Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Black Race on Treatment and Mortality for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Background:Black Americans have higher mortality from breast cancer than white Americans. This study explores the influence of socioeconomic factors and black race on treatment and mortality for early-stage breast cancer. Methods:A cohort of 21,848 female black and white, non-Hispanic subjects from the Massachusetts Cancer Registry diagnosed with stage I or II breast cancer between 1999–2004 was studied. Subjects with tumors larger than 5 cm were excluded. We used mixed modeling methods to assess the impact of race on guideline concordant care (GCC), defined as receipt of mastectomy or breast conserving surgery plus radiation. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess disease-specific mortality. Results:Blacks were less likely to receive GCC after adjusting for age and clinical variables (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.92). Marital status and insurance were predictors of receipt of GCC. After adjustment for all covariates, there were no longer significant differences between black and white women regarding the receipt of GCC. Nevertheless, black women were more likely to die of early-stage breast cancer than white women after adjusting for clinical, treatment, socioeconomic variables, and reporting hospital (HR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.1). Conclusions:Socioeconomic factors are mediators of racial differences in treatment outcomes. Significant racial differences exist in disease-specific mortality for women with early-stage breast cancer. Attention to reducing socioeconomic barriers to care may influence racial differences in breast cancer treatment and mortality.
Gold nanoparticle mediated laser transfection for high-throughput antisense applications

The delivery of antisense structures, like siRNA, is beneficial for new therapeutic approaches in regenerative sciences. Optical transfection techniques enable high spatial control combined with minimal invasive treatment of cells due to the use of short laser pulses. However, single cell laser transfection by a tightly focused laser beam, for example femtosecond laser transfection, has the major drawback of low throughput. Compared to this, high-throughput in laser transfection is possible by applying gold nanoparticles irradiated by a weakly focused laser beam scanning over the cell sample. Herein, we show the delivery of antisense molecules and demonstrate the minimal cytotoxicity of a method called gold nanoparticle mediated (GNOME) laser transfection. A 532 nm microchip laser in conjugation with 200 nm gold nanoparticles at a concentration of 0.5 μg/cm2 is used. In addition to antisense molecules, the uptake of dextrans of several sizes is analyzed.
Indoor Robot localization using Adaptive Omnidirectional Vision System

Summary The typical omnidirectional vision sensor predicts the location of mobile robots based on the information of the wall. With this method, following the location of landmarks is available and it is possible to predict where the target is in broad areas, but the location error increases according to the increasing distance from the feature point. In this paper, we suggest the new omnidirectional vision system using a convex lens to remove such a weak point. The system makes it possible to acquire the image information on a ceiling and a wall at the same time by a single camera. We realize the suggested vision system and should check whether the location accuracy is improved through the driving test.
Invisible pair bonds detected by molecular analyses

A focus on pair bonds between males and females is fundamental to study the evolution of social organization. Because pair bonds are generally identified from direct observations of pairs that maintain physical proximity, pair bonds may have been overlooked in animals that do not exhibit such visible pairs. The Lake Tanganyika cichlid fish Xenotilapia rotundiventralis forms schools that consist of mouthbrooding and non-brooding adults in mid-water, and visible pairs are not recognized. A previous study suggested that mouthbrooding females transfer fractions of the young to males when the young become large. However, it remains a mystery whether the mating pairs maintain pair bonds so that the females can transfer the young to their mates. To answer this question, we conducted a parentage analysis using 10 microsatellite markers. The analysis showed that the mouthbrooding adults were most likely genetic fathers and mothers of the young in their mouths. This finding suggests that the female-to-male shift of young takes place between mating partners, and thus the mating pairs maintain pair bonds at least until the shift of young. The present study is the first to detect pair bonds in animals in which physical proximity has not been observed.
How bounded rationality of individuals in social interactions impacts evolutionary dynamics of cooperation

In this study, we explore the emergence of cooperative behavior in the prisoner's dilemma evolutionary game. In particular, we investigate the effect of bounded rationality of individuals on the networking topology (i.e., the individuals' personal networks). For this, we highlight the evolutionary dynamics of cooperation on top of different graph topologies with respect to their baseline properties such as average shortest path length and clustering coefficient. In addition, we test the effect of a new variable, called memory of interactions, on the changes in behavior and decision-making of the players as well as the networking outcome. For this purpose, we use agent-based modeling, which allows studying how changes in the environment or changes of properties of networked actors affect the evolutionary dynamics of cooperation among them. The results of our analysis confirm that the networking topology and the memory duration are important in affecting the emergence of cooperative behavior of players. They also impact the total utility that can be obtained from playing the Prisoner's Dilemma evolutionary game. Although the Prisoner's Dilemma game simulations tend towards full cooperation, if they are run over graph topologies with short average shortest path lengths and low clustering coefficients, the number of steps needed to reach equilibrium increases. This new result provides an understanding of the interactions of actors in a game.
The effect of sexual harassment on lethal mutation rate in female Drosophila melanogaster

