Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacogenetics of treatments for pancreatic cancer

ABSTRACT Introduction: Despite clinical efforts, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis. The scarcity of effective therapies can be reflected by the lack of reliable biomarkers to adapt anticancer drugs prescription to tumors’ and patients’ features. Areas covered: Pharmacogenetics should provide the way to select patients who may benefit from a specific therapy that best matches individual and tumor genetic profile, but it has not yet led to gains in outcome. This review describes PDAC pharmacogenetics findings, critically reappraising studies on polymorphisms and -omics profiles correlated to response to gemcitabine, FOLFIRINOX, and nab-paclitaxel combinations, as well as limitations of targeted therapies. Further, we question whether personalized approaches will benefit patients to any significant degree, supporting the need of new strategies within well-designed trials and validated genomic tests for treatment decision-making. Expert opinion: A major challenge in PDAC is the identification of subgroups of patients who will benefit from treatments. Minimally-invasive tests to analyze biomarkers of drug sensitivity/toxicity should be developed alongside anticancer treatments. However, progress might fall below expectations because of tumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution. Whole-genome sequencing and liquid biopsies, as well as prospective validation in selected cohorts, should overcome the limitations of traditional pharmacogenetic approaches.
Hemodynamics of cerebral veins analyzed by 2d and 4d flow mri and ultrasound in healthy volunteers and patients with multiple sclerosis

Hemodynamic alterations of extracranial veins are considered an etiologic factor in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, ultrasound and MRI studies could not confirm a pathophysiological link. Because of technical challenges using standard diagnostics, information about the involvement of superficial intracranial veins in proximity to the affected brain in MS is scarce.
The Adaptive Mechanism of Plants to Iron Deficiency via Iron Uptake, Transport, and Homeostasis

Iron is an essential element for plant growth and development. While abundant in soil, the available Fe in soil is limited. In this regard, plants have evolved a series of mechanisms for efficient iron uptake, allowing plants to better adapt to iron deficient conditions. These mechanisms include iron acquisition from soil, iron transport from roots to shoots, and iron storage in cells. The mobilization of Fe in plants often occurs via chelating with phytosiderophores, citrate, nicotianamine, mugineic acid, or in the form of free iron ions. Recent work further elucidates that these genes’ response to iron deficiency are tightly controlled at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels to maintain iron homeostasis. Moreover, increasing evidences shed light on certain factors that are identified to be interconnected and integrated to adjust iron deficiency. In this review, we highlight the molecular and physiological bases of iron acquisition from soil to plants and transport mechanisms for tolerating iron deficiency in dicotyledonous plants and rice.
Chalmers program in turbulence; a proposed model for higher level undergraduate education in general

The trend in engineering education has been to move in the direction of a more broad based and general education in the final year of study. We believe that it is preferable for the students to specialize. By doing so, the students benefit from an intellectually challenging program in which they develop working skills and study discipline, learn to focus on important issues, and develop critical reasoning skills. It is also important that the students are exposed to real world difficulties, whereby they will learn how to proceed in the common engineering cases where not all the required knowledge is at hand. In our view, if a student gains confidence in his/her ability to become really good at one intellectually demanding area, then that confidence makes him/her far better at rapidly acquiring knowledge from any other area than he/she would have gained from the shallow survey approach where a little is learned about a lot, but not much about anything.
Minimal amount of tissue‐based pH measurement to improve quality control in neuropsychiatric post‐mortem brain studies

Tissue pH and RNA integrity are crucial quality‐control indicators of human post‐mortem brain tissues in the identification of the pathogeneses of neuropsychiatric disorders, but pH has not been measured as often due to limitations in the amount of tissue available. This study was designed to develop and validate a protocol for tissue pH evaluation using a minimal amount of human post‐mortem tissues.
Computer-aided design and manufacturing construction of a surgical template for craniofacial implant positioning to support a definitive nasal prosthesis.

AIM To design a surgical template to guide the insertion of craniofacial implants for nasal prosthesis retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS The planning of the implant position was obtained using software for virtual surgery; the positions were transferred to a free-form computer-aided design modeling software and used to design the surgical guides. A rapid prototyping system was used to 3D-print a three-part template: a helmet to support the others, a starting guide to mark the skin before flap elevation, and a surgical guide for bone drilling. An accuracy evaluation between the planned and the placed final position of each implant was carried out by measuring the inclination of the axis of the implant (angular deviation) and the position of the apex of the implant (deviation at apex). RESULTS The implant in the glabella differed in angulation by 7.78°, while the two implants in the premaxilla differed by 1.86 and 4.55°, respectively. The deviation values at the apex of the implants with respect to the planned position were 1.17 mm for the implant in the glabella and 2.81 and 3.39 mm, respectively, for those implanted in the maxilla. CONCLUSIONS The protocol presented in this article may represent a viable way to position craniofacial implants for supporting nasal prostheses.
Bilateral effects of spinal overhemisections on the development of the somatosensory system in rats

