Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Additional induction chemotherapy to concurrent chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy with or without nimotuzumab in first-line treatment for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a propensity score matched analysis

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the survival benefits of additional induction chemotherapy before concurrent chemotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy and nimotuzumab in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods: Clinical data from 1104 nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients diagnosed between May 2008 and April 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received addition of induction chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiotherapy with or without nimotuzumab. A propensity score matched method was used to identify paired patients according to various covariates. Results: In total, 120 pairs were selected by propensity score matched method. At a median follow-up time of 56 months (10-99 months), the 5-year locoregional relapse-free survival, distant metastases-free survival, progression-free survival and overall survival rates in patients treated with nimotuzumab vs. without nimotuzumab were 91.6% vs. 91.1% (P= 0.957), 95.8% vs. 83.9% (P= 0.007), 87.4% vs. 81.3% (P= 0.225), 94.5% vs. 85.6% (P= 0.058), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that nimotuzumab was an independent prognosticator of OS and DMFS. Conclusions: Nimotuzumab is an effective treatment option for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and the addition of induction chemotherapy to concurrent chemoradiotherapy and nimotuzumab could obtain the best survival benefits.
Evaluation of Fruit Shape Variations in Spanish Eggplants using an Image Analysis Software

Traditional descriptors for characterization of fruit shape of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) provide limited information and do not allow a detailed characterization of this complex trait. New image analysis software tools like Tomato Analyzer, allow obtaining quantitative and objective data for a large number of fruit shape parameters. The Tomato Analyzer software tool was used for the evaluation of fruit shape in a collection of traditional varieties of eggplant from four varietal groups (Round, Semi-long, Egg Shaped, and Long). A total of 26 fruit shape parameters were obtained using the Tomato Analyzer software. Significant differences were found among varieties for all traits, except for shoulder height. In addition, considerable differences were identified among varietal groups for many parameters. Values for broad-sense heritability were high for most of the traits. The principal components analysis clearly separated the four varietal groups. Discriminant analysis allowed the correct classification to their actual variety of almost 60 % of the individual fruits. The wide variation observed and high values for heritability for most fruit shape parameters indicated that the image analysis software tools like Tomato Analyzer are of great utility for the phenotypic characterization of fruit shape in eggplant germplasm. This has important implications for selection and breeding for this important trait in eggplant.
Role of miR-21 in the growth and metastasis of human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma

Aberrant microRNA (miRNA/miR) expression has been reported in various cancer types. miR-21, which is considered to be a proto-oncogene and is frequently overexpressed in certain cancer types, has been implicated in tumorigenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of miR-21 degradation on tumor progression and its potential mechanisms in human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) development. Results of reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that SACC cells with high metastatic potential (SACC-LM cells) exhibited a significantly higher expression of miR-21 compared with SACC cells with a lower metastatic potential (SACC-83 cells). In addition, following transfection of SACC-LM cells with miR-21 inhibitor, cell viability was reduced, which may be a result of reduced cell proliferation and metastasis, and the induction of apoptosis, as determined by Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing, Matrigel invasion and flow cytometry assays. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis indicated that programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 are potential target genes of miR-21. Therefore, western blotting was performed to investigate the expression of these proteins, and the results demonstrated that miR-21 expression level was negatively associated with PDCD4 and PTEN protein expression, and positively associated with Bcl-2 protein expression, in SACC-LM cells, indicating that miR-21 may promote SACC progression via PDCD4, PTEN and Bcl-2. In conclusion, the present study indicates that miR-21 may be a novel target for SACC therapy and provide a novel basis for the clinical treatment of SACC.
State-of-the-Art Medium Access Control (MAC) Protocols for Underwater Acoustic Networks: A Survey Based on a MAC Reference Model

Similar to radio-frequency-based wireless networks (RWNs) used in terrestrial environments, the medium access control (MAC) protocol is a key element for underwater acoustic networks (UWANs). However, due to peculiar features of underwater acoustic channels such as long propagation delay, very small channel capacity, low channel reliability, and high dynamics of channel quality, not only MAC protocols but also MAC design strategies originally developed for RWNs cannot work well in UWANs. A large number of UWAN MAC protocols have been investigated in the literature, and most of them have not been reviewed in the available surveys. To allow the reader to have an overview on the state-of-the-art UWAN MAC protocols, this paper reviews these proposals with an enhanced MAC reference model. This model decomposes an MAC protocol into a couple of components that make up a common structure for various MAC protocols so that they can be more easily understood. The major remaining issues and possible research directions are also discussed.
Cognitive Functions and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Involving the Prefrontal Cortex and Mediodorsal Thalamus

The mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (MD) has been implicated in executive functions (such as planning, cognitive control, working memory, and decision-making) because of its significant interconnectivity with the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Yet, whilst the roles of the PFC have been extensively studied, how the MD contributes to these cognitive functions remains relatively unclear. Recently, causal evidence in monkeys has demonstrated that in everyday tasks involving rapid updating (e.g., while learning something new, making decisions, or planning the next move), the MD and frontal cortex are working in close partnership. Furthermore, researchers studying the MD in rodents have been able to probe the underlying mechanisms of this relationship to give greater insights into how the frontal cortex and MD might interact during the performance of these essential tasks. This review summarizes the circuitry and known neuromodulators of the MD, and considers the most recent behavioral, cognitive, and neurophysiological studies conducted in monkeys and rodents; in total, this evidence demonstrates that MD makes a critical contribution to cognitive functions. We propose that communication occurs between the MD and the frontal cortex in an ongoing, fluid manner during rapid cognitive operations, via the means of efference copies of messages passed through transthalamic routes; the conductance of these messages may be modulated by other brain structures interconnected to the MD. This is similar to the way in which other thalamic structures have been suggested to carry out forward modeling associated with rapid motor responding and visual processing. Given this, and the marked thalamic pathophysiology now identified in many neuropsychiatric disorders, we suggest that changes in the different subdivisions of the MD and their interconnections with the cortex could plausibly give rise to a number of the otherwise disparate symptoms (including changes to olfaction and cognitive functioning) that are associated with many different neuropsychiatric disorders. In particular, we will focus here on the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia and suggest testable hypotheses about how changes to MD-frontal cortex interactions may affect cognitive processes in this disorder.
BEHAVIOUR OF FRP-TO-STEEL BONDED JOINTS

Externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement offers an attractive method for the strengthening of structures constructed of various materials. In such strengthened structures, the characteristics of FRP-to-parent material bonded joints play an important role. While extensive research has been carried out on the characteristics of FRP-to-concrete bonded joints, existing work on FRP-to-steel bonded joints is much more limited. In an FRP-to-steel bonded joint, the weak link is the epoxy adhesive, while in an FRP-to-concrete bonded joint, the concrete is the weak link. This paper examines, through a series of pull-off tests in which the FRP-to-steel interface is subjected to direct shear, the parameters that affect the behaviour of FRP-to-steel bonded joints. The test results are first presented and discussed. Based on these test results, the bond-slip relationship relating the interfacial shear stress to the interfacial slip is then investigated, leading to the development of the first ever bond-slip model for FRP-to-steel interfaces.
Hypoxanthine is a checkpoint stress metabolite in colonic epithelial energy modulation and barrier function

Intestinal epithelial cells form a selectively permeable barrier to protect colon tissues from luminal microbiota and antigens and to mediate nutrient, fluid, and waste flux in the intestinal tract. Dysregulation of the epithelial cell barrier coincides with profound shifts in metabolic energy, especially in the colon, which exists in an energetically depleting state of physiological hypoxia. However, studies that systematically examine energy flux and adenylate metabolism during intestinal epithelial barrier development and restoration after disruption are lacking. Here, to delineate barrier-related energy flux, we developed an HPLC-based profiling method to track changes in energy flux and adenylate metabolites during barrier development and restoration. Cultured epithelia exhibited pooling of phosphocreatine and maintained ATP during barrier development. EDTA-induced epithelial barrier disruption revealed that hypoxanthine levels correlated with barrier resistance. Further studies uncovered that hypoxanthine supplementation improves barrier function and wound healing and that hypoxanthine appears to do so by increasing intracellular ATP, which improved cytoskeletal G- to F-actin polymerization. Hypoxanthine supplementation increased the adenylate energy charge in the murine colon, indicating potential to regulate adenylate energy charge–mediated metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, experiments in a murine colitis model disclosed that hypoxanthine loss during active inflammation correlates with markers of disease severity. In summary, our results indicate that hypoxanthine modulates energy metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells and is critical for intestinal barrier function.
Analysis and design of adaptive control systems with unmodeled input dynamics via multiobjective convex optimization

A challenging problem for adaptive control systems is the accurate characterization of the transient response in the presence of dynamic uncertainties such as a partially known actuator. Considering an actuator modelled as a first order filter with an uncertain control effectiveness and using a projection mechanism for parameters adaptation, we show that the tracking error dynamics behaves as a linear system perturbed by bounded uncertainties. This brings the advantage that the stability analysis can be cast in terms of LMIs so that convex optimization tools can be used for analysis and design. In this framework we propose a mixed linear/adaptive control strategy whose parameters are computed via a convex multiobjective optimization in order to ensure, at the same time, the evolution of the error within a minimal size invariant set, while the added linear gain is minimized. A Numerical example is provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the method.
Nesting tree characteristics of heronry birds of urban ecosystems in peninsular India: implications for habitat management

