Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MiR-187 Targets the Androgen-Regulated Gene ALDH1A3 in Prostate Cancer

miRNAs are predicted to control the activity of approximately 60% of all protein-coding genes participating in the regulation of several cellular processes and diseases, including cancer. Recently, we have demonstrated that miR-187 is significantly downregulated in prostate cancer (PCa) and here we propose a proteomic approach to identify its potential targets. For this purpose, PC-3 cells were transiently transfected with miR-187 precursor and miRNA mimic negative control. Proteins were analyzed by a two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and defined as differentially regulated if the observed fold change was ±1.06. Then, MALDI-TOF MS analysis was performed after protein digestion and low abundance proteins were identified by LC–MS/MS. Peptides were identified by searching against the Expasy SWISS PROT database, and target validation was performed both in vitro by western blot and qRT-PCR and in clinical samples by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and ELISA. DIGE analysis showed 9 differentially expressed spots (p<0.05) and 7 showed a down-regulated expression upon miR-187 re-introduction. Among these targets we identified aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A3 (ALDH1A3). ALDH1A3 expression was significantly downregulated in PC3, LNCaP and DU-145 cells after miR-187 re-introduction. Supporting these data, the expression of ALDH1A3 was found significantly (p<0.0001) up-regulated in PCa samples and inversely correlated (p<0.0001) with miR-187 expression, its expression being directly associated with Gleason score (p = 0.05). The expression of ALDH1A3 was measured in urine samples to evaluate the predictive capability of this biomarker for the presence of PCa and, at a signification level of 10%, PSA and also ALDH1A3 were significantly associated with a positive biopsy of PCa. In conclusion, our data illustrate for the first time the role of ALDH1A3 as a miR-187 target in PCa and provide insights in the utility of using this protein as a new biomarker for PCa.
Bayesian Cramér-Rao Bound for Noisy Non-Blind and Blind Compressed Sensing

In this paper, we address the theoretical limitations in reconstructing sparse signals (in a known complete basis) using compressed sensing framework. We also divide the CS to non-blind and blind cases. Then, we compute the Bayesian Cramer-Rao bound for estimating the sparse coefficients while the measurement matrix elements are independent zero mean random variables. Simulation results show a large gap between the lower bound and the performance of the practical algorithms when the number of measurements are low.
Curability of Multiple Myeloma

Among 792 patients with multiple myeloma treated from 1987 to 2010 and assessed after 18 months, there were 167 patients with complete remission. For those 60 patients treated between 1987–1998 and with long followup, the latest relapse occurred after 11.8 years, so that 13 patients have remained in sustained complete remission for longer than 12 years (range 12–22 years). These results suggest that 3% of all patients treated during that period may be cured of multiple myeloma. In addition to immunofixation, more sensitive techniques for the detection of residual disease should be applied more consistently in patients with apparent complete remission in order to identify those with potential cure.
A real time text steganalysis by using statistical method

Steganography is the art of hiding data in data in an untraceable way. Main concern of steganography is hiding the existence of hidden message. Steganalysis is the art and science of detecting hidden messages from stego-systems. It also attempts to find hidden message such as the type of embedding algorithm, the length of the message, the content of the message or the secret key used from the carrier (like image, text, video etc.). In this paper, we have discussed the steganalysis technique by using Bayesian Estimation and Correlation Coefficient based steganalysis methodologies for text.
In neurons, activity-dependent association of dendritically transported mRNA transcripts with the transacting factor CBF-A is mediated by A2RE/RTS elements

We report that the transacting factor CArG Box binding Factor A (CBF-A) binds the RNA trafficking sequences found in activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNAs in an activity-dependent manner and accompanies the transcripts from gene to dendrites. CBF-A gene silencing impaired dendritic mRNA localization. We propose that CBF-A is important for trafficking of RNA trafficking sequence–containing neuronal mRNAs.
Prediction of Associations between OMIM Diseases and MicroRNAs by Random Walk on OMIM Disease Similarity Network

Increasing evidence has revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the development and progression of human diseases. However, efforts made to uncover OMIM disease-miRNA associations are lacking and the majority of diseases in the OMIM database are not associated with any miRNA. Therefore, there is a strong incentive to develop computational methods to detect potential OMIM disease-miRNA associations. In this paper, random walk on OMIM disease similarity network is applied to predict potential OMIM disease-miRNA associations under the assumption that functionally related miRNAs are often associated with phenotypically similar diseases. Our method makes full use of global disease similarity values. We tested our method on 1226 known OMIM disease-miRNA associations in the framework of leave-one-out cross-validation and achieved an area under the ROC curve of 71.42%. Excellent performance enables us to predict a number of new potential OMIM disease-miRNA associations and the newly predicted associations are publicly released to facilitate future studies. Some predicted associations with high ranks were manually checked and were confirmed from the publicly available databases, which was a strong evidence for the practical relevance of our method.
Male partner involvement in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV infection in Mwanza Region, Tanzania

