Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
“Real world” effectiveness of different postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy regimens in stage III colon cancer patients.

754 Background: In clinical practice, choosing oral chemotherapy or FOLFOX may depend to drug toxicity and patients’ age and comorbidities, in addition to heterogeneous stage III colon cancer. The benefit of oxaliplatin in the real world practice remained further clarified. Methods: 688 stage III colon cancer patients were collected. Treatment outcomes were retrospectively compared based on the type of chemotherapy in terms of OS and DFS. Multivariate Cox-regression modeling was used to adjust for the potential confounders. Results: This study included capecitabine (259 patients), fluorouracil-leucovorin plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) (283 patients) and Tegafur-uracil(146 patients). Comparing patients with capecitabine and tegafur regimens, patients receiving FOLFOX were significantly younger (mean age 56.5 yrs v.s. 65,1 yrs and 66,9 yrs ), more poor differentiation (15.9% v.s. 8.1% and 8.2%), deeper tumor invasion (T4 lesion 25.1% v.s. 15.8% and 17.1%), more advanced nodal involvement (N2/3 51.9% v.s. 18.1% a.
Ambiguity, Nominal Bond Yields, and Real Bond Yields

This paper presents an equilibrium bond-pricing model that jointly explains the upward-sloping nominal and real yield curves and the violation of the expectations hypothesis. Instead of relying on the inflation risk premium, the ambiguity-averse agent faces different amounts of Knightian uncertainty in the long run versus the short run; hence, the model-implied nominal and real short rate expectations are upward sloping under the agent’s worst-case equilibrium beliefs. The expectations hypothesis roughly holds under investors’ worst-case beliefs. The difference between the worst-case scenario and the true distribution makes realized excess returns on long-term bonds predictable. (JEL D81, D84, E23, E31, E43, E44, G12)
Higher-order rogue wave dynamics for a derivative nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation

The the mixed Chen-Lee-Liu derivative nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation (CLL-NLS) can be considered as simplest model to approximate the dynamics of weakly nonlinear and dispersive waves, taking into account the self-steepnening effect (SSE). The latter effect arises as a higher-order correction of the nonlinear Schr\"ordinger equation (NLS), which is known to describe the dynamics of pulses in nonlinear fiber optics, and constiutes a fundamental part of the generalized NLS. Similar effects are decribed within the framework of the modified NLS, also referred to as the Dysthe equation, in hydrodynamics. In this work, we derive fundamental and higher-order solutions of the CLL-NLS by applying the Darboux transformation (DT). Exact expressions of non-vanishing boundary solitons, breathers and a hierarchy of rogue wave solutions are presented. In addition, we discuss the localization characters of such rogue waves, by characterizing their length and width. In particular, we describe how the localization properties of first-order NLS rogue waves can be modified by taking into account the SSE, presented in the CLL-NLS. This is illustrated by use of an analytical and a graphical method. The results may motivate similar analytical studies, extending the family of the reported rogue wave solutions as well as possible experiments in several nonlinear dispersive media, confirming these theoretical results.
A cross-dialectal acoustic study of the monophthongs and diphthongs of Welsh

The Welsh language has a complex vowel inventory with up to thirteen monophthongs and the same number of diphthongs. According to descriptive reports, systematic differences are found between the two main varieties of Welsh, Northern and Southern Welsh (Ball & Williams 2001, Jones 1984). However, few studies have attempted to verify these claims instrumentally, and little is known about the acoustic properties of Welsh vowels. The present study is the first systematic acoustic investigation of the monophthongs and diphthongs of Northern and Southern Welsh and includes measurements of formant trajectory length and spectral rate of change for the diphthongs (Fox & Jacewicz 2009). The results largely confirm claims about contrastive vowel categories in Northern and Southern Welsh. In contrast to auditory-based accounts, however, pairs of Northern Welsh vowels were found to differ, not only in terms of duration, but also vowel quality. The diphthongs, in turn, revealed interesting cross-dialectal differences in spectral dynamics across their trajectories. The results have implications for notions of contrastivity in languages with large vowel inventories.
Effect of Different Dietary Oils and Fat on Body Weight, Food Intake, Some Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Female Albino Rats

