Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Marital Status and Prognostic Nomogram for Bladder Cancer With Distant Metastasis: A SEER-Based Study

Background To investigate the impact of marital status on overall survival (OS) and create a prognostic nomogram predicting OS in distant-metastatic bladder cancer (DMBC) patients. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was explored to recruit DMBC patients from 2010 to 2015. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to compare survival differences among different marital status. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to screen for prognostic factors and then constructed the nomogram based on Cox proportional hazard regression models. Calibration plot diagrams and concordance index (C-index) were used to verify the prognostic nomogram. Results Kaplan–Meier curves suggested the significant differences of OS among different marital status existed in total (P < 0.001), female (P = 0.011) and male (P = 0.001) DMBC patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated marital status was an independent prognostic factor for OS of DMBC patients. Nomogram showed the contribution of marital status to predicting OS was small. Other independent prognostic factors included age, grade, histology type, surgery of primary site, chemotherapy, and metastasis pattern. By combining seven factors, we constructed a prognostic nomogram for DMBC patients. The C-index of this nomogram for OS prediction was 0.722 (95% CI 0.712–0.732). The calibration curves showed perfect consistency between observed and predictive survival. Conclusions Marital status was an independent prognostic factor for OS of DMBC patients, but its contribution to predicting OS was small. The prognostic nomogram will provide an individualized evaluation of OS and guidance for suitable treatments in DMBC patients.
Usability and Acceptance of an Interactive Tablet-Based Exercise Application: A Mixed Methods Study

Purpose: To investigate usability and acceptance of a newly developed interactive, tablet-based exercise application (app) and to explore personal opinions of therapists when using this app in the clinical setting. Methods: Twenty participants (10 therapists and 10 inactive healthy adults) tested usability of this app performing different test tasks, using the think aloud method, and rated overall satisfaction with the System Usability Scale and acceptance with a modified Technology Acceptance Model Questionnaire. For a secondary objective, personal opinions of therapists were evaluated with two focus groups, one for team leaders and one for team members. Results: Overall, the app was judged to be usable. Effectiveness varied between 73 and 90%, overall satisfaction between 70.5 and 85.5/100 points and acceptance between 74 and 80%. Team leader and team member focus groups considered the app as providing a great opportunity for therapy extension, especially because of its blended character. Barriers to its implementation were seen in the existing clinical working processes, personal attitudes of therapists and uncertainty of who would cover expenses for this new form of therapy. Some improvements such as using videos instead of photos, the integration of more interactive tools and the possibility to add additional exercises were suggested in both settings. Conclusion: The app showed high acceptance and usability in trainees and therapists, although some ideas for upgrading functions were formulated. Before this app can be used in clinical practice, feasibility of this blended approach should be evaluated in a clinical setting.
Novel Gene Signature Reveals Prognostic Model in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal malignant disease with poor prognosis and a low overall survival rate. Although many studies on the treatment and detection of AML have been conducted, the molecular mechanism of AML development and progression has not been fully elucidated. The present study was designed to pursuit the molecular mechanism of AML using a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, and build an applicable model to predict the survival probability of AML patients in clinical use. Methods To simplify the complicated regulatory networks, we performed the gene co-expression and PPI network based on WGCNA and STRING database using modularization design. Two machine learning methods, A least absolute shrinkage and selector operation (LASSO) algorithm and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), were used to filter the common hub genes by five-fold cross-validation. The candidate hub genes were used to build the predictive model of AML by the cox-proportional hazards analysis, and validated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort and ohsu cohort, which were reliable in the experimental verification by qRT-PCR and western blotting in mRNA and protein levels. Results Three hub genes, FLT3, CD177 and TTPAL were used to build a clinically applicable model to predict the survival probability of AML patients and divided them into high and low groups. To compare the survival ability of the model with the classical clinical features, we generated the nomogram. The model displayed the most risk points contrast to other clinical characteristics, which was compatible with the data of cox multivariate regression. Conclusion This study reveal the novel molecular mechanism of AML, and construct a clinical model significantly related to AML patient prognosis. We showed the integrated roles of critical pathways, hub genes associated, which provide potential targets and new research ideas for the treatment and early detection of AML.
Effect of β-Blocker in Treatment-Naïve Patients With Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma Receiving First-Generation EGFR-TKIs

