Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ReCAP: Detection of Potentially Avoidable Harm in Oncology From Patient Medical Records.

PURPOSE Widespread consensus exists about the importance of addressing patient safety issues in oncology, yet our understanding of the frequency, spectrum, and preventability of adverse events (AEs) across cancer care is limited. METHODS We developed a screening tool to detect AEs across cancer care settings through medical record review. Members of the study team reviewed the scientific literature and obtained structured input from an external multidisciplinary panel of clinicians by using a modified Delphi process. RESULTS The screening tool comprises 76 triggers-readily identifiable findings to screen for possible AEs that occur during cancer care. Categories of triggers are general care, vital signs, medication related, laboratory tests, other orders, and consultations. CONCLUSION Although additional testing is required to assess its performance characteristics, this tool may offer an efficient mechanism for identifying possibly preventable AEs in oncology and serve as an instrument for quality improvement.
CoinWatch: A Clone-Based Approach For Detecting Vulnerabilities in Cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies have become very popular in recent years. Thousands of new cryptocurrencies have emerged, proposing new and novel techniques that improve on Bitcoin’s core innovation of the blockchain data structure and consensus mechanism. However, cryptocurrencies are a major target for cyber-attacks, as they can be sold on exchanges anonymously and most cryptocurrencies have their codebases publicly available. One particular issue is the prevalence of code clones in cryptocurrencies, which may amplify security threats. If a vulnerability is found in one cryptocurrency, it might be propagated into other cloned cryptocurrencies. In this work, we propose a systematic remedy to this problem, called COINWATCH $\left( {\mathcal{C}\mathcal{W}} \right)$. Given a reported vulnerability at the input, $\mathcal{C}\mathcal{W}$ uses the code evolution analysis and a clone detection technique for the indication of cryptocurrencies that might be vulnerable. We applied $\mathcal{C}\mathcal{W}$ on 1094 cryptocurrencies using 4 CVEs and obtained 786 true vulnerabilities present in 384 projects, which were confirmed with developers and successfully reported as CVE extensions.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN MANAGERIAL ACTION AND COMMUNICATION

Abstract: This paper is aimed at designing a research programme to improve the communication with the stakeholder through the analysis of the managerial actions in order to create shared value. At the core of this research we propose to observe the relationships between management actions and the strategic conversations. Thus the dialogue and the communication become the key tool for strategic change. Two fields of analysis are proposed: the dialogue between stakeholders and among the scholars of share value creating. Our hypothesis is that enterprises are formed and changed through sequences of thoughts and actions, in which the medium is always conversational. Thus dialogue becomes the privileged method of intervention in strategic change. This dialogue is always constructive because it proceeds through positive feedbacks and feed-forwards. A dialogue is aimed at including the stakeholders and their arguments, in a relationship oriented to the mutual understanding. A good relationship with potential customers, NGOs, citizens, governments and other stakeholder is not some vague objective thatâ€(tm)s good to achieve, if possible. It is a determinant key of competitiveness. But it is necessary to recognize that traditional Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fails the challenge by separating stakeholder engagement from business. In this way shared value creating becomes part of the culture of the company and as such it is fully integrated into strategy, thus finding its natural place in the value chain. The creation of long-term value is only possible through the implementation of a strategy to develop economic and social conditions simultaneously. For a company it is a strategic decision to fund the creation of value that binds to improving the quality of life of employees and the communities in which it operates. In the first part of the paper we introduce some basic concepts, the terminology and the model of the relationships between managerial actions, communication processes and stakeholder engagement. In the second part of the paper, to better understand the link between stakeholder engagement and shared value creating we consider one company that has distinguished itself, one time for scandals, now for shared value creating: NestlA(c). The paper shows how implementing a shared value approach is an opportunity not only to contribute to good works, but also to redefine core business strategies, simultaneously creating value for society and for shareholders.
A simple test to monitor oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND The role of oxygen free radicals is considered important in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, until recently determination of free radicals plasma levels and the effect of antioxidant therapy on these levels has been difficult. The aim of the study was to determine the oxidative stress and the effect of the antioxidant compound AR(D) Stenovit on this stress in normal subjects and patients with intermittent claudication after oral administration for one week. METHODS A portable, free radicals (FRs) determination system (D-Roms test, Diacron, Grosseto, Italy) was used. This test is based on the ability of transition metals to catalyse in the presence of peroxides with formation of FRs which are trapped by an alchilamine. The alchilamine reacts forming a coloured radical detectable at 505 nm. The reagents utilised are the cromogen (R1, an alchilamine) and a pH 4.8 buffer (R2). Ten microl of hemolysis-free serum are to 1 ml of R2 and to 10 microl of R1. The sample is mixed, incubated (1 min; 37 degrees C) and read for optical density. After another minute, the sample is read again. The average delta A/min is multiplied by a K factor and calculated using serum with defined value. RESULTS In normal subjects the mean (+/-SD) levels of free radicals were 312+/-49 U.CARR (Carratelli units) before treatment and 218+/-33 U.CARR after treatment (p<0.05). A decrease of at least 10% was detected in every subject. In patients with peripheral vascular disease the mean (+/-SD) levels of free radicals were 404+/-42 U.CARR before treatment and 278+/-33 U.CARR after treatment (p<0.02). A decrease of at least 15% was detected in every patient (medium value 31%). CONCLUSIONS The D-Roms test provides a simple, inexpensive and practical method to identify subjects with a high level of oxidative stress and to demonstrate the effect of treatment. The compound AR(D) Stenovit is effective in reducing circulating free radicals. Its action on the progression of atherosclerotic disease should be assessed in future studies.
The Human Cytomegalovirus DNA Polymerase Processivity Factor UL44 Is Modified by SUMO in a DNA-Dependent Manner

