Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mammographic density and risk of breast cancer by adiposity: An analysis of four case‐control studies

The association of mammographic breast density with breast cancer risk may vary by adiposity. To examine effect modification by body mass index (BMI), the authors standardized mammographic density data from four case‐control studies (1994–2002) conducted in California, Hawaii and Minnesota and Gifu, Japan. The 1,699 cases and 2,422 controls included 45% Caucasians, 40% Asians and 9% African‐Americans. Using ethnic‐specific BMI cut points, 34% were classified as overweight and 19% as obese. A single reader assessed density from mammographic images using a computer‐assisted method. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) while adjusting for potential confounders. Modest heterogeneity in the relation between percent density and breast cancer risk across studies was observed (pheterogeneity = 0.08). Cases had a greater age‐adjusted mean percent density than controls: 31.7% versus 28.5%, respectively (p <0.001). Relative to <20 percent density, the ORs for >35 were similar across BMI groups whereas the OR for 20‐35 was slightly higher in overweight (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.28, 2.24) and obese (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.33) than in normal weight women (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.01). Furthermore, limited evidence of effect modification by BMI of the OR per 10% increase in percent density (pinteraction = 0.06) was observed, including subgroup analyses by menopausal status and in analyses that excluded women at the extremes of the BMI scale. Our findings indicate little, if any, modification by BMI of the effects of breast density on breast cancer risk.
Relationships between a hyper-rec mutation (REM1) and other recombination and repair genes in yeast.

Mutations in the REM1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae confer a semidominant hyper-recombination and hypermutable phenotype upon mitotic cells ( GOLIN and ESPOSITO 1977). These effects have not been observed in meiosis. We have examined the interactions of rem1 mutations with rad6-1, rad50 -1, rad52-1 or spo11 -1 mutations in order to understand the basis of the rem1 hyper-rec phenotype. The rad mutations have pleiotropic phenotypes; spo11 is only defective in sporulation and meiosis. The RAD6, RAD50 and SPO11 genes are not required for spontaneous mitotic recombination; mutations in the RAD52 gene cause a general spontaneous mitotic Rec- phenotype. Mutations in RAD50 , RAD52 or SPO11 eliminate meiotic recombination, and mutations in RAD6 prevent spore formation. Evidence for the involvement of RAD6 in meiotic recombination is less clear. Mutations in all three RAD genes confer sensitivity to X rays; the RAD6 gene is also required for UV damage repair. To test whether any of these functions might be involved in the hyper-rec phenotype conferred by rem1 mutations, double mutants were constructed. Double mutants of rem1 spo11 were viable and demonstrated rem1 levels of mitotic recombination, suggesting that the normal meiotic recombination system is not involved in producing the rem1 phenotype. The rem1 rad6 double mutant was also viable and had rem1 levels of mitotic recombination. Neither rem1 rad50 nor rem1 rad52 double mutants were viable. This suggests that rem1 causes its hyper-rec phenotype because it creates lesions in the DNA that are repaired using a recombination-repair system involving RAD50 and RAD52.
Completeness and diagnostic validity of recording acute myocardial infarction events in primary care, hospital care, disease registry, and national mortality records: cohort study

Objective To determine the completeness and diagnostic validity of myocardial infarction recording across four national health record sources in primary care, hospital care, a disease registry, and mortality register. Design Cohort study. Participants 21 482 patients with acute myocardial infarction in England between January 2003 and March 2009, identified in four prospectively collected, linked electronic health record sources: Clinical Practice Research Datalink (primary care data), Hospital Episode Statistics (hospital admissions), the disease registry MINAP (Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project), and the Office for National Statistics mortality register (cause specific mortality data). Setting One country (England) with one health system (the National Health Service). Main outcome measures Recording of acute myocardial infarction, incidence, all cause mortality within one year of acute myocardial infarction, and diagnostic validity of acute myocardial infarction compared with electrocardiographic and troponin findings in the disease registry (gold standard). Results Risk factors and non-cardiovascular coexisting conditions were similar across patients identified in primary care, hospital admission, and registry sources. Immediate all cause mortality was highest among patients with acute myocardial infarction recorded in primary care, which (unlike hospital admission and disease registry sources) included patients who did not reach hospital, but at one year mortality rates in cohorts from each source were similar. 5561 (31.0%) patients with non-fatal acute myocardial infarction were recorded in all three sources and 11 482 (63.9%) in at least two sources. The crude incidence of acute myocardial infarction was underestimated by 25-50% using one source compared with using all three sources. Compared with acute myocardial infarction defined in the disease registry, the positive predictive value of acute myocardial infarction recorded in primary care was 92.2% (95% confidence interval 91.6% to 92.8%) and in hospital admissions was 91.5% (90.8% to 92.1%). Conclusion Each data source missed a substantial proportion (25-50%) of myocardial infarction events. Failure to use linked electronic health records from primary care, hospital care, disease registry, and death certificates may lead to biased estimates of the incidence and outcome of myocardial infarction. Trial registration NCT01569139 clinicaltrials.gov.
Modulation by LL-37 of the Responses of Salivary Glands to Purinergic Agonists

