Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Plasma microRNA profiling: Exploring better biomarkers for lymphoma surveillance

Early detection of relapsed lymphoma improves response and survival. Current tools lack power for detection of early relapse, while being cumbersome and expensive. We searched for sensitive biomarkers that precede clinical relapse, and serve for further studies on therapy response and relapse. We recruited 20 healthy adults, 14 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients and 11 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients at diagnosis. Using small-RNA sequencing we identified in DLBCL patients increased plasma levels of miR-124 and miR-532-5p, and decreased levels of miR-425, miR-141, miR-145, miR-197, miR-345, miR-424, miR-128 and miR-122. In the HL group, we identified miR-25, miR-30a/d, miR-26b, miR-182, miR-186, miR-140* and miR-125a to be up-regulated, while miR-23a, miR-122, miR-93 and miR-144 were down-regulated. Pathway analysis of potential mRNAs targets of these miRNA revealed in the DLBCL group potential up-regulation of STAT3, IL8, p13k/AKT and TGF-B signaling, and potential down-regulation of the PTEN and p53 pathways; while in the HL group we have found the cAMP-mediated pathway and p53 pathway to be potentially down-regulated. Survival analyses revealed that plasma levels of miR-20a/b, miR-93 and miR-106a/b were associated with higher mortality. In conclusion, we identified sets of dysregulated circulating miRNA that might serve as reliable biomarkers for relapsed lymphoma.
An Optimized Method Based on Digitalized Lissajous Curve to Determine Lifetime of Luminescent Materials on Optical Fiber Sensors

A method is proposed to determine lifetime of luminescent emissions based on the phase shift measurement employing the digitalized Lissajous representation: this diagram has been typically used with analogical algorithms, whereas the proposed method is performed in digital domain, showing an improved accuracy and repeatability. The procedure is studied and tested with two different oxygen sensors that show different sensitivities and signal levels in order to confirm the no influence of the signals intensity on the calibration process. The computational cost of the proposed method is low, which makes it possible to monitor in real time luminescence sensors based on reversible quenching with a potential low cost system based on a digital signal processor (DSP).
The actin cytoskeletal network plays a role in yeast prion transmission and contributes to prion stability

Chaperone networks are required for the shearing and generation of transmissible propagons from pre‐existing prion aggregates. However, other cellular networks needed for maintaining yeast prions are largely uncharacterized. Here, we establish a novel role for actin networks in prion maintenance. The [PIN+] prion, also known as [RNQ+], exists as stable variants dependent upon the chaperone machinery for the transmission of propagons to daughter cells during cell division and cytoplasmic transfer. Loss of the Hsp104 molecular chaperone leads to the growth of prion particles until they are too large to be transmitted. Here, we isolated a unique [PIN+] variant, which is unstable in actin mutants. This prion loss is observed over many generations, and coincides with the detection of both high molecular weight species of Rnq1 and large visible aggregates that are asymmetrically retained during cell division. Our data suggest that the irregular actin networks found in these mutants may influence propagon number by slowly permitting aggregate growth over time, resulting in the generation of nontransmissible large aggregates. Thus, we show the potential contribution of cytoskeletal networks in the transmission of prion propagons, which parallels models that have been proposed for cell‐to‐cell transmission of small amyloids in neurodegenerative protein aggregation diseases.
Effect of cost efficiency reporting on utilization by physician specialists: A difference-indifference study

