Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Causes and Consequences of Microsatellite Instability in Endometrial Carcinoma 1

Genetic instability of microsatellite repeat sequences [microsatellite instability (MI)] is commonly seen in tumors associated with the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome and is a result of inactivating mutations in any of several genes involved in a particular pathway of DNA mismatch repair. Sporadic (i.e., nonhereditary) manifestations of several tumor types, including colorectal, gastric, and endometrial carcinomas, also exhibit MI in a significant fraction of cases. Many MI1 sporadic colorectal carcinomas are associated with somatic mutations of mismatch repair genes, and several genes with coding region microsatellites are frequently mutated as a result in these cancers. The molecular causes and consequences of MI in sporadic endometrial carcinomas remain obscure, however. The aims of this study were: (a) to identify a series of sporadic endometrial carcinomas with clear evidence of MI; (b) to determine the extent to which somatic alterations in mismatch repair genes are associated with this MI; and (c) to establish whether the genes containing coding region microsatellite repeats that are known to be disrupted in MI1 gastrointestinal cancers are also disrupted in MI 1 endometrial carcinomas. Matched pairs of normal and tumor DNA from 57 consecutive cases of endometrial carcinoma were examined for evidence of MI using a consensus panel of microsatellite markers. Fourteen cases (25%) displayed unequivocal evidence of MI, consistent with previously published estimates of the incidence of MI 1 sporadic endometrial carcinoma. These cases were subjected to a mutation screen of the coding regions and exon-intron boundaries of the mismatch repair genes MSH2 and MLH1. Although several polymorphisms were detected, no clearly deleterious mutations were found in either of these genes. Notably, however, hypermethylation of theMLH1 promoter region was identified in 10 of 14 (71%) MI1 cases. Somatic mutations in coding region microsatellite repeats in theTGFbIIR, IGFIIR, BAX, E2F4, MSH3, MSH6, BRCA1, and BRCA2 genes were generally rare. Four MI 1 tumors (29%) contained somatic mutations in the PTEN gene, only one of which was likely the result of MI. These data indicate that somatic mutational inactivation of known mismatch repair genes does not account for the great majority of sporadic endometrial carcinomas with MI and that a significant fraction of these cases may instead be causally associated with hypermethylation of the MLH1 promoter. Furthermore, genes with coding region microsatellites that are frequently mutated in MI1 gastrointestinal cancers are rarely mutated in MI 1 endometrial cancers, implying the existence of alternative molecular targets for the tumorigenic effects of MI in this tumor type.
Neuronal Correlates of Auditory Streaming in Monkey Auditory Cortex for Tone Sequences without Spectral Differences

This study finds a neuronal correlate of auditory perceptual streaming in the primary auditory cortex for sequences of tone complexes that have the same amplitude spectrum but a different phase spectrum. Our finding is based on microelectrode recordings of multiunit activity from 270 cortical sites in three awake macaque monkeys. The monkeys were presented with repeated sequences of a tone triplet that consisted of an A tone, a B tone, another A tone and then a pause. The A and B tones were composed of unresolved harmonics formed by adding the harmonics in cosine phase, in alternating phase, or in random phase. A previous psychophysical study on humans revealed that when the A and B tones are similar, humans integrate them into a single auditory stream; when the A and B tones are dissimilar, humans segregate them into separate auditory streams. We found that the similarity of neuronal rate responses to the triplets was highest when all A and B tones had cosine phase. Similarity was intermediate when the A tones had cosine phase and the B tones had alternating phase. Similarity was lowest when the A tones had cosine phase and the B tones had random phase. The present study corroborates and extends previous reports, showing similar correspondences between neuronal activity in the primary auditory cortex and auditory streaming of sound sequences. It also is consistent with Fishman’s population separation model of auditory streaming.
Availability Improvement of Layer 2 Seamless Networks Using OpenFlow

The network robustness and reliability are strongly influenced by the implementation of redundancy and its ability of reacting to changes. In situations where packet loss or maximum latency requirements are critical, replication of resources and information may become the optimal technique. To this end, the IEC 62439-3 Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) provides seamless recovery in layer 2 networks by delegating the redundancy management to the end-nodes. In this paper, we present a combination of the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) approach and PRP topologies to establish a higher level of redundancy and thereby, through several active paths provisioned via the OpenFlow protocol, the global reliability is increased, as well as data flows are managed efficiently. Hence, the experiments with multiple failure scenarios, which have been run over the Mininet network emulator, show the improvement in the availability and responsiveness over other traditional technologies based on a single active path.
Attention-Based Convolutional Neural Network for Machine Comprehension

