Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of mesothelioma with deep learning

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare but aggressive cancer. The definitive diagnosis of MM is critical for effective treatment and has important medicolegal significance. However, the definitive diagnosis of MM is challenging due to its composite epithelial/mesenchymal pattern. The aim of the current study was to develop a deep learning method to automatically diagnose MM. A retrospective analysis of 324 participants with or without MM was performed. Significant features were selected using a genetic algorithm (GA) or a ReliefF algorithm performed in MATLAB software. Subsequently, the current study constructed and trained several models based on a backpropagation (BP) algorithm, extreme learning machine algorithm and stacked sparse autoencoder (SSAE) to diagnose MM. A confusion matrix, F-measure and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the performance of each model. A total of 34 potential variables were analyzed, while the GA and ReliefF algorithms selected 19 and 5 effective features, respectively. The selected features were used as the inputs of the three models. SSAE and GA+SSAE demonstrated the highest performance in terms of classification accuracy, specificity, F-measure and the area under the ROC curve. Overall, the GA+SSAE model was the preferred model since it required a shorter CPU time and fewer variables. Therefore, the SSAE with GA feature selection was selected as the most accurate model for the diagnosis of MM. The deep learning methods developed based on the GA+SSAE model may assist physicians with the diagnosis of MM.
Application of remifentanil combined with propofol in the diagnosis of colon cancer with awakening painless digestive endoscopy

Anesthetic effect of remifentanil combined with propofol in awakening painless endoscopy was analyzed. Retrospective analysis of 120 cases of colon cancer were treated in Dongying People's Hospital from June 2015 to December 2017. All of them were treated by awakening painless digestive endoscopy, divided into 60 cases in observation group (combined with remifentanil and propofol anesthesia), and 60 cases in control group (combined intravenous anesthesia of finanib and propofol). The data were respectively recorded at time-points of oxygen inhalation, intubation for 10 min, awakening time, waking time, and the time-points for each represented as the time-points of T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and recorded the diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR), and compared the awakening effect and the occurrence of adverse reaction. There was no significant difference in the DBP index between the two groups at time-point T1 (P>0.05). The time-points of T2, T3, T4 and T5 were significantly different from the observation group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in RR index between the two groups and between the same groups (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the awakening time and consciousness recovering of the observation group is lower (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions after awakening operation between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The local pain rate in the observation group after the awakening operation was lower than the control group. The combined use of trace remifentanil and small dose propofol in the awakening painless digestive endoscopy can make the patients with colon cancer more stable when they are in the awakening state, so as to improve the safety of awakening painless digestive endoscopy. It is worth promoting in clinical practice.
Korean Journal for Food Science of Animal Resources

The present study aimed to characterise anti-oxidant peptides from watersoluble protein extracts of Hanwoo beef and evaluate their anti-proliferative effect on human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116). Antioxidant peptides were purified from the low-molecular-weight fraction (<3 kDa) of Hanwoo beef extract. Antioxidant activity of peptide fractions was determined using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. Purified peptide (P3) displayed higher ORAC activity than the low-molecularweight fraction (202.66 μM TE/g vs 167.38 μM TE/g of dry matter, respectively) (p<0.05). The peptide sequence of P3 was Cys-Cys-Cys-Cys-Ser-Val-Gln-Lys (888.30 Da). The novel peptide P3, at 250 μg/mL, also significantly inhibited HCT116 cell proliferation up to 25.24% through phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 kinase (p<0.05). Hence, antioxidant peptide P3 from Hanwoo beef extract can be used as an antioxidative and anticancer agent in the functional food industry.
Use of clinical nomograms for predicting survival outcomes in young women with breast cancer

Early-onset breast cancer (BC) has been recognized to be more aggressive compared with its later counterparts. Survival models of BC in young patients have rarely been reported in previous studies. The current study aimed to establish and validate prediction models with clinicopathological variables for visceral metastasis-free survival (VFS), disease-free-survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) time in young patients with BC. Clinicopathological data were obtained for 351 patients with primary breast tumors who were ≤40 years old. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed and nomograms were established to screen and illustrate the prognostic factors. Risk scores were calculated based on coefficients from the Cox regression analysis. Internal validation of the prediction models was conducted by predicting the prognosis of cases randomly sampled from the cohort used in the current study. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that N stage (P=0.004), molecular subtype (P=0.007) and age (P=0.005) were significant independent prognostic factors for VFS. Similarly, N stage (P=0.002) and molecular subtype (P=0.001) were significantly associated with DFS. In addition, N stage (P=0.006), molecular subtype (P=0.006) and the presence of an initially inoperable tumor (P=0.005) were significant independent prognostic factors for OS. According to the Cox regression analysis, nomograms were generated to illustrate the effect of independent prognostic factors on VFS, DFS and OS. Risk scores were calculated and internal validation demonstrated the reliability of the prediction models. In conclusion, N stage and molecular subtype were identified as predictors for VFS, DFS and OS in early-onset BC. Furthermore, an age of <35 years at diagnosis was revealed to be unfavorable for VFS and the presence of an initially inoperable tumor was identified to reduce OS time.
Comparison of Frequency Transposition and Frequency Compression for People With Extensive Dead Regions in the Cochlea