During the replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome, the viral DNA polymerase subunit UL44 plays a key role, as by binding both DNA and the polymerase catalytic subunit it confers processivity to the holoenzyme. However, several lines of evidence suggest that UL44 might have additional roles during virus life cycle. To shed light on this, we searched for cellular partners of UL44 by yeast two-hybrid screenings. Intriguingly, we discovered the interaction of UL44 with Ubc9, an enzyme involved in the covalent conjugation of SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-related MOdifier) to cellular and viral proteins. We found that UL44 can be extensively sumoylated not only in a cell-free system and in transfected cells, but also in HCMV-infected cells, in which about 50% of the protein resulted to be modified at late times post-infection, when viral genome replication is accomplished. Mass spectrometry studies revealed that UL44 possesses multiple SUMO target sites, located throughout the protein. Remarkably, we observed that binding of UL44 to DNA greatly stimulates its sumoylation both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we showed that overexpression of SUMO alters the intranuclear distribution of UL44 in HCMV-infected cells, and enhances both virus production and DNA replication, arguing for an important role for sumoylation in HCMV life cycle and UL44 function(s). These data report for the first time the sumoylation of a viral processivity factor and show that there is a functional interplay between the HCMV UL44 protein and the cellular sumoylation system.
Sequence Determination of Pharmaceutical Peptides by MALDI-TOF Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Iako su mehanizmi preddisocijacije, disocijacije i postdisocijacije iona izucavani dugi niz godina, postoji jos cijeli niz mehanizama raspada iona koji se mogu korisno upotrijebiti u modernoj spektrometriji masa, proteomici i bioanalizama. Nedvojbena aminokiselinska analiza spektrometrijom masa pociva na ideji da samo jedan i kontinuirani slijed iona u tandemnom spektru masa može potpuno potvrditi cjelovitu aminokiselinsku sekvenciju i na taj nacin zadovoljiti zahtjeve nedvojbene analize peptida. Niz pravila kojima se definira cjelovita i nedvojbena analiza peptida tandemnom spektrometrijom masa u konacnici može unaprijediti iscitavanje rezultata analize i pouzdanost dobivenih podataka. Na teorijskim zasadama disocijacije iona u plinskoj fazi u ovom je radu prikazana cjelovita analiza peptida. Na modelnim farmaceutskim peptidima bivalirudinu i eksenatidu pokazano je kako se i bez rasirene upotrebe derivatizacijskih tehnika (SPITC i Lys-tag) može ostvariti nedvojbena analiza, iako se modifikacije cisteina akrilacijom, metilacijom ili karboksimetilacijom pri tome ne mogu izbjeci.
Activation of human heat shock genes is accompanied by oligomerization, modification, and rapid translocation of heat shock transcription factor HSF1

Transcriptional activity of heat shock (hsp) genes is controlled by a heat-activated, group-specific transcription factor(s) recognizing arrays of inverted repeats of the element NGAAN. To date genes for two human factors, HSF1 and HSF2, have been isolated. To define their properties as well as the changes they undergo during heat stress activation, we prepared polyclonal antibodies to these factors. Using these tools, we have shown that human HeLa cells constitutively synthesize HSF1, but we were unable to detect HSF2. In unstressed cells HSF1 is present mainly in complexes with an apparent molecular mass of about 200 kDa, unable to bind to DNA. Heat treatment induces a shift in the apparent molecular mass of HSF1 to about 700 kDa, concomitant with the acquisition of DNA-binding ability. Cross-linking experiments suggest that this change in complex size may reflect the trimerization of monomeric HSF1. Human HSF1 expressed in Xenopus oocytes does not bind DNA, but derepression of DNA-binding activity, as well as oligomerization of HSF1, occurs during heat treatment at the same temperature at which hsp gene expression is induced in this organism, suggesting that a conserved Xenopus protein(s) plays a role in this regulation. Inactive HSF1 resides in the cytoplasm of human cells; on activation it rapidly translocates to a soluble nuclear fraction, and shortly thereafter it becomes associated with the nuclear pellet. On heat shock, activatable HSF1, which might already have been posttranslationally modified in the unstressed cell, undergoes further modification. These different process provide multiple points of regulation of hsp gene expression.
The distribution and returns to qualifications in the Sector Skills Councils

