Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Impact of Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients with Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may be valuable for prognostic assessment in lung cancer patients. In this study, we report the clinical significance of CTCs in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods: In total, 51 consecutive patients newly diagnosed as having SCLC and starting chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy were prospectively enrolled. Blood samples were drawn at the baseline, after chemotherapy, and at relapse. CTCs were isolated using the CellSearch System (Veridex LLC). Thresholds of 1 to 100 cells at the baseline were systematically correlated with the overall survival. The optimal cutoff was determined by comparing the Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs). Results: Two or more CTCs were detected at baseline in 35 patients (68.6%; 95% confidence interval, 55.0–79.7). The HR signifying the difference between the unfavorable (more than or equal to threshold) and favorable (less than threshold) groups was maximal at the threshold of 8 CTCs (HR, 3.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.45–8.60). Patients with ≥8 CTCs had worse survival than those with <8 CTCs at baseline (p = 0.0014). Patients with ≥8 CTCs posttreatment or at relapse also showed worse survival than those with <8 CTCs (p = 0.0096 and <0.0001). Patients whose baseline and posttreatment CTC levels remained <8 tended to show better survival than those whose CTC level converted from ≥8 to <8 cells (p = 0.0288) or whose posttreatment CTC level was ≥8 cells (p = 0.0047). Conclusions: CTCs were highly detectable in SCLC, and higher CTC levels were strongly associated with worse survival. Consistently favorable CTC levels were associated with favorable outcomes.
Work Space Adjustability, Storage, And Enclosure As Predictors Of Employee Reactions And Performance

This study develops and tests a conceptual model of the relationships between work space adjustability, storage, and enclosure characteristics, mediating psychosocial perceptions of privacy, distractions, and communication, and outcome measures of satisfaction and performance. Building design and job level variables are also included in the model. A total of 541 managerial and nonmanagerial workers in 14 office buildings located across the United States provided data. Regression and path analyses reveal overall support for the relationships hypothesized by the model. The analyses show that adjustability and storage contribute directly to satisfaction and performance, and indirectly to these outcomes through mediating perceptions of the psychosocial environment. Enclosure played only a minor role in predicting mediating and outcome variables. One aspect of enclosure, type of partition surrounding the work space, predicts communication and privacy, but is only indirectly related to outcome measures. There is a negative relationship between number of floors and density of workers, and some psychosocial perceptions and satisfaction. A positive relationship was found between job level and satisfaction. The study illustrates the value of a multivariate approach to understanding the relative contributions of design variables to worker perceptions and behavior.
Fitting Nonlinear Latent Growth Curve Models With Individually Varying Time Points

Individual growth trajectories of psychological phenomena are often theorized to be nonlinear. Additionally, individuals’ measurement schedules might be unique. In a structural equation framework, latent growth curve model (LGM) applications typically have either (a) modeled nonlinearity assuming some degree of balance in measurement schedules, or (b) accommodated truly individually varying time points, assuming linear growth. This article describes how to fit 4 popular nonlinear LGMs (polynomial, shape-factor, piecewise, and structured latent curve) with truly individually varying time points, via a definition variable approach. The extension is straightforward for certain nonlinear LGMs (e.g., polynomial and structured latent curve) but in the case of shape-factor LGMs requires a reexpression of the model, and in the case of piecewise LGMs requires introduction of a general framework for imparting piecewise structure, along with tools for its automation. All 4 nonlinear LGMs with individually varying time scores are demonstrated using an empirical example on infant weight, and software syntax is provided. The discussion highlights some advantages of modeling nonlinear growth within structural equation versus multilevel frameworks, when time scores individually vary.
Pattern formation in two-dimensional arrays of coupled, discrete-time oscillators.

The nature of stable, inhomogeneous patterns and the character of the evolution to such attracting states is studied for a model dynamical system consisting of a two-dimensional array of coupled, discrete-time oscillators. The orbit scaling structure of a single quadratic map can be transcribed onto the map parameter-coupling parameter plane for the homogeneous states arising from subharmonic bifurcations in the coupled-map array. The study of the evolution of various types of initial inhomogeneity shows how the different patterns arise, some of which resemble those observed in physical systems. Some features of the evolution process can be understood in terms of the stability analysis about the homogeneous state.
Genomics of microalgae, fuel for the future?

