Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CLSPN AND PALB 2 GENES IN FAMILIAL BREAST CANCER SUSCEPTIBILITY

The currently known susceptibility genes account for approximately 25% of familial breast cancer predisposition. Additional factors contributing to the pathogenesis of breast cancer are, therefore, likely to be discovered. Most of the known genes affecting breast cancer predisposition function in the DNA damage response pathway. In this study three genes, TOPBP1, CLSPN and PALB2, involved in this complex process were investigated to reveal potentially pathogenic mutations associated with breast cancer susceptibility. In the analysis of the TOPBP1 gene, one novel putative pathogenic alteration was observed. The Arg309Cys variant was found at an elevated frequency among familial cases (19/125) vs. controls (49/697) (p = 0.002; OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3–4.2). In addition, altogether 18 other germline alterations were observed in this gene, but they all appeared to be harmless polymorphisms. Investigation of CLSPN alterations among familial breast cancer families revealed altogether seven different changes. No clearly pathogenic alterations were observed. However, a potential modifier effect was discovered for the 1195delGlu change. The obtained results suggest that CLSPN alterations are unlikely to be significant breast cancer susceptibility alleles. In the PALB2 gene, a pathogenic mutation c.1592delT was identified at an elevated frequency among breast cancer patients (0.9%) compared to controls (0.2%) (p = 0.003, OR 3.94, 95% CI 1.5–12.1). Among familial cases the frequency of c.1592delT was even higher (2.7%). This mutation was also functionally deficient. It had a markedly decreased BRCA2-binding affinity and was unable to support homologous recombination or to restore cross link repair in PALB2 knockdown cells. Additionally, this mutation was discovered in a familial prostate cancer family and was found to segregate with the disease, suggesting some association also with prostate cancer. The penetrance and hazard ratio associated with PALB2 c.1592delT were determined in unselected breast cancer families. A substantially increased risk of breast cancer (HR 6.1; 95% CI 2.2–17.2; p = 0.01) was discovered resulting in an estimated 40% (95% CI 17–77) breast cancer risk by age 70 years, comparable to that for carriers of BRCA2 mutations. This markedly increased cancer risk suggests that genetic counselling for carriers is needed and screening for this mutation should be considered.
Peer-to-Peer Acoustic Near Field Communication

With instant user gratification aspect in mind, and elimination of cumbersome communication channel establishment procedure, NFC concept evolved. An ultra-modern effort,an acoustics based P2P NFC system developed by Microsoft India evolved from the shortcomings of conventional NFC. This paper reviews the advantages of P2P NFC for active tags over established NFC. P2P's ubiquitous characteristics and implementation even on passive tags are projected as being the future of Wireless Communication.
A Short Interfering RNA (siRNA) Molecular Beacon for the Detection of Mycobacterial Infection

In latent TB, the ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to invade and survive within macrophages of the pulmonary granuloma is attributed to protein products of mammalian cell entry (mce4) operon genes (A-F). These are cholesterol transporters which facilitate the transport of host lipids into the mycobacterium allowing long term survival during chronic infection. Currently, there are no rapid and reliable tests for the detection of latent TB. Therefore, because there is a lack of reliable and efficient tests for the diagnosis of latent TB, we tested the hypothesis that mycobacterial infection can be detected using mce4 siRNA molecular beacons against mce4 mRNAs. Because our work showed that the mce4A gene of the mce4 operon conferred infectivity to host E. coli, a siRNA molecular beacon was designed against a region of the mce4A mRNA that is highly homologous in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis. This molecular beacon has a hairpin structure with a stem, 5 nucleotides on either end that are complementary to each other, and a loop which contains 20 nucleotides that are complementary to a region of the target mRNA. Conjugated to the 5’ and 3’ ends of the molecular beacon are the fluorophore TYE 665 and quencher Iowa Black RQ-SP. In the absence of the target mRNA the hairpin structure will predominate and fluorescence will be quenched while in the presence of the target mRNA fluorescence will be induced. Our study shows that the siRNA molecular beacon detects its target in M. smegmatis and in macrophages infected with M. smegmatis and offers a potential test for detection of mycobacterial infection.
Recognition of Dermatophytes by Dermatophyte Test Medium

