Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Birth weight as a risk factor for breast cancer: a meta-analysis of 18 epidemiological studies.

BACKGROUND Birth weight has been identified as a birth-related factor associated with the risk of breast cancer. However, the evidence is inconsistent. METHODS To investigate the association between birth weight and breast cancer, we conducted a meta-analysis of published studies between 1996 and 2008. Eighteen studies encompassing 16,424 breast cancer cases were included in the meta-analysis. Data were combined using a fixed-effect or random-effect model depending on the heterogeneity across studies. RESULTS Women with their own birth weight >4000 g or 8.5 lb had a higher risk for developing breast cancer than those with birth weight <2500 g or 3000 g (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.08, 1.34). Findings were also consistent with a dose-response pattern effect. The summary effect estimate for breast cancer risk per 1 kg increase in birth weight was statistically significant (random effects OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.02, 1.12). CONCLUSIONS Although these results provided no evidence indicating whether birth weight is more strongly related to early-onset than to later-onset breast cancer, our findings suggest an association between birth weight and breast cancer. The underlying biological mechanism relating to this phenomenon needs additional study.
DESIGNING A FAULT–TOLERANT JINI COMPUTE SERVER

Java-based tuplespaces provide a simple infrastructure for scientific distributed computing. There are several classes of problems that are not efficiently solvable in JavaSpaces model of computation while efficiently solvable in other tuplespace implementation. JavaSpaces can be used for high performance computing if viewed less strictly in the heritage of Linda and more as a platform-neutral code delivery mechanism. This paper presents an early design of JavaSpaces compute server. We describe how we use mobile co-ordination and agent wills to provide faulttolerance in Jini based compute servers. Preliminary experimental results show performance gains made when mobile co-ordination is used. In this paper we apply the mobile co-ordination and agent wills [12] to provide fault-tolerance in compute servers based on tuple spaces. The first section the tuple space paradigm and the Linda model for parallel computation. The next section provides an overview of Jini and JavaSpaces [14]. The third section describes in detail our design and then we present our conclusions. 1. The Tuple Space Paradigm Linda is a well known co-ordination model [3]. The fundamental concepts of Linda are tuples, templates and tuple spaces. A tuple is an ordered collection of fields. Each field has a type and a value associated to it. A field with both a value and a type is known as an actual. The tuple < 1989int, “Linda”string , 1.0real > is a tuple containing three fields, with the type of the field shown as a subscript of the value. Tuples are placed into tuple spaces and are removed from tuple spaces using an associative matching process. A template is similar to a tuple except the fields do not need to have values associated to them, but all fields must have a type. A field that has only a type and no value is known as a formal. A template is a tuple which can have formals. A template matches a tuple if they have the same number of fields, and 2000 Mathematics Subject Classification. 65Y05, 68Q85. 1998 CR Categories and Descriptors. F.1. 2 [Computation by Abstract Devices]: Modes of Computation – Parallelism and concurrency; G.4 [Mathematics of Computing]: Mathematical Software – D.1. 3 [Programming Techniques]: Concurrent Programming – E.1 [Data]: Data Structures – Distributed data structures.
Influences Of Vegetation On Laser Altimetry–Analysis And Correction Approaches

The influences of low vegetation on airborne laser scanning are studied. High vegetation is removed by filtering, but low vegetation causes systematic errors in digital terrain models. Many researchers have reported that the measurements are too high. The investigation of influences on the laser range measurement improves the understanding of the technology in use and gives explanations for the observed errors. The possibilities of correcting the data with information on the vegetation type are studied, using ground truth data from terrestrial measurements as reference. An alternative approach using texture measures, which does not require information on the land cover type, is presented. Texture has previously been defined for digital images and its equivalent for point clouds is presented here.
Your brains and my beauty: parent matching for constrained optimisation

During the last few years, several methods have been proposed for handling constraints by evolutionary algorithms for parameter optimisation problems. These methods include those based on penalty functions, preservation of feasibility, decoders and repair algorithms, as well as some hybrid techniques. Most of these techniques have serious drawbacks (some of them may return infeasible solutions, others require many additional parameters, etc.). Moreover, none of these techniques has utilized knowledge about which constraints are satisfied and which are not. In this paper, we introduce a new element to evolutionary algorithms for constrained parameter optimization problems: the parent matching mechanism. The preliminary results show that the proposed technique works very well on selected test cases.
Trading Foreign Currencies Based on Long Range Dependence