The rate by which new mutations are introduced into a population may have far-reaching implications for processes at the population level. Theory assumes that all individuals within a population have the same mutation rate, but this assumption may not be true. Compared with individuals in high condition, those in poor condition may have fewer resources available to invest in DNA repair, resulting in elevated mutation rates. Alternatively, environmentally induced stress can result in increased investment in DNA repair at the expense of reproduction. Here, we directly test whether sexual harassment by males, known to reduce female condition, affects female capacity to alleviate DNA damage in Drosophila melanogaster fruitflies. Female gametes can repair double-strand DNA breaks in sperm, which allows manipulating mutation rate independently from female condition. We show that male harassment strongly not only reduces female fecundity, but also reduces the yield of dominant lethal mutations, supporting the hypothesis that stressed organisms invest relatively more in repair mechanisms. We discuss our results in the light of previous research and suggest that social effects such as density and courtship can play an important and underappreciated role in mediating condition-dependent mutation rate.
A critical review of the notion of algorithm in computer science

We first review the development of the notion of the algorithm as a fundamental paradigm of mathematics. We then suggest a definition of computer science that distinguishes it from all other sciences and from mathematics. Finally we argue that the conceptual concerns of computer science are quite different from the conceptual concerns of mathematics and that the notion of the algorithm is and has been an inappropriate and ineffective paradigm for computer science.
Photosynthetic Utilization of Bicarbonate in Zostera marina Is Reduced by Inhibitors of Mitochondrial ATPase and Electron Transport1

When Zostera marina was irradiated after a period of darkness, initiation of photosynthetic O2 evolution occurred in two phases. During a lag phase, lasting 4 to 5 min, photosynthesis was supported by a diffusive entry of CO2. Photosynthesis then rapidly increased to its full rate. Tris buffer, at a concentration of 50 mm, completely inhibited this increase without affecting CO2-supported photosynthesis during the lag phase. These results verify that the increase in photosynthesis after the lag phase depended on an activation of bicarbonate (HCO3−) utilization through acid zones generated by proton pumps located to the outer cell membrane. In similar experiments, 6.25 μm of the mitochondrial ATPase blocker oligomycin inhibited photosynthetic HCO3− utilization by more than 60%. Antimycin A, a selective blocker of mitochondrial electron transport, caused a similar inhibition of HCO3− utilization. Measurements at elevated CO2 concentrations verified that neither oligomycin nor antimycin interfered with linear photosynthetic electron transport or with CO2 fixation. Thus, a major part of the ATP used for the generation of acid zones involved in HCO3− utilization in Z. marina was derived from mitochondrial respiration.
Hyperset approach to semi-structured databases and the experimental implementation of the query language Delta

This thesis presents practical suggestions towards the implementation of the hyperset approach to semi-structured databases and the associated query language Delta. This work can be characterised as part of a top-down approach to semi-structured databases, from theory to practice. The main original part of this work consisted in implementation of the hyperset Delta query language to semi-structured databases, including worked example queries. In fact, the goal was to demonstrate the practical details of this approach and language. The required development of an extended, practical version of the language based on the existing theoretical version, and the corresponding operational semantics. Here we present detailed description of the most essential steps of the implementation. Another crucial problem for this approach was to demonstrate how to deal in reality with the concept of the equality relation between (hyper)sets, which is computationally realised by the bisimulation relation. In fact, this expensive procedure, especially in the case of distributed semi-structured data, required some additional theoretical considerations and practical suggestions for efficient implementation. To this end the 'local/global' strategy for computing the bisimulation relation over distributed semi-structured data was developed and its efficiency was experimentally confirmed. Finally, the XML-WDB format for representing any distributed WDB as system of set equations was developed so that arbitrary XML elements can participate and, hence, queried by the -language. The query system with the syntax of the language and several example queries from this thesis is available online at http://www.csc. liv.ac. uk/˜molyneux/t/
The Distribution and Morphological Characteristics of Catecholaminergic Cells in the Diencephalon and Midbrain of the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

