Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The PD1/PDL1 axis, a promising therapeutic target in aggressive breast cancers

ABSTRACT Analysis of PDL1 mRNA expression in ∼5,500 breast cancers showed PDL1 upregulation in 38% of basal tumors and 38% of inflammatory breast cancers (IBC). Upregulation, associated with signs of strong cytotoxic local immune response, was associated with a better survival in the basal or triple-negative subtypes, and with a better pathological response to chemotherapy in these subtypes and IBC. Reactivation of dormant tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) by PD1/PDL1-inhibitors represents a promising strategy in these aggressive tumors.
Neurotoxic, Redox-competent Alzheimer's β-Amyloid Is Released from Lipid Membrane by Methionine Oxidation*

The amyloid β peptide is toxic to neurons, and it is believed that this toxicity plays a central role in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The mechanism of this toxicity is contentious. Here we report that an Aβ peptide with the sulfur atom of Met-35 oxidized to a sulfoxide (Met(O)Aβ) is toxic to neuronal cells, and this toxicity is attenuated by the metal chelator clioquinol and completely rescued by catalase implicating the same toxicity mechanism as reduced Aβ. However, unlike the unoxidized peptide, Met(O)Aβ is unable to penetrate lipid membranes to form ion channel-like structures, and β-sheet formation is inhibited, phenomena that are central to some theories for Aβ toxicity. Our results show that, like the unoxidized peptide, Met(O)Aβ will coordinate Cu2+ and reduce the oxidation state of the metal and still produce H2O2. We hypothesize that Met(O)Aβ production contributes to the elevation of soluble Aβ seen in the brain in Alzheimer's disease.
Hemodynamic responses in neural circuitries for detection of visual target and novelty: An event‐related fMRI study

The oddball paradigm examines attentional processes by establishing neural substrates for target detection and novelty. Event‐related functional imaging enables characterization of hemodynamic changes associated with these processes. We studied 36 healthy participants (17 men) applying a visual oddball event‐related design at 4 Tesla, and performed an unbiased determination of the hemodynamic response function (HRF). Targets were associated with bilateral, albeit leftward predominant changes in frontal‐parietal temporal and occipital cortices, and limbic and basal ganglia regions. Activation to novelty was more posteriorly distributed, and frontal activation occurred only on the right, while robust activation was seen in occipital regions bilaterally. Overlapping regions were left thalamus, caudate and cuneus and right parietal precuneus. While robust HRFs characterized most regions, target detection was associated with a negative HRF in the right parietal precuneus and a biphasic HRF in thalamus, basal ganglia, and all occipital regions. Both height of the HRF and longer time to peak in the right cingulate were associated with slower response time. Sex differences were observed, with higher HRF peaks for novelty in men in right occipital regions, and longer time to peak in the left hemisphere. Age was associated with reduced peak HRF in left frontal region. Thus, indices of the HRF can be used to better understand the relationship between hemodynamic changes and performance and can be sensitive to individual differences. Hum Brain Mapp 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of ANN and ANFIS Models in Determining Compressive Strength of Concrete

Concrete compressive strength is recognized as one of the most important mechanical properties of concrete and one of the most significant mechanical properties in determining the quality of the produced concrete. Since the traditional procedures of determining the compressive strength of concrete require time and cost, scholars have always been looking for new methods to replace them with existing traditional methods. In this paper, soft computing methods are investigated for determining the compressive strength of concrete. To be specific, 150 different concrete specimens with various mix design parameters have been built in the laboratory, and the compressive strength of them have been measured after 28 days of curing in the water. Five different concrete mix parameters, (i.e. cement, water to cement ratio, gravel, sand, and microsilica) were considered as input variables. In addition, two soft computing techniques have been used in this study which are Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference (ANFIS) System. Results have shown that both of ANN and ANFIS models are successful models for predicting the compressive strength of concrete. Also, results have shown that ANFIS is more capable than ANN in predicting the compressive strength of concrete.
A Critical Analysis of Current Indexes for Digital Divide Measurement

Several composite indexes grouping several variables into a single figure have been proposed for measuring the digital divide. In this article, the authors analyze shortcomings of extant indexes. Using multivariate analysis tools, they show that in the definition of composite indexes it is possible to individuate a limited set of more influencing and significant variables. This finding suggests the possibility of replacing some redundant variables with other dimensions that include other aspects of the digital divide that are not considered in extant measures.
Modeling and simulation of self-similar data traffic

