Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of Pancreatic Neoplasms Using a Novel Method of DNA Methylation Analysis of Mucin Expression in Pancreatic Juice

Mucins (MUC) play crucial roles in carcinogenesis and tumor invasion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). Our immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies have shown a consensus position on mucin expression profiles in pancreatic neoplasms as follows: MUC1-positive but MUC2-negative expression in PDACs; MUC1-negative but MUC2-positive expression in intestinal-type IPMNs (dangerous type); MUC1-negative and MUC2-negative expression in gastric-type IPMNs (safe type); High MUC4 expression in PDAC patients with a poor outcome; and MUC4-positive expression in intestinal-type IPMNs. We also showed that three mucin genes (MUC1, MUC2 and MUC4) expression in cancer cell line was regulated by DNA methylation. We have developed a novel ‘methylation-specific electrophoresis (MSE)’ method to analyze the DNA methylation status of mucin genes by high sensitivity and resolution. By using the MSE method, we evaluated pancreatic juice samples from 45 patients with various pancreatic lesions. The results were compared with final diagnosis of the pancreatic lesions including IHC of mucin expression in the paired pancreatic tissues. The results indicated that the DNA methylation status of MUC1, MUC2 and MUC4 in pancreatic juice matched with the mucin expression in tissue. Analyses of the DNA methylation status of MUC1, MUC2 and MUC4 were useful for differential diagnosis of human pancreatic neoplasms, with specificity and sensitivity of 87% and 80% for PDAC; 100% and 88% for intestinal-type IPMN; and 88% and 77% for gastric-type IPMN, respectively. In conclusion, MSE analysis of human pancreatic juice may provide useful information for selection of treatment for pancreatic neoplasms.
Diatom Cell Size, Coloniality and Motility: Trade-Offs between Temperature, Salinity and Nutrient Supply with Climate Change

Reduction in body size has been proposed as a universal response of organisms, both to warming and to decreased salinity. However, it is still controversial if size reduction is caused by temperature or salinity on their own, or if other factors interfere as well. We used natural benthic diatom communities to explore how “body size” (cells and colonies) and motility change along temperature (2–26°C) and salinity (0.5–7.8) gradients in the brackish Baltic Sea. Fourth-corner analysis confirmed that small cell and colony sizes were associated with high temperature in summer. Average community cell volume decreased linearly with 2.2% per °C. However, cells were larger with artificial warming when nutrient concentrations were high in the cold season. Average community cell volume increased by 5.2% per °C of artificial warming from 0 to 8.5°C and simultaneously there was a selection for motility, which probably helped to optimize growth rates by trade-offs between nutrient supply and irradiation. Along the Baltic Sea salinity gradient cell size decreased with decreasing salinity, apparently mediated by nutrient stoichiometry. Altogether, our results suggest that climate change in this century may polarize seasonality by creating two new niches, with elevated temperature at high nutrient concentrations in the cold season (increasing cell size) and elevated temperature at low nutrient concentrations in the warm season (decreasing cell size). Higher temperature in summer and lower salinity by increased land-runoff are expected to decrease the average cell size of primary producers, which is likely to affect the transfer of energy to higher trophic levels.
BDMA in Multicell Massive MIMO Communications: Power Allocation Algorithms

We investigate power allocation strategies for beam division multiple access transmission in multicell massive multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) communications. Focusing on massive MIMO downlink with only statistical channel state information at serving base stations and multiantenna terminals, the eigenmatrices of channel transmit covariance matrices become identical and independent of terminals. Utilizing these eigenmatrices as precoding matrices, we consider power allocation of beam domain transmission. By treating cochannel user interferences as noises, the objective function of achievable ergodic sum-rate of the multicell massive MIMO downlink reduces to a difference of concave functions. We identify the orthogonality conditions for optimal power allocation. The results show that the transmit power allocated to the users should be nonoverlapping across beams defined by the channel transmit covariance matrices. We present two algorithms to optimize power allocation in the beam space. We also prove the convergence of the algorithms and show that the solution obtained by the algorithms satisfies the orthogonality conditions. Numerical results confirm the efficiency and the improved performance of the proposed algorithms.
H2AX phosphorylation level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells as an event‐free survival predictor for bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) has a typical aetiology characterized by a multistep carcinogenesis due to environmental exposures, genetic susceptibility, and their interaction. Several lines of evidence suggest that DNA repair plays a role in the development and progression of BC. In particular, the study of individual susceptibility to DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) may provide valuable information on BC risk, and help to identify those patients at high‐risk of either recurrence or progression of the disease, possibly personalizing both surveillance and treatment. Among the different DSB markers, the most well characterized is phosphorylation of the histone H2AX (γ‐H2AX). We assessed any potential role of γ‐H2AX as a molecular biomarker in a case‐control study (146 cases and 146 controls) to identify individuals with increased BC risk and at high‐risk of disease recurrence or progression. We investigated γ‐H2AX levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and after their exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). We did not find any significant difference among cases and controls. However, we observed a significant association between γ‐H2AX basal levels and risk of disease recurrence or progression. In particular, both BC patients as a whole and the subgroup of non‐muscle invasive BC (NMIBC) with high basal H2AX phosphorylation levels had a decreased risk of recurrence or progression (for all BC HR 0.70, 95%CI 0.52–0.94, P = 0.02; for NMIBC HR 0.68, 95%CI 0.50–0.92, P = 0.01), suggesting a protective effect of basal DSB signaling. Our data suggest that γ‐H2AX can be considered as a potential molecular biomarker to identify patients with a higher risk of BC recurrence. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii Brain Cysts in a Model of Reactivated Toxoplasmosis Using Computational Image Analysis