Rising sea levels, global pollution, economic meltdown and general prophecies of doom and gloom are inspired by the pending depletion of the world fossil carbon stores. With modern lifestyle on the rise, and an ever increasing world population driven on by economic advantage, we burn up earth's stores of mineralized corpses and vent CO2 as if there is no tomorrow. The billion dollar question for our society is: Where to get the next big, and prefer- ably clean, fuel injection? Fossil carbon compounds, the incompletely biodegraded remains of animals and plants long gone, originate from atmospheric CO2 via photosyn- thesis. Therefore, photosynthesis as main driver for gen- eration of de novo fuels has gained attention. First- and second-generation biofuels envision the conversion of plant biomass via the action of microorganisms, into usable organic compounds (alcohols and fats) and hydro- gen. However, water and land misuse, deforestation, and rising food prices, for the sake of growing choice biomass- producing crops, have raised major concerns (Frow et al., 2009; Young, 2009). Third-generation biofuels (and chemicals) produced with microalgae have now come forward as an answer to many of these concerns (Tredici, 2010). In general, microalgae do not comprise an evolu- tionarily related group, and may refer to cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) or eukaryotic algae. Even the eukary- otic algae do not form a single evolutionary branch as it can be used to indicate 'plant algae' such as red algae (Rhodophyta), brown algae (Phaetophyta) and green algae (Chlorophyta) or diatoms (Fig. 1). Some species of microalgae naturally accumulate vast quantities of oils, some above 80% dry-weight (Fig. 2). In comparison, agricultural oil-producing crops such as palm oil and soybean rarely produce more than 5% dry-weight in oils. Furthermore, algae can be grown everywhere where there is plenty of water and sun (including lakes or in the sea) and thus are not necessarily restricted to (or compete with) areas with arable land. Combined with their fast growth rate, microalgae are considered one of the few realistic sources for the production of biofuels and supe- rior to agricultural crop-derived bioethanol (Chisti, 2007; Tredici, 2010). Indeed, in 2009 ExxonMobil pledged $600 million for research in support of photosynthetic algae biofuels programmes, including Craig Venter's Synthetic Genomics. This signals a growing interest in de novo photosynthesis-derived fuels even by established oil- producing companies. Here we present a genomics update of some of Mother Nature's finest microorganisms which can make 'something from nothing' with a breath of CO2, a gulp of water, and all the while basking in the sun. Meet the cyanobacteria, green algae and (photosynthetic) diatoms that may lend a helping hand to fuel the human race.
Exploring the Meaning of ‘Dissatisfaction’ with Health Care: The Importance of ‘Personal Identity Threat’

Researchers argue that a number of assumptions have been made about the concepts of patient satisfaction and dissatisfaction that have compromised their validity. The aim of this study was to explore the meaning of ‘dissatisfaction’ with health care. Forty-one people who had experienced problems in health care were identified from a household survey of health service users. They were interviewed in depth using an unstructured schedule. A grounded theory approach was used to construct a framework inductively from their accounts. The results suggest that ‘dissatisfaction’ could not accommodate the range of feelings, beliefs and values people express when they encounter problems in health care. However, another concept, that of ‘personal identity threat’, was identified which offered additional insights into the meaning of untoward experiences in health care. This concept delineates the grounds for disappointment or dissatisfaction, and helped to capture the complexity of the feelings and views expressed. Personal identity was perceived as being challenged through experiences which were felt to be disempowering, dehumanising and devaluing. Gender, class and race differences also emerged in respondents’ perceptions of identity threat.
Output-Jitter Performance of Second-Order Digital Bang-Bang Phase-Locked Loops With Nonaccumulative Reference Clock Jitter

Bang-bang phase-locked loops (BBPLLs) are inherently nonlinear systems due to the binary phase detector (BPD). While they are typically used for clock and data recovery, the ongoing trend toward digital loop implementations has resulted in several digital BBPLLs (DBBPLLs) suitable for frequency synthesis. This brief investigates the effect of nonaccumulative reference clock jitter (due to white phase noise) in second-order DBBPLLs, comparing the output jitter with that of first-order DBBPLLs. For small clock jitter, the nonlinear loop behavior is modeled as a 2-D Markov chain, and the output jitter is smaller than but close to that of a first-order loop. For large clock jitter, the BPD nonlinearity is linearized, and the output jitter is larger than that of a first-order loop; it is proportional to the clock jitter and inversely proportional to the square root of the stability factor-the ratio of the proportional-path gain to the integral-path gain of the digital loop filter.
Patient-Reported Outcomes vs. Clinician Symptom Reporting During Chemoradiation for Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND Pelvic radiotherapy with concurrent 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy is a component of standard therapy for patients with T3/T4 or node-positive rectal cancer and may be associated with acute gastrointestinal toxicity. In this retrospective study, we sought to compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with clinician reports of acute symptoms experienced by rectal cancer patients receiving chemoradiation. PATIENTS AND METHODS Charts of 199 patients with rectal cancer who received chemoradiation at some point from November 2006 through February 2011 were reviewed. Clinicians assessed toxicity weekly using Common Terminology for Clinical Adverse Events version 3.0, and, beginning in September 2009, the patients reported symptoms weekly, using the 7-item Bowel Problems Scale. One hundred ninety-seven patients with at least 1 clinician or patient assessment were eligible for the study. We used descriptive statistics to compare patient and clinician assessments in a subgroup of 65 patients (paired group) who had at least 1 patient and clinician assessment on the same day. Cohen's κ coefficient was used to evaluate agreement between the patients and the clinicians. RESULTS The patients reported diarrhea and proctitis more often than clinicians reported them throughout treatment. Uncorrected agreement for diarrhea and proctitis was 82% and 72%, respectively. Cohen's κ was . 64 for diarrhea, indicating moderate agreement, and . 22 for proctitis, indicating only slight agreement. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a discrepancy between clinician and PRO reports. Further study may discern potential benefits of collecting PROs in prospective studies and in clinical practice.
Human Neurobrucellosis with Intracerebral Granuloma Caused by a Marine Mammal Brucella spp.

