Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Down-regulation of lncRNA CCAT 1 inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis by targeting apoptosis-related proteins

Colon carcinoma is one of the leading causes of death from cancer and is characterized by a heterogenic pool of cells with distinct differentiation patterns. In this study, to screen the key lncRNA which is related with cell proliferation and apoptosis, qRT-PCR assay was performed and lncRNA CCAT1 was selected. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to observe the expression level of lncRNA CCAT1 in colon cancer tissues and the adjacent non-tumor tissues. siRNA intervention on colon cancer cells SW620 and HT29 was then performed. After intervention, protein expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax and Bcl-2 in control, si-scramble and si-lncRNA CCAT1 group was compared. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle were also performed to analyze the relationship between the silence of lncRNA CCAT1 and disease progression. Results showed the mRNA expression of lncRNA CCAT1 in colon cancer tissue was significantly higher than that in adjacent non-tumor tissue. After lncRNA CCAT1 in SW620 and HT29 cells intervened with siRNA, the apoptosis rate of SW620 and HT29 cells increased, the cell population of total in si-LncRNA CCAT1 group increased at G0/G1 stage, while decreased at S and G2/M stages compared with control and si-Scramble group. Western blot analysis showed the silence of lncRNA CCAT1 promoted the protein expression of apoptotic protein Bax, caspase 3 and caspase 9, and reduced the level of Bcl-2. Therefore, lncRNA CCAT1 may be a target for colon cancer treatment.
Automated transformation of slope and surface curvatures to avoid long tails in frequency distributions

Automated procedures are developed to change scales so that long tails in frequency distributions of morphometric variables are avoided. They minimize the skewness of slope gradient frequency distributions, and modify the kurtosis of profile and plan curvature distributions towards that of the Gaussian (normal) model. Box-Cox (for slope) and arctangent (for curvature) transformations are tested on nine digital elevation models (DEMs) of varying origin and resolution, and different landscapes, and shown to be effective. Our results show considerable improvements over those for previously recommended slope transformations (sine, square root of sine, and logarithm of tangent). By avoiding long tails and outliers, they permit parametric statistics such as correlation, regression and principal component analysis to be applied, with greater confidence that requirements for linearity, additivity and even scatter of residuals (constancy of error variance) are likely to be met. It is suggested that such transformations should be routinely applied in all parametric analyses of long-tailed variables. Our Box-Cox and curvature automated transformations are based on a Python script, implemented as an easy-to-use script tool in ArcGIS.
Direct monitoring of calcium-triggered phase transitions in cubosomes using small-angle X-ray scattering combined with microfluidics

This article introduces a simple microfluidic device that can be combined with synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for monitoring dynamic structural transitions. The microfluidic device is a thiol-ene-based system equipped with 125 μm-thick polystyrene windows, which are suitable for X-ray experiments. The device was prepared by soft lithography using elastomeric molds followed by a simple UV-initiated curing step to polymerize the chip material and simultaneously seal the device with the polystyrene windows. The microfluidic device was successfully used to explore the dynamics of the structural transitions of phytantriol/dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol-based cubosomes on exposure to a buffer containing calcium ions. The resulting SAXS data were resolved in the time frame between 0.5 and 5.5 s, and a calcium-triggered structural transition from an internal inverted-type cubic phase of symmetry Im3m to an internal inverted-type cubic phase of symmetry Pn3m was detected. The combination of microfluidics with X-ray techniques opens the door to the investigation of early dynamic structural transitions, which is not possible with conventional techniques such as glass flow cells. The combination of microfluidics with X-ray techniques can be used for investigating protein unfolding, for monitoring the formation of nanoparticles in real time, and for other biomedical and pharmaceutical investigations. A combination of microfluidics with X-ray techniques has been used to perform dynamic structural studies on nanoparticulate formulations. (Less)
Victimization and Perpetration Experiences of Adults With Autism

