Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symmetry Breaking in the Congest Model: Time- and Message-Efficient Algorithms for Ruling Sets

We study local symmetry breaking problems in the CONGEST model, focusing on ruling set problems, which generalize the fundamental Maximal Independent Set (MIS) problem. A $\beta$-ruling set is an independent set such that every node in the graph is at most $\beta$ hops from a node in the independent set. Our work is motivated by the following central question: can we break the $\Theta(\log n)$ time complexity barrier and the $\Theta(m)$ message complexity barrier in the CONGEST model for MIS or closely-related symmetry breaking problems? We present the following results: - Time Complexity: We show that we can break the $O(\log n)$ "barrier" for 2- and 3-ruling sets. We compute 3-ruling sets in $O\left(\frac{\log n}{\log \log n}\right)$ rounds with high probability (whp). More generally we show that 2-ruling sets can be computed in $O\left(\log \Delta \cdot (\log n)^{1/2 + \varepsilon} + \frac{\log n}{\log\log n}\right)$ rounds for any $\varepsilon > 0$, which is $o(\log n)$ for a wide range of $\Delta$ values (e.g., $\Delta = 2^{(\log n)^{1/2-\varepsilon}}$). These are the first 2- and 3-ruling set algorithms to improve over the $O(\log n)$-round complexity of Luby's algorithm in the CONGEST model. - Message Complexity: We show an $\Omega(n^2)$ lower bound on the message complexity of computing an MIS (i.e., 1-ruling set) which holds also for randomized algorithms and present a contrast to this by showing a randomized algorithm for 2-ruling sets that, whp, uses only $O(n \log^2 n)$ messages and runs in $O(\Delta \log n)$ rounds. This is the first message-efficient algorithm known for ruling sets, which has message complexity nearly linear in $n$ (which is optimal up to a polylogarithmic factor).
The role of the gastrointestinal tract in phosphate homeostasis in health and chronic kidney disease

Purpose of reviewFor a number of years, there has been increasing interest in the concept of directly targeting intestinal phosphate transport to control hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease. However, progress has been slow due to the paucity of information on the mechanisms involved in intestinal phosphate absorption. This editorial highlights the most recent developments in our understanding of this process and the role of the intestine in the maintenance of phosphate balance. Recent findingsRecent studies in NaPi-IIb knockout mice have confirmed that this transport protein plays a significant role in intestinal phosphate absorption and is critical in the proposed feed-forward mechanism between the small intestine and kidney, which helps to maintain normal phosphate balance and steady-state plasma phosphate concentrations. In addition, renal failure-induced hyperphosphatemia is attenuated in NaPi-IIb knockout mice, confirming that NaPi-IIb is a suitable target in the prevention and treatment of hyperphosphatemia. SummaryRecent findings suggest that consumption of processed foods containing phosphate preservatives may lead to excessive phosphate exposure (if not overload), toxicity, and cardiovascular disease in the general population, as well as in patients with declining renal function. Therefore, establishing more effective ways of targeting the intestine to limit dietary phosphate absorption could have wide-reaching health benefits.
Cognitive radar: A knowledge-aided fully adaptive approach

A confluence of recent breakthroughs in knowledge-aided (KA) processing and adaptive transmit (ATx) radar technologies has enabled a new generation of cognitive radar architectures that affords unprecedented levels of intelligent adaptivity. In this paper one such architecture is introduced by the integration of KA and ATx methods to produce a new cognitive radar that encompasses an environmental dynamic database (EDDB), a “look-ahead” high performance embedded computing (HPEC) architecture pioneered under the DARPA/AFRL KASSPER project, and adaptive transmit (spatio-temporal) functionality.
Constructing Death: The Sociology of Dying and Bereavement

