Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α)-Induced Metastatic Phenotype in Colorectal Cancer Epithelial Cells: Mechanistic Support for the Role of MicroRNA-21

Simple Summary The progression of colorectal cancer is promoted by changes in the genetic makeup of tumour cells giving them potential to leave the site of their origin to seed new metastatic tumours in other tissue; inflammation at the tumour site is a driver of these changes. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha is a pro-inflammatory molecule that is associated with the progression of metastatic cancer. Small biologically active RNAs, microRNAs, target the production of specific proteins and are proposed as agents of tumour change. One agent, microRNA-21, shown to be present in colorectal cancer, is known to target the formation of proteins involved in metastatic changes in cells. We investigated the relationship between TNF-α and microRNA-21 in colorectal cancer cells and show their involvement in promoting cell changes indicative of the metastatic state. In summary, we provide mechanistic support for a role of microRNA-21 in tumour necrosis factor-alpha promotion of cancer cell metastatic change. Abstract Colorectal cancer is driven by genetic and epigenetic changes in cells to confer phenotypes that promote metastatic transformation and development. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory mediator, regulates cellular communication within the tumour microenvironment and is associated with the progression of the metastatic phenotype. Oncogenic miR-21 has been shown to be overexpressed in most solid tumours, including colorectal cancer, and is known to target proteins involved in metastatic transformation. In this study, we investigated the relationship between TNF-α and miR-21 regulation in colorectal cancer epithelial cells (SW480 and HCT116). We observed that TNF-α, at concentrations reported to be present in serum and tumour tissue from colorectal cancer patients, upregulated miR-21 expression in both cell lines. TNF-α treatment also promoted cell migration, downregulation of the expression of E-cadherin, a marker of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and anti-apoptotic BCL-2 (a validated target for miR-21). Knockdown of miR-21 had the opposite effect on each of these TNF-a induced phenotypic changes. Additionally, in the SW480 cell line, although TNF-α treatment selectively induced expression of a marker of metastatic progression VEGF-A, it failed to affect MMP2 expression or invasion activity. Our data indicate that exposing colorectal cancer epithelial cells to TNF-α, at concentrations occurring in the serum and tumour microenvironment of colorectal cancer patients, upregulated miR-21 expression and promoted the metastatic phenotype.
Drop Axis Ratios from a 2D Video Disdrometer

Abstract Results from an experiment to measure the drop shapes using a 2D video disdrometer (2DVD) are reported. Under calm conditions, drops were generated from a hose located on a bridge 80 m above ground, this height being sufficient to allow drop oscillations to reach a steady state. The disdrometer data had to be carefully processed so as to eliminate the drops mismatched by the instrument and to remove the system spreading function. The total number of drops analyzed was around 115 000. Their axis ratio distributions were obtained for diameters ranging from 1.5 to 9 mm. The mean axis ratio decreases with increasing drop diameter, in agreement with the upper bound of the Beard and Chuang equilibrium shape model. The inferred mode of oscillation appears to be dominated by the oblate–prolate axisymmetric mode for the diameter range of 1.5 to 9 mm. The mean axis ratio agrees well with two empirically fitted formulas reported in earlier studies. In addition, a linear fit was applied to the data for radar.
Convergence criteria for bounded sequences

Let {Kn} be a sequence of complex numbers, let and let Let D be the open unit disc {z: |z| <1}, let be its closure and let . The primary object of this paper is to prove the two theorems stated below, the first of which generalises a result of Copson (1).
A transformation‐free HOC scheme for incompressible viscous flows on nonuniform polar grids

We recently proposed a transformation‐free higher‐order compact (HOC) scheme for two‐dimensional (2‐D) steady convection–diffusion equations on nonuniform Cartesian grids (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Fluids 2004; 44:33–53). As the scheme was equipped to handle only constant coefficients for the second‐order derivatives, it could not be extended directly to curvilinear coordinates, where they invariably occur as variables.
Constructing conditionally integrable evolution systems in (1 + 1) dimensions: a generalization of invariant modules approach

Given a generalized (Lie–Bäcklund) vector field satisfying certain nondegeneracy assumptions, we explicitly describe all (1 + 1)-dimensional evolution systems that admit this vector field as a generalized conditional symmetry. The connection with the theory of symmetries of systems of ODEs and with the theory of invariant modules is discussed.
An alternative high-order finite element formulation for cylindrical field problems

Earlier formulations of the finite element approach to cylindrical (rz) field problems led initially to variational expressions containing a simple term in 1/r and consequent attempts to remove it by appropriate choice of interpolation functions. The present paper uses new interpolation functions which ensure that the field behaviour near the axis is correctly modelled. High-order finite elements up to order four are derived and tested on a special cylindrical geometry to confirm, in a practical case, the theoretical claims of improved rates of convergence in solving problems of engineering significance.
Characterizing and modeling the diversity of cropping situations under climatic constraints in West Africa

