Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
voomDDA: discovery of diagnostic biomarkers and classification of RNA-seq data

RNA-Seq is a recent and efficient technique that uses the capabilities of next-generation sequencing technology for characterizing and quantifying transcriptomes. One important task using gene-expression data is to identify a small subset of genes that can be used to build diagnostic classifiers particularly for cancer diseases. Microarray based classifiers are not directly applicable to RNA-Seq data due to its discrete nature. Overdispersion is another problem that requires careful modeling of mean and variance relationship of the RNA-Seq data. In this study, we present voomDDA classifiers: variance modeling at the observational level (voom) extensions of the nearest shrunken centroids (NSC) and the diagonal discriminant classifiers. VoomNSC is one of these classifiers and brings voom and NSC approaches together for the purpose of gene-expression based classification. For this purpose, we propose weighted statistics and put these weighted statistics into the NSC algorithm. The VoomNSC is a sparse classifier that models the mean-variance relationship using the voom method and incorporates voom’s precision weights into the NSC classifier via weighted statistics. A comprehensive simulation study was designed and four real datasets are used for performance assessment. The overall results indicate that voomNSC performs as the sparsest classifier. It also provides the most accurate results together with power-transformed Poisson linear discriminant analysis, rlog transformed support vector machines and random forests algorithms. In addition to prediction purposes, the voomNSC classifier can be used to identify the potential diagnostic biomarkers for a condition of interest. Through this work, statistical learning methods proposed for microarrays can be reused for RNA-Seq data. An interactive web application is freely available at http://www.biosoft. hacettepe.edu. tr/voomDDA/.
The use of the GlideScope for tracheal intubation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

BACKGROUND The GlideScopeVideo Laryngoscope is a new intubating device. The aim of the study was to investigate the use of the GlideScopefor tracheal intubation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) undergoing general anaesthesia. METHODS Twenty AS patients were chosen to undergo tracheal intubation by the GlideScope. Preoperative airway assessments were carried out to predict the difficulty of tracheal intubation. Before intubation all patients were given a modified Cormack and Lehane (MCLS) grade and percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score by a separate anaesthetist using a Macintosh size 3 blade. The patients were then intubated, using the GlideScope, by a different anaesthetist during which the larynx was inspected and given another MCLS grade and POGO score. RESULTS Twelve of the AS patients were judged to have had difficult intubation by preoperative airway assessment. Eleven of the twelve patients had MCLS grades III or IV by direct laryngoscopy and were considered to have had a difficult laryngoscopy. Naso-tracheal intubations by the GlideScope were successful on 17/20 occasions, including 8 of the 11 difficult laryngoscopy. The GlideScope improved the MCLS grade and POGO score in the majority of AS patients compared with direct laryngoscopy (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The GlideScope provides a better laryngoscopic view than that of direct laryngoscopy. Most of the AS patients presenting with MCLS grade III or IV by direct laryngoscopy can be intubated successfully by the GlideScope. In elective patients with AS, awake fibreoptic intubation offers a higher level of security because it can be applied while maintaining spontaneous breathing. The use of GlideScope for tracheal intubation may be an alternative option in these patients who prefer their airway management under anaesthesia.
In Vitro and In Vivo Activities of Tea Catechins against Helicobacter pylori

ABSTRACT The catechin epigallocatechin gallate showed the strongest activity of the six tea catechins tested against Helicobacter pylori(MIC for 50% of the strains tested, 8 μg/ml). It had bactericidal activity at pH 7 but not at pH ≤5.0. In infected Mongolian gerbils,H. pylori was eradicated in 10 to 36% of the catechin-treated animals, with significant decreases in mucosal hemorrhage and erosion. Tea catechins, therefore, may have therapeutic effects on H. pylori infection.
Authorization for NSIS Signaling Layer Protocols