Introduction Globally, there are 3.3 million children < 15 years of age living with HIV infection. About 95% of HIV infected children have acquired infection from their mothers. Although new pediatric HIV infection in Tanzania has declined by 48% and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) coverage of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) has increased to 77%, the MTCT rate remains high (15%). Poor male partner involvement in PMTCT services is one of the factors contributing to reduced effectiveness of the PMTCT and hence failure to achieve the elimination of maternal to child transmission of HIV. This study examined the predictors of male involvement in PMTCT services in Mwanza Region, Tanzania from perspectives of the mother. Methods A cross sectional study involving selected health facilities was conducted in Mwanza urban from October 2013 through January 2014. HIV positive pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic (ANC) were interviewed using a semi structured questionnaire. Univariate analysis was used to describe the study respondents where bivariate and logistic regression was used to determine predictors of male involvement. Results A total of 300 HIV positive mothers attending ANC with the mean age of 27.5 + 5.6 were interviewed. Few mothers (24.7%) had their male partners involved in PMTCT. Predictors of male partner involvement in PMTCT were mothers being proactive (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 28.6; Confidence Interval (CI) 7-116), perceived partners knowledge on PMTCT (AOR 24.6, CI 5.9-102.8), exposure to TV/Radio announcements on PMTCT (AOR 4.6, CI 1.5-14) and married status of the mother (AOR 3.7, CI 1.5-9). Mothers who never wanted to be escorted by their male partners and busy partners were associated with reduced odds of male involvement into PMTCT (AOR 0.07, CI 0.007-0.68) and (AOR 0.46 CI 0.21-0.99) respectively. Male partner involvement was associated with 98% reduced odds of violence (Crude Odds Ratio 0.018 CI 0.002-0.14). Conclusion Male partner involvement in PMTCT is still low in Mwanza Region. Proactive mothers, partner's knowledge on PMTCT and announcements from television/radio were the major facilitating factors for male involvement in PMTCT as perceived by mothers. Busy male partners and mothers who did not want to be escorted by their partners were a hindrance to male involvement in PMTCT services. These factors highlight the importance of women role in promotion of PMTCT male involvement.
Managing the interference structure of MIMO HSDPA: A multi-user interference aware MMSE receiver with moderate complexity

It is known that Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) networks are limited by interference more than by any other single effect. Due to the frequency selectivity of the wireless channel, intra-cell interference composed of selfand other-user interference occurs. The intra-cell interference as a result of Transmit Antenna Array (TxAA) HSDPA multi-user transmissions, however, shows a special structure that can be exploited to allow for an efficient interference suppression. The contributions of this article are the following: we (a) propose a suitable system model to derive an intra-cell interference aware Minimum Mean Squared Error (MMSE) equalizer with moderate complexity and investigate its capabilities to suppress the multi-user intra-cell interference, (b) propose solutions to estimate the pre-coding state of the cell both with and without available training, and (c) investigate the resulting throughput performance with physical layer as well as system-level simulations. Our proposed solution can be interpreted as a multi-user extension of the classical MMSE equalizer for HSDPA systems without decoding the undesired users, resulting in only slightly increased complexity.
Exploring deep learning architectures for automatically grading non-native spontaneous speech

We investigate two deep learning architectures reported to have superior performance in ASR over the conventional GMM system, with respect to automatic speech scoring. We use an approximately 800-hour large-vocabulary non-native spontaneous English corpus to build three ASR systems. One system is in GMM, and two are in deep learning architectures - namely, DNN and Tandem with bottleneck features. The evaluation results show that the both deep learning systems significantly outperform the GMM ASR. These ASR systems are used as the front-end in building an automated speech scoring system. To examine the effectiveness of the deep learning ASR systems for automated scoring, another non-native spontaneous speech corpus is used to train and evaluate the scoring models. Using deep learning architectures, ASR accuracies drop significantly on the scoring corpus, whereas the performance of the scoring systems get closer to human raters, and consistently better than the GMM one. Compared to the DNN ASR, the Tandem performs slightly better on the scoring speech while it is a little less accurate on the ASR evaluation dataset. Furthermore, given the results of the improved scoring performance while using fewer scoring features, the Tandem system shows more robustness for scoring task than the DNN one.
Iris Localization via Pulling and Pushing

