Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Review of the Diagnostic Scope of Biomarker Techniques, Genetic Screening and Virtual Scanning

The purpose of this article is to compare and evaluate the advantages and benefits of the cognitive screening technique Virtual Scanning with contemporary diagnostic and screening techniques, in particular genetic screening and biomarkers. In the last 50 years biomarker techniques and more recently genetic screening have been developed to characterise the onset, progression and regression of pathologies. Nevertheless the scientific picture is not yet complete. It does not yet include an understanding of relationship between genotype and phenotype; the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system; or the rate or level of the expressed protein, protein conformation, the rate at which proteins react, and the reaction conditions such as pH, levels of minerals and cofactors, and temperature. By contrast, Virtual Scanning is based upon the light absorbing and emitting properties of proteins and how this bioluminescence influences colour perception. It provides a measure of the level of expressed protein and the rate at which such expressed protein subsequently reacts with its reactive substrate. The article highlights the limitations of genetic screening and biomarkers and the perceived advantages which Virtual Scanning may have for routine mass screening e.g. of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers, depression, migraine, etc.
Expression and intracellular localization of TBC1D9, a Rab GTPase-accelerating protein, in mouse testes

Membrane trafficking in male germ cells contributes to their development via cell morphological changes and acrosome formation. TBC family proteins work as Rab GTPase accelerating proteins (GAPs), which negatively regulate Rab proteins, to mediate membrane trafficking. In this study, we analyzed the expression of a Rab GAP, TBC1D9, in mouse organs and the intracellular localization of the gene products. Tbc1d9 showed abundant expression in adult mice testis. We found that the Tbc1d9 mRNA was expressed in primary and secondary spermatocytes, and that the TBC1D9 protein was expressed in spermatocytes and round spermatids. In 293T cells, TBC1D9-GFP proteins were localized in the endosome and Golgi apparatus. Compartments that were positive for the constitutive active mutants of Rab7 and Rab9 were also positive for TBC1D9 isoform 1. In addition, TBC1D9 proteins were associated with Rab7 and Rab9, respectively. These results indicate that TBC1D9 is expressed mainly in spermatocytes, and suggest that TBC1D9 regulates membrane trafficking pathways related to Rab9- or Rab7-positive vesicles.
The Multiple Histories of Western Asia: Perspectives from Ancient and Modern Genomes

abstract Western Asia lies at the heart of the Old World, in the midst of Africa, Asia, and Europe. As such, this region has been populated and repopulated by myriad peoples, starting with the first migrants from Africa. All evidence points to Western Asia for the beginnings of sedentary life, and indeed, first the villages and later the cities of this land remain as archaeological wonders, revealing complex histories of multiple peoples and their interactions. With the wondrous breakthroughs in genomic studies, we now have the power to look at these histories with a truly quantitative lens. Here, we review the recent anthropological genomics literature pertaining to this region, with an outlook for the future challenges and exciting possibilities for the field.
Fetal growth restriction – from observation to intervention

Abstract Fetal growth restriction (FGR) due to placental dysfunction has important short- and long-term impacts that may reach into adulthood. Early-onset FGR before 34 weeks' gestation shows a characteristic sequence of responses to placental dysfunction that evolves from the arterial circulation to the venous system and finally to biophysical abnormalities. In this form of FGR safe prolongation of pregnancy is a primary management goal, as gestational age at delivery, birth weight and iatrogenic premature delivery have an important impact on short-term outcome and neurodevelopment. Surveillance intervals should be adjusted based on umbilical artery and venous Doppler studies. Intervention thresholds need to be based on the balance of fetal vs. neonatal risks and therefore critically depend on gestational age. Late-onset FGR presents with subtle Doppler and biophysical abnormalities and therefore poses a diagnostic dilemma. Often unrecognized, term FGR contributes to a large proportion of adverse perinatal outcome. Monitoring intervals should be adjusted based on middle cerebral artery Doppler and fetal heart rate parameters. Delivery timing thresholds can be low. In both forms of FGR neurodevelopmental impacts of placental disease occur before clinical decisions regarding delivery timing arise. This places special emphasis on future preventative studies.
Interaction of Face and Voice Areas during Speaker Recognition

