Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Novel function of MDA-9/Syntenin (SDCBP) as a regulator of survival and stemness in glioma stem cells

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive cancer with current therapies only marginally impacting on patient survival. Glioma stem cells (GSCs), a subpopulation of highly tumorigenic cells, are considered major contributors to glioma progression and play seminal roles in therapy resistance, immune evasion and increased invasion. Despite clinical relevance, effective/selective therapeutic targeting strategies for GSCs do not exist, potentially due to the lack of a definitive understanding of key regulators of GSCs. Consequently, there is a pressing need to identify therapeutic targets and novel options to effectively target this therapy-resistant cell population. The precise roles of GSCs in governing GBM development, progression and prognosis are under intense scrutiny, but key upstream regulatory genes remain speculative. MDA-9/Syntenin (SDCBP), a scaffold protein, regulates tumor pathogenesis in multiple cancers. Highly aggressive cancers like GBM express elevated levels of MDA-9 and contain increased populations of GSCs. We now uncover a unique function of MDA-9 as a facilitator and determinant of glioma stemness and survival. Mechanistically, MDA-9 regulates multiple stemness genes (Nanog, Oct4 and Sox2) through activation of STAT3. MDA-9 controls survival of GSCs by activating the NOTCH1 pathway through phospho-Src and DLL1. Once activated, cleaved NOTCH1 regulates C-Myc expression through RBPJK, thereby facilitating GSC growth and proliferation. Knockdown of MDA-9 affects the NOTCH1/C-Myc and p-STAT3/Nanog pathways causing a loss of stemness and initiation of apoptosis in GSCs. Our data uncover a previously unidentified relationship between MDA-9 and GSCs, reinforcing relevance of this gene as a potential therapeutic target in GBM.
Performance Analysis of MAC Layer Protocols in Wireless Sensor Network

Media Access Control (MAC) layer protocols have a critical role in making a typical Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) more reliable and efficient. Choice of MAC layer protocol and other factors including number of nodes, mobility, traffic rate and playground size dictates the performance of a particular WSN. In this paper, the performance of an experimental WSN is evaluated using different MAC layer protocols. In this experiment, a WSN is created using OMNeT++ MiXiM network simulator and its performance in terms of packet delivery ratio and mean latency is evaluated. The simulation results show that IEEE 802.11 MAC layer protocol performs better than CSMA, B-MAC and IEEE 802.15. 4 MAC layer protocols. In the considered scenario, IEEE 802.15. 4 is ranked second in performance, followed by CSMA and B-MAC.
Bar-Halo Interaction and Bar Growth

I show that strong bars can grow in galactic disks, even when the latter are immersed in halos whose mass within the disk radius is comparable to, or larger than, the mass of the disk. I argue that this is due to the response of the halo and in particular to the destabilizing influence of the halo resonant stars. Via this instability mechanism, the halo can stimulate, rather than restrain, the growth of the bar.
A Cloud Architecture Using Smart Nodes

Most Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS) cloud platforms are implemented with a cluster of machines having multiple worker nodes and a single master node, which acts as the cloud front-end. In such an architecture the control regarding the Virtual Machine (VM) scheduling and policies compliance etc. lies largely with the front-end node of the cluster. Decision making in such IaaS cloud does not have any intelligent and real time participation from the worker nodes. This is undesirable for scenarios where the cloud is composed from nodes that are semi/fully autonomous and/or when their ownership is hierarchical in nature. It becomes even more significant issue in cases where the hyper visor is a Type-2 (i.e. hosted) kind. This is because a Type-2 hyper visor runs as a regular operating system (OS) process subjected to local OS policies regarding resource allocation and security etc. To address these issues, we propose here an architecture which makes use of real time system-state information from the cluster nodes and decentralizes the cluster node policy management etc., among other design decisions. We show that the scalability, security, availability and reliability of the IaaS cloud gets improved with our proposed architecture. We apply the proposed architecture to a real use case where it helps utilize the untapped computing capacity of large pool of powerful PCs without violating the unique Quality of Service (QoS) needs of their regular owners and users.
How Does National Scientific Funding Support Emerging Interdisciplinary Research: A Comparison Study of Big Data Research in the US and China

How do funding agencies ramp-up their capabilities to support research in a rapidly emerging area? This paper addresses this question through a comparison of research proposals awarded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in the field of Big Data. Big data is characterized by its size and difficulties in capturing, curating, managing and processing it in reasonable periods of time. Although Big Data has its legacy in longstanding information technology research, the field grew very rapidly over a short period. We find that the extent of interdisciplinarity is a key aspect in how these funding agencies address the rise of Big Data. Our results show that both agencies have been able to marshal funding to support Big Data research in multiple areas, but the NSF relies to a greater extent on multi-program funding from different fields. We discuss how these interdisciplinary approaches reflect the research hot-spots and innovation pathways in these two countries.
The involvement of TRPC3 channels in sinoatrial arrhythmias