Iris localization is a critical module in iris recognition because it defines the inner and outer boundaries of iris region used for feature analysis. State-of-the-art iris localization methods need to implement a brute-force search of the large parameter space, which is time-consuming and sensitive to noises. This paper proposes a novel iris localization method based on a spring force-driven iteration scheme. First, the coarse localization of pupil is obtained by an AdaBoost-based iris detection method. Then the radial edge points are detected in polar coordinate, which contribute a force on the circle center based on Hooke's law. Finally the center and radius of pupil and iris are refined according to the composition of forces from all points. After 3-4 iterations, the precise location of iris could be found. Experimental results show that our method is faster and more accurate than state-of-the-art iris localization methods
Quality of Experience in Satellite video streaming transmissions in urban vehicular environment

In case of video streaming services via satellite towards vehicular clients, very long blockage periods due to road infrastructures, vegetation, and so on, may lead to a complete channel outage, which may result in the loss of all packets transmitted during that period, even in the presence of interleaving and FEC techniques. But if these periods are predictable, as in the presence of known routes traced by means of a GPS navigator, it may be advisable to alert the transmitter in advance, in order to counteract the incoming outage interval. We refer to this technique as Smart Mode. In the following we will detail how Smart Mode takes advantage of FEC and interleaving techniques, in order to improve the Quality of Experience and to reduce the waste of bandwidth in satellite multimedia streaming.
On the Communication Complexity of Distributed Clustering

In this paper we give a first set of communication lower bounds for distributed clustering problems, in particular, for k-center, k-median and k-means. When the input is distributed across a large number of machines and the number of clusters k is small, our lower bounds match the current best upper bounds up to a logarithmic factor. We have designed a new composition framework in our proofs for multiparty number-in-hand communication complexity which may be of independent interest.
Effects of psychological therapies in randomized trials and practice-based studies.

BACKGROUND Randomized trials of the effects of psychological therapies seek internal validity via homogeneous samples and standardized treatment protocols. In contrast, practice-based studies aim for clinical realism and external validity via heterogeneous samples of clients treated under routine practice conditions. We compared indices of treatment effects in these two types of studies. METHOD Using published transformation formulas, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores from five randomized trials of depression (N = 477 clients) were transformed into Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) scores and compared with CORE-OM data collected in four practice-based studies (N = 4,196 clients). Conversely, the practice-based studies' CORE-OM scores were transformed into BDI scores and compared with randomized trial data. RESULTS Randomized trials showed a modest advantage over practice-based studies in amount of pre-post improvement. This difference was compressed or exaggerated depending on the direction of the transformation but averaged about 12%. There was a similarly sized advantage to randomized trials in rates of reliable and clinically significant improvement (RCSI). The largest difference was yielded by comparisons of effect sizes which suggested an advantage more than twice as large, reflecting narrower pre-treatment distributions in the randomized trials. CONCLUSIONS Outcomes of completed treatments for depression in randomized trials appeared to be modestly greater than those in routine care settings. The size of the difference may be distorted depending on the method for calculating degree of change. Transforming BDI scores into CORE-OM scores and vice versa may be a preferable alternative to effect sizes for comparisons of studies using these measures.
Energy Balance and Nitrogen Balance in Growing Low Birthweight Infants Fed Human Milk or Formula

Summary: Energy and nitrogen balances were measured in growing low birthweight infants fed either mother's expressed breast milk or a 20 kcal per ounce formula to determine whether or not there were differences between the two dietary groups in (1) the partition of energy among excretion, expenditure, and storage and (2) the relation of energy storage and nitrogen retention to weight gain.There were no significant differences between the human milk fed infants and formula fed infants in gross energy intake, metabolizable energy intake, nitrogen intake, or nitrogen retention. Energy expenditure was significantly lower in the human milk fed infants than in formula fed infants (221 kJ/(kg. day) and 244 kJ/(kg. day), respectively). There was no difference in mean energy storage between the two groups.Although weight gains were similar in both dietary groups, the ratio of energy storage to weight gain was significantly greater in infants fed with human milk (15.3 kJ/g, S.D. 2.0) than in infants fed formula (13.2 kJ/g S.D. 1.8). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the ratio of nitrogen stored to weight gain.
Multiscale Stereolithography Using Shaped Beams

Current stereolithography (SL) can fabricate three-dimensional (3D) objects in a singlescale level, e.g., printing macroscale or microscale objects. However, it is difficult for the SL printers to fabricate a 3D macroscale object with microscale features. In the paper, a novel SL-based multiscale fabrication method is presented to address such a problem. The developed SL process can fabricate multiscale features by dynamically changing the shape and size of a laser beam. Different shaped beams are realized by switching apertures with different micropatterns. The laser beam without using micropatterns is used to fabricate macroscale features, while the shaped laser beams based on small apertures are used to fabricate micropatterned features. Accordingly, a tool path planning method for the multiscale fabrication process is presented to build macroscale and microscale features using different layer thicknesses, laser exposure time, and scanning paths. Compared with the conventional SL process using a fixed laser beam size, our process can manufacture multiscale features in a 3D object with fast fabrication speed and good surface quality. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4037832]
An outlier mining algorithm based on local weighted k-density