Understanding open-domain text is one of the primary challenges in natural language processing (NLP). Machine comprehension benchmarks evaluate the system's ability to understand text based on the text content only. In this work, we investigate machine comprehension on MCTest, a question answering (QA) benchmark. Prior work is mainly based on feature engineering approaches. We come up with a neural network framework, named hierarchical attention-based convolutional neural network (HABCNN), to address this task without any manually designed features. Specifically, we explore HABCNN for this task by two routes, one is through traditional joint modeling of passage, question and answer, one is through textual entailment. HABCNN employs an attention mechanism to detect key phrases, key sentences and key snippets that are relevant to answering the question. Experiments show that HABCNN outperforms prior deep learning approaches by a big margin.
Effect of second-phase doping on laser deposited Al2O3 ceramics

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how a second-phase doping may affect Al2O3 ceramic parts deposited by additive manufacturing (AM) with a laser-engineered net shaping system. Direct fabrication of engineering ceramic components by AM is a relatively new method for producing complex mechanical structures. Design/methodology/approach – In this study, ZrO2 and Y2O3 powders are, respectively, doped into Al2O3 powders at the eutectic ratio as second phases to improve the quality of a deposited part. The deposited Al2O3, Al2O3/ZrO2 and Al2O3/YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) parts are examined for their micro-structures and micro-hardness, as well as defects. Findings – The experimental results show that doping of ZrO2 or Y2O3 as a second phase performs a significant role in suppressing cracks and in refining grains of the laser-deposited parts. The micro-hardness investigation reveals that the second-phase doping does not result in much hardness reduction in Al2O3 and the two eutectic ceramics.
Power-aware NoCs through routing and topology reconfiguration

With the advent of multicore processors and system-on-chip designs, intra-chip communication demands have exacerbated, leading to a growing adoption of scalable networks-on-chip (NoCs) as the interconnect fabric. Today, conventional NoC designs may consume up to 30% of the entire chip's power budget, in large part due to leakage power. In this work, we address this issue by proposing Panthre: our solution deploys power-gating to provide long intervals of uninterrupted sleep to selected units. Packets that would normally use power-gated components are steered away via topology and routing reconfiguration, while Panthre provides low-latency alternate paths to their destinations. The routing reconfiguration operates in a distributed fashion and guarantees that deadlock-free routes are available at all times. At runtime, Panthre adapts to the application's communication patterns by updating its power-gating decisions. It employs a feedback-based distributed mechanism to control the amount of sleeping components and of packets detours, so that performance degradation is kept at a minimum. Our design is flexible, providing a mechanism that designers can use to tradeoff power savings with performance, based on application's requirements. Our experiments on multi-programmed communication-light workloads from the SPEC CPU2006 suite show that Panthre reduces total network power consumption by 14.5% on average, with only a 1.8% degradation in performance, when all processor nodes are active. At times when 15-25% of the processor cores are communication-idle, Panthre enables leakage power savings of 36.9% on average, while still providing connected and deadlock-free routes for all other nodes.
Characteristics of Correlated Photon Pairs Generated in Ultracompact Silicon Slow-Light Photonic Crystal Waveguides

We report the characterization of correlated photon pairs generated in dispersion-engineered silicon slow-light photonic crystal waveguides pumped by picosecond pulses. We found that taking advantage of the 15-nm flat-band slow-light window (vg ~ c/30), the bandwidth for correlated photon-pair generation in 96- and 196-μm-long waveguides was at least 11.2 nm, while a 396-μm-long waveguide reduced the bandwidth to 8 nm (only half of the slow-light bandwidth due to the increased impact of phase matching in a longer waveguide). The key metrics for a photon-pair source: coincidence to accidental ratio (CAR) and pair brightness were measured to be a maximum 33 at a pair generation rate of 0.004 pair per pulse in a 196- μm-long waveguide. Within the measurement errors, the maximum CAR achieved in 96-, 196-, and 396-μm-long waveguides is constant. The noise analysis shows that detector dark counts, leaked pump light, linear and nonlinear losses, multiple pair generation, and detector jitter are the limiting factors to the CAR performance of the sources.
A New Analytical Model of the Erasing Operation in Phase-Change Memories