Traditional analysis of network traffic generally neglects the existence of self-similarity. Many queue models such as Poisson process often underestimate the burstiness of traffic. Recent studies have revealed that self-similarity has a profound impact on network performance. In this paper, following the discussion of Poisson model and several commonly used self-similar models, an FTP traffic generation model is proposed and simulated by NS-2, The results demonstrated that the superposition of many Pareto-type sources can generate statistical self-similar data traffic and the computing cost is acceptable.
Family Interaction and Adolescent Suicidal Behaviour: A Preliminary Investigation*

While investigators have emphasized the importance of familial relations in the production of suicidal behaviour in adolescence, experimental evaluation of specific family interaction processes has, thus far, been neglected. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible relationships between adolescent suicidal behaviour and total on-going family functioning. Hypotheses were advanced to evaluate the communication, interaction and reinforcement patterns in families. A modified revealed differences technique was employed to elicit standardized segments of interaction which were video-taped and later studied by two indepenent raters. The sample consisted of twelve individually matched, intact family tetrads, six normal (N) and six containing an adolescent female who had exhibited suicidal behaviour (SM). Results suggest that SM families constitute a malfunctioning system which can be differentiated from that of normal samples. As compared with the N group, SM family interaction evidenced less effective productivity, specificity, and adaptive interaction, and higher rates of conflict and negative reinforcement. Overall findings were discussed in terms of current family theory and their possible relationship to the genesis, maintenance and management of some classes of suicidal behaviour.
ournal of C osmology and A stroparticle hysics New CMB constraints for Abelian Higgs cosmic strings

We present cosmic microwave background (CMB) power spectra from recent numerical simulations of cosmic strings in the Abelian Higgs model and compare them to CMB power spectra measured by Planck . We obtain revised constraints on the cosmic string tension parameter Gµ . For example, in the ΛCDM model with the addition of strings and no primordial tensor perturbations, we ﬁnd Gµ < 2 . 0 × 10 − 7 at 95% conﬁdence, about 20% lower than the value obtained from previous simulations, which had 1/64 of the spatial volume. The increased computational volume also makes it possible to simulate fully the physical equations of motion, in which the string cores shrink in comoving coordinates. We ﬁnd how-ever that this, and the larger dynamic range, changes the amplitude of the power spectra by only about 10%. The main cause of the stronger constraints on Gµ is instead an improved treatment of the string evolution across the radiation-matter transition.
Effective combining of color and texture descriptors for indoor-outdoor image classification

Although many indoor-outdoor image classification methods have been proposed in the literature, most of them have omitted comparison with basic methods to justify the need for complex feature extraction and classification procedures. In this paper we propose a relatively simple but highly accurate method for indoor-outdoor image classification, based on combination of carefully engineered MPEG-7 color and texture descriptors. In order to determine the optimal combination of descriptors which is characterized by efficient extraction, compact representation and high accuracy, we conducted comprehensive empirical tests over several color and texture descriptors. The optimal descriptors combination was used for training and testing of a binary SVM classifier. We have shown that the proper descriptors preprocessing before SVM classification has significant impact on the final result. Comprehensive experimental evaluation shows that the proposed method outperforms several more complex indoor-outdoor image classification techniques on a couple of public datasets.
β1 Integrins in Radial Glia But Not in Migrating Neurons Are Essential for the Formation of Cell Layers in the Cerebral Cortex

Radial glial cells in the cerebral cortex serve as progenitors for neurons and glia and guide the migration of cortical neurons. The integrin α3β1 is thought to mediate interactions of migrating neurons with radial glial cells and to function as a receptor for the reelin signaling molecule. Here, we challenge this view and demonstrate that β1 integrins in migrating neurons are not essential for the formation of cell layers in the cerebral cortex. Cortical cell layers also form normally in mice deficient in the integrin α3β1. However, we provide evidence that β1 integrins in radial glia control the morphological differentiation of both glia and neurons. We conclude that β1 integrins in radial glia are required for the proper development of the cerebral cortex, whereas β1 integrins in migrating neurons are not essential for glial-guided migration and reelin signaling.
Analysis of Waveguide Discontinuities by a Fourth-Order Finite-Difference Reflective Scheme

A highly accurate reflective scheme is developed for analysis of two-dimensional (2-D) waveguide discontinuities by using the fourth-order finite-difference (FD) formula. It is demonstrated that the new method achieves a significantly higher accuracy/computation cost ratio in comparison with the conventional FD method. Furthermore, the advantage of the new method is more pronounced for the case of high-index-contrast structures with small feature sizes
Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis: Is Ultrasound Enough?

