Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In-Vitro Thermal Assessment of Vascularized Tissue Phantom in Presence of Gold Nanorods During Photo-Thermal Therapy

Nowadays, laser and nanotechnology have drawn more attention in the field of non-invasive cancer treatment with precise ablation of tumor preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. Besides, the assessment of viscoelastic deformation within the tissue can estimate the thermally induced nociceptive pain during laser therapy. The present study deals with a laser-assisted in vitro thermal analysis on vascular tissue phantom doped with gold nanorods along with a comparative study with numerical results. The prediction of tissue thermomechanical response under laser heating also has been made. Both Pennes and Dual-phase-lag bioheat equations coupled with equilibrium equations are solved using COMSOL Multiphysics (Bangalore, India). The aim is to create a comparative study between intratumoral (IT) and intravenous (IV) infusion schemes of nanoparticles in terms of thermal and mechanical behavior. The in vitro heating of tissue phantom with IT scheme provides more control over the spreading of necrotic temperature in terms of precise damage of the targeted area, preserving the surrounding non-targeted area. Predicted results show a reduced overall thermal deformation of the nanoparticle doped tissue model with the IT scheme depicting a stiffer thermoelastic response comparing the model doped with the IV scheme. The simultaneous heating and cooling shows a viscoelastic nature of bio-tissue. However, under cyclic heating and cooling of the tissue model embedded in a large blood vessel (LBV) depicts a smaller sized stress-strain hysteresis loop. Nevertheless, the present findings can help to understand the thermomechanical behavior of tissue during clinical photo-thermal therapy.
The Mutation Rate of Influenza Virus

Influenza virus is a significant world-wide health problem. The virus’ high mutation rate is a key driver of the rapid evolution that allows it to evade the effects of humoral immunity and antiviral drugs. Here, we investigate two new methods for the high throughput and unbiased measurement of influenza’s mutation rate spectrum. We demonstrate that next generation sequencing-based methods are not reliable for determining the mutation rates of RNA viruses due to the requirement of a reverse transcription step during sample preparation. We show that a fluctuation test based on virally encoded green fluorescent protein mutants reverting to fluorescence allows for accurate mutation rate estimates for all 12 mutation classes. Using this method, we measure neutral mutations in the context of a relatively unstructured RNA sequence. We measured the mutation rates of two evolutionarily divergent strains, A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 H1N1 and A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 H3N2. We found that influenza’s overall mutation rate, 1.8 x 10 to 2.5 x 10 substitutions per nucleotide per strand replicated, is higher than previously estimated using other methods and indicates that influenza makes an average of 2 to 3 new mutations each time it replicates its genome. The mutations that influenza makes are strongly biased towards A to G and U to C transitions, resulting in a transition to transversions bias of 2.7 to 3.6, depending on the strain. The mutation rates of the two strains are generally similar, but they demonstrate the ability of influenza to alter the rates of individual mutation classes independently. We also determined that influenza mutation rates are temperature independent over a range of physiological temperatures in a mammalian cell culture system. Our work
Multiple Charge Extractions with Bias-Flip Interface Circuit for Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting

In piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH), synchronous electric charge extraction (SECE) has the benefit of load independence. To reduce the energy dissipation on parasitic resistance, multi-shot SECE (MCE) was implemented to split the charge extraction process. In this paper, a multiple charge extraction with bias-flip (MCEBF) interface circuit is proposed. It not only reduces the dissipation in charge extraction but also enlarges the extractable energy of piezoelectric structure by adding a bias-flip action. MCEBF can also generate positive and negative voltage rails via buck-boost topology to supply power for double-rail devices. The analytical and experimental comparison among SECE, MCE, and MCEBF under different controls are also provided. In experiments, MCEBF offers a 57.3% improvement over SECE and 24% over MCE, in terms of harvested power.
Prevention of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device–Related Infection in Patients With Cancer: The Role of a Comprehensive Prophylactic Bundle Approach That Includes the Antimicrobial Mesh

