Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sphingolipid targets in cancer therapy

Considerable progress has been made recently in our understanding of the role of ceramide in the induction of apoptotic cell death. Ceramide is produced by cancer cells in response to exposure to radiation and most chemotherapeutics and is an intracellular second messenger that activates enzymes, leading to apoptosis. Because of its central role in apoptosis, pharmacologic manipulation of intracellular ceramide levels should result in attenuation or enhancement of drug resistance. This may be achieved through direct application of sphingolipids or by the inhibition/activation of the enzymes that either produce or use ceramide. In addition, attention should be given to the subcellular location of ceramide generation, because this has been shown to affect the biological activity of sphingolipids. This review summarizes the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway, as it relates to the identification of important targets for drug discovery, and the development of novel agents capable of enhancing chemotherapy. [Mol Cancer Ther 2006;5(2):200–8]
A new method based on cluster analysis for solving one-dimensional parabolic equations

A new different method has been developed for solving one-dimensional parabolic differential equations in this paper. Here, the standard backward Euler difference scheme was improved by the clustering algorithm. The method is illustrated by numerical examples. It not only reduces computing time remarkably, but also shows better performance in data storage and at the same time is more stable than the standard backward Euler difference scheme.
Genetic counseling in melanoma

Genetic counseling may be offered to families with melanoma and to individuals with multiple melanomas to better understand the genetic susceptibility of the disease, the influence of environmental factors, the inheritance of the risk, and behavior that decreases the risk of dying from melanoma, including specific dermatological follow‐up such as total body photography and digital dermoscopy. Genetic testing may be offered to those individuals with more than a 10% chance of being a carrier of a mutation. This risk varies according to the incidence of melanoma in the country and sun behavior. In countries with a low‐medium incidence of melanoma, genetic testing should be offered to families with two cases of melanoma or an individual with two primary melanomas. In countries with a high incidence, families with three cases of melanoma, with two melanomas and one pancreatic adenocarcinoma, or patients with three primary melanomas, may benefit from genetic testing.
Global alert to avian influenza virus infection: From H5N1 to H7N9

Abstract Outbreak of a novel influenza virus is usually triggered by mutational change due to the process known as ‘antigenic shift’ or re-assortment process that allows animal-to-human or avian-to-human transmission. Birds are a natural reservoir for the influenza virus, and subtypes H5, H7, and H9 have all caused outbreaks of avian influenza in human populations. An especially notorious strain is the HPAI influenza virus H5N1, which has a mortality rate of approximately 60% and which has resulted in numerous hospitalizations, deaths, and significant economic loss. In March 2013, in Eastern China, there was an outbreak of the novel H7N9 influenza virus, which although less pathogenic in avian species, resulted in 131 confirmed cases and 36 deaths in humans over a two-month span. The rapid outbreak of this virus caused global concern but resulted in international cooperation to control the outbreak. Furthermore, cooperation led to valuable research-sharing including genome sequencing of the virus, the development of rapid and specific diagnosis, specimen sharing for future studies, and vaccine development. Although a H7N9 pandemic in the human population is possible due to its rapid transmissibility and extensive surveillance, the closure of the live-bird market will help mitigate the possibility of another H7N9 outbreak. In addition, further research into the source of the outbreak, pathogenicity of the virus, and the development of specific and sensitive detection assays will be essential for controlling and preparing for future H7N9 outbreaks.
Tunnel Formation by Reticulitermes flavipes and Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Response to Wood in Sand

Abstract The tunneling responses of two subterranean termite species, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), to the presence of sound wood in laboratory arenas were studied. Branching pattern and the speed of tunnel construction between R. flavipes and C. formosanus also were compared. Patlak’s residence index (ρ) was generated using the length, width, speed of construction, and area of the primary tunnels built by termites. In the same allotted time, C. formosanus built wider and shorter primary tunnels, whereas R. flavipes built thinner and longer primary tunnels. The presence of wood did not affect termite tunnel formation. This lack of variation in tunnel formation parameters was evidenced by the inability of the termites to locate wood sources over distance, even as short as 2.5 mm, and by the similar tunneling behaviors in areas of the arena with or without wood. Patlak’s model predicted the densities of tunnels with an error between 9 and 28%, in experiments with R. flavipes exposed to a range of 0–8,000 g of wood, and between 61 and 87% in experiments with C. formosanus. These results indicated that the residence index can provide a qualitative measure of the effect of habitat heterogeneity on the individual termite tunnels. The tunneling construction strategy of these subterranean termites is discussed.
Contribution au décodage à décision douce des codes correcteurs en bloc. (Contribution to soft decoding for short block error correcting codes)