Establishing the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) remains challenging. Although a positive temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is the only gold standard for the diagnosis of GCA, it is sometimes negative, and many clinicians choose not to always obtain a TAB in patients with suspected GCA (1,2). A number of alternative methods for the diagnosis of GCA have been suggested, including diagnostic algorithms, and noninvasive vascular imaging, such as color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) (1). This point–counter point reviews the evidence regarding the use of CDU for the diagnosis of GCA.
An optimal dose‐effect mode trend test for SNP genotype tables

The genome‐wide association studies have improved our understanding of the genetic basis of many complex traits. Two‐by‐three contingency tables are tested in these studies. The trend test for the additive mode is most often used, which is the test of 1 degree of freedom (df=1) and other tests, such as the genotype test (χ2 (df=2)) and the χ2 (df=1) tests for the dominant and recessive modes are also used to increase the power for markers in the non‐additive modes. However, any one of them or combination of them is not perfect. We describe the relations among the χ2 (df=2) test and χ2 (df=1) tests for the dominant and recessive modes and the trend test for the additive mode and propose a new statistic based on their relations that tests the hypothesis that the disease‐susceptible allele has a dose‐effect somewhere between the recessive and dominant modes, which corresponds to the optimal dose‐effect for the observed data. Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in Strength and Power Among Junior‐High, Senior‐High, College‐Aged, and Elite Professional Rugby League Players

Ninety-five rugby league players ranging from junior high-school to elite professionals were compared for measures of strength and power. Strength was assessed by 1 repetition maximum bench press strength (1RM BP). Upper-body and lower-body power outputs were assessed during bench press throws and jump squats with a resistance of 20 kg (BT P20 and JS P20, respectively). The 1RM BP was a potent descriptor of playing achievement levels and was significantly different among all groups investigated. Both the BT P20 and JS P20 of the elite professional National Rugby League (NRL) group were significantly higher than those of the college-aged rugby league (CRL) group, which in turn were significantly higher than those of the 3 high-school groups. Senior high-school players were more powerful in the upper body compared with nonresistance-trained junior high-school players but not with resistance-trained junior high-school players. There was no difference in lower-body power output among any of the 3 high-school groups. The correlation between players achievement level and 1RM BP, BT P20, and JS P20 was significant for all 3 tests, with relations of r = 0.80, r = 0.74, and r = 0.61, respectively. The results of this study suggest that young rugby league players should strive to increase strength and power to attain NRL professional status in the future.
Comparison of an axial flux and a radial flux permanent magnet motor for solar race cars

This paper provides analyses, models and a new frame design for the Csiro electric drive for solar cars. The main objective is to determine whether the axial flux Csiro motor (CM) is more efficient than the radial flux Biel motor (BM). To do that, performance tests were conducted and both drives were compared. Results showed that the CM is more efficient at low torques. The same results were used to derive and validate a steady state model for the CM. The model was based on four major losses in the CM. Using the model it was possible to determine the areas where improvements were possible to boost the efficiency, to optimize the mechanical design and to calculate the losses and efficiency of the CM when subjected to certain loads.
A Clarke Transformation-Based DFT Phasor and Frequency Algorithm for Wide Frequency Range

Despite its wide applications in power grid monitoring, the classic discrete Fourier transform (DFT)-based synchrophasor estimation algorithms suffer from significant errors when the power system operates under off-nominal frequency conditions. This phenomenon is caused by spectral leakage of DFT and becomes even more severe for single-phase synchrophasor estimation. To address this issue, a theory to eliminate the spectral leakage-caused errors is proposed and a Clarke transformation-based DFT synchrophasor estimation algorithm is proposed to implement the theory in this paper. The Clarke transformation constructs a second signal that has exactly 90° phase angle difference from the original single-phase input signal and helps eliminate the estimation errors for a wide frequency range. The proposed algorithm is tested under the conditions required in the phasor measurement unit standard C37.118. 1-2011 and C37.118. 1a-2014, as well as the harmonic and noise conditions not required in the standard to verify its performance. More importantly, the idea of using Clarke transformation can be used for other DFT-based synchrophasor algorithms in order to achieve higher synchrophasor measurement accuracy under dynamic conditions. An example is presented at last to demonstrate the expandability of the proposed idea.
A minimum mean-squared error relay for the two-way relay channel with network coding

In this letter, we consider the two-way relay channel (TWRC) employing network coding. In TWRC, a conventional relay first decodes symbols from each user and combines (network coding) them using, for example, the XOR (eXclusive OR) operation. However, it may be suboptimal for the relay to use this concatenated approach, when the channels are noisy and the cost criterion is source distortion. Instead, we propose a new relay scheme that generates network coded symbols by performing symbol estimation and network coding operation jointly, in order to minimize the source distortion at the users.
Education Attainment and Parity Explain the Relationship Between Maternal Age and Breastfeeding Duration in U.S. Mothers

