Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of mesenchymal-epithelial transition amplification on immune microenvironment and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have brought clinical benefits to patients with various histological types of lung cancer. Previous studies have shown an association between mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) and the immunotherapy response in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but there is a lack of clinical data on the correlation of MET amplification with the ICI response in NSCLC. Methods Copy number alteration (CNA), somatic mutation, and clinical data from two immunotherapy cohorts (Rizvi et al. cohort and our local cohort) were collected and pooled to further investigate the key role of MET amplification in patients with NSCLC receiving ICIs. The correlations between MET amplification and tumor immunogenicity and antitumor immunity were further investigated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-NSCLC [lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)/lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC)] data-set. Results In the immunotherapy cohorts, MET amplification was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) times in patients receiving ICI treatment (P=0.039; HR =0.37; 95% CI: 0.18–0.73). In the TCGA-NSCLC data-set, MET amplification was associated with high MET mRNA and protein levels, tumor mutation burden (TMB), neoantigen load (NAL), immune-activated cell patterns, immune-related gene expression levels, and the number of gene alterations in the DNA damage response and repair (DDR) pathway. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) results indicated significant up-regulation of the immune response-related pathways in the MET-amplification group. Conclusions Our results suggest that MET amplification may be a novel predictive marker for immunotherapy efficacy in NSCLC.
Comparing self-affirmation manipulations to reduce alcohol consumption in university students

Abstract Objective: Self-affirmation theory proposes that defensive processing prevents people from accepting health-risk messages, which may explain university students’ dismissal of risk-information about binge drinking. SA-interventions may encourage non-biased processing of such information through impacting on interpersonal feelings and self-esteem. This study compared two self-affirmation manipulations on interpersonal feelings, self-esteem, message processing, message acceptance and subsequent alcohol consumption. Participants: UK university students (N = 454). Methods: Participants were randomly allocated to one of three conditions (Self-affirmation Implementation Intention, Kindness Questionnaire, Control) before reading health-risk information about binge drinking. This was followed by measures of interpersonal feelings, self-esteem, message processing, acceptance and behavioral intentions. Alcohol consumption was assessed one week later. Results: The self-affirmation manipulations had non-significant effects on all outcome variables. Conclusion: Consistent with previous research, the results indicate that self-affirmation interventions are not effective for reducing alcohol consumption in university students.
Pattern and Outcome of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: A Prospective Cohort Study at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major public health problem, is the most common cause of death/disability in children. Glasgow coma scale is used to assess, decide treatment and follow up of TBI. TBI causes and outcome data are scarce from sub-Saharan Africa, non-existent from Ethiopia. We aimed to document pattern and predictors of childhood TBI outcome in a teaching hospital, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS Prospective cohort study was conducted from September 2017 to September 2018 among pediatrics TBI presented to Hawassa University Hospital. Data were collected by structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression was carried out and significant associations were declared at p-value of < 0.05. RESULT During 1year period there were 4258 emergency room(ER) visits, TBI contributed to 317(7.4%) cases. The mean age of study subjects was 7.66±3.88 years. Boys, predominantly above 5years of age, comprise 218(68.8%) of study subjects with male to female ratio of 2.2:1. Pedestrian RTA 119 (37.5%) and falls 104 (32.8%) were the commonest causes of TBI. Mild, moderate, and severe TBI were documented in 231(72.9%), 61(19.2%), and 25(7.9%) of cases respectively. Most of TBI cases presented within 24hrs of injury 258(81.4%). Recovery with no neurologic deficit, 267(84.2%); focal neurologic deficit, 30(9.5%); depressed mentation, 10(3.2%) and death 10(3.2%) were documented. Presence of increased intracranial pressure(ICP) at admission [AOR: 1.415 (95% CI: 0.458-9.557)], severe TBI [AOR: 2.103 (95% CI: 0.965-4.524)], presence of hyperglycemia [AOR: 2.318 (95% CI: 0.873-7.874)] and head computed tomographic(CT) scans of contusion, diffuse axonal injury (DAI) or intracranial bleeding [AOR: 2.45 (95% CI: 0.811-7.952)] were found to be predictors of TBI outcome. CONCLUSION TBI contributed to 7.4% of pediatric ER visits. Boys above 5years of age were highly affected. Pedestrian RTA and falls, early presentation (<24hrs of injury) and mild form of TBI were the common documented patterns. Presence of increased ICP, hyperglycemia, severe TBI and CT findings of contusion, DAI/intracranial bleeding were predictors of poor outcome. Public awareness on road safety, childhood safety in preventing falls/animal injuries, closer follow-up of TBI cases for ICP and glycemic controls are recommended.
MbnC Is Not Required for the Formation of the N-Terminal Oxazolone in the Methanobactin from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b