The dermatophytes are a group of keratinophilic molds specialized to grow on the non living keratinized cells of the outer epidermis (stratum corneum), hair and nails of humans and lower animals. Dermatophytosis is a communicable skin disease affecting the skin, hair and nails. There are three closely related genera of dermatophytes : Trichophyton, Microsporum and Epidermophyton. The classic form of this mycosis is ringworm, a circular lesion with an active border, inflammation, pruritus and scaling. Dermatophytosis are among the most widespread and common superficial and cutaneous fungal infections in humans. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 5 Number 10 (2016) pp. 1125-1129 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Naproxen-Gelucire Nanoformulations for Improved Solubility and Dissolution Rate of Poorly Water-Soluble Drug Naproxen

Naproxen-Gelucire Nanoformulations (NFs) in terms of their phase solubility behavior, physico-chemical characteristics, cytotoxicity and morphology and dissolution enhancement has been studied using the poorly water soluble drug, naproxen. The NFs were prepared via wet milling using a conventional Retsch Planetary ball mill in various ratios of drug to polymer (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4). The release rate of naproxen from various ratios of drug/polymer nanoparticles was investigated using USP paddle apparatus (type II). A comparative phase solubility of naproxen was performed in different carrier concentrations of simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8). The highest dissolution enhancement was achieved for the formulation with ratio of 1:4. This is a 160% enhancement when compared to that of the pure drug. The ability of amphiphillic surfactant carriers to accelerate in vitro dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs has been attributed to wetting, micellar solubilization, and/or deflocculation. The Korsemeyer–Peppas model most aptly fits the in vitro dissolution data and gives an insight into the possible drug release mechanisms predominated by anamolous non-Fickian diffusion. Thus, the nanoformulations studied can help improve the physicochemical characteristics of naproxen towards its dissolution enhancement and possibly will increase the oral bioavailability of the drug without any adverse cytotoxic consequences.
Gaussian Sum Filters for Space Surveillance: Theory and Simulations

While standard Kalman-based filters, Gaussian assumptions, and covariance-weighted metrics are very effective in data-rich tracking environments, their use in the data-sparse environment of space surveillance ismore limited. To properly characterize non-Gaussian density functions arising in the problem of long-term propagation of state uncertainties, a Gaussian sum filter adapted to the two-body problem in space surveillance is proposed and demonstrated to achieve uncertainty consistency. The proposed filter is made efficient by using only a onedimensional Gaussian sum in equinoctial orbital elements, thereby avoiding the expensive representation of a full six-dimensional mixture and hence the “curse of dimensionality. ” Additionally, an alternate set of equinoctial elements is proposed and is shown to provide enhanced uncertainty consistently over the traditional element set. Simulation studies illustrate the improvements in theGaussian sumapproach over the traditional unscentedKalman filter and the impact of correct uncertainty representation in the problems of data association (correlation) and anomaly (maneuver) detection.
The structure of contemporaneous price-volume relationships in financial markets

The main goal of this paper is an examination of the interdependence stuctures of stock returns, volatility and trading volumes of companies listed on the CAC40 and FTSE100. The authors establish that the mean values of respective measures are different on the markets under study. In general, they are larger for equities from CAC40 than from FTSE100. The Mixture of Distributions Hypothesis with long memory is rejected for about 70 % of stocks from both markets. Additionally fractional cointegration was tested. The lack of fractional cointegration, suggests a rejection of the last variant of MDH in all cases, i.e. the time series under study do not exhibit common long-run dependence. The analyzed time series are not driven by a common information arrival process with long memory. Correlation between volatility and trading volume is present for all the stocks of companies from these markets. The mixtures of rotated copulas and Kendall correlation coefficient allowed the checking of extreme return-volume dependence structures. The empirical results reflect significant dependencies between high volatility and high trading volume. In general, the dependence structures of stock returns and trading volume are different. In the case of CAC40 companies high trading volume is not correlated as frequently with high stock returns as with low stock returns. For companies listed on the FTSE100 high stock returns are mostly related with high trading volume.
The Brain Is not “As-If” – Taking Stock of the Neuroscientific Approach on Decision Making

