Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Projections of the cost of cancer care in the United States: 2010-2020.

BACKGROUND Current estimates of the costs of cancer care in the United States are based on data from 2003 and earlier. However, incidence, survival, and practice patterns have been changing for the majority of cancers. METHODS Cancer prevalence was estimated and projected by phase of care (initial year following diagnosis, continuing, and last year of life) and tumor site for 13 cancers in men and 16 cancers in women through 2020. Cancer prevalence was calculated from cancer incidence and survival models estimated from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program data. Annualized net costs were estimated from recent SEER-Medicare linkage data, which included claims through 2006 among beneficiaries aged 65 years and older with a cancer diagnosis. Control subjects without cancer were identified from a 5% random sample of all Medicare beneficiaries residing in the SEER areas to adjust for expenditures not related to cancer. All cost estimates were adjusted to 2010 dollars. Different scenarios for assumptions about future trends in incidence, survival, and cost were assessed with sensitivity analysis. RESULTS Assuming constant incidence, survival, and cost, we projected 13.8 and 18.1 million cancer survivors in 2010 and 2020, respectively, with associated costs of cancer care of 124.57 and 157.77 billion 2010 US dollars. This 27% increase in medical costs reflects US population changes only. The largest increases were in the continuing phase of care for prostate cancer (42%) and female breast cancer (32%). Projections of current trends in incidence (declining) and survival (increasing) had small effects on 2020 estimates. However, if costs of care increase annually by 2% in the initial and last year of life phases of care, the total cost in 2020 is projected to be $173 billion, which represents a 39% increase from 2010. CONCLUSIONS The national cost of cancer care is substantial and expected to increase because of population changes alone. Our findings have implications for policy makers in planning and allocation of resources.
First evidence for heritable variation in cooperative breeding behaviour

Understanding the evolution of complex social behaviours, such as cooperative breeding, is a fundamental problem in evolutionary biology, which has attracted much theoretical and empirical interest. Variation within and between species in the frequency of helping behaviour has been typically associated with variation in direct costs and benefits due to ecological constraints, or with indirect fitness payoffs (i.e. kin selection). Here, we provide the first evidence that individual variation in cooperative behaviour within a natural population also has a heritable component. Using a seven-generation pedigree in a wild population of western bluebirds (Sialia mexicana), we show significant heritable variation for the propensity to help rather than breed, as well as for the probability of having a helper at the nest. We also document a strong positive relationship between a bird's lifespan and its prospect of receiving help when breeding, in accordance with earlier comparative studies across species. These findings provide useful insights into the possible mechanisms which have led to the evolution of cooperative breeding and other social systems.
A maximum likelihood procedure for a universal adaptation method based on HMM composition

This paper proposes an adaptation method for universal noise (additive noise and multiplicative distortion) based on the HMM composition (compensation) technique. Although the original HMM composition can be applied only to additive noise, our new method can estimate multiplicative distortion by maximizing the likelihood value. The signal-to-noise ratio is automatically estimated as part of the estimation of multiplicative distortion. Phoneme recognition experiments show that this method improves recognition accuracy for noisy and distorted speech.
Molecular mechanisms for enhanced DNA vaccine immunogenicity

ABSTRACT In the two decades since their initial discovery, DNA vaccines technologies have come a long way. Unfortunately, when applied to human subjects inadequate immunogenicity is still the biggest challenge for practical DNA vaccine use. Many different strategies have been tested in preclinical models to address this problem, including novel plasmid vectors and codon optimization to enhance antigen expression, new gene transfection systems or electroporation to increase delivery efficiency, protein or live virus vector boosting regimens to maximise immune stimulation, and formulation of DNA vaccines with traditional or molecular adjuvants. Better understanding of the mechanisms of action of DNA vaccines has also enabled better use of the intrinsic host response to DNA to improve vaccine immunogenicity. This review summarizes recent advances in DNA vaccine technologies and related intracellular events and how these might impact on future directions of DNA vaccine development.
Using Historical Data From Source Code Revision Histories to Detect Source Code Properties

In this dissertation, we describe several techniques for using historical data mined from the source code revision histories of software projects to determine important properties of the source code. These properties are then used to improve the results of various bug-finding techniques as well as to provide documentation to the developer. We describe a method to mine source code revision histories, in this case CVS repositories, to extract relevant information to be fed into a static source code bug finder for use in improving the results generated by the bug finding tool. We apply this technique to the CVS repositories of two widely used open source software projects, Apache httpd and Wine. We show how source code revision history can be used to reduce false positives from a static source code checker that identifies the misuse of values returned from a function call. A method of mining source code revision histories for the purpose of learning about project specific idioms is then discussed. Specifically, we show how source code revision history can be used to identify patterns of calling sequences that describe how functions in the software should be used in relation to each other. With this data, we are able to find bugs in the source code, document API usage and identify refactoring events. In short, this dissertation shows that it is possible to automatically determine meaningful properties of the source code from studying source code changes cataloged in the software revision history.
Nitrogen versus carbon use in prokaryotic genomes and proteomes