Summary Objective: To assess whether health plan implementation of specialist profile reports not associated with any health plan administered reward or consequence that measured physician cost efficiency relative to peers, and shared with specialists and primary care referral sources only, were associated with changes in specialist behaviour. Data source/study setting: Blue Care Network of Michigan is a non-profit statewide Health Maintenance Organization and wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. This study used administrative data from 2002 to 2006 and included only providers and adult (ages 18–65) commercial membership located in Southeastern Michigan. Study design: A difference-indifference study design of before and after specialist cost efficiency reporting on six specialties to both specialists and primary care referral sources, but not health plan members, to determine whether specialists who performed worse than peers changed the level of utilization of their own physician services without any direct health plan reward or consequence. Principal findings: Substantive changes were noted for interventional cardiology (-32.3%, P ≤ 0.01), orthopaedics (-13.3%, P ≤ 0.01) and otolaryngology (-15.9%, P ≤ 0.02). Less established, yet negative changes were noted for ophthalmology (-11.9%, P ≤ 0.01), gastroenterology (-3.2%, P = 0.23) and urology (-3.1%, P = 0.52). Conclusions: Simple and transparent reports on specialist cost efficiency distributed to referral sources and specialists using a more laissez-faire style reporting only health plan programme can engage providers and be associated with reductions in utilization. Possible mechanisms include explicit pressure from referral sources or self-motivated change by specialists.
A novel missense mutation in the human plasmin inhibitor (alpha2‐antiplasmin) gene associated with a bleeding tendency

Heterozygosity for a G → A mutation converting Val384(GTG) to Met(ATG) associated with plasmin inhibitor (alpha2‐antiplasmin) deficiency was identified in three family members with bleeding tendency. The proband had traumatic breast haematoma and per‐/postoperative bleeds. An affected daughter required a blood transfusion after a normal delivery and a son had prolonged bleeding after tooth extraction. The plasma plasmin inhibitor activities of the affected family members were reduced to 49–66% of normal. The antigenic concentrations determined by electroimmunoassay were reduced to 57–68% of normal. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis of plasma from the proband showed a normal pattern. The amino acid Val384 is located eight residues C‐terminal (P8′) of the P1 residue (Arg376) in the reactive site. The P8′ residues of bovine and mouse plasmin inhibitor are both Val. Among other serpins the P8′ residue is unconserved. The mutation was not present in the non‐affected family member or 30 blood donors. In addition to the Val384Met mutation two new polymorphisms Ala‐26(GCG)/Val(GTG) and Arg407(AGG)/Lys(AAG) and one previously reported polymorphism Arg6(CGG)/Trp(TGG) were identified in the plasmin inhibitor gene of the family. The allelic frequencies among 30 blood donors with normal values of plasma plasmin inhibitor (functional) were 0.84/0.16 for C/T in codon −26, 0.81/0.19 for C/T in codon 6 and 0.83/0.17 for G/A in codon 407.
An Unsupervised Band Selection Method Based on Overall Accuracy Prediction

This paper proposes an image classification accuracy prediction based unsupervised band selection method for hyper spectral image classification. The key of this method is the prediction of overall classification accuracy for each spectral band with no ground truth or training samples. Under the hypothesis of Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), we build the explicit expression between the overall accuracy and the distribution parameters of each class, which is denoted as the overall accuracy prediction equation (OCPE). Then, by employing the unsupervised mixture models learning algorithm to predict these distribution parameters, the overall accuracy is computable on the basis of the OCPE. Then, the candidate band subset is obtained by selecting the bands with relatively high overall accuracy. Finally, we use the divergence based band decor relation algorithm to further remove the redundant bands. Real hyper spectral images based experiments show that our band selection method is effective in comparison with other three well-known unsupervised band selection techniques.
Impact of Wind Power Generation and PV Modules on Distribution Networks by Probabilistic Modelling

The expeditious expansion in the use of inexhaustible recurrent energy resources like Wind turbines and PV cells, in the distribution network has evaluated the need for having rigorous and adequate method of dealing uncertainties correlated with these technologies. In this project the unsymmetrical two point estimate method (US2PEM) is used to approach uncertainties of renewable energy resources. The uncertainty of recurrent generation of wind turbines, photo voltaic cells and also electric loads are taken as an input variable. The fluctuation of active losses and exotic power from the main grid seized as output variables. The unsymmetrical two point estimate method is compared with symmetrical two point estimate method. In order to justify the uncertainties comparison with MonteCarlo simulation is essential. The legitimacy of the prospective method is investigated by implementing it on a standard radial 9-node distribution network.
RgIA4 Potently Blocks Mouse α9α10 nAChRs and Provides Long Lasting Protection against Oxaliplatin-Induced Cold Allodynia

