Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bordism, rho-invariants and the Baum-Connes conjecture

Letbe a finitely generated discrete group. In this paper we establish vanishing results for rho-invariants associated to (i) the spin Dirac operator of a spin manifold with positive scalar curvature and fundamental group� ; (ii) the signature operator of the disjoint union of a pair of homotopy equivalent oriented manifolds with fundamental group� . The invariants we consider are more precisely � the Atiyah-Patodi-Singer (� APS) rho-invariant associated to a pair of finite dimensional unitary representations� 1;� 2W� ! U.d/, � theL 2 -rho-invariant of Cheeger-Gromov, � the delocalized eta-invariant of Lott for a non-trivial conjugacy class ofwhich is finite. We prove that all these rho-invariants vanish if the groupistorsion-free and the Baum-Connes map for the maximal group C*-algebra is bijective. This condition is satisfied, for example, by torsion-free amenable groups or by torsion-free discrete subgroups of SO.n;1/ and SU.n;1/. For the delocalized invariant we only assume the validity of the Baum-Connes conjecture for the reduced C*-algebra. In addition to the examples above, this condition is satisfied e.g. by Gromov hyperbolic groups or by cocompact discrete subgroups of SL.3; C/. In particular, the three rho-invariants associated to the signature operator are, for such groups, homotopy invariant. For the APS and the Cheeger-Gromov rho-invariants the latter result had been established by Navin Keswani. Our proof reestablishes this result and also extends it to the delocalized eta-invariant of Lott. The proof exploits in a fundamental way results from bordism theory as well as various generalizations of the APS-index theorem; it also embeds these results in general vanishing phenomena for degree zero higher rho-invariants (taking values in A=ŒA;Afor suitable C*-algebras A). We also obtain precise information about the eta-invariants in question themselves, which are usually much more subtle objects than the rho-invariants.
Comparing the Suitability of Autodock, Gold and Glide for the Docking and Predicting the Possible Targets of Ru(II)-Based Complexes as Anticancer Agents

In cancer chemotherapy, metal-based complexes have been recognized as the most promising means of inhibiting cancer growth due to the successful application of cis-platin and its derivatives above many of the existing organic anticancer agents. The limitations in their rational design can be traced to the complexity of the mechanism of their operations, lack of proper knowledge of their targets and lack of force fields in docking packages to appropriately define the metal centre of the organometallic complexes. In this paper, some of the promising anticancer complexes of Ru(II) such as the rapta-based complexes formulated as [Ru(η6-p-cymene)L2(pta)] and those with unusual ligands are considered. CatB and kinases which have been experimentally confirmed as possible targets of the complexes are also predicted by the three methods as one of the most targeted receptors while TopII and HDAC7 are predicted by two and one of the methods as best targets. The interesting features of the binding of the complexes show that some of the complexes preferentially target specific macromolecules than the others, which is an indication of their specificity and possibility of their therapeutic combination without severe side effects that may come from competition for the same target. Also, introduction of unusual ligands is found to significantly improve the activities of most of the complexes studied. Strong correlations are observed for the predicted binding sites and the orientation of the complexes within the binding site by the three methods of docking. However there are disparities in the ranking of the complexes by the three method of docking, especially that of Glide.
Analytical Assessment of Course Sequencing: The Case of Methodological Courses in Psychology

Small differences in course sequencing may have broad effects on undergraduate science learning. In the current research, we developed an analytical approach for assessing questions about course sequencing using educational data sets, and we applied it to questions about the Psychology major. This study examined the relationships between student achievement (grades) in psychology courses taken before and after methodological courses. We used a longitudinal institutional dataset involving thousands of students across seven cohorts, and control for demographics, SAT achievement, and prior psychology GPA. We found that two courses were especially important: Achievement in statistics and research methods courses related to grades in subsequent advanced seminars, lab courses, and overall psychology GPA. Additionally, relations between research methods achievement and topical course grades were stronger when those courses were taken after versus before research methods, further reducing the likelihood of hidden third variable explanations. The same was not true for most other introductory courses, although it was found for biopsychology, which may be because biopsychology (which also includes neuroscience) is relevant across many areas of psychology, similar to research methods. These correlational findings suggest that requiring students to take research methods and biopsychology early on in the major, and ensuring success in these courses, may enhance subsequent learning. More broadly, this research provides a template for data-based approaches to course sequencing questions within any undergraduate major.
Educational interventions to improve prescribing competency: a systematic review