The present study describes the distribution and cellular morphology of catecholaminergic neurons in the diencephalon and midbrain of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry was used to visualize these putatively dopaminergic neurons. The standard A1-A17, C1-C3, nomenclature is used for expediency; however, the neuroanatomical names of the various nuclei have also been given. Dolphins exhibit certain tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-ir) catecholaminergic neuronal groups in the midbrain (A8, A9, A10) and diencephalon (A11, A12, A14), however, no neuronal clusters clearly corresponding to the A13 and A15 groups could be identified. The subdivisions of these neuronal groups are in general agreement with those of other mammals, but there is a high degree of species specificity. First, three TH-ir neuronal groups not identified in other species were found: in the ventral lateral peri-aqueductal gray matter, posterior dorsal hypothalamus, and rostral mesencephalic raphe. Second, the normal components of the substantia nigra (A9 or pars compacta, A9 lateral or pars lateralis, A9 ventral or pars reticulata) were extremely cell sparse, but there was a substantial expansion of the A9 medial and A10 lateral subdivisions forming an impressive ‘ventral wing’ in the posterior substantia nigra. The findings of this and previous studies suggest a distinct evolutionary trend occurring in the neuromodulatory systems in mammals. The results are discussed in relation to motor control, thermoregulation, unihemispheric sleep, and dolphin cognition.
Improvement of chronic heart failure by dexamethasone is not associated with downregulation of leptin in rats

AbstractAim:To demonstrate the hypothesis that dexamethasone (Dex) could improve chronic heart failure (CHF) by inhibiting the downstream signaling transduction of leptin but had no influence on the upregulation of leptin and its receptor in myocardium.Methods:CHF was induced by left coronary artery ligation for 6 weeks. CHF rats were treated with Dex 50 mg·kg−1·d−1. Hemodynamics, histology, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related parameters, and leptin concentrations in serum were measured. The mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2/9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)1/2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and OB-Rb were measured by RT-PCR.Results:In the CHF rats, hemodynamic functions were deteriorated, which was accompanied with myocardium remodeling and histological changes. CHF rats showed hyperleptinemia and excessive ROS in the serum, and the upregulation of MMP-2/9, TNF-α, and leptin receptor mRNA and downregulation of TIMP-1/2 mRNA in the myocardium compared with the sham operation group. Dex treatment significantly ameliorated CHF in association with the reversion of the abnormalities of MMP-2/9, TIMP-1/2, TNF-α, and ROS. But Dex had no influence on the hyperleptinemia and the upregulated leptin and its receptor in the myocardium during CHF.Conclusion:Dex improves CHF by inhibiting TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-9, and ROS. Dex had no effects on upregulated leptin and its receptor expression and hyperleptinemia induced by CHF.
Trust establishment in the formation of Virtual Organizations

Virtual organizations (VO) represent a new collaboration paradigm in which the participating entities pool resources, services, and information to achieve a common goal. VOs are often created on demand and dynamically evolve over time. One organization identifies a business opportunity and creates a VO to meet it. The collaboration's rules between the VO members are specified in a contract issued by the organization that creates the VO. VO represent an interesting approach for companies to achieve new and profitable business opportunities by being able to dynamically partner with others. Thus, choosing the appropriate VO partners is a crucial aspect. Ensuring trustworthiness of the members is also fundamental for making the best decisions. In this paper, we show how trust negotiation represents an effective means to select the best possible members during different stages in the VO lifecycle. We base our discussion on concrete application scenarios and illustrate the tools created by us that integrate trust negotiation with a VO management toolkit.
Impaired Mediolateral Postural Control at the Ankle in Healthy, Middle-Aged Adults

ABSTRACT Elderly adults sway more than young adults. Based on the literature, the authors expected the mediolateral ankle postural control mechanism to be affected before age 60 years. Twelve healthy young adults (24.21 ± 2.50 years) and 12 middle-aged adults (51.13 ± 6.09 years) participated in the study. To challenge mediolateral stance, the conditions modified the mediolateral distance among the feet (narrow and standard distances), mandibular position (rest position, left and right laterality occlusion positions), and the occlusion with clenching (intercuspal occlusion, left and right maximal voluntary clenches). As we expected, middle-aged adults exhibited significantly reduced contribution of the ankle mechanism. It was so both in narrow and standard stances. A second objective was to show a greater contribution of the 2 mechanisms in narrow than in standard stances. The results confirmed our hypothesis. As we expected, mandibular conditions only had a significant effect on center of pressure sway. Unexpectedly, middle-aged adults did not increase their range of center of pressure sway in narrow stance. They may have overconstrained their center of pressure sway because of their ankle impairments. On the practical level, our results suggest that older adults should increase their stance width to relieve their hip and ankle control mechanisms and to stabilize their mediolateral posture.
Scientific Literacy and Learning Strategies- Empirical Results from the Pisa Study

