Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding parents’ and professionals’ knowledge and awareness of autism in Nepal

Autism is a global phenomenon. Yet, there is a dearth of knowledge of how it is understood and its impact in low-income countries. We examined parents’ and professionals’ understanding of autism in one low-income country, Nepal. We conducted focus groups and semi-structured interviews with parents of autistic and non-autistic children and education and health professionals from urban and rural settings (n = 106), asking questions about typical and atypical development and presenting vignettes of children to prompt discussion. Overall, parents of typically developing children and professionals had little explicit awareness of autism. They did, however, use some distinctive terms to describe children with autism from children with other developmental conditions. Furthermore, most participants felt that environmental factors, including in-utero stressors and birth complications, parenting style and home or school environment were key causes of atypical child development and further called for greater efforts to raise awareness and build community capacity to address autism. This is the first study to show the striking lack of awareness of autism by parents and professionals alike. These results have important implications for future work in Nepal aiming both to estimate the prevalence of autism and to enhance support available for autistic children and their families.
METHYLATION STATUS OF CDH 1 GENE IN SAMPLES OF GASTRIC MUCOUS FROM BRAZILIAN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC GASTRITIS INFECTED BY Helicobacter pylori

Context Gastric cancer is one of the top list of cancer types that most leads to death in Brazil and worldwide. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a class I carcinogen and infect almost 90% of chronic gastritis patients. Some genotypes confer different virulent potential to H. pylori and can increase the risk of gastritis development. Methylation of CpG islands can inactivate tumor suppressor genes and therefore, it can be involved in the tumorigenic process. CDH1 is a tumor suppressor gene that encodes the E-cadherin protein, which is important in maintaining cell-cell contacts. The inactivation of this gene can increase the chance of metastasis. Promoter methylation of CDH1 at early steps of gastric carcinogenesis is not yet completely understood. Objective In this study, we investigated the methylation status of CDH1 in chronic gastritis samples and correlated it with the presence of H. pylori. Methods Sixty gastric mucosal biopsies were used in this study. The detection of H. pylori was performed with the PCR primers specific to urease C gene. H. pylori genotyping was performed by PCR to cagA and vacA (s and m region). The methylation status of these gene CDH1 was analyzed using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing of the PCR products was performed using primers methylated and unmethylated in both forward and reverse directions. Results H. pylori was detected in 90% of chronic gastritis samples; among these 33% were cagA positive and 100% vacA s1. The genotype vacA s2/m1 was not detected in any sample analyzed. Methylation of CDH1 was detected in 63.3% of chronic gastritis samples and 95% of them were also H. pylori-positive. Conclusions This work suggests that CDH1 gene methylation and H. pylori infection are frequent events in samples from Brazilian patients with chronic gastritis and reinforces the correlation between H. pylori infection and CDH1 inactivation in early steps of gastric tumorigenesis. HEADINGS Helicobacter infections. Gastritis. Cadherins. Methylation.
A personal high voltage safety system with wear monitoring

Electric shocks due to high voltage lines can pose serious health risks to workers. Reliable and efficient systems to alert workers of nearby live power lines are necessary. In this paper, a personal high voltage safety system with wear monitoring is designed and implemented. A wrist module which consists of an electric field detector and optical heart rate monitor is developed from first principles. The complete system allows the heart rate of a subject to be monitored and reported wirelessly to a GSM/GPS enabled module placed on a vehicle. The system can operate reliably in an area with high electromagnetic fields.
SAW Sensors for Chemical Vapors and Gases

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology provides a sensitive platform for sensing chemicals in gaseous and fluidic states with the inherent advantages of passive and wireless operation. In this review, we provide a general overview on the fundamental aspects and some major advances of Rayleigh wave-based SAW sensors in sensing chemicals in a gaseous phase. In particular, we review the progress in general understanding of the SAW chemical sensing mechanism, optimization of the sensor characteristics, and the development of the sensors operational at different conditions. Based on previous publications, we suggest some appropriate sensing approaches for particular applications and identify new opportunities and needs for additional research in this area moving into the future.
History of genome editing in yeast

