Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of dopants on transmission loss of low-OH-content optical fibres

We formerly developed very-low-OH-content optical fibres consisting of a borosilicate cladding and a phosphosilicate core. The transmission loss of the fibre was 0.47 dB/km at 1.2 μm. We have further investigated the effects of dopants in pure silica on the losses of fibres. The letter clarifies the effects of dopants on the loss in the near-infrared region.
Potential Early Markers for Breast Cancer: A Proteomic Approach Comparing Saliva and Serum Samples in a Pilot Study

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women in the United States, and early detection could offer patients the opportunity to receive early intervention. The current methods of diagnosis rely on mammograms and have relatively high rates of false positivity, causing anxiety in patients. We sought to identify protein markers in saliva and serum for early detection of breast cancer. A rigorous analysis was performed for individual saliva and serum samples from women without breast disease, and women diagnosed with benign or malignant breast disease, using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technique, and employing a random effects model. A total of 591 and 371 proteins were identified in saliva and serum samples from the same individuals, respectively. The differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in exocytosis, secretion, immune response, neutrophil-mediated immunity and cytokine-mediated signaling pathway. Using a network biology approach, significantly expressed proteins in both biological fluids were evaluated for protein–protein interaction networks and further analyzed for these being potential biomarkers in breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Our systems approach illustrates a feasible platform for investigating the responsive proteomic profile in benign and malignant breast disease using saliva and serum from the same women.
Application of Gold Nanoparticles as Radiosensitizer for Metastatic Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

More than 50% of all prostate cancer (PCa) patients are treated by radiotherapy (RT). Radioresistance and cancer recurrence are two consequences of the therapy and are related to dose heterogeneity and non-selectivity between normal and tumoral cells. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) could be used as potential radiosensitizers to overcome these therapeutic limitations of RT. This study assessed the biological interaction of different morphologies of AuNPs with ionizing radiation (IR) in PCa cells. To achieve that aim, three different amine-pegylated AuNPs were synthesized with distinct sizes and shapes (spherical, AuNPsp-PEG, star, AuNPst-PEG, and rods, AuNPr-PEG) and viability, injury and colony assays were used to analyze their biological effect on PCa cells (PC3, DU145, and LNCaP) when submitted to the accumulative fraction of RT. The combinatory effect of AuNPs with IR decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis compared to cells treated only with IR or untreated cells. Additionally, our results showed an increase in the sensitization enhancement ratio by cells treated with AuNPs and IR, and this effect is cell line dependent. Our findings support that the design of AuNPs modulated their cellular behavior and suggested that AuNPs could improve the RT efficacy in PCa cells.
Experimental Design for Clonogenic Assays in Chemotherapy

Abstract One approach to estimating the number of cells with high growth potential in a cancer patient is the assessment of tumor cell colony formation in semisolid medium. A potential indicator of the clinical response to a specific drug is the capacity of the drug to reduce the formation of cell colonies. Often, a Poisson log-linear model provides an adequate representation of the dose-response curve. This model is then summarized by the dose required to reduce the number of colonies to a predetermined percentage of the maximum growth. But more general models are needed to account for the overdispersion and the resistant subpopulations often present in these assays. This article explores alternative methods for selecting the dose levels to obtain precise estimates of the parameters of interest. Optimal dose allocations for a single patient or a group of patients are derived. Methods to incorporate the information from pilot studies are discussed. A study of drug sensitivity with leukemia patients provid.
An Introduction and Overview of RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling

RON is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) of the MET receptor family that is canonically involved in mediating growth and inflammatory signaling. RON is expressed at low levels in a variety of tissues, but its overexpression and activation have been associated with malignancies in multiple tissue types and worse patient outcomes. RON and its ligand HGFL demonstrate cross-talk with other growth receptors and, consequentially, positions RON at the intersection of numerous tumorigenic signaling programs. For this reason, RON is an attractive therapeutic target in cancer research. A better understanding of homeostatic and oncogenic RON activity serves to enhance clinical insights in treating RON-expressing cancers.
A note on adjusting correlation matrices

A new algorithm for adjusting correlation matrices and for comparison with Finger's algorithm, which is used to compute Value-at-Risk in RiskMetrics for stress test scenarios. The solution proposed by the new methodology is always better than Finger's approach in the sense that it alters as little as possible those correlations that one would wish not to alter, but they change in order to obtain a consistent Finger correlation matrix.
Phenotypic Characterization of Male Tafazzin-Knockout Mice at 3, 6, and 12 Months of Age

