Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quality of life in metastatic breast cancer: comparing patients with major depressive episodes with patients without M.I.N.I. diagnosis

Aim To compare the quality of life indicators in patients with metastatic breast cancer diagnosed with major depressive episodes with those in patients with no psychiatric diagnosis. Patients and methods We conducted a cross-sectional, observational study at the Day Care Unit of the Oncology Institute “Ioan Chiricuţă” Cluj-Napoca in a group of 100 patients with metastatic breast cancer, during chemotherapy. General data were collected and the patients received a complete psychiatric evaluation, in conjunction with a structured interview and an oncology designed quality of life questionnaire. Results The rate of major depressive episodes in the group was 29.30%. The patients with major depressive episodes had lower adjusted mean scores for physical, emotional, social and role functioning and higher adjusted mean scores for fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss and constipation than those without diagnosis. The quality of life/global health status scores were significantly lower in the depressive patients group, and the same results were noted for sexual functioning and enjoyment mean scores, as well as for the future perspective. Conclusions These results suggest that patients with metastatic breast cancer and major depressive episodes have an impaired quality of life as compared to those without psychiatric diagnosis.
HCO3 −/Cl− Exchange Inactivation and Reactivation during Mouse Oocyte Meiosis Correlates with MEK/MAPK-Regulated Ae2 Plasma Membrane Localization

Background Germinal Vesicle (GV) stage mouse oocytes in first meiotic prophase exhibit highly active HCO3 −/Cl− exchange—a class of transport nearly ubiquitously involved in regulation of intracellular pH and cell volume. During meiosis, however, oocyte HCO3 −/Cl− exchange becomes inactivated during first metaphase (MI), remains inactive in second metaphase (MII), and is reactivated only after egg activation. Previous work using pharmacological manipulations had indicated that activity of the MEK/MAPK signaling pathway was negatively correlated with HCO3 −/Cl− exchange activity during meiosis. However, the mechanism by which the exchanger is inactivated during meiotic progression had not been determined, nor had the role of MEK/MAPK been directly established. Methodology/Principal Findings Expression of a constitutively active form of MEK (MAP kinase kinase), which prevented the normal downregulation of MAPK after egg activation, also prevented reactivation of HCO3 −/Cl− exchange. Conversely, suppression of endogenous MAPK activity with dominant negative MEK activated the normally quiescent HCO3 −/Cl− exchange in mature MII eggs. A GFP-tagged form of the HCO3 −/Cl− exchanger isoform Ae2 (Slc4a2) was strongly expressed at the GV oocyte plasma membrane, but membrane localization decreased markedly during meiotic progression. A similar pattern for endogenous Ae2 was confirmed by immunocytochemistry. The loss of membrane-localized Ae2 appeared selective, since membrane localization of a GFP-tagged human dopamine D1 receptor did not change during meiotic maturation. Conclusions Direct manipulation of MAPK activity indicated that GFP-tagged Ae2 localization depended upon MAPK activity. Inactivation of HCO3 −/Cl− exchange during the meiotic cell cycle may therefore reflect the loss of Ae2 from the oocyte plasma membrane, downstream of MEK/MAPK signaling. This identifies a novel role for MEK/MAPK-mediated cytostatic factor (CSF) activity during meiosis in membrane protein trafficking in mouse oocytes, and shows for the first time that selective retrieval of membrane proteins is a feature of meiosis in mammalian oocytes.
A wearable triaxial accelerometry system for longitudinal assessment of falls risk

Falls-related injuries in the elderly population are a major cause of morbidity and represent one of the most significant contributors to hospitalizations and rising health care expense in developed countries. Many laboratory-based studies have described falls detection systems using wearable accelerometry. However, only a limited number of reports have tried to address the difficult issues of falls detection and falls prevention in unsupervised or free-living environments. We describe a waist-mounted triaxial accelerometry (Triax) system with a remote data collection capability to provide unsupervised monitoring of the elderly. The basis of the monitoring is a self-administered directed-routine (DR) comprising three separate tests measured by way of the Triax. We present an initial evaluation of the DR results in 36 patients to detect early changes in functional ability and facilitate falls risk stratification. Extracted features considered alone show a correlation with falls risk of approximately ρ=0.5. Estimation of falls risk using a linear least squares model provides a root-mean-squared error of 0.69 (ρ=0.58, p<0.0002).
Implementation of Short Read Alignment Algorithm in OpenCL on Xeon Phi Coprocessor

