Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with oropharyngeal cancer by using a convolutional neural network with associated epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty

There can be significant uncertainty when identifying cervical lymph node (LN) metastases in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) despite the use of modern imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans. Grossly involved LNs are readily identifiable during routine imaging, but smaller and less PET-avid LNs are harder to classify. We trained a convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect malignant LNs in patients with OPSCC and used quantitative measures of uncertainty to identify the most reliable predictions. Our dataset consisted of images of 791 LNs from 129 patients with OPSCC who had preoperative PET/CT imaging and detailed pathological reports after neck dissections. These LNs were segmented on PET/CT imaging and then labeled according to the pathology reports. An AlexNet-like CNN was trained to classify LNs as malignant or benign. We estimated epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty by using dropout variational inference and test-time augmentation, respectively. CNN performance was stratified according to the median epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty values calculated using the validation cohort. Our model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.99 on the testing dataset. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.94 and 0.90, respectively. Epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty values were statistically larger for false negative and false positive predictions than for true negative and true positive predictions (p < 0.001). Model sensitivity and specificity were 1.0 and 0.98, respectively, for cases with epistemic uncertainty lower than the median value of the incorrect predictions in the validation dataset. For cases with higher epistemic uncertainty, sensitivity and specificity were 0.67 and 0.41, respectively. Model sensitivity and specificity were 1.0 and 0.98, respectively, for cases with aleatoric uncertainty lower than the median value of the incorrect predictions in the validation dataset. For cases with higher aleatoric uncertainty, sensitivity and specificity were 0.67 and 0.37, respectively. We used a CNN to predict the malignant status of LNs in patients with OPSCC with high accuracy, and we showed that uncertainty can be used to quantify a prediction’s reliability. Assigning measures of uncertainty to predictions could improve the accuracy of LN classification by efficiently identifying instances where expert evaluation is needed to corroborate a model’s prediction.
An equivalent circuit model for wide‐band analysis of defected ground structures with asymmetric slot and multiple slots

In this article, we propose a novel equivalent circuit model that can accurately represent the wide‐band behavior of a defected ground structure with a slot that is positioned asymmetrically with respect to the signal transmission line and also with multiple slots. The inclusion of losses is crucial to guarantee a high level of accuracy. The number of circuit elements is very parsimonious, which makes the model efficient and the identification of the equivalent circuit parameters simple. Pertinent measurement and simulation results validate the proposed model in different cases.
Will the Questions Ever End? Person-Level Increases in Careless Responding During Questionnaire Completion

Is there a point within a self-report questionnaire where participants will start responding carelessly? If so, then after how many items do participants reach that point? And what can researchers do to encourage participants to remain careful throughout the entirety of a questionnaire? We conducted two studies (Study 1 N = 358; Study 2 N = 129) to address these questions. Our results found (a) consistent evidence that participants responded more carelessly as they progressed further into a questionnaire, (b) mixed evidence that participants who were warned that carelessness would be punished displayed smaller increases in carelessness, and (c) mixed evidence that increases in carelessness were greater within an unproctored online study (Study 1) than within a proctored laboratory study (Study 2). These findings help address when and why careless responding is likely to occur, and they suggest effective preventive strategies.
Diurnal body temperature patterns in free‐ranging populations of two southern African arid‐zone nightjars