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X-linked mitochondrial disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding for tafazzin (TAZ), a key enzyme in the remodeling of cardiolipin. Mice with a germline deficiency in Taz have been generated (Taz-KO) but not yet fully characterized. We performed physiological assessments of 3-, 6-, and 12-month-old male Taz-KO mice, including measures of perinatal survival, growth, lifespan, gross anatomy, whole-body energy and substrate metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and exercise capacity. Taz-KO mice displayed reduced viability, with lower-than-expected numbers of mice recorded at 4 weeks of age, and a shortened lifespan due to disease progression. At all ages, Taz-KO mice had lower body weights compared with wild-type (Wt) littermates despite similar absolute food intakes. This finding was attributed to reduced adiposity and diminutive organs and tissues, including heart and skeletal muscles. Although there were no differences in basal levels of locomotion between age-matched genotypes, indirect calorimetry studies showed higher energy expenditure measures and respiratory exchange ratios in Taz-KO mice. At the youngest age, Taz-KO mice had comparable glucose tolerance and insulin action to Wt mice, but while these measures indicated metabolic impairments in Wt mice with advancing age that were likely associated with increasing adiposity, Taz-KO mice were protected. Comparisons across the three age-cohorts revealed a significant and more severe deterioration of exercise capacity in Taz-KO mice than in their Wt littermate controls. The Taz-KO mouse model faithfully recapitulates important aspects of BTHS, and thus provides an important new tool to investigate pathophysiological mechanisms and potential therapies.
Evaluation of chemosterility effect of different insect growth regulators on Bactrocera zonata population

The indiscriminate application of synthetic pesticides on horticultural plants for the management of Bactrocera zonata has both economic and environmental implications due to the biomagnification of harmful residues in humans via the food chain. This necessitates the use of some eco-friendly control measures such as insect growth regulators (IGRs) as an alternative. A laboratory experiment was laid out to determine the potential chemosterilant effect of five IGRs including pyriproxyfen, novaluron, lufenuron, buprofezin, and flubendiamide at six different concentrations on B. zonata after treating adult diet. Using the oral bioassay, B. zonata were fed on IGRs impregnated diet (50–300 ppm/5 mL diet) which was replaced with the normal diet after 24 h of feeding. Ten pairs of B. zonata were placed in a separate plastic cage accommodating an ovipositor attractant guava for eggs collection and calculation. An analysis of the result revealed that fecundity and hatchability were higher at a low dose and vice versa. Lufenuron at 300 ppm/5 mL of diet significantly decreased the fecundity rate (31.1%) as compared to pyriproxyfen, novaluron, buprofezin and flubendiamide, which had 39.3%, 39.3%, 43.8%, and 47.5%, respectively. The lowest hatchability (19.9%) was noted in lufenuron treated diet followed by pyriproxyfen, novaluron, buprofezin, and flubendiamide, which had 22.1%, 25.0%, 30.9%, and 31.6%, respectively. Furthermore, in a population of crosses between the lufenuron treated male and female, a significant decrease in fecundity (45.5%) and hatchability (51.7%) was noted as compared to other IGRs. Overall, this study identified the chemosterilant potential of lufenuron on the population of B. zonata which can be integrated for its management strategy.
BcMAF 2 activates BcTEM 1 and represses flowering in

Key message BcMAF2 plays a key role in flowering regulation by controlling BcTEM1, BcSOC1 and BCSPL15 inPak-choi. Abstract Flowering is a key event in the life cycle of plants. Flowering time shows an extensive variation from different Pak-choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) cultivars. However, the regulation mechanism of flowering in Pak-choi remains rarely known. In this study, a systematic identification and functional analysis of a Pak-choi MADS Affecting Flowering (MAF) gene, BcMAF2, was carried out. BcMAF2 encoded a protein containing a conserved MADS-box domain, which was localized in the nucleus. QPCR analysis indicated that the expression of BcMAF2 was higher in the leaves and flowers. Overexpression of BcMAF2 in Arabidopsis showed that BcMAF2 repressed flowering, which was further confirmed by silencing endogenous BcMAF2 in Pak-choi. In addition, Tempranillo 1 (TEM1) expression was up-regulated and MAF2 expression was down-regulated in the BcMAF2-overexpressing Arabidopsis. The expression of BcMAF2 and BcTEM1 was down-regulated in BcMAF2-silencing Pak-choi plants. The yeast one-hybrid, dual luciferase and qPCR results revealed that BcMAF2 protein could directly bind to BcTEM1 promoter and activate its expression, which was not reported in Arabidopsis. Meanwhile, a self-inhibition was found in BcMAF2. Taken together, this work suggested that BcMAF2 could repress flowering by directly activating BcTEM1.
Differentiation of human endometrial stem cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel into oocyte-like cells

