Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dendritic cell factor 1 inhibits proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor that affects mainly children and has extremely high mortality and recurrence rates. A previous study revealed that dendritic cell factor 1 (DCF1), also called transmembrane protein 59, could activate apoptosis in glioma cells. In the present study, we applied immunofluorescence, western blot analysis, flow cytometry and cell tumorigenicity to investigate the DCF1 mechanisms involved in NB apoptosis. DCF1 was overexpressed in Neuro-2a and SK-N-SH cells through instantaneous transfection. The data revealed that overexpression of DCF1 could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion and promote cell apoptosis in vitro, and suppress NB growth in vivo. The ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which promotes cell survival, was the target of DCF1 in neuroblastoma cells. All the results indicated that DCF1 could be a potential therapeutic target for the understanding and treatment of NB.
Investigation Of Interaction Between Physiological Signals And fMRI Dynamic Functional Connectivity Using Independent Component Analysis

The blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI signal is influenced not only by neuronal activity but also by fluctuations in physiological signals, including respiration, arterial CO2 and heart rate/ heart rate variability (HR/HRV). Even spontaneous physiological signal fluctuations have been shown to influence the BOLD fMRI signal in a regionally specific manner. Consequently, estimates of functional connectivity between different brain regions, performed when the subject is at rest, may be confounded by the effects of physiological signal fluctuations. In addition, resting functional connectivity has been shown to vary with respect to time (dynamic functional connectivity - DFC), with the sources of this variation not fully elucidated. The effect of physiological factors on dynamic (time-varying) resting-state functional connectivity has not been studied extensively, to our knowledge. In our previous study, we investigated the effect of heart rate (HR) and end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) on the time-varying network degree of three well-described RSNs (DMN, SMN and Visual Network) using mask-based and seed-based analysis, and we identified brain-heart interactions which were more pronounced in specific frequency bands. Here, we extend this work, by estimating DFC and its corresponding network degree for the RSNs, employing a data-driven approach to extract the RSNs (low-and high-dimensional Independent Component Analysis (ICA)), which we subsequently correlate with the characteristics of simultaneously collected physiological signals. The results confirm that physiological signals have a modulatory effect on resting-state, fMRI-based DFC.
Incorporate Proactive Data Protection in ZFS Towards Reliable Storage Systems

Disk drive failure related data lost remains a major threat to storage system reliability. Current counter-measurement all focused on reactive data protection, such as using RAID or erasure coding to reconstruct data after failure occurs. We argue that post-failure recovery will not scalable when the storage demand keep increase. In this paper, we present a proactive data protection (PDP) framework within the ZFS file system to rescue data from disks before actual failure onset. By reducing the risk of data loss and mitigating the prolonged disk rebuilds caused by disk failures, PDP is designed to enhance the overall storage reliability. We extensively evaluate the recovery performance of ZFS with diverse configurations, and further explore disk failure prediction techniques to develop a proactive data protection mechanism in ZFS. We further compare the performance of different data protection strategies, including post-failure disk recovery, proactive disk cloning, and proactive data recovery. We propose an analytic model that uses storage utilization and contextual system information to select the best data protection strategy that can save up to 70% of data rescue time.
Facilitation of biological motion processing by group‐based autism specific social skills training

Abnormalities in neurophysiological correlates of social perception are a well‐known feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, little is known if and how ASD specific behavioral interventions may affect neural processing in ASD. The aim of the current study was to investigate for the first time, whether the group‐based social skills training SOSTA‐FRA would elicit changes in neurophysiological correlates of social perception in high‐functioning ASD individuals aged 8–17 years. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) of a facial emotion recognition (FER) and a biological motion perception task were examined. ERPs were compared between a randomized intervention and a treatment as usual group at three time points (baseline, post‐intervention, and at 3 months follow‐up). A reduction of P100 amplitude in the right hemisphere and a trend toward reduced N200 latency in the biological motion task were found after the training only in the intervention group, whereas behavioral performance remained stable. Change in N200 latencies and parent‐rated social responsiveness showed small but statistically nonsignificant correlations. No changes were observed regarding FER. Results indicate that the intervention changed neural correlates of social perception in ASD. Especially neural correlates of biological motion perception, which is an important prerequisite for successful social interaction, were sensitive to change. ERPs of social perception tasks that are impaired in ASD can well be used to objectively measure neural processing improvement by behavioral intervention. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1376–1387. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery is associated with better survival outcomes in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is one of the most effective treatments to be expected to cure esophageal cancer of any stage. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is more sensitive to CRT than adenocarcinoma. Even in T4 stage ESCC, definitive CRT shows an excellent complete response (CR) rate of up to 52% (1,2). In addition, esophagectomy for ESCC is highly invasive and correlates with frequent postoperative morbidity and mortality. Thus, CRT is widely administered as treatment for ESCC, even when other treatments are considered more appropriate.
AVALIAÇÃO DOS ESTUDOS HIDROCLIMATOLÓGICOS DO PLANO ESTADUAL DE RECURSOS HÍDRICOS DO CEARÁ: I - EVAPOTRANSPIRAÇÃO.