The objective was to determine the effects of two frequency-lowering algorithms (frequency transposition, FT, and frequency compression, FC) on audibility, speech identification, and subjective benefit, for people with high-frequency hearing loss and extensive dead regions (DRs) in the cochlea. A single-blind randomized crossover design was used. FT and FC were compared with each other and with a control condition (denoted ‘Control’) without frequency lowering, using hearing aids that were otherwise identical. Data were collected after at least 6 weeks of experience with a condition. Outcome measures were audibility, scores for consonant identification, scores for word-final /s, z/ detection (S test), sentence-in-noise intelligibility, and a questionnaire assessing self-perceived benefit (Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale). Ten adults with steeply sloping high-frequency hearing loss and extensive DRs were tested. FT and FC improved the audibility of some high-frequency sounds for 7 and 9 participants out of 10, respectively. At the group level, performance for FT and FC did not differ significantly from that for Control for any of the outcome measures. However, the pattern of consonant confusions varied across conditions. Bayesian analysis of the confusion matrices revealed a trend for FT to lead to more consistent error patterns than FC and Control. Thus, FT may have the potential to give greater benefit than Control or FC following extended experience or training.
Oncogenic miR-744 promotes prostate cancer growth through direct targeting of LKB1

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and with a limited number of treatments for this type of cancer, its incidence is rapidly increasing. Patients presenting with PCa are likely to experience disease recurrence, which represents a considerable clinical challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been widely characterized as a critical regulator in a number of types of cancer, including PCa. miRNA-744 (miR-744) has been reported to be involved in cancer regulation; however, its role in PCa remained poorly understood. In a recent study, it was demonstrated that miR-744 was overexpressed in prostate tissue from PCa patients when compared with the surrounding tissues, and knockdown of miR-744 resulted in reduced cell growth. In addition, an increased population of apoptotic cells was detected upon miR-744 knockdown, together with a decrease in cell proliferation. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated a higher number of cells in the G1 phase and lower numbers in the S phase following miR-744 silencing. The levels of key proteins involved in cell cycle progression (cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase 4, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen) were increased, whereas those proteins responsible for cell cycle inhibition (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21) were decreased. The tumor suppressor liver kinase B1 (LKB1) was revealed to be a potential target of miR-744, suggesting its potential mechanism of action. LKB1 levels were negatively correlated with miR-744, and LKB1 was indicated to be a direct target of miR-744. Furthermore, it was revealed that by targeting LKB1, miR-744 may regulate adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK); the AMPK signaling pathway was activated by miR-744 knockdown, with subsequent inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Taken together, these results demonstrated that miR-744 promoted cell growth through the AMPK signaling pathway, by targeting LKB1. The present study revealed a novel insight into the biological function of miR-744 in PCa, and that miR-744 may be a potential therapeutic target.
Protective Effects of Arabinogalactan-Peptide Isolated from Wheat Flour against Myocardial Injury in an Ischemia/Reperfusion Rat Model

We have previously shown that supplementation of wheat with hot-water extract reduces myocardial injury by inhibiting apoptosis in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). Arabinogalactan-peptide (AGP), a cell wall polysaccharide of wheat, was also responsible for the protection. However, the underlying mechanisms were not elucidated. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms for how AGP supplementation reduces myocardial injury. First, we isolated highly pure AGP from all-purpose wheat flour. We supplemented rats with AGP at a dose of 100 mg/kg/d for 3 days, and subjected the rats to ischemia (30 min) through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by reperfusion (3 h) through a release of the ligation. Supplementation with AGP significantly reduced the infarct size in the heart. In addition, AGP intake inhibited the apoptotic cascade, determined through decreased mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase) phosphorylation, decreased Bcl-2-associated X protein/B-cell lymphoma ratios, and decreased generation of nicked DNA, which was confirmed through western blotting and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining. These findings indicate that AGP intake can protect against myocardial injury. Traditionally, consumption of dietary fiber such as AGP has been shown to reduce MI risk by inhibiting preocclusion steps through reducing risk factors. Our findings suggest that AGP intake can also reduce MI risk by inhibiting postocclusion steps. This study describes a better dietary recommendation and new prevention strategy for reducing MI risk through regular consumption of wheat rich in AGP.
Determination of genetic aberrations and novel transcripts involved in the pathogenesis of oligodendroglioma using array comparative genomic hybridization and next generation sequencing

