Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular biomarkers of glioblastoma: current targets and clinical implications

Recent genome-wide analysis of glioblastoma has revealed various molecular alterations that can be candidate targets of biomarker findings. Although glioblastomas are diagnosed on the basis of their histopathological morphological features, it has been demonstrated that molecular heterogeneity among glioblastomas is prominent, and pathological diagnosis cannot always predict the clinical behavior of the tumor. Thus, molecular biomarkers have been anticipated to provide prognostic and predictive significance. Given that recent medical treatment strategies have been progressing toward individualized therapy and many targeted drugs have been investigated, the identification of molecular biomarkers in glioblastoma will be of considerable therapeutic importance. Although the clinical implications of these biomarkers must be determined in prospective studies, a growing number of candidate biomarkers have been investigated. In this review, the recent molecular alterations in glioblastoma that may be significant biomarkers are summarized; particular focus is on loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 10, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/EGFR variant III expression, alterations in the receptor tyrosine kinase-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway, isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation, epigenetic alterations, gene expression profiling, and microRNA
A Single-Cell Transcriptome Atlas for Zebrafish Development

The ability to define cell types and how they change during organogenesis is central to our understanding of animal development and human disease. Despite the crucial nature of this knowledge, we have yet to fully characterize all distinct cell types and the gene expression differences that generate cell types during development. To address this knowledge gap, we produced an Atlas using single-cell RNA-sequencing methods to investigate gene expression from the pharyngula to early larval stages in developing zebrafish. Our single-cell transcriptome Atlas encompasses transcriptional profiles from 44,102 cells across four days of development using duplicate experiments that confirmed high reproducibility. We annotated 220 identified clusters and highlighted several strategies for interrogating changes in gene expression associated with the development of zebrafish embryos at single-cell resolution. Furthermore, we highlight the power of this analysis to assign new cell-type or developmental stage-specific expression information to many genes, including those that are currently known only by sequence and/or that lack expression information altogether. The resulting Atlas is a resource of biologists to generate hypotheses for genetic (mutant) or functional analysis, to launch an effort to define the diversity of cell-types during zebrafish organogenesis, and to examine the transcriptional profiles that produce each cell type over developmental time.
Environmental implications of animal wastes pollution on agricultural soil and water quality

Akinbile C.O. , Erazua A.E. , Babalola T.E. , Ajibade F.O. (2016): Environmental implications of animal wastes pollution on agricultural soil and water quality. Soil & Water Res., 11: 172−180. An attempt was made to ascertain the environmental effects of animal wastes pollution on agricultural soil and water quality at the oldest teaching and research farm, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Physical, chemical, and bacteriological analyses of water (shallow well) and soil samples were carried out to determine the present quality status. Fifteen soil samples collected at the centre of the animal wastes dump and at a distance of 5 and 10 m, and three different samplings done on the water source were analyzed. The parameters determined using APHA standard procedures included: turbidity, temperature, pH, alkalinity, sulphide, phosphate, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, total hardness, biochemical oxygen demand, total iron, nitrate, chloride, calcium, and heavy metals like copper, zinc, and lead. Most of the parameters indicated pollution including heavy metals presence with the exception of Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Cr that were not detected in water samples. Concentrations of nitrate, biochemical oxygen demand, SO4 2–, PO4 3–, and Cl– were 0.20, 3.20, 10.50, 3.5, and 20.4 mg/l respectively, while those of detected heavy metals such as Mg and Ni were 1.98 and 10.03 mg/l, respectively. Soil water holding capacity, porosity, pH, organic matter, organic carbon, and organic nitrogen ranged from 33.34 ± 3.73 to 59.06 ± 5.69, 34.6 ± 3.28 to 52.43 ± 5.5, 6.56 ± 0.03 to 7.54 ± 0.03, 2.32 ± 0.03 to 5.35 ± 0.03, 1.33 ± 0.01 to 3.11 ± 0.01, and 0.58 ± 0.07 to 1.13 ± 0.03%, respectively. The results showed that the well is strongly polluted with bacteria and pathogens and requires considerable treatment before use while the soil is suitable for crop production.
THE CHEMICAL SIGNATURES OF THE FIRST STAR CLUSTERS IN THE UNIVERSE