A number of environmental and medical applications have been proposed for MBs, including bioremediation of toxic metals and nanoparticle formation, as well as the treatment of copper- and iron-related diseases. However, before MBs can be modified and optimized for any specific application, the biosynthetic pathway for MB production must be defined. ABSTRACT Methanobactins (MBs) are ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs) produced by methanotrophs for copper uptake. The posttranslational modification that defines MBs is the formation of two heterocyclic groups with associated thioamines from X-Cys dipeptide sequences. Both heterocyclic groups in the MB from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b (MB-OB3b) are oxazolone groups. The precursor gene for MB-OB3b is mbnA, which is part of a gene cluster that contains both annotated and unannotated genes. One of those unannotated genes, mbnC, is found in all MB operons and, in conjunction with mbnB, is reported to be involved in the formation of both heterocyclic groups in all MBs. To determine the function of mbnC, a deletion mutation was constructed in M. trichosporium OB3b, and the MB produced from the ΔmbnC mutant was purified and structurally characterized by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. MB-OB3b from the ΔmbnC mutant was missing the C-terminal Met and was also found to contain a Pro and a Cys in place of the pyrrolidinyl-oxazolone-thioamide group. These results demonstrate MbnC is required for the formation of the C-terminal pyrrolidinyl-oxazolone-thioamide group from the Pro-Cys dipeptide, but not for the formation of the N-terminal 3-methylbutanol-oxazolone-thioamide group from the N-terminal dipeptide Leu-Cys. IMPORTANCE A number of environmental and medical applications have been proposed for MBs, including bioremediation of toxic metals and nanoparticle formation, as well as the treatment of copper- and iron-related diseases. However, before MBs can be modified and optimized for any specific application, the biosynthetic pathway for MB production must be defined. The discovery that mbnC is involved in the formation of the C-terminal oxazolone group with associated thioamide but not for the formation of the N-terminal oxazolone group with associated thioamide in M. trichosporium OB3b suggests the enzymes responsible for posttranslational modification(s) of the two oxazolone groups are not identical.
Conceptual Design of Cantilever Support for Long Haul Bus Passenger Seat

This paper describes the conceptual design of cantilever support for long haul bus passenger seat. The advantages of cantilever bus seat structure is light weight, the luggage can be put under the seat and it is easy for floor cleanup. The total design technique was used to develop the cantilever support. Market survey was conducted to study on current available cantilever supported vehicle seat. After that, product requirement of cantilever design is defined. Next, brainstorming technique was used to generate the preliminary concept of cantilever design. Six conceptual designs were generated for selection. The matrix evaluation method was used to determine the final design of cantilever design. The weight of the concept was obtained through weighted analysis. Lastly, the final concept will be fabricated as prototype for further validation purpose.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis induced by cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulators

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by defects in the chloride ion transport caused by mutations in those genes encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Approximately 2000 genetic variants of the disease have been identified, with F508del being the predominant mutation. TRIKAFTA (Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston, Massachusetts) is the first triple combination of the transmembrane conductance regulator correctors VX-661 (tezacaftor 50 mg) and VX-445 (elexacaftor 100 mg) together with the gating potentiator VX-770 (ivacaftor 75 mg), and is used to treat patients with CF with at least one copy of the F508del mutation. TRIKAFTA confers a gain in lung function, resulting in a reduction of pulmonary exacerbations and improving patient-reported quality-of-life scores.
Vibration Suppression of Wind Turbine Blades Using Tuned Mass Dampers

Passive control of flapwise vibrations of a wind turbine blade is investigated when a single tuned mass damper (TMD) is attached to the blade. The blade is subjected to a wind pressure which changes linearly with height from the ground level due to the wind shear. The vibrations of the wind turbine blade are theoretically and numerically analyzed to determine the natural frequency diagrams, frequency responses, stationary time histories and their FFT results. It is found that several peaks appear near the specific rotational speeds in the response curves for the blade because of both the wind pressure and the parametric excitation terms. It is also demonstrated that the optimal single TMD can suppress the resonance peaks if the fixed point theorem is used to determine the optimal values of the parameters of the TMD. The influences of the mass and install position of the TMD on its performance are also examined.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Short-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidal ideation: A prospective cohort study