A basic motivation for social and cultural life is the problem of death. By analysing the experiences of dying and bereaved people, as well as institutional responses to death, Clive Seale shows its importance for understanding the place of embodiment in social life. He draws on a comprehensive review of sociological, anthropological and historical studies, including his own research, to demonstrate the great variability that exists in human social constructions for managing mortality. Far from living in a 'death denying' society, dying and bereaved people in contemporary culture are often able to assert membership of an imagined community, through the narrative reconstruction of personal biography, drawing on a variety of cultural scripts emanating from medicine, psychology, the media and other sources. These insights are used to argue that the maintenance of the human social bond in the face of death is a continual resurrective practice, permeating everyday life.
Polynomial time algorithms to approximate mixed volumes within a simply exponential factor

Let K = (K1.Kn) be a n-tuple of convex compact subsets in the Euclidean space R , and let V (·) be the Euclidean volume in R. The Minkowski polynomial VK is defined as VK(x1, ., xn) = V (λ1K1 + . + λnKn) and the mixed volume V (K1, ., Kn) as V (K1.Kn) = ∂ ∂λ1. ∂λn VK(λ1K1 + · · ·λnKn). We study in this paper randomized algorithms to approximate the mixed volume of wellpresented convex compact sets. Our main result is a poly-time algorithm which approximates V (K1, ., Kn) with multiplicative error e n and with better rates if the affine dimensions of most of the sets Ki are small. Our approach is based on the particular convex relaxation of log(V (K1, ., Kn)) via the geometric programming. We prove the mixed volume analogues of the Van der Waerden and the Schrijver/Valiant conjectures on the permanent. These results , interesting on their own, allow to ”justify” the above mentioned convex relaxation, which is solved using the ellipsoid method and a randomized poly-time time algorithm for the approximation of the volume of a convex set. ∗ gurvits@lanl.gov. Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM. 1 Electronic Colloquium on Computational Complexity, Report No. 37 (2007)
Adaptation along prescribed directions

In this paper, we revisit the state feedback model reference adaptive control problem. Specifically, we show that adaptive laws can be constructed such that the adaptation process proceeds along the desired directions. In order to substantiate our design, we formulate sufficient conditions to guarantee global asymptotic tracking of a bounded time varying external command. We argue that the reported results provide an alternative control-theoretic methodology to design adaptive command tracking controllers for multi-input-multi output dynamical systems with matched uncertainties.
FFCD-1004 Clinical Trial: Impact of Cytidine Deaminase Activity on Clinical Outcome in Gemcitabine-Monotherapy Treated Patients

Purpose Because cytidine deaminase (CDA) is the key enzyme in gemcitabine metabolism, numerous studies have attempted to investigate impact of CDA status (i.e. genotype or phenotype) on clinical outcome. To date, data are still controversial because none of these studies has fully investigated genotype-phenotype CDA status, pharmacokinetics and clinical outcome relationships in gemcitabine-treated patients. Besides, most patients were treated with gemcitabine associated with other drugs, thus adding a confounding factor. We performed a multicenter prospective clinical trial in gemcitabine-treated patients which aimed at investigating the link between CDA deficiency on the occurrence of severe toxicities and on pharmacokinetics, and studying CDA genotype-phenotype relationships. Experimental design One hundred twenty patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma eligible for adjuvant gemcitabine monotherapy were enrolled in this study promoted and managed by the Fédération Francophone de Cancérologie Digestive. Toxicities were graded according to National Cancer Institute’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4. They were considered severe for grade ≥ 3, and early when occurring during the first eight weeks of treatment. CDA status was evaluated using a double approach: genotyping for 79A>C and functional testing. Therapeutic drug monitoring of gemcitabine and its metabolite were performed on the first course of gemcitabine. Results Five patients out of 120 (i.e., 4.6%) were found to be CDA deficient (i.e., CDA activity <1.3 U/mg), and only one among them experienced early severe hematological toxicity. There was no statistically significant difference in CDA activity between patients experiencing hematological severe toxicities (28.44%) and patients who tolerated the treatment (71.56%). CDA genetic analysis failed in evidencing an impact in terms of toxicities or in CDA activity. Regarding pharmacokinetics, a wide inter-individual variability has been observed in patients. Conclusion This study, which included only 4.6% of CDA-deficient patients, failed in identifying CDA status as a predictive marker of toxicities with gemcitabine. A lack of statistical power because of smoothing effect of CDA variability as compared with real life conditions could explain this absence of impact. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01416662
Index for spatial heterogeneity in breast cancer

