Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Potential for Circulating Tumor Cells as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Various Cancer Types

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cells that can be found circulating in the peripheral blood of cancer patients. They originate from primary solid tumors and are thought to contribute to metastases and poor prognosis. Since cancer treatment is shifting toward greater personalization, a major goal in the field is the development of less invasive and more cost-effective measures in diagnosis, staging, treatment, prognostic implications, and surveillance of cancer. Utilizing CTCs as a biomarker from a “liquid biopsy” or sample of patients’ blood would be transformative in accomplishing this goal. In this review, we aim to critically assess current pre-clinical and clinical literature over the past two decades implicating CTCs’ potential for use as a predictive biomarker in various cancer types either in addition to or instead of current standards of care. We also are interested in understanding several aspects of CTCs including the role CTCs play in resistance to treatment, the immune system evasion properties of CTCs, the feasibility of using CTCs in clinical practice, and the utility of CTCs for predicting outcomes including patient survival. Furthermore, here we discuss gaps in the literature, limitations of CTCs, potential for their other uses, as well as the significance of CTC detection in patients following surgery.
Development and Case Study Application of a Proxy-Generated Outcome Measure of Suffering for use with Clients with Illusory Mental Health

The concept of illusory mental health is described as the rationale for needing an approach for working with individuals who are unaware of their suffering and are therefore unable to describe their problems through self-report instruments. The use of a nomothetic approach using self-report or clinician-generated standardised instruments is compared with an idiographic approach for working with such individuals. A case study is used to illustrate the development and first application of a Proxy-Generated Outcome Measure (PGOM) that allows clinicians, observers and researchers to trace an individualised understanding of a client’s core sufferings and changes occurring during the process of psychotherapy. A comparison with a nomothetic outcome measure is also presented.
Fabrications of cellulose nanocomposite for tailor-made applications

The unique properties of nanocelluloses (NCs), including nanodimension, renewability, low toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, easy availability, and low cost, render them the ideal nanomaterials for diverse applications. Composite material consists of matrix material with low volume fraction and self-assembled NC fibers with a high volume fraction of reinforcing domain. These two-phase components are often combined to promote stiffness and improve toughness (by dissipating materials fracture energy). The challenge, however, is to control the alignment and distribution of NC within the matrix. Recent research has been focusing on the production of composites using different methodologies such as electrospun cellulose nanofibers, polymer-grafted NC, nanoparticle binding on NCs, assembly of NCs at the air/water and oil/water interfaces, protein-mediated interactions on NCs, and atomic layer deposition on NCs. In this case, NC serves as an appropriate candidate for composites preparation in comparison to the non-biodegradable nanofillers (e.g. carbon nanoclay and nanotube).
What and how did people buy during the Great Lockdown? Evidence from electronic payments

This paper uses novel and comprehensive data on electronic payments from SIBS, the main provider of point of sale terminals and on-line payments in Portugal, to study the impact of the Great Lockdown on purchases. The data aggregates all individual transactions into monthly observations, by municipality and sector, between 2018 and 2020. We employ a difference-in-differences event study that relies on the assumption that the monthly evolution of purchases in the first four months of 2020 would be parallel to that of the two previous years. We identify a massive causal impact on overall purchases, from a baseline year-on-year monthly growth rate of 10% to a decrease of 45%. The sign and magnitude of the impact varies considerably across sectors. Purchases of essential goods such as supermarkets and groceries increase mildly, contrasting with severe contractions in sectors that were closed by government order or depend heavily on tourism, including the leisure industry and restaurants. We find suggestive evidence of initial stockpiling of goods, postponing of essential expenditures, and rapid recovery of purchases in tech and entertainment, possibly to adapt to the confinement. Transactions with foreign-owned cards cause an even greater negative contraction. We disentangle the total effect into the intensive margin of the average transaction and the extensive margin of the number of transactions. Buyers adjust their shopping strategies in rational ways to minimize public health risks: they go less often to supermarkets and buy more each time, and visit local groceries more.
Spatial heterogeneity and short-term oxygen dynamics in the rhizosphere ofVallisneria spiralis: Implications for nutrient cycling

