Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation of perineural invasion on radical prostatectomy specimens with other pathologic prognostic factors and PSA failure.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between perineural invasion (PNI) and other pathologic prognostic factors in radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) specimens and also to assess the role of PNI in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence after RRP. METHOD 191 consecutive patients had undergone RRP for clinically localized prostate cancer between 1992 and 2000. PNI in RRP specimens and its relation to histopathologic stage and surgical margins is investigated retrospectively. PNI, histopathologic stage, surgical margin status, Gleason score and PSA parameters were used as variables in multivariate analysis for recurrence. RESULTS PNI is correlated statistically significantly with histopathologic stage, positive surgical margins, specimen Gleason score and recurrence. Mean time to failure was earlier in patients with PNI than patients without PNI (56 vs. 73 months, log-rank 15.67, p<0.001). Lymph node involvement, positive surgical margins and PNI remained as independent predictors of recurrence in multivariate analysis. All patients with PNI, positive surgical margins and lymph node metastasis failed in 6 months. CONCLUSION PNI is an important prognostic factor that should be taken into consideration in clinical patient management and follow-up after RRP. The presence of PNI together with positive surgical margins and lymph node metastasis may warrant early adjuvant treatment.
Objective Response Detection in the Frequency Domain: Comparison of Several q-Sample Tests

The objective assessment of the hearing threshold requires a suitable statistical test for response detection. For checking the q spectral lines of an auditory-evoked potential spectrum in the frequency domain, a q-sample test seems to be more favourable compared to q applications of a one-sample test. The response detection performance of three q-sample tests (q-sample analogue of Watsons U2 test, q-sample uniform scores test and a modified q-sample uniform scores test) has been checked by extensive Monte Carlo simulations. To compare the performance of the three test statistics, sensitivity was calculated and receiver-operating characteristics were constructed from the probability density functions estimated by the Monte Carlo simulations. In addition, a comparison on the basis of real near-threshold auditory brainstem response data was carried out. The modified q-sample uniform scores test appeared to be the most powerful test. Some aspects of the practical application of this test are discussed in this paper.
Comparison of Strength Levels Between Players From Within the Same Club Who Were Selected vs. Not Selected to Play in the Grand Final of the National Rugby League Competition

Abstract Baker, DG. Comparison of strength levels between players from within the same club that were selected vs. not selected to play in the grand final of the National Rugby League competition. J Strength Cond Res 31(6): 1461–1467, 2017—A number of studies have established that higher levels of strength and power, tested at the end of the preseason, distinguish between playing level in professional rugby league. How this may impact the ability of players to get selected for final payoff games some 30 weeks later has not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare measures of upper- and lower-body strength between players from the same professional club, designated as those 17 players who attained selection and played in the team that won the Grand Final of the National Rugby League competition (GF) and those who did not attain selection (NSGF). Players were tested and compared for 1 repetition maximum bench press and full squat strength levels at the end of the preparation period, 30 weeks before the GF, using traditional significance analysis of variance and effect size (ES) statistics. Furthermore, the players were analyzed according to the 2 broad positional playing groups of forwards (FWD) and backs (BL). The results demonstrated that overall, the GF players were stronger than NSGF players by approximately 10 and 15%, respectively, for the upper and lower body. When analyzed according to positional groupings, there were significant differences and large ES for GF forwards, who were significantly stronger, heavier, and older than NSGF FWD players. For the BL groups, the differences between the groups were not significant. Because of the intense physical collisions inherent in rugby league, it would appear that higher levels of strength afford players greater performance benefits, resiliency against injury, and greater likelihood of being selected in the most important games at the end of the season.
Functional Analysis of the Dengue Virus Genome Using an Insertional Mutagenesis Screen