This study aimed to describe the self-reported experiences of childhood and adult victimization and perpetration in adults with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) compared to a matched sample, and how victimization and perpetration are associated with autism-related difficulties. Forty-five adults with ASC and 42 adults without ASC completed questionnaires regarding violence victimization and perpetration, emotion regulation, and sociocommunicative competence. Participants with ASC reported experiencing, as children, more overall victimization; specifically, more property crime, maltreatment, teasing/emotional bullying, and sexual assault by peers, compared to participants without ASC. Participants with ASC also reported experiencing more teasing/emotional bullying in adulthood and greater sexual contact victimization. No significant differences were found between groups on perpetration. Sociocommunicative ability and emotion regulation deficits did not explain the heightened risk for victimization. Individuals with ASC have an increased vulnerability to violence victimization, which speaks to the need for interventions, and proactive prevention strategies.
Characterization of the Differential Adverse Event Rates by Race/Ethnicity Groups for HPV Vaccine by Integrating Data From Different Sources

Data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) contain spontaneously reported adverse events (AEs) from the public. It has been a major data source for detecting AEs and monitoring vaccine safety. As one major limitation of spontaneous surveillance systems, the VAERS reports by themselves sometimes do not provide enough information to answer certain research questions. For example, patient level demographics are very limited in VAERS due to the protection of patient privacy, such that investigation of differential AE rates across race/ethnicity groups cannot be conducted using VAERS data only. For many vaccines, racial and ethnical difference in immune responses has been found in studies based on racially diverse cohorts. It is of great interest to characterize the differential AE rates by race and ethnicity groups for vaccines. In this study, we propose a novel statistical method to integrate VAERS data with data from other resources for vaccine pharmacovigilance research. Specifically, we integrate VAERS data with CDC survey data of vaccine coverage and U.S. census data of race/ethnicity distribution to quantify differential AE rates by race/ethnicity groups for HPV vaccine. We utilize the difference of race/ethnicity distributions across U.S. states to investigate the association between AE reporting rate and race/ethnicity groups at the population level. We identify 9 AEs with significantly different reporting rates between non-Hispanic White females and other race/ethnicity groups.
BET protein BRD 4 as a new therapeutic target in cerebral ischemic stroke

Clinical data have shown the levels of inflammatory markers are associated with the risk of ischemic stroke. The bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family member, is a key factor in regulating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity. We examined the therapeutic effects of BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemic stroke in rats. Neurological functions, infarct volume, neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammatory response were examined 24 h after MCAO. Isolated microglial cells were studied in vitro. Results showed that BRD4 expression was significantly increased in the MCAO group. The neurological damage, infarct volume and neuronal apoptosis were all significantly inhibited in JQ1-treated rats compared to control group following MCAO. Inflammatory responses were also decreased by JQ1. In addition, JQ1 inhibited NF-κB activation following MCAO. In vitro, BRD4 silencing decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines via inhibiting NF-κB in microglial cells after OGD/reoxygenation. These findings suggest that BRD4 could be a novel therapeutic target in ischemic stroke.
Current Distribution in Coated Conductor Under External Magnetic Field Up to 5 T

This paper presents current distributions consisting of transport and screening currents flowing in a YBCO coated conductor (CC) under flux densities of several tesla in liquid helium, where magnetic flux should be at center along a width of the CC. Distributions of magnetic flux densities generated by the currents in the CC were measured. In order to demonstrate the current distributions, a one dimensional inverse problem was solved using Tikhonov regularization. Sheet current density distributions near one edge with external field, where magnetic flux existed all over the width, were constant even if transport current increased. The constant current density corresponded to a critical current at the field divided by the width. Magnetic flux density distributions were asymmetric to the width of a CC under external magnetic flux density of several tesla. On the other hand, hysteresis of the magnetic flux densities above the CC shrank symmetrically to the width with increases of transport current.
이념투표의 영향력 분석

