Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of patient characteristics and disease-specific factors on first-line treatment decisions for BRAF-mutated melanoma: results from a European expert panel study

Treatment decisions for advanced melanoma are increasingly complex and guidelines provide limited advice on how to choose between immunotherapy and targeted therapy for first-line treatment. A Delphi study was carried out to understand which patient characteristics and disease-related factors inform clinicians’ choices of first-line treatment for BRAF-mutated melanoma. Twelve European melanoma specialists experienced in using immunotherapies and targeted agents participated in a double-blind two-phase Delphi study. In phase 1, participants completed a questionnaire developed after reviewing patient characteristics and disease-related factors reported in trials, clinical guidelines, and health technology assessments. Phase 2 was an expert panel meeting to explore outstanding issues from phase 1 and seek consensus, defined as 80% agreement. Twenty patient-related and disease-related characteristics were considered. There was consensus that tumor burden (83% of clinicians) and disease tempo (83%) are very or extremely important factors when selecting first-line treatment. Several components were deemed important when assessing tumor burden: brain metastases (82% of clinicians) and location of metastases (89%). There was consensus that disease tempo can be quantified in clinical practice, but not on a formal classification applicable to all patients. Lactate dehydrogenase level is a component of both tumor burden and disease tempo; all clinicians considered lactate dehydrogenase important when choosing first-line treatment. The majority (92%) did not routinely test programmed death ligand-1 status in patients with melanoma. Clinicians agreed that choosing a first-line treatment for advanced melanoma is a complex, multifactorial process and that clinical judgment remains the most important element of decision-making until research can provide clinicians with better scientific parameters and tools for first-line decision-making.
Romantic Relationship Satisfaction and Ambulatory Blood Pressure During Social Interactions: Specificity or Spillover Effects?

BACKGROUND People in high-quality romantic relationships tend to have lower blood pressure (BP). People may experience lower BP specifically when interacting with romantic partners. PURPOSE This study parsed the effects of different types of social interactions on ambulatory BP (ABP) and tested whether romantic relationship satisfaction moderated these effects during interactions with partners in particular (specificity) or with others (spillover; e.g., friends, co-workers). METHODS Partnered participants (N = 594) were drawn from a larger study on BP and cardiovascular health (age = 46.5 ± 9.3; 57.4% female). Participants reported on romantic relationship satisfaction and completed 24-hr ABP monitoring. At each reading, participants reported whether they had a social interaction and with whom. Multilevel models accounted for nesting of data over time. RESULTS Romantic relationship satisfaction significantly modified the effects of some social interactions on systolic and diastolic BP (SBP, DBP). Participants with high (+1 SD) relationship satisfaction had significantly lower SBP (-0.77 mmHg, p = .02) during partner interactions compared with no social interaction; low-satisfaction (-1 SD) participants had a nonsignificant 0.59 mmHg increase (p = .14). A similar pattern emerged for DBP. Relationship satisfaction also modified SBP response during friend interactions (elevated SBP for low-satisfaction participants) and DBP response during "other" interactions (elevated DBP for high-satisfaction participants). CONCLUSION Participants with high levels of romantic relationship satisfaction experienced significantly lower BP during social interactions with their partner compared with situations without social interaction. Although there was some evidence for spillover to other types of relationships, effects were largely restricted to partner interactions.
The phosphoinositide phosphatase Sac1 regulates cell shape and microtubule stability in the developing Drosophila eye

ABSTRACT Epithelial patterning in the developing Drosophila melanogaster eye requires the Neph1 homolog Roughest (Rst), an immunoglobulin family cell surface adhesion molecule expressed in interommatidial cells (IOCs). Here, using a novel temperature-sensitive (ts) allele, we show that the phosphoinositide phosphatase Sac1 is also required for IOC patterning. Sac1ts mutants have rough eyes and retinal patterning defects that resemble rst mutants. Sac1ts retinas exhibit elevated levels of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P), consistent with the role of Sac1 as a PI4P phosphatase. Indeed, genetic rescue and interaction experiments reveal that restriction of PI4P levels by Sac1 is crucial for normal eye development. Rst is delivered to the cell surface in Sac1ts mutants. However, Sac1ts mutant IOCs exhibit severe defects in microtubule organization, associated with accumulation of Rst and the exocyst subunit Sec8 in enlarged intracellular vesicles upon cold fixation ex vivo. Together, our data reveal a novel requirement for Sac1 in promoting microtubule stability and suggest that Rst trafficking occurs in a microtubule- and exocyst-dependent manner. Summary: Analysis of temperature-sensitive mutants identifies a novel role for the lipid phosphatase Sac1 in regulating epithelial patterning and microtubule organization during early stages of Drosophila eye development.
Magnesite formation from MgO and CO2 at the pressures and temperatures of Earth’s mantle