Background Through activation of adrenergic receptors, chronic stress can trigger the secretion of neurotransmitters and hormones that enhance tumor growth, increase angiogenesis, and promote drug resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of β-blockers in patients receiving first-line epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) for lung adenocarcinoma. Methods This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma under first-line EGFR-TKIs between 2011 and 2014 in the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. The effects of β-blockers use, defined as ≥60 defined daily doses within 180 days before initiation of EGFR-TKI therapy, on the 2-year time-to-discontinuation (TTD) of EGFR-TKIs and 4-year overall survival (OS) were investigated using Cox regression analyses with inverse propensity score weighting and sensitivity analysis in subgroup with either hypertension or ischemic heart diseases. Results Among 4988 enrolled patients, 552 (11.1%) were in the β-blocker group. Patients in the β-blocker group were more likely to be older than 75 and had diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular comorbidities. In Cox regression analysis, β-blocker usage was associated with a longer TTD (hazard ratio, HR: 0.91 [0.86–0.96]) and OS (HR: 0.68 [0.64–0.72]). The results also favored β-blocker group in sensitivity analysis. Conclusions In treatment-naïve patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma under first-line EGFR-TKIs, prior use of β-blocker was associated with a better outcome. The findings encourage further prospective clinical study to validate the possibility of β-blockers as adjuvant anticancer therapy.
Serum and Urinary N-Terminal Pro-brain Natriuretic Peptides as Biomarkers for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia of Preterm Neonates

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common cause of respiratory illness in preterm newborns with high morbidity and mortality rates. At present, there are no early prognostic biomarkers that can be used in clinical practice to predict the development of BPD. In this review, we critically appraise evidence regarding the use of serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels as a biomarker for BPD in neonates. Furthermore, we summarize studies assessing the feasibility of urinary NTproBNP levels as a non-invasive method to predict BPD in preterm infants. Multiple studies reported a strong association between NTproBNP serum levels and the onset of BPD. For urinary NTproBNP there is scarce evidence showing an association with BPD. Given the promising data obtained by preliminary studies, further assessment of this biomarker in both serum and urine is needed. Standardized reference values should be defined before conducting any further clinical studies.
Combining ability for stem borer resistance and heterotic orientation of maize inbred lines using CIMMYT single cross testers under Chilo partellus infestation

The spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus, Swinhoe (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) is one of the most destructive insect pests of maize in tropical environments. However, the combining ability and heterotic orientation of the germplasm for grain yield and borer resistance is limited. The objective of this study was to determine combining ability and heterotic orientation of new maize inbred lines under C. partellus infestation. Sixty six (66) inbred lines were crossed to two single cross testers in a line x tester mating scheme. The 132 testcross hybrids and four checks were evaluated at three locations in Kenya under C. partellus infestation. General and specific combining ability effects were significant for C. partellus stem borer resistance traits and grain yield, suggesting the importance of both additive and non-additive gene effects for these traits. Heterotic classification of lines was done based on both heterosis and specific combining ability data. Based on heterosis for grain yield data at Embu, 15 lines were allocated to group A, 18 to group B and 12 to group AB. At Kakamega, 26 lines were oriented towards group A, 19 to group B and 9 to group AB. At Kiboko, 15 lines were inclined towards group A, 18 to group B and 11 to group AB, whilst the remainder could not be classified. Based on the SCA estimates, at Embu, 10 lines revealed positive SCA effects with both testers and were considered to be AB-oriented while 8, and 1 lines were oriented towards A, and B, respectively. A similar trend was detected at Kakamega and Kiboko. The identified lines and heterotic groups would be used by hybrid maize programs where C. partellus stem borers occur exclusively or in league with other stem borers. Key words: Tropical maize, maize breeding, biotic and abiotic stresses tolerance.
Historical overview of beef production and beef organizations in the United States

