Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pain Relief after Stereotactic Radiotherapy of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: An Updated Systematic Review

Severe pain is frequent in patients with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDCA). Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) provides high local control rates in these patients. The aim of this review was to systematically analyze the available evidence on pain relief in patients with PDCA. We updated our previous systematic review through a search on PubMed of papers published from 1 January 2018 to 30 June 2021. Studies with full available text, published in English, and reporting pain relief after SBRT on PDCA were included in this analysis. Statistical analysis was carried out using the MEDCALC statistical software. All tests were two-sided. The I2 statistic was used to quantify statistical heterogeneity (high heterogeneity level: >50%). Nineteen papers were included in this updated literature review. None of them specifically aimed at assessing pain and/or quality of life. The rate of analgesics reduction or suspension ranged between 40.0 and 100.0% (median: 60.3%) in six studies. The pooled rate was 71.5% (95% CI, 61.6–80.0%), with high heterogeneity between studies (Q2 test: p < 0.0001; I2 = 83.8%). The rate of complete response of pain after SBRT ranged between 30.0 and 81.3% (median: 48.4%) in three studies. The pooled rate was 51.9% (95% CI, 39.3–64.3%), with high heterogeneity (Q2 test: p < 0.008; I2 = 79.1%). The rate of partial plus complete pain response ranged between 44.4 and 100% (median: 78.6%) in nine studies. The pooled rate was 78.3% (95% CI, 71.0–84.5%), with high heterogeneity (Q2 test: p < 0.0001; I2 = 79.4%). A linear regression with sensitivity analysis showed significantly improved overall pain response as the EQD2α/β:10 increases (p: 0.005). Eight papers did not report any side effect during and after SBRT. In three studies only transient acute effects were recorded. The results of the included studies showed high heterogeneity. However, SBRT of PDCA resulted reasonably effective in producing pain relief in these patients. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of SBRT in this setting based on Patient-Reported Outcomes.
Relationships Between Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction, Regulations, and Behavioral Engagement in Mathematics

Behavioral engagement is a key determinant of students’ learning. Hence, knowledge about mechanisms affecting engagement is crucial for educators and stakeholders. Self-determination theory (SDT) offers a framework to understand one of these mechanisms. However, extant studies mostly consider only parts of SDT’s theoretical paths from basic psychological need satisfaction via regulations to student engagement. Studies that investigate the full model are rare, especially in mathematics, and results are inconclusive. Moreover, constructs are often merged in ways that may preclude detailed understanding. In this study, we used structural equation modeling to test several hypothesized paths between the individual variables that make up higher-order constructs of need satisfaction, regulations, and behavioral engagement. Satisfaction of the need for competence had a dominating effect on engagement, both directly and via identified regulation. Similarly, satisfaction of the need for relatedness predicted identified regulation, that in turn predicted engagement. Satisfaction of the need for autonomy predicted intrinsic regulation as expected but, in contrast to theory, was also positively associated with controlled motivation (external and introjected regulation). Neither intrinsic nor controlled regulation predicted engagement. Theoretical and method-related reasons for this unexpected pattern are discussed, as well as implications for research and teaching.
Targeting of Mcl-1 Expression by MiRNA-3614-5p Promotes Cell Apoptosis of Human Prostate Cancer Cells

MicroRNA (miRNA) acts as a critical regulator of growth in various human malignancies. However, the role of miRNA-3614 in the progression of human prostate cancer remains unknown. In this study, our results demonstrated that miRNA-3614-5p exerts a significant inhibitory effect on cell viability and colony formation and induces sub-G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells. Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) acts as a master regulator of cell survival. Using the miRNA databases, miRNA-3614-5p was found to regulate Mcl-1 expression by targeting positions of the Mcl-1-3′ UTR. The reduction of Mcl-1 expression by miRNA-3614-5p was further confirmed using an immunoblotting assay. Pro-apoptotic caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were significantly activated by miRNA-3614-5p to generate cleaved caspase-3 (active caspase-3) and cleaved PARP (active PARP), accompanied by the inhibited Mcl-1 expression. These findings were the first to demonstrate the anti-growth effects of miRNA-3614-5p through downregulating Mcl-1 expression in human prostate cancer cells.
Using Apparent Electric Conductivity and NDVI Measurements for Yield Estimation of Processing Tomato Crop