Abstract Magnesite (MgCO3) is an important phase for the carbon cycle in and out of the Earth’s mantle. Its comparably large P-T stability has been inferred for several years based on the absence of its decomposition in experiments. Here we report the first experimental evidence for synthesis of magnesite out of its oxide components (MgO and CO2) at P-T conditions relevant to the Earth’s mantle. Magnesite formation was observed in situ using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, coupled with laserheated diamond-anvil cells (DACs), at pressures and temperatures of Earth’s mantle. Despite the existence of multiple high-pressure CO2 polymorphs, the magnesite-forming reaction was observed to proceed at pressures ranging from 5 to 40 GPa and temperatures between 1400 and 1800 K. No other pressure-quenchable materials were observed to form via the MgO + CO2 = MgCO3 reaction. This work further strengthens the notion that magnesite may indeed be the primary host phase for oxidized carbon in the deep Earth
Identification of core aberrantly expressed microRNAs in serous ovarian carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently demonstrated great potential and enormous promise in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of various types of cancer. In this study, we performed a comprehensive miRNA expression analysis in the omental metastasis of serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) using small RNA sequencing. Two hundred and fifty-one aberrantly expressed miRNAs were identified, which clearly separated malignant omentum from normal omentum. Furthermore, miRNA profiles in primary chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant/refractory SOC were determined using publicly available data. Comparing miRNA expression profiles in omental metastases and primary chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant/refractory tumors, a set of 70 miRNAs that were aberrantly expressed in both primary and metastatic SOC has been identified for the first time. These core aberrantly expressed miRNAs may play crucial roles in the tumorigenesis, growth, and metastasis of SOC. Therefore, they can serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers and as therapeutic targets for miRNA-mediated therapy. Kaplan–Meier overall survival analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas data demonstrated that 10 miRNAs (hsa-miR-135, 150, -340, 625, 1908, 3187, -96, -196b, -449c, and -1275) were associated with survival of patients with SOC, which may serve as potential prognostic biomarkers.
Novel methodologies for improving fuzzy classifiers: dealing with multi-class and big data classification problems

Multi-class classification problems appear in a broad variety of real-world problems, e.g., medicine, genomics, bioinformatics, or computer vision. In this context, decomposition strategies are useful to increase the classification performance of classifiers. For this reason, in a previous work we proposed to improve the performance of FARC-HD (Fuzzy Association Rulebased Classification model for High-Dimensional problems) fuzzy classifier using One-vs-One (OVO) and One-vs-All (OVA) decomposition strategies. As a result of an exhaustive experimental analysis, we concluded that even though the usage of decomposition strategies was worth to be considered, further improvements could be achieved by introducing n-dimensional overlap functions instead of the product t-norm in the Fuzzy Reasoning Method (FRM). In this way, we can improve confidences for the subsequent processing performed in both OVO and OVA. In this paper, we want to conduct a broader study of the influence of the usage of ndimensional overlap functions to model the conjunction in several Fuzzy Rule-Based Classification Systems (FRBCSs) in order to enhance their performance in multi-class classification problems applying decomposition techniques. To do so, we adapt the FRM of four well-known FRBCSs (CHI, SLAVE, FURIA, and FARC-HD itself). We will show that the benefits of the usage of n-dimensional overlap functions strongly depend on both the learning algorithm and the rule structure of each classifier, which explains why FARC-HD is the most suitable one for the usage of these functions. © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproducing Popularity Distribution of YouTube Videos

To provide video streaming of user-generated contents (UGCs) with high quality and at low cost by maximizing the effect of content delivery network (CDN), CDN providers are required to adequately design CDN cache servers by accurately estimating the UGC view-count distribution. To achieve this goal in a practical time frame, we need to construct a simple time-series model that captures the transition of UGC popularity. Therefore, in this paper, we first analyze the daily view count (DVC) of YouTube videos over nine months and find that the DVC of YouTube videos obeys a lognormal distribution. As a simple time-series model of the DVC of each YouTube video, we propose the grouped MPP (gMPP), extending the multiplicative process (MPP) which is widely known as a simple time-series model generating a lognormal distribution. We also propose reproducing the DVC distribution of YouTube videos by using a superposed gMPP (SgMPP) that aggregates multiple gMPPs. The SgMPP can accurately reproduce the DVC distribution of YouTube videos with a low computational overhead, so we can expect to use the SgMPP as the input for computer simulations for designing various network components that require the popularity distribution of UGC, e.g., cache capacities. Through numerical evaluation, we confirm that we can adequately design the storage capacity of a cache server with the average error rate of several percent against the target cache hit ratio.
Flexible Logic Circuits by using Van Der Waals Contacted Graphene Field-Effect Transistors