The present study investigates the influence of different dietary plant oils included sunflower oil (SO), olive oil (OO) corn oil (CO), and animal (AF) on different parameters in female albino rats. Twenty-two animals were divided equally and randomly into five groups, the treatment was performed by needle gavage. First group fed on basal diet and served as control. Second group fed on a basal diet with 0.3ml/rat animal fat orally. Third group fed on a basal diet with 0.3ml/rat sunflower oil orally. Fourth group fed on a basal diet with 0.3ml/rat olive oil orally. Fifth group fed on a basal diet with 0.3ml/rat corn oil orally. It continued for 28 days. Several parameters were measured during and after the study such as body weight, food intake, organ weight (kidney, liver and spleen) Haematological parameters (Hb, RBC, WBC, PLT, HCT and MCV), lipid profile (Total cholesterol, TG, HDL and LDL). Commonly plant oils and animal fat showed both benefits and harmful effects on the mentioned parameters; the corn oil and olive oil played important role through generating the healthy signs among other oils and animal fat. The present results concluded that both corn oil and olive oil may own positive effect than the other animal fat sunflower oil of people used in their daily diet.
Airflow Distribution Measurements around the Human Body Using a Thermal Manikin by Particle Image Velocimetry

The human body is a heat source in a room. As the human body has a complex shape, it is difficult to accurately measure the airflow distribution around the human body using a conventional anemometer. This study measured the airflow distribution around a thermal manikin acting as a human body by visualization and particle image velocimetry (PIV). The thermal manikin was 1700 mm in height, and its surface temperature was set to 30oC. The experiments were performed in the conditions when the manikin was seated on a chair. The ambient air temperature and wind velocity were experimental variables. The airflow distribution around the manikin was reported by considering the relationships between convection and ambient wind velocity. There were no differences in the airflow distribution around the manikin due to the ambient air temperature when the wind velocity in the chamber was set as 1.0 m/s. Hence, it was assumed that the ambient wind velocity was dominant in this condition. Various airflow distributions were formed around the manikin due to the difference between the body surface temperature and the ambient air temperature in the case where the wind velocity in the chamber was set to approximately equal to 0.0 m/s.
Promoting Positive Technological Development in a Kindergarten Makerspace: A Qualitative Case Study

As education communities grow more interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), schools have integrated more technology and engineering opportunities into their curricula. Makerspaces for all ages have emerged as a way to support STEM learning through creativity, community building, and hands-on learning. However, little research has evaluated the learning that happens in these spaces, especially in young children. One framework that has been used successfully as an evaluative tool in informal and technology-rich learning spaces is Positive Technological Development (PTD). PTD is an educational framework that describes positive behaviors children exhibit while engaging in digital learning experiences. In this exploratory case study, researchers observed children in a makerspace to determine whether the environment (the space and teachers) contributed to children’s Positive Technological Development. N = 20 children and teachers from a Kindergarten classroom were observed over 6 hours as they engaged in makerspace activities. The children’s activity, teacher’s facilitation, and the physical space were evaluated for alignment with the PTD framework. Results reveal that children showed high overall PTD engagement, and that teachers and the space supported children’s learning in complementary aspects of PTD. Recommendations for practitioners hoping to design and implement a young children’s makerspace are discussed.
Developments in the Photochemistry of Diazo Compounds

This review focuses on photolytic reactions of diazo compounds, namely aryl-diazo alkanes and ￻ -diazo car- bonyl compounds, covering their synthetic applications such as Wolff rearrangement, 1,2-shift, X-H insertion, cyclopro- panation, hydrogen abstraction and reaction with oxygen as well as physical organic studies, with special relevance to mechanistic considerations. Singlet-triplet gap studies and the solvent influence on the stability and reactivity of carbenes are also covered together in this review to provide a comprehensive interpretation of their reactivity. The mechanism of the synthetically important Wolff rearrangement, which remains to this day open to dicussion, is evaluated in terms of the role of the diazo framework. 1,2-Shift photoinduced reactions, on the other hand, present well established mechanisms due to recent studies that have demonstrated the importance of photoexcited diazo species. The cyclopropanation reaction mechanism, which is used to demonstrate the spin multiplicity nature of a free carbene, is also well established. Contrary to these latter cases, O-H insertion and C-H insertion reactions continue to lack defined mechanisms inspite of recent stud- ies. The few examples of diazo compounds reactions with molecular oxygen and hydrogen abstraction present in the lit- erature are also covered.
COLLAGEN-DOXYCYCLINE MATRICES USED IN TISSUE ENGINEERING

Porous collagen matrices with defined physical, chemical and biological characteristics are interesting biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. In this study collagen hydrogels with the same content of doxycycline and cross-linked with different concentrations of tannic acid (0, 5, 10 and 20%) were obtained. They were rheologically characterized and dried by lyophilization in order to obtain matrices (spongious forms). The obtained matrices were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their biocompatibility with endothelial cells was monitored by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and their viability was assessed by MTT assay. The results showed that matrices allow endothelial cells to develop normally, representing promising supports both for drug delivery systems and tissue engineering.
Relationships in Emerging Adulthood: Do the Relationships of Friends Who Live with Each Other Differ from Other Friendships in Terms of Relationship Quality and Conflict?