Abstract. The use of predictive yield maps is an important tool for the delineation of within-field management zones. In particular, appropriate placement in the field of organically grown produce, as is the case for the processing tomato crop in this study, will ensure higher crop yield. Accurate estimation of yield can be used to plan the best time for harvesting and transport for industrial processing. Apparent electrical conductivity (EC a ) and vegetation indices based on crop reflectance are two tools that can be used to help attain these objectives. Developments in the use of sensors have enabled massive georeferenced data sampling of these parameters. The aim of this article is to assess the EC a and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) using geostatistical techniques to optimize their use. Principal component analysis was used to evaluate the predictive yield maps developed. EC a was a reasonably good indicator of crop production potential throughout the plot as a whole, but NDVI was the best indicator, offering a better resolution than EC a and a reasonable estimation of yield distribution over the extensive tested crop surface area.
Tools for making acute risk decisions

To better manage acute risk in the process industry, improved methods are being used to identify hazards and quantify their risks. However, the industry is not as far along in advancing its approach to making decisions on these risks. Decision aids are tools for deciding among alternatives for addressing a risk problem. risk decisions are especially difficult when the consequences have high stakes and low probability, multiple stakeholders and competing objetives are involved, and resources available to reduce the risk are limited (AU)
The role of offshore wind development in the UK socio-technical transition towards a low carbon electricity system

A growing recognition of anthropogenic climate change has led to carbon reduction and renewable energy targets being institutionalised within the UK’s energy policy. Meeting these targets will require a fundamental restructuring of the current electricity system to allow for the long term sustainability of electricity generation. This thesis argues that large scale electricity generation from offshore wind technology will have a key role in driving the sustainability transition within the electricity system. It is argued that the offshore wind technology, like other technologies, is embedded in wider social, political and economic institutions. This means that offshore wind is a socio-technical system and its development involves interactions between the technical and non-technical elements which are socially constructed within existing institutions. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the understanding of the interaction between technology, institutions and actors in the sustainability transition of the electricity system. The thesis plans to fulfil methodological insights to investigate the factors that affect the development of the offshore wind system within a socio-technical transition towards sustainability in the electricity system. For this purpose, empirical data were generated from 41 semi-structured interviews with principal decision makers in industry and local authority positions, observations of industry and government events, and industry reports and related policy document analysis. The analysis employs a novel analytical framework that draws from two established theories in the literature: the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) and Social Construction of Technological System (SCOT), and incorporates insights from transition studies. This thesis finds a new form of interactions between socio-technical elements of the system in the UK energy transition which leads to different transition pathways to a low carbon electricity system with regard to offshore wind development. The thesis provides a broad understanding of the development of the offshore wind system within the processes of socio-technical transition towards sustainability as well as within the UK’s energy policy. A number of policy implications and recommendations are also made of relevance to a broad academic and policy focused audience.
Current status of one- and two-dimensional numerical models: Successes and limitations

The capabilities of one and two-dimensional numerical solar cell modeling programs (SCAP1D and SCAP2D) are described. The occasions when a two-dimensional model is required are discussed. The application of the models to design, analysis, and prediction are presented along with a discussion of problem areas for solar cell modeling.
Effect of Altitudinal Variation on Phenology and Herbivory in Trifolium repens 

: Phenology is an important ecological feature that can be inﬂuenced by many aspects. Mountainous regions are great sites to perform studies to help the understanding of the reproductive cycle of plants and herbivores. In this work, the phenological cycle and leaf damage rate caused by herbivores in Trifolium repens were observed among three different altitudes in the Itatiaia National Park from June to August 2021, and statistical analyses were performed using linear mixed-effects models. The preliminary results show that altitude affected vegetative phenophases and herbivory ( p < 0.01). The highest altitude sampled stands out for having less open and damaged leaves and for being the only altitude without any ﬂowering events. Nevertheless, the inﬂuence of growing season climate on phenology is often observed in transplanting experiments, in which at lower altitudes plants typically develop earlier than those in their higher altitude native sites. As for the damage caused by herbivores, it is known that environmental conditions of higher altitudes can reduce the aptitude of various insects.
Smart Sensor Framework: A Pressure Sensor for Smart Home Applications

Smart home automation applications require a dense information network for proper func-tionality. Air-conditioning or filtration systems, for example, must detect airflows caused by openwindows and doors. An unambiguous detection of such airflows can be performed by a distributedsensor network. Current off-the-shelf sensors often lack processing and communication units, resulting in a large design assembly of discrete integrated circuits (ICs) on one printed circuit board (PCB)that requires additional power supply. Distributing such designs within a home without interferingwith the existing surroundings proves to be difficult in terms of acceptance and usability. This paperpresents a solution by offering an integrated design that includes a microelectromechanical system(MEMS) pressure sensor element along with an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a customizableand programmable processing unit. The integration leads to a smaller overall footprint and reducedpower consumption, which positively affects the acceptance rate of distributed smart sensor networksfor home automation. Clear interfaces between the components ensure an extensible and adaptablesystem design suitable for further smart sensor applications, resulting in a smart sensor framework.
Cytogenomic Characterization of Giant Ring or Rod Marker Chromosome in Four Cases of Well-Differentiated and Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma

Chromosome and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analyses were performed on two cases of well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS) and two cases of dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS). The results revealed the characteristic giant ring (GR) or giant rod marker (GRM) chromosomes in all four cases and amplification of numerous somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) involving a core segment of 12q14.1q15 and other chromosomal regions in three cases. The levels of amplification for oncogenes OS9, CDK4, HMGA2, NUP107, MDM2, YEATS4, and FRS2 at the core segment or other SCNAs should be characterized to facilitate pathologic correlation and prognostic prediction. Further studies for the initial cellular crisis event affecting chromosome intermingling regions for cell-type specific gene regulation may reveal the underlying mutagenesis mechanism for GR and GRM in WDLPS and DDLPS.
Insights into Fluctuations of Structure of Proteins: Significance of Intermediary States in Regulating Biological Functions

Proteins are indispensable to cellular communication and metabolism. The structure on which cells and tissues are developed is deciphered from proteins. To perform functions, proteins fold into a three-dimensional structural design, which is specific and fundamentally determined by their characteristic sequence of amino acids. Few of them have structural versatility, allowing them to adapt their shape to the task at hand. The intermediate states appear momentarily, while protein folds from denatured (D) ⇔ native (N), which plays significant roles in cellular functions. Prolific effort needs to be taken in characterizing these intermediate species if detected during the folding process. Protein folds into its native structure through definite pathways, which involve a limited number of transitory intermediates. Intermediates may be essential in protein folding pathways and assembly in some cases, as well as misfolding and aggregation folding pathways. These intermediate states help to understand the machinery of proper folding in proteins. In this review article, we highlight the various intermediate states observed and characterized so far under in vitro conditions. Moreover, the role and significance of intermediates in regulating the biological function of cells are discussed clearly.
A Highly Efficient and Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Disubstituted Imidazoles in Ionic Liquid from Gem-Dibromo Vinylarenes and Amidines

Abstract A rapid and versatile, transition metal free, green methodology for the synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted-1H-imidazoles, using gem-dibromo vinylarenes and amidines is described. The disclosed strategy utilizes a combination of the easily available and nontoxic, naturally occurring mild base, NaHCO3 and the ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate [bmim][BF4], for promoting the successive aminations through intermolecular C(sp2)-N and intramolecular C(sp2)-N bonds formation to furnish diverse disubstituted imidazole derivatives. Graphical Abstract
Effects of wearing removable dentures and aging on palatal mucosa blood flow by laser doppler

Aim: The purpose of this work is to analyze the effects of removable dental prostheses and aging on blood microcirculation in the palatal mucosa. Settings and Design: Blood flow was measured in two groups using the Laser Doppler Flowmeter at three specific anatomical sites: Retro incisive papilla, medial raphe, and Schroeder area. Materials and Methods: Group 1 included young, healthy dentulous individuals (mean age: 23 ± 3 years), and Group 2 contained elderly edentulous individuals (mean age: 62 ± 11.69 years). For Group 1, measurements were taken in a single session; for Group 2, the measurements were taken in two sessions: The first just before the prosthetic load (E1) and again 1 week after new dentures were provider (E2). Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software, Version 9.4 of the SAS System for Windows, Copyright © 2017 SAS Institute Inc. (Cary, NC, USA). A P < 0.05 was classified as statistically significant. Results: Measurements of blood flow of the palatal mucosa showed that the healthy young dentulous participants had significantly lower perfusion unit values than the elderly edentulous participants at all three anatomical sites (P < 0.05). For Group 2, the comparisons between the measurements taken before (E1) and after (E2) new dentures were provided showed no significant differences. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the process of aging significantly modifies the blood flow of the palatal mucosa while wearing removable dental prostheses does not modify the blood flow of the palatal mucosa in a 1week period. These results are not influenced by systemic pathology (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases) or smoking.
Relationship of normal-weight central obesity with the risk for heart failure and atrial fibrillation: analysis of a nationwide health check-up and claims database