The objective of this article, adapted from the book Building the Beef Industry, is to summarize the 100-yr history of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Because the activities of the Association through the years largely parallel major developments in the beef industry, this is essentially a history of beef production in the United States. Early cattle industry leaders recognized that many problems—and opportunities—could be better addressed by working in concert with other cattle producers. Yet free-spirited cattle producers, known for their individualism and independence, were difficult to organize. Two attempts at national associations failed before the National Live Stock Association, organized in 1898, sustained and after several name changes became the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Some challenging areas that demanded cooperation by producers included roundups on the open range, disease control or eradication, development of export markets, restriction of competing imports, continued access to public lands, restrictions on packer monopoly and collusion, limited government help, resistance to government price controls and beef boycotts by consumers, expanded beef research, and self-help beef promotion. The oldest issue for western cattle producers has been the public domain. The “biggest cattle deal ever” was the government purchase-andslaughter program in 1934, when 8.3 million cattle were slaughtered, reducing the cattle population by 11%. A “transportation revolution” occurred when the railroads put trail drivers out of business; when trucks put the railroads out of the business of transporting cattle; when local auction markets, made viable by trucks and trailers, put terminal markets out of business; and when packing plants moved from terminal markets to the proximity of new commercial feedyards. Among the great legislative victories for the Association were the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921, the Counter-Cyclical Meat Import Act of 1979, and the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985, which authorized the $1/animal check-off and made nearly $80 million a year available for beef programs.
Considering complexity in the genetic evaluation of dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiovascular disease of genetic aetiology that causes substantial morbidity and mortality, and presents considerable opportunity for disease mitigation and prevention in those at risk. Foundational to the process of caring for patients diagnosed with DCM is a clinical genetic evaluation, which always begins with a comprehensive family history and clinical evaluation. Genetic testing of the proband, the first patient identified in a family with DCM, within the context of genetic counselling is always indicated, regardless of whether the DCM is familial or non-familial. Clinical screening of at-risk family members is also indicated, as is cascade genetic testing for actionable variants found at genetic testing in the proband. Clinicians now have expansive panels with many genes available for DCM genetic testing, and the approaches used to evaluate rare variants to decide which are disease-causing continues to rapidly evolve. Despite these recent advances, only a minority of cases yield actionable variants, even in familial DCM where a genetic aetiology is highly likely. This underscores that our knowledge of DCM clinical genetics remains incomplete, including variant interpretation and DCM genetic architecture. Emerging data suggest that the single-variant Mendelian disease model is insufficient to explain some DCM cases, and rather that multiple variants, both common and rare, and at times key environmental factors, interact to cause DCM. A simple model illustrating the intersection of DCM genetic architecture with environmental impact is provided.
Mycosynthesis of Nano-Ag/Ag2O as Anti-Phytopathogens Agent using Endophytic Aspergillus fumigatus Strain EAF102 

Nowadays, there are many studies reported the mycosynthesis of nanoparticles by using rhizospheric and epiphytic fungi but there are a few reports using endophytic fungi. So the present work focuses on the mycosynthesis of nano-Ag using endophytic Aspergillus fumigatus strain EAF102 that evaluated for its antifungal efficiency. The fabricated nano-Ag was initially detected by the brown color and UV-VIS spectroscopy that showed the nanosilver peak at 450nm. The structural and morphological properties of the nano-Ag/Ag2O were evaluated by SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, EDX and TGA analysis. The mycosynthesized nanoAg/ Ag2O reaction was improved via Taguchi approach and increased 3.9 times larger than the basal reaction condition. The optimized fabrication reaction was set up as following: 1mM of the precursor was added to 25% (v/v) of reductant then this mixture pH was adjusted at 8.0 and the incubation temperature was controlled at 600C under shaking condition (250 rpm). A confirmation test resulted in the maximum nano-Ag/Ag2O was 44.295 ± 5.27 g/l and its S/N ratio was 33.51± 4.20 dB that considered as a very good agreement with the predicted results. The high activities of mycosynthesized nano-Ag/Ag2O (11-15 nm) that used as antiphytopathogens were ordered as follows: Alternaria alternate (3.5±0.36), Fusarium moniliforme (2.2±0.45,) Fusarium graminearum (1.5±0.25), Fusarium semitectum (0.58±0.13), Fusarium oxysporum (0.5±0.23), and Phytophthora arenaria (0.45±0.14). Finally, a simple, fast, and eco-friendly method for mycofabrication of nano-Ag/Ag2O by using endophytic Aspergillus fumigatus strain EAF102 was successfully discovered and improved via this study.
Multi-Scale Downscaling with Bayesian Convolution Network for ENSO SST Pattern

The downscaling of climate data has always been a hotspot in meteorological research. The traditional method is to adjust numerical climate models to simulate high-resolution situation, which is quite time and resource consuming. Recently, deep learning methods have provided an appreciable new insight and successfully downscale in multiple climate phenomena. However, existing models simply treat downscaling problem as image super-resolution problem and extract the spatial features from high resolution (HR) climate data directly, which ignores the detailed physical varieties and produce low credibility. In this paper, we take El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events as example and formulate SST pattern downscaling as a multi-scale pattern fusion problem. Meanwhile, in order to cover that all conditions describing the internal physical structure, we find the optimal probability distributions of the output HR SST pattern. Based on this formalization, we further implement a deep learning model named Multi-scale Bayesian convolution network (MSBCNN). We evaluate our model on the monthly air-sea data from 1870 to 2014 and carry out real-world 2014/2015 ENSO SST pattern downscaling. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of our formalization, which outperforms than the other traditional approaches and state-of-the-art models.
Events Put into Context (EPiC)