ABSTRACT In the last few decades, dengue virus, an arbovirus, has spread to over 120 countries. Although a vaccine has been approved in some countries, limitations on its effectiveness and a lack of effective antiviral treatments reinforce the need for additional research. The functions of several viral nonstructural proteins are essentially unknown. To better understand the functions of these proteins and thus dengue virus pathogenesis, we embarked on a genomewide transposon mutagenesis screen with next-generation sequencing to determine sites in the viral genome that tolerate 15-nucleotide insertions. Using this approach, we generated support for several published predicted transmembrane and enzymatic domains. Next, we created 7 mutants containing the 15-nucleotide insertion from the original selection and found 6 of them were capable of replication in both mammalian and mosquito tissue culture cells. Interestingly, one mutation had a significant impairment of viral assembly, and this mutation may lead to a better understanding of viral assembly and release. In addition, we created a fully infectious virus expressing a functionally tagged NS4B protein, which will provide a much-needed tool to elucidate the role of NS4B in viral pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne virus distributed in tropical and subtropical regions globally that can result in hospitalization and even death in some cases. Although a vaccine exists, its limitations and a lack of approved antiviral treatments highlight our limited understanding of dengue virus pathogenesis and host immunity. The functions of many viral proteins are poorly understood. We used a previously published approach using transposon mutagenesis to develop tools to study these proteins' functions by adding insertions randomly throughout the viral genomes. These genomes were transferred into cells, and infectious progeny were recovered to determine sites that tolerated insertions, as only the genomes that tolerated insertions would be able to propagate. Using these results, we created viruses with epitope tags, one in the viral structural protein Capsid and one in the viral nonstructural protein NS4B. Further investigation of these mutants may elucidate the roles of Capsid and NS4B during dengue virus infections.
Hybrid hamming GLDPC codes over the binary erasure channel

Generalized low-density parity-check (GLDPC) codes are a class of iteratively decodable codes, which can change code rate flexibly and be close to the Shannon limit. Empirical evidence suggests that GLDPC codes have advantages over standard low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes in both of error floor and waterfall performance. In this paper, to further approach Shannon limit, the strategy of mixing single parity check (SPC) code with Hamming code to act as the component code of the check nodes (CNs) for GLDPC code is proposed. By using extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) chart, we can estimate the decoding threshold and degree distribution through adjusting the proportion of SPC code and Hamming code over the binary erasure channel (BEC). With the aid of EXIT charts, we construct GLDPC code based on the best degree distribution. Simulation results show that, in comparison with standard LDPC codes and the state-of-the-art GLDPC codes with hybrid variable nodes (VNs), the GLDPC code proposed in this paper has better asymptotic performance.
Generating power-optimal standard cell library specification using neural network technique

In VLSI semi-custom design approach, power-optimal standard cell library selection for a given block design requires time-consuming iterative processes. This paper presents a framework to select a standard cell library that can result in near-optimal power while satisfying targeted frequency. The framework relies on neural network model to quickly predict the total power of a block design associated with a given standard cell library in order to speed up the synthesis process. The experimental result based on various synthesized benchmark circuits demonstrated the effectiveness of proposed framework for near-optimal standard cell library specification.
CD49d associates with nodal presentation and subsequent development of lymphadenopathy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

CD49d is a surface integrin that is expressed on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells, and strongly correlates with more aggressive disease. Given its association with cell‐cell adhesion and leucocyte trafficking, we hypothesized that patients with high CD49d expression would experience a clinical course dominated by lymphadenopathy. CD49d expression was measured by flow cytometry and considered positive if expressed by ≥30% of CLL cells. The study included 797 newly diagnosed CLL/small lymphocytic leukaemia patients; 279 (35%) were CD49d positive. CD49d‐positive patients were more likely to present with lymphadenopathy (P < 0·001); a finding that persisted after adjusting for fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and IGHV mutation status [odds ratio (OR) 2·51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·64–3·83; P < 0·001]. Among CLL Rai 0 patients, CD49d positivity was associated with shorter time to development of lymphadenopathy (3·2 years vs not reached, P < 0·01). This association was maintained after adjusting for either FISH [hazard ratio (HR) 2·18; 95% CI 1·25–3·81; P = 0·006) or IGHV status (HR 2·02; 95% CI 1·11–3·69; P = 0·02) individually, but was attenuated when adjusting by both (HR 1·72; 95% CI 0·88–3·38; P = 0·11). These data demonstrate that CD49d‐positive CLL patients experience a disease course dominated by lymphadenopathy. These findings could have implications for therapy selection and disease monitoring.
Metabolic Status of Children with Growth Hormone Insensitivity Syndrome and Responses to Treatment with IGF-I