We present the first report of community-acquired human infections with marine mammal–associated Brucella spp. and describe the identification of these strains in two patients with neurobrucellosis and intracerebral granulomas. The identification of these isolates as marine mammal strains was based on omp2a sequence and amplification of the region flanking bp26.
The Prevalence and Characteristics of Male Perpetrators of Acquaintance Rape

Previous research has found that whereas 15% to 25% of college women report being the victims of acquaintance rape, only 4% to 15% of men report committing acquaintance rape. This study follows Kazdin's suggestion to use all of the potentially important components to attempt to find a result when previous researchers have failed to achieve significant findings. A new methodology is used to attempt to find a percentage of males who admit to committing acquaintance rape that is commensurate with the percentage of women reporting that they were victims. The results indicate that although an alcoholexpectancy manipulation was not related to admission of involvement in acquaintance rape, the new methodological conditions (i.e., consumption of a nonalcoholic beer, a sexually explicit story, a private room, and a male experimenter) successfully resulted in a higher percentage of men reporting that they perpetrated sexual aggression and acquaintance rape. Specifically, 24% of the men admitted committing acquaintance rape based on a broad definition, and 10% admitted committing acquaintance rape based on a stringent definition of acquaintance rape. Suggestions are provided for further research.
The DLR-ORECOP real-time replication control protocol

Many real-time applications need data services in distributed environments. Providing such data services is a challeging task due to long remote data accessing delays and stringent time requirements of real-time transactions. In this paper, we use data replication in distributed real-time database systems in order to improve meeting these stringent requirements and fault tolerance . We propose an optimistic replication control protocol, called DLR-ORECOP (Dynamic Level of Replication with Optimistic REplication COntrol Protocol), which finds a trade-off between updating replicas and meeting user transactions deadlines. We introduce a list, called List of Available Copies (LAC), associated with each data item in the database which contains the identifiers of the most updated replicas. Fault tolerance is provided by building LACs dynamically according to transactions executions and system load, giving then the real-time database a dynamic level of replication. The experimental results show that among the replication control protocols evaluated, DLR-ORECOP provides the best performance for a variety of workloads and system configurations. In addition, the experimental results show that DLR-ORECOP performances are not significantly affected by the loss of update messages.
Transcriptional noise and cellular heterogeneity in mammalian macrophages

Transcriptional noise is known to play a crucial role in heterogeneity in bacteria and yeast. Mammalian macrophages are known to exhibit cell-to-cell variation in their responses to pathogens, but the source of this heterogeneity is not known. We have developed a detailed stochastic model of gene expression that takes into account scaling effects due to cell size and genome complexity. We report the results of applying this model to simulating gene expression variability in mammalian macrophages, demonstrating a possible molecular basis for heterogeneity in macrophage signalling responses. We note that the nature of predicted transcriptional noise in macrophages is different from that in yeast and bacteria. Some molecular interactions in yeast and bacteria are thought to have evolved to minimize the effects of the high-frequency noise observed in these species. Transcriptional noise in macrophages results in slow changes to gene expression levels and would not require the type of spike-filtering circuits observed in yeast and bacteria.
Queering the Color Line