In this letter, we present a new analytical model of the erasing operation in phase-change memories (PCMs). The model successfully describes the dynamics of the erasing curves of PCM arrays in terms of a filamentation picture of the electronic switching process. We also suggest a physical link between the crystalline fraction concept and the filamentation properties, thus providing a deeper comprehension of the underlying physics. The model is able to take into account both technological and architectural parameters, and it is suitable for the statistical analysis of PCM arrays.
Formulation, characterization and physicochemical evaluation of ranitidine effervescent tablets.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to design, formulate and physicochemically evaluate effervescent ranitidine hydrochloride (HCl) tablets since they are easily administered while the elderly and children sometimes have difficulties in swallowing oral dosage forms. METHODS Effervescent ranitidine HCl tablets were prepared in a dosage of 300 mg by fusion and direct compression methods. The powder blend and granule mixture were evaluated for various pre-compression characteristics, such as angle of repose, compressibility index, mean particle size and Hausner's ratio. The tablets were evaluated for post-compression features including weight variation, hardness, friability, drug content, dissolution time, carbon dioxide content, effervescence time, pH, content uniformity and water content. Effervescent systems with appropriate pre and post-compression qualities dissolved rapidly in water were selected as the best formulations. RESULTS The results showed that the flowability of fusion method is more than that of direct compression and the F5 and F6 formulations of 300 mg tablets were selected as the best formulations because of their physicochemical characteristics. CONCLUSION In this study, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate and sweeteners (including mannitol, sucrose and aspartame) were selected. Aspartame, mint and orange flavors were more effective for masking the bitter taste of ranitidine. The fusion method is the best alternative in terms of physicochemical and physical properties.
Dust-bathing behavior of laying hens in enriched colony housing systems and an aviary system

The dust-bathing behavior of Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens was compared in 4 enriched colony housing systems and in an aviary system. The enriched colony housing systems differed especially in the alignment and division of the functional areas dust bath, nest, and perches. Forty-eight-hour video recordings were performed at 3 time-points during the laying period, and focal animal sampling and behavior sampling methods were used to analyze the dust-bathing behavior. Focal animal data included the relative fractions of dust-bathing hens overall, of hens bathing in the dust-bath area, and of those bathing on the wire floor throughout the day. Behavior data included the number of dust-bathing bouts within a predefined time range, the duration of 1 bout, the number of and reasons for interruptions, and the number of and reasons for the termination of dust-bathing bouts. Results showed that the average duration of dust bathing varied between the 4 enriched colony housing systems compared with the aviary system. The duration of dust-bathing bouts was shorter than reported under natural conditions. A positive correlation between dust-bathing activity and size of the dust-bath area was observed. Frequently, dust baths were interrupted and terminated by disturbing influences such as pecking by other hens. This was especially observed in the enriched colony housing systems. In none of the observed systems, neither in the enriched colony housing nor in the aviary system, were all of the observed dust baths terminated “normally. ” Dust bathing behavior on the wire mesh rather than in the provided dust-bath area generally was observed at different frequencies in all enriched colony housing systems during all observation periods, but never in the aviary system. The size and design of the dust-bath area influenced the prevalence of dust-bathing behavior in that small and subdivided dust-bath areas reduced the number of dust-bathing bouts but increased the incidence of sham dust bathing on the wire mesh.
KAON 611 : PSF reconstruction at WMKO : Development , implementation and validation of PSF reconstruction techniques Y 9 CfAO project annual report

This document is a summary of the goals, current status and future schedule of the multi-year collaborative proposal [1] to the CfAO “Development, implementation and validation of PSF reconstruction techniques. ” The project started in November 2007 at the W. M. Keck Observatory (WMKO) under the direction of D. Le Mignant (PI), with postdoctoral researcher R. Flicker employed for the principal algorithm development and implementation.
Pliocene climate and seasonality in North Atlantic shelf seas

This paper reviews North Atlantic shelf seas palaeoclimate during the interval 4–3 Ma, prior to and incorporating the ‘Mid-Pliocene warm period’ (ca 3.29–2.97 Ma). Fossil assemblages and stable isotope data demonstrate northwards extension of subtropical faunas along the coast of the Carolinas–Virginia (Yorktown and Duplin Formations) relative to the present day, suggesting a more vigorous Florida Current, with reduced seasonality and warm water extending north of Cape Hatteras (reconstructed annual range for Virginia 12–30°C). This interpretation supports conceptual models of increased meridional heat transport for the Pliocene. Sea temperatures for Florida (Lower Pinecrest Beds) were similar to or slightly cooler than (summers 25–27°C) today, and were probably influenced by seasonal upwelling of cold deep water. Reduced seasonality is also apparent in the Coralline Crag Formation of the southern North Sea, with ostracods suggesting winter sea temperatures of 10°C (modern 4°C). However, estimates from Pliocene bivalves (3.6–16.6°C) are similar to or cooler than the present day. This ‘mixed’ signal is problematic given warmer seas in the Carolinas–Virginia, and climate model and oceanographic data that show warmer seas in the ‘Mid-Pliocene’ eastern North Atlantic. This may be because the Coralline Crag Formation was deposited prior to peak Mid-Pliocene warmth.
Dynamic Pricing and Queue Stability in Wireless Random Access Games