Histopathological heterogeneity in cancer is a general concern. Breast carcinoma heterogeneity is now widely admitted as a source of histological grading imprecision and reproducibility problems. Classically, homogeneity is defined as equivalent to stationarity. A measure of heterogeneity based on asymptotic properties of spatial statistics is developed. Long‐range dependences in heterogeneous spatial processes make estimation of the proposed heterogeneity measure unreliable. A robust estimator based on the wavelet transform is presented; this bypasses long‐range dependences. The estimator extends previous works on one‐dimensional stochastic processes to two dimensions as appropriate for histopathological analysis. As a side result, the estimator gives confidence intervals for the heterogeneity measure that enables the formulation and validation of testable hypothesis on the observed histopathological samples. This approach is applied to the characterization of breast cancer tumours. We show that the heterogeneity measure for various blocks of a single tumour is invariable, even when various blocks differ in size and in number of marked nuclei.
Identification and modification of biphenyl dioxygenase sequences that determine the specificity of polychlorinated biphenyl degradation

The polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener specificities and partial BphA sequences of biphenyl dioxygenase were determined for a set of PCB-degrading bacteria. The strains examined were categorized into two groups based on their ability to degrade 17 PCB congeners. Strains that degraded a broad range of PCBs but had relatively weak activity against di-para-substituted PCBs were designated as having an LB400-type specificity. Strains designated as having a KF707-type specificity degraded a much narrower range of PCBs but had strong activity against certain di-para-substituted congeners. BphA protein sequence comparisons between these two types of strains identified four regions (designated I, II, III, and IV) in which specific sequences were consistently associated with either broad or narrow PCB substrate specificity. The dramatic differences in substrate specificity between LB400 and KF707 appear to result primarily from a combination of mutations in regions III and IV. Altering these regions in the LB400 BphA subunit to correspond to those in the KF707 sequence produced a narrow substrate specificity very similar to that of KF707. Some individual mutations within region III alone were found to improve PCB degradative activity, especially for di-para-substituted congeners. However, the greatest improvements in activity resulted from multiple amino acid modifications in region III, suggesting that the effects of these mutations are cooperative. These results demonstrate the ability to significantly improve PCB oxidative activity through sequence modifications of biphenyl dioxygenase.
Adaptive Method for Minimization of Power Consumption in Sequential Circuits Through DVS and Error Prediction

This paper presents Adaptive methodology to compensate the On Chip Variations (OCV), aging effect and manufacturing uncertainties in sub threshold circuits. “Canary flip-flop (FF),” is used to predict the timing violations. A FSM, 4-bit Counter, in CMOS 90nm technology whose performance is controlled by automatically changing voltage levels (DVS) as per the timing error prediction. In addition, the voltage supply is further scaled down if no timing error is predicted within certain time period to save more power at different PVT conditions. Back end simulation results shows, the design under observation with this technique can compensate process, supply voltage and temperature instability with an efficient power savings of nearly 40% with respect to the conventional worst case design with timing margins approach. Here we also demonstrate how to define the delay of delay chain during the design phase itself.
Successful treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with clarithromycin and prednisolone

We report a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated successfully with clarithromycin (CAM) and prednisolone (PSL). A 71-year-old woman presented with fever and cervical pain. DLBCL was diagnosed based on histological results from lymph node biopsy. Cervical pain was thought to be caused by the invasion of lymphoma cells into the cervical vertebrae. She initially received radiotherapy for the cervical lesion. She did not receive conventional chemotherapy because of the risk of recurrent non-tuberculous mycobacteria infection; therefore, she was treated with 20 mg/day PSL and 800 mg/day CAM to induce apoptosis in lymphoma cells. Complete remission was achieved after 6 months. The present findings suggest that CAM and PSL may be effective in some cases of DLBCL.
Networks and the philosophy of noise