Signaling layer protocols specified within the NSIS framework may rely on the GIST (General Internet Signaling Transport) protocol to handle authorization. Still, the signaling layer protocol above GIST itself may require separate authorization to be performed when a node receives a request for a certain kind of service or resources. This draft presents a generic model and object formats for session authorization within the NSIS Signaling Layer Protocols. The goal of session authorization is to allow the exchange of information between network elements in order to authorize the use of resources for a service and to coordinate actions between the signaling and transport planes.
Cultural Tourism Partnerships: Avenues for Dialogue, A Case Study on the Potential Roles of the Nebraska Arts Council in Omaha Cultural Tourism

This Master’s Project was conducted in partial fulfillment for a Master of Science Degree in Arts Management from the University of Oregon. The following document details the research conducted for this intrinsic case study of the role of the Nebraska Arts Council in Omaha Cultural tourism. In framing the context of the study, a review of pertinent literature was performed in the areas of defining cultural tourism, emerging trends, benefits of cultural tourism partnerships, representation, state agencies and tourism, and tools for success. The findings of the study are presented as a synthesis of interview and questionnaire outcomes in conjunction with the literature review. This study concludes with a discussion of recommendations for (1) Omaha arts and cultural entities, (2) the Greater Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau, and (3) further investigation.
Modeling and simulation of hybrid distributed generation and its impact on transient stability of power system

The present grid is accommodating mixed energies resulting into increasing complexities and instabilities. The dynamic performance is measured by also considering the impact the integration of new technologies such as distributed generation (DG) and hybrid distributed generation (HDG) have on the grid. Hybrid distributed generation with one or more renewable (stochastic) energy sources interact with the existing grid during import and export of power generation. This interaction contributes more fault current therefore making the system vulnerable to instability more than a single energy source. This study investigates the dynamic impact of hybrid Wind/ PV/small Hydro power on transient stability. To investigate this impact, a detail modeling of grid connected wind / solar PV and small hydropower system with single machine infinite system is carried out. The simulation was done in DIgSILENT power factory software. The configuration of the proposed typical grid connected hybrid distributed generation (HDG) consists of variable speed Wind turbine with doubly -fed induction generator (DFIG), solar PV and small hydropower system. The wind turbine is integrated through PWM converter into the existing Grid while the solar PV incorporated into the system consists of DC sources integrated through PWM inverter and the hydro power is directly connected through a synchronous generator.
A Review of Power System Dynamic State Estimation Techniques

State estimation is a key energy management system (EMS) function, responsible for estimating the state of the power system. Power system is a quasi-static system and hence changes slowly with time. Since state estimation is computationally expensive, it is not easy to execute it repetitively at short intervals to achieve real time monitoring of such a changing system. Dynamic state estimation (DSE) techniques model the time varying nature of the system, which allows it to predict the state vector in advance. This proves to be a major advantage for the operator in performing security analysis and other control center functions. Various techniques for dynamic state estimation are available in the literature. This paper presents a bird's eye view on different methodologies and developments in DSE, based on our comprehensive survey of the available literature.
Placental Growth Hormone Levels in Normal Pregnancy and in Pregnancies with Intrauterine Growth Retardation