Introduction: Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (hEnMSCs) are a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with multi-lineage differentiation potential, making them an intriguing tool in regenerative medicine, particularly for the treatment of reproductive and infertility issues. The specific process of germline cell-derived stem cell differentiation remains unknown, the aim is to study novel ways to achieve an effective differentiation method that produces adequate and functioning human gamete cells. Methods: We adjusted the optimum retinoic acid (RA) concentration for enhancement of germ cell-derived hEnSCs generation in 2D cell culture after 7 days in this study. Subsequently, we developed a suitable oocyte-like cell induction media including RA and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), and studied their effects on oocyte-like cell differentiation in 2D and 3D cell culture media utilizing cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel. Results: Our results from microscopy analysis, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence tests revealed that 10 µM RA concentration was the optimal dose for inducing germ-like cells after 7 days. We examined the alginate hydrogel structural characteristics and integrity by rheology analysis and SEM microscope. We also demonstrated encapsulated cell viability and adhesion in the manufactured hydrogel. We propose that in 3D cell cultures in alginate hydrogel, an induction medium containing 10 µM RA and 50 ng/mL BMP4 can enhance hEnSC differentiation into oocyte-like cells. Conclusion: The production of oocyte-like cells using 3D alginate hydrogel may be viable in vitro approach for replacing gonad tissues and cells.
Individual Exhaust gas mass flow estimation using a periodic observer Design

Abstract In this paper, we propose a method to estimate the individual exhaust mass flow rate for a gasoline IC engine. In order to achieve this goal a periodic observer for a class of non linear models in the discrete Takagi-Sugeno form is designed. The adopted framework to prove the stability of the observer is based on the Lyapunov theory and use linear matrix inequality (LMI) formalism. Some simulation and experimental results are provided to show the efficiency of the proposed observer.
Active Charge Equalization of an ‘m×n’ Battery Stack in Electric Vehicles during Charging, Discharging, or Isolated Condition

In this paper, an active battery charge equalization technique for Electric Vehicles using an ‘m×n’ battery stack is proposed and analyzed. The proposed configuration allows to achieve voltage and current balance of all the batteries in the battery stack during charging, discharging, or idle situations. A fourth-order battery integrated dc-dc bi-directional converter with a battery stack is operated to implement charging, discharging, and isolated conditions for the battery stack. The whole equalization process as well as an analysis of the effect of duty ratios on equalization time and equalization current of the battery stack is explained. The obtained results were found to be consistent with the theoretical analysis.
Potential Application of the WST-8-mPMS Assay for Rapid Viable Microorganism Detection

To ensure clean drinking water, viable pathogens in water must be rapidly and efficiently screened. The traditional culture or spread-plate process—the conventional standard for bacterial detection—is laborious, time-consuming, and unsuitable for rapid detection. Therefore, we developed a colorimetric assay for rapid microorganism detection using a metabolism-based approach. The reaction between a viable microorganism and the combination of 2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium sodium salt (WST-8) and 1-methoxy-5-methylphenazinium methyl sulfate (mPMS) results in a color change. In combination with a microplate reader, WST-8-mPMS reactivity was leveraged to develop a colorimetric assay for the rapid detection of various bacteria. The detection limit of the WST-8-mPMS assay for both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria was evaluated. This WST-8-mPMS assay can be used to perform colorimetrical semi-quantitative detection of various bacterial strains in buffers or culture media within 1 h without incubation before the reaction. The easy-to-use, robust, rapid, and sensitive nature of this novel assay demonstrates its potential for practical and medical use for microorganism detection.
Criticism of Lake's Analysis of the Rotation Curves of Dwarf Spirals

Lake (1989) analyzes the rotation curves of a few dwarf spiral galaxies, and claims that their observed rotation velocities are, systematically, smaller than the velocities predicted by MOND. I point out some facts that should have been, at least, mentioned by Lake, as they are essential for assessing the significance of his analysis. I contend, among other things, that errors in the adopted distances and/or inclinations can fully account for the inadequacies Lake imputes to the theory.
Adaptive dead-zone compensation for output-feedback canonical systems

An adaptive output feedback dead-zone compensation scheme is designed for systems with an unknown dead-zone at the input of an n th-order smooth nonlinear dynamics in the output-feedback canonical form. The proposed adaptive controller employs an adaptive dead-zone inverse to cancel the dead-zone and uses a backstepping design for adaptive output feedback control. It has a new state observer parametrization that is needed to handle the dead-zone uncertainty and a new robust control law that is suitable for the parameter projection needed to implement an adaptive dead-zone inverse. The adaptive dead-zone compensation design ensures closed-loop signal boundedness and improves system tracking performance.
Quinolone Resistance Genes and Their Contribution to Resistance in Vibrio cholerae Serogroup O139