이 글은 17대 대통령선거에서 이념투표의 영향력을 경험적으로 분석하였다. 이 글의 주요한 주장은 첫째, 유권자의 이념이 17대 대선에서 투표결정에 직·간접적으로 영향력을 미쳤다는 것이다. 둘째, 이념측정을 어떻게 하는가에 따라 이념투표의 의미가 달라질 수 있는데, 이 글에서는 이념과 관련된 다차원의 이슈태도점수를 통해 이슈평가이념이라는 지표를 만들었고, 이 지표가 이론적으로뿐 아니라 경험적으로도 더 정확하게 유권자의 이념을 측정한다는 것을 발견하였다. 이 이념점수를 통한 분석 결과 이명박과 정동영 후보의 경쟁에서는 이념투표가 영향을 미치지만, 이명박과 이회장 후보 대결에서는 의미가 없었다. 그리고 마지막 결론은 앞으로 이념투표는 그 효과를 나타낼 것으로 예측하였다. 이념의 영향력은 단순히 투표결정에서만 나타나는 것이 아니라 정당차원에서 그리고 더 크게는 경제-사회적 측면에서도 그 영향력이 나타날 것으로 예상된다.
Contribution INVESTIGATION INTO THE MECHANISMS OF TISSUE ATOMIZATION BY HIGH-INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND

A Lab/CI WA 98 Abstract—Ultrasonic atomization, or the emission of a fog of droplets, was recently proposed to explain tissue fractionation in boiling histotripsy. However, even though liquid atomization has been studied extensively, the mechanisms underlying tissue atomization remain unclear. In the work described here, high-speed photography and overpressure were used to evaluate the role of bubbles in tissue atomization. As static pressure increased, the degree of fractionation decreased, and the ex vivo tissue became thermally denatured. The effect of surface wetness on atomization was also evaluated in vivo and in tissue-mimicking gels, where surface wetness was found to enhance atomization by forming surface instabilities that augment cavitation. In addition, experimental results indicated that wetting collagenous tissues, such as the liver capsule, allowed atomization to breach such barriers. These results highlight the importance of bubbles and surface instabilities in atomization and could be used to enhance boiling histotripsy for transition to clinical use. (E-mail: jcsimon@uw.edu) 2015 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.
The Prognostic Accuracy of Suggested Predictors of Failure of Medical Management in Patients With Nontuberculous Spinal Epidural Abscess

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: To test the external validity of the 2 published prediction criteria for failure of medical management in patients with spinal epidural abscess (SEA). Methods: Patients with SEA over a 10-year period at a tertiary care center were identified using ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) diagnostic codes; electronic and paper charts were reviewed. The incidence of SEA and the proportion of patients with SEA that were treated medically were calculated. The rate of failure of medical management was determined. The published prediction models were applied to our data to determine how predictive they were of failure in our cohort. Results: A total of 550 patients were identified using ICD-10 codes, 160 of whom had a magnetic resonance imaging–confirmed diagnosis of SEA. The incidence of SEA was 16 patients per year. Seventy-five patients were found to be intentionally managed medically and were included in the analysis. Thirteen of these 75 patients failed medical management (17%). Based on the published prediction criteria, 26% (Kim et al) and 45% (Patel et al) of our patients were expected to fail. Conclusions: Published prediction models for failure of medical management of SEA were not valid in our cohort. However, once calibrated to our cohort, Patel’s model consisting of positive blood culture, presence of diabetes, white blood cells >12.5, and C-reactive protein >115 was the better model for our data.
Analysis of the Correlation between Particulate Matter Concentrations and Traffic Volume in the Metropolitan City of Ulsan, Korea