This study compared two types of relationships commonly found in emerging adulthood. Thirty emerging adults who had both a roommate with whom they were friends prior to living together as well as one other close friend completed the Network of Relationships Inventory – Social Provisions Version (NRI-SPV). The NRI-SPV assesses levels of relationship quality and conflict by asking respondents to rate questions in these two domains. Results indicated that emerging adults experience significantly higher levels of conflict in their roommate relationship than in their other friendship. In addition, there was a trend for relationship quality to be lower in the roommate relationship. The findings demonstrate the need for further examination and understanding of the potential impact of the friendships during emerging adulthood. Implications and future research steps are discussed. Acknowledgements I would like to thank my thesis supervisor, Dr. Jacqueline Pei, for helping guide me through this process. Your support and encouragement were greatly appreciated. Thank you to my committee members, Dr. Christina Rinaldi and Dr. George Buck, for taking time out of their busy schedules to read and reflect on my thesis and share in my defense. I am also grateful to Dr. Rinaldi for serving as my second reader and sharing her expertise in my research area. I am thankful to the many friends and colleagues who shared this experience with me. Your unwavering encouragement and belief in me helped to get me through the ups and downs of this process. Thank you to my parents for instilling in me the belief that I could accomplish anything. I certainly would not be where I am today without you. Table of
Gender Differences in Patients' Beliefs About Biological, Environmental, Behavioral, and Psychological Risk Factors in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Introduction: There are significant gender differences in the epidemiology and presentation of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), physiological aspects of CVDs, response to diagnostic tests or interventions, and prevalence or incidence of the associated risk factors. Considering the independent influence of gender on early dire consequences of such diseases, this study was conducted to investigate gender differences in patients' beliefs about biological, environmental, behavioral, and psychological risk factors in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Materials and Methods: This study has cross sectional design. The sample was composed of 775 patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation unit in Imam Ali Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. The data were collected using clinical interview and patients’ medical records. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and chi-square test​​. To do the statistical analysis, SPSS version 20 was utilized. Results: As the results indicated, there was a significant difference between the beliefs of men and women about risk factors of heart disease (X2= 48.36; P<0.01). Men considered behavioral (55.1%) and psychological (33.7%) risk factors as the main causes of their disease, respectively. On the other hand, women regarded psychological (38.2%) and behavioral factors (26.6%) as the most common causes of cardiac conditions, respectively. Both men and women considered stress as the most important heart disease risk factor (21% and 22.3%, respectively). Also, women were less aware of the risk factors, compared to men. Conclusion: From the patients’ perspective, psychological and behavioral risk factors were the most important causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); moreover, stress was the most influential risk factor for developing cardiac diseases. Thus, learning to control and manage these risk factors can help to prevent the development of CVDs and reduce the occurrence of subsequent cardiac events.
F eb 2 01 8 Taming spatio-temporal lasing instabilities with wave-chaotic microcavities

Stefan Bittner, Stefano Guazzotti, Xiaonan Hu, Hasan Yılmaz, Kyungduk Kim, Yongquan Zeng, Sang Soon Oh, 4 Qi Jie Wang, Ortwin Hess, ∗ and Hui Cao † Department of Applied Physics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA Blackett Laboratory, Department of Physics, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom Center for OptoElectronics and Biophotonics, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and The Photonics Institute, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798 Singapore School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, United Kingdom
An empirical assessment of Fairtrade: A perspective for low-and middle-income countries?

This paper presents the first cross-country empirical evidence on the determinants of participation in Fairtrade and the impact of the export of Fairtrade certified products on agricultural growth in low- and middle-income countries. Using the number of certified producer organizations per country in 2006-2010 as a proxy for Fairtrade exports, estimation results indicate a small but significantly positive effect on the growth rate of per capita value added in agriculture that is largest in upper middle income countries. Given the particularly poverty-reducing effect of agricultural growth, we find empirical evidence that Fairtrade certification is indeed able to deliver its core values, but misses to target the very poor. (author's abstract)
Synthesis and properties of ABA and ABC triblock copolymers with glassy (A), elastomeric (B), and crystalline (C) blocks

We describe the synthesis, characterization, and properties of polystyrene-block-poly- (ethylene-alt-propylene)-block-polyethylene (PS-b-PEP-b-PE) and polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-alt- propylene)-block-polystyrene (PS-b-PEP-b-PS) triblock copolymers. Morphological investigations using TEM, SEM, and SFM reveal for the PS-b-PEP-b-PE triblock copolymers a morphology consisting of PS cylinders and PE crystallites within a matrix of the PEP block, whereas the PS-b-PEP-b-PS triblock copolymer shows interconnected, distorted PS cylinders in the PEP matrix. Mechanical characterization of these triblock copolymers demonstrated that for small strains the PS-b-PEP-b-PE triblock copolymers exhibit the aimed smaller plastic deformations, i.e. better elastic properties, compared to the polystyrene- based ABA type thermoplastic elastomer. However, at high strains the PS-b-PEP-b-PS triblock copolymer shows a significantly better elastic recovery. The high plastic set at high elongations in PS-b-PEP-b-PE triblock copolymers is attributed to the weaker resistance of the PE crystallites compared to amorphous PS domains in the PS-b-PEP-b-PS triblock copolymer.
Significance of Discriminant Analysis in Prediction of Pregnancy in IVF Treatment