Abstract Wetland ecosystems, particularly the mangrove forest, are the primary wild habitat of heronry birds. However, urban ecosystems have become a favorite breeding habitat of these birds. To provide inputs into the habitat management for conservation of these birds, we investigated the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of nesting trees of heronry birds in the urban environment of the North Kerala region of peninsular India. Census on nesting trees was done in 3 major microhabitats of the urban ecosystem: avenues of national highways and towns, nonresidential plots, and residential areas apart from the mangrove islets in the peri-urban locality. The study found that 174 trees of 22 species hosted 1,928 heronry bird nests in the urban habitats; mangrove forests, although plentiful in the study area, hosted only about 20% of the total nests encountered in the study. Rain trees Samanea saman (43.7%) were the most available nesting tree. The greatest number of nests and nesting trees were encountered on the roads of urban areas, followed by nonresidential areas and residential areas. The differences in the observed frequencies of nesting trees in 3 microhabitats and in 3 types of roads (national highways > state highways > small pocket road) were significant. Canopy spread, girth size, and quality of the trees predicted the tree selection of the heronry birds in urban environments. Therefore, we recommend proper management and notification of the identified nesting trees as protected sites for the conservation of herorny birds.
Surgical Treatment Outcomes of Vocal Process Granuloma After Endotracheal Intubation

Introduction: The objective of this study was to review the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment outcomes of the vocal process granuloma after the endotracheal intubation. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital from January 2008 to December 2015. Results: Twenty-one vocal process granulomas after endotracheal intubation were diagnosed in 13 patients. The most common symptom was hoarseness. Among 13 patients, bilateral vocal process granulomas were in 8 patients. For the remaining 5 patients, their unilateral vocal process granulomas were all left-sided. All the cases of vocal process granulomas after the endotracheal intubation were treated by laryngoscope microsurgery under general anesthesia. Recurrence of vocal process granulomas was identified in 1 lesion. Conclusion: This study suggests that surgery for vocal process granuloma after endotracheal intubation is a good treatment option for a rapid resolution of lesions and the associated symptoms, along with having low recurrence rates.
Evaluation of laser ablation microtomy for correlative microscopy of hard tissues

Laser ablation machining or microtomy (LAM) is a relatively new approach to producing slide mounted sections of translucent materials. We evaluated the method with a variety of problems from the bone, joint and dental tissues fields where we require thin undecalcified and undistorted sections for correlative light microscopy (LM) and backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy (BSE SEM). All samples were embedded in poly‐methylmethacrlate (PMMA) and flat block surfaces had been previously studied by BSE‐SEM and confocal scanning light microscopy (CSLM). Most were also studied by X‐yay microtomography (XMT). The block surface is stuck to a glass slide with cyanoacrylate adhesive. Setting the section thickness and levelling uses inbuilt optical coherence tomographic imaging. Tight focusing of near‐infrared laser radiation in the sectioning plane gives extreme intensities causing photodisruption of material at the focal point. The laser beam is moved by a fast scanner to write a cutting line, which is simultaneously moved by an XY positioning unit to create a sectioning plane. The block is thereby released from the slide, leaving the section stuck to the slide. Light, wet polishing on the finest grade (4000 grit) silicon carbide polishing paper is used to remove a 1–2 μm thick damaged layer at the surface of the section. Sections produced by laser cutting are fine in quality and superior to those produced by mechanical cutting and can be thinner than the ‘voxel’ in most laboratory X‐ray microtomography systems. The present extensive pilot studies have shown that it works to produce samples which we can study by both light and electron microscopy.
A systemic macrophage response is required to contain a peripheral poxvirus infection

The goal of the innate immune system is to reduce pathogen spread prior to the initiation of an effective adaptive immune response. Following an infection at a peripheral site, virus typically drains through the lymph to the lymph node prior to entering the blood stream and being systemically disseminated. Therefore, there are three distinct spatial checkpoints at which intervention to prevent systemic spread of virus can occur, namely: 1) the site of infection, 2) the draining lymph node via filtration of lymph or 3) the systemic level via organs that filter the blood. We have previously shown that systemic depletion of phagocytic cells allows viral spread after dermal infection with Vaccinia virus (VACV), which infects naturally through the skin. Here we use multiple depletion methodologies to define both the spatial checkpoint and the identity of the cells that prevent systemic spread of VACV. Subcapsular sinus macrophages of the draining lymph node have been implicated as critical effectors in clearance of lymph borne viruses following peripheral infection. We find that monocyte populations recruited to the site of VACV infection play a critical role in control of local pathogenesis and tissue damage, but do not prevent dissemination of virus. Following infection with virulent VACV, the subcapsular sinus macrophages within the draining lymph node become infected, but are not exclusively required to prevent systemic spread. Rather, small doses of VACV enter the bloodstream and the function of systemic macrophages, but not dendritic cells, is required to prevent further spread. The results illustrate that a systemic innate response to a peripheral virus infection may be required to prevent widespread infection and pathology following infection with virulent viruses, such as poxviruses.
Physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic outcomes in monozygotic twin pairs discordant for body mass index

