Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic association of ADIPOQ gene variants (-3971A>G and +276G>T) with obesity and metabolic syndrome in North Indian Punjabi population

Background and aims At present obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in India are the most challenging health problems. It is also well accepted that obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome and other degenerative diseases. Many studies have reported that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) gene have been associated with obesity and its related disorders. Here, we aimed to investigate the association of two intronic variants in ADIPOQ gene, -3971A>G (rs822396) and +276G>T (rs1501299) with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Methods Biochemical and anthropometric measurements were obtained from a total of 550 unrelated subjects (obese = 250 and non-obese = 300) of North Indian Punjabi population. Genotyping for the intron variants were performed by polymerase chain reaction based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. After genotyping, as a quality control measure 10% of the samples for each polymorphism were confirmed by Sanger Sequencing method. The distributions of genotypic and allelic frequencies among obese and non-obese groups were compared by chi-square test and the corresponding risk was calculated using binary logistic regression. The effects of multiple testing were controlled by applying Bonferroni corrections. Results All the anthropometric and biochemical parameters except triglycerides (TG) and very low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (VLDL-C) have shown significant association with both GG and TT genotypes of -3971A>G (rs822396) and +276G>T (rs1501299) polymorphisms respectively. The frequencies of GG (-3971A>G) and TT (+276G>T) genotypes were higher among obese cases (p = 0.008 and p = 0.035 respectively). However, no significant association was found between allelic frequencies of ADIPOQ rs822396 and obesity, whereas the association of ADIPOQ rs1501299 attenuated and became marginally significant after Bonferroni correction (p>0.025). Both the variant genotypes of ADIPOQ gene polymorphisms (-3971GG and +276TT) significantly increased the risk of development of obesity (OR: 1.52, p = 0.03; OR: 1.58, p = 0.04 respectively) and MetS (OR: 1.42, p = 0.03; OR: 1.57, p = 0.01 respectively) in the present population, after adjusting the various covariates. The G-T haplotype model (possessing -3971G and +276T alleles) was shown toprovide ~ 3 fold risk towards the obesity susceptibility (OR: 2.69, p = 0.009) and MetS risk (OR: 2.73, p = 0.009) and the association persisted after adjusting for different confounding variables. Conclusion The present study has confirmed that ADIPOQ -3971A>G (rs822396) and +276G>T (rs1501299) polymorphism may be clinically helpful to estimate obesity and MetS risk in North Indian Punjabi population.
Functional genomics identifies AMPD2 as a new prognostic marker for undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma

Soft-tissue sarcomas are rare, heterogeneous and often aggressive mesenchymal cancers. Many of them are associated with poor outcome, in part because biomarkers that can reliably identify high-risk patients are lacking. Studies on sarcomas often are limited by small sample sizes rendering the identification of novel biomarkers difficult when focusing only on individual cohorts. However, the increasing number of publicly available ‘omics’ data opens inroads to overcome this obstacle. Here, we combine high-throughput transcriptome analyses, immunohistochemistry, and functional assays to show that high adenosine monophosphate deaminase 2 (AMPD2) is a robust prognostic biomarker for worse patient outcome in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). Publicly available gene expression and survival data for UPS from two independent studies, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the CINSARC reference dataset, were subjected to survival association testing. Genes, whose high expression was significantly correlated with worse outcome in both cohorts (overall and metastasis-free survival), were considered as prognostic marker candidates. The best candidate, AMPD2, was validated on protein level in an independent tissue microarray. Analysis of DNA copy-number and matched gene expression data indicated that high AMPD2 expression is significantly correlated with copy-number gains at the AMPD2 locus. Gene-set enrichment analyses of AMPD2 co-expressed genes in both UPS gene expression datasets suggested that highly AMPD2 expressing tumors are enriched in gene signatures involved in tumorigenesis. Consistent with this prediction in primary tumors, knockdown of AMPD2 by RNA interference with pooled siRNAs or a doxycycline-inducible shRNA construct in the UPS cell line FPS-1 markedly inhibited proliferation in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo. Collectively, these results provide evidence that AMPD2 may serve as a novel biomarker for outcome prediction in UPS. Our study exemplifies how the integration of available ‘omics’ data, immunohistochemical analyses, and functional experiments can identify novel biomarkers even in a rare sarcoma, which may serve as a blueprint for biomarker identification for other rare cancers.
Automating statistical diagrammatic representations with data characterization