Endotherms allocate large amounts of energy and water to the regulation of a precise body temperature (Tb), but can potentially reduce thermoregulatory costs by allowing Tb to deviate from normothermic levels. Many data on heterothermy at low air temperatures (Ta) exist for caprimulgids, whereas data on thermoregulation at high Ta are largely absent, despite members of this taxon frequently roosting and nesting in sites exposed to high operative temperatures. We investigated thermoregulation in free-ranging rufous-cheeked nightjars Caprimulgus rufigena and freckled nightjars Caprimulgus tristigma in the southern African arid zone. Individuals of both species showed labile Tb fluctuating around a single modal Tb (Tb-mod). Average Tb-mod was 39.7°C for rufous-cheeked nightjars and 39.0°C for freckled nightjars. In both species, diurnal Tb increased with increasing Ta. At Ta ≥ 38°C, rufous-cheeked nightjar mean Tb increased to 42°C, equivalent to 2.3°C above Tb-mod. Under similar conditions, freckled nightjar Tb was on average only 1.1°C above Tb-mod, with a mean Tb of 40.0°C. Freckled nightjars are one of the most heterothermic caprimulgids investigated to date, but our data suggest that during hot conditions this species maintains Tb within a narrow range above Tb-mod, possibly reflecting an evolutionary tradeoff between decreased thermal sensitivity to lower Tb but increased sensitivity to high Tb. These findings reveal how general thermoregulatory patterns at similar Ta can vary even among closely related species.
Tornadoes in Romania—from Forecasting and Warning to Understanding Public’s Response and Expectations

Significant progress in tornado research and management can be claimed over the last few decades worldwide. However, tornado forecasting and warning continue to be permanent challenges for most European national meteorological services because they require particular skills and experience. Moreover, tornado warnings may generate panic. Therefore, one can remark that the main difficulties are related to (1) forecasting the tornado genesis, and (2) finding the most efficient way to communicate to the general public the possibility of tornado occurrence. This article presents the main characteristics of two convective events that occurred in Romania in order to emphasize the similarities and disparities between the tornado event (30 April 2019) and the non-tornado event (6 May 2019), from the warning perspective. Further, we investigate, for the first time in Romania, the general public’s comprehension, risk perception and reactions regarding the tornado events. The survey performed in 2020 emphasized that the Romanian public is able to recognize tornadoes (60%), understand the risks (over 80%), can manage the panic (over 70%), and is rather desirous to receive clear (over 90%) and real-time (95%) tornado warnings. The lessons learned may support the further development of tornado forecasting and warning procedures, and foster the public’s awareness related to tornado events.
Core clock gene Bmal1 deprivation impairs steroidogenesis in mice luteinized follicle cells

Luteinization is the event of corpus luteum formation, a way of follicle cells transformation and a process of steroidogenesis alteration. As the core clock gene, Bmal1 was involved in the regulation of ovulation process and luteal function afterwards. Till now, the underlying roles of luteinization played by Bmal1 remain unknown. To explore the unique role of Bmal1 in luteal steroidogenesis and its underlying pathway, we investigated the luteal hormone synthesis profile in Bmal1 knockout female mice. We found that luteal hormone synthesis was notably impaired, and phosphorylation of PI3K/NfκB pathway was significantly activated. Then, the results were verified in in vitro cultured cells, including isolated Bmal1 interference granulosa cells (GCs) and theca cells (TCs), respectively. Hormones levels of supernatant culture media and mRNA expressions of steroidogenesis-associated genes (star, Hsd3β2, cyp19a1 in GCs, Lhcgr, star, Hsd3β2, cyp17a1 in TCs) were mutually decreased, while the phosphorylation of PI3K/NfκB was promoted during in vitro luteinization. After PI3K specific-inhibitor LY294002 intervention, mRNA expressions of Lhcgr and Hsd3β2 were partially rescued in Bmal1 interference TCs, together with significantly increased androstenedione and T synthesis. Further exploration in TCs demonstrated BMAL1 interacted directly but negatively with NfκB p65 (RelA), a subunit which was supposed as a mediator in Bmal1-governed PI3K signaling regulation. Taken together, we verified the novel role of Bmal1 in luteal steroidogenesis, achieving by negative interplay with RelA-mediated PI3K/NfκB pathway.
Effect of rice gluten meal as protein source in the diet of broiler chicken: Immunity, gut microbial count, haematology and serum bio-chemical parameters