Objective To review the literature on educational interventions to improve prescribing and identify educational methods that improve prescribing competency in both medical and non-medical prescribers. Design A systematic review was conducted. The databases Medline, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA), EMBASE and CINAHL were searched for articles in English published between January 1990 and July 2013. Setting Primary and secondary care. Participants Medical and non-medical prescribers. Intervention Education-based interventions to aid improvement in prescribing competency. Primary outcome Improvements in prescribing competency (knows how) or performance (shows how) as defined by Miller's competency model. This was primarily demonstrated through prescribing examinations, changes in prescribing habits or adherence to guidelines. Results A total of 47 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Studies were categorised by their method of assessment, with 20 studies assessing prescribing competence and 27 assessing prescribing performance. A wide variety of educational interventions were employed, with different outcome measures and methods of assessments. In particular, six studies demonstrated that specific prescribing training using the WHO Guide to Good Prescribing increased prescribing competency in a wide variety of settings. Continuing medical education in the form of academic detailing and personalised prescriber feedback also yielded positive results. Only four studies evaluated educational interventions targeted at non-medical prescribers, highlighting that further research is needed in this area. Conclusions A broad range of educational interventions have been conducted to improve prescribing competency. The WHO Guide to Good Prescribing has the largest body of evidence to support its use and is a promising model for the design of targeted prescribing courses. There is a need for further development and evaluation of educational methods for non-medical prescribers.
Trafficking of lysosomal cathepsin B—green fluorescent protein to the surface of thyroid epithelial cells involves the endosomal/lysosomal compartment

Cathepsin B, a lysosomal cysteine proteinase, is involved in limited proteolysis of thyroglobulin with thyroxine liberation at the apical surface of thyroid epithelial cells. To analyze the trafficking of lysosomal enzymes to extracellular locations of thyroid epithelial cells, we have expressed a chimeric protein consisting of rat cathepsin B and green fluorescent protein. Heterologous expression in CHO cells validated the integrity of the structural motifs of the chimeric protein for targeting to endocytic compartments. Homologous expression, colocalization and transport experiments with rat thyroid epithelial cell lines FRT or FRTL-5 demonstrated the correct sorting of the chimeric protein into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, and its subsequent transport via the Golgi apparatus and the trans-Golgi network to endosomes and lysosomes. In addition, the chimeras were secreted as active enzymes from FRTL-5 cells in a thyroid-stimulating-hormone-dependent manner. Immunoprecipitation experiments after pulse-chase radiolabeling showed that secreted chimeras lacked the propeptide of cathepsin B. Thus, the results suggest that cathepsin B is first transported to endosomes/lysosomes from where its matured form is retrieved before being secreted, supporting the view that endosome/lysosome-derived cathepsin B contributes to the potential of extracellular proteolysis in the thyroid.
Understanding variation in disease risk: the elusive concept of frailty

The concept of frailty plays a major role in the statistical field of survival analysis. Frailty variation refers to differences in risk between individuals which go beyond known or measured risk factors. In other words, frailty variation is unobserved heterogeneity. Although understanding frailty is of interest in its own right, the literature on survival analysis has demonstrated that existence of frailty variation can lead to surprising artefacts in statistical estimation that are important to examine. We present literature that demonstrates the presence and significance of frailty variation between individuals. We discuss the practical content of frailty variation, and show the link between frailty and biological concepts like (epi)genetics and heterogeneity in disease risk. There are numerous suggestions in the literature that a good deal of this variation may be due to randomness, in addition to genetic and/or environmental factors. Heterogeneity often manifests itself as clustering of cases in families more than would be expected by chance. We emphasize that apparently moderate familial relative risks can only be explained by strong underlying variation in disease risk between families and individuals. Finally, we highlight the potential impact of frailty variation in the interpretation of standard epidemiological measures such as hazard and incidence rates.
Skyrmions, fullerenes and rational maps

We apply two very different approaches to calculate Skyrmions with baryon number B ≤ 22. The first employs the rational map ansatz, where approximate charge B Skyrmions are constructed from a degree B rational map between Riemann spheres. We use a simulated annealing algorithm to search for the minimal energy rational map of a given degree B. The second involves the numerical solution of the full non-linear time dependent equations of motion, with initial conditions consisting of a number of well separated Skyrmion clusters. In general, we find a good agreement between the two approaches. For B ≥ 7 almost all the solutions are of fullerene type, that is, the baryon density isosurface consists of twelve pentagons and 2B - 14 hexagons arranged in a trivalent polyhedron. There are exceptional cases where this structure is modified, which we discuss in detail. We find that for a given value of B there are often many Skyrmions, with different symmetries, whose energies are very close to the minimal value, some of which we discuss. We present rational maps which are good approximations to these Skyrmions and accurately compute their energy by relaxation using the full non-linear dynamics.
Enterprise resource planning systems' impact on accounting processes