Pour des trames de longueurs n superieures ou egales a quelques milliers de bits (n > 1000), les turbocodes et les codes LDPC (Low-Density Parity Check) ou leurs variantes donnent d'excellentes performances avec une complexite raisonnable pour des implementations "temps reel" meme pour des debits tres eleves (GigaBit/s). Par contre pour les petites longueurs (n < 1000) de trames, les turbocodes et codes LDPC courts sont moins performants. En effet, pour avoir de grandes distances minimales dmin avec des codes de petites longueurs n et de grandes capacites de correction, il faut des codes dont les matrices de controle de parite soient de densite elevee et non creuse, c'est a dire avec beaucoup de 1 et tres peu de 0, comme celles des codes LDPC ou des turbocodes. La densite elevee de la matrice de controle du code conduit a des cycles courts dans le graphe de Tanner correspondant et donc rend les algorithmes type BP (Belief Propagation) inefficaces. L'objectif principal de cette these est donc de contribuer a ameliorer le decodage a decision douce des codes en bloc lineaires courts. Nos travaux se sont orientes, dans un premier temps, vers l'etude d'une classe particuliere de codes en bloc appeles codes Cortex. La construction Cortex repose sur l'utilisation de codes de base de petites longueurs assembles en etages relies par des permutations. Nous proposons une nouvelle methode pour estimer les variables cachees dans la structure afin de pouvoir effectuer un decodage iteratif entre les codes de base. Nous proposons une deuxieme methode de decodage qui ne necessite pas d'estimation des variables cachees en les dissimulant dans des equations booleennes. Dans un second temps nous avons elargi nos recherches a des algorithmes de decodage tres generaux valables pour tout code en bloc. Nous proposons dans ce cadre trois methodes de decodage basees sur des treillis-produits de complexite reduite construits a partir des lignes des matrices generatrice et de controle du code en bloc.
NE-Map-Based Design of an IPMSM for Traction in an EV

Th\s paper proposes a novel plot called an NE-Map that has two axes representing the no-load electromotive force (EMF) and the number of windings per slot. The NE-Map is applied to the design of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor. Here, the design of the rotor is implemented using a magnetic equivalent circuit. In addition, the phase currents and current phase angles are estimated by considering the maximum torque per ampere and the flux weakening control method, and a stator is designed using this estimation. As these processes are presented in terms of the values of the EMF and the number of windings per slot, this representation allows for the verification of the relationship among the motor parameters and the determination of the final model by reflecting the design constraints. This process is applied to the design of a traction motor in hybrid EVs, and its validity is verified by comparison with finite element analysis and test data.
The inter-rater reliability of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised Visual Memory test.

Nine clinical psychologists experienced in administering the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R), and nine inexperienced trainee clinical psychologists scored a videotape of 12 subjects completing the WMS-R Visual Memory test. The subjects were selected to provide a wide range of visual memory scores. Data were analysed for the two subgroups of experienced and inexperienced raters and for the entire group of 18 raters. Inter-rater reliability was extremely impressive in all three analyses, with Kendall's coefficient of concordance always exceeding . 92, (p < .001). No significant difference emerged when experienced and inexperienced raters were compared. The results suggest that the WMS-R visual memory test has acceptable inter-rater reliability for both experienced and inexperienced raters. Recommendations are made regarding improving this reliability even further.
Dietary patterns and nutrient intakes of a South African population and asymptomatic people infected with human immunodeficiency virus: The transition health and urbanisation in South Africa (THUSA) study.