Business process models can be (re)constructed using event data recorded during the process’ execution. Similarly, event data can be used to verify conformance to prescribed behavior and to analyze and improve the underlying processes. However, not all events that are related to a process necessarily relate to its control-flow. Some events occur in the context of the process. In this work, we introduce the concept of context events to deal with these types of events. We show how distinguishing between contextual and control-flow events aids process discovery to obtain less complex process models. We demonstrate how visualizing context events on top of process models helps identify points in the process where context events occur often, aiding understanding. We analyze these benefits using two case studies involving real-life processes and event data.
LINDDUN GO: A Lightweight Approach to Privacy Threat Modeling

Realizing privacy-preserving software requires the application of principles such as Privacy by Design (PbD) which require the consideration of privacy early on in the software development lifecycle. While privacy threat modeling approaches, such as LINDDUN, provide such a systematic and extensive assessment of a system’s design, their application requires the analyst performing the assessment to have (i) extensive privacy expertise and (ii) sufficient experience with the threat modeling process itself. Hence, there is a high startup cost to apply these techniques. To reduce this initial threshold, more lightweight privacy analysis approaches are necessary.In this paper, we (i) discuss the requirements for early lightweight privacy analysis approaches; (ii) present LIND-DUN GO, a toolkit that supports lightweight privacy threat modeling; (iii) describe the pilot studies that were conducted for the preliminary evaluation with industry professionals.The availability of lightweight privacy analysis approaches reduces the initial effort to start privacy threat modeling and can therefore enable a more wide-spread adoption of system privacy assessments in practice.
A Fast and Concise Parallel Implementation of the 8x8 2D IDCT using Halide

The Inverse Discrete Cosine Transform (IDCT) is commonly used for image and video decoding. Due to the ubiquitous nature of this application area, very efficient implementations of the IDCT transform are of great importance and have lead to the development of highly optimized libraries. The popular libjpeg-turbo library contains 1000s of lines of handwritten assembly code utilizing SIMD instruction sets for a variety of architectures. We present an alternative approach, implementing the 8x8 2D IDCT written in the image processing language Halide - a high-level, functional language that allows for concise, portable, parallel and very efficient code. We show how less than 100 lines of Halide can replace over 1000 lines of code for each architecture in the libjpeg-turbo library to perform JPEG decoding. The Halide implementation is compared for ARMv8 and x86-64 SIMD extensions and shows a 5-25 percent performance improvement over the SIMD code in libjpeg-turbo while also being much easier to maintain and port to new architectures.
Hot-Electron Effects in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs Under Semi-ON DC Stress

An analysis of hot-electron (HE) effects on the dynamic resistance (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${dR}\,_{\mathrm{\scriptstyle ON}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) of AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) when subject to semi-ON stress is reported and compared with OFF-state stress. This is carried out using measurements and TCAD 2-D hydrodynamic simulations. Two structures with different distances between the highly carbon-doped buffer region and the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) are here considered. The additional <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${dR}\,_{\mathrm{\scriptstyle ON}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> in semi-ON is attributed to HEs trapping at the passivation/AlGaN interface. TCAD simulations are performed and compared with experimental results.
On the Use of Open-Source C/C++ Static Analysis Tools in Large Projects

Software applications are frequently deployed with security vulnerabilities that may open the door to attacks. In business-critical scenarios, such attacks may lead to significant financial and reputation losses. Static Analysis Tools (SATs), which analyze the source code without executing it, can be used to detect potential faults in the source code, including security vulnerabilities. However, many false alarms are normally reported, leading teams to discard the use of such tools, especially on large software projects. Existing works have dealt with the evaluation of SATs, but they are mostly based on small pieces of code designed to support the evaluation. In this paper, we present and discuss the results of the execution of two Open-Source C/C++ SATs (CPPCheck and Flawfinder) on the large open-source project Mozilla. Our goal is to study the applicability of SATs in a large project and the vulnerability categories they can detect. Results show that CppCheck could detect 83.5% of the vulnerabilities, and Flawfinder could detect 36.2%, although the number of false alarms is high (7.2% for CppCheck and 93.2% for Flawfinder). Regarding the different categories, the two SATs showed quite diverse performances (e.g., CppCheck was able to detect $92.6% of Data Protection vulnerabilities and 62.5% of Coding Practices vulnerabilities, while false alarms were 99.1% and 99.9%, respectively).
Stateful Priorities for Precise Restriction of System Behavior

We present the notion of stateful priorities for imposing precise restrictions on system actions, in order to meet safety constraints. By using stateful priorities we are able to exclusively restrict erroneous system behavior as specified by the constraint, whereas safe system behavior remains unrestricted. Given a system modeled as a network of discrete automata and an error constraint, we present algorithms which use those inputs to synthesize stateful priorities. We present as well a network transformation which uses synthesized priorities for blocking all system actions leading to the input error. The applicability of our approach is demonstrated on three real-world examples.