The Sahel region is known for the high vulnerability of its agriculture to climate variability. Early warning systems that make use of agrometerological forecasts are one of the coping strategies developed by policy makers. However, the predictive quality of the tools and methods used needs improvement. In order to address some of these challenges, we conducted agronomic trials and on‐farm surveys to adapt the SARRAH (Système d'Analyse Régionale des Risques Agroclimatiques, version H) crop simulation model, and also evaluated it in farmers' field conditions. The farmers' practices such as sowing dates and densities, fertilizer use and yields potentials of the millet and sorghum crops were characterized under different climatic conditions. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
The collective Lamb shift in nuclear γ-ray superradiance

The electromagnetic transitions of Mössbauer nuclei provide almost ideal two-level systems to transfer quantum optical concepts into the regime of hard x-rays. If many identical atoms collectively interact with a resonant radiation field, one observes (quantum) optical properties that are strongly different from those of a single atom. The most prominent effect is the broadening of the resonance line known as collective enhancement, resulting from multiple scattering of real photons within the atomic ensemble. On the other hand, the exchange of virtual photons within the ensemble leads to a tiny energy shift of the resonance line, the collective Lamb shift, that remained experimentally elusive for a long time after its prediction. Here we illustrate how highly brilliant synchrotron radiation allows one to prepare superradiant states of excited Mössbauer nuclei, an important condition for observation of the collective Lamb shift.
Review of the potential of titrimetry as a primary method

Titrimetry has wide-ranging applications for amount-of-substance measurements and can be used for both metrological and working-level measurements. This paper is a review of the potential of titrimetry as a primary method. Many parts of a traceability system are in place but these are not formally recognized at either a national or international level. Further work is required to assess existing expertise and to establish internationally recognized primary reference materials (standards) and measurement procedures.
Dynamic subgrid‐scale models for momentum and scalar fluxes in large‐eddy simulations of neutrally stratified atmospheric boundary layers over heterogeneous terrain

The accuracy of large‐eddy simulations (LESs) of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over complex terrain relies on the ability of the subgrid‐scale (SGS) models to capture the effect of subgrid turbulent fluxes on the resolved fields of velocity and scalars (e.g., heat, water vapor, and pollutants). A common approach consists of parameterizing the SGS stresses and fluxes using eddy viscosity and eddy diffusivity models, respectively. These models require the specification of two parameters: the Smagorinsky coefficient in the eddy viscosity model and, in addition, the SGS Schmidt/Prandtl number in the eddy diffusivity model. This is complicated by the dependence of the coefficients on local conditions such as distance to the ground, mean shear, and atmospheric stability. In this study, scale‐dependent dynamic SGS models are used in conjunction with Lagrangian averaging to compute both the Smagorinsky coefficient and the SGS Schmidt (or Prandtl) number dynamically as the flow evolves in both space and time based on the local dynamics of the resolved scales. These tuning‐free models are implemented in LES of both homogeneous and heterogeneous neutral atmospheric boundary layers with surface fluxes of a passive scalar. In the homogeneous simulations the models are shown to accurately predict the resolved flow statistics (mean profiles and spectra of velocity and scalar concentration) and spatial distributions of the SGS model coefficients and parameters. In simulations over heterogeneous surfaces both coefficients adjust in a self‐consistent way to horizontal flow inhomogeneities associated with changes in surface conditions. For smooth‐to‐rough (rough‐to‐smooth) abrupt changes in surface roughness the Smagorinsky coefficient decreases (increases) in response to increased (decreased) mean shear and flow anisotropy associated with these transitions. The SGS Schmidt number also adjusts to inhomogeneities in the scalar field associated with changes in surface scalar flux. This illustrates the need for local calculation of model coefficients and brings into question the common practice of using a constant SGS Schmidt/Prandtl number in LES of the ABL.
Stationary gravity‐wave structure in flows with directional wind shear

Most theoretical studies of flow over mountains assume that the wind direction is constant. For two‐dimensional orographic ridges this is not an issue, since only the component of the wind across the ridge forces internal gravity waves. A special case of rectilinear flow is when the wind component changes sign (i.e. the wind direction changes discontinuously through 180 degrees): such a point is a critical level for all stationary gravity waves. For isolated three‐dimensional mountains the gravity‐wave response comprises waves of all azimuthal orientations, and each of these may have a different critical‐level height‐depending on whether the wind backs or veers with height.
On enhanced convergence rates for Tikhonov regularization of nonlinear ill-posed problems in Banach spaces