Abstract Background Oncological patients have several additional risk factors for developing a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)–related infection. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical impact of our comprehensive bundle approach that includes the novel minocycline and rifampin antimicrobial mesh (TYRX) for the prevention of CIED infections in patients living with cancer. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients who had a CIED placement at our institution during 2012–2017 who received preoperative vancomycin, intraoperative pocket irrigation with bacitracin and polymyxin B, plus TYRX antimicrobial mesh, followed by postoperative oral minocycline. Results A total of 154 patients had a CIED, with 97 permanent pacemakers (PPMs), 23 implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and 34 cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. An underlying solid cancer was present in 62% of patients, while 38% had a hematologic malignancy. Apart from a higher proportion of surgical interventions in the PPM group than in the ICD and CRT groups (P = .007), no other oncologic variables were statistically significantly different between groups. Despite an extensive median follow-up period (interquartile range) of 21.9 (6.7–33.8) months, 16 patients (10%) had a mechanical complication, while only 2 patients (1.3%) developed a CIED infection, requiring the device to be explanted. Conclusions Our comprehensive prophylactic bundle approach using TYRX antimicrobial mesh in an oncologic population at high risk for infections was revealed upon extensive follow-up to be both safe and effective in maintaining the rate of CIED infection at 1.3%, well within published averages in the broader population of CIED recipients.
The mini-batch adaptive method of random search (MAMRS) for parameters optimization in the tracking control problem

The tracking control problem for nonlinear dynamic system linear in control and signal tracked is considered. It is proposed to formalize the tracking problem as a problem of controlling a bunch of trajectories emanating from a given set of possible initial states. The quality of a single trajectory control is described by the value of the integral criterion, which depends on the square of the tracking error and the intensity of the control used. The control is sought from the condition of the minimum value of the average criterion defined on the set of the bunch trajectories. When choosing a control structure, the well-known result was used that provides internal stability and the desired quality of the output control. The unknown parameters of the control law within the selected structure are found using the new mini-batch adaptive method of random search (MAMRS). This new optimization algorithm combines the ideas of the adaptive random search and stochastic gradient descent methods. The examples of solving the tracking problem as a result of parametric optimization of controlling a bunch of trajectories are presented.
GGE Biplot Analysis of Genotype x Environment Interaction in Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereals, providing the caloric needs of millions of people daily. In India, during Kharif 2016 it was cultivated over an area 44.0 m ha with production and productivity of 108.8 m tones and 2.47 tones/ha respectively (Anonymous, 2016). In J & K state rice was cultivated over an area of 271.49 thousand hectare with production and productivity of 5567 thousand quintals and 21.51 quintals hectare -1 , respectively (Anonymous, 2014). In Jammu region of J&K state Basmati rice commands a premium place being cultivated on an area of 62.25 thousand hectares and has great export potential to augment the income of the farmers. In present scenario of global warming water has become limiting factor and water resources both surface and underground are shrinking. In such a situation alternative methods that are more water efficient and less labour intensive needs to be explored so as to enable farmers to produce more at less cost. Stability of genotype across environments is a pre requisite for recommending varieties and various statistical models like Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Principle component analysis (PCA) and Linear regression have been suggested over time to understand the complex GEI. Genotype (G) main effect plus GE interaction International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 12 (2017) pp. 3345-3350 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Transcriptomic atlas of mushroom development highlights an independent origin of complex multicellularity

We constructed a reference atlas of mushroom formation based on developmental transcriptome data of six species and comparisons of >200 whole genomes, to elucidate the core genetic program of complex multicellularity and fruiting body development in mushroom-forming fungi (Agaricomycetes). Nearly 300 conserved gene families and >70 functional groups contained developmentally regulated genes from five to six species, covering functions related to fungal cell wall (FCW) remodeling, targeted protein degradation, signal transduction, adhesion and small secreted proteins (including effector-like orphan genes). Several of these families, including F-box proteins, protein kinases and cadherin-like proteins, showed massive expansions in Agaricomycetes, with many convergently expanded in multicellular plants and/or animals too, reflecting broad genetic convergence among independently evolved complex multicellular lineages. This study provides a novel entry point to studying mushroom development and complex multicellularity in one of the largest clades of complex eukaryotic organisms.
Conservation status of fish and marine invertebrate of rocky reefs and sandy substrates in two unprotected bays of the Papagayo Gulf, Costa Rica