There is increased emphasis on the quality of food and the overall pattern of micronutrient intake as an integral consideration for food security particularly among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, limited data exist on food consumption and nutrient intakes for populations in sub-Saharan Africa. The study examined dietary patterns and their relationship with nutrient intakes in HIV uninfected (HIV-) and infected (HIV+) adults in North-West Province, South Africa. In this cross-sectional study, dietary and nutrient intakes were assessed with Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFFQ) and FoodFinder software, respectively. Dietary patterns were determined using Principal Component Analysis. Participants’ scores for the dietary patterns were related to nutrient intakes using Spearman Rank correlation and Generalised Linear Modelling (GENLIN). Four main dietary patterns were found in each population. The first three patterns were similar between the HIV- and HIV+ populations: “animal-based”, associated with intake of foods of animal origin; “recommended” associated with a varied diet; and “staple-based”. The fourth pattern was described as either ‘eggs-and-breakfast-cereals’ for the HIV- group or ‘legumesand-vegetables’ for HIV+ group. Scores for animal-based pattern showed strongest correlations(r) with nutrient intakes for both populations, notably zinc (r=0.54), calcium (r=0.5), potassium (r=0.54), vitamin A (r=0.5), and vitamin C (r=0.5), (p<0.001 for all). In the HIV+ group, the legumes-and-vegetables pattern was strongly associated with energy (r=0.64), vitamins D (r=0.51), E (0.51) and B1 (r=0.55) (p<0.001 for all). Compared with the other patterns, the Staple-based and the recommended patterns showed the weakest associations with nutrient intakes. Generalised Linear Modelling confirmed stronger positive linear associations between scores of the animal-based diet and nutrients intake, compared with the other patterns. The findings suggest that the animal-based pattern was strongly associated with nutrients intake in both HIV + and HIV- populations. This raises the need for studies into dietary recommendations for promoting nutritional wellbeing for PLWHA in sub-Saharan Africa.
Breast Cancer Interventions Serving US-Based Latinas: Current Approaches and Directions

Despite efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality in breast cancer, Latinas continue to have lower 5-year survival rates than their non-Latina white counterparts. All along the cancer continuum from screening to follow-up of abnormal screening to diagnosis and treatment to survivorship, Latinas fare poorer than non-Latina whites. To close this gap, a number of research projects across the continuum have attempted to improve breast cancer outcomes. In this review, we examine studies that have been carried out in breast cancer along the cancer continuum. We focus not only on randomized, controlled trials, but also on quasi-experimental, and pre- and post-test studies that provided interventions for positive breast cancer outcomes. We examine not only the intervention outcomes, but also the type of intervention targets and type of intervention implementation. In future breast cancer research among Latinas, more emphasis should be placed on the steps in detection and treatment that occur after screening.
An Examination of Cultural Values and Employees' Perceptions of Support on Affective Reaction and the Desire to Participate in a Formal Mentoring Program in an Oilfield Services Corporation.

An Examination of Cultural Values and Employees‘ Perceptions of Support on Affective Reaction and the Desire to Participate in a Formal Mentoring Program in an Oilfield Services Corporation. (May 2012) Hanna Bea Hayes, B.S., Texas A&M University; M.S., University of Texas at Dallas Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Larry M. Dooley Many researchers have examined the effect of formal mentoring on job satisfaction and organizational commitment. However, there has been little or no focus on an employee‘s intent to participate in a formal mentoring program based upon an employee‘s perceived organizational support, and/or affective reaction (job satisfaction and organizational commitment). In the current study, the researcher examined the relationship among cultural values, perceived organizational support (career and psychosocial support), affective reaction (job satisfaction and organizational commitment), and the intent to participate in a formal mentoring program in an oilfield services organization. A 44-item electronic survey was utilized to collect data. The questionnaire was sent to 831 Field Engineers 1 (FE1‘s) in forty-two countries within an oilfield services organization. The sample included 341 respondents. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach‘s alpha estimates for reliability, factor analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis, path analysis, and structural equation modeling were the analyses used in the study. The researcher posited that cultural values amongst the FE1s do not differ significantly; moreover, the cultural values do not influence the FE1s perceived organization support. Further, it was found that FE1‘s perceived support (career and psychosocial) and affective reactions predicted the FE1‘s intent to participate in a formal mentoring program.
Distinctive Neuronal Networks and Biochemical Pathways for Appetitive and Aversive Memory in Drosophila Larvae

Associative strength between conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US) is thought to determine learning efficacy in classical conditioning. Elucidation of the neuronal mechanism that underlies the association between CS and US in the brain is thus critical to understand the principle of memory formation. With a simple brain organization, the Drosophila larva provides an attractive model system to investigate learning at the neurocircuitry level. Previously, we described a single-odor paradigm for larval associative learning using sucrose as a reward, and showed that larval appetitive memory lasts longer than 2 h. In this work, we describe behavioral and genetic characterization of larval aversive olfactory memory formed in our paradigm, and compare its stability and neurocircuitry with those of appetitive memory. Despite identical training paradigms, larval olfactory memory formed with quinine or NaCl is short-lived to be lost in 20 min. As with appetitive memory, larval aversive memory produced in this paradigm depends on intact cAMP signaling, but neither mutation of amnesiac nor suppression of CREB activity affects its kinetics. Neurocircuitry analyses suggest that aversive memory is stored before the presynaptic termini of the larval mushroom body neurons as is the case with appetitive memory. However, synaptic output of octopaminergic and dopaminergic neurons, which exhibit distinctive innervation patterns on the larval mushroom body and antennal lobe, is differentially required for the acquisition of appetitive and aversive memory, respectively. These results as a whole suggest that the genetically programmed memory circuitries might provide predisposition in the efficacy of inducing longer-lived memory components in associative learning.
Fisher Information-based Experiment Design for Network Tomography