For thousands of years humans have used the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of bread and alcohol; however, in the last 30–40 years our understanding of the yeast biology has dramatically increased, enabling us to modify its genome. Although S. cerevisiae has been the main focus of many research groups, other non‐conventional yeasts have also been studied and exploited for biotechnological purposes. Our experiments and knowledge have evolved from recombination to high‐throughput PCR‐based transformations to highly accurate CRISPR methods in order to alter yeast traits for either research or industrial purposes. Since the release of the genome sequence of S. cerevisiae in 1996, the precise and targeted genome editing has increased significantly. In this ‘Budding topic’ we discuss the significant developments of genome editing in yeast, mainly focusing on Cre‐loxP mediated recombination, delitto perfetto and CRISPR/Cas.
miR-21-mediated Radioresistance Occurs via Promoting Repair of DNA Double Strand Breaks*

miR-21, as an oncogene that overexpresses in most human tumors, is involved in radioresistance; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that miR-21-mediated radioresistance occurs through promoting repair of DNA double strand breaks, which includes facilitating both non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination repair (HRR). The miR-21-promoted NHEJ occurs through targeting GSK3B (a novel target of miR-21), which affects the CRY2/PP5 pathway and in turn increases DNA-PKcs activity. The miR-21-promoted HRR occurs through targeting both GSK3B and CDC25A (a known target of miR-21), which neutralizes the effects of targeting GSK3B-induced CDC25A increase because GSK3B promotes degradation of both CDC25A and cyclin D1, but CDC25A and cyclin D1 have an opposite effect on HRR. A negative correlation of expression levels between miR-21 and GSK3β exists in a subset of human tumors. Our results not only elucidate miR-21-mediated radioresistance, but also provide potential new targets for improving radiotherapy.
Long noncoding RNA BX357664 regulates cell proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via inhibition of TGF-β1/p38/HSP27 signaling in renal cell carcinoma

Antisense long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to play a regulating role in carcinogenesis of various human malignancies. However, the function of lncRNAs and their underlying mechanism in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still unknown. The aims of this study are to investigate the expression of lncRNA BX357664 in RCC and to explore its function in RCC cell lines. As a result, BX357664 was downregulated in RCC according to previous microarray analysis and qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. After the upregulation of BX357664, reduced migration, invasion, and proliferation capabilities in RCC cells were detected. Furthermore, Western blot analysis was conducted to identify the influence of BX357664 on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, matrix metalloproteinase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)/p38/HSP27 signaling pathway in RCC. Subsequently, upregulating the protein level of TGF-β1 in the presence of BX357664 could rescue the suppression of the malignant behavior mediated by BX357664, indicating that BX357664 attributed its inhibitory role to the suppression of TGF-β1. Therefore, we investigated a novel lncRNA BX357664, which might exhibit its inhibitory role in RCC metastasis and progression by blocking the TGF-β1/p38/HSP27 pathway.
A strong host response and lack of MYC expression are characteristic for diffuse large B cell lymphoma transformed from nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is an indolent lymphoma, but can transform into diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), showing a more aggressive clinical behavior. Little is known about these cases on the molecular level. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to characterize DLBCL transformed from NLPHL (LP-DLBCL) by gene expression profiling (GEP). GEP revealed an inflammatory signature pinpointing to a specific host response. In a coculture model resembling this host response, DEV tumor cells showed an impaired growth behavior. Mechanisms involved in the reduced tumor cell proliferation included a downregulation of MYC and its target genes. Lack of MYC expression was also confirmed in 12/16 LP-DLBCL by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, CD274/PD-L1 was upregulated in DEV tumor cells after coculture with T cells or monocytes and its expression was validated in 12/19 cases of LP-DLBCL. Thereby, our data provide new insights into the pathogenesis of LP-DLBCL and an explanation for the relatively low tumor cell content. Moreover, the findings suggest that treatment of these patients with immune checkpoint inhibitors may enhance an already ongoing host response in these patients.
NONLINEAR BEHAVIOR OF THE CONSTITUTIVE SIMULATION OF MESO-SCOPIC COMPUTATIONAL MECHANICS FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL MULTI-DIRECTIONAL BRAIDED COMPOSITES

Based on the geometric model of a unit cell and meso scopic computational mechanics, the present paper predicts the nonlinear behavior of constitutive relation for three dimensional multi directional braided composites. Meso scopic damage behavior is simulated by introducing Murakami's damage theory and using finite element method. Numerical examples are given and compared with experimental results. to demonstrate the nonlinear constitutive relation of four directional braided carbon/epoxy composites.
Muscle satellite cells adopt divergent fates

Growth, repair, and regeneration of adult skeletal muscle depends on the persistence of satellite cells: muscle stem cells resident beneath the basal lamina that surrounds each myofiber. However, how the satellite cell compartment is maintained is unclear. Here, we use cultured myofibers to model muscle regeneration and show that satellite cells adopt divergent fates. Quiescent satellite cells are synchronously activated to coexpress the transcription factors Pax7 and MyoD. Most then proliferate, down-regulate Pax7, and differentiate. In contrast, other proliferating cells maintain Pax7 but lose MyoD and withdraw from immediate differentiation. These cells are typically located in clusters, together with Pax7−ve progeny destined for differentiation. Some of the Pax7+ve/MyoD−ve cells then leave the cell cycle, thus regaining the quiescent satellite cell phenotype. Significantly, noncycling cells contained within a cluster can be stimulated to proliferate again. These observations suggest that satellite cells either differentiate or switch from terminal myogenesis to maintain the satellite cell pool.
Addition of different concentrations of prostasome‐like vesicles at neutral or slightly alkaline pH decreases canine sperm motility

