Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High expression of MMP28 indicates unfavorable prognosis in pancreatic cancer

Abstract To investigate the expression pattern and diagnostic performance of matrix metalloproteinase 28 (MMP28) in pancreatic cancer (PC). The RNA-seq data of PC and normal pancreas tissue were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression. Clinical information of PC that included prognostic data was obtained from TCGA. Later, Fisher exact test was applied for comparison of different clinicopathological features between high and low expression of MMP28 in PC. Afterwards, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox analysis (univariate and multivariate analysis) were used to explore the prognostic performance of MMP28 in PC cohort. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) revealed the potential signaling pathways related to high expression of MMP28 in PC. Upregulation of MMP28 was identified in PC tissue compared to normal pancreas tissue (P < .001). Overexpression of MMP28 was related to histological grade (P < .001), M classification (P = .014), and survival status (P = .028). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that high level of MMP28 implied unfavorable prognosis in PC (P = .002). Multivariate analysis confirmed that MMP28 was an independent risk factor in PC (hazard rate = 1.308, P = .018). Our GSEA analysis found that signaling pathways including glycolysis, p53 pathway, notch signaling, estrogen response late, cholesterol homeostasis, estrogen response early, mitotic spindle, and transforming growth factor beta signaling were enriched in the group with higher MMP28 expression. High expression of MMP28 could be identified in PC, which also served as an independent risk element for PC.
Corticospinal excitability and motor representation after long‐term resistance training

It is poorly understood how the central nervous system adapts to resistance training, especially after years of exposure. We compared corticospinal excitability and motor representation assessed with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) between long‐term resistance trained (LRT, ≥3 years) versus untrained (UNT) males (n = 15/group). Motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) were obtained from the biceps brachii during isometric elbow flexion. Stimulus‐response curves were created at the hotspot during 10% maximum voluntary torque (MVT) contractions. Maximum peak‐to‐peak MEP amplitude (MEPmax) was acquired with 100% stimulator output intensity, whilst 25%−100% MVT was produced. Maps were created during 10% MVT contractions, with an individualised TMS intensity eliciting 20% MEPmax at the hotspot. LRT had a 48% lower stimulus‐response curve slope than UNT (p < .05). LRT also had a 66% larger absolute map size, although TMS intensity used for mapping was greater in LRT versus UNT (48% vs. 26% above active motor threshold) to achieve a target 20% MEPmax at the hotspot, due to the lower slope of LRT. Map size was strongly correlated with the TMS intensity used for mapping (r = 0.776, p < .001). Once map size was normalised to TMS intensity, there was no difference between the groups (p = .683). We conclude that LRT had a lower stimulus‐response curve slope/excitability, suggesting higher neural efficiency. TMS map size was overwhelmingly determined by TMS intensity, even when the MEP response at the hotspot was matched among individuals, likely due to larger current spread with higher intensities. Motor representation appears similar between LRT and UNT given no difference in the normalised map size.
Optical amplification and laser action in cyanine dyes doped in DNA complex

Because the fluorescence from organic dye is enhanced when it is intercalated or bound to DNA double strands, a lot of studies on optical amplification and lasing have been made. In this study, we investigated the optical and lasing properties of several cyanine dyes incorporated in DNA in solution and complex films. At first, we confirmed that the addition of DNA into dye solutions strongly enhances the fluorescence intensity, and also affects the degree of molecular aggregation. We fabricated the films composed of DNA, dye, and lipid by two methods, and observed the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) under the excitation of 532 nm laser pulses with sub-mJ energy. We also made a thin film DFB dye laser by forming DNA/dye/lipid films on a grating plate, from which a laser action was observed under optical pumping.
International Journal of Food Engineering Osmo-Convective Dehydration of Plum ( Prunus salicina L )