ABSTRACT: To assess the possible role of placental growth hormone (GH) in fetoplacental growth, we measured placental and pituitary GH (GHN) in maternal plasma by means of two RIA using two MAb (5B4 recognizing both placental GH and GHN, and K24 recognizing only GHN) during pregnancy. IGF-I also was measured by RIA in the same samples after extraction. A transverse study of 186 samples obtained between 8 wk of amenorrhea (WA) and term confirmed the reported rise in GH immunoreactivity with 5B4 after 24 to 25 WA from 12.3 ± 2.0 mU/L (mean ± SEM) to a plateau of 27.5 ± 3.4 mU/L at 34 to 35 WA together with the decrease in GHN to undetectable levels by 24 to 25 WA. IGF-I levels increased from 164.0 ± 44.6 μUg/L at 24 to 25 WA to 331.6 ± 63.6 μUg/L at term. A longitudinal study of 31 normal pregnant women confirmed this hormonal pattern and the reported placental GH plateau after 35 WA. A drastic decrease in placental GH was observed with the onset of labor (from 26.9 ± 2.1 to 2.7 ± 1.1 mU/L), whereas the decrease in IGF-I was not significant (from 212.9 ± 26.5 to 162.4 ± 16.9 μUg/L). Interestingly, maternal plasma samples obtained after 31 WA until the initiation of labor in 22 cases of intrauterine growth retardation (six cases of toxemia, one chromosomal aberration, one maternofetal infection, 14 idiopathic) contained significantly lower amounts of placental GH (14.9 ± 1.6 mU/L versus 26.5 ± 1.2 mU/L in normal pregnancies; p < 0.001). Plasma IGF-I levels were also lower than normal (156.0 ± 25.5 μUg/L versus 285.1 ± 40.8 μUg/L; p < 0.001). These results suggest a relationship between placental GH levels in the maternal plasma and the development of the fetoplacental unit.
Relative frequency and estimated minimal frequency of Lysosomal Storage Diseases in Brazil: Report from a Reference Laboratory

Abstract Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of more than 50 genetic conditions of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) caused by a defect in lysosomal function. Although there are screening tests for some of these conditions, diagnosis usually depends on specific enzyme assays, which are only available in a few laboratories around the world. A pioneer facility for the diagnosis of IEM and LSDs was established in the South of Brazil in 1982 and has served as a reference service since then. Over the past 34 years, samples from 72,797 patients were referred for investigation of IEM, and 3,211 were confirmed as having an LSD (4.41%, or 1 in 22), with 3,099 of these patients originating from Brazil. The rate of diagnosis has increased over time, in part due to the creation of diagnostic networks involving a large number of Brazilian services. These cases, referred from Brazilian regions, provide insight about the relative frequency of LSDs in the country. The large amount of data available allows for the estimation of the minimal frequency of specific LSDs in Brazil. The reported data could help to plan health care policies, as there are specific therapies available for most of the cases diagnosed.
Towards a more efficient representation of imputation operators in TPOT

Automated Machine Learning encompasses a set of meta-algorithms intended to design and apply machine learning techniques (e.g., model selection, hyperparameter tuning, model assessment, etc.). TPOT, a software for optimizing machine learning pipelines based on genetic programming (GP), is a novel example of this kind of applications. Recently we have proposed a way to introduce imputation methods as part of TPOT. While our approach was able to deal with problems with missing data, it can produce a high number of unfeasible pipelines. In this paper we propose a strongly-typed-GP based approach that enforces constraint satisfaction by GP solutions. The enhancement we introduce is based on the redefinition of the operators and implicit enforcement of constraints in the generation of the GP trees. We evaluate the method to introduce imputation methods as part of TPOT. We show that the method can notably increase the efficiency of the GP search for optimal pipelines.
Visualization Using the Scanning Nonlinear Dielectric Microscopy of Electrons and Holes Localized in the Thin Gate Film of Metal-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Semiconductor Type Flash Memory