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite existing in three infectious life stages—tachyzoites, bradyzoites, and sporozoites. Rupture of tissue cysts and re-conversion of bradyzoites to tachyzoites leads to reactivated toxoplasmosis (RT) in an immunocompromised host. The aim of this study was to apply ImageJ software for analysis of T. gondii brain cysts obtained from a newly established in vivo model of RT. Mice chronically infected with T. gondii (BGD1 and BGD26 strains) were treated with cyclophosphamide and hydrocortisone (experimental group—EG) or left untreated as infection controls (ICs). RT in mice was confirmed by qPCR (PCR+); mice remaining chronically infected were PCR−. A total of 90 images of cysts were analyzed for fractal dimension (FD), lacunarity (L), diameter (D), circularity (C), and packing density (PD). Circularity was significantly higher in PCR+ compared to IC mice (p < 0.05 for BGD1, p < 0.001 for the BGD26 strain). A significant negative correlation between D and PD was observed only in IC for the BGD1 strain (ρ = −0.384, p = 0.048), while fractal parameters were stable. Significantly higher D, C, and PD and lower lacunarity, L, were noticed in the BGD1 compared to the more aggressive BGD26 strain. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the complexity of structural alterations of T. gondii cysts in an immunocompromised host and emphasize the application potential of ImageJ in the experimental models of toxoplasmosis.
Experimental and theoretical evaluation of solidification cracking in weld metal

Purpose: The main objective of this work is to compare the compatibility and reliability of the theoretical and experimental methodologies in the evaluation of the solidification cracking susceptibility of austenitic stainless steel weld metal, using three different electrodes. Design/methodology/approach: The cracking susceptibility of welds is described here through an experimental procedure using the transvarestraint test, and a theoretical procedure developed as a function of the chemical composition and microstructure of the material. The theoretical procedure requires knowledge of the weld metal chemical composition and microstructure, which was taken from the literature. Findings: Results obtained by means of tables, parameter evaluation and fitting, micrographs and macrographs indicate that the experimental and theoretical methodologies are consistent with one another, and are both reliable, regardless of the welding process employed Practical implications: The results of our theoretical analysis were in complete agreement with those obtained from the transvarestraint test, thus indicating that, if correctly applied, either of these methods can be used to determine the susceptibility of austenitic stainless steels to form solidification cracks. The choice between the experimental or the theoretical method should depend only on the availability and ease of application for each specific case. Originality/value: It is possible to make a theoretical assessment of the solidification cracking susceptibility of a given steel as a function of the: chemical composition, Creq/Nieq, ferrite number FN, microstructure, percentage of (S+P), and percentage of ferrite. Another way to measure the susceptibility of steel to solidification cracking is through experimental tests. The originality of this study is the numerical comparison made between the results provided by two different methods: the theoretical assessment and the practical technique, using the transvarestraint test.
Differentially Regulated Isozymes of 3-Deoxy-d-arabino-Heptulosonate-7-Phosphate Synthase from Seedlings of Vigna radiata [L.] Wilczek.