Plums, which have a high water content level, are highly perishable and it is necessary to find alternatives to minimize product deterioration. Osmotic dehydration is one of these effective alternatives. Besides water removal from the product, the process also promotes solid gain due to high concentration of solute. In this study, the effect of different osmotic agents (sugar and sugarglycerol) was reported. The Magee model could satisfactorily describe the solid gain and water loss during osmosis. Drying was conducted at 45, 55 and 65°C. Osmotic dehydration followed by air drying reduces the drying period. Osmotic dehydration resulted in a decrease in total convective dehydration time. The osmotic dehydration in sugar and sugar-glycerol solution reduced approximately 240 and 120 minutes as compared to the osmo-convective dehydration time of lye-treated plums at 65°C. The drying rate curves contained no constant rate period and showed a linear falling rate throughout the drying process.
A Bioelectrochemically‐Assisted Membrane Bioreactor for Simultaneous Wastewater Treatment and Energy Production

A bioelectrochemically-assisted membrane bioreactor (BEAMBR), integrating a microbial fuel cell with a membrane bioreactor, was developed for energy recovery and efficient wastewater treatment. The stainless-steel membrane module with biofilm, served not only as dynamic membrane separation device but also as biocathode. The effluent turbidity reached 0.8 NTU after stable operation, and particle with average size larger than 1.14 μm were effectively rejected from the mixed liquor by the dynamic membrane. The BEAMBR successfully removed the chemical oxygen demand and ammonium. With increasing hydraulic retention time and decreasing volumetric organic loading rate, the power production in this reactor was enhanced. The results showed that the BEAMBR is a promising process for efficient energy recovery and wastewater treatment.
Comparison between water-treed and deteriorated regions. Electrical tree precursor

When polyethylene is subjected to high fields in the presence of water, a water tree may be formed. However, under dry conditions a 'deteriorated region' is gradually formed before the initiation of an electrical tree. The experimental results suggest some similarities in structure and properties between the deteriorated and the water-treed regions. FTIR analysis shows that there are common polar groups in these regions. Scanning electron microscope observation found a number of microvoids in both regions. The formation of the deteriorated region increases the resistance to electrical tree initiation during subsequent ac ramp voltage and positive impulse voltage but decreases it for negative impulse voltage. Dried water-treed regions show the same effect. >
Predacious Effect of Some Predatory Mites on Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Infesting Rogina Tomato Hybrid

Thrips is a harmful cosmopolitan polyphagous pest with marked serious and adverse effects on over 200 host plants, it infests tomatoes, sucking and destroying its seedlings. This study was carried out in a Rogina tomato hybrid field in three governorates, El-Beheira, El-Faiyum and El-Sharqia, in Egypt. In order to evaluate the efficacy of five predatory mites (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) namely; Typhlodrompis swirskii, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Typhlodromus nigavi and Neoseiulus californicus as well as the recommended combination (abamectin + Egyxide oil) as standard insecticide (1 ml + 2.5 ml/l) separately or combined with each other against Thrips tabaci nymphs and adults. The current study indicated that the single treatment with T. swirskii and N. cucumeris as well as the recommended combination (abamectin + Egyxide oil) were the most efficient as a bioagent control against T. tabaci in tomato plants in all three governorates, followed by T. nigavi, whereas P. persimilis and N. californicus has no role as a biocontrol agent for T. tabaci in single treatment compared with control. Moreover, alternately using predatory T. swirskii in combination with other predators (N. cucumeris, T. nigavi and N. californicus) showed significant reductions (95.8–99.95 %) in T. tabaci populations without any incompatibility or competition between each other compared with control in all three governorates (LSD: 3.46, indicated that there is no significant difference between treatments in all governorates). In general, the reduction effect of all treatments in El-Faiyum was decreased more than the other two governorates. This study demonstrated that T. tabaci in tomato can be reduced by using T. swirskii and N. cucumeris singly or alternately mixing with other predators mentioned above. In the light of these results, the T. swirskii and N. cucumeris singly or alternately should be considered when deciding on the timing of abamectin applications within IPM strategies.
Effects of Concentrations of Azadirachtin Oil on Mortality and Post-Exposure Time of Atta mexicana1 Leaf-Cutter Worker Ants