By applying scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SNDM), we identified the position of electrons/holes existing in the gate SiO<sub>2</sub>-Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>-SiO<sub>2</sub> (ONO) film of the Metal-Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Semiconductor (MONOS) type flash memory. The electrons were detected in the Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> part of the ONO film. The holes, on the other hand, were found in the Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> film as well as in the bottom SiO<sub>2</sub> film. Additionally, we succeeded in detecting the electrons existed in the poly-Si layer of the floating gate of flash memory.
The effect of low-dose continuous estrogen and progesterone therapy with calcium and vitamin D on bone in elderly women. A randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the mainstay of osteoporosis prevention, is limited because of dose-related risks, side effects, and patient acceptance. The bone-sparing efficacy and tolerability of the lowest available doses of HRT have not been adequately studied in elderly women. OBJECTIVE To determine the bone-sparing effect of continuous low-dose HRT in elderly women. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING University osteoporosis research and clinical center. PATIENTS 128 healthy white women (age > 65 years) with low bone mass recruited by word of mouth and by local advertisement. The principal eligibility criterion was spinal bone mineral density of 0.90 g/cm2 or less. INTERVENTION Continuous therapy with conjugated equine estrogen, 0.3 mg/d, and medroxyprogesterone, 2.5 mg/d, or matching placebo. Sufficient calcium supplementation was given to bring all calcium intakes above 1000 mg/d in both groups; supplemental oral 25-hydroxyvitamin D was given to maintain serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of at least 75 nmol/L in both groups. MEASUREMENTS Bone mineral density of the spine, hip, total body, and forearm; serum total alkaline phosphatase and serum osteocalcin levels at 6-month intervals; and 24-hour urine creatinine and hydroxyproline excretion at baseline, 12 months, and 42 months. RESULTS During 3.5 years of observation, spinal bone mineral density increased by 3.5% (P < 0.001) in an intention-to-treat analysis and by 5.2% among patients with greater than 90% adherence to therapy. Significant increases were seen in total-body and forearm bone density (P < 0.01). Symptoms related to HRT (breast tenderness, spotting, pelvic discomfort, and mood changes) were mild and short-lived. CONCLUSIONS Continuous low-dose HRT with conjugated equine estrogen and oral medroxyprogesterone combined with adequate calcium and vitamin D provides a bone-sparing effect that is similar or superior to that provided by other, higher-dose HRT regimens in elderly women. This combination is well tolerated by most patients.
Axonal varicosity distributions along parallel fibers: a new angle on a cerebellar circuit

Presynaptic terminals occur along unmyelinated axons in specialized compartments called axonal varicosities or synaptic boutons. Since the first descriptions of varicose axons by Cajal and others, the spatial organization of varicosities along axons has attracted the attention of neuroscientists. Quantitative light- and electron-microscopic analyses of varicosity spacing in the cerebellum and elsewhere have recently provided a clearer picture of this organization, and theoretical analyses now incorporate varicosity spacing as an essential parameter in structural models of neural connectivity. Here we review the salient features of varicosity spacing, with emphasis on cerebellar parallel fibers as a model system. Measured globally across the entire≈ 5 mm lengths of parallel fibers, the overall mean spacing of varicosities is 5.2 μm. Measured locally, however, mean spacing follows a proximodistal gradient, increasing with distance from the point of bifurcation from the ascending axon. Measured at the level of individual varicosities, parallel fiber varicosity distributions follow a distinct pattern characterized by a fixed relationship between the spacing variability and mean. This pattern equally describes varicosity distributions in a number of other brain regions, and therefore appears to constitute a general scaling relationship for excitatory varicose axons. We further discuss evidence for common principles underlying the placement of both varicosities and synapses along axons.
An Analysis of U.S. Road Fatalities per Population: Changes by Age From 1958 to 2008

Objective: This article presents a time-series analysis of changes in road safety in the United States from a public-health point of view. Method: A 50-year period was examined, from 1958 to 2008. The emphasis was on the changes by decades in fatalities per population across different age groups. Results: First, from 1958 to 2008, the overall fatality rate per population decreased by 40 percent. Second, the decrease in the rate was age dependent (with the largest decreases for the youngest and the oldest, and the smallest decreases for the middle-aged). Third, the overall fatality rate increased from 1958 to 1968, but it decreased for each of the 4 following decades. Fourth, the changes in the rate for each decade were age dependent. Fifth, the patterns of these age-dependent changes varied across the decades. Conclusions: Examples of interventions that are likely to have age-dependent effects consistent with the obtained differential age changes in the fatality rate are discussed. However, other interventions are also likely to have relevant age-dependent effects on the fatality rate.
Postmortem Detection of Isopropanol in Ketoacidosis