The paper discusses a novel trading algorithm for trading foreign currencies. The algorithm is based on the fact that currency exchange rates exhibit long-range dependency i.e. time-series constructed of exchange rates deviates from complete randomness and contains memory. This memory can be useful in predicting future behaviors of the exchange rates. The type of correlation varies in time from positive to negative and vice versa, consequently it is important to accurately estimate correlation type. In long range dependent processes the strength and type of correlation is judge by value of so called scale exponent. Combing trend information and the estimated type of correlation we predict exchange rate behavior and thus we are able to determine best positions to sell and/or to buy. We tested the proposed trading algorithm on 8 currency pairs with the history ranging from 1.0x106 to 2.5x106 minutes where the minimum profit was 25430 pips for EURGBP pair and the maximum profit was 192070 pips for AUDCAD.
Plasma Metabolites Associated with Coffee Consumption: A Metabolomic Approach within the PREDIMED Study

Few studies have examined the association of a wide range of metabolites with total and subtypes of coffee consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of plasma metabolites with total, caffeinated, and decaffeinated coffee consumption. We also assessed the ability of metabolites to discriminate between coffee consumption categories. This is a cross-sectional analysis of 1664 participants from the PREDIMED study. Metabolites were semiquantitatively profiled using a multiplatform approach. Consumption of total coffee, caffeinated coffee and decaffeinated coffee was assessed by using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We assessed associations between 387 metabolite levels with total, caffeinated, or decaffeinated coffee consumption (≥50 mL coffee/day) using elastic net regression analysis. Ten-fold cross-validation analyses were used to estimate the discriminative accuracy of metabolites for total and subtypes of coffee. We identified different sets of metabolites associated with total coffee, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption. These metabolites consisted of lipid species (e.g., sphingomyelin, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylcholine) or were derived from glycolysis (alpha-glycerophosphate) and polyphenol metabolism (hippurate). Other metabolites included caffeine, 5-acetylamino-6-amino-3-methyluracil, cotinine, kynurenic acid, glycocholate, lactate, and allantoin. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.60 (95% CI 0.56–0.64), 0.78 (95% CI 0.75–0.81) and 0.52 (95% CI 0.49–0.55), in the multimetabolite model, for total, caffeinated, and decaffeinated coffee consumption, respectively. Our comprehensive metabolic analysis did not result in a new, reliable potential set of metabolites for coffee consumption.
Power corporations' default probability forecasting using the Derivative-free nonlinear Kalman Filter

The paper proposes a systematic method for forecasting default probabilities for financial firms with particular interest in electric power corporations. According to credit risk theory a company's proximity to default is determined by the distance of its assets' value from its debts. The assets' value depends primarily on the company's market (option) value through a complex nonlinear relation. Therefore, by forecasting with accuracy the enterprize's option value it becomes also possible to estimate the future value of the enterprize's asset value and the associated probability of default. This paper proposes a systematic method for forecasting the probability to default for companies (option / asset value forecasting methods) using a new nonlinear Kalman Filtering method under the name Derivative-free nonlinear Kalman Filter. The company's option value is considered to be described by the Black-Scholes nonlinear partial differential equation. Using differential flatness theory the partial differential equation is transformed into an equivalent state-space model in the so-called canonical form. Using the latter model and by redesigning the Derivative-free nonlinear Kalman Filter as a m-step ahead predictor, estimates are obtained of the company's future option values. Thus, by forecasting the company's market (option) values, it becomes also possible to forecast the associated asset value and volatility and finally to estimate the company's future default risk.
CPHP_A_135511 785..817

language (Habermas, 1981, pp. 162–63). Therefore, explaining actions requires a double interpretation: interpreting what the agent means when he says that his actions are based on certain beliefs, desires, reasons and intentions; and interpreting these interpretations with the help of theoretical concepts and a theoretical scheme. Enç has no eye for this double interpretation problem and does not give it a place in his discussions. Now, I do not want to deny that an investigator can ascribe to an agent hidden, unconscious, motives that this agent does not know but that can make him act and that the investigator can describe in an objective, theoretical, way. But then it becomes unclear whether there is a difference between explaining what an agent does from such hidden, unconscious, motives or from his subjective explicit, conscious reasons. Does Enç’s causal model apply in both cases? Despite this issue, the model is a good step toward integrating the interpretive approach with—rather than reducing it to—naturalism, as so often is done; it also does not lead to the interpretive approach’s rejection of naturalism, but rather does justice to both sides. Questions about meaning or double hermeneutics are then to be seen as questions about how to integrate meaning and double hermeneutics in the model, and not as questions that serve to cast doubt on it.
Assessment of DNA Topoisomerase I Unwinding Activity, Radical Scavenging Capacity, and Inhibition of Breast Cancer Cell Viability of N-alkyl-acridones and N,N′-dialkyl-9,9′-biacridylidenes

