Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survival of Esophageal Cancer in China: A Pooled Analysis on Hospital-Based Studies From 2000 to 2018

Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) causes more than 400 thousand deaths per year, and half of them occur in China. There are discrepancies regarding the survival of EC patients between population-based surveillance studies and hospital-based studies. Objectives: We aimed to synthesize the survival data from hospital-based EC studies in the Chinese population from 2000 to 2018 and to compare the survival rates between EC patients with different clinical classifications. Methods: The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD-42019121559). We searched Embase, PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases for studies published between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2018. We calculated the pooled survival rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by Stata software (V14.0). Results: Our literature search identified 933 studies, of which 331 studies with 79,777 EC patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in meta-analyses. The pooled survival rates were 74.1% (95% CI: 72.6–75.7%) for 1-year survival, 49.0% (95% CI: 44.2–53.8%) for 2-years survival, 46.0% (95% CI: 42.6–49.5%) for 3-years survival, and 40.1% (95% CI: 33.7–46.4%) for 5-years survival. An increased tendency toward EC survival was verified from 2000 to 2018. In addition, discrepancies were observed between EC patients with different clinical classifications (e.g., stages, histologic types, and cancer sites). Conclusions: Our findings showed a higher survival rate in hospital-based studies than population-based surveillance studies. Although this hospital-based study is subject to potential representability and publication bias, it offers insight into the prognosis of patients with EC in China.
Novelty Before or After Word Learning Does Not Affect Subsequent Memory Performance

In humans, exposure to novel images and exploration of novel virtual environments before the encoding of words improved subsequent memory performance. Animal studies revealed similar effects of novelty, both before and after learning, and could show that hippocampus-dependent dopaminergic neuromodulation plays an important role. Here, we further investigated the effects of novelty on long-term memory in humans using a novel paradigm employing short sequences of nature movies presented either before or at two time points after learning of unrelated words. Since novelty processing is associated with a release of dopamine into the hippocampus, we hypothesized that novelty exposure primarily affects hippocampus-dependent memory (i.e., recollection) but not hippocampus-independent memory (i.e., familiarity). We tested 182 healthy human subjects in three experiments including a word-learning task followed by a 1-day delayed recognition task. Importantly, participants were exposed to novel (NOV) or familiar movies (FAM) at three time points: (experiment 1) directly after encoding of the word list, (experiment 2) 15 min after encoding, (experiment 3) 15 min prior to encoding. As expected, novel movies were perceived as more interesting and led to better mood. During word recognition, reaction times were faster for remember as compared to familiarity responses in all three experiments, but this effect was not modulated by novelty. In contrast to our main hypothesis, there was no effect of novelty – before or after encoding – on subsequent word recognition, including recollection and familiarity scores. Therefore, an exposure to novel movies without an active task does not affect hippocampus-dependent and hippocampus-independent long-term recognition memory for words in humans.
Sequence Dynamics of Pre-mRNA G-Quadruplexes in Plants

Intramolecular G-quadruplexes (G4s) are secondary structures that may form within G-rich stretches of nucleic acids. Although their presence has been associated with genomic instability and mutagenicity, recent reports suggest their involvement in regulation of diverse cellular events, including transcription and translation. The majority of data regarding G4s stems from mammalian and yeast studies, leaving the plant G4s almost unexplored. Using the publicly available Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa WGS data, we examined the single nucleotide variability of sequences predicted to form G4s (pG4s) structures. We focused our analysis on protein coding transcripts and compared the results to well-characterized Homo sapiens data. We demonstrate that the overall high variability of pG4s is not uniform and differs between gene structural elements. Specifically, plant AUG-containing pG4s, located within 5′UTR/CDS junctions, are abundant and appear not to be affected by a higher frequency of sequence change, indicating their functional relevance. Furthermore, we show that substitutions lowering the probability of G4s’ formation are preferred over neutral or stabilizing modifications.
Candida spp. Determination and Th1/Th2 Mixed Cytokine Profile in Oral Samples From HIV+ Patients With Chronic Periodontitis

Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP), caused by bacteria and fungi, appears in up to 66% of HIV-patients. The impact and association of HIV-treatment (HAART) and Candida itself has not been properly evaluated in the development and progression of CP. The immunopathogenesis is characterized by CD4+ T-cells activation and the balance between the T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) or a mixed cytokine profile. Currently, the associated causes of an immune response in HIV-patients with CP is controversial. Our aims were the determination of Candida spp. and cytokine profile in oral samples from HIV-positive patients with CP, considering the CD4+ T cells levels and HAART use. Methods: From 500 HIV-positive patients evaluated, 228 patients were enrolled. Patients were separated in groups: (A) n = 53 (≤200 CD4+ T-cells on HAART); (B) n = 57 (≤200 CD4+ T-cells without HAART); (C) n = 50 (>200 CD4+ T-cells without HAART); (D) n = 68 (>200 CD4+ T-cells on HAART). Candida spp. were isolated from the oral biofilm and crevicular fluid in CHROMagar and confirmed by endpoint PCR. Cytokine levels were measured by beads-based immunoassay in saliva by flow cytometry. Results: 147 patients (64.5%) were positive to Candida spp. and 204 strains were isolated; 138 (67.6%) were C. albicans and the remaining C. non-albicans species (C. glabrata>C. tropicalis>C. krusei>C. dubliniensis). In this study, CHROMagar showed good sensitivity (95%) but poor specificity (68%); since of the 152 samples identified as C. albicans, only 131 were confirmed by PCR; from the 10 samples identified as C. glabrata, only six were confirmed. Finally, of the 42 samples detected as C. tropicalis, only five were confirmed. When evaluating Candida spp. presence, group A and D had higher isolation, while group B had the highest species diversity. Whereas, group C had a significant reduction of Candida spp. Despite the presence of Candida and HAART, we found a Th1/Th2 hybrid profile in the saliva of patients with low CD4+ T-cell count (group A). Conclusion: Abundance and diversity of the Candida spp. detected in HIV-patients with CP could be related to HAART and low CD4+ T-cells levels. Also, the immunosuppression might promote a local Th1/Th2 hybrid cytokine profile.
The 4-Aminopyridine Model of Acute Seizures in vitro Elucidates Efficacy of New Antiepileptic Drugs

Up to date, preclinical screening for new antiepileptic substances is performed by a combination of different in vivo models of acute seizures, for which large numbers of animals are necessary. So far, little attention has been paid to in vitro models, which are also able to detect antiepileptic efficacy and in principle could likewise serve for exploratory preclinical screening. One of the established in vitro models of acute seizures is the 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) model. Previous studies have shown that the 4-AP model is capable to recapitulate the antiepileptic efficacy of standard antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as valproate or carbamazepine. Here, we employed a dual methodological approach using electrophysiology and optical imaging to systematically test the antiepileptic efficacy of three new-generation AEDs with distinct mechanisms of action (lacosamide, zonisamide, and levetiracetam). We found that frequency of 4-AP induced seizure like events (SLE) was the most sensitive parameter to detect dose-dependent antiepileptic effects in these compounds. Specifically, levetiracetam reduced SLE frequency while lacosamide and zonisamide at higher doses completely blocked SLE incidence. Analysis of the intrinsic optical signal additionally revealed a subiculum-specific reduction of the area involved in the propagation of ictal activity when lacosamide or zonisamide were administered. Taken together, our data adds some evidence that acute seizure models in vitro are in principle capable to detect antiepileptic effects across different mechanisms of action with efficacy similar to acute models in vivo. Further studies with negative controls, e.g., penicillin as a proconvulsant, and other clinically relevant AEDs are needed to determine if this acute in vitro model might be useful as exploratory screening tool. In view of the increasing sensitivity toward animal welfare, an affective in vitro model may help to reduce the number of laboratory animals deployed in burdening in vivo experiments and to preselect substances for subsequent testing in time- and cost-laborious models of chronic epilepsy.
A Nitric Oxide-Dependent Presynaptic LTP at Glutamatergic Synapses of the PVN Magnocellular Neurosecretory Cells in vitro in Rats

The magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) integrate incoming signals to secrete oxytocin (OT), and vasopressin (VP) from their nerve terminals in the posterior pituitary gland. In the absence of gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) and cannabinoids 1 (CB1) receptor activity, we used whole-cell patch-clamp recording, single-cell reverse transcription-multiplex polymerase chain reaction (SC-RT-mPCR), biocytin histochemistry and pharmacological methods to examine the mechanism of high frequency stimulus (HFS, 100 Hz)-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) at glutamatergic synapses in the PVN MNCs of juvenile male rats. Our results showed that HFS-induced LTP at glutamatergic synapses was accompanied by a decrease in the paired-pulse ratio (PPR) of the PVN MNCs. In these MNCs, HFS-induced LTP persisted in the presence of a group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1) antagonist; however, it was abolished by an N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor blocker. Notably, HFS-induced LTP in the PVN MNCs was completely prevented by a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor. The application of an NO donor not only induced the LTP of excitatory glutamatergic inputs in the PVN MNCs, but also occluded the HFS-induced LTP in these MNCs. Moreover, HFS-induced LTP in the PVN MNCs was also abolished by a specific protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, KT5720. SC-RT-mPCR analysis revealed that 64.5% (62/96) of MNCs expressed OT mRNA. Our results indicate that a HFS can induce an NMDA receptor and NO cascades dependent on presynaptic glutamatergic LTP in the PVN MNCs via a PKA signaling pathway.
The Importance of Melanocortin Receptors and Their Agonists in Pulmonary Disease