Studies to date on the treatment with insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) of children with growth hormone (GH) insensitivity syndrome (GHIS) have concentrated principally on the effects of IGF-I therapy on the GH-IGF-I axis and on growth velocity. Little is known, however, about the metabolic status of children with GHIS and the consequences of IGF-I treatment on circulating intermediary metabolites involved in glucose homeostasis. We have studied 5 children with GHIS, aged 4.5–9 years, 3 male and 2 female, before and after 3 months of treatment with recombinant IGF-I, 80 µg/kg s.c. twice a day. The children were short (height SDS –3.8 to –7.3) and growing slowly (height velocity 1.8–3.4 cm/year). All were neurodevelopmentally normal at the time of the study with no history of severe symptomatic hypoglycaemia, in particular during the neonatal period. Before treatment, 4 of the 5 children demonstrated spontaneous hypoglycaemia (blood glucose <2.6 mmol/l), particularly at night, accompanied by substantial hyperketonaemia (range 1.43–4.63 mmol/l) and hyperfattyacidaemia (range 1.11–3.08 mmol/l). After 3 months of IGF-I treatment, the blood glucose concentrations in the diurnal profile were increased, with improvement in spontaneous hypoglycaemia and with increased fasting tolerance. The postprandial insulin-to-glucose ratio was reduced. GHIS is thus associated with asymptomatic nocturnal hypoglycaemia without apparent neurological deficit. Despite functional GH deficiency, brisk counter-regulation to hypoglycaemia occurred as evidenced by hyperfattyacidaemia and hyperketonaemia. Treatment with IGF-I twice a day improved fasting glucose tolerance, diurnal blood glucose concentrations, and postprandial insulin-to-glucose ratios. There was no exacerbation of hypoglycaemia on treatment. We suggest that in severe GH resistance, a protective mechanism exists for the brain from the effects of hypoglycaemia, at least partially mediated by excessive production of counter-regulatory metabolic fuels.
Interactions between CXCR4 and CXCL12 promote cell migration and invasion of canine hemangiosarcoma

The CXCR4/CXCL12 axis plays an important role in cell locomotion and metastasis in many cancers. In this study, we hypothesized that the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis promotes migration and invasion of canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) cells. Transcriptomic analysis across 12 HSA cell lines and 58 HSA whole tumour tissues identified heterogeneous expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12, which was associated with cell movement. In vitro, CXCL12 promoted calcium mobilization, cell migration and invasion that were directly proportional to surface expression of CXCR4; furthermore, these responses proved sensitive to the CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, in HSA cell lines. These results indicate that CXCL12 potentiates migration and invasion of canine HSA cells through CXCR4 signalling. The direct relationship between these responses in HSA cells suggests that the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis contributes to HSA progression.
Harmonic elimination for a 1 Φ multilevel TCHB inverter

The multilevel inverters are very much popular in applications such as motor drive s, UPS, frequency converters, and active filters. In this paper, 5 levels of output is obtained for 1−Φ TCHB inverter using Selective Harmonic Elimination technique. The multilevel inverter used in this paper comprises of a dc voltage source with two capacitors which are connected in series with a H-bridge. The H — bridge is formed with four diodes and one switch. This TCHB inverter configuration helps in attaining a reduced number of switches and independent voltage sources and also THD levels as compared with that of CHB inverter.
Emerging trend of big data analytics in bioinformatics: a literature review