Abstract Aims There have been scarce data on the relationship of normal-weight central obesity (NWCO) with the subsequent risk for heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Using a nationwide health check-up and administrative claims database, we sought to clarify whether NWCO would be associated with the incidence of HF and AF. Methods and results Medical records of 1 697 903 participants without prior history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and normal-weight (body mass index of 18.5–23.0 kg/m2) were extracted from the JMDC Claims Database, which is a health check-up and claims database. We defined NWCO as normal-weight and CO (waist circumference ≥ 90 cm for men or ≥ 80 cm for women). The median age was 44.0 (37.0–52.0) years and 872 578 (51.4%) participants were men. Overall, 154 778 individuals (9.1%) had CO. The mean follow-up period was 3.3 ± 2.6 years. Participants with NWCO were older and more likely to be women than those without. HF and AF occurred in 26 936 (1.6%) and 6554 (0.4%) participants, respectively. People having NWCO were associated with a greater risk for HF [hazard ratio (HR): 1.072, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.026–1.119] and AF (HR: 1.202, 95% CI: 1.083–1.333) compared with those having normal-weight without CO. Conclusion Our analysis of a nationwide health check-up and administrative claims database including ∼1.7 million participants without prevalent CVD history demonstrated the potential impact of NWCO on the risk for HF and AF, suggesting the importance of abdominal obesity in the developing HF and AF even in normal-weight individuals.
A Linear-Resonant Hybrid Bridge DC–DC Converter

A linear-resonant hybrid bridge dc–dc converter is proposed in this article. The converter adds a set of linear-bridge-arm based on the traditional half-bridge LLC resonant converter. This converter can operate in a high-voltage-gain (HG) mode and a low-voltage-gain (LG) mode by adopting pulsewidth modulation strategy and pulse frequency modulation strategy respectively. In the HG mode, it can control the inductor current increasing linearly by the linear-bridge-arm to obtain higher voltage gain and wider output range than the traditional LLC resonant converter, and the voltage gain is less affected by the magnetizing inductor. In the LG mode, the voltage gain characteristics of the proposed converter are similar to that of the traditional LLC resonant converter. The proposed converter works with negligible feedback current. In addition, all power switches can realize soft-switching in a wide load range. The working principle, voltage gain, design approach, and topologies comparison are introduced in this article. Finally, an experimental prototype based on constant current and constant voltage charging was built, with 400 V input voltage, 180–310 V output voltage, and 0–4.5 A output current. The experimental results verified its feasibility.
Fully solution-processed, light-weight, and ultraflexible organic solar cells

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have the potential to be superior to other PV technologies for the use in applications that require very high flexibility or maximum specific power (power-per-weight ratio), such as textile integration, wearable electronics, or outer space applications. However, OPV devices also require encapsulation by barrier films to reduce the degradation driven by extrinsic factors, which in turn limits their flexibility and leads to lower specific power values. In this work, fully solution-processed (including both electrodes) semitransparent organic solar cells (OSCs) with performance comparable with conventional indium tin oxide-based devices are processed directly onto different barrier films of varying thicknesses. Direct cell fabrication onto barrier films leads to the elimination of the additional polyethylene terephthalate substrate and one of the two adhesive layers in the final stack of an encapsulated OPV device by replacing the industrial state-of-the-art sandwich encapsulation with a top-only encapsulation process, which yields significantly thinner and lighter ‘product-relevant’ PV devices. In addition to the increase of the specific power to 0.38 W g−1, which is more than four times higher than sandwich-encapsulated devices, these novel OSCs exhibit better flexibility and survive 5000 bending cycles with 4.5 mm bending radius. Moreover, the devices show comparable stability as conventionally encapsulated devices under constant illumination (1 sun) in ambient air for 1000 h. Finally, degradation under damp heat conditions (65 °C, 85% rh) was investigated and found to be determined by a combination of different factors, namely (UV) light soaking, intrinsic barrier properties, and potential damaging of the barriers during (laser) processing.
Bacterial Metabolomics: Sample Preparation Methods

Metabolomics is a comprehensive analysis of metabolites existing in biological systems. As one of the important “omics” tools, the approach has been widely employed in various fields in helping to better understand the complex cellular metabolic states and changes. Bacterial metabolomics has gained a significant interest as bacteria serve to provide a better subject or model at systems level. The approach in metabolomics is categorized into untargeted and targeted which serves different paradigms of interest. Nevertheless, the bottleneck in metabolomics has been the sample or metabolite preparation method. A custom-made method and design for a particular species or strain of bacteria might be necessary as most studies generally refer to other bacteria or even yeast and fungi that may lead to unreliable analysis. The paramount aspect of metabolomics design comprises sample harvesting, quenching, and metabolite extraction procedures. Depending on the type of samples and research objective, each step must be at optimal conditions which are significantly important in determining the final output. To date, there are no standardized nor single designated protocols that have been established for a specific bacteria strain for untargeted and targeted approaches. In this paper, the existing and current developments of sample preparation methods of bacterial metabolomics used in both approaches are reviewed. The review also highlights previous literature of optimized conditions used to propose the most ideal methods for metabolite preparation, particularly for bacterial cells. Advantages and limitations of methods are discussed for future improvement of bacterial metabolomics.