The search for an efficient method to enhance data cognition is especially important when managing data from multidimensional databases. Open data policies have dramatically increased not only the volume of data available to the public, but also the need to automate the translation of data into efficient graphical representations. Graphic automation involves producing an algorithm that necessarily contains inputs derived from the type of data. A set of rules are then applied to combine the input variables and produce a graphical representation. Automated systems, however, fail to provide an efficient graphical representation because they only consider either a one-dimensional characterization of variables, which leads to an overwhelmingly large number of available solutions, a compositional algebra that leads to a single solution, or requires the user to predetermine the graphical representation. Therefore, we propose a multidimensional characterization of statistical variables that when complemented with a catalog of graphical representations that match any single combination, presents the user with a more specific set of suitable graphical representations to choose from. Cognitive studies can then determine the most efficient perceptual procedures to further shorten the path to the most efficient graphical representations. The examples used herein are limited to graphical representations with three variables given that the number of combinations increases drastically as the number of selected variables increases.
Finding Missing Links in Complex Networks: A Multiple-Attribute Decision-Making Method

Link prediction, which aims to forecast potential or missing links in a complex network based on currently observed information, has drawn growing attention from researchers. To date, a host of similarity-based methods have been put forward. Usually, one method harbors the idea that one similarity measure is applicable to various networks, and thus has performance fluctuation on different networks. In this paper, we propose a novel method to solve this issue by regarding link prediction as a multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) problem. In the proposed method, we consider RA, LP, and CAR indices as the multiattribute for node pairs. The technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is adopted to aggregate the multiattribute and rank node pairs. The proposed method is not limited to only one similarity measure, but takes separate measures into account, since different networks may have different topological structures. Experimental results on 10 real-world networks manifest that the proposed method is superior in comparison to state-of-the-art methods.
Generation of Synthetic Business Process Traces Using Constraint Programming

Juxtapositioning manually created business process models with diagrams generated using process discovery algorithms exposes high complexity of the latter. As a consequence, their formal verification requires significant computational resources due to a large state space. Nevertheless, an analysis of the generated model is needed to assure its correctness and the ability to represent source data. As a solution to this problem, we present an approach for constraint-based generation of a complete workflow log for a given BPMN model. In this paper, we propose a method to extract directed sub graphs representing token flows in the process together with a set of predefined constraints. Likewise, in the case of process simulation, these constraints ensure the correctness of the generated traces. Ultimately, the obtained results can be compared to the original workflow log used for process discovery in order to verify the obtained model.
A dual-output hardening design of inverter chain for P-hit single-event transient pulse elimination

A dual-output design of inverter chain that is hardened against P-hit single-event transient (SET) is proposed in this paper. The output nodes of the proposed inverter chain are hardened by dual-output topological structure design and stacked PMOSs with isolation. The simulation results based on a 65 nm CMOS technology suggest that the proposed design can eliminate SET pulse significantly. In comparison with the conventional inverter chain and inverter chain using the source-isolation technique, the proposed design is capable of maintain the output steadily irrespective of whether an ion hits “0” or hits “1”, i.e., the struck node is at logic “0” or logic “1”. Besides, the SET pulse occurring at any stage of inverter chains with the proposed methodology will not disturb the final output, as long as it does not occur at the final stage.
Rates and characteristics of suicide by immigration background in Norway

Suicide mortality among immigrant groups is an important health issue, particularly in countries with growing segments of immigrant populations such as Norway. Through linkage of Norwegian national registers we wanted to estimate suicide rates (per 100,000 population) in immigrant groups and to profile characteristics of suicide by immigration background with respect to sex, age, method and seasonality of suicide as well as time since immigrating to Norway. Among all 11,409 suicides during 1992–2012, 1,139 (10%) were individuals with an immigration background. Suicide rate was lower in first-generation immigrants (foreign-born persons to two foreign-born parents) than native Norwegians (9.53 vs 12.22, P < 0.01), with a significant difference confined to male rates only. Foreign-born persons with at least one Norwegian-born parent had significantly higher suicide rates than natives in both sexes (22.42 vs 18.03 in males, 11.67 vs 6.54 in females, P < 0.01). The most frequently used suicide method in all the population groups was hanging; this method accounted for 44.0% of all suicides of first-generation immigrants, 45.2% of all suicides of foreign-born persons with at least one Norwegian-born parent, and 35.4% of all suicides of natives. Suicide by firearms accounted for a much smaller proportion of cases of first-generation immigrants (6.7%) and foreign-born persons with at least one Norwegian-born parent (6.8%) than cases of native Norwegians (20.7%). In terms of monthly distribution, suicides of first-generation immigrants displayed two peaks, in May and in November (P = 0.01). More than 25% of all first-generation immigrant suicides occurred in the first five years after immigration; but differences in time since immigration were observed by sex and country group of origin, in particular among those aged 35 years or less when moving to Norway. In conclusion, there are notable differences in characteristics of suicides by immigration background. Knowledge of immigrant mortality according to suicide method, seasonality of suicide, and time since immigration may be useful when planning suicide preventive measures.
Common variants at 5q33.1 predispose to migraine in African-American children