Advancement of unparalleled data in bioinformatics over the years is a major concern for storage and management. Such massive data must be handled efficiently to disseminate knowledge. Computational advancements in information technology present feasible analytical solutions to process such data. In this context, the paper is an attempt to highlight the influence of big data in bioinformatics. Some of the concepts emphasised are definition of big data; architectural platforms supporting data analytics; followed by the application of above-mentioned analytical techniques towards complex problems in bioinformatics. The challenges and future prospects of big data analytics in bioinformatics are briefly discussed. This paper provides a comprehensive summary of several data analytical techniques available for bioinformatics researchers and computer scientists.
Recognition mechanism of Wilms’ tumour suppressor protein and DNA triplets: insights from molecular dynamics simulation and free energy analysis

The Wilms’ tumour suppressor protein (WT1) plays a multifaceted role in human cancer processes. Mutations on its DNA recognition domain could lead to Denys–Drash syndrome, and alternate splicing results in insertion of the tripeptide Lys–Thr–Ser (KTS) between the third and fourth zinc fingers (ZFs), leading to changes in the DNA-binding function. However, detailed recognition mechanisms of the WT1–DNA complex have not been explored. To clarify the mutational effects upon WT1 towards DNA binding at the atomic level, molecular dynamics simulations and the molecular mechanics/Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) method were employed. The simulation results indicate that mutations in ZF domains (E427Q and Q369H) may weaken the binding affinity, and the statistical analyses of the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions show that eight residues (Lys351, Arg366, Arg375, Arg376, Lys399, Arg403, Arg424 and Arg430) have a significant influence on recognition and binding to DNA. Insertion of the tripeptide KTS could form an immobilized hydrogen-bonding network with Arg403, affecting the flexibility and angle of the linker between ZF3 and ZF4, thus influencing the recognition between the protein and the DNA triplet at its 5′ terminus. These results represent the first step towards a thorough characterization of the WT1 recognition mechanisms, providing a better understanding of the structure–function relationship of WT1 and its mutants.
Ex uno, multis: taxonomic revision in Navarretia divaricata (Polemoniaceae) and the recognition of four additional cryptic or near-cryptic species

Abstract Navarretia divaricata, endemic to western North America and most recently considered a single species with two subspecies, was re-examined in light of field work, DNA sequences, comparative morphology, and a review of herbarium specimens including types. From these studies, we lectotypify the material on which N. divaricata is based, elevate N. divaricata subsp. vividior, which is an allotetraploid, to species rank (as N. vividior comb. et stat. nov.), and recognize three additional species: N. modocensis sp. nov., N. aeroides sp. nov., and N. torreyella sp. nov. Navarretia modocensis, the diploid paternal progenitor of N. vividior, is morphologically cryptic with respect to its allotetraploid offspring and difficult to distinguish on herbarium sheets. Navarretia aeroides, the diploid maternal progenitor of N. vividior, is nearly cryptic, but more easily distinguished from both N. modocensis and N. vividior by its smaller, more glandular inflorescences. Navarretia torreyella is readily distinguished from all of these species, but has been generally mistaken for N. divaricata subsp. vividior given its colored corolla tube and rare co-occurrence with the other vividior-like species. Conservation assessments, an identification key, and table of comparative morphological features are provided for each species, emended descriptions for N. divaricata and N. vividior, and a discussion of the syntypes for Gilia divaricata Torr. ex A.Gray.
A New, Cost-Effective, Battery-Powered Aspirator for Adult Mosquito Collections

ABSTRACT We report the development of a new mosquito aspirator with the same aspiration capacity (airflow) of the CDC Backpack Aspirator (CDC-BP), but smaller and lighter (0.8 kg without battery), less expensive (US$45–70), easier to build, and compatible with the use of telescoping extension poles to access hard-to-reach locations. The performance of this new aspirator, named “Prokopack,” was compared with the CDC-BP in laboratory settings as well as in paired collections in combined sewer overflow (CSO) tunnels in Atlanta, GA, and indoor mosquito collections in Iquitos, Peru. The difference in suction power between both aspirators (average, 0.29–0.43 m/s) was negligible. However, 2.3 times more mosquitoes were collected using the Prokopack in the upper wall (>1.5 m) and ceilings of CSO tunnels than with the CDC-BP in lower walls. Indoor collection in Iquitos yielded significantly more total mosquito numbers [including Culex pipiens complex, Culex (melanoconion) sp. , and Mansonia sp. ] and Aedes aegypti (L.) in the Prokopack than in the CDC-BP. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of the Prokopack to collect different mosquito species in different epidemiological settings.
Neuroanatomical Characteristics Associated With Response to Deep Brain Stimulation of the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert for Alzheimer's Disease