Face and voice processing contribute to person recognition, but it remains unclear how the segregated specialized cortical modules interact. Using functional neuroimaging, we observed cross-modal responses to voices of familiar persons in the fusiform face area, as localized separately using visual stimuli. Voices of familiar persons only activated the face area during a task that emphasized speaker recognition over recognition of verbal content. Analyses of functional connectivity between cortical territories show that the fusiform face region is coupled with the superior temporal sulcus voice region during familiar speaker recognition, but not with any of the other cortical regions normally active in person recognition or in other tasks involving voices. These findings are relevant for models of the cognitive processes and neural circuitry involved in speaker recognition. They reveal that in the context of speaker recognition, the assessment of person familiarity does not necessarily engage supra-modal cortical substrates but can result from the direct sharing of information between auditory voice and visual face regions.
Hydrothermal Scheduling by Augmented Lagrangian: Consideration of Transmission Constraints and Pumped-Storage Units

This paper presents an augmented Lagrangian (AL) approach to scheduling a generation mix of thermal and hydro resources. AL presents a remedy to duality gap encountered with the ordinary Lagrangian for nonconvex problems. It shapes the Lagrangian function as a hyperparaboloid associating penalty in the direction of the coupling constraints. This work accounts further for the transmission constraints. We use a hydrothermal resource model with pumped-storage units. An IEEE 24-bus test system is used for AL performance illustration. Computational models are all coded in C. The results of the test case show that the AL approach can provide better scheduling results as it can detect optimal on/off schedules of units over a planning horizon at a minimal cost with no constraint violation. It requires no iteration with economic dispatch algorithms. The approach proves accurate and practical for systems with generation diversity and limited transmission capacity.
Gaga, a New Fern Genus Segregated from Cheilanthes (Pteridaceae)

Abstract Ongoing molecular phylogenetic studies of cheilanthoid ferns confirm that the genus Cheilanthes (Pteridaceae) is polyphyletic. A monophyletic group of species within the hemionitid clade informally called the “C. marginata group” is here shown to be distinct from its closest relatives (the genus Aspidotis) and phylogenetically distant from the type species of Cheilanthes. This group is here segregated from Cheilanthes as the newly described genus, Gaga . In this study, we use molecular data from four DNA regions (plastid: matK, rbcL, trnG-R; and nuclear: gapCp) together with spore data to circumscribe the morphological and geographical boundaries of the new genus and investigate reticulate evolution within the group. Gaga is distinguished from Aspidotis by its rounded to attenuate (vs. mucronate) segment apices, minutely bullate margins of mature leaves (vs. smooth at 40 ×), and less prominently lustrous and striate adaxial blade surfaces. The new genus is distinguished from Cheilanthes s. s. by its strongly differentiated, inframarginal pseudoindusia, the production of 64 small or 32 large spores (vs. 32 small or 16 large) per sporangium, and usually glabrous leaf blades. A total of nineteen species are recognized within Gaga; seventeen new combinations are made, and two new species, Gaga germanotta and Gaga monstraparva , are described.
The structure and evolution of cis-regulatory regions: the shavenbaby story

In this paper, we provide a historical account of the contribution of a single line of research to our current understanding of the structure of cis-regulatory regions and the genetic basis for morphological evolution. We revisit the experiments that shed light on the evolution of larval cuticular patterns within the genus Drosophila and the evolution and structure of the shavenbaby gene. We describe the experiments that led to the discovery that multiple genetic changes in the cis-regulatory region of shavenbaby caused the loss of dorsal cuticular hairs (quaternary trichomes) in first instar larvae of Drosophila sechellia. We also discuss the experiments that showed that the convergent loss of quaternary trichomes in D. sechellia and Drosophila ezoana was generated by parallel genetic changes in orthologous enhancers of shavenbaby. We discuss the observation that multiple shavenbaby enhancers drive overlapping patterns of expression in the embryo and that these apparently redundant enhancers ensure robust shavenbaby expression and trichome morphogenesis under stressful conditions. All together, these data, collected over 13 years, provide a fundamental case study in the fields of gene regulation and morphological evolution, and highlight the importance of prolonged, detailed studies of single genes.
Modelling plexcitons of periodic gold nanorod arrays with molecular components

Plasmonic or exciton/plasmon (plexcitonic) systems are presently described based on electromagnetic models, ignoring the need for an improved microscopic understanding. This is based on the fact that a full quantum mechanical approach on a micrometer scale still represents a considerable challenge. In this paper we report on the experimental observation of plexcitons in 2D gold nanorod array systems coupled to dye molecules and we provide a description of the experimental data using a quantum model. We show that treating the collective behavior in the array as being represented by a single quasiparticle is a suitable approximation that offers the opportunity to avoid the complicated calculation of long-distance interactions between the individual nanoparticles of the plexcitonic, periodic system. This enables us to model the optical response of plasmons in nanostructured arrays in contact with quantum emitters and to derive microscopic informations. Our work provides a potential tool for the design of plexcitonic devices, which rely on periodic metallic nanostructures.
Residential energy system control and management using a Hill-climbing heuristic method