Background Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified multiple susceptibility loci for migraine in European adults. However, no large-scale genetic studies have been performed in children or African Americans with migraine. Methods We conducted a GWAS of 380 African-American children and 2129 ancestry-matched controls to identify variants associated with migraine. We then attempted to replicate our primary analysis in an independent cohort of 233 African-American patients and 4038 non-migraine control subjects. Results The results of this study indicate that common variants at 5q33.1 associated with migraine risk in African-American children (rs72793414, p=1.94×10−9). The association was validated in an independent study (p=3.87×10−3) for an overall meta-analysis p value of 3.81×10−10. eQTL (Expression quantitative trait loci) analysis of the Genotype-Tissue Expression data also shows the genotypes of rs72793414 were strongly correlated with the mRNA expression levels of NMUR2 at 5q33.1. NMUR2 encodes a G protein-coupled receptor of neuromedin-U (NMU). NMU, a highly conserved neuropeptide, participates in diverse physiological processes of the central nervous system. Conclusions This study provides new insights into the genetic basis of childhood migraine and allow for precision therapeutic development strategies targeting migraine patients of African-American ancestry.
Observer-Based Fuzzy Control for Memristive Circuit Systems

This paper proposes an observer-based fuzzy control scheme for a class of memristive chaotic circuit systems. First, the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model is adopted to reconstruct the nonlinear chaotic circuit system. Next, based on the proposed fuzzy model, an observer-based fuzzy controller is developed to estimate the states and stabilize the origin. Third, the results are extended to explore the L∞-gain observer-based fuzzy control for the chaotic system with disturbances. Finally, simulation results are also addressed to show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
The Role of Computer Science and Software Technology in Organizing Universities for Industry 4.0 and Beyond

Based on intensive cooperation with four large companies, a comparative analysis of the recent developments in industry, university organizations, computer science and software technology is presented. Within this context, also the Industry 4.0 phenomena is discussed. This paper further identifies the necessary organizational structures of universities to assist companies in their transition processes, defines the relevant sub-disciplines in computer science and finally describes the software engineering and technology challenges in designing and implementing economical and robust industrial systems.
Patterns of chondrogenesis and calcification in the developing limb of the lizard, Calotes versicolor

The first skeletal condensation appears deep at the base of the limb bud near the somites, when the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) is maximally developed. Thereafter the skeletal elements generally appear in a proximodistal sequence but most of the mesopodial cartilages appear well after the metapodial ones and one of them, tarsalia‐1, even after the phalangeal ones. The skeletal elements that fuse or “disappear” during the development are the cartilaginous condensation of fibulare, and the precartilaginous condensation of the distal centrale in the tarsus, and possibly the mesenchymatous condensation of the intermedium in the carpus. The calcification of all the long cartilages is perichondral and osseous while that of all the mesopodial and other cartilages, like epiphyses and sesamoids, is endochondral and nonosseous except the partly osseous astragalus and fibulare. The limbs of the mature adult have many sesamoids and metaplastic calcifications. The AER starts regressing after the appearance of the first skeletal condensation but is retained on the digital tips, though in a moderately regressed condition, almost till the time of the appearance of all the phalangeal condensations.
Pathophysiological Role of VEGF on Retinal Edema and Nonperfused Areas in Mouse Eyes With Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Purpose To determine the relationship between retinal morphologic changes and molecules involved in the changes after anti-VEGF treatment in the retina of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) murine model. Methods The studies were performed on murine RVO model created by laser irradiation of retinal veins. The site of VEGF expression was determined by immunostaining, and the retinal thickness was measured in the images obtained by optical coherence tomography. The levels of VEGF-related and inflammatory factors after an intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF antibody immediately or 7 days after laser irradiation were determined by Western blotting. Results The level of VEGF increased in all retinal layers 1 day after laser irradiation, and expression was higher in the partially perfused areas than in the completely nonperfused areas. In eyes with high expression level of VEGF, early administration of anti-VEGF antibody reduced the retinal thickness, and expressions of VEGF and inflammatory factors returned to normal levels. However, the levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were increased by early administration of anti-VEGF antibody. On the other hand, in eyes with low concentration of VEGF, late injection of anti-VEGF antibody induced retinal thinning and the concentrations of phosphorylated AKT, ERK1/2, and eNOS were lower than that in normal group. Furthermore, anti-VEGF antibody lessened the reduction of aquaporin-4. Conclusions These findings indicate that the effect of anti-VEGF antibody is most likely dependent on its effect on the intraocular VEGF levels.
Compact balanced bandpass filter with the fractal defected structures