Prostasome‐like vesicles (PV) are components of the canine prostatic fluid during ejaculation and despite some enzymatic activities have been identified recently, their functions in the reproductive events in this species are still poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated at neutral or slightly alkaline pH, the effects of different concentrations of purified PV on sperm cell motility characteristics and the impact on the short‐ and long‐term preservation of preserved semen maintained at room temperature. Two different experiments were performed. In the first experiment, purified PV were added at increasing concentration (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μL equivalent to 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 μg of protein, respectively) to aliquots of 100 μL of preserved semen maintained at 22 °C at the following time points: 0, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 min. Computer‐assisted sperm motility characteristics and pH were assessed three times at each time points, for each sample and for every concentrations. In the second experiment, the purified PV were added with the same methods as described above but only at time 0. Sperm motility characteristics and pH were assessed over the time. This study showed how the addition of purified PV to preserved semen affects negatively (p < 0.05) at neutral and alkaline pH, both total and progressive motility in a concentration depending manner. Furthermore, prostasome addition was demonstrated to change the quality of sperm movement which may represent a mechanism facilitating sperm cells attachment to the uterine epithelium and facilitating energy preservation before fertilization.
Erythropoietin may attenuate lung inflammation in a rat model of meconium aspiration syndrome

ABSTRACT Background: Inflammation is believed to play a key role in the pathophysiology of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Purpose of the Study: The objective was to determine whether the recombinant human Erythropoietin (rhEPO) pretreatment could attenuate meconium-induced inflammation. Materials and Methods: In this study, 24 ventilated adult male rats were studied to examine the effects of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) on meconium-induced inflammation. Seventeen rats were instilled with human meconium (1.5 mL/kg, 65 mg/mL) intratracheally and ventilated for 3 hours. rhEPO (1000 U/kg) (n = 9) or saline (n = 8) was given to the animals. Seven rats that were ventilated and not instilled with meconium served as a sham-controlled group. Analysis of the blood gases, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples, and lung tissue myeloperoxidase levels were performed. Results: Intrapulmonary instillation of meconium resulted in the increase of TNF-α (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively) and IL-8 concentrations (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) in BAL fluid in the EPO + meconium and saline + meconium groups compared with the sham-controlled group. rhEPO pretreatment prevented the increase of BAL fluid IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels (p < 0.001, p = 0.021, and p = 0.005, respectively), and serum IL-6 levels (p = 0.036). Conclusion: rhEPO pretreatment is associated with improved BAL fluid and serum cytokine levels. Pretreatment with rhEPO might reduce the risk of developing of meconium-induced derangements.
Lessons learned from the WILD room, a multisurface interactive environment

Creating the next generation of interactive systems requires experimental platforms that let us explore novel forms of interaction in real settings. This article describes WILD, a high-performance environment for exploring multi-surface interaction that includes an ultra-high resolution wall display, a multitouch table, a motion tracking system and various mobile devices. The article describes the integrative research approach of the project and the lessons learned with respect to hardware, participatory design, interaction techniques and software engineering.
Escaping the flow: boundary layer use by the darter Etheostoma tetrazonum (Percidae) during benthic station holding

SUMMARY Aquatic habitats characterized by directional water flow (lotic environments) pose numerous challenges to their inhabitants, including the constant threat of dislodgement and downstream transport. As a result, many organisms exhibit morphological and/or behavioral adaptations that facilitate midwater or benthic station holding in these environments, such as the ventral sucker disc of armored catfishes. However, a few groups, including the species-rich group of small (7-8 cm long and 1-2 cm high) North American stream fishes called darters, exhibit no obvious morphological adaptations to life in lotic habitats. We therefore asked whether small size itself facilitates benthic station holding in these fish. We first used digital particle image velocimetry to quantify the fluid dynamics of flow over a variety of substrates. We then visualized the patterns of flow over the darter Etheostoma tetrazonum during benthic station holding. The thickness of the region of decreased water velocity (i.e. the boundary layer) associated with several types of rocky substrate was large enough (∼2 cm high in some cases) for E. tetrazonum and many other darter species to escape the oncoming flow. We also found that, despite the large size of its pectoral fins, E. tetrazonum is capable of producing only very weak negative lift forces with fins. These substrate-directed forces likely act in conjunction with upstream-directed frictional forces between the tail, anal and pelvic fins and the substrate to facilitate station holding. Thus, we hypothesize that, in darters, small size is an adaptation to life in the benthic boundary layer of lotic environments.
Double H.264/AVC compression detection using quantized nonzero AC coefficients

