Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of PLIN2 is a prognostic marker and attenuates tumor progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common renal malignancy in adults, the incidence of which continues to increase. The lipid droplet protein perilipin 2 (PLIN2), which was originally considered an RNA transcript, is markedly expressed during adipocyte differentiation. In addition, it has been observed to be elevated in numerous types of cancer, including ccRCC; however, its essential function remains unclear in ccRCC. The present study examined the expression of PLIN2 in ccRCC, and aimed to determine the association between PLIN2 expression and patient survival. The present study mined the transcriptional, clinicopathological and survival data of PLIN2 in patients with ccRCC through The Cancer Genome Atlas. The expression levels of PLIN2 were also detected in human ccRCC tissues and cell lines by western blotting and immunohistochemistry, and its biological role was identified by functional analysis. The results demonstrated that PLIN2 was predominantly elevated in RCC tissues and cells. In addition, the expression levels of PLIN2 were significantly associated with various clinicopathological factors, and high PLIN2 expression was associated with a good prognosis. The results of a multivariate analysis demonstrated that high PLIN2 expression was an independent prognostic indicator of overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.586; P=0.001). Furthermore, PLIN2 knockdown promoted proliferation of ccRCC cells, and enhanced cell invasion and migration. These results suggested that PLIN2 may be considered a novel prognostic factor in ccRCC and a specific diagnostic indicator for patients with ccRCC. Furthermore, it could be a potential novel target for the clinical treatment of ccRCC.
Effects of electrical stimulus composition on cardiac electrophysiology in a rodent model of electroconvulsive therapy

Background: No electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) study on humans or in animal models has so far examined whether differently composed electrical stimuli exert different cardiac electrophysiological effects at constant electrical dose. The subject is important because cardiac electrophysiological changes may provide indirect information about ECT seizure quality as modulated by stimulus composition. Materials and Methods: Adult female Wistar rats (n = 20/group) received fixed, moderately suprathreshold (18 mC) electrical stimuli. This stimulus in each of eight groups was formed by varying pulse amplitude, pulse width, pulse frequency, and stimulus duration. The electrocardiogram was recorded, and time and frequency domain variables were examined in 30 s epochs in preictal (30 s before electroconvulsive shock [ECS]), early postictal (starting 15 s after stimulation), and late postictal (5 h after ECS) periods. Alpha for statistical significance was set at P < 0.01 to adjust for multiple hypothesis testing. Results: Cardiac electrophysiological indices in the eight groups did not differ significantly at baseline. At both early and late postictal time points, almost no analysis yielded statistically significant differences between groups for four time domain variables, including heart rate and standard deviation of R-R intervals, and for six frequency domain variables, including low-frequency power, high-frequency power, and total power. Conclusions: Cardiac electrophysiological measures may not be helpful to identify differences in seizure quality that are driven by differences in the composition of electrical stimuli at constant, moderately suprathreshold electrical dose. The generalization of this conclusion to threshold electrical doses and to human contexts requires a study.
High-Switching-Ratio Photodetectors Based on Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 Nanowires

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite materials have attracted extensive attention due to their impressive performance in photovoltaic devices. One-dimensional perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 nanomaterials, possessing unique structural features such as large surface-to-volume ratio, anisotropic geometry and quantum confinement, may have excellent optoelectronic properties, which could be utilized to fabricate high-performance photodetectors. However, in comparison to CH3NH3PbI3 thin films, reports on the fabrication of CH3NH3PbI3 nanowires for optoelectrical application are rather limited. Herein, a two-step spin-coating process has been utilized to fabricate pure-phase and single-crystalline CH3NH3PbI3 nanowires on a substrate without mesoporous TiO2 or Al2O3. The size and density of CH3NH3PbI3 nanowires can be easily controlled by changing the PbI2 precursor concentration. The as-prepared CH3NH3PbI3 nanowires are utilized to fabricate photodetectors, which exhibit a fairly high switching ratio of ~600, a responsivity of 55 mA/W, and a normalized detectivity of 0.5 × 1011 jones under 532 nm light illumination (40 mW/cm2) at a very low bias voltage of 0.1 V. The as-prepared perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 nanowires with excellent optoelectronic properties are regarded to be a potential candidate for high-performance photodetector application.
Insight into High-quality Aerodynamic Design Spaces through Multi-objective Optimization