The aim of the present study was to determine the genetic aberrations and novel transcripts, particularly the fusion transcripts, involved in the pathogenesis of low-grade and anaplastic oligodendroglioma. In the present study, tissue samples were obtained from patients with oligodendroglioma and additionally from archived tissue samples from the Brain Tumor Tissue Bank of the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada. Six samples were obtained, three of which were low-grade oligodendroglioma and the other three anaplastic oligodendroglioma. DNA and RNA were extracted from each tissue sample. The resulting genomic DNA was then hybridized using the Agilent CytoSure 4×180K oligonucleotide array. Human reference DNA and samples were labeled using Cy3 cytidine 5′-triphosphate (CTP) and Cy5 CTP, respectively, while human Cot-1 DNA was used to reduce non-specific binding. Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization data was then analyzed for genetic aberrations using the Agilent Cytosure Interpret software v3.4. 2. The total RNA isolated from each sample was mixed with oligo dT magnetic beads to enrich for poly(A) mRNA. cDNAs were then synthesized and subjected to end-repair, poly(A) addition and connected using sequencing adapters using the Illumina TruSeq RNA Sample Preparation kit. The fragments were then purified and selected as templates for polymerase chain reaction amplification. The final library was constructed with fragments between 350–450 base pairs and sequenced using deep transcriptome sequencing on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencer. The array comparative genomic hybridization revealed numerous amplifications and deletions on several chromosomes in all samples. However, the most interesting result was from the next generation sequencing, where one anaplastic oligodendroglioma sample was demonstrated to have five novel fusion genes that may potentially serve a critical role in tumor pathogenesis and progression.
Propensity-Matched Analysis of Sigmoidectomies for Diverticular Disease

Background and Objectives: The role for the robotic-assisted approach as a minimally invasive alternative to open colorectal surgery is in the evaluation phase. While the benefits of minimally invasive colorectal surgery when compared to the open approach have been clearly demonstrated, the adoption of laparoscopy has been limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes, hospital and payer characteristics of patients undergoing robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, and open elective sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease in the United States. Methods: This is a retrospective propensity score–matched analysis. The Premier Healthcare Database was queried for patients with diverticular disease. Patients with diverticular disease who underwent robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, and open sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease from January 2013 through September 2015 were included. Propensity-score matching (1:1) facilitated comparison of robotic-assisted versus open approach and robotic-assisted versus laparoscopic approach. Peri-operative outcomes were assessed for both comparisons. Results: There were several outcomes advantages for the robotic-assisted approach when compared to laparoscopic and open sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease that included significantly fewer conversions to open (P = .0002), shorter hospital length of stay, fewer postoperative complications—ileus, wound complications, and acute renal failure—and more patients discharged directly to home. Conclusions: The robotic-assisted minimally invasive approach to elective sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease results in favorable intra-operative and postoperative outcomes when compared to laparoscopic and open approaches.
Different Levels of Egg Yolk on

Buck are used either in natural service or as contributors of ejaculate for use in artificial insemination (AI). In natural service, each ejaculate are used to breed a single doe but in case of AI a large number of doses of semen could be prepared from single ejaculate and utilized for insemination of several females. This is one of the major advantages of artificial insemination (AI) over natural service. However, the fertility or reproductive ability of the individual buck is an important factor to determine the reproductive performance of does. Buck with good breeding soundness and proven fertility are essential for breeding the doe to obtain the large number of offspring. The commonly used components of semen extenders for cryopreservation include egg-yolk, buffer, sugars, glycerol and antibiotics, each providing a complex and important role in protecting the spermatozoa (Purdy, 2006). Egg yolk used in semen extenders plays a major role during the freezing steps of buck sperm cryopreservation (Aboagla and Terada, 2004) and provide sperm cells with nutrients like protein (Ritar et al. 1990). On the other hand, egg yolk might have a negative effect on frozen This study was conducted to assess the physical and morphological characteristics of fresh, pre-freeze and post-thaw black Bengal buck (Capra hircus) semen processed in Tris-egg yolk-citrate-fructose-glycerol (TEYCFG) extender containing 4 different concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10%) of egg-yolk. Ejaculates were collected once a week for eight weeks from six mature bucks (48 ejaculates) using an artificial vagina. It was found that a general decrease in values of pre-freeze and post-thaw semen parameters such as progressive sperm motility (%), live sperm (%), acrosomal integrity (%) and positive sperm (%) in the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test, but an over-all increase in abnormal spermatozoa compared to fresh semen for extenders containing different concentrations of egg-yolk. Best values for all the semen parameters were obtained using extender with 2.5% egg-yolk. Of all egg-yolk concentrations, the 10% egg-yolk supplement caused the highest percentage of abnormal sperm, which was significant (P<0.05), compared to 2.5% and 5% egg-yolk containing extenders, but non-significantly (P>0.05) different compared with 7.5% egg-yolk containing extender. Only progressive motility was significantly different (P<0.05) within extenders containing 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% egg-yolk. We conclude that Black Bengal buck semen can be cryopreserved effectively with tris-egg yolk-citrate-fructose-glycerol extender containing 2.5% egg yolk (V/V).
POLARIZED REFLECTED LIGHT FROM THE EXOPLANET HD189733b: FIRST MULTICOLOR OBSERVATIONS AND CONFIRMATION OF DETECTION