Abstract. The leaf-cutting ant, Atta mexicana Smith, is a pest commonly managed by synthetic insecticides. Considering negative environmental and health impacts produced by insecticides, alternative strategies such as plant-derived insecticides are an option for controlling the ant. Effects of 20 serial dilutions of refined azadirachtin oil and three post-exposure times were assessed on A. mexicana forage workers in a laboratory. The dilutions were applied directly to ants. Azadirachtin concentration and post-exposure time significantly affected mortality of A. mexicana. The mean lethal concentration at 0 hours post-exposure was 2.26 × 101 mg/ liter and at 50 and 100 hours was 1.67 × 10-6 mg/ liter and 1.65 × 10-14mg/ liter, respectively. Findings on toxicity of azadirachtin to A. mexicana are of great importance for pest management strategies in agriculture. Insecticides based on azadirachtin oil should be considered among integrated pest management strategies recommended by the Plant Health Commission in the Americas.
LOUPING-ILL VIRUS SEROSURVEY OF WILLOW PTARMIGAN (LAGOPUS LAGOPUS LAGOPUS) IN NORWAY

Abstract: In Norway, the Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus lagopus) is experiencing population declines and is nationally Red Listed as Near Threatened. Although disease has not generally been regarded as an important factor behind population fluctuations for Willow Ptarmigan in Norway, disease occurrence has been poorly investigated. Both louping-ill virus (LIV) and the closely related tick-borne encephalitis virus are found along the southern part of the Norwegian coast. We assessed whether and where Norwegian Willow Ptarmigan populations have been infected with LIV. We expected to find infected individuals in populations in the southernmost part of the country. We did not expect to find infected individuals in populations further north and at higher altitudes because of the absence of the main vector, the sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus). We collected serum samples on Nobuto filter paper and used a hemagglutination inhibition assay for antibodies against LIV. We collected data at both local and country-wide levels. For local sampling, we collected and analyzed 87 hunter-collected samples from one of the southernmost Willow Ptarmigan populations in Norway. Of these birds, only three positives (3.4%) were found. For the country-wide sampling, we collected serum samples from 163 Willow Ptarmigan carcasses submitted from selected locations all over the country. Of these birds, 32% (53) were seropositive for LIV or a cross-reacting virus. Surprisingly, we found seropositive individuals from locations across the whole country, including outside the known distribution of the sheep tick. These results suggest that either LIV or a cross-reacting virus infects ptarmigan in large parts of Norway, including at high altitudes and latitudes.
Cotton Fleahopper1 Biology and Ecology Relevant to Development of Insect Resistance Management Strategies

Abstract. Since the success of the U.S. Boll Weevil Eradication Program and widespread adoption of genetically modified crops, the cotton fleahopper, Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter), has reemerged as a significant cotton pest. Current management strategies for the pest are based primarily on foliar applications of insecticides. A line of cotton that produces modified Bt Cry51Aa2 protein was developed for Lygus spp. , but the protein has also shown activity against the cotton fleahopper. Consequently, before this new Bt line can be released commercially, refuge requirements and other Insect Resistance Management (IRM) strategies mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency need to be established to prevent or delay development of resistance by cotton fleahopper to the new toxin. In response, we provide and discuss relevant information on the biology and ecology of the cotton fleahopper, including life history, host preference, dispersal, and population genetic structure, that may be useful for developing IRM strategies for the pest.
Diversity and Species Turnover of Insects in a Jatropha curcas Agroecosystem