Skills for Business (SfB), the UK-wide network of employer-led Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), supported and directed by the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA), was launched in October 2002. The purpose of SfB is to bring employers more centre-stage in articulating their skill needs and delivering skills-based productivity improvements that can enhance UK competitiveness and the effectiveness of public services. This research was commissioned for the SfB network by the SSDA. It presents the first systematic evaluation of the variation in the distribution of, and returns to, qualifications using sectors defined by the newly established network of 25 SSCs. The research is intended to contribute to the skill needs assessments undertaken by each SSC in particular as part of their Sector Skills Agreements (SSAs).
A personalized curve driving model for intelligent vehicle

Although the intelligent vehicle can safely drive through the curve with traditional control methods, most of them are to limit the maximum speed according to the curvature of road, which cannot meet the comfortable requirement for passenger. In this paper, by analyzing the driver's curve driving data and considering the road construction, we divide the curve driving phase into three section: curve entry driving, mid curve driving and curve exit driving. In further, we present a novel Personalized Curve Driving model for Intelligent Vehicle, which includes an acceleration/deceleration model based on the GMM/GMR and a speed tracking algorithm. The model is trained with the human driving data and curve road parameters in Prescan simulation environment. The simulation results illustrate the model for Intelligent Vehicle can smoothly and stably pass through the curve like a human driver.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy Associated with Dual‐Chamber Pacing in Infants:

The etiology of dilated cardiomyopathy associated with congenital complete AV block has not yet been clarified. Two infants with AV block of autoimmune and surgical etiology, respectively, had received a dual‐chamber right ventricular‐based pacemaker and developed dilated cardiomyopathy with severe septal to left ventricular free‐wall dyssynchrony 3.4 (0.9) years later. After 4 weeks of biventricular pacing and spontaneous junctional narrow QRS rhythm, respectively, both children showed significant improvement in left ventricular function along with reverse remodeling. Thus, electromechanical dyssynchrony associated with conventional right‐ventricular‐based DDD pacing may play a significant role in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in the young. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 470‐474, April 2004)
Antiproliferative effects of essential oils and their major constituents in human renal adenocarcinoma and amelanotic melanoma cells

Abstract. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate cytotoxic activity of Platycladus orientalis, Prangos asperula and Cupressus sempervirens ssp. pyramidalis essential oils and to identify active components involved in inhibition of population growth of human cancer cell lines. Materials and methods: Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and were analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Antiproliferative activity was tested on amelanotic melanoma C32 cells and on renal cell adenocarcinoma cells, using the sulphorhodamine B assay. Results: Cupressus sempervirens ssp. pyramidalis leaf oil exerted the highest cytotoxic activity with an IC50 value of 104.90 µg/mL against C32, followed by activity of P. orientalis and P. asperula on the renal adenocarcinoma cell line (IC50 of 121.93 and 139.17 µg/mL, respectively). P. orientalis essential oil was also active against amelanotic melanoma with an IC50 of 330.04 µg/mL. Three identified terpenes, linalool, β‐caryophyllene and α‐cedrol, were found to be active on both cell lines tested. Conclusions: Our findings provide novel insights into the field of cytotoxic properties of essential oils. This study provided evidence on how cytotoxic activity of the oils is not always related to their major constituents, except for lower activity found in both cell lines for α‐cedrol. Interestingly, β‐caryophyllene and linalool exhibited comparable IC50 values to the commercial drug vinblastine on the ACHN cell line. This opens a new field of investigation to discover mechanisms responsible for the observed activity.
Speakers’ Acceptance of Real-Time Speech Exchange Indicates That We Use Auditory Feedback to Specify the Meaning of What We Say

Speech is usually assumed to start with a clearly defined preverbal message, which provides a benchmark for self-monitoring and a robust sense of agency for one’s utterances. However, an alternative hypothesis states that speakers often have no detailed preview of what they are about to say, and that they instead use auditory feedback to infer the meaning of their words. In the experiment reported here, participants performed a Stroop color-naming task while we covertly manipulated their auditory feedback in real time so that they said one thing but heard themselves saying something else. Under ideal timing conditions, two thirds of these semantic exchanges went undetected by the participants, and in 85% of all nondetected exchanges, the inserted words were experienced as self-produced. These findings indicate that the sense of agency for speech has a strong inferential component, and that auditory feedback of one’s own voice acts as a pathway for semantic monitoring, potentially overriding other feedback loops.
Shaping Japanese Management Abroad: How and Why Japanese Companies are Embedded with Particular Practices in India