Developments of video processing technology make it much easier to tamper with video. In some situation, such as in a lawsuit, it is necessary to prove videos are not tampered. This contradiction poses challenges to ascertain integrity of digital videos. Most of tamperings occur in pixel domain. However, nowadays videos are usually stored in compressed format, such as H.264/AVC. For attackers it is necessary to decompress original video bitstreams and recompress it into compressed domain. As a result, by detecting double compression, we can authenticate integrity of digital video. In this paper, we propose an efficient method to detect whether or not a digital video has been double compressed. Specifically, we use probability distribution of quantized nonzero AC coefficients as features to distinguish double compressed video from those original one compressed video. If a smaller QP is used in the second compression, the original distribution law will be violated, which can be used as the evidence of tampering.
Survey on the Performance of Source Localization Algorithms

The localization of emitters using an array of sensors or antennas is a prevalent issue approached in several applications. There exist different techniques for source localization, which can be classified into multilateration, received signal strength (RSS) and proximity methods. The performance of multilateration techniques relies on measured time variables: the time of flight (ToF) of the emission from the emitter to the sensor, the time differences of arrival (TDoA) of the emission between sensors and the pseudo-time of flight (pToF) of the emission to the sensors. The multilateration algorithms presented and compared in this paper can be classified as iterative and non-iterative methods. Both standard least squares (SLS) and hyperbolic least squares (HLS) are iterative and based on the Newton–Raphson technique to solve the non-linear equation system. The metaheuristic technique particle swarm optimization (PSO) used for source localisation is also studied. This optimization technique estimates the source position as the optimum of an objective function based on HLS and is also iterative in nature. Three non-iterative algorithms, namely the hyperbolic positioning algorithms (HPA), the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and Bancroft algorithm, are also presented. A non-iterative combined algorithm, MLE-HLS, based on MLE and HLS, is further proposed in this paper. The performance of all algorithms is analysed and compared in terms of accuracy in the localization of the position of the emitter and in terms of computational time. The analysis is also undertaken with three different sensor layouts since the positions of the sensors affect the localization; several source positions are also evaluated to make the comparison more robust. The analysis is carried out using theoretical time differences, as well as including errors due to the effect of digital sampling of the time variables. It is shown that the most balanced algorithm, yielding better results than the other algorithms in terms of accuracy and short computational time, is the combined MLE-HLS algorithm.
Salient object detection via sparse representation and multi-layer contour zooming

Since image background is normally composed of congenial regions, it can be represented by a feature dictionary via sparse representation. Based on this theory, the authors propose a novel bottom-up saliency detection method that unites the syncretic merits of sparse representation and multi-hierarchical layers. In contrast to most pre-existing sparse-based approaches that only highlight the boundaries of a target, the proposed method highlights the entire object even if it is large. Given a source image, a multi-scale background dictionary is structured with the features form different layers. Each region of the image is then reconstructed by the dictionary to compute its reconstruction error as a saliency score. Although a reconstruction map can be generated by the saliency scores, it is not good enough to be the final result because of low resolution and high error detection rates. Therefore, in middle cue, they propose a multi-scale contour zooming approach to address the error detection across the hierarchical layers. To improve the resolution of the final detection, a pixel-level rectification based on the Bayesian observation likelihood is calculated as the bottom cue. Combining sparse representation and multi-scale correction, the precision of the final saliency map is significantly improved for the detection results.
Hydroxychloroquine potentiates carfilzomib toxicity towards myeloma cells

Cells degrade proteins either by proteasomes that clinically are targeted by for example bortezomib or carfilzomib, or by formation of autophagosomes and lysosomal degradation that can be inhibited by hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Multiple myeloma is unique among cancers because proteasomal inhibition has good clinical effects. However, some multiple myeloma patients display intrinsic resistance to the treatment and most patients acquire resistance over time. We hypothesized that simultaneous targeting both arms of protein degradation could be a way to improve treatment of multiple myeloma. Here we tested the combined effects of the lysosomal inhibitor HCQ and clinically relevant proteasome inhibitors on myeloma cell lines and primary cells. Carfilzomib and bortezomib both induced immunoglobulin-containing aggregates in myeloma cells. HCQ significantly potentiated the effect of carfilzomib in both cell lines and in primary myeloma cells. In contrast, HCQ had little or no effects on the toxicity of bortezomib. Furthermore, cells adapted to tolerate high levels of carfilzomib could be re-sensitized to the drug by co-treatment with HCQ. Thus, we show that inhibition of lysosomal degradation can overcome carfilzomib resistance, suggesting that the role of autophagy in myeloma cells is dependent on type of proteasome inhibitor. In conclusion, attempts should be made to combine HCQ with carfilzomib in the treatment of multiple myeloma.