The interaction of mice submandibular gland cells with LL-37 (LLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTES), a cationic peptide with immunomodulatory properties, was investigated. LL-37 at a concentration that did not affect the integrity of the cells increased the uptake of calcium and activated a calcium-insensitive phospholipase A2 (PLA2). The small release of ATP induced by LL-37 could not account for this stimulation because apyrase did not significantly block the response to LL-37. The divalent cation magnesium inhibited the response to LL-37, but this inhibition was probably nonspecific because it also inhibited the in vitro bacteriostatic effect of the peptide. The increase of calcium uptake by LL-37 was not affected by 1-[N,O-bis(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-l-tyrosyl]-4-phenylpiperazine (KN-62), a rather specific inhibitor of P2X7 receptors in mice. LL-37 also increased [Ca2+]i in cells from mice invalidated for these receptors. LL-37 had no effect on the response to carbachol. It inhibited the increase of [Ca2+]i and the activation of phospholipase D by ATP. It potentiated the activation of the PLA2 by the nucleotide. Finally, LL-37 increased the fluidity of the plasma membrane of submandibular gland cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that LL-37 is an autocrine regulator of submandibular gland cells. It does not stimulate mouse P2X7 receptors but modulates their responses.
Learning Generalizable Control Programs

In this paper, we present a framework for guiding autonomous learning in robot systems. The paradigm we introduce allows a robot to acquire new skills according to an intrinsic motivation function that finds behavioral affordances. Affordances-in the sense of (Gibson, Toward and Ecological Psychology, Hillsdale, NJ, 1977)-describe the latent possibilities for action in the environment and provide a direct means of organizing functional knowledge in embodied systems. We begin by showing how a robot can assemble closed-loop action primitives from its sensory and motor resources, and then show how these primitives can be sequenced into multi-objective policies. We then show how these policies can be assembled hierarchically to support incremental and cumulative learning. The main contribution of this paper demonstrates how the proposed intrinsic motivator for affordance discovery can cause a robot to both acquire such hierarchical policies using reinforcement learning and then to generalize these policies to new contexts. As the framework is described, its effectiveness and applicability is demonstrated through a longitudinal learning experiment on a bimanual robot.
The Two-Edged Nature of Diverse Action Costs

Diverse action costs are an essential feature of many real-world planning applications. Some recent studies have shown that diversity of action costs makes planning more difficult, and that searching using unit action costs can outperform searching the same domain with diverse action costs. In this paper, we provide experimental evidence and theoretical analysis showing that search can also benefit from action cost diversity. We show that on several IPC problems cost diversity has a positive effect (reduces search effort). We then present a theoretical analysis establishing that these positive cases are not accidental. Our main result is a "No Free Lunch" theorem showing that any negative effects of cost diversity are always perfectly counterbalanced by positive effects. Our theoretical analysis also shows that it is advantageous to have a strongly concentrated distribution of solution costs. In many domains, unit costs will give rise to a more concentrated distribution than diverse costs, but we give an example typifying domains in which the opposite is the case.
Dynamical patterns of coexisting strategies in a hybrid discrete-continuum spatial evolutionary game model

We present a novel hybrid modelling framework that takes into account two aspects which have been largely neglected in previous models of spatial evolutionary games: random motion and chemotaxis. A stochastic individual-based model is used to describe the player dynamics, whereas the evolution of the chemoattractant is governed by a reaction-diffusion equation. The two models are coupled by deriving individual movement rules via the discretisation of a taxis-diffusion equation which describes the evolution of the local number of players. In this framework, individuals occupying the same position can engage in a two-player game, and are awarded a payoff, in terms of reproductive fitness, according to their strategy. As an example, we let individuals play the Hawk-Dove game. Numerical simulations illustrate how random motion and chemotactic response can bring about self-generated dynamical patterns that create favourable conditions for the coexistence of hawks and doves in situations in which the two strategies cannot coexist otherwise. In this sense, our work offers a new perspective of research on spatial evolutionary games, and provides a general formalism to study the dynamics of spatially-structured populations in biological and social contexts where individual motion is likely to affect natural selection of behavioural traits.
Hardware Software Co-design for Automotive CPS using Architecture Analysis and Design Language