Road vehicles, such as cars, trucks and buses, can produce significant amount of particular matter (PM) in urban areas. This study analyzes the correlation between air concentrations of PM (PM2.5, PM10, TSP (total suspended particulate)) and traffic volume near road sides in the metropolitan city of Ulsan, Korea. 9 road sides or areas selected for the study included a traffic rotary, 2 circulation roads (an industrial road and a car road), 4 downtown roads (including city hall) in Nam-gu, 1 residential area road in Chung-gu, 1 residential and industrial road in Dong-gu, which might represent major traffic density in Ulsan. A beta-ray attenuator and a high volume air sampler were used for sampling of PM during 3 classified time periods (morning, afternoon, evening) in a sampling day. Traffic volume has been counted using a manual counter during each PM sampling. High correlations were identified between PM concentrations and traffic volume [PM2.5 vs (heavy duty vehicles (HDV) + small vehicles (SV)), PM2.5 vs SV, PM10 vs (HDV+SV), PM10 vs SV, and TSP vs (HDV+SV)]. Also, significantly high correlations were obtained between PM concentrations [PM2.5 vs PM10, PM10 vs TSP, PM2.5 vs TSP, afternoon PM2.5 vs evening PM2.5, and afternoon PM10 vs evening PM2.5]. However, the correlations between PM10 and HDV and between TSP and HDV were very weak. PM concentration characteristics obtained from the circulation road that its traffic mostly consists of small cars and its environment has a lot of green areas were quite different from those obtained from the road sides passing downtown or residential areas of Ulsan.
PR control based cascaded current and voltage control for seamless transfer of microgrid

This paper describes the cascaded current and voltage control for seamless transfer of microgrid with harmonic compensation according to load location. DG based microgrid is defined as a current source in the grid-connected mode and a voltage source in the islanded mode, respectively. Hence, it needs a robust control to supply the high quality power under both modes of DG based microgrid. But a connection of non-linear load and/or distorted grid can cause the system power quality degradation due to the produced non-linear current and/or voltage. Therefore, the PR control based cascaded current and voltage control which can be used under both modes simultaneously has been considered with a deliberate control topology in this paper. According to the load location, it can meet both non-linear compensation and seamless transfer between two modes. Also, a simple voltage restoration method has been added to solve the magnitude degradation of output voltage due to the practical PR control limitation and sometimes grid frequency change. Finally, proposed control methods which supply the power to the non-linear load under both grid-connected mode and islanded mode are verified through the PSIM simulation.
Modeling interaction for image-guided procedures

Compared to conventional interfaces, image guided surgery (IGS) interfaces contain a richer variety and more complex objects and interaction types. The main interactive characteristics emering from systems like this is the interaction focus shared between physical space, where the surgeon interacts with the patient using surgical tools, and with the digital world, where the surgeon interacts with the system. This limitation results in two different interfaces likely inconsistent, thereby the interaction discontinuities do break the natuarl workflow forcing the user to switch between the operation modes. Our work addresses these features by focusing on the model, interaction and ergonomic integrity analysis considering the Augmented Reality paradigm applied to IGS procedures and more specifically applied to the Neurosurgery study case. We followed a methodology according to the model-based approach, including new extensions in order to support interaction technologies and to sensure continuity interaction according to the IGS system requirements. As a result, designers may as soon as possible discover errors in the development process and may perform an efficient interface design coherently integrating constraints favoring continuity instead of discrete interaction with possible inconsistencies.
Molecular assay and genotyping of childhood enterovirus infection in central nervous system

Enterovirus (EV) belongs to the picornavirus family and is common pathogen in clinics. Early study regarding EV infection mainly utilized pathogen culture, but retarding diagnosis and treatment. Recent progress of molecular biology has made progress for pathogen diagnosis. This study thus investigated the expression of EV in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children with central nervous infection, in an attempt to discuss the clinical significance of EV genotyping. 94 children with aseptic encephalitis (or meningitis) were enrolled in parallel with 37 controls. Fluorescent RT-PCR was used to screen EV from CSF, with positive results obtained from those samples with CT values less than 30. After primary screening of EV, amplification of VP1 and VP4 segment was then performed, followed by sequencing of positive fragments and genotyping. No EV RNA was detected in 37 control patients, while 69 out of 94 aseptic encephalitis patients had EV RNA expression. Among those 53 samples were positive for VP1 segment while 47 samples were VP4-positive. Sequencing of those segments showed more than 96% homology with Gen Bank EV standard viral strain. Fluorescent RT-PCR can detect EV RNA from CSF of central nervous infection children with efficiency and accuracy. The combined genotyping of VP4 sequence can further improve sensitivity of EV typing.
Fourier optical phenomena and applications using ultra broadband terahertz waves