Most local outlier mining algorithms are inefficient and depend on many pre-set parameters when applied to high-dimensional dataset. In the paper, an outlier mining algorithm based on local weighted k-density is presented. Firstly, the attribute abnormal degree of each object in neighborhood for each attribute is computed by using local attribute entropy. Secondly, the corresponding attribute weight vector is set automatically according to attribute abnormal degree, so that man-made factor is reduced. Thirdly, the time-consuming and unnecessary step of re-calculating neighborhood is removed for simplifying computation, then local weighted outlier factor in the same neighborhood as getting attribute weight is calculated and outliers are detected based on local weighted k-density. In the end, the experimental results validate that the algorithm is feasible and efficient for high-dimensional outlier mining by utilizing star spectrum data.
GABAergic Control of Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Relation to Behavior Indicative of Trait Anxiety and Depression States

Stressful experiences in early life are known risk factors for anxiety and depressive illnesses, and they inhibit hippocampal neurogenesis and the expression of GABAA receptors in adulthood. Conversely, deficits in GABAergic neurotransmission and reduced neurogenesis are implicated in the etiology of pathological anxiety and diverse mood disorders. Mice that are heterozygous for the γ2 subunit of GABAA receptors exhibit a modest functional deficit in mainly postsynaptic GABAA receptors that is associated with a behavioral, cognitive, and pharmacological phenotype indicative of heightened trait anxiety. Here we used cell type-specific and developmentally controlled inactivation of the γ2 subunit gene to further analyze the mechanism and brain substrate underlying this phenotype. Heterozygous deletion of the γ2 subunit induced selectively in immature neurons of the embryonic and adult forebrain resulted in reduced adult hippocampal neurogenesis associated with heightened behavioral inhibition to naturally aversive situations, including stressful situations known to be sensitive to antidepressant drug treatment. Reduced adult hippocampal neurogenesis was associated with normal cell proliferation, indicating a selective vulnerability of postmitotic immature neurons to modest functional deficits in γ2 subunit-containing GABAA receptors. In contrast, a comparable forebrain-specific GABAA receptor deficit induced selectively in mature neurons during adolescence lacked neurogenic and behavioral consequences. These results suggest that modestly reduced GABAA receptor function in immature neurons of the developing and adult brain can serve as a common molecular substrate for deficits in adult neurogenesis and behavior indicative of anxious and depressive-like mood states.
A putative role for cell cycle‐related proteins in microtubule‐based neuroplasticity

Cyclins and cyclin‐dependent kinases (Cdks) are the main components that control the orderly progression through cell cycle. In the mature nervous system, terminally differentiated neurons are permanently withdrawn from cell cycle, as mitotic quiescence is essential for the functional stability of the complexly wired neuronal system. Recently, we characterized the expression and colocalization of cyclins and Cdks in terminally differentiated pyramidal neurons. The functional impact of the expression of cell cycle‐related proteins in differentiated neurons, however, has not been elucidated yet. In the present study, we show by immunoelectron microscopy and immunobiochemical methods an association of cyclins and Cdks with the microtubule network. Cyclins D, E, A and B as well as Cdks 1, 2 and 4 were also found to be associated with the microtubule‐associated protein tau. Cyclin/Cdk complexes, in addition, exhibit kinase activity towards tau. In vitro, downregulation of cyclins and Cdks by a siRNA approach and by pharmacological inhibition promotes neurite extension. Taken together, these results indicate that the expression of cell cycle‐related proteins in terminal differentiated neurons is associated with physiological functions beyond cell cycle control that might be involved in microtubule‐based mechanisms of neuroplasticity.
OXIDATIVE ASSIMILATION IN RELATION TO PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN CHLORELLA

1. An oxidative assimilation of acetic add and glucose in darkness has been demonstrated in the green alga, Chlorella pyrenoidosa. From manometric experiments it has been shown that 1 mol (CH2O) per mol acetic add and 5 mols (CH2O) per mol glucose are produced. 2. The time required for complete utilization of a limited amount of acetic acid or glucose is not affected by illumination in the absence of carbon dioxide. 3. The time required for complete utilization of a limited amount of glucose is not affected by the simultaneous occurrence of photosynthesis. It must therefore be concluded that the accumulating product of photosynthesis cannot be glucose but must be some slowly respirable (storage) material. 4. Possible interrelationships between oxidative assimilation and photosynthesis may be further studied by following, in darkness and in light, the time course of oxidative assimilation of substrates which are possible intermediates in the two processes.