Aquatic macrophytes modify the sediment biogeochemistry via radial oxygen loss (ROL) from their roots. However, the variation in ROL and its implication for nutrient availability remains poorly explored. Here, we use planar O₂ optodes to investigate the spatial heterogeneity of oxic niches within the rhizosphere of Vallisneria spiralis and their alteration following variable light and ambient O₂ levels. The effect of ROL on NH₄⁺ and PO₄³⁻ distribution in the rhizosphere was evaluated by a combination of ¹⁵N isotopic techniques, 2D sampling, and electron microscopy. A single specimen of V. spiralis could maintain an oxidised sediment volume of 41–47 cm³ and 10–27 cm³ in the rhizosphere at 100% and 38% dissolved oxygen saturation in the overlying water, respectively. Whatever the environmental conditions, the ROL was, however, very heterogeneous and dependent on root age and architecture of the root system. ROL stimulated the coupling between denitrification and nitrification in the sediment both under dark (+25 μmol N‐N₂ m⁻² hr⁻¹) and light (+70 μmol N‐N₂ m⁻² hr⁻¹) conditions. This, in combination with plant uptake, contributed to intense removal of NH₄⁺ from the pore water. Similarly, PO₄³⁻ was highly depleted in the rhizosphere. The detection of Fe‐P plaques on the roots surface indicated substantial entrapment of P as a consequence of ROL. The extensive spatio‐temporal heterogeneity of oxic and anoxic conditions ensured that aerobic and anaerobic processes co‐occurred in the rhizosphere and this presumably reduced potential nutrient limitation while maximising plant fitness in an otherwise hostile reduced environment.
Psychological capital “Psycap” in the Devi Mahatmyam: discover your “Hero Within”

The purpose of this paper is to relate the episodes of the Devi Mahatmyam in the light of Psychological Capital (PsyCap) components: hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. The Psychological Capital components in the Devi Mahatmyam are portrayed as spelled out in it. A literature review on Positive Psychology and Psychological Capital components has also been conducted in this paper to show the importance of Positive Psychology. The Devi Mahatmyam applies the PsyCap components such as problem solving, goal-orientation, adversity coping etc. through its different episodes when its esoteric meaning is understood properly. Since the Hindu scriptures have practical repercussion, this paper proposes to put forward the fact that focused research towards developing psychological intervention to augment psychological capital is to be made seriously using insights from scriptures like the Devi Mahatmyam. At the end of the paper a model has been shown to depict the idea that enhanced spirituality leads to improvement in Psychological Capital and are interwoven with each other.
Commitment, resistance and indifference toward diversity amongst community cricket volunteers

Abstract Individual commitment to diversity and its link to organizational commitment and change amongst community sport volunteers, is a key debate in the scholarship of sport (Cunningham 2008; Spaaij 2011; Spaaij et al. 2013; Spaaij, Magee, and Jeanes 2014; Melton and Cunningham 2014; Jeanes et al. 2018). Yet details about driving factors and processes which influence volunteer commitment to diversity are relatively unknown (Storr et al. 2020). This article critically examines the attitudinal commitment of volunteers engaging with participants who have intellectual disabilities. Extending the work of Herscovitch and Meyer (2002), the author analyses the attitudinal commitment of 21 volunteers in a community cricket club in Victoria, Australia. Approximately half of the sample showed a mind-set committed to diversity, with the remainder holding indifferent or resistant attitudes. The author concludes that by identifying resistant or indifferent attitudes, clubs can improve inclusion practices amongst volunteers. By changing organizational structures, the link between individual volunteer and whole of organization commitment to diversity can be strengthened, guaranteeing better participation outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities.
Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency Assessment of Two Groups of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) Cultivated in Iraq

Abstract: Laboratory experiments were conducted to compare the growth performance and feed efficiency of two groups, old (H1) and new (H2) of common carp Cyprinus carpio L. (97.37+0.33 g). Fishes of the H1 introduced to Iraq in 1982 and then their reproduction and farming began on a large scale, while fishes of the H2 was introduced to Iraq in 2009 by Inmaa Agricultural Enterprises Organization. H2 group indicated significantly (p<0.05) better performance in several studied parameters which included specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein productive value (PPV), total apparent digestibility and apparent digestibility of protein and carbohydrates. This group also recorded significant (p<0.05) lower feed satiation level and fat deposited in the body compared to the old group (H1). Results of the current experiment concluded that there is a clear higher efficiency of the group H2 in most studied growth and feed efficiency parameters, which indicates the possibility of obtaining higher productivity and better economic profits when used in farming activities.
Perfect adaptation of CD8+ T cell responses to constant antigen input over a wide range of affinity is overcome by costimulation

Maintaining and limiting T cell responses to constant antigen stimulation is critical to control pathogens and maintain self-tolerance, respectively. Antigen recognition by T cell receptors (TCRs) induces signalling that activates T cells to produce cytokines and also leads to the downregulation of surface TCRs. In other systems, receptor downregulation can induce perfect adaptation to constant stimulation by a mechanism known as state-dependent inactivation that requires complete downregulation of the receptor or the ligand. However, this is not the case for the TCR, and therefore, precisely how TCR downregulation maintains or limits T cell responses is controversial. Here, we observed that in vitro expanded primary human T cells exhibit perfect adaptation in cytokine production to constant antigen stimulation across a 100,000-fold variation in affinity with partial TCR downregulation. By directly fitting a mechanistic model to the data, we show that TCR downregulation produces imperfect adaptation, but when coupled to a switch produces perfect adaptation in cytokine production. A pre-diction of the model is that pMHC-induced TCR signalling continues after adaptation and this is confirmed by showing that, while costimulation cannot prevent adaptation, CD28 and 4-1BB signalling reactivated adapted T cells to produce cytokines in a pMHC-dependent manner. We show that adaptation also applied to 1st generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells but is partially avoided in 2nd generation CARs. These findings high-light that even partial TCR downregulation can limit T cell responses by producing perfect adaptation rendering T cells dependent on costimulation for sustained responses.
Cross-tier personal gains in mixed electoral systems