This paper presents a Hill-climbing technique applied to a residential energy system control and management, based on battery energy storage connected to power grids. The main focus is to develop an optimal controller that is both easy to implement and capable of minimizing the electricity cost for residential customers. Simulation results corroborate the advantages of the proposed method.
Curiosity Killed the M-Cat: an Examination of Illicit Drugs and Media

Using mainstream media communication theories, this article outlines different mechanisms by which media can impact on public perceptions of drugs and crime. The media can set the agenda and define public interest; frame issues through selection and salience; indirectly shape individual and community attitudes towards risk and norms; and feed into political debate and decision making. We demonstrate how the media can fulfill each of these roles by examining the so-called Miaow Miaow (Mephedrone) legal high ‘epidemic’, as reported in the United Kingdom news media from 2009-2010. In doing so we illustrate that by contributing to hysteria, exerting pressure for policy change and increasing curiosity in drug use, the media can have a potentially powerful impact on demand for drugs and public perceptions of illicit drugs and drugs policy.
Yellow Mealworm Protein for Food Purposes - Extraction and Functional Properties

A protocol for extraction of yellow mealworm larvae proteins was established, conditions were evaluated and the resulting protein extract was characterised. The freeze-dried yellow mealworm larvae contained around 33% fat, 51% crude protein and 43% true protein on a dry matter basis. The true protein content of the protein extract was about 75%, with an extraction rate of 70% under optimised extraction conditions using 0.25 M NaOH, a NaOH solution:ethanol defatted worm ratio of 15:1 mL/g, 40°C for 1 h and extraction twice. The protein extract was a good source of essential amino acids. The lowest protein solubility in distilled water solution was found between pH 4 and 5, and increased with either increasing or decreasing pH. Lower solubility was observed in 0.5 M NaCl solution compared with distilled water. The rheological tests indicated that temperature, sample concentration, addition of salt and enzyme, incubation time and pH alterations influenced the elastic modulus of yellow mealworm protein extract (YMPE). These results demonstrate that the functional properties of YMPE can be modified for different food applications.
Replantation versus Prosthetic Fitting in Traumatic Arm Amputations: A Systematic Review

Background Traumatic arm amputations can be treated with replantation or surgical formalization of the stump with or without subsequent prosthetic fitting. In the literature, many authors suggest the superiority of replantation. This systematic review compared available literature to analyze whether replantation is functionally and psychologically more profitable than formalization and prosthetic fitting in patients with traumatic arm amputation. Methods Functional outcome and satisfaction levels were recorded of patients with amputation levels below elbow, through elbow, and above elbow. Results Functional outcomes of 301 replantation patients and 172 prosthesis patients were obtained. In the replantation group, good or excellent functional scores were reported in 39% of above elbow, 55% of through elbow, and 50% of below elbow amputation cases. Nearly 100% of patients were satisfied with the replanted limb. In the prosthesis group, full use of the prosthesis was attained in 48% of above elbow and in 89% of below elbow amputation patients. Here, 29% of patients elected not to use the prosthesis for reasons including pain and functional superfluity. In both replantation patients and prosthesis wearers, a below elbow amputation yielded better functional results than higher amputation levels. Conclusions Replantation of a traumatically amputated arm leads to good function and higher satisfaction rates than a prosthesis, regardless of the objective functional outcome. Sensation and psychological well-being seem the two major advantages of replantation over a prosthesis. The current review of the available literature shows that in carefully selected cases replantation could be the preferred option of treatment.
Improving User Experience for Passenger Information Systems. Prototypes and Reference Objects