Melanocortin agonists are ancient neuropeptides that have steroidogenesis and anti-inflammatory properties. They activate melanocortin receptors (MCR), a family of five seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors. MC1R and MC3R are mainly involved in immunomodulatory effects. Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and alpha-Melanocortin stimulating hormone (α-MSH) reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in several pulmonary inflammatory disorders including asthma, sarcoidosis, and the acute respiratory distress syndrome. They have also been shown to reduce fibrogenesis in animal models with pulmonary fibrosis. By understanding the functions of MCR in macrophages, T-helper cell type 1, and T-helper cell type 17, we may uncover the mechanism of action of melanocortin agonists in sarcoidosis. Further translational and clinical research is needed to define the role of ACTH and α-MSH in pulmonary diseases.
Performance Study and Effects of Route Caching Mechanisms in On-Demand Routing Algorithms for MANET

Route caching strategy is an important part of any on-demand routing protocols to influence performance of wireless networks. Performance metrics like overhead and delay were found to vary with utilization levels of route cache for protocols like Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) and Highest Energy Routing (HER). Hence variations to these protocols are presented in this paper to improve reliability of service and reduce the effects of cache staleness and network partitions. The variation is with respect to identification of route and cache validation of errors using different techniques namely Update Route Caching (URC), Temporal Cache Validation (TCV), Negative Cache Validation (NCV) and combined cache validation (CCV). These techniques refresh cache more often than the DSR and HER thereby initiating route requests earlier, when a route still being used is broken, thus reducing peer-to-peer delay to transmit packets. The results of GloMoSim simulator validates higher cache hit percentage and reliable delivery of packets in the technique Combined Cache Validation (CCV) when in comparison to DSR and HER.
Mobile cloud computing: The-state-of-the-art, challenges, and future research

Mobile Cloud Computing (MCC) is the state-of-the-art distributed mobile computing technology that is recently gaining ground to augment computational capabilities of resource-constraint mobile devices using cloud-based resources. MCC employs Cloud-based Mobile Augmentation (CMA) approaches to efficiently execute resource-intensive components of mobile applications outside the device in a resource-rich cloud-based computing resource(s). However, employing CMA approaches is not a straightforward panacea and is encumbered by varied challenges, particularly long WAN latency. Researchers endeavored to mitigate the impacts of long WAN (Wide Area Network) latency by proposing varied architectures for MCC. In this chapter, we present comprehensive overview of MCC, present its definition, motivation, and taxonomy of MCC building blocks followed by brief comparison of cloud computing and MCC. Various MCC architectures are illustrated and scrutinized. Also several open challenges that require future research are presented.
Performance Analysis of Job-scheduling in Multi-User Hadoop Clusters

The last decade has shown a drastic increase in data generation on computer systems and on the Internet. With an increasing number of Internet users the combined data available online is enormous. While search engines try to index all the worlds information available online and business try to get insight in user patterns across their data systems to provide a better understanding of their users. With this rapid increase of data available a system to process all this information is needed. Building large cluster to processes these amounts of data can be costly. With the size of clusters reaching the thousands computers. Therefor companies and institutions look to colocate data on a single processing cluster. Optimizing the efficiency of a processing cluster is wanted. Apache Hadoop started as a open source project designed to process data in a large scale with reliability and scalability in mind. this project started out as a batch processing framework to process single jobs at a time, recent development have turned to sharing Hadoop clusters with other people to utilize the available resources within a Hadoop cluster. A few Task Schedulers have been written to facilitate this need. Languages such as Pig and Hive have been developed to quickly write analytic queries over data. This thesis will look at the feasibility of running a processing cluster with multiple concurrent jobs running on a single cluster. It will provide a description of the system set up and shed some light upon the different obstacles that occurs when using each Task Scheduler. What can you expect in terms of performace from a system shared between multiple users. Findings from experiments indicate that there are considerable differences between the different task schedulers benchmarked in this thesis. So, choos-
Influences of Target and Fixation Point Conditions on Characteristics of Visually Guided Voluntary Saccade.