How do we make decisions? This question has long engaged researchers from various disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, economics, and cognitive neuroscience. Recently, a new discipline – neuroeconomics – emerged, devoted to addressing exactly this question by means of interdisciplinary endeavors. Broadly stated, neuroeconomics sets out “to promote interdisciplinary collaborations on the topics lying at the intersection of the brain and decision sciences in the hope of advancing both theory and research in decision making” (Society for Neuroeconomics, www.neuroeconomics.org), so that it can be used “for discrim‐ inating among standard economic models” (Maskin, 2008, p. 1788) and thus inform economic theory.
Double peak nanoplasmonic sensor for multiple biosensing

This work is related to the development of nanoplasmonic methodologies in Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biosensing. Developed concept of experimental device is based on angular properties of plasmonic nanogratings that allow fast and multiple analytes tests applied for bacteria detection. Proposed methodology can significantly facilitate the calibration of the system for multi-sample sensing and is promising for low-cost and portable nanoplasmonic multisensing applications.
Phylogenetic relationships among modern birds (Neornithes): towards an avian tree of life

Modem perceptions of the inonophyly of avian higher taxa {modern birds, Neomiihes) and their interrelationships are the legacy uf systematic work undertaken in the 19th century. Before Llie imroduttion of an evolutionary wo rid view by Charles Darwin in 1859, taxonomists clustered laxa into groups using similarities that reflected a vision of how God might have organized ilic world ai the time of Creation. Such was the case with the Quinerian system of avian classification devised by Macleay (1819-1821) in which groups and subgroups of five were recognized, or of Strickland (1841) or Wallace (1856) in which affinities were graphed as unrooted networks (see O'Hara 1988), After Darwin, this worldview changed. For those comparative biologists struggling to make sense of Earth's hiotic diversity in naturalistic terms, Darwinism provided a framework for organizing similarities and differences hierarchically, as a pattern of aneestry and descent. The search for the Tree of Life was launched, and it did not take long for the structure of avian relationships to be addressed, The firsi to do so was no less a figure than Thomas Henry Huxley (1867), who produced an important and influential paper on avian classification that was explicitly evolutionary, tt was also Huxley who provided the first strong argument that birds were related to dinosaurs (Huxley 1868), Huxley was particularly influential in England and was read widely across Europe, but the 'father of phylogeneiics" and phylogenetic "tree-thinking" was clearly Ernst Haeckel, Darwin's conceptual framework had galvanized Haeckel, and wfithin a few short years after Origin and a year before Huxley's seminal paper, he produced the monumental Generelle Morphola^c der Organismen•the first com]5rehensive depiction of the Tree of Life (Haeckel 1866). Haeckel's interests were primarily with invertebrates, but one of his students was to have a singular impact on systematic ornithology that lasted more than 125 years. In 1888 Max Furbringe r published his massive (1751 pages, 30 plates) two-volume tome on the morjjhology and systematics of birds. Showing his classical training with Haeckel and the comparative anatomist Carl Gegenbaur, Furbringer meticulously buili the first avian Tree of Life• including front and hind views of the tree and cross sections at different levels in time. The vastness of his morphological descriptions and comparisons, and the scope of his vision, established his conception of relationships as the dominant viewpoint within systematic ornithology. All classifications that followed can fairly be said to be variations on Furbringer's theme. Such was the magnitude of his insights. Indeed, as Stresemann (1959: 270) noted:
Spatially resolved properties of the grand-design spiral galaxy UGC 9837: a case for high-redshift 2-D observations