It is well known for the Tikhonov regularization of ill-posed problems in Hilbert spaces that the best possible convergence rate is O(α) in the noise-free case and in the noisy case if the exact solution x† satisfies the source condition . We will show under what conditions the best possible rates with respect to α may be obtained for nonlinear ill-posed problems in Banach spaces. Moreover, we present convergence rate results with respect to the Bregman distance and show special cases where these rates are best possible.
On the distribution of a test for exponentiality based on progressively type-II right censored spacings

A test for exponentiality based on progressively Type-II right censored spacings has been proposed recently by Balakrishnan et al. (2002). They derived the asymptotic null distribution of the test statistic. In this work, we utilize the algorithm of Huffer and Lin (2001) to evaluate the exact null probabilities and the exact critical values of this test statistic.
PW Vulpeculae: a nova with nearly solar abundances

Optical spectrophotometry of PW Vulpeculae is combined with ultraviolet data to estimate electron temperatures, densities, and abundances in the ejecta of this slow classical nova. The reddening, the distance, and the evolution of the ultraviolet spectrum are discussed. Abundances are nearly solar, with the exception of nitrogen, which is substantially higher. Although neon has been reported to be enhanced in several novae, it does not seem to be the case for PW Vul. Photoionization model calculations of the ejecta that give a reasonable match of the observed emission spectrum are presented. A strong featureless continuum shows that very hot, presumably shock-heated, gas plays a major role in determining the energetics of this nova. Emission from this hot gas is responsible for the ionization of the nebular gas. A calculation of the masses of both the hot coronal gas and the cooler nebular gas shows that the former may account for most of the mass of the ejecta. 32 refs.
INTEGRATION FORMULAS INVOLVING FOURIER-FEYNMAN TRANSFORMS VIA A FUBINI THEOREM

In this paper we use a general Fubini theorem established in [13] to obtain several Feynman integration formulas involving analytic Fourier-Feynman transforms. Included in these formulas is a general Parseval’s relation. 1. Introduction and preliminaries Let C0[0,T ] denote one-parameter Wiener space, that is the space of R-valued continuous functions x(t) on [0,T ] with x(0) = 0. LetM denote the class of all Wiener measurable subsets of C0[0,T ] and let m denote Wiener measure. (C0[0,T ],M,m) is a complete measure space and we denote the Wiener integral of a Wiener integrable functional F by Z
MINSIZE: A Computer Program for Obtaining Minimum Sample Size as an Indicator of Effect Size

Several journals, including Educational and Psychological Measurement, have adopted author guidelines that call for determining the minimum sample size necessary for a given result to have been declared statistically significant. MINSIZE, an MS-DOS computer program that permits the user to determine the minimum sample size needed for the results of a given analysis to be statistically significant, is described. Program applications for statistical significance tests based on z, t, r, F, or x2 statistics are provided. Explanation of the program's operation is given for each of the types of statistics, and examples are furnished.
Self-amplification of the field of velocity derivatives in quasi-isotropic turbulence

We report results of direct numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations regarding the role of self-amplification of the field of velocity derivatives, i.e., involving both vorticity and strain. The main result is that even at rather moderate values of the Reynolds number the self-amplification totally dominates the process of production of the field of velocity derivatives. The role of external forcing in this process is negligible. This dominance occurs not only in the mean, but practically pointwise throughout the whole flow field. The property of self-amplification possesses a number of quantitative universal properties which are independent of the details of forcing.
A numeric evaluation of attenuation from ambient noise correlation functions

The ambient noise correlation function (NCF) calculated between seismic stations contains, under appropriate conditions, accurate travel time information. However, NCF amplitudes are highly debated due to noise source intensity and distribution, seismic intrinsic attenuation, scattering, and elastic path effects such as focusing and defocusing. We prove with various numerical simulations that the NCFs calculated for a uniformly dispersive medium using the coherency method preserve accurate geometrical spreading and attenuation decay. We show that for a wide range of noise source distributions, the coherency of the noise correlation functions matches a Bessel function decaying exponentially with a specific attenuation coefficient. Conditions needed to obtain these results include averaging over long enough time intervals, a uniformly distributed seismic network, and a good distribution of far‐field noise sources. We also show that the estimated attenuation coefficient corresponds to the interstation and not the noise‐source‐to‐receiver structure.
Kinematical properties of stellar populations in the Carina dSph galaxy

Abstract Multi-object spectrographs available on 8-m class telescopes provide the unique opportunity to directly investigate the kinematical and chemical properties of significant samples of resolved stars in galaxies of the Local Group. We present here the first results concerning an extensive study of stellar populations of the Carina dSph galaxy, based on data collected with the multi-object spectrographs FORS2 and FLAMES, both available at VLT. Preliminary estimates concerning the radial velocity distributions of the different samples are presented.
Tests for Unit Roots: a Monte Carlo Investigation