Abstract. Jatropha curcas L. hosts a wide variety of insects, but temporal variation in the composition of organisms (beta diversity) associated with crop farming has not been determined. Knowing the diversity and ecological role of its entomofauna are elements to develop management strategies for potential vulnerability of an agroecosystem. In this research, diversity, composition, and temporal turnover of insect species associated with cultivation of physic nuts were evaluated at Morelos, Mexico. During the second flowering period, 1,447 individuals in 13 orders, 106 families, 162 genera, and 190 species were collected; Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera comprised 89.9% of the individuals. Families Cicadellidae, Miridae, Chloropidae, Nitidulidae, and Chrysomelidae were most abundant. Insect alpha diversity, richness (0D), Shannon (1D), and Simpson (2D), did not show significant differences. Analysis of the composition of insect species using beta diversity (βSOR) showed a change of 0.37 ± 0.02 species. Piercing-sucking and chewing insects were the most diverse functional groups, of which at least 45 species are pests. The research should be complemented with more field observations in the Jatropha curcas crop. Results emphasized the need to consider different diversity aspects for appropriate crop management strategies.
Adenovirus Hemorrhagic Disease in Moose (Alces americanus gigas) in Alaska, USA

Abstract: In 1993, an epizootic of adenovirus hemorrhagic disease (AHD) caused the death of at least 1,000 mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in California, US. Since then, numerous cervid species throughout the US have had deaths confirmed to be caused by AHD. In 2015, the death of two captive moose (Alces americanus gigas) calves marked the first recognized AHD-caused deaths in Alaska, a state in which moose are important economically as well as for food security and cultural identity. Both cases were characterized by systemic vasculitis with endothelial cell intranuclear inclusion bodies, pulmonary edema, petechial hemorrhages, and enterotyphlocolitis.
Morphological, Histological and Ultrastructural Characterisation of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) Larval Midgut

Culex pipiens (Cx. pipiens) or common house mosquito is the most widely distributed species worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. The current study examined morphological, histological, and ultrastructural features of midgut epithelium of fourth instar larvae of Cx. pipiens. Findings provide a basis for research on insecticide resistance and mosquito control. The morphological, histological and ultrastructural studies used both light and transmission electron microscopy. Morphologically, the external features of the body of the larva show three main regions, head, thorax and abdomen, with 10 externally visible segments. The digestive tract includes foregut, midgut and hindgut. Histologically, the midgut is lined by a single layer of cuboidal or low columnar epithelial cells associated with intercalated regenerative cells scattered. All cells rest on a thick basement membrane. Ultrastructurally, cuboidal to low columnar cells of the midgut of fourth larval instar shows absorptive cells with apically well-developed striated borders of microvilli and large rounded central nuclei, resting on a thick basement membrane. Thin intercalated regenerative cells are scattered among epithelial cells. The apical cytoplasm epithelial cells display numerous mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles and secretory vesicles. A distinct peritrophic membrane is seen that acts as a protective barrier between haemolymph, midgut cells and food contents. The current study concludes that Cx. pipiens fourth instar larva midgut lined by a single layer of broad cuboidal to low columnar epithelial cells with large spherical nuclei, numerous mitochondria, lysosomes and secretory vesicles, and apical regions with well-developed brush borders of microvilli. They rest on a thick basement membrane and associated with isolated regenerative intercalated cells.
SENTINEL COYOTE PATHOGEN SURVEY TO ASSESS DECLINING BLACK-FOOTED FERRET (MUSTELA NIGRIPES) POPULATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA, USA

Abstract: As part of the national recovery effort, endangered black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) were reintroduced to the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, US in 2000. Despite an encouraging start, numbers of ferrets at the site have declined. In an effort to determine possible causes of the population decline, we undertook a pathogen survey in 2012 to detect exposure to West Nile virus (WNV), canine distemper virus (CDV), plague (Yersinia pestis), tularemia (Francisella tularensis), and heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) using coyotes (Canis latrans) as a sentinel animal. The highest seroprevalence was for WNV with 71% (20/28) of coyotes testing antibody-positive. Seroprevalence of CDV and plague were lower, 27% and 13%, respectively. No evidence of active infection with tularemia or heartworm was seen in the coyotes sampled. As this study did not sample black-footed ferrets themselves, the definitive cause for the decline of this population cannot be determined. However, the presence of coyotes seropositive for two diseases, plague and CDV, lethal to black-footed ferrets, indicated the potential for exposure and infection. The high seroprevalence of WNV in the coyotes indicated a wide exposure to the virus; therefore, exposure of black-footed ferrets to the virus is also likely. Due to the ability of WNV to cause fatal disease in other species, studies may be useful to elucidate the impact that WNV could have on the success of reintroduced black-footed ferrets as well as factors influencing the spread and incidence of the disease in a prairie ecosystem.
ENDOPARASITES OF FORMOSAN BLACK BEARS (URSUS THIBETANUS FORMOSANUS) DURING ACORN SEASON IN YUSHAN NATIONAL PARK, TAIWAN