Pulsed terahertz (THz) waves which are generated from femtosecond laser pulses have ultra-broad bandwidth compared to other frequency electromagnetic waves. In addition, phase measurement of pulsed THz waves is very convenient because we can directly measure the field of them. In this dissertation, we study Fourier optical phenomena and their applications with these ultra broadband pulsed THz waves. Diffraction pattern can be achieved by spectral analysis of ultra broadband THz waves instead of scan detection. With this principle, we demonstrate three different single-pixel diffraction imaging systems which need only one dimensional data acquisition processes for two dimensional imaging. In the first experiment, we set a coherent optical computer and show that complex 2D images are reconstructed with only 30 waveform measurements by rotating a hole mask placed in the spatial frequency domain. In the second, we also demonstrate one waveform diffraction imaging with the time separating hole mask in the coherent optical computer. In the last experiment, we use a wedge prism, or a slanted phase retarder, instead of the coherent optical computer and achieve much higher signal-to-noise-rate imaging. Polarization of ultra broadband THz waves is not easily represented by polarization theories of monochromatic waves. To show this, we shape unconventional polarization states of few-cycle THz pulse by illuminating spatiotemporal controlled ultrafast laser pulses on a circularly metal-patterned InAs thin film surface. For this polarization shaping, a set of wedges having various directions and thicknesses are arranged to achieve proper spatiotemporal controlling of ultrafast laser pulses. By them, we generate THz waves of various uncommon polarization states, such as polarization alternation between right and left circular polarization states. We also define a time domain representation of polarization to analyze these types of polarization. We also study sub-wavelength diffraction and, especially, focus to study of phase shift anomalies caused by sub-wavelength diffraction. From scalar diffraction theories, it is generally known that −π/2 phase shift, or Gouy phase shift, happens in normal diffraction cases. By direct field measurement in THz time domain spectroscopy, we demonstrate that the phase shift can vary between 0 to −π, instead of the constant, −π/2, in sub-wavelength diffraction. Nearly π/2 phase retardation with respect to the Gouy phase shift happens in transmission through a small slit perpendicular to the electric field, while nearly π/2 phase advance happens in transmission through a small slit parallel to the electric field or a small circular hole. The physical reason of these disagreements is plasmon coupling or magnetic dipole radiation. Due to these phase shift anomalies, diffraction pattern is also modulated from the expectation of the scalar diffraction theory, and we study sub-wavelength Young’s double-slit experiment to demonstrate it.
A new microflake model with microscopic self‐shadowing for accurate volume downsampling

Naïve linear methods for downsampling high‐resolution microflake volumes often produce inaccurate appearance, especially when input voxels are very opaque. Preserving correct appearance at all resolutions requires taking into account maskingshadowing effects that occur between and inside dense input voxels. We introduce a new microflake model whose additional parameters characterize self‐shadowing effects at a microscopic scale. We provide an anisotropic self‐shadowing function and microflake distributions for which the scattering coefficients and the phase functions of our model have closed‐form expressions. We use this model in a new downsampling approach in which scattering parameters are computed from local estimations of self‐shadowing probabilities in the input volume. Unlike previous work, our method handles datasets with spatially varying scattering parameters, semi‐transparent volumes and datasets with intricate silhouettes. We show that our method generates LoDs with correct transparency and consistent appearance through scales for a wide range of challenging datasets, allowing for huge memory savings and efficient distant rendering without loss of quality.