"Queering the Color Line" transforms previous understandings of how homosexuality was invented as a category of identity in the United States beginning in the late nineteenth century. Analysing a range of sources, including sexology texts, early cinema, and African American literature, Siobhan B. Somerville argues that the emerging understanding of homosexuality depended on the context of the black/white "colour line," the dominant system of racial distinction during this period. This book thus critiques and revises tendencies to treat race and sexuality as unrelated categories of analysis, showing instead that race has historically been central to the cultural production of homosexuality. At about the same time that the 1896 Supreme Court Plessy v. Ferguson decision hardened the racialised boundary between black and white, prominent trials were drawing the public's attention to emerging categories of sexual identity. Somerville argues that these concurrent developments were not merely parallel but in fact inextricably interrelated and that the discourses of racial and sexual "deviance" were used to reinforce each other's terms. She provides original readings of such texts as Havelock Ellis' late nineteenth-century work on "sexual inversion," the 1914 film "A Florida Enchantment", the novels of Pauline E. Hopkins, James Weldon Johnson's "Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man", and Jean Toomer's fiction and autobiographical writings, including "Cane". Through her analyses of these texts and her archival research, Somerville contributes to the growing body of scholarship that focuses on discovering the intersections of gender, race, and sexuality. "Queering the Color Line" will have broad appeal across disciplines including African American studies, gay and lesbian studies, literary criticism, cultural studies, cinema studies, and gender studies.
Phenotyping of rice in salt stress environment using high-throughput infrared imaging

Abstract Phenotyping of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Donggin) in salt stress environment using infrared imaging was conducted. Results were correlated with the most frequently used physiological parameters such as stomatal conductance, relative water content and photosynthetic parameters. It was observed that stomatal conductance (R2 = -0.618) and relative water content (R2 = -0.852) were significantly negatively correlated with average plant temperature (thermal images), while dark-adapted quantum yield (Fv/Fm, R2 = -0.325) and performance index (R2 = -0.315) were not consistent with plant temperature. Advantages of infrared thermography and utilization of this technology for the selection of stress tolerance physiotypes are discussed in detail.
Finding Alternative Expression Quantitative Trait Loci by Exploring Sparse Model Space

Sparse modeling, a feature selection method widely used in the machine-learning community, has been recently applied to identify associations in genetic studies including expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping. These genetic studies usually involve high dimensional data where the number of features is much larger than the number of samples. The high dimensionality of genetic data introduces a problem that there exist multiple solutions for optimizing a sparse model. In such situations, a single optimization result provides only an incomplete view of the data and lacks power to find alternative features associated with the same trait. In this article, we propose a novel method aimed to detecting alternative eQTLs where two genetic variants have alternative relationships regarding their associations with the expression of a particular gene. Our method accomplishes this goal by exploring multiple solutions sampled from the solution space. We proved our method theoretically and demonstrated its usage on simulated data. We then applied our method to a real eQTL data and identified a set of alternative eQTLs with potential biological insights. Additionally, these alternative eQTLs implicate a network view of understanding gene regulation.
Distributed Energy Adaptive Computing

Fueled by burgeoning online services, power and thermal issues are becoming crucial both in terms of utility costs and environmental impact. In this paper, we motivate an approach that puts power/thermal issues at the heart of distributed computing, and strives to alter the behavior of the computation in order to dynamically adjust to changing energy constraints. The paper discusses three distributed energy adaptation paradigms and shows why they are essential for sustainable computing. The paper also compares and contrasts two basic techniques for energy adaptation in servers, namely power capping and use of sleep modes.
Methods and Techniques for Measuring Gas Emissions from Agricultural and Animal Feeding Operations

Emissions of gases from agricultural and animal feeding operations contribute to climate change, produce odors, degrade sensitive ecosystems, and pose a threat to public health. The complexity of processes and environmental variables affecting these emissions complicate accurate and reliable quantification of gas fluxes and production rates. Although a plethora of measurement technologies exist, each method has its limitations that exacerbate accurate quantification of gas fluxes. Despite a growing interest in gas emission measurements, only a few available technologies include real-time, continuous monitoring capabilities. Commonly applied state-of-the-art measurement frameworks and technologies were critically examined and discussed, and recommendations for future research to address real-time monitoring requirements for forthcoming regulation and management needs are provided.
Adaptive, generative, and transformative learning in project teams

Purpose – The aim of this study is to analyze a framework of team learning that includes three learning processes (adaptive, generative, and transformative), factors that stimulate these processes, and consequences of them. The variables provided a field study of the model.Design/methodology/approach – In the field study, 69 project teams of 3 to 11 students and their instructors responded to surveys.Findings – Positive learning stimuli were related to adaptive and generative learning processes, while negative stimuli were related to transformative learning processes. Learning processes were related to individual student learning outcomes. In addition, adaptive and generative learning processes were positively related to team and instructor ratings of outcome quality, while transformative learning was negatively related to team ratings of outcome quality.Research limitations/implications – The results were subject to the following limitations: cross‐sectional design, mostly self‐report measures, and the l.