The advent of the IT‐led era and the increased competition have forced companies to react to the new changes in order to remain competitive. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems offer distinct advantages in this new business environment as they lower operating costs, reduce cycle times and (arguably) increase customer satisfaction. This study examines, via an exploratory survey of 26 companies, the underlying reasons why companies choose to convert from conventional information systems (IS) to ERP systems and the changes brought in, particularly in the accounting process. The aim is not only to understand the changes and the benefits involved in adopting ERP systems compared with conventional IS, but also to establish the best way forward in future ERP applications. The empirical evidence confirms a number of changes in the accounting process introduced with the adoption of ERP systems.
Mutation of weak atrium/atrial myosin heavy chain disrupts atrial function and influences ventricular morphogenesis in zebrafish

The embryonic vertebrate heart is composed of two major chambers, a ventricle and an atrium, each of which has a characteristic size, shape and functional capacity that contributes to efficient circulation. Chamber-specific gene expression programs are likely to regulate key aspects of chamber formation. Here, we demonstrate that epigenetic factors also have a significant influence on chamber morphogenesis. Specifically, we show that an atrium-specific contractility defect has a profound impact on ventricular development. We find that the zebrafish locus weak atrium encodes an atrium-specific myosin heavy chain that is required for atrial myofibrillar organization and contraction. Despite their atrial defects, weak atrium mutants can maintain circulation through ventricular contraction. However, the weak atrium mutant ventricle becomes unusually compact, exhibiting a thickened myocardial wall, a narrow lumen and changes in myocardial gene expression. As weak atrium/atrial myosin heavy chain is expressed only in the atrium, the ventricular phenotypes in weak atrium mutants represent a secondary response to atrial dysfunction. Thus, not only is cardiac form essential for cardiac function, but there also exists a reciprocal relationship in which function can influence form. These findings are relevant to our understanding of congenital defects in cardiac chamber morphogenesis.
The effects of seasonal heavy-metal pollution of Ladik Lake on pike fish (Esox lucius)

ABSTRACT Ladik Lake (Samsun, Turkey) is a natural landscape under the threat of pollution because of urban, agricultural and industrial activities. In this study, accumulation of heavy metals (Al, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) in the tissues (muscle, liver and gill) of sediment dwelling pike fish and in different substrates of Ladik Lake were investigated. Seasonal haematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters of the carp are also reported. In general, heavy-metal levels in water and sediment samples were found in the highest level in summer and the lowest in autumn. Histopathologic changes in the tissues of the fish (liver and gill) were at the minimum in winter while it was highest in summer. Blood biochemical parameters exhibited higher level in summer in comparison with other seasons. Al, Ba, Cr, Mn and Zn levels in the tissues of the fish were in the order gill>liver>muscle in all seasons. The levels of Cu, Fe and Pb were in the sequence liver>gill>muscle. Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn levels were determined to be in high level in the tissues of the fish with respect to the literature values. The heavy-metal levels in Ladik Lake and the fish health need to be regularly monitored for a sustainable environmental health.
Safety and efficacy of a novel disposable circumcision device: A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial at 2 centers

Background We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel disposable male circumcision (MC) device developed by Jiangxi-Yuansheng-Langhe Medical Instrument Co., Ltd. Material/Methods Adult male patients (n=120; mean age, 26.6 years) with redundant foreskin and/or phimosis were included in a randomized, multicenter pilot clinical trial from October 2011 to February 2012. Patients were divided into 2 groups and subjected to MC with a novel disposable device (Device Group) (n=60) or to conventional dissection technique (CDT) (Control Group) (n=60). Intraoperative bleeding, surgery duration, pain, healing, and satisfaction with penis appearance were assessed. Adverse events (AEs) were noted. Results Intraoperative bleeding volume [3.5±2.7 (15–35) ml vs. 13.1±6.1 (4–25) ml] and mean surgical time [7.6±4.5 (2–23) min vs. 23.6±4.4 (15–35) min] in the Device Group were significantly less than in the Control Group (P<0.01). No AEs were observed in either group. There were no significant differences in postoperative pain, healing, or satisfaction with penis appearance between groups (P>0.05). Conclusions This novel disposable circumcision device produced satisfactory preliminary adult MC results compared with CDT treatments. This device may be broadly used in men, such as those with phimosis, who are ineligible for CDT.
M-score: estimating the potential damage of data leakage incident by assigning misuseability weight

Over the past few years data leakage and data misuse have become a major concern for organizations. A data leakage or data misuse incident can damage an organization's reputation and brand name as well as compromise the privacy of its customers. Much research has been conducted in order to find a solution to these threats. Most methods are based on anomaly detection that tracks the user's behavior by examining the syntax of SQL queries in order to detect outlier queries. Other methods examine the data retrieved by the query. In this paper, we propose a new concept for analyzing the retrieved data - the Misuseability Weight. This approach focuses on assigning a score that represents the sensitivity level of the data exposed to the user. This measure predicts the ability of a user to exploit the exposed data in a malicious way. We suggest a new measure, the M-score, which assigns a misuseability weight to a table of data, propose some properties of the new measure and demonstrate its usefulness using over several leakage scenarios.
Airborne S-Band SAR for Forest Biophysical Retrieval in Temperate Mixed Forests of the UK