Introduction: North Pacific Costa Rica is generally considered rich in marine habitats and species. However, some areas are subject to fishing pressures that could degrade ecosystems. The Gulf of Papagayo comprises protected and unprotected areas with various degrees of impact. Objectives: Our aim was to evaluate the conservation status of fish and invertebrate communities in rocky reefs and sandy areas in two unprotected bays of the Gulf of Papagayo. Methods: The study was conducted at Cabuyal and Zapotillal Bays, south of Santa Rosa National Park. From December 2017 to April 2018, a total of thirty-five transects were done parallel to the coast at 3-10 m depth. We identified fish and invertebrate species and estimated biomass by trophic group in fish, and density in invertebrates. Results: We found a high number of species of fish (81) and invertebrates (70) in rocky reefs, which indicates a biodiverse ecosystem, but few species of fish in sandy areas. Species composition differed between the two bays. Density of juvenile fishes was high in Zapotillal Bay, suggesting that the area could be important for recruitment and breeding. Fish biomass was higher in sandy areas than in rocky reefs and all trophic groups had lower biomass than in other unprotected areas of the region. On average, reef fish biomass was 1.57 ± 0.67 (s.e.) t ha-1, similar to previous reports for Costa Rican North Pacific. By trophic group, piscivorous and planktivorous had the highest biomass in sandy areas and piscivorous and carnivorous in rocky reefs. Mean coral cover was low with 4.09 % ± 2.51 (s.e.), similar to previously reported for the region. Conclusions: Cabuyal and Zapotillal Bays in the Gulf of Papagayo are biodiverse in fish and invertebrates. However, the area may be impacted by local fisheries and other human activities, affecting fish and invertebrate populations, and coral formations. Our study fills some gaps in knowledge of marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Papagayo that can contribute to the conservation of marine life in North Pacific Costa Rica.
Description of Diplodiscus cyanophlycti n.sp. (Digenea: Paramphistomidae) and prevalence and intensity of two other digeneans infecting the water skipper, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis from the Western Ghats, India

Western Ghats, one of the hottest biodiversity hotspots in the world, has very rich amphibian diversity. In an attempt to map the digenetic trematode fauna of the frogs of this region, as a part of a major research project, we came across three species of trematode parasites infecting the water skipper, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Anura, Dicroglossidae) collected during January 2016 to April 2017. Detailed study revealed that one species is new to science and is named Diplodiscus cyanophlycti n.sp. (Digenea, Paramphistomidae) after the name of its host. Other two trematodes were Ganeo tigrinus, and Halipegus mehransis. All the three species of parasites were recovered from the duodenum of E. cyanophlyctis. D. cyanophlycti n.sp. is new to the genus and is separated from its congeners on the basis of differences in the morphology and morphometry. Of the 68 E. cyanophlyctis studied, six were infected with D. cyanophlycti n.sp, 12 were infected with G. tigrinus and two with H. Mehransis. Prevalence of D. cyanophlycti n.sp. Infection is 8.82%, that of G. tigrinus is 17.64% and of G. tigrinus is 2.94%. Intensity of infection is higher (3.8) in G. tigrinus followed by H. mehransis D. cyanophlycti n.sp. Among the 17 E. cyanophlyctis infected with the three parasites, three exhibited mixed infections in different combinations. Thus the incidence of mixed infection is 17.65%.
Molecular mechanism of early metastatic breast cancer dissemination

Current cancer therapies generally assume cancers to progress linearly from primary to metastatic sites. The model postulates a stepwise accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations within the primary tumor, and therefore, primary tumors may be used as surrogate markers for disseminated cancer cells. However, this model is challenged by (i) the insufficient therapy success and (ii) the genomic disparity between disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) and their matched primary tumors when isolated at surgery. The genomic disparity suggests that metastatic dissemination may occur early during tumor formation, however the mechanisms of early metastatic spread are unknown so far. To uncover mechanisms of early metastatic dissemination we microdissected mammary tissue from a Her2-driven mouse model (Balb-NeuT) of breast cancer before and after microscopic invasion and performed gene expression analysis. Identified pathways were tested in a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Finally, the findings were validated in a panel of human breast cancer cell lines and investigation of more than 2000 patient samples. Gene expression profiling identified a distinct signature at the time point of maximal seeding when only pre-invasive mammary lesions could be identified. The morphology of pre-invasive lesions coincided with a transient time window of progesterone receptor (PgR) and Her2 co-expression. Upon functional testing progesterone-induced signaling triggered migration of stem-like cells from early lesions shortly after Her2 activation, but promoted proliferation in advanced primary tumor cells. The switch from migration to proliferation was regulated by elevated Her2 expression and increased cell density involving miRNA-regulated PgR down-regulation. The combined result was a differential response of cancer cells to progesterone and its paracrine-signal mediators Wnt4 and Rankl imposing stemness and migration at low and proliferation at high cellular density. Exploring human breast cancer cell lines we confirmed the observed phenotypes and mechanisms. Molecular-genetic and transcriptomic analysis of DCCs isolated from the bone marrow of breast cancer patients provided strong support for early metastatic dissemination. Finally, we identified a subtype of breast cancer mimicking the Balb-NeuT model closest. We identify microenvironmental signaling (PgR signaling), oncogenic signaling (Her2) and cellular density as central regulators of early dissemination and metastasis. In light of the patient-derived data we suggest that (i) dissemination is mostly early and (ii) clones that evolved over time at the primary site and became pre-dominant are less able to disseminate. We predict the findings not only to be relevant for Her2-driven cancers but for many other cancers as well.
Detecting differential viability selection between environments by analysis of compositional differentiation at different levels of genetic integration