Aligning sequencing reads to a reference genome is often essential in many comparative genomics pipelines. With the maturation of next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) technologies, an enormous amount of sequence data has been generated, this calls for the development of faster read alignment programs. In this paper we present an OpenCL implementation of the short read aligner BarraCUDA [1], which is based on BWA software package [2] and utilises NVIDIA's GPGPU implementation, namely Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) to parallelise the alignment of sequence reads. We re-implemented BarraCUDA aligner in OpenCL and test it on Intel's MIC architecture device - Xeon Phi 5110P coprocessor. Experiment results show that our OpenCL aligner performs better than its CPU-based software counterpart, with a 4 times performance boost compared to 8-thread BWA.
BLT2 expression improves skin integrity and protects from alterations caused by hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes

ABSTRACT Type 2 diabetes (T2D) can go undiagnosed for years, leading to a stage where chronic high blood sugar produces complications such as delayed wound healing. Reports have shown that BLT2 activation improves keratinocyte migration and wound healing, as well as protecting the epidermal barrier through the promotion of actin polymerization. The goal of this study was to elucidate the role of BLT2 expression in skin epithelial integrity in T2D. For this purpose, we used both wild type (WT) and BLT2 knockout mice in a model, in which a T2D-like phenotype was induced by keeping the animals on a high fat (HF) diet over 5 weeks. In a parallel in vitro approach, we cultured BLT2-transfected HaCaT cells at both low and high glucose concentrations for 48 h. Structure, transepithelial resistance (TEER), IL-1ß, IL-8 or CXCL2, MMP9, Filaggrin, Loricrin and Keratin 10 (K10) were evaluated ex vivo and in vitro. Additionally, wound healing (WH) was studied in vitro. The skin from T2D and BLT2 knockout mice showed a reduction in TEER and the expression of IL-1ß, and in increase in CXCL2, MMP9, Filaggrin, Loricrin and K10 expression. The structure suggested an atrophic epidermis; however, the skin was dramatically affected in the BLT2 knockout mice kept on a HF diet. HaCaT-BLT2 cells presented as an organized monolayer and showed higher TEER and wound healing compared with vector only-transfected HaCaT-Mock cells. Likewise, alterations in the expression of skin inflammatory, matrix degradation and differentiation markers under low and high glucose conditions were less severe than in HaCaT-Mock cells. Our results suggest that BLT2 improves epithelial integrity and function by regulating differentiation markers, cytokines and MMP9. Furthermore, BLT2 attenuates the damaging effects of high glucose levels, thereby accelerating wound healing.
Institutionen, Finanzsysteme und Transformation

Governments have a substantial influence on the allocation of resources in setting the rules of the game of financial markets. However, up to now, institutional economics and the theory of financial markets are totally separated research areas. To close this analytical gap, our paper connects these two research areas by investigating the roles of the state as a player and a regulator of financial markets. In our empirical case-studies on the transformation process in Poland, Romania and Russia we are analysing the problems that arise from such an unclear definition of the role of the state.
Robust vanishing point estimation for driver assistance

This paper presents an architecture for real-time vanishing point estimation for driver assistance applications. It consists of a data-driven estimation and a model-based filtering module. The data-driven estimation algorithm is based on line-segments that are assumed to be calculated in an independent preprocessing stage. Model-based filtering is achieved by a Kalman filter that operates on the results of the data-driven processing step. The robustness of the overall estimation is significantly increased by online adaptation of the parameters of both, the data-driven as well as the model-driven processing units. The design of the feedback loop assures that no instable system states occur. The resulting architecture provides robust vanishing point estimation in a wide variety of environmental conditions
The administration of vitamin C in a large institution and its effect on general health and resistance to infection

1. The vitamin C in the dietary of an institution was largely destroyed by the methods of cooking and distribution. 2. Some 50 mg. of ascorbic acid per head per day were required to be added to the diet to produce an optimum excretion level. 3. Large doses of ascorbic acid were given to a group of adolescents in the institution over a period of several months. A record was kept of the incidences of infectious diseases in this treated group and in the remainder (controls). The following conclusions were reached: (a) The incidences of common cold and tonsillitis were the same in the two groups. (b) The average duration of illness due to the common cold was the same in the two groups. (c) The duration of illness of tonsillitis was longer in the control group than in the test group. (d) Cases of rheumatic fever and pneumonia occurred in the control group but no case of either disease occurred in the test group.
Market Maker Inventories and Stock

This paper examines daily inventory/asset price dynamics using 11 years of NYSE specialist data. The unique length and breadth of our sample enables the first longer horizon testing of market making inventory models—e.g., Grossman and Miller (1988). We confirm such models’ predictions that specialists’ positions are negatively correlated with past price changes and positively correlated with subsequent changes. A portfolio that is long stocks with the highest inventory positions and short stocks with the lowest inventory positions has returns of 0.10% and 0.33% over the following 1 and 5 days, respectively. These findings empirically validate the causal mechanism—liquidity supplier inventory—that underlies models linking liquidity provision and asset prices. Inventories complement past returns when predicting return reversals. A portfolio long high-inventory/low-return stocks and short low-inventory/high-return stocks yields 1.05% over the following 5 days. Order imbalances calculated from signing trades relative to quotes also predict reversals and are complementary to inventories and past returns. Finally, specialist inventories can be used to predict return continuations over a one-day horizon.
ERCA: efficient and robust cipher algorithm for LTE data confidentiality