Two isozymes of 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (EC 4.1.2.15) designated DS-Mn and DS-Co were separated from seedlings of Vigna radiata [L. ] Wilczek by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. DS-Mn was activated 2.6-fold by 0.4 millimolar manganese, had an activity optimum of 7.0, and was substrate inhibited by erythrose-4-phosphate (E4P) concentrations in excess of 0.5 millimolar. In contrast, DS-Co had an activity optimum at pH 8.8, required E4P concentrations of at least 4 millimolar to approach saturation, and exhibited an absolute requirement for divalent cation (cobalt being the best). Regulatory properties of the two isozymes differed dramatically. The activity of DS-Mn was activated by chorismate (noncompetitively against E4P and competitively against phosphoenolpyruvate), and was inhibited by prephenate and l-arogenate (competitively against E4P and noncompetitively against phosphoenolpyruvate in both cases). Under standard assay conditions, l-arogenate inhibited the activity of DS-Mn 50% at a concentration of 155 micromolar and was at least 3 times more potent than prephenate on a molar basis. Weak inhibition of DS-Mn by l-tryptophan was also observed, the magnitude of inhibition increasing with decreasing pH. The pattern of allosteric control found for DS-Mn is consistent with the operation of a control mechanism of sequential feedback inhibition governing overall pathway flux. DS-Co was not subject to allosteric control by any of the molecules affecting DS-Mn. However, DS-Co was inhibited by caffeate (3,4-dihydroxycinnamate), noncompetitively with respect to either substrate. The striking parallels between the isozyme pairs of 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase and chorismate mutase are noted-one isozyme in each case being tightly regulated, the other being essentially unregulated.
The central dark matter content of early-type galaxies: scaling relations and connections with star formation histories

We examine correlations between masses, sizes and star formation histories for a large sample of low-redshift early-type galaxies, using a simple suite of dynamical and stellar population models. We confirm an anticorrelation between the size and stellar age and go on to survey for trends with the central content of dark matter (DM). An average relation between the central 2 DM density and galaxy size of (ρDM )∝ R − provides the first clear indication of cuspy DM eff haloes in these galaxies – akin to standard A cold dark matter haloes that have undergone adiabatic contraction. The DM density scales with galaxy mass as expected, deviating from suggestions of a universal halo profile for dwarf and late-type galaxies. We introduce a new fundamental constraint on galaxy formation by finding that the central DM fraction decreases with stellar age. This result is only partially explained by the size–age dependencies, and the residual trend is in the opposite direction to basic DM halo expectations. Therefore, we suggest that there may be a connection between age and halo contraction and that galaxies forming earlier had stronger baryonic feedback, which expanded their haloes, or lumpier baryonic accretion, which avoided halo contraction. An alternative explanation is a lighter initial mass function for older stellar populations.
A Parallel Approach of a Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm to Solve the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows

This article presents, at a first instance, a hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm to solve the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows. The union of the metaheuristic GRASP, the heuristic PFIH and a local search method characterizes the hybridization. At a second instance, is presented a parallel approach to the proposed algorithm. The parallelism concentrates in reducing the computational time consumed by the sequential version. The computational experiments were performed using the 56 Solomon's instances and the results obtained are compared to the best results known in literature. Finally, these results are discussed and statistically analyzed. It was possible to show success to the parallel algorithm developed.
Effective Pension Fund Management Strategy: A Comprehensive Study with Methodological Insights from the Indian Financial Landscape

This research paper explores effective pension fund management strategies within the Indian financial landscape, aiming to identify key factors influencing pension fund performance. Given the complexity and significance of pension fund management in ensuring financial security for retirees, this study employs a quantitative analysis approach to examine the relationships between Assets Under Management (AUM), management fees, fund age, and Return on Investment (ROI). Utilizing a hypothetical dataset representative of the Indian pension fund industry, the research adopts regression analysis to delve into how these variables impact fund performance. Key findings reveal a positive correlation between AUM and ROI, indicating that larger pension funds tend to achieve higher returns, likely due to economies of scale and access to a wider range of investment opportunities. Conversely, higher management fees are associated with lower ROIs, emphasizing the importance of cost efficiency in enhancing fund performance. Additionally, the analysis suggests that older funds, with their accumulated experience and established investment strategies, tend to perform better. These insights underscore the critical roles played by scale, cost management, and experience in pension fund management. The study contributes to filling a significant gap in the literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of management strategies on pension fund performance in the Indian context. The findings have broader implications for fund managers and policymakers, highlighting the necessity of strategic fund management practices to optimize returns for beneficiaries.
Galantamine treatment in Alzheimer’s disease: response and long-term outcome in a routine clinical setting