Abstract: Isopropanol (IPA) detected in deaths because of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA) may cause concern for IPA poisoning. This study addressed this concern in a 15‐year retrospective review of 260 deaths in which concentrations of acetone and IPA, as well as their ratios, were compared in DKA (175 cases), AKA (79 cases), and IPA intoxication (six cases). The results demonstrated the frequency of detecting IPA in ketoacidosis when there was no evidence of IPA ingestion. IPA was detectable in 77% of DKA cases with quantifiable concentrations averaging 15.1 ± 13.0 mg/dL; 52% of AKA cases with quantifiable concentrations averaging 18.5 ± 22.1 mg/dL; and in cases of IPA intoxication, averaging 326 ± 260 mg/dL. There was weak correlation of IPA production with postmortem interval in DKA only (r = −0.48). Although IPA concentrations were much higher with ingestion, potentially toxic concentrations were achievable in DKA without known ingestion.
Team Consensus for a Network of Unmanned Vehicles in Presence of Actuator Faults

In this paper, performance analysis of a team of unmanned vehicles (agents) that are subject to actuator faults is investigated. The team goal is to accomplish a cohesive motion in a modified leader-follower architecture by using a semi-decentralized optimal control strategy. The controller, which is recently proposed by the authors, is designed based on minimization of individual cost functions by using the available information from the neighboring sets. It is shown that a loss of effectiveness (LOE) fault in an actuator does not deteriorate the stability nor the consensus seeking goal of the team. This fault would only result in a different transient behavior, e.g., a change in the agent's convergence rate, without a change in the consensus value. On the other hand, if the fault in one or more of the agents is of the float type, either in the leader or the followers, the team could not maintain its consensus any longer, however the stability of the team can still be guaranteed. Moreover, the leader and the healthy followers adapt themselves to the follower's change when a float fault occurs in one of the agents. Finally, the behavior of the team in presence of the lock-in-place (LIP) actuator fault is also investigated. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the team subject to the above three actuator fault scenarios.
Genetic taste sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil influences food preference and reported intake in preschool children

Adult tasters of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) are more sensitive to bitter taste and fattiness in foods, and often show lower acceptance of foods that are high in these taste qualities. This study hypothesized that PROP taster children would show lower acceptance of these same foods. Sixty-seven preschool children were classified as PROP tasters (N = 43) or nontasters (N = 24) using a suprathreshold screening solution. Children rated acceptance of 10 bitter and/or fat-containing foods using a 5-pt. facial scale. Parents completed a food frequency questionnaire to estimate their child's intake. Taster children showed lower acceptance of raw broccoli and American cheese (p < or = 0 x 05). Taster-girls showed lower acceptance of full-fat milk than nontaster-girls (p < or = 0 x 05). This effect was not seen in boys. Nontasters reported more daily intake of discretionary fats than tasters (p < or = 0 x 05), an effect largely due to nontaster-girls, in whom reported intake was 2--3 more servings per day than taster-girls, and boys of both groups. These data suggest that PROP taste sensitivity plays a role in acceptance of certain bitter cruciferous vegetables and cheese by young children. In addition, taster group differences in acceptance of full-fat milk and intake of discretionary fats seen in girls, suggest that gender-specific environmental factors might interact with genetics to influence fat preferences.
A Comparison of Image Data Representations for Local Stereo Matching

 Abstract — The stereo matching problem, while having been present for several decades, continues to be an active area of research. The goal of this research is to find correspondences between elements found in a set of stereoscopic images. With these pairings, it is possible to infer the distance of objects within a scene, relative to the observer. Advancements in this field have led to experimentations with various techniques, from graph-cut energy minimization to artificial neural networks. At the basis of these techniques is a cost function, which is used to evaluate the likelihood of a particular match between points in each image. While at its core, the cost is based on comparing the image pixel data; there is a general lack of consistency as to what image data representation to use. This paper presents an experimental analysis to compare the effectiveness of more common image data representations. The goal is to determine the effectiveness of these data representations to reduce the cost for the correct correspondence relative to other possible matches.