Context. We carry out a detailed 2-D study of the ionised gas in the local universe galaxy UGC 9837. In nearby galaxies, like the galaxy in question here, the spatial distribution of the physical properties can be studied in detail, providing benchmarks for galaxy formation models. Aims. Our aim is to derive detailed and spatially resolved physical properties of the ionised gas of UGC 9837. In addition, we derive an integrated spectrum of the galaxy and study how varying spatial coverage affects the derived integrated properties. We also study how the same properties would be seen if the galaxy was placed at a higher redshift and observed as part of one of the high-z surveys. Methods. UGC 9837 was observed using the PMAS PPAK integral-field unit. The spectra were reduced and calibrated and the stellar and ionised components separated. Using strong emission line ratios of the ionised gas, the source of ionisation, the dust extinction, the star formation rate, the electron density, and the oxygen abundance derived from a total integrated spectrum, central integrated spectrum, and individual fibre spectra are studied. Finally, the same properties are studied in a spectrum whose spatial resolution is degraded to simulate high-z observations. Results. The spatial distribution of the ionised gas properties is consistent with inside-out growing scenario of galaxies. We also find that lack of spatial coverage would bias the results derived from the integrated spectrum leading, e.g., to an underestimation of ionisation and overestimation of metallicity, if only the centre of the galaxy was covered by the spectrum. Our simulation of high-z observations shows that part of the spatial information, such as dust and SFR distribution would be lost, while shallower gradients in metallicity and ionisation strength would be detected.
Is Advertising Effective or Not ? Evidence from the Pharmaceutical Market

In this paper, we study the effect of direct advertising to consumers in pharmaceutical drugs. This is an empirical study. We conclude that DTCA has a greater effect on market expansion, whereas the use of contacts and detailing could lead to “business stealing. ” That is, an increase in the number of contacts that a pharmaceutical company's representative has will create an increase in the market share for that company's drug, to the detriment of other drugs in the same therapeutic class. Our results also support the conclusions of the theoretical models and of the other empirical research that these two types of advertising have different effects on a drug's performance on the market: Direct-to-consumer advertising serves an informative role, and the use of contacts serves a persuasive role.
Terrestrial Foraging by Polar Bears during the Ice-Free Period in Western Hudson Bay

Food habits of polar bears on land during the ice-free period in western Hudson Bay were examined between 1986 and 1992. In contrast to previous studies, feeding on vegetation during the ice-free period was common. Between August and October, evidence of feeding was found in 34% of the females and 26% of the males captured over 10 km inland from the coast. The primary forage was Vaccinium uliginosum and Empetrum nigrum berries. Feeding was most common in subadults and females. The incidence of feeding on berries varied annually from 2 to 41%. We were not able to determine the energetic importance of terrestrial foraging, but the intake may reduce the rate of weight loss of bears on land, particularly in years when berries are abundant. Key words: polar bears, Ursus maritimus , feeding, arctic food web
Exploring the role of Bacillus species in combating Aluminium toxicity in Zea mays by studying its effect on chlorophyll content

Aluminium is one of the major components that are present in soil and it forms complexes with oxygen and silicates. These complexes are stable and rapidly soluble in soil water under low pH conditions. Some microorganisms present in soil have great potential to survive under these acidic conditions. The present study was aimed to check the effect of aluminium toxicity on Bacillus species when their growth media was supplemented with 20mM AlCl3 concentration. Experimental results depicted that Bacillus had best survival at 20mM AlCl3 concentration. Surprisingly it showed an increase of ̴ 80% in bacterial growth under 20mM aluminium toxic conditions as compared to unstressed condition, implying that Bacillus species which were isolated from soil have growth optima at low pH values. When this combination was applied to germinate maize seeds in acidic conditions , the maize seeds showed ̴ 15% increase in chlorophyll content of their leaves in comparison to the control leaves without any bacterial inoculation under stressed conditions. In the light of the findings, it can be concluded that the problem of aluminium toxicity can be addressed efficiently by using microbes and there can be significant enhancement of growth parameters as well.
Human female sexual behaviour across sexual orientations : evolution, personality, and fluidity