The chemical abundance patterns of the oldest stars in the Galaxy are expected to contain residual signatures of the first stars in the early universe. Numerous studies attempt to explain the intrinsic abundance scatter observed in some metal-poor populations in terms of chemical inhomogeneities dispersed throughout the early Galactic medium due to discrete enrichment events. Just how the complex data and models are to be interpreted with respect to “progenitor yields” remains an open question. Here we show that stochastic chemical evolution models to date have overlooked a crucial fact. Essentially, all stars today are born in highly homogeneous star clusters and it is likely that this was also true at early times. When this ingredient is included, the overall scatter in the abundance plane [Fe/H] versus [X/Fe] (-space), where X is a nucleosynthetic element, can be much less than derived from earlier models. Moreover, for moderately flat cluster mass functions (γ ≲ 2), and/or for mass functions with a high mass cutoff (Mmax ≳ 105 M☉), stars exhibit a high degree of clumping in -space that can be identified even in relatively small data samples. Since stellar abundances can be modified by mass transfer in close binaries, clustered signatures are essential for deriving the yields of the first supernovae. We present a statistical test to determine whether a given set of observations exhibit such behavior. Our initial work focuses on two dimensions in -space, but we show that the clustering signal can be greatly enhanced by additional abundance axes. The proposed experiment will be challenging on existing 8–10 m telescopes, but relatively straightforward for a multi-object echelle spectrograph mounted on a 25–40 m telescope.
PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF CISTANCHES HERBA AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON CISPLATIN-INDUCED PREMATURE OVARIAN FAILURE IN MICE

Background: Chemotherapeutic treatment of premenopausal women has been linked to premature ovarian failure (POF). Cistanches Herba (CH) is a commonly used male impotence and female infertility treatment in China; however, whether CH protects ovaries from chemotherapeutic drug-induced POF remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of CH in a mouse model of chemotherapeutic drug-induced POF. Materials and Methods: We administered low- and high-concentration CH to cisplatin-induced POF mice for 2 weeks and determined body and ovarian weights, as well as serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol concentrations, to evaluate ovarian function. In addition, we evaluated the protective mechanisms of CH by detecting the levels of apoptosis-related proteins and evaluating markers of mitochondrial function. Results: In POF mice, we observed reduced body and ovarian weights; elevated serum FSH and attenuated estradiol concentrations; apoptosis of ovarian granulosa with concomitant changes in apoptosis-related proteins (including caspase-3, poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase, Bcl-2, and Bax); and mitochondrial dysfunction, such as a reduction in mitochondrial numbers, destruction of ultrastructural morphology, decrease in ATPase activity, and decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitofusin-2 (a mitochondria dynamin-like GTPase). Significantly, CH reversed, to an extent, functional and morphologic injuries and ovarian tissue apoptosis by up-regulating the level of Mfn2 and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. Furthermore, CH reduced cisplatin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in ovarian tissues. Conclusion: The present findings showed that CH inhibited cisplatin-induced POF through interactions between Mfn2 and Bcl-2/Bax proteins and, possibly, by up-regulation of Mfn2 expression. Ultimately, CH protects ovarian tissues from cisplatin-induced apoptosis.
Posner's Second Theorem and an Annihilator Condition with Generalized Derivations