The anticancer activity of acridone derivatives has attracted increasing interest, therefore, a variety of substituted analogs belonging to this family have been developed and evaluated for their anti-cancer properties. A series of N-alkyl-acridones 1–6 and N,N′-dialkyl-9,9′-biacridylidenes 7–12 with variable alkyl chains were examined for their topoisomerase I activity at neutral and acidic conditions as well as for their binding capacity to calf thymus and possible radical trapping antioxidant activity. It was found that at a neutral pH, topoisomerase I activity of both classes of compounds was similar, while under acidic conditions, enhanced intercalation was observed. N-alkyl-acridone derivatives 1–6 exhibited stronger, dose-dependent, cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 human breast epithelial cancer cells than N,N′-dialkyl-9,9′-biacridylidenes 7–12, revealing that conjugation of the heteroaromatic system plays a significant role on the effective distribution of the compound in the intracellular environment. Cellular investigation of long alkyl derivatives against cell migration exhibited 40–50% wound healing effects and cytoplasm diffusion, while compounds with shorter alkyl chains were accumulated both in the nucleus and cytoplasm. All N,N′-dialkyl-9,9′-biacridylidenes showed unexpected high scavenging activity towards DPPH or ABTS radicals which may be explained by higher stabilization of radical cations by the extended conjugation of heteroaromatic ring system.
Dodecenylsuccinic anhydride modified collagen hydrogels loaded with simvastatin as skin wound dressings.

Skin wound healing presents a unique challenge because of its complex healing process. Herein, we developed a hydrophobic wound dressing to incorporate simvastatin, which has potential application in the treatment of ulcers and prevention of wound infection. For that matter, collagen hydrogels were grafted with dodecenylsuccinic anhydride (DDSA). The chemical modification was confirmed by FTIR and solid state 13 C-NMR spectroscopies while the ultrastructure was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. In contact angle measurements, a higher water droplet angle in DDSA-collagen gels was observed. This was consistent with the swelling assay, in which water absorption was 5.2 g/g for collagen and 1.9 g/g for DDSA-collagen. Additionally, viability and adhesion studies were performed. Cell adhesion decreased ~11% in DDSA-collagen and the number of viable cells showed a tendency to decrease as DDSA concentration increased but it was only significantly lower above concentrations of 12%. Modified gels were loaded with simvastatin showing higher adsorption capacity and lower release. Lastly, the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of DDSA-collagen materials were assessed. DDSA-collagen hydrogels, either unloaded or loaded with simvastatin showed sustained antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus for 72 hr probably due to the hydrophobic interaction of DDSA chains with bacterial cell walls. The antimicrobial activity was stronger against S. aureus. Collagen hydrogels also presented a prolonged antibacterial activity when they were loaded with simvastatin, confirming the antimicrobial properties of statins. Finally, it was observed that these materials can stimulate resident macrophages and promote an M2 profile which is desirable in wound healing processes.
New Auroras on the Roles of the Chromosomal Passenger Complex in Cytokinesis: Implications for Cancer Therapies

The chromosomal passenger complex (CPC), composed of a kinase component, Aurora B, the scaffolding subunit inner centromeric protein, Borealin, and Survivin, is a key regulator of cell division. It controls multiple events, from chromosome condensation in prophase to the final separation or abscission of the two daughter cells. The essential functions of the CPC during metaphase, however, have always hindered an accurate study of its role during cytokinesis. The recent development of small molecule inhibitors against Aurora B and the use of elegant technologies such as chemical genetics have offered new approaches to study the functions of the CPC at the end of cell division. Here, we review the recent findings about the roles of the CPC in controlling the assembly of the cleavage furrow, central spindle, and midbody. We will also discuss the crucial function of this complex in controlling abscission timing in order to prevent abscission when lagging chromatin is present at the cleavage site, thereby avoiding the formation of genetically abnormal daughter cells. Finally, we offer our perspective on how to exploit the potential therapeutic applications of inhibiting CPC activity during cytokinesis in cancer cells.
Preparation, Characterization and In Vitro Biological Evaluation of a Novel Pearl Powder/Poly-Amino Acid Composite as a Potential Substitute for Bone Repair and Reconstruction