Although in communication the message replaces noise, noise is an integral part of the message itself. The post‐war period is one of an intensified attempt to think of communication and noise together, so that the latter does not appear only as the source of disorder but also as the material part of communication. Noise is thus absolutely necessary for communication. On the other hand, in order to make a shared meaning possible, a remarkable part of this noise has to be excluded. Furthermore, communication has to be given a form in order to be distinguished from noise. Yet communication itself cannot be given any single form, for it escapes all formalizations. This movement of sharing and excluding, form‐giving and fleeing from organization, is what determines the field of communication. This article investigates the ways in which this movement has found expression in the writings of Serres, Girard, Latour and Callon.
Efficacy of Itraconazole in Blastomycosis in a Murine Model and Comparison with Ketoconazole

Summary: Mice were infected intranasally with B. dermatitidis yeasts, and after infection treated orally. Itraconazole 50–150mg/kg/day was protective (prolonged survival) against lethal infection, although the infection was not sterilized. Itraconazole was approximately 3 times as potent as ketoconazole. These results suggest advantages for itraconazole therapy clinically.
Instantaneous force-velocity-length relations in isolated dog heart.

The mechanics of left ventricular contraction were investigated in terms of instantaneous mural force, mid-wall circumferential fiber shortening velocity (dL/dt), and fiber length (L) in seven servo-regulated hearts. The steady-state response of series of variably preloaded or afterloaded allasotonic contractions were utilized. Norepinephrine (0.55-1.38 mug/min) or propranolol (0.07-0.14 mg/min) were given to alter inotropic background. For any given contractile state and initial L, maximum dL/dt was not attained instantly but after a finite time of ejection (39 ms +/- 0.2 SE; range, 24-60) and from a lesser length (92% +/- 0.5 SE; range, 83-99) than present at end diastole. Beyond this initial period instantaneous dL/dt was dependent on both instantaneous force and length while independent of time after contraction and initial L. Instantaneous dL/dt also varied with contractile state, e.g., dL/dt was less after propranolol and greater after norepinephrine. Peak dL/dt for all conditions was a function of the extent of shortening (r = 0.90). Thus, the trajectory describing instantaneous force, velocity, and length provides a useful description of both the mechanical behavior and contractile state of the ventricular myocardium.
Tracing the development of the work aspect preference scale

Abstract Feather (1979) has pointed out the need for a measure of values applied to the work situation. This article outlines the procedures involved in the construction of such a scale. Further, it summarises the results of some of the major statistical analyses undertaken in the development of the Work Aspect Preference Scale (WAPS). An initial version of the WAPS containing 178 items was analysed by a technique recently suggested by Berven and Hubert (1977) of using factor analysis and cluster analysis as complementary multivariate techniques. Principal components analysis with a varimax rotation was repeatedly applied to samples of items to approximate simple structure. Cluster analysis confirmed the 12 factor solution. Factors were designated Security, Self Development, Altruism, Life Style, Physical Activity, Detachment, Independence, Prestige, Management, Co-Workers, Creativity and Money. Item-total correlational analysis revealed quite homogeneous subscales while a MANOVA indicated that all 12 fac.
Effects of Combined Aspirin and Clopidogrel Therapy on Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Aspirin and clopidogrel monotherapies are effective treatments for preventing vascular disease. However, new evidence has emerged regarding the use of combined aspirin and clopidogrel therapy to prevent cardiovascular events. We therefore performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the benefits and harms of combined aspirin and clopidogrel therapy on major cardiovascular outcomes. Methodology/Principal Findings We systematically searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, reference lists of articles, and proceedings of major meetings to identify studies to fit our analysis. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of combined aspirin and clopidogrel therapy compared with aspirin or clopidogrel monotherapy. We identified 7 trials providing data with a total of 48248 patients. These studies reported 5134 major cardiovascular events, 1626 myocardial infarctions, 1927 strokes, and 1147 major bleeding events. Overall, the addition of aspirin to clopidogrel therapy as compared to single drug therapy resulted in a 9% RR reduction (95%CI, 2 to 17) in major cardiovascular events, 14% RR reduction (95%CI, 3 to 24) in myocardial infarction, 16% RR reduction (95%CI, 1 to 28) in stroke, and 62% RR increase (95%CI, 26 to 108) in major bleeding events. We also present the data as ARR to explore net value as the reduction in cardiovascular events. Overall, we observed that combined therapy yielded 1.06% decrease (95%CI, 0.23% to 1.99%) in major cardiovascular events and 1.23% increase (95%CI, 0.52% to 2.14%) in major bleeding events. Conclusion/Significance Although the addition of aspirin to clopidogrel resulted in small relative reductions in major cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, it also resulted in a relative increase in major bleeding events. In absolute terms the benefits of combined therapy, a 1.06% reduction in major cardiovascular events, does not outweigh the harms, a 1.23% increase in major bleeding events.
The political economy of party building