Transcripts for α9 and α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subunits are found in diverse tissues. The function of α9α10 nAChRs is best known in mechanosensory cochlear hair cells, but elsewhere their roles are less well-understood. α9α10 nAChRs have been implicated as analgesic targets and α-conotoxins that block α9α10 nAChRs produce analgesia. However, some of these peptides show large potency differences between species. Additionally several studies have indicated that these conotoxins may also activate GABAB receptors (GABABRs). To further address these issues, we cloned the cDNAs of mouse α9 and α10 nAChR subunits. When heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes, the resulting α9α10 nAChRs had the expected pharmacology of being activated by acetylcholine and choline but not by nicotine. A conotoxin analog, RgIA4, potently, and selectively blocked mouse α9α10 nAChRs with low nanomolar affinity indicating that RgIA4 may be effectively used to study murine α9α10 nAChR function. Previous reports indicated that RgIA4 attenuates chemotherapy-induced cold allodynia. Here we demonstrate that RgIA4 analgesic effects following oxaliplatin treatment are sustained for 21 days after last RgIA4 administration indicating that RgIA4 may provide enduring protection against nerve damage. RgIA4 lacks activity at GABAB receptors; a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assay was used to demonstrate that two other analgesic α-conotoxins, Vc1.1 and AuIB, also do not activate GABABRs expressed in HEK cells. Together these findings further support the targeting of α9α10 nAChRs in the treatment of pain.
Total Ionizing Dose Effects on Strained ${\rm HfO}_{2}$-Based nMOSFETs

Radiation-induced charge trapping and mobility degradation are measured on uniaxially stressed HfO2-based nMOSFETs. Controlled external mechanical stress is applied via a four-point bending jig while the samples are irradiated using 10-keV X-rays. Positive charge trapping is observed for unstressed devices, and for devices irradiated under both compressive and tensile stress. Reduced trapped charge is measured as the uniaxial stress level increases. These results suggest that the increased stress leads to a reconfiguration of defect microstructure, as compared to the unstressed devices. The reconfiguration consists of changes in bond lengths and angles and a corresponding change in trap energy levels, which can (1) reduce the probability that a defect can capture holes, (2) increase the probability for electron and trapped-hole recombination, and/or (3) increase the mobility of the transporting holes in the oxides of the devices that are irradiated under stress. These results show that increased mechanical stress in high-k dielectrics does not degrade their radiation hardness. We also observe that the post-irradiation channel mobility degrades less in uniaxially stressed devices than unstressed devices.
Polymerization contraction stress of resin composite restorations in a model Class I cavity configuration using photoelastic analysis.

PURPOSE An important factor that contributes to deterioration of resin composite restorations is contraction stress that occurs during polymerization. The purpose of this article is to familiarize the clinician with the characteristics of contraction stress by visualizing the stresses associated with this invisible and complex phenomenon. MATERIALS AND METHODS Internal residual stresses generated during polymerization of resin composite restorations were determined using micro-photoelastic analysis. Butt-joint preparations simulating Class I restorations (2.0 mm x 5.0 mm, 2.0 mm in depth) were prepared in three types of substrates (bovine teeth, posterior composite resin, and transparent composite resin) and were used to examine contraction stress in and around the preparations. Three types of composite materials (a posterior composite, a self-cured transparent composite, and a light-cured transparent composite) were used as the restorative materials. The self-cured composite is an experimental material, and the others are commercial products. After treatment of the preparation walls with a bonding system, the preparations were bulk-filled with composite. Specimens for photoelastic analysis were prepared by cutting sections perpendicular to the long axis of the preparation. Fringe patterns for directions and magnitudes of stresses were obtained using transmitted and reflected polarized light with polarizing microscopes. Then, the photoelastic analysis was performed to examine stresses in and around the preparations. RESULTS When cavity preparations in bovine teeth were filled with light-cured composite, a gap was formed between the dentinal wall and the composite restorative material, resulting in very low stress within the restoration. When cavity preparations in the posterior composite models were filled with either self-cured or light-cured composite, the stress distribution in the two composites was similar, but the magnitude of the stress was greater in the light-cured material. When preparations in the transparent composite models were filled with posterior composite and light-cured transparent composite material, significant stress was generated in the preparation models simulating tooth structure, owing to the contraction of both restorative materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Polymerization contraction stress is an undesirable and inevitable characteristic of adhesive restorations encountered in clinical dentistry that may compromise restoration success. Clinicians must understand the concept of polymerization contraction stress and realize that the quality of composite resin restorations depends on successful management of these stresses.
On the Convergence of the Ohta-Kawasaki Equation to Motion by Nonlocal Mullins-Sekerka Law