Many studies about fabricating organic-inorganic composite materials have been carried out in order to mimic the natural structure of bone. Pearl, which has a special block-and-mortar hierarchical structure, is a superior bone repair material with high osteogenic activity, but it shows few applications in the clinical bone repair and reconstruction because of its brittle and uneasily shaped properties. In this work, pearl powder (P)/poly (amino acid) (PAA) composites were successfully prepared by a method of in situ melting polycondensation to combine the high osteogenic activity of the pearl and the pliability of the PAA. The mechanical properties, in vitro bioactivity and biocompatibility as well as osteogenic activity of the composites were investigated. The results showed that P/PAA composites have both good mechanical properties and bioactivity. The compressive strength, bending strength and tensile strength of the composites reached a maximum of 161 MPa, 50 MPa and 42 MPa, respectively; in addition, apatite particles successfully deposited on the composites surface after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 7 days indicated that P/PAA composites showed an enhanced mineralization capacity and bioactivity due to incorporation of pearl powder and PAA. The cell culture results revealed that higher cell proliferation and better adhesion morphology of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) appeared on the composite surface. Moreover, cells growing on the surface of the composites exhibited higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, more calcium nodule-formation, and higher expression levels of osteogenic differentiation-related genes (COL 1, RunX2, OCN, and OPN) than cells grown on PAA surface. The P/PAA composites exhibited both superior mechanical properties to the pearl powder, higher bioactivity and osteogenic capability compared with those of PAA.
Ijpbs |volume 2| Issue 3 |july-sept |2012|37-46 Vaishali Thakare *et Al Int J Pharm Bio Sci Newer Drugs for Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis and Special Emphasis on Linezolid

MDR tuberculosis and XDR tuberculosis are serious threats to TB control. Multidrug resistant TB (MDR-TB) is TB strains which is resistant to Isoniazid and Rifampicin.Extensive drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is defined as resistance to at least Rifampicin and Isoniazid in addition to any fluoroquinolone and to at least one of three following injectable drugs used in anti-TB treatment: Capreomycin, Kanamycin and Amikacin. Current treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis is inadequate and outcomes are poorer than for drug-susceptible TB. Linezolid is an oxazolidinone, a relatively new class of antibiotic and has demonstrated high in vitro antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and has been used to treat complicated cases of resistant TB in several programmes.However, linezolid is a toxic drug with significant side effects including severe neuropathies and haematological adverse events. This literature review provides a brief discussion of existing drugs,emerging drug targets and also immune modulators in order to improve the existing treatment regimen in terms of better efficacy, reduced drug administration frequency, shortened period of treatment and reduced drug related toxicity.
Is a Confirmatory Tendency to Blame for Poor Diagnostic Decisions

In diagnostic reasoning, especially in a clinical setting, practitioners often widely disagree about the causal explanation for a given case. Most studies have assumed that such disagreements result from judgmental mistakes due to biased reasoning, especially the tendency to seek confirmation for a theory or hypothesis they already entertain. Alternative explanations for these mistakes are: confusion about the type of requested diagnosis and a difference in knowledge available to the practitioner. The present paper introduces a method to control the latter two factors, for the first time enabling a study of the influence of the first factor in isolation. In the experiment, eighteen advanced postgraduate practitioners made a diagnosis in interaction with a computer program simulating various reading impairments. We found two surprising results: First, the confirmatory tendency was not as prevalent as commonly assumed and second, more important, that where it was employed it was conducive to sound diagnostic decisions.
Segmenting HTML pages using visual and semantic information

The information explosion of the Web aggravates the problem of effective information retrieval. Even though linguistic approaches found in the literature perform linguistic annotation by creating metadata in the form of tokens, lemmas or part of speech tags, however, this process is insufficient. This is due to the fact that these linguistic metadata do not exploit the actual content of the page, leading to the need of performing semantic annotation based on a predefined semantic model. This paper proposes a new learning approach for performing automatic semantic annotation. This is the result of a two step procedure: the first step partitions a web page into blocks based on its visual layout, while the second, performs subsequent partitioning based on the examination of appearance of specific types of entities denoting the semantic category as well as the application of a number of simple heuristics. Preliminary experiments performed on a manually annotated corpus regarding athletics proved to be very promising.
Fuzzy controller for obstacle-avoidance with a non-holonomous mobile robot

This paper describes the design and development of a sensor based navigation system which makes it possible for a non-holonomous mobile robot to avoid obstacles using information on its environment picked up by a belt of ultrasonic sensors. To control the robot no preliminary information regarding its environment is required, the robot adapts to them through the information gathered on the spot by the ultrasonic sensors and the information released from a spatial memory. The controller, which allows the generation of the signal to the robot's motors, has been developed based on the concept of general perception, and the principles of fuzzy logic have been applied. The platform on which the navigation system has been tested, is a prototype mobile robot (VEA-II) developed at IKERLAN, which is highly manoeuvrable, and capable of moving both in a holonomous and non-holonomous configurations.