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The currently available treatments are limited and AF continues to be a major clinical challenge. Clinical studies have shown that AF is frequently associated with dysfunction in the sino-atrial node (SAN). The association between AF and SAN dysfunction is probably related to the communication between the SAN and the surrounding atrial cells that form the SAN-atrial pacemaker complex and/or pathological processes that affect both the SAN and atrial simultaneously. Recent evidence suggests that Ca2+ entry through TRPC3 (Transient Receptor Potential Canonical-3) channels may underlie several pathophysiological conditions -including cardiac arrhythmias. However, it is still not known if atrial and sinoatrial node cells are also involved. In this article we will first briefly review TRPC3 and IP3R signaling that relate to store/receptor-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE/ROCE) mechanisms and cardiac arrhythmias. We will then present some of our recent research progress in this field. Our experiments results suggest that pacing-induced AF in angiotensin II (Ang II) treated mice are significantly reduced in mice lacking the TRPC3 gene (TRPC3−/− mice) compared to wild type controls. We also show that pacemaker cells express TRPC3 and several other molecular components related to SOCE/ROCE signaling, including STIM1 and IP3R. Activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) signaling that is able to modulate SOCE/ROCE and Ang II induced Ca2+ homeostasis changes in sinoatrial complex being linked to TRPC3. The results provide new evidence that TRPC3 may play a role in sinoatrial and atrial arrhythmias that are caused by GPCRs activation.
Uma análise de desempenho de uma abordagem NoSQL no Bussiness Intelligence

BI, also known as Business Intelligence, is the set of technologies oriented to providing information and knowledge in an organization for decision making. Its implementation includes a Data Warehouse, which is a tool whose design and administration is focused on databases or a volume of data. Through the advancement of technologies focused on the database scalability, the use of performance-oriented databases that manage a massive amount of data has been growing and are designed for low-cost environments. These databases are known as NoSQL. This paper presents a case study for performance analysis between a new approach of a Data Warehouse, where it exposes comparative tests to evaluate the performance of the data query in this new approach, using Cassandra, a NoSQL database comparing to a traditional approach in a MySQL relational database.
Pharmacotherapy for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder characterized by multifocal pain and other associated somatic symptoms including fatigue, insomnia, cognitive/memory problems, and even psychological distress. It appears that 2–4% of the general population suffers from FM. FM negatively impacts the physical functioning of its patients, as evidenced by difficulties with multiple daily activities, as well as affecting emotional health, social functioning, and health related quality of life. This review will discuss the potential theories that possibly contribute to the pathogenesis of FM, although the precise mechanism is unknown. The evolution of the assessment of FM will also be examined, with the waning use of tender point examinations and the appearance of new simple, practical diagnostic criteria. Although non-pharmacologic therapeutic options (exercise, education, cognitive–behavioral therapy) have been shown to be extremely effective in FM, the focus of this article will be on pharmacologic strategies. Non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved as well as FDA approved agents will be presented. Each agent's therapeutic “niche” in FM management will be discussed based on its pharmacologic profile, patient responsiveness, and tolerability. Finally a clinical algorithm will be presented for the step-wise management of pain and other associated symptoms of FM.
Growth Performance, Meat Yield, Oxidative Stability, and Fatty Acid Composition of Meat from Broilers Fed Diets Supplemented with a Medicinal Plant and Probiotics

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of Alisma canaliculatum with probiotics (ACP) on the growth performance, meat composition, oxidative stability, and fatty acid composition of broiler meat. Sixteen probiotic strains were tested for their levels of acid, bile, and heat tolerance. Among them, Lactobacillus acidophilus KCTC 3111, Enterococcus faecium KCTC 2022, Bacillus subtilis KCTC 3239, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae KCTC 7928 were selected for use in ACP. Exactly 140 Ross broiler chicks were assigned to four dietary treatments in five replications for 5 wks in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were NC (Negative control; basal diet), PC (Positive control; basal diet with 0.005% Chlortetracycline), ACP-0.5% (basal diet with 0.5% ACP powder), and ACP-1% (basal diet with 1% ACP powder). According to the results, body weight of the broilers increased, and feed conversion ratio improved in the ACP-0.5% group compared to the NC group (p<0.05). Crude protein content of breast meat was higher (p<0.05) in the ACP-0.5% group, whereas crude fat content of thigh meat was lower (p<0.05) in the supplemented groups. Breast meat absolute and relative weights were both higher (p<0.05) in the ACP groups compared to the control group. Further, ACP diets increased gizzard and decreased large intestine relative weights, whereas kidney relative weight decreased upon the addition of a higher level (1%) of ACP (p<0.05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values of breast and thigh meats were reduced (p<0.05) by ACP supplementation compared to control. Regarding the fatty acid composition of breast meat, arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, PUFA, and n6 fatty acid levels decreased (p<0.05) in the ACP groups, whereas the levels of linoleic acid, PUFA, PUFA/SFA, and n6 fatty acid in thigh meat decreased (p<0.05) by ACP and PC diets. It can be suggested based on the study results that ACP-0.5% diet could be an effective feed additive for broilers.
Model-guided performance analysis of the sparse matrix-matrix multiplication