In this paper, we establish the convergence of the Ohta-Kawasaki equation to motion by nonlocal Mullins-Sekerka law on any smooth domain in space dimensions $N\leq 3$. These equations arise in modeling microphase separation in diblock copolymers. The only assumptions that guarantee our convergence result are $(i)$ well-preparedness of the initial data and $(ii)$ smoothness of the limiting interface. Our method makes use of the "Gamma-convergence" of gradient flows scheme initiated by Sandier and Serfaty and the constancy of multiplicity of the limiting interface due to its smoothness. For the case of radially symmetric initial data without well-preparedness, we give a new and short proof of the result of M. Henry for all space dimensions. Finally, we establish transport estimates for solutions of the Ohta-Kawasaki equation characterizing their transport mechanism.
Linking Larvae and Adults of Apharyngostrigea cornu, Hysteromorpha triloba, and Alaria mustelae (Diplostomoidea: Digenea) Using Molecular Data

abstract: Because the taxonomy of trematodes is based on adults, the larval stages of most digeneans cannot be identified to species based on morphology alone. Molecular data provide a means of linking larval stages to known adults. We obtained sequences from the barcode region of cytochrome oxidase I (CO1) from adult and larval parasites of fish, frogs, birds, and mammals across North America. Sequences from adult Apharyngostrigea cornu, Hysteromorpha triloba, and Alaria mustelae (Diplostomoidea: Digenea) from definitive hosts matched those of meta- and mesocercariae from fish and frogs. These data provided new information on the distributions of all 3 parasite species. Metacercariae of A. cornu, which have not been previously reported in North American hosts, were found in Notemigonus crysoleucas, Pimephales notatus, and Catostomus commersonii in the St. Lawrence River. Metacercariae of H. triloba are reported in Canadian waters and in N. hudsonius for the first time. Alaria mustelae is reported for the first time in frogs from Quebec, Canada, and an additional species of Alaria was detected in California. Sequences of internal transcribed spacer rDNA from a subset of specimens support the same species boundaries indicated by CO1 divergence. There was little divergence in CO1 sequences from an unidentified diplostomid species sampled at a large spatial scale.
Assignment of coherence features in NMR q-space plots to particular diffusion modes in erythrocyte suspensions.

NMR q-space plots derived from water diffusing inside and around erythrocytes in a suspension display reproducible and characteristic coherence features. The aim of the present work was to determine which water population gives rise to the respective features. The central experimental strategy was to use choline and choline phosphate which are virtually membrane impermeant on the time scale of the experiment; the former was incorporated into erythrocytes by a lysis-resealing method and the latter was simply added to the suspensions. Dimethyl sulfoxide, which readily but more slowly exchanges across the cell membranes than water, also yielded q-space plots which were similar to those of water, but the differences were able to be accounted for on the basis of its slower transmembrane exchange rate. Random walk simulations using a Monte Carlo procedure, together with a model of an array of biconcave discocytes, helped verify the interpretations of the assignment of the features of the plots to molecules diffusing in the two regions. In addition, the simulations revealed how the presence or absence of transmembrane exchange affects the form of q-space plots.
An inducible transgene expression system for regulated phenotypic modification of human embryonic stem cells