Neste trabalho apresenta-se uma aplicação da equação de Penman-Monteith para estimar a evapotranspiração potencial (ETp) de sete municípios do Ceará com dados disponíveis no plano Estadual de Recursos Hídricos (PERH). Os métodos comparados Hargreaves e Thornthwaite, baseados na temperatura não apresentaram resultados satisfatórios. Thornthwaite (1948) apresenta os piores resultados, quase sempre subestimando a ETp, no segundo semestre, em relação a Penman-Monteith entre 10% e 36% nos meses de pico. No segundo semestre Hargreaves sempre subestima a ETp, chegando a valores de até 23%.
Solving the equation: the variables for women's success in engineering and computing

More than ever before in history, girls are studying and excelling in science and mathematics. Yet the dramatic increase in girls' educational achievements in scientific and mathematical subjects has not been matched by similar increases in the representation of women working as engineers and computing professionals. The representation of women in engineering and computing occupations matters. Diversity in the workforce contributes to creativity, productivity, and innovation. Drawing on a large and diverse body of research, [this report] highlights recent research that explores the factors underlying the underrepresentation of women in these fields, including stereotypes and biases, college curriculum, and workplace environment. The report argues for changes in the workplace and college environments as a necessary preamble to women's full participation in engineering and computing.
Knockdown of PSMC3IP suppresses the proliferation and xenografted tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma cell

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most frequent malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Proteasome 26S subunit ATPase 3 interacting protein (PSMC3IP) is an oncogene in breast cancer, while its role in HCC remains unclear. Here, we found that PSMC3IP was critical for the cell proliferation and tumorigenic capacity of HCC cells. Upregulation of PSMC3IP was observed in HCC specimens, and high PSMC3IP expression predicted poor overall survival of HCC patients. In vitro, knockdown of PSMC3IP blunted the proliferation and colony formation of BEL‐7404 and SMMC‐7721 cells. Likewise, PSMC3IP silencing suppressed the xenografted tumor development of BEL‐7404 cells. Mechanistically, apoptosis was enhanced after PSMC3IP knockdown in both BEL‐7404 and SMMC‐7721 cells. At the molecular level, TP53 and GNG4 were upregulated and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E) and insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) were downregulated in shPSMC3IP compared with shCtrl BEL‐7404 cells. Therefore, targeting PSMC3IP maybe a promising strategy for HCC.
Femtosecond Laser Microfabricated Microfilters for Particle–Liquid Separation in a Microfluidic Chip

A novel cross-flow based particle sorter is proposed and demonstrated in this study. The filtration structures consist of two groups of micropillars that are fabricated with photoresist material SU-8 using the femtosecond laser induced two-photon polymerization (TPP) technique. Particles can be separated according to the slit sizes of the micropillars. The distributions of flow velocity and particle trajectories in filters of different lengths are simulated with the COMSOL software. The particle sorting efficiencies are calculated and compared. The microfluidic sorter chip is tested with a fluid consisting of mixed microbeads with diameters of 10 μm and 5 μm. The performance of the sorter developed in this study demonstrates its effectiveness and efficiency in sorting particles in a fluid. Furthermore, the femtosecond laser induced TPP microfabrication technique enables the fabrication of customized microstructures with a high degree of integration and low fabrication cost, promising for various biological, chemical, and environmental applications.
A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Total Worker Health® Intervention on Commercial Construction Sites

This study evaluated the efficacy of an integrated Total Worker Health® program, “All the Right Moves”, designed to target the conditions of work and workers’ health behaviors through an ergonomics program combined with a worksite-based health promotion Health Week intervention. A matched-pair cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted on ten worksites (five intervention (n = 324); five control sites (n = 283)). Worker surveys were collected at all sites pre- and post- exposure at one- and six-months. Linear and logistic regression models evaluated the effect of the intervention on pain and injury, dietary and physical activity behaviors, smoking, ergonomic practices, and work limitations. Worker focus groups and manager interviews supplemented the evaluation. After controlling for matched intervention and control pairs as well as covariates, at one-month following the ergonomics program we observed a significant improvement in ergonomic practices (B = 0.20, p = 0.002), and a reduction in incidences of pain and injury (OR = 0.58, p = 0.012) in the intervention group. At six months, we observed differences in favor of the intervention group for a reduction in physically demanding work (B = −0.25, p = 0.008), increased recreational physical activity (B = 35.2, p = 0.026) and higher consumption of fruits and vegetables (B = 0.87, p = 0.008). Process evaluation revealed barriers to intervention implementation fidelity and uptake, including a fissured multiemployer worksite, the itinerant nature of workers, competing production pressures, management support, and inclement weather. The All the Right Moves program had a positive impact at the individual level on the worksites with the program. For the longer term, the multi-organizational structure in the construction work environment needs to be considered to facilitate more upstream, long-term changes.
Craniectomy Effects on Resting State Functional Connectivity and Cognitive Performance in Immature Rats*