Rice gluten meal (RGM), a by-product of wet-milling of rice, is relatively a new feedstuff having brownish coloured coarse powdery texture. An Investigation has been planned to explore the feeding value of RGM in the diet of broiler chicken. A 6 week study was conducted on 240 CARI BRO VISHAL chicks of same hatch with uniform weight. The birds were randomly assigned to six isocaloric and isonitrogenous dietary treatments including control group, containing RGM at 0, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15% levels. Each group comprised of 40 birds. The overall results of the present study on immunity, gut microbial count, haematology and serum biochemical parameters did not show any significant (P>0.05) difference among different dietary treatments and control group during 0–6 weeks of feeding period. The study envisaged that rice gluten meal can be safely incorporated upto15% level as a substitute of soybean meal without any adverse effects on immunity, gut microbial count, haematology and serum bio-chemical parameters in broiler chicken.
Filaria conjunctivæ Addario 1885, parasite accidentel de l’homme, est un Dirofilaria

intestin de 0 mm. , 097 de diamètre ; anus à 132 p de l’extrémité caudale, sur une saillie bilobée. Vulve à 2 mm. , 56 de l’extrémité céphalique ; à l’extrémité cau­ dale, dépression entourée de deux petites lèvres ; champs latéraux larges de 127 p.
Monocular Visual SLAM for Underwater Navigation in Turbid and Dynamic Environments

Localization, navigation, and mapping using vision-based algorithms are an active topic in underwater robotic applications. Although many algorithms developed in recent years, especially in the ground and areal robotic communities, directly applying those methods in underwater navigation remain challenging due to the visual degradation induced by the medium. In this paper, we proposed UW-SLAM (Underwater SLAM), a new monocular visual SLAM algorithm focused on the underwater environment which addresses the turbidity and dynamism. The proposed method was evaluated with several underwater datasets with comparison to the state of the art monocular SLAM methods.
Host Specificity of Freshwater Mussels: a Critical Factor in Conservation

Freshwater mussels have a unique life cycle in which they parasitize a fish host during their larval stage. This parasitic stage is very precarious and only a small fraction of the larvae survive. Most freshwater mussel species are host-specific and use only one or a few related species of fish. While a considerable amount of research has been done to identify the fish hosts of mussel species, little work has been done to see if this specificity varies among populations of a single mussel species. I investigated variation in host compatibility among populations of Venustaconcha ellipsiformis, the ellipse mussel, in the Spring River and Gasconade River in southern Missouri. Field observations suggested that Etheostoma spectabile, the orangethroat darter, is a primary host fish for ellipse mussels in the Spring River. I performed a laboratory test and confirmed that orangethroat and rainbow darters, Etheostoma caeruleum, from the Gasconade River were suitable hosts for the Gasconade River ellipse mussel (38% and 43% transformation success, respectively). I then compared the suitability of orangethroat darters from the Gasconade and Spring River for both Gasconade and Spring River mussels. I hypothesized that each mussel population would transform most effectively on the fish population with which it co-occurs. Although a few fish in each group transformed a large proportion of attached glochidia, the average transformation success was very low (<5%) in all 4 of the population pairings. Differences in transformation success among these pairings were consistent with the hypothesis, but the differences were not statistically significant. Gasconade glochidia initially attached in significantly larger numbers than Spring River glochidia, and there were also significant differences in attachment success among individual mussels. Spring River glochidia transformed poorly on Spring River orangethroat darters in a subsequent experiment at three different water temperatures. There was a significant positive effect of temperature on transformation success. The available data indicate that the Gasconade ellipse can be compatible with orangethroat darters, but there is no such evidence for the Spring River ellipse. Further study is needed to test the hypothesis of population differences in host compatibility in this species. This abstract is approved as to form and content ________________________________ Dr. M. C. Barnhart Chairperson, Advisory Committee Southwest Missouri State University
Data resource profile: JMDC claims databases sourced from Medical Institutions

JMDC, Inc. (JMDC) has created a database, using data collected from medical institutions in Japan, consisting of claims (for hospitalization and outpatient treatment), diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) assessment forms, and clinical laboratory test values. The oldest data in this database that can be accessed relate to treatment in April 2014. Currently (the end of October 2019), the number of medical institutions is 218, consisting of 131 DPC‐eligible hospitals and 87 DPC‐ineligible hospitals. Using this database, it is possible to carry out an analysis that makes up for certain limitations of JMDC's another database of data from health insurance societies (eg, the disease status and test results cannot be ascertained, and there is insufficient access to data for elderly people). In addition, it is noteworthy that this database includes not only data from DPC‐eligible hospitals but also data from some DPC‐ineligible hospitals.
Check-list de Picramniales e Sapindales (exceto Sapindaceae ) do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul

As listas de especies de Picramniales e Sapindales (exceto Sapindaceae ) ocorrentes no Mato Grosso do Sul foram compiladas com base em monografias, floras e revisoes taxonomicas publicadas, e dados da Lista de Especies do Brasil e dos acervos de varios herbarios. Os seguintes numeros de especies foram reportados em cada familia: Picramniaceae (duas spp.), Anacardiaceae (15 spp.); Burseraceae (quatro spp.), Meliaceae (15 spp.), Rutaceae (22 spp.), Simaroubaceae (cinco spp.). Cada taxon e acompanhado de citacao de um voucher e dos dominios e habitats em que ocorre no Mato Grosso do Sul.
Lung Immune Tone Regulation by the Gut-Lung Immune Axis: Short-chain Fatty Acid Receptors FFAR2 and FFAR3, and IL-1β Expression Profiling in Mouse and Human Lung

Microbial metabolites produced by the gut microbiome, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), can influence both local intestinal and distant lung physiology and response to injury. However, how lung immune activity is regulated by SCFAs is unknown. We examined fresh human lung tissue and observed the presence of SCFAs with large inter-individual and even intra-lobe variability. In vitro, SCFAs were capable of modifying the metabolic programming in both resting and LPS-exposed alveolar macrophages (AM). Additionally, since we hypothesized that lung immune tone could be defined through priming of the inflammasome (aka signal 1), we interrogated naïve mouse lungs for pro-IL-1β message and localized its presence within the alveolar space in situ, specifically in AM subsets, and in close proximity to alveolar type 2 epithelial (AT2) cells. We established that metabolically active gut microbiota, that produce SCFAs, can transmit LPS and SCFAs to the lung (potential sources of signal 1), and thereby could regulate lung immune tone and metabolic programming. To understand how murine lung cells sensed and upregulated IL-1β in response to gut-microbiome factors, we determined that in vitro, AM and AT2 cells expressed SCFA receptors, FFAR2, FFAR3, and IL-1β but with different expression patterns and LPS-inducibility. Finally, we observed that IL-1β, FFAR2 and FFAR3 were expressed both in isolated human AM and AT2 cells ex-vivo, but in fresh human lung sections in situ, only AM expressed IL-1β at rest and after LPS challenge. Together, this translational study using mouse and human lung tissue and cells supports an important role for the gut microbiome and SCFAs in regulating lung immune tone.
Social Media and Risky Sexual Practices among Undergraduate Students in a Private University in Southern Nigeria

Background: Social networking has become integral to the intellectual, emotional and social lives of the young. The often-unrestricted access to sexually explicit content on the social media and associated adverse sexual health among this group, constitute key outcomes in public health research. Aim: To determine social media use and the effect on sexual practices among undergraduate students in a private university in Southern Nigeria. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional survey among 300 undergraduate students of Madonna University Nigeria, Elele campus, was conducted between June and November, 2019. Respondents were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were obtained using selfadministered semi-structured questionnaires. Data analysis employed statistical package for social Original Research Article Nnebue et al.; AJARR, 13(3): 11-21, 2020; Article no.AJARR. 59019 12 sciences version 22.0. Chi-square test was used to determine statistically significant associations between variables at p values < 0.05. Results: Out of a sample size of 300, all were returned and analysed, giving a response rate of 100%, and a mean age of 21.85+ 2.63years. The awareness of social media was 97.9%, with commonest 237 (79%) from friends/peers. The reasons cited for its use include: 208 (72.7%) access to news, 182(63.6%) academics, while 173 (60.5%) accessed social media for sexually explicit content. The mean age at sexual debut was 17.44 + 2.63 years. There were associations between use of social media for sexually explicit content and [the sexually active (p=0.000); type of sexual acts practised (p=0.003) and number of sexual partnerships (p=0.000)] respectively. Conclusion: This study found an association between use of social media for sexually explicit content and risky sexual practices. No association was found between ever had sexual act and gender. We recommend behaviour-change interventions that control social media use for sexually explicit content and not compromise access to sexual health education among them.
Mitochondrial genomes of the headstanders Megaleporinus muyscorum (Steindachner 1900) and Megaleporinus obtusidens (Valenciennes 1837), (Characiformes, Anostomidae)