Self-renewing pluripotent human embryonic stem (hES) cells are capable of regenerating such non-dividing cells as neurons and cardiomyocytes for therapies and can serve as an excellent experimental model for studying early human development. Both the spatial and temporal relationships of gene expression play a crucial role in determining differentiation; to obtain a better understanding of hES cell differentiation, it will be necessary to establish an inducible system in hES cells that enables specific transgene(s) to reversibly and conditionally express (1) at specific levels and (2) at particular time points during development. Using lentivirus (LV)-mediated gene transfer and a tetracycline-controlled trans-repressor (TR), we first established in hES cells a doxycycline (DOX)-inducible expression system of green fluorescent protein (GFP) to probe its reversibility and kinetics. Upon the addition of DOX, the percentage of GFP(+) hES cells increased time dependently: The time at which 50% of all green cells appeared (T(50)(on)) was 119.5+/-3.2 h; upon DOX removal, GFP expression declined with a half-time (T(50)(off)) of 127.7+/-3.9 h and became completely silenced at day 8. Both the proportion and total mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) were dose-dependent (EC(50)=24.5+/-2.2 ng/ml). The same system when incorporated into murine (m) ES cells similarly exhibited reversible dose-dependent responses with a similar sensitivity (EC(50)=49.5+/-8.5 ng/ml), but the much faster kinetics (T(50)(on)=35.5+/-5.5 h, T(50)(off) = 71.5+/-2.4 hours). DOX-induced expression of the Kir2.1 channels in mES and hES cells led to robust expression of the inwardly rectifying potassium (K(+)) current and thereby hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential (RMP). We conclude that the LV-inducible system established presents a unique tool for probing differentiation.
Single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis of genetic variation in Labiostrongylus longispicularis from kangaroos

Single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis was employed to screen for sequence heterogeneity in the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS‐2) of ribosomal (r) DNA of Labiostrongylus longispicularis,a parasitic strongylid nematode occuring in some species of kangaroo in different geographical regions of Australia. The results showed that most of the nematodes screened had different SSCP profiles, which were subsequently shown to correspond to polymorphisms and/or an indel in the ITS‐2 sequence. These variable sites related mainly to unpaired regions of the predicted secondary structure of the precursor rRNA molecule. SSCP profiles could be used to distinguish L. longispicularisin Macropus robustus robustus(New South Wales) from L. longispicularisin Macropus robustus erubescensand Macropus rufus(South Australia). This difference corresponded to a transversional change in the ITS‐2 sequence at alignment position 82. The study demonstrated clearly the effectiveness of SSCP analysis for future large‐scale population genetic studies of L. longispicularisin order to test the hypothesis that L. longispicularisfrom different geographical regions represents multiple sibling species. *
Internet of vehicles: Cloud and fog computing approaches

Some of the mobility challenges in the cities can be approached with the Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, and Fog Computing. In this work we consider the city as a system of systems and focus on the interaction of those entities with the mobility systems. A key element that allows this interaction is a vehicle on-board unit. In this work we address the interconnection, enabling technologies, interoperability, scalability, geo-distribution and time constrains aspects in the architectural design of mobility systems. For this we propose the On-Board Unit architecture and cover three different levels of technification in information and communication technologies. Based on this differentiation we are able to include Cloud and Fog Computing into our proposed designs.
A physics-based RTN variability model for MOSFETs

Low Frequency Noise (LFN) and Random Telegraph Noise (RTN) are performance limiters in many analog and digital circuits. For small area devices the noise PSD can easily vary by more than 4 orders of magnitude, imposing serious threat in circuit performance and possibly reliability. In this paper we propose a new RTN/LFN variability area scaling model. The model is validated through numerous experimental results for n-channel and p-channel devices from different CMOS nodes. Using this model we demonstrate that the variability found in our measurements can be explained using reasonable physical quantities and we clarify why variability, σ[log(SId)], of RTN/LFN doesn't follow a 1/√area dependency.