There is growing recognition that the elemental composition of genomes and proteins can be related to resource limitation. We examine the possibility that the elemental composition of nucleic acids and the amino acids (and proteins) they encode are correlated. We report a positive association between the stoichiometric ratio of N/C content of individual amino acids and their codons. Potentially, this is an outcome of chemical interactions between amino acids and anticodons that influenced the evolution of the genetic code. We also find a strong, positive relationship between N/C values of whole genomes and proteomes, across 94 prokaryotic species. This relationship is part of a spectrum in nitrogen versus carbon use across genomes and proteomes, which is correlated with genomic GC content. GC content is correlated positively with average nitrogen use, and negatively with average carbon use, across both genomes and proteomes.
Turbo multiuser detection for asynchronous coded CDMA systems in the presence of intercell interference

A turbo multiuser receiver is proposed for the uplink of coded code-division multiple-access (CDMA) systems when intercell interference is present. The proposed receiver consists of a first stage of soft interference cancellation, and a group-blind linear minimum mean-square error filtering, followed by a second stage that performs the channel decoding. A receiver suitable for suppressing high intercell interference is obtained. By exchanging soft information between the first and second stages, the receiver performance is improved through iteration. Simulation results show the proposed group-blind receiver significantly outperforms the conventional turbo multiuser detector in the presence of intercell interference.
Procurement of a supply information system: Lessons learned from the purchase of an inventory management system for C-parts

Purpose – Given the high importance of information systems for procurement, surprisingly there have been little efforts to analyze the process and the relevant reasons for the procurement decision of such systems from a stakeholder perspective. The purpose of this paper is to explore these aspects in the context of low-value (C-)parts. Design/methodology/approach – Research is based on a case study in a pre-fabricator company in Germany and analyzes the process to procure a system for sourcing low-value parts. Findings – As a finding, the procurement process and decision attributes have been integrated into a framework which supports corporate decision-making considering the procurement reasons of all involved stakeholders (internal departments, external customers and suppliers). Research limitations/implications – Research is based on case study analysis. Findings are specific to case companies and the environment in which they operate. The framework should be tested further in different contexts. Practi.
Continuous-flow analysis of dissolved inorganic carbon content in seawater.

A rapid, continuous-flow determination of total inorganic carbon (TIC) in seawater samples is presented. The method runs on an autoanalyzer Traacs 800 spectrophotometric system and is calibrated versus certified reference materials readily available. A typical analysis speed of 45 samples/h can be reached with an accuracy of 2-3 microM and a precision of approximately 2.5 microM. The analysis requires only a small amount of sample and is thus ideally suited for pore water samples and samples taken from cultures where sample volume is at a premium. The speed of the analysis makes mapping of oceanic surface water characteristics possible. Potential interference of sulfide in anoxic (e.g., pore water) samples can be masked by the addition of a hydrogen peroxide step. Although the latter is a strong oxidative reagent, no significant effect on TIC concentration due to oxidation of (labile) organic matter could be found.
Effect of Inhaled Corticosteroids on Long-Term Growth in Pediatric Patients with Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis

Objective: To evaluate the effect of orally and nasally inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on final adult height in pediatric patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma and allergic rhinitis. Data Sources: MEDLINE (1975–April 2013), Cochrane Library (through 2012), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1975–April 2013) were searched for prospective clinical trials assessing the effects of orally or intranasally ICS use on growth in pediatric patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis using the terms inhaled/intranasal corticosteroid, linear growth, height, and asthma or allergic rhinitis. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Eligible articles included double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies of at least 1 year with growth velocity or height as the primary outcome. Data Synthesis: Seven trials and 1 follow-up study analyzing the effects of orally ICSs were examined. Of these studies, 4 found a delay in growth in at least 1 subset of its participants of approximately 1 cm, 1 study found a decrease in final adult height of 1.2 cm, and 3 studies found no effect. Of the 4 studies examining nasally ICS, 1 found evidence of growth delay in a subgroup using supratherapeutic dosing. There are conflicting data on whether ICS use causes long-term growth reduction in pediatric patients. The concern surrounding their long-term use including a potential delay or decrease in growth may result in underuse and potential mismanagement of persistent asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Patients should be treated with the lowest effective corticosteroid dose to achieve symptomatic control while minimizing excessive systemic effects. Orally ICS use may cause a delay in growth, but a decrease in final adult height (1.2 cm) has been documented in only one study. This single report should not preclude daily use of inhaled corticosteroids if needed to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with pediatric reactive airway disease. Conclusions: Continued studies on the systemic effects of ICS are required before truly understanding the class’s effect on growth in pediatric patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis. What is understood, however, is the detriment and potential danger of mismanaged asthma care.
A study on 3D viewpoint control through head and shoulders motion