First reports on the application of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the Nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) showed feasibility and safety of the intervention in patients with Alzheimer´s disease. However, clinical effects vary and the mechanisms of actions are still not well understood. The aim of this study was to characterize neuroimaging changes that are associated with the responsiveness to the treatment.
An Imaging Dictionary Based Multipath Suppression Algorithm for Through-Wall Radar Imaging

This paper considers the problem of multipath ghosts elimination for the through-wall radar imaging. We formulate a discrete signal model in the presence of first-order multipath, and propose an imaging dictionary based algorithm to suppress the multipath ghosts. Specifically, first, several estimated images are obtained via two different kinds of imaging dictionaries for the focus delays related to the direct propagation path and the multipaths, respectively. We find that all the estimated images possess large values around the genuine target positions and the multipath ghosts of them do not overlap with each other. Then, based on this feature, these images are fused via incoherent multiplication image fusion method to yield a multipath ghosts free image. Finally, the simulation and real data are used to prove the validity of the proposed approach.
Robust multipath channel estimation in the presence of impulsive noise

Power-line communications (PLCs) endure a severe transmission channel distortion due to Gaussian noise, impulsive noise, and multipath self-interference. Conventional transmission models with white Gaussian noise would be very inappropriate and impair the necessary channel estimation drastically to the PLC receivers. In this study, a statistical model for impulsive noise, namely Middleton Class A model, is employed for Gaussian information sources. Robust channel estimation algorithms based on a novel parameter estimation scheme are established thereby. Superior to the conventional robust-least-square estimation algorithms, the authors' proposed new adaptive robust-least-square estimation methods can take advantage of the statistical parameter estimation for impulsive noise. The studies on the theoretical and practical aspects of their proposed new parameter estimator are also presented.
Dynamic Risk Assessment of Sexual Offenders: Validity and Dimensional Structure of the Stable-2007

In this study, the predictive and incremental validity of the Stable-2007 beyond the Static-99 was evaluated in an updated sample of N = 638 adult male sexual offenders followed-up for an average of M = 8.2 years. Data were collected at the Federal Evaluation Center for Violent and Sexual Offenders (FECVSO) in Austria within a prospective-longitudinal research design. Scores and risk categories of the Static-99 (AUC = .721; p < .001) and of the Stable-2007 (AUC = .623, p = .005) were found to be significantly related to sexual recidivism. The Stable-2007 risk categories contributed incrementally to the prediction of sexual recidivism beyond the Static-99. Analyzing the dimensional structure of the Stable-2007 yielded three factors, named Antisociality, Sexual Deviance, and Hypersexuality. Antisociality and Sexual Deviance were significant predictors for sexual recidivism. Sexual Deviance was negatively associated with non-sexual violent recidivism. Comparisons with latent dimensions of other risk assessment instruments are made and implications for applied risk assessment are discussed.
ISKAST; the Way We Have Made and Upfront.

Japanese orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Masaki Watanabe, established himself as the “father of modern and interventional arthroscopy” by developing sophisticated endoscopic instruments, using electronics and optics, which became popular in Japan in the post–World War II (1). Before him, Professor Kenji Takagi in Tokyo has traditionally been credited with performing the first arthroscopic examination of a knee joint, in 1919. He used a 7.3 mm cystoscope for his first kneearthroscopies (2). In 1969, Dr. Richard O’Connor visited and studied with Watanabe. Then he popularized knee arthroscopy in United State in 1960-70s (3). Dr. Heshmat Shahriaree began experimenting with ways to excise fragments of menisci (4).