Abstract We report two mitochondrial genomes of headstanders, derived from target capture and Illumina sequencing (HiSeq 2500 PE100). One trans-Andean species Megaleporinus muyscorum (mitochondrial consensus genome of 25 individuals) from Colombia and one cis-Andean species M. obtusidens from Argentina. Regarding M. muyscorum, mitochondrial genome has 13 protein-coding genes, 1 D-loop, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 21 transfer RNAs, and is 14,434 bp in length, for M. obtusidens mitochondrial genome has 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and is 15,546 bp in length.
Carrots (Daucus carota L.) Biofortified with Iodine and Selenium as a Raw Material for the Production of Juice with Additional Nutritional Functions

Many people around the world struggle with the problem of an insufficient supply of iodine (I) and selenium (SE) in their diet. Food enriched with these elements is a good source of iodine and selenium. Juices made from four carrot (CJ) cultivars and biofortified with iodine and selenium (BCJs) were investigated to determine their I and Se contents, their impact on the supply of these elements to the diet, and losses in the production process. Other juice parameters important for consumers health were also determined. A significant increase in I and Se content relative to CJ was observed for each BCJ. The losses of I and Se (relative to raw material) during juice preparation were depended based on variety and added elements. Carrot biofertilization with iodine and selenium contributed to decreased contents of dry matter, total soluble solids, protein, sugars, and β-carotene in the juices and lower antioxidative activity as compared with CJ. Biofortification had little effect on the color and pH of juices. Finally, six polyphenolic compounds were identified and determined. Despite the reduction in the content of some ingredients in BCJ, they still remain their valuable source. Their added value is the increased content of iodine and selenium, which largely cover the daily demand for these elementals.
The Transcriptome of Paraphelidium Tribonemae Illuminates the Ancestry of Fungi and Opisthosporidia

Aphelids constitute a group of diverse, yet poorly known, parasites of algae. Their life cycle and morphology resemble those of zoosporic fungi (chytrids) and rozellids (Cryptomycota/Rozellosporidia), another specious group of parasites of fungi and oomycetes. Unlike fungi, which are osmotrophs, aphelids and rozellids are phagotrophs, feeding on the host’s cytoplasm. Combined RNA polymerase and rRNA gene trees suggested that aphelids and rozellids relate to Microsporidia, extremely reduced parasites with remnant mitochondria. Accordingly, aphelids, rozellids and Microsporidia were proposed to form a monophyletic clade sister to Fungi, called Opisthosporidia. Microsporidia would have subsequently lost the ancestral opisthosporidian phagotrophy. However, the limited phylogenetic signal of those genes combined with microsporidian fast-evolving sequences have resulted in incongruent tree topologies, showing either rozellids or aphelids as the earliestbranching lineages of Opisthosporidia, and challenging their monophyly. We have generated the first transcriptome data for one aphelid species, Paraphelidium tribonemae. Multi-gene phylogenomic analyses clearly confirm the monophyly of Opisthosporidia, placing aphelids as the earliest branching opisthosporidian lineage. This is consistent with the rich proteome inferred for P. tribonemae, which includes cellulases likely involved in algal cell-wall penetration, enzymes involved in chitin biosynthesis and several metabolic pathways that were lost in the comparatively reduced Rozella allomycis genome. Contrary to recent claims suggesting a parasitic root for Fungi, our results suggest that Fungi and Opisthosporidia evolved from a free-living phagotrophic ancestor that became osmotrophic at the fungal root and evolved towards phagotrophic parasitism in the opisthosporidian line.