3D designers frequently need to change the viewpoint when manipulating 3D objects. To reduce the cost of switching between primary (object creation) and secondary tasks (viewpoint control), we propose to use head and shoulders motion input as an additional channel for controlling the movement of the camera. We report on an elicitation study to understand how users spontaneously assign torso motions (head and shoulders) to these four types of camera controls in desktop settings.
Redundancy removal for sequential circuits without reset states

Methods for identifying and removing redundancy in synchronous sequential circuits that do not have a global reset state are proposed. All existing structure-level test generators use three-valued logic, which is not completely accurate, to process circuits that have an unknown initial state. A fault that is reported undetectable by such test generators is not necessarily redundant. It is shown that if a fault is potentially undetectable (p-undetectable), it is redundant. An algorithm that identifies p-undetectable faults is described. For large circuits, a practical procedure for removing redundancy in the feedback-free portion of the circuits is given. An alternative approach to identifying redundancy that does not require determining the potential detectability of faults is also presented. Derivations of conditions in which undetectable faults are redundant are provided. Algorithms for identifying unactivatable and unpropagable faults are described. These algorithms are implemented and incorporated in the redundancy removal system MIRACLE. >
Meiotic recombination intermediates and mismatch repair proteins

Mismatch repair proteins are a highly diverse group of proteins that interact with numerous DNA structures during DNA repair and replication. Here we review data for the role of Msh4, Msh5, Mlh1, Mlh3 and Exo1 in crossing over. Based on the paradigm of interactions developed from studies of mismatch repair, we propose models for the mechanism of crossover implementation by Msh4/Msh5 and Mlh1/Mlh3.
A compact stair-climbing wheelchair with two 3-DOF legs and a 1-DOF base

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a compact wheelchair, which has two 3-degrees of freedom (DOF) legs and a 1-DOF base (the total DOF of the leg system is 7) for stair-climbing, and wheels for flat surface driving. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed wheelchair climbs stairs using the two 3-DOF legs with boomerang-shaped feet. The leg mechanisms are folded into the compact wheelchair body when the wheelchair moves over flat surfaces. The authors also propose a simple estimation method of stair shape using laser distance sensors, and a dual motor driving system to increase joint power. Findings – The proposed wheelchair can climb arbitrary height and width stairs by itself, even when they are slightly curved. During climbing, the trajectory of the seat position is linear to guarantee the comfort of rider, and the wheelchair always keeps a stable condition to ensure the stability in an emergency stop. Originality/value – The wheelchair mechanism with foldable legs and driving wheels .
Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health Consequences in Women Attending Family Practice in Spain

Objective: Despite the abundant literature on the consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV) on mental health, psychological abuse has rarely been considered, and the separate effects of the different types of IPV have been understudied. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between physical, psychological, and sexual IPV and women’s mental health. Methods: The sample included 1402 randomly selected women attending general practice in Spain. Information about IPV, use of psychoactive drugs, psychological distress (measured with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire), and self-perceived health status was obtained through a self-administered structured questionnaire. Results: Lifetime IPV prevalence was 32%. All types of abuse were significantly associated with psychological distress, tranquilizers, and antidepressants use. Compared with never-abused women, those referring psychological abuse solely were more likely to present negative mental health indicators. Women reporting physical abuse presented worse self-perceived health than never-abused women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04–2.91 for combined physical and psychological abuse; OR = 2.91; 95% CI = 1.73–4.91 for combined physical, psychological, and sexual abuse). Women referring the 3 types of abuse were the most likely to present impaired mental health. Increased intensity and duration of some abusive experiences also led to increased levels of association with poor mental health. Conclusions: This study underlines that different types of IPV can affect mental health differently. Results also show that IPV can be present even when there are no physical injuries and highlight the need for clinicians to screen for psychological, as well as physical and sexual, IPV. IPV = intimate partner violence; PTSD = posttraumatic stress disorder; OR = odds ratio; CI = confidence interval; US = United States; GHQ = General Health Questionnaire.
Differential ROCOF relay for Loss-of-Mains protection of Renewable Generation using phasor measurement over Internet Protocol