Abstract Many factors play an important role in prediction of infertility treatment outcome (for example, female age and quality of oocytes or embryos are the most important prognostic factors concerning positive IVF outcome). The purpose of this study was to identify a set of variables that could fulfill criteria for prediction of pregnancy in IVF patients through the application of data mining – using the discriminant analysis method. The principle of this method is to establish a set of rules that allows one to place multi-dimensional objects into one of two analyzed groups (pregnant or not pregnant). Six hundred and ten IVF cycles were included in the analysis and the following variables were taken into consideration: female age, number and quality of retrieved oocytes, number and quality of embryos, number of transferred embryos, and outcome of treatment. Discriminant analysis allowed for the creation of a model with a 51.22% correctness of prediction to achieve pregnancy during IVF treatment and with 74.07% correctly predicted failure of pregnancy. Therefore, the created model is more suitable for the prediction of a negative outcome (lack of pregnancy) during IVF treatment and offers an option for adjustments to be made during infertility treatment.
Pearl-TEE: Supporting Untrusted Applications in TrustZone

Rising concerns about mobile security have motivated the use of architectural features such as ARM TrustZone to protect sensitive applications from compromise by malicious applications or a compromised OS. However, many TEE OSes (which run in TrustZone) currently assume all applications in TrustZone are trusted, and thus do not provide strong isolation guarantees between them. The benefit of this is that TEE OSes can be simple, allowing them to provide a high-assurance trusted computing base (TCB). However, unlike how arbitrary third-party mobile applications can be installed onto a smartphone, the need for mutual trust among all applications running inside TrustZone prevents the installation of 3rd party applications on the TEE OS. In this paper, we identify the key properties that define application code that may wish to use TrustZone and show that a standard TEE OS can be extended to support multiple, mutually distrusting applications in TrustZone with less than a 3% increase in the TCB. We realize our ideas in Pearl-TEE, a novel TEE OS prototype we have implemented that can provide mechanisms specific to the needs of TrustZone applications, including isolation for execution, secure persistent storage, and support for network communication. We find that Pearl-TEE imposes less than 20% performance overhead on applications.
In silico design of novel gold-phosphate containing compounds as selective inhibitors of cathepsin B in neuroinflammation

Aim: Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by pathological protein aggregates and microglia-driven chronic neuroinflammation. Cathepsin B has been proposed as the potential target for inhibiting adverse activation of microglia and slowing down this neurodegenerative disease. Currently available inhibitors of cathepsin B enzymatic activity are non-selective; therefore, the design and synthesis of novel specific inhibitors could facilitate the development of a new class of anti-Alzheimer medications targeting the neuroinflammatory component of this
Influence of the Multispecies Probiotic Ecologic ® BARRIER on Parameters of Intestinal Barrier Function

The intestinal epithelium is a single cell layer that forms the largest and most important barrier against the external environment. A proper functioning of the intestinal barrier is essential for maintaining optimal health. A disrupted intestinal barrier function has been associated with the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit to the host and have been associated with prevention of diseases such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Probiotics can improve and restore the intestinal barrier function in diverse ways and effects are thought to be species- and even strain-specific. With this research the influence of probiotic bacteria in Ecologic? BARRIER on parameters of intestinal barrier function was investigated. The results show that each bacterial strain in Ecologic? BARRIER is in vitro capable to improve the epithelial barrier in diverse ways.
Extraction of Natural Feature Descriptors on Mobile GPUs

In this thesis the feasibility of a GPGPU (general-purpose computing on graphics processing units) approach to natural feature description on mobile phone GPUs is assessed. To this end, the SURF descriptor [4] has been implemented with OpenGL ES 2.0/GLSL ES 1.0 and evaluated across different mobile devices. The implementation is multiple times faster than a comparable CPU variant on the same device. The results proof the feasibility of modern mobile graphics accelerators for GPGPU tasks especially for the detection phase in natural feature tracking used in augmented reality applications. Extensive analysis and benchmarking of this approach in comparison to state of the art methods have been undertaken. Insights into the modifications necessary to adapt and modify the SURF algorithm to the limitations of a mobile GPU are presented. Further, an outlook for a GPGPU-based tracking pipeline on a mobile device is provided.