Modern cyber-physical systems (CPS) have a close inter-dependence between software and physical components. Automotive embedded systems are typical CPS, as physical chips, sensors and actuators are physical components and software embedded within are the cyber components. The current stage of embedded systems is highly complex in architecture design for both software and hardware. It is common in industrial practice that high level control algorithm development and low level code implementation on hardware platforms are developed separately with limited shared information. However, software code and hardware architecture become closely related with the increasing complexity. Correlated requirements and dependencies between hardware and software are emerging problems of industrial practice. We demonstrate in this paper a method to link model based system design with real-time simulations and analysis of the architecture model. This allows hardware software co-design and thus early selection of hardware architecture.
Biophotopol: A Sustainable Photopolymer for Holographic Data Storage Applications

Photopolymers have proved to be useful for different holographic applications such as holographic data storage or holographic optical elements. However, most photopolymers have certain undesirable features, such as the toxicity of some of their components or their low environmental compatibility. For this reason, the Holography and Optical Processing Group at the University of Alicante developed a new dry photopolymer with low toxicity and high thickness called biophotopol, which is very adequate for holographic data storage applications. In this paper we describe our recent studies on biophotopol and the main characteristics of this material.
On MMSE properties of codes for the Gaussian broadcast channel with confidential messages

This work examines the properties of code sequences for the degraded scalar Gaussian broadcast channel with confidential messages (BCC) in terms of the behavior of the mutual information and minimum mean-square error (MMSE) functions for all signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). More specifically, the work focuses on both completely secure code sequences, meaning that the transmitted message to the stronger receiver, i.e., with higher SNR, is completely secure in the equivocation sense, and code sequences with maximum equivocation. In these two cases an alternative converse proof is provided which also depicts the exact behavior of the relevant MMSE functions for all SNRs, for “good”, capacity achieving, code sequences. This means that the amount of disturbance on unintended receivers that is inflicted by “good” code sequences is fully depicted. Moreover, the work also considers the effect that MMSE constraints, which limit the amount of disturbance on some unintended receiver, have on the capacity region of a completely secure code sequence. For maximum rate-pairs complying with the MMSE constraint, the behavior of the relevant MMSE functions for all SNRs is fully depicted.
Analysing the effect of security on information quality dimensions

Information quality (IQ) has become a critical concern in today’s organisations. Although recent studies of information systems indicate an increasing importance of IQ, foremost research is still limited. Indeed, little is known about the impact of various design decisions on IQ. Recent research shows that security measures are increasingly important for any information system; however security measures are often introduced without considering the effect on IQ. At the same time, literature provides us with indications that trade-offs between various IQ dimensions exist. In this article we aim to investigate how security measures impact on different IQ dimensions. We carried out an experiment, which indicates that security measures have a significant effect on timeliness, whereas other dimensions are not particularly influenced. This observation led us to the proposal of costbenefit considerations, an important aspect for IQ management. The study is valuable for both research and practitioners. Further research studies can build on our observations and extend the research. Practitioners are provided with arguments for considering IQ trade-offs in relation to security measures.
Isolation, characterization, and localization of AgaSGNH cDNA: a new SGNH-motif plant hydrolase specific to Agave americana L. leaf epidermis.

GDSL and SGNH hydrolases are lipases involved in a wide range of functions, behaving in many cases as bifunctional enzymes. In this work, the isolation and characterization of AgaSGNH, a cDNA encoding a member of the SGNH-hydrolase superfamily from young leaf epidermis of the monocot Agave americana L. , is reported. The protein possesses a typical signal peptide at its N-terminus that allows its secretion to the epidermis cell wall, as verified by immunolocalization experiments. In addition, the AgaSGNH sequence contains a His-Leu-Gly-Ala-Glu (HLGAE) motif which is similar to that observed in other plant acyltransferases. Expression levels by northern blot and in situ localization of the corresponding mRNA, as well as the immunolocalization of the protein in Agave young leaves indicate that the protein is specifically present in the epidermal cells. The detailed study performed in different parts of the Agave leaf confirms two aspects: first, the expression of AgaSGNH is limited to the epidermis, and second, the maximum mRNA levels are found in the epidermis of the youngest zones of the leaf which are especially active in cutin biosynthesis. These levels dramatically decrease in the oldest zone of the leaf, where the presence of AgaSGNH mRNA is undetectable, and the biosynthesis of different cuticle components is severely reduced. These data could be compatible with the hypothesis that AgaSGNH could carry out both the hydrolysis and the transfer, from an activated acyl-CoA to a crescent cutin in Agave americana leaves and, therefore, be involved in the still unknown mechanism of plant cutin biosynthesis.
On the existence of Zeno behavior in hybrid systems with non-isolated Zeno equilibria

This paper presents proof-certificate based sufficient conditions for the existence of Zeno behavior in hybrid systems near non-isolated Zeno equilibria. To establish these conditions, we first prove sufficient conditions for Zeno behavior in a special class of hybrid systems termed first quadrant interval hybrid systems. The proof-certificate sufficient conditions are then obtained through a collection of functions that effectively ¿reduce¿ a general hybrid system to a first quadrant interval hybrid system. This paper concludes with an application of these ideas to Lagrangian hybrid systems, resulting in easily verifiable sufficient conditions for Zeno behavior.
A Robust and Efficient Method for Topology Adaptations in Deformable Models