Connections of the forepaw regions of somatosensory cortex (S1) were determined in rats reared to maturity after spinal cord overhemisections at cervical level C3 on postnatal day 3. Overhemisections cut all ascending and descending pathways and intervening gray on one side of the spinal cord and the pathways of the dorsal funiculus contralaterally. Bilateral lesions of the dorsal columns reduced the size of the brainstem nuclei by 41%, and the ventroposterior lateral subnucleus (VPL) of the thalamus by 20%. Bilateral lesions also prevented the emergence of the normal cytochrome oxidase barrel pattern in forepaw and hindpaw regions of S1. Injections of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase were placed in the forepaw region of granular S1 and surrounding dysgranular S1 contralateral to the hemisection. The VPL nucleus was densely labeled, whereas the adjoining ventroposterior medial subnucleus, VPM, representing the head, was unlabeled. Thus, there was no evidence of abnormal connections of VPM to forepaw cortex. Foci of transported label in the ipsilateral hemisphere appeared to be in normal locations and of normal extents, but connections in the opposite hemisphere were broadly and nearly uniformly distributed in sensorimotor cortex in a pattern similar to that in postnatal rats. Rats with incomplete lesions that spared the dorsal column pathway on the left side but not the right demonstrated surprisingly normal distributions of callosal connections in the nondeprived right hemisphere, even though the injected left hemisphere was deprived. Thus, the development of the normal pattern of callosal connections depends on dorsal column input and not on normal interhemsipheric interactions. J. Comp. Neurol. 475:604–619, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for spinal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background While it is now clear that paracetamol is ineffective for spinal pain, there is not consensus on the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for this condition. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the efficacy and safety of NSAIDs for spinal pain. Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and LILACS for randomised controlled trials comparing the efficacy and safety of NSAIDs with placebo for spinal pain. Reviewers extracted data, assessed risk of bias and evaluated the quality of evidence using the Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. A between-group difference of 10 points (on a 0–100 scale) was used for pain and disability as the smallest worthwhile effect, as well as to calculate numbers needed to treat. Random-effects models were used to calculate mean differences or risk ratios with 95% CIs. Results We included 35 randomised placebo-controlled trials. NSAIDs reduced pain and disability, but provided clinically unimportant effects over placebo. Six participants (95% CI 4 to 10) needed to be treated with NSAIDs, rather than placebo, for one additional participant to achieve clinically important pain reduction. When looking at different types of spinal pain, outcomes or time points, in only 3 of the 14 analyses were the pooled treatment effects marginally above our threshold for clinical importance. NSAIDs increased the risk of gastrointestinal reactions by 2.5 times (95% CI 1.2 to 5.2), although the median duration of included trials was 7 days. Conclusions NSAIDs are effective for spinal pain, but the magnitude of the difference in outcomes between the intervention and placebo groups is not clinically important. At present, there are no simple analgesics that provide clinically important effects for spinal pain over placebo. There is an urgent need to develop new drug therapies for this condition.
Cardiorespiratory fitness as a predictor of short‐term and lifetime estimated cardiovascular disease risk

Development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a public health concern for young to middle‐aged adults, now exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) improves the reclassification of short‐term (10‐year) CVD risk, but has not been uniformly defined across studies. This study evaluated cross‐sectional differences in short‐term and lifetime CVD risk scores, across both absolute metabolic equivalent (MET) and sex‐ and age‐standardized CRF categories in 805 apparently healthy young to middle‐aged adults (68% male; 47.4 ± 7.2 years). CVD risk factors were evaluated, and estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measurements (METS and peak VO2) were derived from a submaximal Bruce treadmill test. CRF measures also included post‐exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) data. Consistent trends showing more favorable risk factor profiles and lower short‐term CVD (QRISK2), and CVD mortality (SCORE) scores, associated with higher levels of CRF were evident in both sexes. Lifetime CVD risk (Q‐Lifetime) was highest in the lowest CRF categories. Peak VO2 and HRR following submaximal exercise testing contributed to the variability in short‐term and lifetime CVD risk. Global CVD risk predictions were examined across different contemporary CRF classifications with inconsistent findings. Recommended absolute MET and sex‐ and age‐standardized CRF categories were significantly associated with both short‐term and lifetime risk of CVD outcomes. However, compared to internationally derived normative CRF standards, cohort‐specific CRF categories resulted in markedly different proportion of individuals classified in the “poor” CRF category at higher CVD risk.
Characterization of Titanium Nanotube Reinforced Cementitious Composites: Mechanical Properties, Microstructure, and Hydration