Women's sexual behavour across sexual orientations was evaluated in this thesis. Evolutionary theory has shown that women and men pursue different reproductive strategies and predicts that strategic interference results when women and men are trying to acquire mates. This study compared women who varied in sexual orientation to assess differences between lesbian, bisexual and heterosexual female scores in sociosexuality. Masculine and feminine personality traits were additionally assessed by the Bem Sex Role Inventory. Sexual fluidity was assessed via interviews. Results indicated that lesbians and heterosexual women had similar scores in sociosexuality, suggesting little effect of strategic interference on lesbian sociosexuality. Extreme Kinsey scale scores were compared (i.e. completely heterosexual and completely lesbian), lesbians reported being more restricted in sociosexuality than heterosexual women. Bisexual women were statistically significantly more unrestricted compared to lesbian and heterosexual women. Lesbians had the highest self ratings of femininity when compared to heterosexual and bisexual women.
A mathematical formulation of accelerating moment release based on the stress accumulation model

Large earthquakes can be preceded by a period of accelerating seismic activity of moderate-sized earthquakes. This phenomenon, usually termed accelerating moment release, has yet to be clearly understood. A new mathematical formulation of accelerating moment release is obtained from simple stress transfer considerations, following the recently proposed stress accumulation model. This model, based on the concept of elastic rebound, simulates accelerating seismicity from theoretical stress changes during an idealized seismic cycle. In this view, accelerating moment release is simply the consequence of the decrease, due to loading, of the size of a stress shadow due to a previous earthquake. We show that a power law time-to-failure equation can be expressed as a function of the loading rate on the fault that is going to rupture. We also show that the m value, which is the power law exponent, can be defined as m = D/3, with D a parameter that takes into account the geometrical shape of the stress lobes and the distribution of active faults. In the stress accumulation model, the power law is not due to critical processes.
Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Using Metal-Modified Nanoporous Silicas

Some years ago a scientist, Sumio Iijima, who was working in NEC laboratories in Japan as an electron microscopist has discovered a new class of carbon allotropes which attracted a lot of interests among material science investigators. Briefly, after some investigation on the produced soot on walls of arc discharge reactor he examined the precipitated soot on cathode and has found really interesting graphitic structures. The taken transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed a tubular graphitic structure that has fascinated the scientist due its extraordinary physical and chemical properties (Iijima, 1991).
ANALYSIS OF THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF GERANIOL EMPLOYING VARIOUS IN-VITRO MODELS: RELEVANCE TO NEURODEGENERATION IN DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze antioxidant effect of geraniol (GE) in different in vitro models.Methods: Initially, the antioxidant activity of GE was assessed by diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay. The modulatory effect of GE against 2,2â€™-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain regions (cortex and cerebellum) and sciatic nerve (SN) homogenates was determined. Further, the effect of GE was assessed against hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress (OS) in SHSY5Y, a human neuroblastoma cell line.Results: GE proved to be a good scavenger of DPPH free radical (inhibitory concentration 50% [IC50] value = 663 nmol) and could lower the lipid peroxidation levels in rat brain tissue and SN homogenates (25-40%). Further, it rescue the SHSY5Y cells from hyperglycemia-induced death. Co-exposure of GE with the IC50 level of glucose (100 mM) lowered the levels of reactive oxygen species, hydrogen peroxides and 3-nitrotyrosine levels with concomitant elevation in the glutathione levels (about two folds). Conclusion: Collectively from these findings and other studies previously conducted (from our lab and others) emphasize the potential benefit of GE against OS, a progressive pathological feature of neurodegenerative disorders. Â