This study aims to investigate (i) how monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs who are discordant for body mass index (BMI) differ for objectively and subjectively measured physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and (ii) associations of PA and VO2max with adiposity and measures of metabolic health, in individual twins and independent of genetic and shared environmental effects within twin pairs. We examined 27 BMI‐discordant and 14 BMI‐concordant MZ twin pairs. Fat and fat‐free mass (ffm) were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and VO2max by spiroergometry. PA was measured objectively by accelerometers using ActiGraph GT1M for daytime activity and Actiwatch AW7 for 24 h/d. Self‐reported PA was obtained through the Baecke and IPAQ long‐form questionnaires. Objectively measured moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (MVPA, min/d), steps/d, and VO2max/kg were significantly lower, by 30%, 21%, and 14%, respectively, in the heavier compared with the leaner co‐twins of the BMI‐discordant twin pairs. There were no significant differences in self‐reported PA or VO2max/ffm. As expected, PA and VO2max/ffm were similar in the BMI‐concordant co‐twins. Furthermore, the 24‐h recording of activity suggested that the heavier co‐twins had more restless sleep during the night, whereas the leaner co‐twins were more active during the day. Within all twin pairs, higher MVPA and steps per day were associated with lower fat percentage and improved metabolic health measures. Objectively, but not subjectively measured PA is associated with lower fat percentage and better metabolic health, independent of genetic and shared environmental factors.
On the Benefits of Asymmetric Coded Cache Placement in Combination Networks with End-User Caches

This paper investigates the fundamental tradeoff between cache size and download time in the $(\mathbf{H},\ \mathrm{r},\ \mathbf{M},\ \mathbf{N})$ combination network, where a server with N files is connected to H relays (without caches) and each of the $\mathrm{K}:= \begin{pmatrix} \mathrm{H}\\ \mathrm{r} \end{pmatrix}$ users (with caches of size M files) is connected to a different subset of r relays. Existing schemes fall within two categories: either use the uncoded symmetric cache placement originally proposed for the shared-link model and design delivery phase dependent on the network topology, or effectively divide the combination network into H uncoordinated shared-link networks each serving $\mathrm{K}^{\prime}:=\begin{pmatrix} \mathrm{H}-1\\ \mathrm{r}-1 \end{pmatrix}$ users; in either case, the placement phase leverages effectively the connectivity of relay s/users. In this paper, a novel strategy is proposed where the coded cache placement is dependent on network topology. The proposed scheme is shown to be information theoretically optimal for large cache size. In addition, when not exactly optimal, the proposed scheme can also outperform existing schemes.
A Rice CPYC-Type Glutaredoxin OsGRX20 in Protection against Bacterial Blight, Methyl Viologen and Salt Stresses

Glutaredoxins (GRXs) belong to the antioxidants involved in the cellular stress responses. In spite of the identification 48 GRX genes in rice genomes, the biological functions of most of them remain unknown. Especially, the biological roles of members of GRX family in disease resistance are still lacking. Our proteomic analysis found that OsGRX20 increased by 2.7-fold after infection by bacterial blight. In this study, we isolated and characterized the full-length nucleotide sequences of the rice OsGRX20 gene, which encodes a GRX family protein with CPFC active site of CPYC-type class. OsGRX20 protein was localized in nucleus and cytosol, and its transcripts were expressed predominantly in leaves. Several stress- and hormone-related motifs putatively acting as regulatory elements were found in the OsGRX20 promoter. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis indicated that OsGRX20 was expressed at a significantly higher level in leaves of a resistant or tolerant rice genotype, Yongjing 50A, than in a sensitive genotype, Xiushui 11, exposed to bacterial blight, methyl viologen, heat, and cold. Its expression could be induced by salt, PEG-6000, 2,4-D, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and abscisic acid treatments in Yongjing 50A. Overexpression of OsGRX20 in rice Xiushui 11 significantly enhanced its resistance to bacterial blight attack, and tolerance to methyl viologen and salt stresses. In contrast, interference of OsGRX20 in Yongjing 50A led to increased susceptibility to bacterial blight, methyl viologen and salt stresses. OsGRX20 restrained accumulation of superoxide radicals in aerial tissue during methyl viologen treatment. Consistently, alterations in OsGRX20 expression affect the ascorbate/dehydroascorbate ratio and the abundance of transcripts encoding four reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes after methyl viologen-induced stress. Our results demonstrate that OsGRX20 functioned as a positive regulator in rice tolerance to multiple stresses, which may be of significant use in the genetic improvement of rice resistance.