In recent years, nano-reinforcing technologies for cementitious materials have attracted considerable interest as a viable solution for compensating the poor cracking resistance of these materials. In this study, for the first time, titanium nanotubes (TNTs) were incorporated in cement pastes and their effect on the mechanical properties, microstructure, and early-age hydration kinetics was investigated. Experimental results showed that both compressive (~12%) and flexural strength (~23%) were enhanced with the addition of 0.5 wt. % of TNTs relative to plain cement paste at 28 days of curing. Moreover, it was found that, while TNTs accelerated the hydration kinetics of the pure cement clinker phase (C3S) in the early age of the reaction (within 24 h), there was no significant effect from adding TNTs on the hydration of ordinary Portland cement. TNTs appeared to compress the microstructure by filling the cement paste pore of sizes ranging from 10 to 100 nm. Furthermore, it could be clearly observed that the TNTs bridged the microcracks of cement paste. These results suggested that TNTs could be a great potential candidate since nano-reinforcing agents complement the shortcomings of cementitious materials.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Part 1: history and principles.

OBJECTIVE Review the historical development and physiologic principles of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) based on human and veterinary experimental literature and current equipment in use. DATA SOURCES Review of basic physiologic concepts. Data from human and veterinary journals were reviewed through Pubmed and Veterinary Information Network database searches as well as reference searches on several articles covering hyperbaric therapy in clinically applicable situations. HUMAN DATA SYNTHESIS HBOT has been gaining acceptance as an adjunctive treatment in human medicine. The understanding of the physiology and application of hyperbaric therapy is increasing through ongoing research and greater access to hyperbaric equipment. VETERINARY DATA SYNTHESIS Several animal models have been utilized to examine the effects of HBOT. Most models utilize dogs and rats but pigs, cats, and other species have been studied. CONCLUSIONS Hyperbaric therapy utilizes several physiologic principles of how gases respond under pressure and more specifically of how oxygen responds under pressure. The increase in concentration of oxygen in solution, based on its solubility under pressure, increases the diffusion gradient for its delivery deeper into tissues, which is the premise of HBOT. Ultimately the increases in dissolved oxygen generated by hyperbaric therapy have several physiologic effects that can alter tissue responses to disease and injury. As this technology becomes more available to clinical practice, HBOT should be considered as a therapeutic option.
Daily activities and sleep quality in college students

There is growing evidence that social rhythms (e.g., daily activities such as getting into or out of bed, eating, and adhering to a work schedule) have important implications for sleep. The present study used a prospective measure of daily activities to assess the relation between sleep and social rhythms. College students (n=243) 18 to 39 yrs of age, completed the Social Rhythm Metric (SRM) each day for 14 d and then completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The sample was divided into groups of good or poor sleepers, according to a PSQI cut‐off score of 5 points and was compared on the regularity, frequency, timing, and extent of social engagement during activities. There was a lower frequency and less regularity of social rhythms in poor sleepers relative to good sleepers. Good sleepers engaged more regularly in activities with active social engagement. Earlier rise time, first consumption of a beverage, going outdoors for the first time, and bedtime were associated with better sleep. Greater variability in rise time, consuming a morning beverage, returning home for the last time, and bedtime were associated with more disturbed sleep. The results are consistent with previous findings of reduced regularity in bedtime and rise time schedules in undergraduates, other age groups, and in clinical populations. Results augment the current thought that regulating behavioral zeitgebers may be important in influencing bed and rise times, and suggest that engaging in activities with other people may increase regularity.
Heterogeneous III–V silicon photonic integration: components and characterization

Heterogeneous III–V silicon (Si) photonic integration is considered one of the key methods for realizing power- and cost-effective optical interconnections, which are highly desired for future high-performance computers and datacenters. We review the recent progress in heterogeneous III–V/Si photonic integration, including transceiving devices and components. We also describe the progress in the on-wafer characterization of photonic integration circuits, especially on the heterogeneous III–V/Si platform.
View Selection of 3D Objects Based on Saliency Segmentation

Getting good viewpoints has been considered important for promoting the efficiency when investigating a model. Many view selection methods therefore have been proposed. In particular, measuring semantic meaning of the model features through segmentation is regarded more effective to get optimal viewpoints. Unfortunately, the semantic meanings of the model are usually obtained through experiences, which are not easy to apply into practices. Given these considerations, a new method is proposed for view selection via saliency segmentation in this paper. Due to the fact that mesh saliency computation can recognize the features of a model in a way that similar to human perception and also a novel viewpoint ranking equation has been developed, our method is more reasonable than existing methods. The results of experiments show the effectiveness of our method, and it is consistent with the results of a user study we conducted.
Towards the Detection and Formal Representation of Semantic Shifts in Inflectional Morphology