Let R be a prime ring of characteristic different from 2, with extended centroid C, U its two-sided Utumi quotient ring, d\neq 0 a non-zero generalized derivation of R, f(x1,.,xn) a non-central multilinear polynomial over C in n non-commuting variables, a \in R such that a[d(f(r1,.,rn)),f(r1,.,rn)]=0, for any r1,. ,rn \in R. Then one of the following holds: 1. a=0; 2. there exists l \in C such that d(x)=l x, for all x \in R; 3. there exist q \in U and l \in C such that d(x)=(q+l)x+xq, for all x\in R, and f(x1,.,xn)2 is central valued on R.
Bias within systematic and non-systematic literature reviews: the case of the Balanced Scorecard

“What is the impact of bias when selecting studies for a literature review as well as interpreting the results from these selected studies for non-systematic literature reviews as compared to systematic literature reviews? ” To measure and compare the impact of bias on both systematic and non-systematic literature reviews a non-systematic case study was selected. This case study was repeated using the same aim and boundaries, but with a systematic approach towards the reviewing process. The case study and the repeat review were then compared to each other. Sources of bias and their impact were then identified for both the case study and the repeat review. The results showed that both the non-systematic case study and the systematic repeat review were impacted by bias when selecting and interpreting studies (place of publication bias, citation bias, etc.) potentially affecting a significant number of the included studies in the repeat review and the case study. This evidence refutes claims made by authors like Tranfield, David & Palminder (2003) which deemed the systematic literature review to be superior. However, improving the non-systematic case study is hard, because it lacks a clear search strategy while the systematic repeat review does provide this.
Critical evaluation of growth strategies: India and China

Purpose - This paper aims to attempt to compare the development strategies and achievements of India and China in the last 50 years and to analyse the challenges lying ahead if the trend continues. Design/methodology/approach - The paper critically evaluates the growth strategies of the two economies. Changes in approaches, achievements and failures are analysed using materials from past research and secondary data. Impacts of economic reform process and economic management capabilities have been evaluated. Critical analysis is the main approach of the paper. Findings - Based on the experiences of economic growth so far with reformed and open economies, India can learn several things from China. China has achieved better results based on investment-driven export-oriented policies that may not be sustainable in the long run. It has so far ignored the socio-political issues, which can have very serious consequences in the future. Relatively slower economic growth in India is based on stronger socio-economic foundations. Mutually beneficial economic cooperation between the two economies and rising interdependence with regional and global powers should provide a better future. Originality/value - The paper provides a comprehensive picture of strategies, outcomes and possibilities. It links past development strategies to future challenges. It may be of value to researchers and policy makers in both economies while considering future directions.
Studies regarding treatments of LED-s emitted light on sprouting hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

The purpose of our paper was to evaluate the influence exercised by LED-s emitted light and sunlight treatments on the hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), sprouts. The sprouts were illuminated with three types of LED-s spectrum variants red (R), blue (B) and green (G), and the sunlight represented the reference. Our results showed that blue (B) light LED-s determined a high level of rate and fresh weight of hemp sprouts. The phytochemical compounds content (polyphenols, flavonoids), antioxidant activity (determined by DPPH assay), and protein concentration were evaluated in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), sprouts. The content of polyphenols, flavonoids and protein was significantly higher by treatment with blue (B) light LED-s than sunlight while green (G) light LED-s improved the antioxidant capacity.
Mass production of Plectranthus zeylanicus - a valuable medicinal and aromatic plant with a future value.