Background: In the absence of long-term, placebo-controlled studies of cholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), analysis of the results of open-label trials becomes crucial. This study aimed to explore the three-year effects of galantamine treatment, as well as subgroups of response and adherence to treatment. Methods: Two hundred and eighty patients with a clinical diagnosis of AD were included in the prospective, open-label, multicenter Swedish Alzheimer Treatment Study, and received galantamine treatment. Efficacy measures included cognitive tests, ie, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog), functional rating (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale [IADL]), and global rating. Assessments were carried out before treatment and every six months for a period of three years. K-means cluster analysis was used to identify response subgroups. Results: After three years of treatment, the mean change from baseline was 2.6 points in MMSE and 5.6 points in ADAS-cog scores. Globally, half of the patients improved or remained unchanged for two years. Cluster analysis identified two response clusters. Cluster 1 included patients with low ability in ADAS-cog and IADL scores at baseline. Even though the patients in cluster 1 were older and less educated, they responded better at six months compared with patients in cluster 2. Cluster 2 included patients with better ADAS-cog and IADL scores at baseline. Patients in cluster 2 had a higher frequency of the APOE ɛ4 allele, a slower pretreatment progression rate, and remained in the study longer than those in cluster 1. Three-year completers (n = 129, 46%) received higher doses of galantamine compared with dropouts. Conclusion: AD patients who received long-term galantamine treatment were cognitively and globally stabilized. Subgroup response analysis identified a better short-term response in older patients with lower cognitive and functional abilities at baseline, a faster pretreatment progression rate, and a lower incidence of the APOE ɛ4 allele. The galantamine dose was higher in the population of completers.
Prevalence of reported insomnia and its consequences in a survey of 5,044 adolescents in Kuwait.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To examine the psychometric characteristics of a short scale to assess insomnia complaints and their consequences, to estimate the prevalence rates of reported insomnia, and to explore the sex differences in reported insomnia. METHODS 5,044 male and female nonclinical secondary-school students in the State of Kuwait participated. Their ages ranged from 14 to 19 years. An insomnia scale (IS) comprising 12 items was administered in group sessions. It has acceptable test-retest and alpha reliabilities and good convergent validity. Two factors were disclosed: consequence of insomnia and difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep. Point prevalence rate was computed as the summation of the percentages of responses in the two options: "Much" and "Very much" on each item during the most recent month. RESULTS The prevalence of the 12 IS items ranged from 6.4% to 31.7% in boys, and between 6.5% and 35.9% among girls. The highest reported insomnia complaint was early morning awakening, ie, 31.7% in boys, and 35.9% in girls. It was found that 14.6% of boys and 20.3% of girls reported difficulty initiating sleep, while 8.6% of boys and 15.7% of girls reported difficulty maintaining sleep. Girls had higher mean scores in most of the IS items. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents in the present sample have reported high rates of insomnia. There is a great need to agree upon the methodology, especially the assessment tool, for epidemiology of sleep disorder research.
Assessment of Noise of MEMS IMU Sensors of Different Grades for GNSS/IMU Navigation

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) are key components of various applications including navigation, robotics, aerospace, and automotive systems. IMU sensor characteristics have a significant impact on the accuracy and reliability of these applications. In particular, noise characteristics and bias stability are critical for proper filter settings to perform a combined GNSS/IMU solution. This paper presents an analysis based on the Allan deviation of different IMU sensors that correspond to different grades of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-type IMUs in order to evaluate their accuracy and stability over time. The study covers three IMU sensors of different grades (ascending order): Rokubun Argonaut navigator sensor (InvenSense TDK MPU9250), Samsung Galaxy Note10 phone sensor (STMicroelectronics LSM6DSR), and NovAtel PwrPak7 sensor (Epson EG320N). The noise components of the sensors are computed using overlapped Allan deviation analysis on data collected over the course of a week in a static position. The focus of the analysis is to characterize the random walk noise and bias stability, which are the most critical for combined GNSS/IMU navigation and may differ or may not be listed in manufacturers’ specifications. Noise characteristics are calculated for the studied sensors and examples of their use in loosely coupled GNSS/IMU processing are assessed. This work proposes a structured and reproducible approach for working with sensors for their use in navigation tasks in combination with GNSS, and can be used for sensors of different levels to supplement missing or incorrect sensor manufacturers’ data.
Comparing task-based and socially intelligent behaviour in a robot bartender

We address the question of whether service robots that interact with humans in public spaces must express socially appropriate behaviour. To do so, we implemented a robot bartender which is able to take drink orders from humans and serve drinks to them. By using a high-level automated planner, we explore two different robot interaction styles: in the task only setting, the robot simply fulfils its goal of asking customers for drink orders and serving them drinks; in the socially intelligent setting, the robot additionally acts in a manner socially appropriate to the bartender scenario, based on the behaviour of humans observed in natural bar interactions. The results of a user study show that the interactions with the socially intelligent robot were somewhat more efficient, but the two implemented behaviour settings had only a small influence on the subjective ratings. However, there were objective factors that influenced participant ratings: the overall duration of the interaction had a positive influence on the ratings, while the number of system order requests had a negative influence. We also found a cultural difference: German participants gave the system higher pre-test ratings than participants who interacted in English, although the post-test scores were similar.