Background. Quinolones are commonly used for reducing the duration of diarrhea, infection severity, and limiting further transmission of disease related to Vibrio cholerae, but V. cholerae susceptibility to quinolone decreases over time. In addition to mutations in the quinolone-resistance determining regions (QRDRs), the presence of qnr and other acquired genes also contributes to quinolone resistance. Results. We determined the prevalence of quinolone resistance related genes among V. cholerae O139 strains isolated in China. We determined that eight strains carried qnrVC, which encodes a pentapeptide repeat protein of the Qnr subfamily, the members of which protect topoisomerases from quinolone action. Four qnrVC alleles were detected: qnrVC1, qnrVC5, qnrVC12, and qnrVC9. However, the strains carrying qnrVC1, qnrVC5, and qnrVC12 were ciprofloxacin (CIP)-sensitive. Contrastingly, the strain carrying qnrVC9 demonstrated high CIP resistance. qnrVC9 was carried by a small plasmid, which was conjugative and contributed to the high CIP resistance to the receptor V. cholerae strain. The same plasmid was also detected in V. vulnificus. The qnrVC1, qnrVC5, and qnrVC12 were cloned into expression plasmids and conferred CIP resistance on the host V. cholerae O139 strain. Conclusions. Our results revealed the contribution of quinolone resistance mediated by the qnrVC9 carried on the small plasmid and its active horizontal transfer among Vibrio species. The results also suggested the different effects of qnrVC alleles in different V. cholerae strains, which is possibly due to differences in sequences of qnrVC alleles and even the genetic characteristics of the host strains.
Runaway-loss induced negative and positive loop voltage spikes in the Aditya Tokamak

Negative spikes followed by positive ones in the loop voltage signal during the discharge are observed in the Aditya Tokamak [S. B. Bhatt et al., Indian J. Pure Appl. Phys. 27, 710 (1989)]. These spikes are always accompanied by hard x-ray bursts caused by sudden loss of runaway electrons. The observed growth of m=3 mode seemed responsible for the losses of localized beams of runaway electrons (Eγ∼1–5 MeV) from the plasma region around q=3 magnetic surface. The movement of these runaway electrons during their extraction from inside the plasma induces both positive and negative electric fields at those locations. In this paper, a one-dimensional toroidal electric field diffusion model is used to estimate the induced electric field at the plasma boundary, which matches quite well with the observed spikes in loop voltage in both magnitude as well as its temporal evolution.
On the correlation of the acoustic signal of microphones mounted on a flat plate to the turbulence of an impinging jet

An axial symmetric fan driven by a brushless actuator with variable frequency is used to generate a turbulent circular jet leading to typical core‐velocities of around 10 m/s (Re = 99000). The jet impinges on a flat plate. Turbulence is generated using different sets of turbulence generators in the pipe consisting of meshes, rods, cubes and spikes. The turbulent flow field downstream of the pipe outlet is measured using two‐axis hot wire anemometry with a temporal resolution of a minimum of 48 kHz. The CTA probe is positioned using an automated three‐axis traversing system. 12 Microphones are mounted on a flat plate and are used to capture the wall pressure fluctuations. CFD calculations are performed for the different turbulence generators and are compared to the acoustic and CTA signals. An important aspect of the work is the simultaneous recording of both the CTA‐ and the acoustic signals in the experimental and numerical approach. This allows for the calculation of correlation patterns between turbule.
New Entropy-Based Method for Gene Selection

Abstract Dimension reduction and selection of a small number of genes with high ability, to discriminate objects, are important challenges in micro-array data analysis. Gene selection, based on top ranked genes which individually have high power to discriminate objects, is a traditional method that doesn’t consider the redundancy among the genes. Some results present that subset of genes with low degree of redundancy can show a more comprehensive representation of the targeted classes than one with redundant genes. In this paper, we use Shannon theorem and penalized logistic regression (PLR) as a probability estimator to present a new algorithm for dimension reduction and collect a subset of representative genes of gene expression profile. Breast cancer, leukemia, colon and lung datasets have been classified based on proposed gene selection algorithm by PLR classifier. In most cases the results show a good performance compared to other recent researches.
Arbitration Between Competing Railway Communications as a Service

Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) is a standard for railway communications designed to improve train automation, safety, communications, customer experience, and maintenance. The arbitration between communications competing for a user attention is essential for critical FRMCS applications such as emergency communications, automatic train control, etc. The paper presents a serviceoriented approach to the way simultaneous FRMCS communications should be treated. The approach to arbitration as a service provides for authorized applications capabilities to set, modify, and remove rules for handling competing communications, and may be used as a service brick in application development. The service is described by typical use cases, data types, resources and supported methods. Some service implementation issues are considered, including modeling of user communication status and estimation of injected latency.