In this paper, a new ciphering algorithm is proposed for Long Term Evolution (LTE) data confidentiality. The proposed cipher scheme is based on a novel stream cipher framework which uses Substitution-Diffusion (SD) structure to provide key-streams that possess acceptable cryptographic performance (avalanche effect and key sensibility). Standards have been already adopted by 3GPP for LTE data confidentiality; EEA1, EEA2, and EEA3 which are based on Snow 3G, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and ZUC, respectively. Although the above mentioned algorithms have sufficient security strength against attacks, our solution is constructed to ensure less complexity with similar security strength. The proposed algorithm consists of an addition layer and a modified RC6 substitution layer which could require no memory and has stronger cryptographic properties compared to RC6. Furthermore, a new dynamic non-invertible diffusion layer technique is introduced, which is constructed from the output of the substitution layer. Theoretical and simulation results show that our algorithm is immune against liner, differential, chosen/known-plain-text, brute force and statistical attacks. Equally important to note, our proposed cipher algorithm has a lower computational time compared to AES, and could be adapted for other kinds of wireless networks.
A Multiple View System for Modeling Building Entities

Modeling virtual buildings is an essential task in the city planning domain whereas several aspects have essential influence. Planners have to deal with different types of potentially multiform datasets; moreover they have to consider certain guidelines and constraints that are imposed on the development areas to which buildings are related. The planning process can be divided into different subtasks with varying requirements regarding the interaction techniques that are used for their accomplishment. To incorporate these aspects multiple view systems have proven enormous potential in order to provide efficient user interfaces. In this paper, we present strategies for modeling virtual building entities via a multiple view system as part of a 3D decision support system that enables the intuitive generation and evaluation of building proposals. City planners have been involved in the design process of the system, in particular the multiple view concepts. Therefore each view of the system, which visualizes different aspects concerning the underlying models, meets the demands of city planners. Furthermore, we present both coupled and uncoupled interaction techniques between different views with respect to requirements of the city planning domain
Phoneme discrimination using $KS$-algebra II

$KS$-algebra consists of expressions constructed with four kinds operations, the minimum, maximum, difference and additively homogeneous generalized means. Five families of $Z$-classifiers are investigated on binary classification tasks between English phonemes. It is shown that the classifiers are able to reflect well known formant characteristics of vowels, while having very small Kolmogoroff's complexity.
Operator Adjustable Equalizers : An Overview

• References Introduction This paper presents an overview of operator adjustable equalizers in the professional audio industry. The term “operator adjustable equalizers” is no doubt a bit vague and cumbersome. For this, the author apologizes. Needed was a term to differentiate between fixed equalizers and variable equalizers. Fixed equalizers, such as pre-emphasis and de-emphasis circuits, phono RIAA and tape NAB circuits, and others, are subject matter unto themselves, but not the concern of this survey. Variable equalizers, however, such as graphics and parametrics are very much the subject of this paper, hence the term, “operator adjustable equalizers. ” That is what they are—equalizers adjustable by operators—as opposed to built-in, non-adjustable, fixed circuits. Without belaboring the point too much, it is important in the beginning to clarify and use precise terminology. Much confusion surrounds users of variable equalizers due to poorly understood terminology. What types of variable equalizers exist? Why so many? Which one is best? What type of circuits prevail? What kind of filters? Who makes what? Hopefully, the answers lie within these pages, but first, a little history.
Host Identity Specific Multicast

Multicasting is a key technology for both users and service providers as it enables important bandwidth savings, and thus lower costs, for content distribution and group communication. The current network level multicast solutions have several weaknesses. These issues are partly related to a problem embedded in the use of the IP addresses themselves. Currently an IP address is both an identifier of who I am and where I am. The host identity concept tries to solve this problem by introducing a new, unique identifier, the Host Identity Tag. This concept was used, up until now, mainly for unicast communications. In this paper we propose thus the host identity specific multicast (HISM) model; we present the architectural elements of the model, and show how it handles access control, mobility, and how it provides native network layer multicast support in mixed, IPv4-IPv6 environments.
An Interactive Chinese to English Retrieval System