Plectranthus zeylanicus isa medicinal and an aromatic herb native to Sri Lanka of family Lamiaceae.It is known to contain strong aromatic chemicals as other members of the Plectranthusgenus. Currently, because of the significance of aromatic chemicals and essential oils in perfumery industry, flavoring industry, pharmaceuticals and various other fields demands the increased production of them in lesser time and cost. The present work was aimed to develop a protocol for mass scale propagation of Plectranthus zeylanicus through tissue culture techniques. Shoot tips and nodal segments were selected as explants, collected from well-maintained shade house grown one-month old mother plants. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium was used throughout the experiment. For shoot induction and proliferation, MS medium supplemented with combination of 1-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and different levels of N6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) were used. In vitro rooting was achieved to 50% strength MS basal medium containing different levels of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and NAA. Such in vitro produced plants were acclimatized and survival percentages were obtained. The explants from nodal segments gave better results in shoot initiation compared to those from the shoot tips on all the media combinations tested. The highest rate of shoot induction (97.8%) and highest number of shoots per explant (8.9) were obtained in MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l BAP from nodal explants and was significantly different at 5% significant level. The highest rate of shoot proliferation (85%) and number of shoots per explant (8.8) was obtained on media supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP + 0.1 mg/L NAA after six weeks of nodal culture and shoot tip cultures supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP + 0.1 mg/L NAA resulted highest number of shoots per explant (5.5) with 78% shoot proliferation, after 6 th week of culture initiation. The shoot proliferation was more effective in nodal segments than from shoot tip cultures resulting from observations and analysis. Therefore 6 th week is the best period to get optimum number of shoots from nodal segments. It was observed that with 0.5mg/L IAA with 0mg/L NAA resulted highest number of roots/explant and the longest roots were recorded with the control treatment. Therefore, it is possible to deduce that the current protocol is promising for in vitro mass propagation of Plectranthus zeylanicus, a valuable medicinal plant with promising future in aromatic and pharmaceutical industry.
Hurricane “Rainfall Potential” Derived from Satellite Observations Aids Overland Rainfall Prediction

Abstract The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission–based National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (MPA) product is used to quantify the rainfall distribution in tropical cyclones that made landfall in the United States during 1998–2004. A total of 37 tropical cyclones (TC) are examined, including 2680 three-hourly MPA precipitation observations. Rainfall distributions for overland and overocean observations are compared. It is found that the TC rainfall over ocean bears a strong relationship with the TC maximum wind, whereas the relationship for overland conditions is much weaker. The rainfall potential is defined by using the satellite-derived rain rate, the satellite-derived storm size, and the storm translation speed. This study examines the capability of the overocean rainfall potential to predict a storm’s likelihood of producing heavy rain over land. High correlations between rain potentials before landfall and the maximum storm total rain over land a.
Eulerian ISPH Method for Simulating Internal Flows

In this article the possibility to use Eulerian approach in the conventional ISPH method in simulation of internal fluid flows is studied. The use of Eulerian approach makes it possible to use non-uniform particle distributions to increase the resolution in the sensitive parts of the domain, different boundary conditions can be employed more freely and particle penetration in the solid walls and tensile instability no longer require elaborate procedures. The governing equations are solved in an Eulerian framework containing both the temporal and local derivatives which make the momentum equations non-linear. Some special treatment and smaller time steps are required to remedy this non-linearity of the problem. In this study, projection method is used to enforce incompressibility with the evaluation of an intermediate velocity and then this velocity is projected on the divergence-free space. This method is applied to the internal fluid flows in a shear-driven cavity, Couette flow, a flow inside a duct with variable area and flow around a circular cylinder within a constant area duct. The results are compared with the results of Lagrangian ISPH and WCSPH methods as well as finite volume and Lattice Boltzmann grid based schemes. The results of the studied scheme have the same accuracy for velocity field and have better accuracy in pressure distribution than ISPH and WCSPH methods. Non-uniform particle distributions are also studied to check the applicability of this method and Good agreement is also observed between uniform and non-uniform particle distributions.
Agglomeration Economies and Entrepreneurship in the ICT Industry

In this study indicators of agglomeration economies and their effect on entrepreneurship in the ICT industry are analysed in diverse urban contexts. Agglomeration economies have a stronger impact on new firm formation than on the growth of incumbent firms. Concentration and diversity both have a positive effect on new firm formation as well as on the growth of incumbent firms, while competition only has a positive effect on new firm formation. It is especially the effects of industrial diversity that are revealed to be sensitive to urban contexts: positive effects on new firm formation are attached to the connected cities and to the highly urbanized Randstad, and positive effects on firm growth to the intermediate zone, the connected cities and urban municipalities.
A cognitive analysis of Paul Bowles's. The Sheltering Sky