An approach to support the computational aerodynamic design process is presented and demonstrated through the application of a novel multi-objective variant of the Tabu Search optimization algorithm for continuous problems to the aerodynamic design optimization of turbomachinery blades. The aim is to improve the performance of a specific stage and ultimately of the whole engine. The integrated system developed for this purpose is described. This combines the optimizer with an existing geometry parameterization scheme and a well-established CFD package. The system’s performance is illustrated through case studies – one two-dimensional, one three-dimensional – in which flow characteristics important to the overall performance of turbomachinery blades are optimized. By showing the designer the trade-off surfaces between the competing objectives, this approach provides considerable insight into the design space under consideration and presents the designer with a range of different Pareto-optimal designs for further consideration. Special emphasis is given to the dimensionality in objective function space of the optimization problem, which seeks designs that perform well for a range of flow performance metrics. The resulting compressor blades achieve their high performance by exploiting complicated physical mechanisms successfully identified through the design process. The system can readily be run on parallel computers, substantially reducing wall-clock run times – a significant benefit when tackling computationally demanding design problems. Overall optimal performance is offered by compromise designs on the Pareto trade-off surface revealed through a true multi-objective design optimization test case. Bearing in mind the continuing rapid advances in computing 1Applied Mathematics and Computing, School of Engineering, Cranfield University, UK. 2Engineering Design Centre, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK. 3Computational Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK. 4Computational Aerodynamic Design, School of Engineering, Cranfield University, UK. power and the benefits discussed, this approach brings the adoption of such techniques in real-world engineering design practice a step closer. keyword: Multi-objective optimization, design optimization modeling, metaheuristic continuous optimization, Tabu Search, aerodynamic design, turbomachinery, parallel computing.
Satellite RNA Increases DNA Damage and Accelerates Tumor Formation in Mouse Models of Pancreatic Cancer

Highly repetitive tandem arrays such as satellite sequences in the centromeric and pericentromeric regions of chromosomes, which were previously considered to be silent, are actively transcribed in various biological processes, including cancers. In the pancreas, this aberrant expression occurs even in Kras-mutated pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) tissues, which are precancerous lesions. To determine the biological role of satellite RNAs in carcinogenesis in vivo, we constructed mouse major satellite (MajSAT) RNA-expressing transgenic mice. However, these transgenic mice did not show spontaneous malignant tumor formation under normal breeding. Importantly, however, DNA damage was increased in pancreatic tissues induced by caerulein treatment or high-fat diet, which may be due to impaired nuclear localization of Y-Box Binding Protein 1 (YBX1), a component of the DNA damage repair machinery. In addition, when crossed with pancreas-specific Kras-mutant mice, MajSAT RNA expression resulted in an earlier increase in PanIN formation. These results suggest that aberrant MajSAT RNA expression accelerates oncogenesis by increasing the probability of a second driver mutation, thus accelerating cells to exit from the breakthrough phase to the expansion phase. Implications: Aberrant expression of satellite RNAs accelerates oncogenesis through a mechanism involving increased DNA damage. Mol Cancer Res; 16(8); 1255–62. ©2018 AACR.
A Class of Kernels For Sets of Vectors

In some important applications such as speaker recognition or image texture classiflcation, the data to be processed are sets of vectors. As opposed to standard settings where the data are individual vectors, it is di-cult to design a reliable kernel between sets of vectors of possibly difierent cardinality. In this paper, we build kernels between sets of vec- tors from probability density functions level sets estimated for each set of vectors, where a pdf level set is (roughly) a part of the space where most of the data lie. Various practical situations involve the comparison of two sets of vectors. A flrst usual approach consists of comparing each vector in one set to each vector in the other set using a kernel, leading to various algorithms such as the two class classiflcation support vector machines. In a second approach, each of the two sets of vectors is seen as a single data point, and a higher level kernel is designed so as to compare the two sets. In the flrst situation, the similarity of the two sets is summarized in the so-called kernel matrix, whereas in the second situation, the similarity is summarized by a single real value. Many applications require such high level kernel deflned on sets of vectors. Important examples are speaker recognition (where one speaker is represented by a set of vectors in the 20-30 dimensional space of cepstral coe-cients) or image texture classiflcation. Such applications share several important properties. Firstly, all vectors in the two sets lie in the same space (denoted X ). Secondly, there may not be the same number of vectors in the two sets. In the following, we denote by x = fx1; : : : xmg with size m and x 0 = fx 0; : : : x 00g with size m 0 the two sets to be compared using a kernel denoted K(x; x 0 ).
A metacognitive training pilot study for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Lessons learned from the preliminary stages of intervention development

ABSTRACT Background Cognitive differences, including deficits in self-awareness, are common in high-functioning individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and represent a fruitful target for intervention. The current project presents the preliminary research undertaken in the development of metacognitive training (MCT), an intervention designed to increase knowledge about personal strengths and challenges in adolescents with ASD. Method Two groups of 4 adolescents with ASD completed MCT, as well as measures to assess satisfaction and adverse effects. Visual inspection and thematic analysis were used to interpret the data. Results Overall, both participants and their parents rated MCT favourably; the youth most enjoyed the interactive activities, whereas parents appreciated the opportunity for socialising and psychoeducation. There were no systematic changes on quantitative measures of adverse effects (i.e. self-esteem or depression). Conclusion Although the results suggest further investigation of MCT may be warranted, certain modifications to the MCT protocol and research methodology are needed.
A FCM-Based Dynamic Modeling of ERP Implementation Critical Failure Factors

Implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERPs) is a complex and costly process which usually results in serious failures. Numerous factors affect these projects implementation due to their size, complexity and high chance of failure. Therefore, identifying these factors in ERP projects is a critical issue. The majority of previous studies and research projects have been conducted in identifying ERP Critical Success Factors (CSFs) rather than Critical Failure Factors (CFFs). In order to help practitioners, this paper studies the CFFs in this kind of projects. Unfortunately, the implications of interdependency among failure factors are usually underestimated by project managers and decision makers since they are difficult to model and analyze. With this in mind, the authors have built Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) of failure factors in ERP implementation projects. The main advantage of FCM lies in them being capable of modeling complex phenomena based on the experts' perceptions. This tool models uncertainty and related events, imitating human reasoning. Moreover, FCMs enable the developing of forecasting exercises through simulations. Practitioners would thus assess the joint influence of ERP implementation failure factors on project outcomes. The results make known to practitioners which problems will arise if the failure factors are not treated, and how these will impact on the outcomes of projects. Therefore, the tool proposed would help them to manage ERP implementation projects in a more effective and proactive way.
Large-field-of-view laser-scanning OR-PAM using a fibre optic sensor

Laser-Scanning-Optical-Resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy (LSOR-PAM) requires an ultrasound detector with a low noise equivalent pressure (NEP) and a large angular detection aperture in order to image a large field of view (FOV). It is however challenging to meet these requirements when using piezoelectric receivers since using a small sensing element size (<100μm) in order to achieve a large angular detection aperture will inevitability reduce the sensitivity of the detector as it scales with decreasing element size. Fibre optic ultrasound sensors based on a Fabry Perot cavity do not suffer from this limitation and can provide high detection sensitivity (NEP<0.1kPa over a 20 MHz measurement bandwidth) with a large angular detection aperture due to their small active element size (~10μm). A LSOR-PAM system was developed and combined with this type of fibre optic ultrasound sensor. A set of phantom studies were undertaken. The first study demonstrated that a high resolution image over a large field of view (Ø11mm) could be obtained with a sampledetector separation of only 1.6mm. In the second study, a 12μm diameter tube filled with methylene blue whose absorption coefficient was similar to that of blood was visualised demonstrating that the fibre optic sensor could provide sufficient SNR for in-vivo microvascular OR-PAM imaging. These preliminary results suggest that the fibre optic sensor has the potential to outperform piezoelectric detectors for Laser-Scanning Optical Resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy (LSOR-PAM).
Advanced Mechanical/Optical Configuration of Real-Time Moiré Interferometry for Thermal Deformation Analysis of Fan-Out Wafer Level Package

The mechanical/optical configuration of moiré interferometry for real-time observation of thermal deformations is advanced to quantify the thermomechanical behavior of fan-out wafer level packages (FO-WLPs). Two most notable advancements are on the: 1) mechanical front: conduction-based thermal chamber for a wide range of ramp rates with accurate temperature control, and 2) optical front: microscope objectives to observe a microscopic field of view. The advancements enable the method to document the global and local behavior of an FO-WLP while it is subjected to a controlled thermal excursion. After describing the details of two advancements, a procedure of actual testing is presented. The advanced configuration is implemented to analyze an FO-WLP in a package-on-package with and without a reworkable underfill. The results obtained from the global and local analyses are presented, and reliability implications are discussed.
A longitudinal study of muscle rehabilitation in the lower leg after cast removal using magnetic resonance imaging and strength assessment

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to investigate muscle rehabilitation following cast immobilization. The aim was to explore MRI as an imaging biomarker of muscle function. Sixteen patients completed an eight-week rehabilitation programme following six weeks of cast immobilization for an ankle fracture. MRI of the lower leg was performed at two-week intervals for 14 weeks. Total volume and anatomical cross-sectional areas at 70% of the distance from lateral malleolus to tibial tuberosity (ACSA) were measured for tibialis anterior (TA), medial and lateral gastrocnemius (GM and GL) and soleus (SOL). Pennation angle of muscle fascicules was measured at the same position in GM. Fractional fat/water contents and T2 relaxation times before and after exercise were calculated. Strength was measured as maximum isometric torque developed in plantar- and dorsi-flexion. Torque increased by (mean [SD]) 1.10 (0.32) N m day−1 in males, 0.74 (0.43) N m day−1 in females in plantar-flexion (0.9% of final strength per day), and 0.36 (0.15) N m day−1 in males, 0.28 (0.19) N m day−1 in females in dorsi-flexion (1.1% per day). Neither difference between males and females was significant. Volume and ACSA of muscles recovered by week 14 apart from SOL which was still 6.8% smaller (p = 0.006) than the contralateral leg. T2 peaked at the end of the cast period for TA and SOL, and at week 8 for GM before returning to baseline. Pennation angle recovered rapidly following cast removal. Quantitative MRI can generate markers of muscle biomechanics and indicates that many of these return to baseline within eight weeks of remobilization.
Ladders and Snakes in Second Language Fluency