We study the interaction among users of contention-based wireless networks, where the performance of the network is highly correlated with user transmission probabilities. Considering the underlying user incentives, we make use of the conceptual framework of noncooperative game theory to obtain a distributed control mechanism to limit the contention among wireless nodes by taking into account queue stability and injecting linear pricing to punish greedy behavior. We present a comprehensive analysis of the game including existence and uniqueness of Nash equilibrium point, convergence dynamics, and robustness properties. Utilizing linear pricing enables us to move the equilibrium point of the game to a desirable region. We obtain conditions on linear prices necessary to achieve stability of user queues in the asymmetric and symmetric cases. In addition, we propose dynamic pricing algorithms, in which wireless users play the game without cooperation while the base station adjusts the linear price of each user. Under limited knowledge of game parameters, we present a dynamic equal pricing algorithm that moves the Nash equilibrium to the aggregate throughput maximizing solution. The theoretical results are verified, and the convergence and efficiency of the proposed game are illustrated via simulations.
Treatment setting and baseline substance use severity interact to predict patients' outcomes.

AIMS This study tested the hypothesis that patients with more severe substance use disorders (SUDs) at intake respond better when treated in more structured and intensive settings (i.e. in-patient/residential versus out-patient), whereas patients with less severe SUD problems have similar outcomes regardless of treatment setting. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Up to 50 new patients were selected randomly from each of a random and representative sample of 50 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) SUD treatment programs (total n = 1917 patients), and were followed-up an average of 6.7 months later (n = 1277). MEASURES Patients completed a brief self-report version of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) at baseline and at follow-up. FINDINGS In mixed-model regression analyses, baseline substance use severity predicted follow-up substance use severity and there were no main effects of treatment setting. However, interaction effects were found, such that more severe patients experienced better alcohol and drug outcomes following in-patient/residential treatment versus out-patient treatment; on the other hand, patients with lower baseline ASI drug severity had better drug outcomes following out-patient treatment than in-patient treatment. Treatment setting was unrelated to alcohol outcomes in patients with less severe ASI alcohol scores. CONCLUSIONS Results provide some support to the matching hypothesis that for patients who have higher levels of substance use severity at intake, treatment in in-patient/residential treatment settings is associated with better outcomes than out-patient treatment. More research needs to be conducted before in-patient/residential settings are further reduced as a part of the SUD continuum of care in the United States.
Investigation of weld cracking in alloy 800

The subscale Varestraint test has been used to determine the relative hot cracking susceptibility of the fusion zone in four commercial heats of alloy 800. Although all four heats were susceptible to cracking, one heat exhibited a significant increase in cracking relative to the other three. Optical metallography revealed that nearly all the cracking was localized along fusion zone grain boundaries. Microprobe analysis of the grain boundaries detected high concentrations of titanium, silicon, and niobium resulting from partitioning during solidification. The fusion zone hot cracking mechanism in alloy 800 involves the complex interaction of titanium, silicon, niobium, and carbon along the solidification boundaries. SEM and Auger analyses of the hot crack fracture surfaces revealed the presence of (Ti, Nb)-rich carbides, suggesting that these particles precipitate from the liquid which solidifies last on the fracture surface. 23 references.
The in vivo expression of membrane-bound CD14 in periodontal health and disease.

BACKGROUND Membrane-bound CD14 (mCD14) is a myeloid differentiation antigen expressed on monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils. It is a key molecule responsible for the innate recognition of bacteria by host cells and functions as an important receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide. This study investigated the in vivo expression profile and levels of mCD14 in healthy and diseased gingival tissues. METHODS Gingival biopsies were obtained from 24 patients with chronic periodontitis, including 22 periodontal pocket tissues, 13 clinically healthy tissues, and 18 inflamed connective tissues (i.e., granulation tissues). Gingival biopsies from seven periodontally healthy subjects were used as controls. mCD14 was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS mCD14 was detected in 21 of 22 periodontal pocket tissues and all other categories of tissues. The mCD14-positive cells were mainly confined to the gingival epithelium-connective tissue interface. The expression levels in periodontally healthy subjects were significantly higher than in the patients. Within the patients, clinically healthy tissues showed greater levels of mCD14 than periodontal pocket tissues and granulation tissues. CONCLUSIONS mCD14 was commonly expressed in both healthy and diseased gingival tissues and was predominantly confined to the epithelium-connective tissue interface. The positive relationship observed between mCD14 expression levels and periodontal health may imply that mCD14 is associated with favorable host responses to bacterial challenge and contributes to maintaining periodontal homeostasis.