Hispanic white women who had survived more than 10 years after breast cancer diagnosis. QOL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Patients were followed for mortality from the baseline interview through 2007. 299 surviving patients completed a second telephone interview on QOL in 2002-2004. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards methods to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality and applied multivariable linear regression models to compare average SF-36 change scores (follow-up baseline) between herbal remedy users and non-users. Results: Fifty-nine percent of participants were herbal remedy users at baseline. The most commonly used herbal remedies were echinacea, herbal teas, and ginko biloba. Herbal remedy use was associated with non-statistically significant increases in the risks for all-cause (44 deaths, RR = 1.28, 95% CI = 0.62-2.64) and breast cancer (33 deaths, RR = 1.78, 95% CI = 0.72-4.40) mortality. Both herbal remedy users’ and non-users’ mental component summary scores on the SF-36 increased similarly from the first survey to the second survey (P = 0.16), but herbal remedy users’ physical component summary scores decreased more than those of non-users (-5.7 vs. -3.2, P = 0.02). Conclusions: Our data provide some evidence that herbal remedy use is associated with poorer survival and a poorer physical component score for health-related QOL among women who have survived breast cancer for at least 10 years. These conclusions are based on exploratory analyses of data from a prospective study using twosided statistical tests with no correction for multiple testing and are limited by few deaths for mortality analysis and lack of information on when herbal remedy use was initiated or duration of or reasons for use.
Development and multiplexing of microsatellite loci for the near threatened freshwater mussel Potomida littoralis (Cuvier, 1798) using 454 sequencing

The authors wish to thank the two anonymous reviewers and Phil Boon for helpful remarks and suggestions that improved the quality of the manuscript. Financial support was provided by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) project PTDC/AAC-AMB/117688/2010. We would like to thank Susana Lopes for help with fragment analysis and acknowledge the assistance of staff at Genoscreen for generation of 454 sequence reads and DNA Sequencing.
A framework to identify Pareto‐efficient subdaily environmental flow constraints on hydropower reservoirs using a grid‐wide power dispatch model

Hydrologic alteration due to hydropeaking reservoir operations is a main concern worldwide. Subdaily environmental flow constraints (ECs) on operations can be promising alternatives for mitigating negative impacts. However, those constraints reduce the flexibility of hydropower plants, potentially with higher costs for the power system. To study the economic and environmental efficiency of ECs, this work proposes a novel framework comprising four steps: (i) assessment of the current subdaily hydrologic alteration; (ii) formulation and implementation of a short‐term, grid‐wide hydrothermal coordination model; (iii) design of ECs in the form of maximum ramping rates (MRRs) and minimum flows (MIFs) for selected hydropower reservoirs; and (iv) identification of Pareto‐efficient solutions in terms of grid‐wide costs and the Richard‐Baker flashiness index for subdaily hydrologic alteration (SDHA). The framework was applied to Chile's main power grid, assessing 25 EC cases, involving five MIFs and five MRRs. Each case was run for a dry, normal, and wet water year type. Three Pareto‐efficient ECs are found, with remarkably small cost increase below 2% and a SDHA improvement between 28% and 90%. While the case involving the highest MIF worsens the flashiness of another basin, the other two have no negative effect on other basins and can be recommended for implementation.
Bioweathering and Biotransformation of Granitic Rock Minerals by Actinomycetes

Actinomycetes inhabiting granitic rocks at St. Katherine, Egypt were investigated for their bioweathering potential. Actinomycete counts ranged between 174 and360 colony forming units per gram. Counts were positively correlated to rock porosity (r=0.65) and negatively correlated to rock salinity (r=−0.56). Sixty-six actinomycete isolates originating from rocks could be assigned into eight genera, with a high frequency of Nocardioides and Streptomyces. Organic acids were produced by 97% of the isolates. Strains belonging to Actinopolyspora, Actinomadura, Kitasatospora, Nocardioides, and Kibdelosporangium Representatives from all eight genera could precipitate metals Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd, and Ag up to concentrations of 2.5 mM each. An actinomycete consortium of two Nocardioides strains and one Kibdelosporangium strain was studied for its potential to cause rock weathering in batch experiments. Results indicated a high ability of the consortium to leach the metals Cu, Zn, and Fe up to 2.6-,2.1-, and 1.3-fold, respectively, compared to the control after 4 weeks. The pH significantly decreased after 1 week, which was parallel to an increased release of phosphate and sulfate reaching a 2.2and 2.5-fold increase, respectively, compared to control. Highly significant weight loss (p=0.005) was achieved by the consortium, indicating a potential multiple role of actinomycetes in weathering by acid production, metal leaching, and solubilization of phosphate and sulfate. This study emphasizes the diverse and unique abilities of actinomycetes inhabiting rock surfaces which could be of potential biotechnological