We report the first multicolor polarimetric measurements (UBV bands) for the hot Jupiter HD189733b and confirm our previously reported detection of polarization in the B band. The wavelength dependence of polarization indicates the dominance of Rayleigh scattering with a peak in the blue B and U bands of ∼10−4 ± 10−5 and at least a factor of two lower signal in the V band. The Rayleigh-like wavelength dependence, also detected in the transmitted light during transits, implies a rapid decrease of the polarization signal toward longer wavelengths. Therefore, the nondetection by Wiktorowicz, based on a measurement integrated within a broad passband covering the V band and partly covering the B and R bands, is inconclusive and consistent with our detection in B. We discuss possible sources of the polarization and demonstrate that effects of incomplete cancellation of stellar limb polarization due to starspots or tidal perturbations are negligible as compared with scattering polarization in the planetary atmosphere. We compare the observations with a Rayleigh–Lambert model and determine effective radii and geometrical albedos for different wavelengths. We find a close similarity of the wavelength-dependent geometrical albedo with that of the Neptune atmosphere, which is known to be strongly influenced by Rayleigh and Raman scattering. Our result establishes polarimetry as a reliable means for directly studying exoplanetary atmospheres.
EFFECT OF PLANT ROW SPACING AND HERBICIDE USE ON WEED ABOVEGROUND BIOMASS AND CORN GRAIN YIELD

The use of narrow plant spacing in corn (Zea mays) has been suggested as a technological alternative to obtain grain yield increases, due to a better use of resources. The regular pattern could diminish intraspecific competition while favoring interspecific competition with weeds. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of corn row spacing on weed aboveground biomass and corn grain yield. Field experiments were conducted during 2002/ 2003 and 2003/2004 growing seasons. Three corn hybrids with two-row width (0.70 and 0.35 m) were tested. A greater photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) interception with a lower weed aboveground dry matter in narrow row arrangement was obtained. Corn grain yield was greater in the narrow row arrangement than in the wide row spacing. This increase in grain yield was related to a better resource use that allows for a reduced interspecific competition. The use of reduced spatial arrangement appeared to be an interesting alternative to increase both the grain yield potential and corn suppressive ability against weeds in corn dryland production systems.
Anthropogenic effects on the subtropical jet in the Southern Hemisphere : aerosols versus long-lived greenhouse gases

Among the few well established changes in atmospheric circulation in recent decades are those caused by stratospheric ozone depletion. They include a strengthening and poleward contraction of the westerly atmospheric circulation over the Southern extratropics, i.e. a strengthening Southern Annular Mode (SAM), in austral spring and summer. Associated effects on extratropical temperature and precipitation and more recently subtropical precipitation have been documented and are understood in a zonal mean framework. We present zonally asymmetric effects of ozone depletion that reach into the tropics and affect atmospheric circulation and precipitation, including the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ), the most important rainband of the Southern Hemisphere. Using observation-based analyses and model simulations we show that over the 1961–1996 period, ozone depletion led to increased precipitation at the northern flank of the SPCZ and to decreased precipitation to the south. The effects originate from a flow pattern over the southwestern Pacific that extends equatorward and alters the propagation of synoptic waves and thus the position of the SPCZ. Model simulations suggest that anticipated stratospheric ozone recovery over the next decades will reverse these effects.
Chemical Modification of Polypropylene by Maleic Anhydride: Melt Grafting, Characterization and Mechanism

 Abstract—Polypropylene (PP) was functionalized with maleic anhydride (MAH) in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) via melt grafting in a batch mixer, where the maleic anhydride and peroxide concentrations were varied. The effect of concentration of monomer and initiator on the degree of functionalization and properties of the products was investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, thermal analysis and titration. It was found that the degree of functionalization depends on the initial concentration of monomer and initiator that used in reaction. Finally a mechanism of melt grafting MAH onto PP proposed on the basis of our experimental results and other experimental finding published in the literature.