Renewable Generation typically falls into the category of embedded generation subject to Loss-of-Mains protection requirements. Loss-of-Mains protection is intended to avoid out of synchronism connection of an operating embedded generator to the utility supply after restoration of a fault. Present day technologies, such as ROCOF and Vector Shift are widely known to suffer from nuisance tripping and mal-operation caused by system-wide disturbances. This paper examines the use of modern day technologies to provide enhanced Loss-of-Mains protection using synchrophasor measurements delivered over Internet Protocol telecommunications. It will be shown that such a technique reduces the impact of nuisance tripping and allows embedded generation to ride through faults.
Evaluation of analgesia provided by postoperative administration of butorphanol to cats undergoing onychectomy.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate adequacy of analgesia provided by postoperative administration of butorphanol to cats undergoing onychectomy. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. ANIMALS 63 cats undergoing elective onychectomy. PROCEDURE Cats were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 42) or control group (21). Cats in the treatment group were given butorphanol parenterally immediately and 4 hours after surgery and orally for 2 days after surgery. Rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were recorded and scores were assigned for temperament, recovery, sedation, analgesia, and lameness for the first 24 hours after surgery. Owners provided scores for appetite, personality, and lameness the first and second days after discharge from the hospital. RESULTS Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and temperament and sedation scores were not significantly different between groups at any evaluation time. Recovery scores were significantly better for butorphanol-treated than for control-group cats 10 minutes after extubation. Analgesia scores were significantly better for butorphanol-treated than for control-group cats between 5 and 24 hours after surgery. Fewer butorphanol-treated than control-group cats were lame at the time of discharge from the hospital. The first day after discharge, owners reported that percentages of butorphanol-treated cats that ate normally, acted normally, and had only mild or no lameness were significantly higher than percentages of control-group cats that did. Significant differences between groups were not detected the second day after discharge. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Results suggest that for cats undergoing onychectomy, administration of butorphanol the day of surgery and the first full day after surgery provides effective analgesia and improves recovery, appetite, and gait.
Differential Coloring Reveals That Plastids Do Not Form Networks for Exchanging Macromolecules[C][W]

This work uses a photoconvertible protein for reappraising long-held views on interplastid connectivity via stroma-filled extensions. The findings contradict present thinking by demonstrating that each plastid is unique and does not fuse or exchange fluorescent proteins with other plastids. A strong basis for investigating plastid interactions with other cytoplasmic components is provided. Stroma-filled tubules named stromules are sporadic extensions of plastids. Earlier, photobleaching was used to demonstrate fluorescent protein diffusion between already interconnected plastids and formed the basis for suggesting that all plastids are able to form networks for exchanging macromolecules. However, a critical appraisal of literature shows that this conjecture is not supported by unequivocal experimental evidence. Here, using photoconvertible mEosFP, we created color differences between similar organelles that enabled us to distinguish clearly between organelle fusion and nonfusion events. Individual plastids, despite conveying a strong impression of interactivity and fusion, maintained well-defined boundaries and did not exchange fluorescent proteins. Moreover, the high pleomorphy of etioplasts from dark-grown seedlings, leucoplasts from roots, and assorted plastids in the accumulation and replication of chloroplasts5 (arc5), arc6, and phosphoglucomutase1 mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana suggested that a single plastid unit might be easily mistaken for interconnected plastids. Our observations provide succinct evidence to refute the long-standing dogma of interplastid connectivity. The ability to create and maintain a large number of unique biochemical factories in the form of singular plastids might be a key feature underlying the versatility of green plants as it provides increased internal diversity for them to combat a wide range of environmental fluctuations and stresses.
3C-SiC Transistor With Ohmic Contacts Defined at Room Temperature

Among all SiC polytypes, only 3C-SiC has a cubic structure and can be hetero-epitaxial grown on large area Si substrate, thus providing an alternative choice for fabricating cheap wide bandgap power devices. Here, we present a low resistivity (~3 × 10-5 Ω · cm2) ohmic contact formed by directly depositing a Ti/Ni metal stack on n-type 3C-SiC without any extra annealing. For the first time, 3C-SiC lateral MOSFETs with asdeposited ohmic contacts were fabricated, and it turned out not only the ohmic contact is free from any interface voids, but also a higher field-effect mobility value (~80 cm2/V · s) was achieved compared with the annealed devices.