Research problem: This study explores how established patterns, means, and services influence the users' first experience when encountering a novel self-service application. The application (DB Cairo) is a passenger information system for public transportation running on mobile phones. Research questions: Is the users' first experience with the application influenced by established communicative patterns, means, and services? Are they used as reference objects? Which attributes of the application are relevant? Is there a leading reference object (prototype)? Do reference objects vary depending on the personal factors age and gender? Literature review: Little is known about user experience in first contact situations regarding passenger information systems. For our investigations, we used a theoretical framework combining Linguistic Evaluation Theory, Prototype Theory, and Linguistic Genre Theory: Evaluations are regarded as an integral part of user experience. Evaluation is conceptualized as an act where a subject evaluates an object with a certain purpose at a certain time by comparing it with other objects. Every object has various attributes-some are relevant for the evaluation, and others are not. Communication quality is seen as a crucial complex attribute for the evaluation of communicative applications. Methodology: We conducted a qualitative study: Data from two user test series (n = 12)with thinking-aloud protocols and retrospective interviews were analyzed with qualitative content analysis procedures. The participants were male and female, age 25-35 or 55-65, mobile-phone users, and multimodal travellers. The tests were conducted in a laboratory with a computer-based mobile-phone emulator. Results and conclusions: Results show that the participants explore the application by comparing its attributes with attributes of reference objects. Reference objects vary depending on attributes of the application. Regarding topic-related attributes, participants rely on established artifacts, which form a topic-related multimedia network. Within this network, the website of German Railways functions as prototype. Age- and gender-specific differences were not detected. The findings indicate that research into user experience and development practice could benefit from reconstructing and analyzing topic-related artifacts. Limitations of the study were a small sample size, the test location, and environment. Future challenges are the investigation of influencing factors and the development of new methods/tools for data collection infield studies.
miR-155 induced transcriptome changes in the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line leads to enhanced mitogen activated protein kinase signaling

A single microRNA (miRNA) has the potential to regulate thousands of genes and thus govern multiple signaling pathways at once. miR-155 is an oncogenic miRNA which regulates many cellular pathways, designating it as a multifaceted regulator of proliferation, chemo-resistance, and apoptosis. While many singular targeted effects of miR-155 have been defined and an oncogenic role has been attributed to miR-155 expression, the global effect of miR-155 on the cellular transcriptomes of an ER+ breast cancer cell line has yet to be determined. Here we demonstrate that miR-155 expression increases tumorigenesis in vivo and we determine miR-155 mediated transcriptome changes through next generation sequencing analysis. miR-155 expression alters many signaling pathways, with the chief altered pathway being the MAPK signaling cascade and miR-155 induces shortening of target mRNA 3′UTRs and alternative isoform expression of MAPK related genes. In addition there is an observed increase in protein phosphorylation of components of MAPK signaling including ERK1/2 and AP-1 complex members (Fra-1 and c-Fos) as well as elevated gene expression of MAPK regulated genes Zeb1, Snail, Plaur, and SerpinE1.
Identifying Effective Education Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Meta-Analysis of Impact Evaluations

In this article, I identify educational interventions with an impact on student learning in Sub-Saharan Africa. After a systematic literature search, I conducted a meta-analysis synthesizing 56 articles containing 66 separate experiments and quasi-experiments and 83 treatment arms. I evaluated 12 types of education interventions such as the provision of school supplies, the use of teacher incentives, and school-based management programs. I examine each intervention type, present analytics on relative effectiveness, and explore why certain interventions seem to be more effective. A key finding is that programs that alter teacher pedagogy or classroom instructional techniques had an effect size approximately 0.30 standard deviations greater than all other types of programs combined. Limited evidence further suggests that pedagogical programs that employed adaptive instruction or teacher coaching were particularly effective. Given that the literature in the field is still nascent overall, these results advocate for further research into these pedagogical interventions.
A selective monotropic elevation of FSH, but not that of LH, amplifies the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia in the adult rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).

BACKGROUND Unilateral orchidectomy in monkeys increases spermatogenesis in the remaining testis in association with elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion and testicular testosterone. The present study examined the relative importance of FSH and testosterone in driving the primate testis toward its spermatogenic ceiling. METHODS Adult male rhesus monkeys were treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist to inhibit endogenous FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. The gonadotrophin drive to the testis was replaced with a pulsatile recombinant human FSH and LH infusion to maintain testicular volume and circulating testosterone and inhibin B at physiological levels. A selective monotropic elevation of FSH or LH that doubled the concentrations of inhibin B or testosterone, respectively, was then imposed for 4 weeks, each in a group of four monkeys. In a third group (n = 4), the gonadotrophin drive remained clamped at physiological levels. Bromo-deoxyuridine was administered 3 h prior to castration, and the effects of the monotropic hormone increments on germ cell number, S-phase labeling and degeneration were determined. RESULTS Increased FSH, but not LH, produced increases in testicular volume (P < 0.05), the proportion of A pale spermatogonia entering the cell cycle and the numbers of differentiated spermatogonia and more advanced germ cells (P < 0.05). Indexes for spermatogonia labeling and germ cell degeneration were not affected. CONCLUSIONS Under physiological conditions, circulating concentrations of FSH directly dictate sperm output of the primate testis by regulating the proportion of Ap spermatogonia in the growth fraction. An effect of FSH on survival of the first generation of differentiated B spermatogonia is not excluded.