Abstract Viability selection can be detected directly in an environment when the genotypes of the individuals at one ontogenetic stage (e.g. seeds) and the genotypes of the survivors at a later stage are both known, but genotypes at the earlier stage often cannot be determined. In this case, differential viability selection between environments can be detected as differences in the distributions of genetic types among survivors growing in different environments, provided that the survivors stem from random samples of seeds from the same base population (e.g. seed lot). Since common FST-outlier methods for detecting selected gene loci use only allele frequencies, selection that affects the higher hierarchical levels of genetic integration (single- or multi-locus genotypes) without changing allele frequencies is not noticed. A new method for detecting differential viability selection at any level of genetic integration enables discovery of elementary mechanisms of selection that older methods miss. It is based on two measures of compositional differentiation between environments. δSD measures qualita-tive differences between distributions of genetic types at any given integration level without regarding differences in their constituent alleles, while ΔSD measures quantitative differences between the same distributions by additionally considering the genic differences. The difference between these measures expresses the degree to which the patterns of gene association in the genotypes differ between environments. The P-values of all measures are estimated by permutation analysis under the assumption that survivors were randomly assigned to environments. Significance indicates the occurrence of differential viability selection at the loci. As a case study, a field study of viability in juvenile beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) for twelve enzyme loci is reanalyzed. It turns out that the significant differential selection for genotypes detected at three loci can be attributed to three combinations of selective effects: on alleles only (SKDH-A), mostly alleles but also association patterns (LAP-A); interaction of effects on alleles and association patterns that are non-significant when viewed separately (AAT-B).
Molecular identification of turmeric (Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae) with high curcumin content.

Curcumin is the main curcuminoid found in the spice turmeric, Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae). It has been used in the Indian and Chinese systems of medicines to treat wounds and sprains, and gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and liver disorders (Aggarwal et al. 2007). Many pharmacological studies have been conducted to describe multiple biological actions of curcumin. These studies have demonstrated that curcumin possesses antioxidant (Sreejayan and Rao 1994), anti-inflammatory (Ammon and Wahl 1991), anticarcinogenic (Johnson et al. 2009), antimicrobial (Limtrakul et al. 1997), hepatoprotective (Kiso et al. 1983), hypoglycemic (Babu and Srinivasan 1995), thrombosuppressive (Srivastava et al. 1985), and antiarthritic (Deodhar et al. 1980) activities. Moreover, curcumin has also demonstrated neuroprotective effects in animal models of Alzheimer ́s disease (Ma et al. 2009) and Parkinson ́s disease (Jagatha et al. 2008). There has been an exponential increase in the trend of research involved in exploring the efficacy of curcumin in animal models of major depression. Aoi et al. (1986) reported a difference in the amount of curcumin found among individuals of C. longa. Ideally, the strains with a high content of curcumin should be selected, but it Molecular Identification of Turmeric (Curcuma longa, Zingiberaceae) with High Curcumin Content
Using Big Data and Machine Learning in Personality Measurement: Opportunities and Challenges

This conceptual paper examines the promises and critical challenges posed by contemporary personality measurement using big data. More specifically, the paper provides (i) an introduction to the type of technologies that give rise to big data, (ii) an overview of how big data is used in personality research and how it might be used in the future, (iii) a framework for approaching big data in personality science, (iv) an exploration of ideas that connect psychometric reliability and validity, as well as principles of fairness and privacy, to measures of personality that use big data, (v) a discussion emphasizing the importance of collaboration with other disciplines for personality psychologists seeking to adopt big data methods, and finally, (vi) a list of practical considerations for researchers seeking to move forward with big data personality measurement and research. It is expected that this paper will provide insights, guidance, and inspiration that helps personality researchers navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by using big data methods in personality measurement. © 2020 European Association of Personality Psychology