This paper investigates the human resource (HR) practices of Japanese companies operating in India. We studied 10 Japanese companies based on 17 interviews. The paper elaborates five major HR practices and explains why Japanese companies have established a specific set of HR practices in India. It then provides the details on how these HR practices have been originated, adjusted and integrated. The findings suggest less-focused training and developmental programs, and identical performance appraisal systems across all companies. Similar socio-cultural characteristics such as seniority-concerned and teamwork-orientation have facilitated the adoption of Japanese way of management in India.
Tolman spacetimes and the recollapse conjecture.

The closed-universe recollapse conjecture is studied for the spherically symmetric spacetimes. It is proven that there exists an upper bound to the lengths of timelike curves in any Tolman spacetime that possesses S 3 Cauchy surfaces and whose energy density is positive. Furthermore, an explicit bound is constructed from the initial data for such a spacetime
Noninvasive Encapsulated Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Clinical Lessons from a Community-Based Endocrine Surgical Practice

Objective. Retrospective studies have found that noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer (EFVPTC) exhibits highly indolent clinical behavior. We studied the clinical features of our patients with noninvasive EFVPTC tumors culled from a community endocrine surgical practice registry over the past four years. Methods. We interrogated the Memorial Center for Integrative Endocrine Surgery (MCIES) Registry for all recorded encapsulated follicular variant of papillary cancer pathologic diagnoses. We identified a subgroup of patients without capsular or vascular invasion and studied their clinical characteristics. Results. Thirty-seven patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The typical patient was young and female. Nodules averaged 3.1 cm in greatest dimension by ultrasound evaluation. Thirteen patients were found to have synchronous malignancies elsewhere in the thyroid (35%). At the time of this writing, we have not seen a clinical recurrence in any of our 37 noninvasive EFVPTC patients. Conclusions. Early clinical follow-up data suggests that the majority of noninvasive EFVPTC tumors exhibit indolent behavior, but clinical decision-making with regard to completion thyroidectomy, central lymph node dissection, and adjunctive radioiodine therapy often depends on the amount and type of synchronous thyroid cancer detected elsewhere in the thyroid gland and the central neck.
Aspirin inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B mobilization and monocyte adhesion in stimulated human endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND The induction of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) is mediated by mobilization of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B). Since salicylates have been reported to inhibit NF-kappa B activation by preventing the degradation of its inhibitor I kappa B, we studied a potential inhibition of this pathway by acetylsalicylate (aspirin) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS AND RESULTS Gel-shift analyses demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of TNF-induced NF-kappa B mobilization by aspirin at concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 mmol/L. Induction of VCAM-1 and E-selectin surface expression by TNF was dose-dependently reduced by aspirin over the same range, while induction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was hardly affected. Aspirin appeared to prevent VCAM-1 transcription, since it dose-dependently inhibited induction of VCAM-1 mRNA by TNF. As a functional consequence, adhesion of U937 monocytes to TNF-stimulated HUVECs was markedly reduced by aspirin due to suppression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin upregulation. These effects of aspirin were not related to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity, since indomethacin was ineffective. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that aspirin inhibits NF-kappa B mobilization, induction of VCAM-1 and E-selectin, and subsequent monocyte adhesion in endothelial cells stimulated by TNF, thereby providing an additional mechanism for therapeutic effects of aspirin.
Self-supervised Learning for Speech Enhancement

Supervised learning for single-channel speech enhancement requires carefully labeled training examples where the noisy mixture is input into the network and the network is trained to produce an output close to the ideal target. To relax the conditions on the training data, we consider the task of training speech enhancement networks in a self-supervised manner. We first use a limited training set of clean speech sounds and learn a latent representation by autoencoding on their magnitude spectrograms. We then autoencode on speech mixtures recorded in noisy environments and train the resulting autoencoder to share a latent representation with the clean examples. We show that using this training schema, we can now map noisy speech to its clean version using a network that is autonomously trainable without requiring labeled training examples or human intervention.
Efficiency, productivity and employee relations in French equipment manufacturing

The impact of employee relations on performance has received much attention. Theory predicts that employee relations will impact on efficiency as well as productivity, yet researchers usually assume a production process that is fully efficient. In this paper, the stochastic production frontier framework is used to explore simultaneously the impact of employee relations on efficiency as well as productivity, in a sample of French equipment manufacturing firms. The results show that employee relations variables are important to the performance of the French equipment manufacturing industry. Union presence tends to have a negative impact on both efficiency and productivity, but this is reversed for firms that adopt many HRM practices. The existence of multiple unions increases productivity but not efficiency, while HRM practices improve both efficiency and productivity.