Achieving high efficiency with numerical kernels for sparse matrices is of utmost importance, since they are part of many simulation codes and tend to use most of the available compute time and resources. In addition, especially in large scale simulation frameworks the readability and ease of use of mathematical expressions are essential components for the continuous maintenance, modification, and extension of software. In this context, the sparse matrix-matrix multiplication is of special interest. In this paper we thoroughly analyze the single-core performance of sparse matrix-matrix multiplication kernels in the Blaze Smart Expression Template (SET) framework. We develop simple models for estimating the achievable maximum performance, and use them to assess the efficiency of our implementations. Additionally, we compare these kernels with several commonly used SET-based C++ libraries, which, just as Blaze, aim at combining the requirements of high performance with an elegant user interface. For the different sparse matrix structures considered here, we show that our implementations are competitive or faster than those of the other SET libraries for most problem sizes on a current Intel multicore processor.
The Finite Line Integration Method (FLIM)-A Fast Variant of Finite Element Modelling

A new way of modelling and solving partial differential equations is derived. While the finite element (FE) methodology is based on the integration over finite elements, this novel approach utilizes edges (finite lines) instead, which results in a finite line integration (FLIM). We present how the FE-computations over elements (areas or volumes) can be rewritten for the stiffness matrix based on edges and how the load can be obtained along these finite lines. It is shown that the performance of the new method can be made identical to the performance of the finite element method (FEM) for linear triangular or tetrahedral elements independent of the mesh being structured or unstructured. The new method, however, requires much lower storage than FEM, especially for three-dimensional problems, but yields the same approximation error and convergence rate as the finite element method. Further, this approach allows for a direct computation of stiffness matrices at edge level, which can advantageously be used for the development of efficient linear iterative solvers. AMS Subject Classifications: 65D30, 65N30.
Future fire emissions associated with projected land use change in Sumatra

Indonesia has experienced rapid land use change over the last few decades as forests and peatswamps have been cleared for more intensively managed land uses, including oil palm and timber plantations. Fires are the predominant method of clearing and managing land for more intensive uses, and the related emissions affect public health by contributing to regional particulate matter and ozone concentrations and adding to global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. Here, we examine emissions from fires associated with land use clearing and land management on the Indonesian island of Sumatra and the sensitivity of this fire activity to interannual meteorological variability. We find ~80% of 2005–2009 Sumatra emissions are associated with degradation or land use maintenance instead of immediate land use conversion, especially in dry years. We estimate Sumatra fire emissions from land use change and maintenance for the next two decades with five scenarios of land use change, the Global Fire Emissions Database Version 3, detailed 1‐km2 land use change maps, and MODIS fire radiative power observations. Despite comprising only 16% of the original study area, we predict that 37–48% of future Sumatra emissions from land use change will occur in fuel‐rich peatswamps unless this land cover type is protected effectively. This result means that the impact of fires on future air quality and climate in Equatorial Asia will be decided in part by the conservation status given to the remaining peatswamps on Sumatra. Results from this article will be implemented in an atmospheric transport model to quantify the public health impacts from the transport of fire emissions associated with future land use scenarios in Sumatra.
A Blind Detection Resistant Steganographic Algorithm for Images Based on Texture Complexity and Pixel-value Differencing

According to the analysis of the effect of the texture complexity on steganalysis, we propose a data hiding algorithm based on texture complexity and difference pixel value. Firstly, the image is decomposed into blocks, after which the texture complexity of each block is calculated and blocks with high complexity are selected. Then the different pixel values on two directions of the selected blocks are computed to choose the edge areas. The secret messages are only embedded in the pixel-value differencing above the threshold. When compared with several steganographic methods on different image databases, the experimental results show that our method outperforms previous steganographic methods such as LSB matching and Adaptive data hiding in edge areas of images on the capability of resisting universal blind detecting methods, such as wavelet high-order statistics analysis.
Epidemiologic Behavior and Estimation of an Optimal Cut-Off Point for Homeostasis Model Assessment-2 Insulin Resistance: A Report from a Venezuelan Population