Abstract This article reports a study comparing first and second language fluency during narrative retelling tasks of varying degrees of tightness in structural organisation, exploring in particular a distinction between discourse-based and clause-based fluency. We argue that positive and negative influences on fluency are linked to the Conceptualiser and Formulator stages of Levelt’s model of speaking. Task structure and degree of subordination, which were related to greater fluency for both native and non-native speakers, are Conceptualiser and discourse oriented. Formulaic language, which was also related to fluency, is more Formulator and clause oriented. Contrastingly, higher lexical sophistication and longer clauses are associated with clause-linked fluency problems, but only for native speakers.
RETURNN as a Generic Flexible Neural Toolkit with Application to Translation and Speech Recognition

We compare the fast training and decoding speed of RETURNN of attention models for translation, due to fast CUDA LSTM kernels, and a fast pure TensorFlow beam search decoder. We show that a layer-wise pretraining scheme for recurrent attention models gives over 1% BLEU improvement absolute and it allows to train deeper recurrent encoder networks. Promising preliminary results on max. expected BLEU training are presented. We are able to train state-of-the-art models for translation and end-to-end models for speech recognition and show results on WMT 2017 and Switchboard. The flexibility of RETURNN allows a fast research feedback loop to experiment with alternative architectures, and its generality allows to use it on a wide range of applications.
Associations Between XRCC 1 Arg 399 Gln , Arg 194 Trp , and Arg 280 His Polymorphisms and Risk of Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma : A Meta-analysis

The majority of endocrine malignancies are thyroid cancer (TC), which accounts for more than 90% and contributes to more than 50% of all deaths from endocrine cancers (Gilfillan 2010; Aschebrook-Kilfoy et al., 2011). The exact etiology of TC remains unknown, but exposure to ionizing radiation at a young age is the best-known and only verified risk factor (Papadopoulou et al., 2008). However, most TC patients do not have a history of radiation exposure, and studies reported that gene polymorphisms including DNA repair genes influence on thyroid cancer susceptibility (Gudmundsson et al., 2012; Endrzejewski et al., 2012), genetic variations in DNA repair genes are thought to modify DNA repair capacity and related to cancer risk (Alberg et al., 2013), indicating that potential predisposing genetic factors may modify an individual’s susceptibility to TC. Most TC are differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), which account for >90% of thyroid malignancies. Pathologically, DTC include papillary, follicular and Hürthle cell carcinoma. Thus far, predisposed families and association studies have revealed several genomic loci that may harbor causative genes for susceptibility of non-medullary TC (Bonora et al., 2010), suggesting a high level of genetic heterogeneity for this tumor (Khan et al., 2010).
Photoacclimatation comparée des zooxanthelles de Pocillopora verrucosa et d'une communauté algale pélagique

Photoacclimatization of zooxanthellae extracted from the coral Poci lopora verrucosa was studied through the determination of pigments, light absorption and photosynthetic parameters, for samples collected in summer and winter between 1 and 40 m on a northwestern reef of Tahiti (French Polynesia). The same measurements were also performed on phytoplanktonic samples collected at a stable oceanic site north of the island. For the zooxanthellae, the variations with depth of all the parameters were generally of small amplitude. Seasonal differences were also observed. The photosynthetic to non-photosynthetic pigments ratio was higher at depth in both seasons and was higher in winter. The intracellular concentration of chlorophyll a and photosynthetic pigments was higher in winter, as was the photosynthetic pigments/chlorophylla ratio, whereas the non-photosynthetic pigments/chlorophyll a ratio was higher in summer. Variations in the light absorption properties were also small. The photosynthetic parameters showed limited changes with depth with the largest variations (a factor of ∼ 2) observed forPmax. The trends observed for the phytoplankton assemblage were generally of much higher amplitudes than for the zooxanthellae (e.g. for photosynthetic to non-photosynthetic pigments ratio or the saturation parameter, Ek). These results suggest that, in the very clear Polynesian waters, the amount of energy that reaches the zooxanthellae of P. verrucosa is not variable enough in the 1–40 m depth range to result in a drastic modification of the photosynthetic apparatus of the algae. © 2002 Ifremer/CNRS/IRD/Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.