Three experiments were conducted. In each experiment, a fixation point (FP) simultaneously appeared in the center of a monitor with the saccade target (ST) , which was presented randomly either 4 deg or 8 deg to the right of the FP . Four subjects were instructed to fixate on the FP for one second (as judged by each subject) after the appearance of the ST and to then make a single saccade to the ST. The ST Diameter , ST luminance, and FP diameter were changed randomly in each experiment, independently. The results were as follows. (1) The larger or brighter ST significantly decreased the normalized saccadic peak velocity (NSPV) as well as the saccadic amplitude . (2) The larger FP significantly decreased the saccadic amplitude and the NSPV. Some recent physiological findings suggested that the strength of the fixation before saccade generation had produced these results. キーワー ド:最 高速度,振 幅,注 視,視 覚的注意
HUMANOID BINAURAL HEARING: ADAPTIVE APPROACH

When placed in a free sound field, a listener will obstruct an incoming sound wave, and ears, head and body will cause a linear filtering of the sound signal. This filtering is completely and uniquely described by the Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF). In the general definition of this function all linear properties of the sound transmission are included. All proposed descriptors of localization cues, such as inter-aural differences in arrival-time, in phase, in sound level, as well as monaural cues, are embedded in the HRTF. They can thus be derived from it, whereas the opposite is not generally the case. Motivated by the rich content of the HRTF and by the role of the outer ear to direct, focus, and amplify sound, we present a new binaural method for sound source localization in 3D to be deployed for humanoid binaural hearing. Based on the content of the collected sound signals, the distance between the microphones reconfigures automatically in order to optimize the localization accuracy. Compared to other localization algorithms, the proposed system is outperforming in terms of localization precision and processing power.
Reusable Data-Path Architecture for Encryption-then-Authentication on FPGA

This paper proposes reusable data-path architecture for lightweight cryptography algorithms, reusing some similar hardware components for both encryption and authentication. In addition to efforts by many researches to optimize hardware architectures, to reduce hardware resources, our proposal is to reuse identical functional blocks within crypto-algorithms targeting for more secure cryptography like Message Authentication Code (MAC), authenticated encryption such as Encrypt-then-MAC (EtM) on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA). For this proposed reusable data-path, we have chosen LED algorithm for encryption and then PHOTON to generate the MAC code. Instead of creating two different circuits, one for PHOTON and another for LED, our proposal’s is to reuse some of identical block functions repeatedly, therefore reduce the size of required circuit area. Reuse of resources or identical functions however require controllers that enable sharing of data path that can also has different “rounds” of transforms required for different modes either PHOTON or LED in this case, in addition to controllers for individual algorithm. Also to enable comparable computation speed, the data-path has to be further refined, an improvement needed at least on par or better than the current techniques. For PHOTON data-path, we have improved performance of Mix-Columns, focusing on lengthy clock cycle of Galois polynomial multiplication. The results show that this proposed EtM hardware architecture achieves significant improvements, up to 587 MHz, 1336 Mbps and 3.2 Mbps/slices, for maximum frequency, throughput and efficiency, respectively.
Adaptive Recursive Least Squares Algorithm based on Echo State Neural Network

In order to model time-varying dynamical systems with more accuracy, and to further exploit the potential capacities of recurrent neural networks, we propose a novel recursive least square (RLS) algorithm based on echo state network (ESN), and note it as RLSESN in this paper. ESN is a new paradigm for using recurrent neural networks (RNN) with a simpler training method. RLSESN consists of three main components: an ESN, a recursive least square (RLS) algorithm with adaptive forgetting factor and a change detection module. At first, the change detection module modifies the forgetting factor online according to ESN output errors. And then, the RLS algorithm regulates the ESN output connection weights. The simulation experiment results show that the proposed ESN-based filters can model nonlinear time-varying dynamical systems very well; the modeling performances are significantly better than those autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model based filters.
Fusion of infrared and visible images based on NSUDCT

Aiming at the infrared and visible images in a same scene, a novel fusion algorithm based on the nonsubsampled uniform discrete curvelet transform (NSUDCT) was proposed. First, the source images were segmented using the marker controlled watershed segmentation (MCWS), and the joint region graph was obtained by superimposing the segmented results. Then, the nonsubsampled uniform discrete Curvelet transform was applied to the source images, the low-frequency coefficients were fused with the measurement of ratio of region contrast and region standard deviation, the high-frequency directional coefficients were fused with the local energy fusion rule, and the consistency of the fused coefficients was examined. Finally, the fused image was reconstructed from the subband fused coefficients. The experiment results indicate that the proposed method could provide better fusion quality in terms of both visual and quantified measure. Compared with the pixel fusion method based on NSUDCT, the Entropy of fused images increased by 9.87%, the Cross Entropy decreased by 68.04% and the Mutual Information increased by 80%.
ANALYSIS OF ANATOMICAL NETWORKS USING REGIONAL GRAY MATTER VOLUME WITH JAPANESE BRAIN MRI DATABASE

Recent research has revealed that human brain networks that are functional during activity or even at the resting state exhibit a small-world architecture. This study attempted to examine the network of the anatomical connections in the human brain. We investigated large-scale anatomical connection patterns of the human brain using regional gray matter volume from a Japanese MR image database. The regional gray matter volume network examined in this study exhibited ‘small-world’ attributes, characterized by the presence of abundant clustering of connections combined with short average distances between the regions. More importantly, our results demonstrated that a significant statistical difference existed in the small-world properties between the sexes.