This paper presents van der Waals (vdW) contacted graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) and logic circuits, both on rigid and flexible substrates. These logic gates exhibit stable performances after 100 cycles of bending. Realized with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible technology, the vdW contacted GFETs show performance comparable to the top-contacted GFETs and thus present excellent cost-effective alternatives to top- and edge-contacted GFETs for large-area electronic applications.
Potential Anti-Fibrotic Effect of Direct Acting Antiviral Drugs on CCl4 Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats

Background: Hepatic fibrosis is a hall mark of chronic liver diseases such as chronic HCV. Direct acting antiviral (DAA) regimens such as Sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DAC) have been found to be associated with decreased fibrotic markers in HCV patients. It is not clear however the reported antifibrotic effect is antiviral dependent or not. Aim: This study investigated the effect of SOF and DAC in hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in rats. Method: Hepatic fibrosis was induced by (0.5 ml/kg) CCl4 IP twice a week for six weeks. SOF (20 mg/kg/d) and DAC (30 mg/kg/d) were added in the last four weeks of treatments. Liver functions, fibrotic markers such as Hyaluronic acid and metalloproteinase-9 were detected using immunoassay. Liver tissues were examined by different stains. Results: SOF and DAC induced marked inhibitions in fibrotic markers expression significantly (P≤0.001). Moreover, the drugs protected liver tissues from progressed fibrosis. Conclusion: SOF/DAC antifibrotic effect is independent on its antiviral activity.
Global Perspective And Attitudes Toward Cultural Diversity Among Summer Agriculture Students At The Ohio State University

The purpose of this study was to measure the level of global perspective and attitude toward cultural diversity among summer agriculture students using established survey scales for these constructs. A survey instrument was completed by 145 agriculture students at The Ohio State University. Survey results indicated that, in general, students tended to have a moderate global perspective and a positive attitude toward cultural diversity. High correlation was also found between global perspectives and attitudes toward diversity. In comparison with male students, females were more likely to have a higher level of global perspective and a more positive attitude toward cultural diversity. Students who had more contact with international people also scored higher on the global perspective and cultural diversity scales. Recommendations, implications, and future study directions derived from the survey results were discussed.
A new locus for autosomal recessive nuclear cataract mapped to chromosome 19q13 in a Pakistani family.

PURPOSE To identify the disease locus of autosomal recessive congenital nuclear cataracts in a consanguineous Pakistani family. METHODS A large Pakistani family with multiple individuals affected by autosomal recessive congenital cataracts was ascertained. Patients were examined, blood samples were collected, and DNA was isolated. A genome-wide scan was performed using 382 polymorphic microsatellite markers on genomic DNA from affected and unaffected family members. Two-point lod scores were calculated, and haplotypes were formed by inspection. RESULTS In the genome-wide scan, a maximum lod score of 2.89 was obtained for marker D19S414 on 19q13. Fine mapping using D19S931, D19S433, D19S928, D19S225, D19S416, D19S213, D19S425, and D19S220 markers from the Généthon database showed that markers in a 14.3-cM (12.66-Mb) interval flanked by D19S928 and D19S420 cosegregated with the cataract locus. Lack of homozygosity further suggests that the cataract locus may lie in a 7-cM (4.3-Mb) interval flanked by D19S928 proximally and D19S425 distally. On fine mapping, a maximum lod score of 3.09 was obtained with D19S416 at theta = 0. CONCLUSIONS Linkage analysis identified a new locus for autosomal recessive congenital nuclear cataracts on chromosome 19q13 in a consanguineous Pakistani family.
Developing a strategic approach to ICT implementation in Saudi secondary schools

The massive advances in information and communication technology (ICT), in the last few decades, encouraged many developed and developing countries to invest in the ICT sector in education. The internet, computers, interactive whiteboards and an assortment of other technological tools have now turned out to be valuable teaching and learning resources. Saudi Arabia is not in isolation from this, they have invested heavily in the ICT field. However, the progression has often been disappointing; there is still a great gap between the availability of ICT technology and methods of implementation, resulting in a number of serious questions being raised for decision-makers and educators alike. One of the most important of these questions is 'what factors affect the successful implementation of ICT in schools’. Hence, the importance of this study is to find an answer to this question and related questions from the participants' perspective. Consequently, the research issue is addressed through a cross-sectional case study strategy, qualitative and quantitative mixed-method choices. In addition, a closed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from four different perspectives (head teachers, teachers, students in Jeddah secondary school and two ICT directors in Saudi Ministry of Education. Generally, the results showed that ICT was perceived as an important tool in improving performance, collaboration, learning experience and learning outcomes. However, the study found some challenges that affect the application of ICT in Saudi schools, for example, the lack of space, resources, maintenance, a lack of ICT skills among school along with a lack in ICT training and a lack of clear ICT policies. However, the overcoming of such challenges could turn them from ‘challenges ‘into ‘positive factors’ to aid in the success of ICT implementation. Hence, the importance of this research is to suggest a strategic approach to guide decision-makers, educators and further studies in the future to promote the successful implementation of ICT in education, in general, and in Saudi secondary schools in particular.
Long-distance entanglement distribution using individual atoms in optical cavities