Experimental models have been proven to be valuable tools to understand downstream cellular mechanisms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The models allow for reduction of confounding variables and tighter control of varying parameters. It has been recently reported that craniectomy induces pro-inflammatory responses, which therefore needs to be properly addressed given the fact that craniectomy is often considered a control procedure for experimental TBI models. The current study aims to determine whether a craniectomy induces alterations in Resting State Network (RSN) in a developmental rodent model. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data-driven RSN show clusters of peak differences (left caudate putamen, somatosensory cortex, amygdala and piriform cortex) between craniectomy and control group, four days post-craniectomy. In addition, the Novel Object Recognition (NOR) task revealed impaired working memory in the craniectomy group. This evidence supports craniectomy-induced neurological changes which need to be carefully addressed, considering the frequent use of craniectomy as a control procedure for experimental models of TBI.
Preliminary simulation model toward the study of the effects caused by different mandibular advancement devices in OSAS treatment

Abstract The paper aims to evaluate the effects caused by a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) treatment. This study is based on Finite Element Method (FEM) for evaluating the load distribution on temporomandibular joint, especially on the mandibular condyle and disc, and on periodontal ligaments. The stress values on condyle and periodontal ligaments lead authors to consider MAD a safe procedure even for a long period. The obtained results also show the relationship between MAD material and load distribution at the periodontal ligaments. The paper is a step toward future analyses for studying and comparing the effects of MAD features, such as material, shape and dimensions, in order to allow the clinician prescribing the most fitting device.
Partially impaired functional connectivity states between right anterior insula and default mode network in autism spectrum disorder

Time‐invariant resting‐state functional connectivity studies have illuminated the crucial role of the right anterior insula (rAI) in prominent social impairments of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, a recent dynamic connectivity study demonstrated that rather than being stationary, functional connectivity patterns of the rAI vary significantly across time. The present study aimed to explore the differences in functional connectivity in dynamic states of the rAI between individuals with ASD and typically developing controls (TD). Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data obtained from a publicly available database were analyzed in 209 individuals with ASD and 298 demographically matched controls. A k‐means clustering algorithm was utilized to obtain five dynamic states of functional connectivity of the rAI. The temporal properties, frequency properties, and meta‐analytic decoding were first identified in TD group to obtain the characteristics of each rAI dynamic state. Multivariate analysis of variance was then performed to compare the functional connectivity patterns of the rAI between ASD and TD groups in obtained states. Significantly impaired connectivity was observed in ASD in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex and posterior cingulate cortex, which are two critical hubs of the default mode network (DMN). States in which ASD showed decreased connectivity between the rAI and these regions were those more relevant to socio‐cognitive processing. From a dynamic perspective, these findings demonstrate partially impaired resting‐state functional connectivity patterns between the rAI and DMN across states in ASD, and provide novel insights into the neural mechanisms underlying social impairments in individuals with ASD.
Atezolizumab for first-line treatment of metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer: what makes the difference?

The landing of immune checkpoint inhibitors (CKI) in the landscape of the primary treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has been surely irrepressible, but burdened by a large selection limit, constituted by the percentage threshold of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (1).
Calcified lesions treated with rotational atherectomy-much more advantages than real hazards.

The presence of coronary artery calcifications is a known predictive factor of poor prognosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Despite the development of more technologically advanced devices and methods such as supportive catheters, cutting balloons, very high pressure and low-profile balloons, laser and orbital atherectomy or Lithoplasty—rotational atherectomy (RA) still remains the most commonly used worldwide technique to modify calcified plaques.
County‐Level Hispanic Ethnic Density and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality

Background Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States, and little is known about how Hispanic ethnic population density impacts cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Methods and Results We examined county‐level deaths for Hispanics and non‐Hispanic whites from 2003 to 2012 using data from the National Center for Health Statistics’ Multiple Cause of Death mortality files. Counties with more than 20 Hispanic deaths (n=715) were included in the analyses. CVD deaths were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10), I00 to I78, and population estimates were calculated using linear interpolation from 2000 and 2010 census data. Multivariate linear regression was used to examine the association of Hispanic ethnic density with Hispanic and non‐Hispanic white age‐adjusted CVD mortality rates. County‐level age‐adjusted CVD mortality rates were adjusted for county‐level demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare factors. There were a total of 4 769 040 deaths among Hispanics (n=382 416) and non‐Hispanic whites (n=4 386 624). Overall, cardiovascular age‐adjusted mortality rates were higher among non‐Hispanic whites compared with Hispanics (244.8 versus 189.0 per 100 000). Hispanic density ranged from 1% to 96% in each county. Counties in the highest compared with lowest category of Hispanic density had 60% higher Hispanic mortality (215.3 versus 134.2 per 100 000 population). In linear regression models, after adjusting for county‐level demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare factors, increasing Hispanic ethnic density remained strongly associated with mortality for Hispanics but not for non‐Hispanic whites. Conclusions CVD mortality is higher in counties with higher Hispanic ethnic density. County‐level characteristics do not fully explain the higher CVD mortality among Hispanics in ethnically concentrated counties.
From cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide to oxazinone-based derivatives as allosteric HIV-1 ribonuclease H inhibitors

Abstract The paper focussed on a step-by-step structural modification of a cycloheptathiophene-3-carboxamide derivative recently identified by us as reverse transcriptase (RT)-associated ribonuclease H (RNase H) inhibitor. In particular, its conversion to a 2-aryl-cycloheptathienoozaxinone derivative and the successive thorough exploration of both 2-aromatic and cycloheptathieno moieties led to identify oxazinone-based compounds as new anti-RNase H chemotypes. The presence of the catechol moiety at the C-2 position of the scaffold emerged as critical to achieve potent anti-RNase H activity, which also encompassed anti-RNA dependent DNA polymerase (RDDP) activity for the tricyclic derivatives. Benzothienooxazinone derivative 22 resulted the most potent dual inhibitor exhibiting IC50s of 0.53 and 2.90 μM against the RNase H and RDDP functions. Mutagenesis and docking studies suggested that compound 22 binds two allosteric pockets within the RT, one located between the RNase H active site and the primer grip region and the other close to the DNA polymerase catalytic centre. Graphical Abstract
Forum on Video Games for Mental Health

Over the recent years, mental health has become a major disease burden globally. Untreated mental illness has serious consequences for the individual, resulting in lower quality of life and has severe negative effects on the global economy. Digital solutions for mental health offer relief to the overburdened health care system but would benefit from design approaches geared to increase participant adherence and engagement. Video games offer a rich design ecosphere-ranging from narrative elements usable in therapy, accessible social dynamics, challenging cognitive tasks, to novel assessment approaches and applicability as preventive measures-suggesting their potential to advance digital solutions for mental health. While there is clear potential in video games for mental health, the challenges and opportunities of transferring game design to mental health applications, designing for specific mental illnesses, and integration games for mental health into the clinical context are rarely addressed.
What Is Driving the Water-Energy-Food Nexus? Discourses, Knowledge, and Politics of an Emerging Resource Governance Concept

In the context of accelerated global socio-environmental change, the Water-Energy-Food Nexus has received increasing attention within science and international politics by promoting integrated resource governance. This study explores the scientific nexus debates from a discourse analytical perspective to reveal knowledge and power relations as well as geographical settings of nexus research. We also investigate approaches to socio-nature relations that influence nexus research and subsequent political implications. Our findings suggest that the leading nexus discourse is dominated by natural scientific perspectives and a neo-Malthusian framing of environmental challenges. Accordingly, the promoted cross-sectoral nexus approach to resource governance emphasizes efficiency, security, future sustainability, and poverty reduction. Water, energy, and food are conceived as global trade goods that require close monitoring, management and control, to be achieved via quantitative assessments and technological interventions. Within the less visible discourse, social scientific perspectives engage with the social, political, and normative elements of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus. These perspectives criticize the dominant nexus representation for itsmanagerial, neoliberal, and utilitarian approach to resource governance. The managerial framing is critiqued for masking power relations and social inequalities, while alternative framings acknowledge the political nature of resource governance and socio-nature relations. The spatial dimensions of the nexus debate are also discussed. Notably, the nexus is largely shaped by western knowledge, yet applied mainly in specific regions of the Global South. In order for the nexus to achieve integrative solutions for sustainability, the debate needs to overcome its current discursive and spatial separations. To this end, we need to engage more closely with alternative nexus discourses, embrace epistemic pluralism and encourage multi-perspective debates about the socio-nature relations we actually intend to promote.