This article theorizes the strategies used by parties to expand their support base, with a particular focus on the allocation of party goods. Here, we theorize that nascent parties with goods to hand out will favour a particular type of societal group, which we name private-gain-seeking groups. We utilize Peru’s party system collapse following Fujimori’s rule as an opportunity to test our hypotheses, which state that political parties will favour electorally volatile groups with restricted access to information or compromised opportunities to process it. Evidence for the hypotheses is found using data on the FONCODES allocation patterns of approximately 750 mayoral districts in Peru. The data suggest that groups expected to be favoured could end up receiving shares 34 percent greater than the least attractive groups.
Book Review: Dignity, respect and the cultures of work

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to attend a session at a conference in Youngstown, Ohio, where a recently redundant steelworker talked with great eloquence about his former working life. He related the story of his first job while still a schoolboy collecting baseballs at his local diamond. One day his father was talking to the owner when the boy’s boss ordered him about with a wag of a finger. The boy’s father, a steelworker himself, took the boy home and never let him collect balls again. The story for the teller illustrated the interlinked qualities of dignity and respect at work. His father recognized in the other man’s gesture a disrespect for his son’s labour. The narrator spoke of the profound effect of this event on his working life and the way he subsequently viewed his treatment at work.
Hyperproliferative Response of a Monoclonal Memory CD8 T Cell Population Is Characterized by an Increased Frequency of Clonogenic Precursors1

Strong memory T cell responses result partly from the selection of Ag-specific clones during immunization. In this study, we show that a monoclonal CD8 T cell population expressing a unique TCR is heterogeneous in terms of clonogenic potential following activation under optimal conditions. More importantly, the frequency of clonogenic cells is strongly increased among Ag-experienced cells, indicating that these cells were either generated or selected during the in vivo primary response. Moreover, strong proliferative responses of primed cells result from this enhanced frequency, as proliferating naive and primed cells display the same cycling parameters, i.e., lag time and intermitotic interval. Hence, these results suggest that the clonogenic potential of individual cells is imprinted before Ag encounter and that clonogenic precursors are selected or generated following in vivo activation.
Temporal plannability by variance of the episode length

Optimization of decision problems in stochastic environments is usually concerned with maximizing the probability of achieving the goal and minimizing the expected episode length. For interacting agents in time-critical applications, learning of the possibility of scheduling of subtasks (events) or the full task is an additional relevant issue. Besides, there exist highly stochastic problems where the actual trajectories show great variety from episode to episode, but completing the task takes almost the same amount of time. The identification of sub-problems of this nature may promote e.g., planning, scheduling and segmenting Markov decision processes. In this work, formulae for the average duration as well as the standard deviation of the duration of events are derived. The emerging Bellman-type equation is a simple extension of Sobel's work (1982). Methods of dynamic programming as well as methods of reinforcement learning can be applied for our extension. Computer demonstration on a toy problem serve to highlight the principle.