Background: Prior research in high-income countries finds that young mothers tend to breastfeed their infants for shorter durations than older mothers; however, there are gaps in our understanding of the processes by which age influences breastfeeding. Research aim: The primary objective of this study was to test the mediating effects of parity and education attainment on the association between maternal age and two breastfeeding outcomes: total duration and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: This study was a secondary data analysis of the IFPS II, a prospective, longitudinal study of ~ 4,900 American mothers. Robust and bias-corrected regression analyses tested the direct effect of age and the indirect effects of age through parity and education for each outcome of interest. Results: Parity and education attainment together explain nearly all of the association between maternal age and both measures of breastfeeding duration. The mediating role of education is significantly larger than parity for both outcomes. Conclusion: These findings indicate that maternal age primarily indexes parity and education but contributes minimally to breastfeeding duration via a direct effect. The findings have implications for intervention development and targeting strategies.
On reconstructing polyhedra from parallel slices

The problem of reconstructing a three-dimensional object from parallel slices has application in computer vision and medicine. Here we explore a specific existence question: given two polygons in parallel planes, is it always possible to find a polyhedron that has those polygons as faces, and whose vertices are precisely the vertices of the two polygons? We answer this question in the negative by providing an example of two polygons that cannot be connected to form a simple polyhedron. One polygon is a triangle, the other a somewhat complicated shape with spiraling pockets.
Cleavage of the N-Linked Oligosaccharide from the Surfaces of Chlamydia Species Affects Attachment and Infectivity of the Organisms in Human Epithelial and Endothelial Cells

ABSTRACT Previous studies demonstrated that the high-mannose oligosaccharide N linked to the Chlamydia major outer membrane protein inhibited the attachment and infectivity of the organism. The present study showed that cleavage of the glycan with N-glycanase decreased the attachment and infectivity of chlamydial organisms in human epithelial and endothelial cells.
Can Superstitious Beliefs Affect Market Equilibrium ? Personal Beliefs and Beliefs about Others

We investigate whether superstitious beliefs held directly by only a fraction of the population affect market equilibrium. Using data from multiracial Singapore, we find that apartments whose unit numbers end with 8, an auspicious number for Chinese, are sold at 0.9% premium, whereas those that end with 4, an inauspicious number for Chinese, are sold at 1.5% discount. The discount for inauspicious number is insensitive to the immediate prospect of finding a superstitious buyer. It also applies to uncompleted units that were most likely bought for investment and subsequently sold without occupancy. This suggests that beliefs about others are important.
The role of inflammation in airway disease: remodeling.

Department of Pediatrics, Sophia Children’s Hospital, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; University Department of Child Health, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom; and Paediatric Respirology, Imperial School of Medicine at the National Heartand Lung Institute, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in ANKK1 and the dopamine D2 receptor gene affect cognitive outcome shortly after traumatic brain injury: A replication and extension study

Objective: The two objectives of this study were (1) to replicate the previous finding that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the ANKK1 gene (SNP rs1800497 formerly known as the DRD2 TAQ1 A allele) is associated with measures of learning and response latency after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and (2) to further characterize the genetic basis of the effect by testing the strength of association and degree of linkage disequilibrium between the cognitive outcome measures and a selected ensemble of 31 polymorphisms from three adjacent genes in the region of rs1800497. Method: A cohort of 54 patients with TBI and 21 comparison subjects were genotyped for the DRD2 TAQ1 A polymorphism (rs1800497). Ninety-three patients with TBI and 48 comparison subjects (the current cohort and an earlier independent cohort) were also genotyped for 31 additional neighbouring polymorphisms in NCAM, ANKK1 and DRD2. TBI patients were studied 1 month after injury. All subjects completed memory and attention tests, including the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) recognition task and the Gordon Continuous Performance Test (CPT). Results: As in a previous study the T allele of TAQ1 A (rs1800497) was associated with poorer performance on the CVLT recognition trial in both TBI and control subjects. There was also a significant diagnosis-by-allele interaction on CPT measures of response latency, largely driven by slower performance in the TBI participants with the T allele. Analysis of 31 additional neighbouring polymorphisms from NCAM, ANKK1 and DRD2 in the TBI patients showed four haploblocks. A haploblock of three SNPs in ANKK1 (rs11604671, rs4938016 and rs1800497 (TAQ1A)) showed the greatest association with cognitive outcome measures. Conclusions: The results confirm a previously published association between the TAQ1 A (rs1800497) T allele and cognitive outcome measures 1 month after TBI and suggest that a haploblock of polymorphisms in ANKK1, rather than the adjacent DRD2 gene, has the highest association with these measures after TBI.