In this paper, we present a novel algorithm for calculating topological adaptations in explicit evolutions of surface meshes in 3D. Our topological adaptation system consists of two main ingredients: A spatial hashing technique is used to detect mesh self-collisions during the evolution. Its expected running time is linear with respect to the number of vertices. A database consisting of possible topology changes is developed in the mathematical framework of homology theory. This database allows for fast and robust topology adaptation during a mesh evolution. The algorithm works without mesh reparametrizations, global mesh smoothness assumptions or vertex sampling density conditions, making it suitable for robust, near real-time application. Furthermore, it can be integrated into existing mesh evolutions easily. Numerical examples from medical imaging are given.
[Trends in cervix cancer mortality in Catalonia, 1975-1992: analysis of death certificates and cancer registry of Girona].

INTRODUCTION Uterine cancer not otherwise specified (NOS) is often recorded in death certificates as cause of death. The purpose of the study is to recode all death certificates mentioning gynecological cancers in the area of Girona, Spain and to compare trends in cervical cancer mortality before and after recodification. METHODS Death certificates issued between 1985 and 1989 in the province of Girona (population 500,000) mentioning gynecological cancer were identified. Medical records and the files of the local Cancer Registry were reviewed to assess the accuracy of the diagnosis and to recode the appropriate site of the primary. The resulting distributions were then applied to the mortality statistics of Catalonia (population 6,000,000 including Girona) and mortality trends were analyzed. RESULTS Uterus NOS were reclassified as follows: cervix uteri 24%, corpus 29%, ovary 13%, other 14%. In 20% of the cases the code remained as uterus NOS. When this distribution was applied to the Catalan mortality statistics for 1975-1992, a downward trend was observed for cervical cancer at all age groups. CONCLUSIONS About one third of uterus NOS in death certificates corresponded to cervix and one third to corpus. Mortality trends are severely affected by the proportion of certificates coded as uterus NOS. There is no indication of an increase in cervical cancer mortality among young women in Catalonia.
Red meat in the diet.

The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone is available at www.rcn. org.uk/members/learningzone.php This practice profile is based on NS615 Ruxton C (2011) The role of red meat in a balanced diet. Nursing Standard. 26, 7, 41-48. I have considered giving up meat many times, especially as some of my friends are vegetarian or vegan. I have even tried cooking without meat for a few days, but I always end up eating it again. Some friends have talked about the health benefits of not consuming meat and the importance of animal welfare. However, after reading the learning zone article, I have decided that the health benefits of eating red meat as part of a balanced diet are more important than trying to impress my friends. Although I enjoy eating a variety of vegetables, a portion of meat can improve and increase the flavour and look of a meal, thereby boosting appetite. The article has improved my knowledge of the importance of lean red meat and its role in the health and wellbeing of patients. When patients ask whether I have ever considered becoming a vegetarian, I list some of the benefits of red meat, including it being a rich source of fat-soluable vitamins, including vitamin D, which as well as being high in protein, is essential for energy and to repair the body.
MRI denoising based on neutrosophic wiener filtering

In this paper, a new filtering method is presents to remove Rician noise from magnetic resonance image. This filter is based on Neutrosophic set (NS) approach of wiener filtering. A Neutrosophic Set (NS), a part of neutrosophy theory, studies the origin, nature, and scope of neutralities, as well as their interactions with different ideational spectra. Now, we apply the neutrosophic set into image domain and define some concepts and operators for image denoising. The image is transformed into NS domain, described using three membership sets: True (T), Indeterminacy (I) and False (F). The entropy of the neutrosophic set is defined and employed to measure the indeterminacy. The ω-wiener filtering operation is used on T and F to decrease the set indeterminacy and remove noise. The experiments have conducted on simulated MR images from Brainweb database with Rician noise added. The visual and the diagnostic quality of the denoised image are well preserved. The performance of this filter is compared with anisotropic diffusion filter (ADF) and unbiased non local mean filter (UNLM).
Adjuvant treatment with high dose medroxyprogesterone acetate in node-negative early breast cancer. A 3-year interim report on a randomized trial (I).

After initial surgery, 240 pre-, peri- or postmenopausal patients with early node-negative breast carcinoma were randomized to receive either no hormone therapy or adjuvant therapy with medroxyprogesterone acetate at high dosage (HD-MPA; 500 mg IM per day times 28 or 500 mg intramuscularly (i.m.) 5 days a week for 5 weeks then 500 mg i.m. twice weekly for the 5 following months. After a median follow-up time of 3 years, relapse-free survival and overall survival appeared significantly improved in the HD-MPA arm. Side effects were tolerable.