ABSTRACT We extend the research on contamination effects in mixed-member electoral systems by considering the impact of “dual candidacies” in systems that combine SMD and open-list PR rules. We make three claims. First, we argue that dual-listed candidates have incentives to run campaigns that enable them to maximize their share of personal votes in both tiers. Second, the effect of a dual listing is conditioned by incumbency and party-list position. Finally, we argue that parties themselves benefit from strong dual candidates in the PR list election itself. To test our argument, we analyze the 2016 Lithuanian parliamentary election. Using elite interviews and statistical models of electoral data, our analysis supports our claims. We provide important contribution to contamination literature by demonstrating that parties received a direct, list-tier benefit from nominating SMD candidates, who successfully build personal vote coalitions.
Aquatic biodiversity across a hydroperiod gradient of lakes, ponds, and wetlands in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

2 Department of Biological Sciences, Darrin Fresh Water Institute, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12980 relyer@rpi.edu Abstract Understanding how communities are structured under relatively pristine conditions is critical to understanding their ecology and evolution. In this study, we examined the structure of aquatic communities in the Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. Using dipnet surveys, we quantified the distribution of larval anurans and all macroinvertebrates from 81 habitats across a hydroperiod gradient (lakes, ponds, permanent wetlands, semi-permanent wetlands, and temporary wetlands). Compared to surveys conducted at similar northern latitudes that have high species richness and hydroperiod specialization, Patagonian habitats contained a dramatically lower richness with many taxa widely distributed across the hydroperiod gradient. Overall, taxonomic richness was lowest in temporary wetlands and lakes, but highest in habitats with intermediate hydroperiods. The cause of this unimodal relationship was a small decline in the prevalence of all taxa on the temporary end of the gradient (due to habitat desiccation) but a complete exclusion of several taxa on the most permanent end of the gradient (due to fish predation). These results are consistent with North American studies of aquatic communities and lend support to the hypothesized effect of disturbance on the distribution of biodiversity. The fact that most biodiversity occurs in the temporary and intermediate hydroperiods underscores the importance of managing the full range of aquatic communities rather than only concentrating on the larger and more apparent lakes.
Assessing inbred–hybrid relationships for developing drought‐tolerant provitamin A–quality protein maize hybrids

Abstract Drought‐tolerant early‐maturing maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines with high levels of provitamin A (PVA) and quality protein (QPM) are urgently needed for development of superior hybrids to mitigate malnutrition and to intensify maize production and productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). This study was designed to identify early‐maturing inbred lines with combined tolerance to drought, elevated tryptophan, and PVA contents; to examine inbred–hybrid relationships for tryptophan and PVA accumulation; and to select hybrids with outstanding grain yield (GY) performance. A total of 64 inbred lines and six checks, plus 96 hybrids and four checks, were evaluated under drought and well‐watered environments in Nigeria for 2 yr. Eighteen parental lines and 54 derived hybrids were assayed for tryptophan and PVA contents. Ten drought‐tolerant inbred lines with high tryptophan and elevated PVA levels were identified in the top 10 hybrid combinations across managed drought and well‐watered conditions. The inbred–hybrid relationship was significant for GY under each and across the two contrasting environments. Significant average heterosis was found for tryptophan and PVA under well‐watered conditions. This indicated that the selected inbred lines could be used for developing high‐yielding PVA‐QPM hybrids tolerant to drought stress in SSA. The 10 top‐performing PVA‐QPM hybrids identified are being extensively evaluated in different locations and subsequently in on‐farm trials for commercialization throughout SSA.
Cardiac, respiratory and thermoregulation parameters following graded exercises in Lipizzaner horses