Network tomography aims to infer the individual performance of networked elements (e.g., links) using aggregate measurements on end-to-end paths. Previous work on network tomography focuses primarily on developing estimators using the given measurements, while the design of measurements is often neglected. We fill this gap by proposing a framework to design probing experiments with focus on probe allocation, and applying it to two concrete problems: packet loss tomography and packet delay variation (PDV) tomography. Based on the Fisher Information Matrix (FIM), we design the distribution of probes across paths to maximize the best accuracy of unbiased estimators, asymptotically achievable by the maximum likelihood estimator. We consider two widely-adopted objective functions: determinant of the inverse FIM (D-optimality) and trace of the inverse FIM (A-optimality). We also extend the A-optimal criterion to incorporate heterogeneity in link weights. Under certain conditions on the FIM, satisfied by both loss and PDV tomography, we derive explicit expressions for both objective functions. When the number of probing paths equals the number of links, these lead to closed-form solutions for the optimal design; when there are more paths, we develop a heuristic to select a subset of paths and optimally allocate probes within the subset. Observing the dependency of the optimal design on unknown parameters, we further propose an algorithm that iteratively updates the design based on parameter estimates, which converges to the design based on true parameters as the number of probes increases. Using packet-level simulations on real datasets, we verify that the proposed design effectively reduces estimation error compared with the common approach of uniformly distributing probes.
Crossbow: from hardware virtualized NICs to virtualized networks

This paper describes a new architecture for achieving network virtualization using virtual NICs (VNICs) as the building blocks. The VNICs can be associated with dedicated and independent hardware lanes that consist of dedicated NIC and kernel resources. Hardware lanes support dynamic polling, which enables the fair sharing of bandwidth with no performance penalty. VNICs ensure full separation of traffic for virtual machines within the host. A collection of VNICs on one or more physical machines can be connected to create a Virtual Wire by assigning them a common attribute such as a VLAN tag.
In-Network Processing , User-Level Stacks and the Future of Internet Evolution

In past years, it has become increasingly evident that the venerable end-to-end model often taught in networking courses has more to do with Internet lore than with the reality of the network today. Over time, operators have deployed a vast array of middleboxes to enhance the capabilities of the network, ranging from security (firewalls, IDSes, traffic scrubbers), traffic shaping (rate limiters, load balancers), dealing with address space exhaustion (NATs) or improving performance (traffic accelerators, caches, proxies), to name a few. Middleboxes are ubiquitous: a third of access networks show symptoms of stateful middlebox processing [4] and in enterprise networks there are as many middleboxes deployed as routers and switches [6]. Middleboxes are here to stay, and their usefulness, at least to operators, is beyond question. However, their existence restricts, in an often opaque way, what is considered ”correct” traffic: packets that do not use common protocols or that use unusual header field values risk being modified or dropped altogether. This inevitably forces applications to use a few (sometimes inadequate) protocols such as HTTP or worse, HTTPS, to ensure that traffic makes it to their destination. It might be tempting to single out middleboxes as the root of the Internet’s ossification problem, but their existence is not a fundamental show stopper. Rather, the issue lies in the fact that their presence in a path is often unknown to the end points, that some of them may modify or filter protocols in ways unexpected to end points, and that there is no mechanism to explicitly address them in order to negotiate and resolve the tussle between what the operator needs in order to ensure the correct functioning of its network and what end users would expect in terms of the service they would like to experience. Middleboxes are not the only factor contributing to the Internet’s ossification. A recent study [2] has shown that as many as 86% of Internet paths still allow TCP extensions despite the existence of a large number of middleboxes. Indeed, over the past years a respectable number of new protocols have surfaced (e.g., SCTP, DCCP, MPTCP, improved versions of TCP), many of which have become part of mainstream OSes and distributions. However, making into an OS does not imply the immediate availability of a protocol: OS upgrades can take years to trickle down to end user devices, and even when they do, they are sometimes not automatically enabled [3]. In short, it is rather difficult to deploy novel network stacks and their corresponding protocols on end user devices, compounding the previously mentioned App 1