Semantic shifts caused by derivational morphemes is a common subject of investigation in language modeling, while inflectional morphemes are frequently portrayed as semantically more stable. This study is motivated by the previously established observation that inflectional morphemes can be just as variable as derivational ones. For instance, the English plural “-s” can turn the fabric silk into the garments of a jockey, silks. While humans know that silk in this sense has no plural, it takes more for machines to arrive at this conclusion. Frequently utilized computational language resources, such as WordNet, or models for representing computational lexicons, like OntoLex-Lemon, have no descriptive mechanism to represent such inflectional semantic shifts. To investigate this phenomenon, we extract word pairs of different grammatical number from WordNet that feature additional senses in the plural and evaluate their distribution in vector space, i.e., pre-trained word2vec and fastText embeddings. We then propose an extension of OntoLex-Lemon to accommodate this phenomenon that we call inflectional morpho-semantic variation to provide a formal representation accessible to algorithms, neural networks, and agents. While the exact scope of the problem is yet to be determined, this first dataset shows that it is not negligible. 2012 ACM Subject Classification Information systems
Dead-Time Effect of the High-Frequency Isolated Bidirectional Full-Bridge DC–DC Converter: Comprehensive Theoretical Analysis and Experimental Verification

As the development of isolated bidirectional full-bridge dc-dc converter (IBDC), the dead-time effect has become an apparent issue. This paper presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis and experimental verification of dead-time effect in the IBDC. Besides the internal power transfer and phase drift phenomena mentioned in previous works, there are also many other novel phenomena caused by the dead time, such as voltage polarity reversal and voltage sag phenomena, etc. The paper gives a detailed switching characterization of the IBDC with dead-time effect in all operation states. On this basis, the transmission power characterization is analyzed comprehensively. Compared to the traditional theoretical model, the transmission power model with dead-time effect is not a strictly monotone increasing function, the relation curve is not symmetric around the median axis, and the zero point is not achieved at zero phase-shift ratio. In addition, in different operation states, the characterization is also different. Finally, experimental results verify the theoretical analysis.
Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma across a biological gradient of serum hepatitis B virus DNA level.

CONTEXT Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level is a marker of viral replication and efficacy of antiviral treatment in individuals with chronic hepatitis B. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between serum HBV DNA level and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective cohort study of 3653 participants (aged 30-65 years), who were seropositive for the hepatitis B surface antigen and seronegative for antibodies against the hepatitis C virus, recruited to a community-based cancer screening program in Taiwan between 1991 and 1992. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma during follow-up examination and by data linkage with the national cancer registry and the death certification systems. RESULTS There were 164 incident cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and 346 deaths during a mean follow-up of 11.4 years and 41,779 person-years of follow-up. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma increased with serum HBV DNA level at study entry in a dose-response relationship ranging from 108 per 100,000 person-years for an HBV DNA level of less than 300 copies/mL to 1152 per 100,000 person-years for an HBV DNA level of 1 million copies/mL or greater. The corresponding cumulative incidence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma were 1.3% and 14.9%, respectively. The biological gradient of hepatocellular carcinoma by serum HBV DNA levels remained significant (P<.001) after adjustment for sex, age, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, serostatus for the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), serum alanine aminotransferase level, and liver cirrhosis at study entry. The dose-response relationship was most prominent for participants who were seronegative for HBeAg with normal serum alanine aminotransferase levels and no liver cirrhosis at study entry. Participants with persistent elevation of serum HBV DNA level during follow-up had the highest hepatocellular carcinoma risk. CONCLUSION Elevated serum HBV DNA level (> or =10,000 copies/mL) is a strong risk predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma independent of HBeAg, serum alanine aminotransferase level, and liver cirrhosis.
Reliability analysis and optimization of the consensus docking approach for the development of virtual screening studies

Abstract Ligand-protein docking is one of the most common techniques used in virtual screening campaigns. Despite the large number of docking software available, there is still the need of improving the efficacy of docking-based virtual screenings. To date, only very few studies evaluated the possibility of combining the results of different docking methods to achieve higher success rates in virtual screening studies (consensus docking). In order to better understand the range of applicability of this approach, we carried out an extensive enriched database analysis using the DUD dataset. The consensus docking protocol was then refined by applying modifications concerning the calculation of pose consensus and the combination of docking methods included in the procedure. The results obtained suggest that this approach performs as well as the best available methods found in literature, confirming the idea that this procedure can be profitably used for the identification of new hit compounds.