The sport results or exercise achievements of Lipizzaner horses are rarely considered, as their involvement in equestrian sports is rare. As a result, norms for evaluation of their fitness level during training or performance have not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to determine the basal values of various physiological parameters (heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), body and skin temperatures) and their acclimatisation to a graded exercise load. The study was performed with a group of 6 purebred Lipizzaner horses with an average age of 9 years. It consisted of two trials (spring, autumn) of exercise test, including lunging at a walk, trot and canter. The physiological values were measured before and after exercise, and were within the normal ranges for warm-blooded horses in both trials. A gradual increase in HR and significant positive correlations between HR and speed were determined in the Lipizzaners during the exercise tests in both trials, which was followed by a gradual increase in RR, rectal temperature and the skin temperature in various body regions. The time to reach resting HR after exercise was longer in spring than in autumn. Resting RRs and rectal temperatures were reached at the time to reach resting HR. Differences between the resting skin temperatures of various body regions were determined in both trials. Following the exercise test, the skin temperatures of all regions were significantly higher when compared to the resting values, and decreased thereafter during the recovery time in autumn, but remained almost unchanged in spring. The study contributes to knowledge about thermoregulation and the response of the cardiovascular and respiratory parameters of horses. The results are not only a presentation of physiological responses to graded exercise in Lipizzaner horses, but may be accepted as an important contribution to sports physiology and medical knowledge about horses in general, representing a basis for further research in the field of exercise tests and sports medicine
Capabilities of fecal calprotectin and blood biomarkers as surrogate endoscopic markers according to ulcerative colitis disease type

Fecal calprotectin level in ulcerative colitis patients is correlated with endoscopic findings. However, its association with various ulcerative colitis disease types has not been elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the correlation of fecal calprotectin level with endoscopic findings as compared to blood biomarkers according to ulcerative colitis disease type. Fecal calprotectin as well as the blood biomarkers: C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin, platelet count (PLT), and serum albumin (Alb) were measured in patients who underwent a complete colonoscopy. Disease type was divided into proctitis, left-sided colitis, and extensive colitis. Correlations of fecal calprotectin and blood biomarker levels with Mayo endoscopic subscore were analyzed. A total of 186 colonoscopy examinations were performed in 124 patients with ulcerative colitis. Fecal calprotectin level showed a significant correlation with Mayo endoscopic subscore regardless of disease type (proctitis, r = 0.54, p<0.01; left-sided colitis, r = 0.75, p<0.01; extensive colitis, r = 0.78, p<0.01), and clearly discriminated inactive (Mayo endoscopic subscore 0) from active stages (Mayo endoscopic subscore 1–3). On the other hand, none of the examined blood biomarkers showed a correlation with Mayo endoscopic subscore in the proctitis group, while weak correlations of several biomarkers (CRP, WBC, ESR, PLT and Alb) with Mayo endoscopic subscore were found in left-sided colitis and extensive colitis cases. This is the first report to elucidate the capabilities of fecal calprotectin and blood biomarkers as endoscopic surrogate markers according to ulcerative colitis disease type.
The Deferred Approach to the Limit. Part I. Single Lattice. Part II. Interpenetrating Lattices

Various problems concerning infinitely many, infinitely small, parts, had been solved before the infinitesimal calculus was invented; for example, Archimedes on the circumference of the circle. The essence of the invention of the calculus appears to be that the passage to the limit was thereby taken at the earliest possible stage, where diverse problems had operations like d / dx in common. Although the infinitesimal calculus has been a splendid success, yet there remain problems in which it is cumbrous or unworkable. When such difficulties are encountered it may be well to return to the manner in which they did things before the calculus was invented, postponing the passage to the limit until after the problem had been solved for a moderate number of moderately small differences. For obtaining the solution of the difference-problem a variety of arithmetical processes are available. This memoir deals with central differences arranged in the simplest possible way, namely, that explained by the writer in the papers cited in the footnote. Advancing differences are ignored, and so are the varieties of central-difference-process in which accuracy is gained by complicating the arithmetic at an early stage.
Suppressive efficacy of volatile compounds produced by Bacillus mycoides on damping-off pathogens of cabbage seedlings

Abstract Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and Pythium aphanidermatum Edson cause cabbage seedling damping-off, resulting in severe yield losses. The current study demonstrates the production of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by two strains of Bacillus mycoides and the evaluation of a potential use of B. mycoides as a biocontrol agent to control cabbage damping-off. Two VOCs, dimethyl disulphide and ammonia, were found to reduce radial growth, cause hyphal deformation and result in organelle degeneration in both R. solani and P. aphanidermatum. Pathogen hyphae, after being exposed to VOCs, showed poor rigidity, shrinkage, curling and swelling. The amount of VOCs produced by B. mycoides and the antagonistic activity against plant pathogens varied, depending on the type of medium used to culture bacteria. Application of B. mycoides cell suspensions to cultivation medium promotes growth of five different plant species tested. Experiments conducted in greenhouses revealed that B. mycoides did not reduce damping-off incidence caused by R. solani. However, B. mycoides reduced damping-off incidence induced by P. aphanidermatum by as much as 45% on cabbage seedlings. The results provide valuable information on the feasibility of utilizing B. mycoides as a biocontrol agent in controlling cabbage damping-off.