Radar backscatter from forest canopies is related to forest cover, canopy structure and aboveground biomass (AGB). The S-band frequency (3.1–3.3 GHz) lies between the longer L-band (1–2 GHz) and the shorter C-band (5–6 GHz) and has been insufficiently studied for forest applications due to limited data availability. In anticipation of the British built NovaSAR-S satellite mission, this study evaluates the benefits of polarimetric S-band SAR for forest biophysical properties. To understand the scattering mechanisms in forest canopies at S-band the Michigan Microwave Canopy Scattering (MIMICS-I) radiative transfer model was used. S-band backscatter was found to have high sensitivity to the forest canopy characteristics across all polarisations and incidence angles. This sensitivity originates from ground/trunk interaction as the dominant scattering mechanism related to broadleaved species for co-polarised mode and specific incidence angles. The study was carried out in the temperate mixed forest at Savernake Forest and Wytham Woods in southern England, where airborne S-band SAR imagery and field data are available from the recent AirSAR campaign. Field data from the test sites revealed wide ranges of forest parameters, including average canopy height (6–23 m), diameter at breast-height (7–42 cm), basal area (0.2–56 m2/ha), stem density (20–350 trees/ha) and woody biomass density (31–520 t/ha). S-band backscatter-biomass relationships suggest increasing backscatter sensitivity to forest AGB with least error between 90.63 and 99.39 t/ha and coefficient of determination (r2) between 0.42 and 0.47 for the co-polarised channel at 0.25 ha resolution. The conclusion is that S-band SAR data such as from NovaSAR-S is suitable for monitoring forest aboveground biomass less than 100 t/ha at 25 m resolution in low to medium incidence angle range.
Neural Correlates of Preparation for Action Selection as a Function of Specific Task Demands

Our behavior is frequently guided by rules, or prescribed guides for action. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been implicated in the ability to retrieve and use rules in a conscious, effortful manner. Several functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have examined the role of the PFC in rule representation; however, the precise PFC subregions implicated in this function vary from study to study. This observation raises the question of whether there are distinct classes of rules that are represented differentially in the brain. To address this question, an fMRI study was conducted in which participants performed two tasks, each at two levels of difficulty, during acquisition of event-related fMRI data. The response competition task was based on the Stroop paradigm: Participants were cued to determine either the ink color or color name associated with a word stimulus. In contrast, the paired associates task evaluated participants' memory for either one or four previously memorized pairs of words. On each trial, an instructional cue appeared briefly on the screen, followed by an 8-sec delay and a probe period. The left ventrolateral PFC (VLPFC) and the left supplementary motor area (SMA)/pre-SMA were engaged during the delay period for all conditions, consistent with a general role in rule representation. In contrast, different parts of the dorsolateral PFC, the anterior PFC, and the right VLPFC were preferentially engaged by one or both of the more challenging rules, consistent with the idea that rules are represented by partially distinct brain structures according to their content.
Neighborhood density and neighborhood frequency effects in French spoken word recognition

According to activation-based models of spoken word recognition, words with many and high frequency neighbors are processed more slowly than words with few and low frequency neighbors. Because empirical support for inhibitory neighborhood effects comes mainly from studies conducted in English, the effects of neighborhood density and neighborhood frequency were examined in French. As typically observed in English, we found that words residing in dense neighborhoods are recognized more slowly than words residing in sparse neighborhoods. Moreover, we showed that words with higher frequency neighbors are processed more slowly than words with no higher frequency neighbors. Implications of theses results for spoken word recognition are discussed.
Peeking into Spammer Behavior from a Unique Vantage Point

Understanding the spammer behavior is a critical step in the long-lasting battle against email spams. Previous studies have focused on setting up honeypots or email sinkholes containing destination mailboxes for spam collection. A spam trace collected this way offers the limited viewpoint from a single organizational domain and hence is short of reflecting the global behavior of spammers. In this paper, we present a spam analysis study using sinkholes based on open relays. A relay sinkhole offers a unique vantage point in spam collection: it has the broader view of spam originated from multiple spam origins destined to mailboxes belonging to multiple organizational domains. The trace collected using this methodology opens the door to study spammer behaviors that were difficult to do using spam collected from a single organization. Seeing the aggregate behavior of spammers allows us to systematically separate High-Volume Spammers (HVS, e.g. direct spammers) from Low-Volume Spammers (LVS, e.g. low-volume bots in a botnet). Such a separation in turn gives rise to the notion of "spam campaigns", which reveals how LVS appear to coordinate with each other to share the spamming workload among themselves. A detailed spam campaign analysis holds the promise of finally reverse engineering the workload distribution strategies by the LVS coordinator.