In this letter, the fractal defected structure (FDS) is firstly used to design miniaturized balanced bandpass filter (BPF). A novel quarter-mode substrate integrated waveguide resonator (QMSIWR) with etched symmetrical FDSs is presented, which has a lower resonate frequency ( f0) and acceptable unloaded quality (Qu) at TE201 mode. Based on this novel resonator and eighth-mode substrate integrated waveguide resonator (EMSIWR) with etched the FDS, a compact balanced BPF with a reduced size over 72.5% is designed, which can implement one transmission zero (TZ) on each side of the differential-mode (DM) passband by using cross-coupling technology. Meanwhile, the common-mode (CM) signal is suppressed below −23.6 dB in the DM passband. The measured results agree well with the simulated ones.
Towards Semantic Search for Mathematical Notation

The paper concerns the design and implementation of a search engine for mathematical expressions given by the user in a convenient form of natural language or visual queries. Proper presentation and transcription of the mathematical notation is substantial for further processing and the adequate choice of the word distance measure for string comparison is an important issue as well. Within this project a complete solution for acquiring and processing the mathematical query and a searching algorithm is elaborated. We present results of exemplary search queries obtained for different types of input data format with application of two different word distance measures and discuss briefly the observed properties.
A novel 94 GHz planar integrated monopulse array antenna with hybrid feeding networks

: A W-band low-sidelobe high-gain planar integrated monopulse array antenna is presented in this paper. The antenna comprises two PCB layers, one is 16 × 41 units series-fed patch arrays and the other is a low-loss slot feeding network based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology. A W-band waveguide magic T is used in this design in order to get sum and di ﬀ erence beams in horizontal azimuth. Such a two-layer integrated array antenna can be fabricated with standard multi-layer PCB process. The maximal measured gain of the proposed antenna is 26.63 dB, while the maximal null-depth is measured to be is − 32.1 dB. Quarter-wavelength transformers are used to achieve Taylor ’ s amplitude distribution in order to suppress sidelobe. The measured sidelobe level in the vertical plane is within the range of − 25.7 dB to − 26.4 dB. The designed monopulse array antenna has great practical value in W band portable radar.
Chemotherapeutic drug targeting to lungs by way of microspheres after intravenous administration

Purpose Currently, microsphere technology plays a major role in the development of many new cancer therapies. In the current study, we proposed a targeted drug-delivery system to improve the treatment efficacy of one of the common conventional chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat lung tumors, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Materials and methods Following the preparation and optimization of small, solid micro-spheres, ranging in diameter between 5 and 15 µm, the final product 5-fluorouracil gelatin (5-FUG) was formulated using a Buchi Nano Spray Dryer by varying the drug:polymer ratio. Results Particle yield was calculated as 65% ± 1.2%, and the drug content in the formulation was recorded as 74% ± 1.6%. Particle surface morphology was examined as shriveled shape (crumpled/folded); particle size distribution displayed a binomial distribution, with a mean diameter of 9.6 µm. In vitro drug release studies revealed that ~36.4% of the 5-FU in 5-FUG was released in the first hour after injection. Clinically, this would lead to initial or burst release, facilitating a quick rise to therapeutic levels. In contrast to the pure 5-FU drug (89.2% of the drug released in the first 30 minutes), 99.1% of the drug in 5-FUG was released from the spray-dried particles for a period of 12 hours. A two-compartment model was used to generate plasma concentration–time curves. 5-FUG injection has a much different distribution in vivo in contrast to intravenous injection of 5-FU. In addition, the half-life after intravenous injection of 5-FUG, t1/2(α) = 1.23 hours and t1/2(β) = 18.3 hours, was considerably longer than that of 5-FU, t1/2(α) = 0.34 hours and t1/2(β) = 8.62 hours. Examination of stained lung tissue sections showed no histopathological tissue changes or evidence of gross pathology. In addition, the optimized formulation demonstrated an increased stability under both long-term and refrigerated storage conditions. Conclusion Our goal was to develop similar delivery systems for other chemotherapeutic drugs that are site specific to different disease models/tumor types.
Supporting Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diagnostics by Using Wavelet Analysis in Esophageal pH-Metry

This paper presents a new approach to computer supported esophageal pH-metry measurement analysis performed in order to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this approach wavelet analysis was used to analyse the esophageal pH-metry course. The research was performed on three groups of pH-metry courses: whole 24-hour pH-metry course, sleep only pH-metry course and 20 minutes after the end of a meal pH-metry course. After performing a 128 level decomposition of the pH-metry course, the $W_{x}$ was defined as a parameter of extreme differential. This parameter was used to distinguish patients esophageal pH-metry results and on that basis classify patients as healthy or sick. Using this method the sensitivity of 77 % was achieved.