Background. Mathematical models such as Homeostasis Model Assessment have gained popularity in the evaluation of insulin resistance (IR). The purpose of this study was to estimate the optimal cut-off point for Homeostasis Model Assessment-2 Insulin Resistance (HOMA2-IR) in an adult population of Maracaibo, Venezuela. Methods. Descriptive, cross-sectional study with randomized, multistaged sampling included 2,026 adult individuals. IR was evaluated through HOMA2-IR calculation in 602 metabolically healthy individuals. For cut-off point estimation, two approaches were applied: HOMA2-IR percentile distribution and construction of ROC curves using sensitivity and specificity for selection. Results. HOMA2-IR arithmetic mean for the general population was 2.21 ± 1.42, with 2.18 ± 1.37 for women and 2.23 ± 1.47 for men (P = 0.466). When calculating HOMA2-IR for the healthy reference population, the resulting p75 was 2.00. Using ROC curves, the selected cut-off point was 1.95, with an area under the curve of 0.801, sensibility of 75.3%, and specificity of 72.8%. Conclusions. We propose an optimal cut-off point of 2.00 for HOMA2-IR, offering high sensitivity and specificity, sufficient for proper assessment of IR in the adult population of our city, Maracaibo. The determination of population-specific cut-off points is needed to evaluate risk for public health problems, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Mobile Phone Power Amplifier Linearity and Efficiency Enhancement Using Digital Predistortion

The new generation mobile communication systems using spectrum efficient linear modulation schemes (QPSK, 8PSK, QAM) need linear power amplifiers in the transmission path to have good ACPR and EVM values. Linearization methods can be used to increase the linearity of the power amplifiers (PA). However, it is not reasonable to use complicated, power consuming and high cost systems. This paper presents a digital predistortion implementation for WCDMA signals using an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) as DSP and investigates the application of this system in handsets. The method applied requires minimum change in the conventional transmitter path configuration but considerable PAE improvement can be achieved.
Influence of Light Polarization on Photoswitching of Fulgimide Monolayers on Surfaces

The photoisomerization characteristic parameters [photostationary states (PSSs), cross section σ, and quantum yield η] of indolyl fulgimide compounds dispersed in solution are quantitatively compared to those of the same compounds covalently immobilized as a monolayer on functionalized Si(111) surfaces (see Adv. Mater. 2013, 25, 416). The photoisomerization kinetics of fulgimide compounds in solution is monitored using UV–vis spectroscopy and that of monolayers is monitored by in situ calibrated Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Although the isomeric composition at PSSs is very similar in solution and at surfaces, a strong influence of the incident light polarization is found on photoisomerization cross section σ (σs ≪ σp < σsol). Accounting for the local excitation electromagnetic field indicates that the fulgimide groups adopt a preferential tilt angle with respect to the surface normal and their transition dipole is almost parallel to the surface plane for either C or E/Z isomers. Density functi.
Shared and Separate Processing Among Bilinguals Knowledge Recall

The study aimed at examining the hypotheses of shared and separate knowledge recalling among bilinguals by answering the following questions: Are there statistical differences between means of free recall attributed to the type of the second time display of the word? Are there statistical differences between means of the free recall attributed to gender? Are there statistical differences between means of free recall attributed to the type of the word second time display, gender, and the interaction between both? The researcher selected (60) common Arabic words and considered them list 1, their Arabic equivalents are considered list 2 and a third list represented their translations. The class-maker site displayed the lists. Time interval between one word display and the other was two seconds and between the different lists ten seconds. Significant differences attributed to the type of the second time display of the word on free recall means were found. Sheffe test calculated the post hoc comparisons results to find the paired differences between the means, statistical differences were found between the third group and both the first and second groups in favor of the third group. Statistical differences attributed to gender were found on the free recall in favor of females. Differences in means and standard deviations of the free recall attributed to interaction between gender and type of the second time display of the word were found. Differences functionality computed by the variance analyses and found insignificant, f-value scored 0.683 and a significance of (0.510), the performance of the third group was better than the first and second groups for males and females. Keywords : bilinguals, separate information processing, shared information processing.
Performance of OFDM with AGC at 340 MHz

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the performance of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system in slow fading channels. The system has an 80 dB dynamic range and operates at 340 MHz with an 8 MHz 3 dB RF bandwidth. The peak user data rate achieved is 24 Mbits/sec. A novel automatic gain control (AGC) algorithm is proposed to address the high peak to average power ratio (PAPR) that occurs with OFDM. Experimental results show that the new AGC has superior performance compared to the standard analog AGC.
Selective Influence and Sequential Operations: A Research Strategy for Visual Search

We introduce conceptually and empirically a powerful but underutilized experimental approach to dissect the cognitive processes supporting performance of a visual search task with factorial manipulations of singleton-distractor identifiability and stimulus-response cue discriminability. We show that systems factorial technology can distinguish processing architectures from the performance of macaque monkeys. This demonstration offers new opportunities to distinguish neural mechanisms through selective manipulation of visual encoding, search selection, rule encoding, and stimulus-response mapping.