Individual atoms in optical cavities can provide an efficient interface between stationary qubits and flying qubits (photons), which is an essentiel building block for quantum communication. Furthermore, cavity assisted controlled-not (CNOT) gates can be used for swapping entanglement to long distances in a quantum repeater setup. Nonetheless, dissipation introduced by the cavity during the CNOT may increase the experimental difficulty in obtaining long-distance entanglement distribution using these systems. We analyse and compare a number of cavity-based repeater schemes combining various entanglement generation schemes and cavity assisted CNOT gates. We find that a scheme, where high-fidelity entanglement is first generated in a two-photon detection scheme and then swapped to long distances using a recently proposed heralded CZ-gate exhibits superior performance compared to the other schemes. The heralded gate moves the effect of dissipation from the fidelity to the success probability of the gate thereby enabling high-fidelity entanglement swapping. As a result, high-rate entanglement distribution can be achieved over long distances even for low cooperativities of the atom-cavity systems. This high-fidelity repeater is shown to outperform the other cavity-based schemes by up to two orders of magnitude in the rate for realistic parameters and large distances (1000 km).
An Overview on Emergence of Virulent Vibrio parahaemolyticus A Global Public Health Concern

Increasing occurrence of V. parahaemolyticus O3:K6 and its serovariants globally, since 1995, gained attention in public health research. However, of late, hospitalisation of such patients and their sufferings are recorded to be lower than earlier. This trend warrants to pay more attention for intensive study on few aspects of this organism viz. about perpetuation of this organism in environment, mode of acquiring of virulence and evolving of O3:K6 serotypes and its variants, tangible decrease in degree for expression of clinical symptoms etc. in order to tackle public health problems caused by this organism.
Landmark Sequence Data Association for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping of Robots

Abstract The paper proposes landmark sequence data association for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) for data association problem under conditions of noise uncertainty increase. According to the space geometric information of the environment landmarks, the information correlations between the landmarks are constructed based on the graph theory. By observing the variations of the innovation covariance using the landmarks of the adjacent two steps, the problem is converted to solve the landmark TSP problem and the maximum correlation function of the landmark sequences, thus the data association of the observation landmarks is established. Finally, the experiments prove that our approach ensures the consistency of SLAM under conditions of noise uncertainty increase.
Network-based indicators of Bitcoin bubbles

The functioning of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin relies on the open availability of the entire history of its transactions. This makes it a particularly interesting socio-economic system to analyse from the point of view of network science. Here we analyse the evolution of the network of Bitcoin transactions between users. We achieve this by using the complete transaction history from December 5th 2011 to December 23rd 2013. This period includes three bubbles experienced by the Bitcoin price. In particular, we focus on the global and local structural properties of the user network and their variation in relation to the different period of price surge and decline. By analysing the temporal variation of the heterogeneity of the connectivity patterns we gain insights on the different mechanisms that take place during bubbles, and find that hubs (i.e., the most connected nodes) had a fundamental role in triggering the burst of the second bubble. Finally, we examine the local topological structures of interactions between users, we discover that the relative frequency of triadic interactions experiences a strong change before, during and after a bubble, and suggest that the importance of the hubs grows during the bubble. These results provide further evidence that the behaviour of the hubs during bubbles significantly increases the systemic risk of the Bitcoin network, and discuss the implications on public policy interventions.
Evolution of the Unix System Architecture: An Exploratory Case Study

Unix has evolved for almost five decades, shaping modern operating systems, key software technologies, and development practices. Studying the evolution of this remarkable system from an architectural perspective can provide insights on how to manage the growth of large, complex, and long-lived software systems. Along main Unix releases leading to the FreeBSD lineage we examine core architectural design decisions, the number of features, and code complexity, based on the analysis of source code, reference documentation, and related publications. We report that the growth in size has been uniform, with some notable outliers, while cyclomatic complexity has been religiously safeguarded. A large number of Unix-defining design decisions were implemented right from the very early beginning, with most of them still playing a major role. Unix continues to evolve from an architectural perspective, but the rate of architectural innovation has slowed down over the system's lifetime. Architectural technical debt has accrued in the forms of functionality duplication and unused facilities, but in terms of cyclomatic complexity it is systematically being paid back through what appears to be a self-correcting process. Some unsung architectural forces that shaped Unix are the emphasis on conventions over rigid enforcement, the drive for portability, a sophisticated ecosystem of other operating systems and development organizations, and the emergence of a federated architecture, often through the adoption of third-party subsystems. These findings have led us to form an initial theory on the architecture evolution of large, complex operating system software.