Recent work by Said and Dickey (1984 ,1985) , Phillips (1987), and Phillips and Perron(1988) examines tests for unit roots in the autoregressive part of mixed autoregressive-integrated-moving average (ARIHA) models (tests for stationarity). Monte Carlo experiments show that these unit root tests have different finite sample distributions than the unit root tests developed by Fuller(1976) and Dickey and Fuller (1979, l981) for autoregressive processes. In particular, the tests developed by Philllps (1987) and Phillips and Perron (1988) seem more sensitive to model misspeciflcation than the high order autoregressive approximation suggested by Said and Diekey(1984).
Nonpolar and semipolar GaN, optical gain and efficiency

Crystal orientation effects on electronic and optical properties of wurtzite (WZ) InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs) with piezoelectric (PZ) and spontaneous (SP) polarizations are investigated using the multiband effective-mass theory and non-Markovian optical model. Also, the electron overflow in non-polar InGaN/GaN QW structures with a superlattice (SL)-like electron injector (EI) layer is investigated using a simple model. The effective mass along k'y of the topmost valence band greatly decreases with increasing crystal angle while the y'-polarized optical matrix element significantly increases with increasing crystal angle. In particular, matrix elements of non-polar (1120)-oriented a-plane QW structure with a relatively higher In composition of 0.4 are about three and half times bigger than those of the (0001)-oriented c-plane QW structure. On the other hand, in the case of the QW structure with a relatively smaller In composition, the difference of matrix elements between the (0001)- and (1120)-oriented QW structures is smaller than that of the QW structure with a relatively higher In composition. With increasing crystal angle, the optical gain peak for the x'-polarization gradually decreases while that for the y'-polarization significantly increases. As a result, the in-plane optical anisotropy increases with increasing crystal angle. The in-plan optical anisotropy of non-polar a-plane QW structure gradually increases with increasing transition wavelength or In composition. The optical anisotropy is ranging from 0.50 at 400nm to 0.80 at 530 nm for the QW structure with Lw = 30 Å. It is found that the electron overflow is found to be greatly reduced by using the SL-like EI laye and rapidly decreases with increasing the number of EI layer. Hence, we expect that the droop phenomenon can be reduced by using the EI layers.
Fractal Analyses of High-Resolution Cloud Droplet Measurements

Abstract Fractal analyses of individual cloud droplet distributions using aircraft measurements along one-dimensional horizontal cross sections through clouds are performed. Box counting and cluster analyses are used to determine spatial scales of inhomogeneity of cloud droplet spacing. These analyses reveal that droplet spatial distributions do not exhibit a fractal behavior. A high variability in local droplet concentration in cloud volumes undergoing mixing was found. In these regions, thin filaments of cloudy air with droplet concentration close to those observed in cloud cores were found. Results suggest that these filaments may be anisotropic. Additional box counting analyses performed for various classes of cloud droplet diameters indicate that large and small droplets are similarly distributed, except for the larger characteristic spacing of large droplets. A cloud-clear air interface defined by a certain threshold of total droplet count (TDC) was investigated. There are indications that this inte.
Clinical course and outcome of Covid-19 in patients with myasthenia gravis

ABSTRACT Patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) may be at a greater risk of developing a severe course in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Objectives To analyze the prognosis and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with MG and to determine factors associated with COVID-19 severity in patients with MG. Methods Information concerning COVID-19 occurrence in patients with MG was collected in this single-center observational study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with severe Covid-19. Results Two hundred seventy-five of the 386 records of MG were included in this study. Eighty-two (29.8%) patients had concurrent COVID-19 . The patients’ mean age was 50.3 ± 1.6 years, and the mean duration of MG was 6.7 ± 5.4 years. MG was diagnosed after COVID-19 in five cases. Covid-19 was mild in 45 patients (54.9%), moderate in 23 (28.1%), and severe in 14 (17.07%), while mortality occurred in four of the severe cases (4.9%). Three of the exitus patients were receiving rituximab therapy. Pre-Covid MG Activity of Daily Living (MG-ADL) severity scores were significantly high in severe cases. A history of myasthenic crisis was also higher in severe cases. Similarly, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed an association between severe COVID-19 and myasthenic crisis history and high pre-Covid MG-ADL. The type of MG treatment had no independent effect on COVID-19 severity. Conclusion The vast majority of the MG patients made a good recovery from Covid-19. The risk of severe COVID-19 is high in patients with high MG-ADL severity scores and a history of myasthenic crisis.