Abstract: Parasite infection is one of the most important factors in wildlife conservation. However, fecal parasite profiles of threatened Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) are only sporadically reported, and the effect of parasitic diseases on the survival of the locally endangered Formosan black bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) in Taiwan remains undetermined. The study objective was to investigate the gastrointestinal parasite profiles of Formosan black bears in Yushan National Park, the only known high-density habitat for the species in Taiwan. Bear fecal samples were collected in the acorn season (from October to February) from January 2008 to October 2012. To avoid bias created by repeat sampling, the parasite profiles of fecal samples collected in 2010 from 46 individually identified bears (which were identified by genetic analysis) were also examined. Parasites were isolated by various methods and identified by morphologic characteristics. A total of 220 samples were analyzed and the results were compared between seasons, sexes, and individuals. The overall frequency of parasite infection was 77.3%, and it varied by species, with Baylisascaris transfuga infection being the most frequent. We suggest that one factor underlying the high frequency and high intensity of infection that we observed is the fact that the bears seasonally congregated at high density in a small area. To our knowledge, this is the first thorough study of gastrointestinal parasites in Asiatic black bears. The long-term nature of the investigation and the relatively stable frequency and intensity of infection suggest that parasitic diseases could serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health.
Exploiting Spontaneous Transmissions for Broadcasting and Leader Election in Radio Networks

We study two fundamental communication primitives: broadcasting and leader election in the classical model of multi-hop radio networks with unknown topology and without collision detection mechanisms. It has been known for almost 20 years that in undirected networks with n nodes and diameter D, randomized broadcasting requires Ω(D log n/D + log2 n) rounds, assuming that uninformed nodes are not allowed to communicate (until they are informed). Only very recently, Haeupler and Wajc (PODC'2016) showed that this bound can be improved for the model with spontaneous transmissions, providing an O(D log n log log n/log D + logO(1) n)-time broadcasting algorithm. In this article, we give a new and faster algorithm that completes broadcasting in O(D log n/log D + logO(1) n) time, succeeding with high probability. This yields the first optimal O(D)-time broadcasting algorithm whenever n is polynomial in D. Furthermore, our approach can be applied to design a new leader election algorithm that matches the performance of our broadcasting algorithm. Previously, all fast randomized leader election algorithms have used broadcasting as a subroutine and their complexity has been asymptotically strictly larger than the complexity of broadcasting. In particular, the fastest previously known randomized leader election algorithm of Ghaffari and Haeupler (SODA'2013) requires O(D log n/D min {log log n, log n/D} + logO(1) n)-time, succeeding with high probability. Our new algorithm again requires O(D log n/log D + logO(1) n) time, also succeeding with high probability.
Post-Earnings Announcement Drift in Multimarket Setting

This paper investigates the post-earnings announcement drift (PEAD) in the multiple markets and finds its determinants in an international setting. Using the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect, we investigate whether and how an exogenous event in the segmented markets affect the post earnings announcement drift in the multimarket setting. We find that the PEAD declines after the launch of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Connect in both A-share market and Hong Kong market. Then, we further investigate the multifactorial causes of the PEAD and our findings suggest that the PEAD is directly driven by investors’ limited attention and limits to arbitrage. These findings support the mispricing explanation of the PEAD in multimarket setting. We also find that the improvement of liquidity and volatility influences the determinants of the PEAD. Finally, our findings provide the evidence that the information asymmetry is the potential cause of the PEAD.