This paper attemph to carry our an analysis of Paul Bowles's The Sheltering Sky within the framework of Lakoff's (1996) theory of the self and Johnson`s (1987) theory of image-schemas. It is our arm lo show how the interplay between the two theories sheds some light on the nature of the three main characters and on some aspects of the structure and [he overall interpretation of the novel.
Microprocessor-Based Athlete Health Monitoring Device based on Heart Rate and Stride Length Calculation

Abnormal heart rate or low heart rate during exercise or recovery has been known to cause cardiac arrest and even sudden death in some cases. Similarly, research has shown that low step rate while running may be the causal factor for running injuries due to the force impact exerted and the extra loadings on the lower body joints. Commercial electronic devices used by athletes typically use either accelerometers or coil springs to estimate the step rate resulting in low accuracy. This paper describes the design a low-cost, wearable device that can help athletes monitor their physical activity while running or walking and report step rate, heart rate, distance covered, time elapsed and calories burnt with high accuracy. The system calculates the step rate by analyzing the signal generated from two Force Sensitive Resistors (FSRs) inserted above the insole of a running shoe which is connected to a microcontroller strapped to the athlete’s ankle. According to the experimental results, the prototype was found to have an average accuracy of 97% in measuring the distance covered.
Cell ultrastructure and physiological changes of potato during cold acclimation

Abstract: Potato cultivars are sensitive to frost; thus, freezing damage often results in heavy loss of potato yield. In this study, two wild potato species, Solanum acaule W3, which is frost-resistant and has cold-acclimation ability, and Solanum cardiophyllum Cph12, which is frost-sensitive and cannot be cold-acclimated, were used to research the cell structure and physiological changes that occur during cold acclimation. The results showed that the frost resistance of W3 was enhanced by cold acclimation, while the frost resistance of Cph12 did not change. The subcellular characteristics related to the enhancement of freezing resistance mainly include a decrease in the proportion of the vacuole to total cell volume, integrity of the biomembrane, and orderly arrangement of grana lamellae. At the physiological level, the W3 damage index was correlated with membrane lipid peroxidation system indices (including chlorophyll, malondialdehyde, and the difference between relative conductivity before and after freezing treatment in W3), the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, the contents of the osmotic regulators proline and soluble protein, and the contents of the endogenous hormones salicylic acid (SA), indole acetic acid/abscisic acid (IAA/ABA), and SA/ABA, which indicated that cold acclimation enhanced the freezing resistance of wild potato species W3 by enhancing its original cold-tolerance characteristics. The results could be useful to clarify the cold resistance mechanism of plants, and to provide a theoretical basis for cold-resistance breeding.
Reducing Railway Noise with Porous Sound-Absorbing Concrete Slabs

The effect of porous sound-absorbing concrete slabs on railway noise reduction is examined in this paper. First, the acoustical absorption coefficients of porous concrete materials with various aggregate types, gradations, fibre contents, and compaction indexes are measured in the laboratory. The laboratory results show that porous concrete that uses a composite of expanded perlite and slag as aggregate can not only obtain good acoustical absorption properties but also satisfy mechanical requirements. Also, the gradation of the combined aggregate has a significant effect on the acoustic absorption performance of the porous concrete, with an optimal aggregate gradation of 1~3 mm. Furthermore, the fibre content and compaction index affect both the strength and the acoustic absorption property of the porous concrete, with the optimum value of 0.3% and 1.6, respectively. Then, the findings from the laboratory studies are used to make porous sound-absorbing concrete slabs, which are applied in a test section. The measurements indicate that porous sound-absorbing concrete slabs can significantly reduce railway noise at different train speeds and that the amount of the noise reduction changes roughly linearly with speed when the train is traveling at less than 200 km/h. The maximum noise reduction is 4.05 dB at a speed of 200 km/h.