In this paper, we describe an interactive Chinese to English retrieval system that takes in Chinese queries and retrieves relevant documents in Chinese and English from document collections of both languages. We first describe the components for Chinese language processing and for Chinese-to-English query translation. Then we present the complete interactive system, through which a user is able to select and edit query terms manually in both Chinese and English, review the retrieval results in different presentation modes, and conduct retrieval using enhanced queries based on relevant documents or document clusters in either language. The system integrates CLARIT advanced technologies of natural language processing and information management, and is intended as a prototype and evaluation environment for identifying effective strategies to facilitate users with different levels of language proficiency in retrieving relevant documents from multilingual data collections.
Study on the Application of Multi-level Association Rules Based on Granular Computing

For the issue that classical association rules can not mine multi-level association rules, we proposed a multi-level association rule mining method based on binary information granules in granular computing and multiple minimum supports, and gave the definition of the support and confidence based on binary information granules. In this new association rules method, we can reduce the generation search space of frequent itemsets, extract multi-level association information(including cross-level information), and find more effective rules.
Scattered Light Models of Protostellar Envelopes: Multiple Outflow Cavities and Misaligned Circumstellar Disks

Ground-based imaging, imaging polarimetry, and recent Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 and NICMOS images of protostars have revealed very complex scattered light patterns that cannot be entirely explained by two-dimensional radiation transfer models. We present here for the first time radiation transfer models of T Tau and IRAS 04016+2610 that are fully three-dimensional, with the aim of investigating the effects on image morphology of multiple illuminating sources and infalling envelopes that have been shaped by multiple outflows. For T Tau we have constructed scattered light models where the illumination of the surrounding envelope is by a binary, with each source surrounded by its own small circumstellar disk or envelope. We find that the asymmetries in the WFPC2 image of T Tau can be reproduced if the disks in the binary system are misaligned, consistent with a recently discovered bipolar outflow believed to originate from the secondary. For IRAS 04016+2610 we find that the observed scattered light pattern can be reproduced by scattering in an envelope with cavities carved by two sets of bipolar outflows, suggestive of an embedded binary system.
Machines With a Different Calling

This paper presents an argument for including concepts from the social sciences and the arts in the design of robots for intimate social environments. An example of a robot designed as an interactive dining table situated in a restaurant is described and certain aspects of the particular design approach are explained. It is shown how this can help think about ways to integrate robots into cultural spaces.
An intelligent load balancing and offloading in 3G — WiFi offload network using hybrid and distance vector algorithm

The routing protocol is able to improve the performance of the network as compared to the traditional 3G and WiFi offload. On this study, the concept Genetic Zone Routing Protocol (GZRP) will be combined with the VHO algortihm used at the multiple base stations in 3G-WiFi offload network. Based on the results of this simulation the proposed algorithm can improve troughput and reduce handover delay. In terms of handover time, there is a significant improvement when the combined algorithm is employed as compared to the VHO algorithm alone, which shows a decrease of 2.757 seconds for the average handover time from 3G to WiFi and 3.824 seconds for the average handover time from WiFi to 3G.
Signaling Pathways in Exosomes Biogenesis, Secretion and Fate

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (30–100 nm) derived from the endosomal system, which have raised considerable interest in the last decade. Several studies have shown that they mediate cell-to-cell communication in a variety of biological processes. Thus, in addition to cell-to-cell direct interaction or secretion of active molecules, they are now considered another class of signal mediators. Exosomes can be secreted by several cell types and retrieved in many body fluids, such as blood, urine, saliva and cerebrospinal fluid. In addition to proteins and lipids, they also contain nucleic acids, namely mRNA and miRNA. These features have prompted extensive research to exploit them as a source of biomarkers for several pathologies, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. In this context, exosomes also appear attractive as gene delivery vehicles. Furthermore, exosome immunomodulatory and regenerative properties are also encouraging their application for further therapeutic purposes. Nevertheless, several issues remain to be addressed: exosome biogenesis and secretion mechanisms have not been clearly understood, and physiological functions, as well as pathological roles, are far from being satisfactorily elucidated.
Identifying Influencers in Social Networks

The central idea in designing various marketing strategies for online social networks is to identify the influencers in the network. The influential individuals induce “word-of-mouth” effects in the network. These individuals are responsible for triggering long cascades of influence that convince their peers to perform a similar action (buying a product, for instance). Targeting these influentials usually leads to a vast spread of the information across the network. Hence it is important to identify such individuals in a network. One way to measure an individual’s influencing capability on its peers is by its reach for a certain action. We formulate identifying the influencers in a network as a problem of predicting the average depth of cascades an individual can trigger. We first empirically identify factors that play crucial role in triggering long cascades. Based on the analysis, we build a model for predicting the cascades triggered by a user for an action. The model uses features like influencing capabilities of the user and their friends, influencing capabilities of the particular action and other user and network characteristics. Experiments show that the model effectively improves the predictions over several baselines.