Introduction It could be argued that the most important learning is learning to learn. Learning to learn involves learning strategies like planning ahead, monitoring one's performance, to identify sources of difficulty, checking, estimating, revision and self-testing. Learning strategies have been called " the secret algorithms of learning " (Duffy 1982). Nisbet & Shucksmith (1986) argue that even though strategies like these are sometimes taught in school, children usually do not learn to apply the strategies beyond specific applications in narrowly defined tasks. Effective learning demands more than this: skills and strategies have to be learned in such a way that they can be " transferred " to fit new problems or situations not previously encountered. Being able to select the appropriate strategy and to adapt it when it is necessary should be an important part of a definition of good learning. While the development of these skills has not always been an explicit focus of teaching in schools, they are increasingly being identified explicitly as major goals of schooling and should, therefore, also be regarded as significant outcomes of the learning process (OECD 2001). The OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a regular survey of 15-year olds' knowledge and skills. The aim of the study is to assess aspects of young people's preparedness for adult life. Important questions are: How well are young adults prepared to meet the challenges of the future? Are they able to analyse, reason and communicate their ideas effectively? Do they have the capacity to continue learning throughout life? The first cycle of the survey was implemented in 32 countries during 2000, in collaboration between the governments and the OECD. Between 4 500 and 10 000 students were surveyed in each country. The study will be repeated every 3 years. PISA bases its assessment of student outcomes on three domains of " literacy " : reading literacy, mathematical literacy and scientific literacy. In the survey in 2003, problem solving was also included as an additional domain. For each of the domains, international experts from OECD member countries have agreed on definitions of literacy and a framework for assessing the definitions, using a common set of principles. The inclusion of scientific literacy as a general competency for life reflects the growing centrality of scientific and technological questions to 21th century life.
Mast Pulses Shape Trophic Interactions between Fluctuating Rodent Populations in a Primeval Forest

How different functional responses of consumers exploiting pulsed resources affect community dynamics is an ongoing question in ecology. Tree masting is a common resource pulse in terrestrial ecosystems that can drive rodent population cycles. Using stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N) analyses, we investigated the dietary response of two fluctuating rodent species, the yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis and the bank vole Myodes glareolus, to mast events in Białowieża Forest (NE Poland). Rodent hair samples were obtained non-invasively from faeces of their predators for an 11-year period that encompassed two mast events. Spectacular seed crops of deciduous trees, namely oak Quercus robur and hornbeam Carpinus betulus, occur after several intermediate years of moderate seed production, with a post-mast year characterised by a nil crop. While a Bayesian isotopic (SIAR) mixing model showed a variety of potential vegetation inputs to rodent diets, the isotopic niche of the yellow-necked mouse was strongly associated with mast of deciduous trees (>80% of diet), showing no variation among years of different seed crop. However, bank voles showed a strong functional response; in mast years the vole shifted its diet from herbs in deciduous forest (∼66% of diet) to mast (∼74%). Only in mast years did the isotopic niche of both rodent species overlap. Previous research showed that bank voles, subordinate and more generalist than mice, showed higher fluctuations in numbers in response to masting. This study provides unique data on the functional response of key pulse consumers in forest food webs, and contributes to our understanding of rodent population fluctuations and the mechanisms governing pulse–consumer interactions.
Profile‐guided automatic inline expansion for C programs

This paper describes critical implementation issues that must be addressed to develop a fully automatic inliner. These issues are: integration into a compiler, program representation, hazard prevention, expansion sequence control, and program modification. An automatic inter‐file inliner that uses profile information has been implemented and integrated into an optimizing C compiler. The experimental results show that this inliner achieves significant speedups for production C programs.
A novel design for low power Re-RAM based non-volatile flip flop using content addressable memory

Low power consumption is the major issue in electronic systems and memories are the major contributors of the power consumption. Resistive Memories (ReRAMs) has fast access time, ultra-low stand by power and high reliability. Memristor based NV logics like resistive SRAM and resistive CAM memories were proposed and focused on the behavior of resistive property with memory operation. Complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology is used to design nvff with memristor. The resistive CAM has less power and timing compared to resistive SRAM. The total power, delay and area were analyzed and compared for both ReSRAM and ReCAM.
SELF-ORGANISED VORONOI DIAGRAMS GENERATED BY SINGLE-SHOT FEMTOSECOND LASER ABLATION OF METAL SURFACES.

Here we report on experimental studies of selfassembled Voronoi diagrams observed on the surface of laser-induced craters. The craters are left by means of single-shot femtosecond laser ablation of metal samples. The Voronoi cells appear in the melt layer which undergoes transition to overheated liquid, i.e. represents a system driven far from equilibrium. The pattern properties and mechanisms leading to its appearance are discussed. A possibility to control the position of the nodes of the Voronoi diagram is demonstrated.