Background: Few studies have examined the effect of pandemics on suicide-related outcomes. Aims: We examined whether suicidal ideation levels among the general population changed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic by tracking individuals between January and April 2020. Method: We used a prospective observational longitudinal design (n = 6,683) to conduct online surveys of the general adult population in Japan before (baseline) and during the pandemic (follow-up). Results: Suicidal ideation levels were significantly lower during than before the pandemic; however, the effect size was small (r = .07). Participants who were younger, with unstable employment, without children, with low income, and receiving psychiatric care were more likely to have higher suicidal ideation levels during the pandemic. Limitations: The dropout rate may have affected the results. COVID-19 cases and deaths in Japan were relatively lower than in other developed countries. Conclusion: Although the short-term impact of COVID-19 on suicidal ideation is limited, relatively young and economically vulnerable individuals are more likely to show exacerbated suicidal ideation during the pandemic.
High Reynolds Number Investigation of a Flush-Mounted, S-Duct Inlet with Large Amounts of Boundary Layer Ingestion

An experimental investigation of a flush-mounted, S-duct inlet with large amounts of boundary layer ingestion has been conducted at Reynolds numbers up to full scale. The study was conducted in the NASA Langley Research Center 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel. In addition, a supplemental computational study on one of the inlet configurations was conducted using the Navier-Stokes flow solver, OVERFLOW. Tests were conducted at Mach numbers from 0.25 to 0.83, Reynolds numbers (based on aerodynamic interface plane diameter) from 5.1 million to 13.9 million (full-scale value), and inlet mass-flow ratios from 0.29 to 1.22, depending on Mach number. Results of the study indicated that increasing Mach number, increasing boundary layer thickness (relative to inlet height) or ingesting a boundary layer with a distorted profile decreased inlet performance. At Mach numbers above 0.4, increasing inlet airflow increased inlet pressure recovery but also increased distortion. Finally, inlet distortion was found to be relatively insensitive to Reynolds number, but pressure recovery increased slightly with increasing Reynolds number.This CD-ROM supplement contains inlet data including: Boundary layer data, Duct static pressure data, performance-AIP (fan face) data, Photos, Tunnel wall P-PTO data and definitions.
A new approach to evaluate instantaneous friction and its components in internal combustion engines

A new approach has been developed at Wayne State University to determine the instantaneous friction and its components in internal combustion engines. The method is based on the fact that the instantaneous cylinder gas forces and the instantaneous frictional, inertia and load forces cause the instantaneous variation in the flywheel angular velocity. The instantaneous total friction forces have been computed for a single diesel engine, under idling conditions. A breakdown of the friction into its components and a formulation for each component has been made. By applying linear regression, correlations between the individual components of the friction losses and the different parameters have been developed. The components are classified into two categories: piston assembly losses and crankcase assembly losses. The correlations have been applied to a multi-cylinder and a single cylinder diesel engine to compute frictional losses under operating and motoring conditions. The computed results have been found to be in a fairly good agreement with the experimental results. The correlations were also applied to the gasoline engine and compared with published experimental results in the literature.
News Flash !

Statistically anomalous signals in the microwave background have been extensively studied in general in multipole space, and in real space mainly for circular and other simple patterns. In this paper we search for a range of non-trivial patterns in the temperature data from WMAP 7-year observations. We find a very significant detection of a number of such features and discuss their consequences for the essential character of the cos-
Fabricating a multi-level barrier-integrated microfluidic device using grey-scale photolithography

Most polymer-replica-based microfluidic devices are mainly fabricated by using standard soft-lithography technology so that multi-level masters (MLMs) require multiple spin-coatings, mask alignments, exposures, developments, and bakings. In this paper, we describe a simple method for fabricating MLMs for planar microfluidic channels with multi-level barriers (MLBs). A single photomask is necessary for standard photolithography technology to create a polydimethylsiloxane grey-scale photomask (PGSP), which adjusts the total amount of UV absorption in a negative-tone photoresist via a wide range of dye concentrations. Since the PGSP in turn adjusts the degree of cross-linking of the photoresist, this method enables the fabrication of MLMs for an MLB-integrated microfluidic device. Since the PGSP-based soft-lithography technology provides a simple but powerful fabrication method for MLBs in a microfluidic device, we believe that the fabrication method can be widely used for micro total analysis systems that benefit from MLBs. We demonstrate an MLB-integrated microfluidic device that can separate microparticles.
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan for Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety

Background The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (TWBXD) has been used widely for treating insomnia in China. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TWBXD in the treatment of insomnia. Objective This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of TWBXD for insomnia. Methods We searched seven main databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), and Wan-fang. We identified randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) for insomnia treatment involving TWBXD, TWBXD combined with conventional Western medicine, and conventional Western medicine from their inception to May 2018. The quality of literature was evaluated by Cochrane assessing tool to reduce the risk of bias. Meta-analysis and heterogeneity of results across the trials were performed. RevMan 5.3 was used to synthesize the results. Results 14 studies involving 1,256 participants were identified in this systematic review. Methodological deficiencies existed in most of the included trials. Few studies described the generation of a random sequence in detail, the concealment of allocation, and the methods of blinding. No placebo was used in treatment. 12 trials compared TWBXD with conventional Western medicine and 2 trials compared TWBXD combined with conventional Western medicine. The results of our meta-analysis showed relative benefits in effective rates in favor of TWBXD (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67 to 4.39, P < 0.00001) and TWBXD combined with conventional Western medicine (OR 5.05, 95% CI 1.58 to 16.12, P=0.006). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores showed similar results, which favored TWBXD (Weighted Mean Difference [WMD] -1.82, 95% CI -3.00 to -0.64, P=0.003). Only 5 trials reported adverse events, whereas the other 9 trials did not provide the safety information. Conclusion This review demonstrates that although the effects of TWBXD on insomnia were promising, they need to be interpreted with caution, due to the poor methodological quality and the small number of trials of the included studies. TWBXD seems to be generally safe, but there is insufficient evidence to make conclusions on the safety because fewer studies reported the adverse events. Further studies on a larger scale with more rigorous designs are required to evaluate the role of TWBXD in the insomnia treatment.
An Improved Directional GVF Snake

Gradient Vector Flow (GVF) Snake has been extensively utilized in handling image segmentation and classification problems. However, GVF Snake has a drawback in that it sometimes may fail to stop the snake at weak edges, especially at the locations where a weak edge is very close to a strong one or some noise. To guide the snake toward the appropriate edges, we have added gradient directional information to the external image force to create a “directional snake”. Experiments prove that the new model limits the influence of false edge, avoid the edge leak, and obtains desired segmentation results.
Automating regression test selection for web services

As Web services grow in maturity and use, so do the methods which are being used to test and maintain them. Regression Testing is a major component of most major testing systems but has only begun to be applied to Web services. The majority of the tools and techniques applying regression test to Web services are focused on test-case generation, thus ignoring the potential savings of regression test selection. Regression test selection optimizes the regression testing process by selecting a subset of all tests, while still maintaining some level of confidence about the system performing no worse than the unmodified system. A safe regression test selection technique implies that after selection, the level of confidence is as high as it would be if no tests were removed. Since safe regression test selection techniques generally involve code-based (white-box) testing, they cannot be directly applied to Web services due to their loosely-coupled, standards-based, and distributed nature. A framework which automates both the regression test selection and regression testing processes for Web services in a decentralized, end-to-end manner is proposed. As part of this approach, special consideration is given to the concurrency issues which may occur in an autonomous and decentralized system. The resulting synchronization method will be presented along with a set of algorithms which manage the regression testing and regression test selection processes throughout the system. A set of empirical results demonstrate the feasibility and benefit of the approach. Keywords: Regression Testing, Regression Test Selection, Safe Regression Test Selection, Web services, Concurrency, Coverage Conflict, Test Inconsistency
Identification of gene expression logical invariants in Arabidopsis

Abstract Numerous gene expression datasets from diverse tissue samples from the plant variety Arabidopsis thaliana have been already deposited in the public domain. There have been several attempts to do large scale meta‐analyses of all of these datasets. Most of these analyses summarize pairwise gene expression relationships using correlation, or identify differentially expressed genes in two conditions. We propose here a new large scale meta‐analysis of the publicly available Arabidopsis datasets to identify Boolean logical relationships between genes. Boolean logic is a branch of mathematics that deals with two possible values. In the context of gene expression datasets we use qualitative high and low expression values. A strong logical relationship between genes emerges if at least one of the quadrants is sparsely populated. We pointed out serious issues in the data normalization steps widely accepted and published recently in this context. We put together a web resource where gene expression relationships can be explored online which helps visualize the logical relationships between genes. We believe that this website will be useful in identifying important genes in different biological context. The web link is http://hegemon.ucsd. edu/plant/.