Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Key Circulating Exosomal microRNAs in Gastric Cancer

Exosomal miRNAs (EmiRs) can be used for prediction of gastric cancer (GC) development. Supposedly, both plasma and urinary microRNAs can also be potential biomarkers for screening, but the diagnostic values of EmiRs in blood and urine are not fully studied. We here collected both types of samples from GC patients and healthy individuals and conducted miRNA sequencing to identify key members of EmiRs in GC. The exosomes samples derived from blood and urine were collected from 3 healthy individuals and 7 GC patients. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were acquired, ontology enrichment analysis and Protein-protein Interaction (PPI) enrichment analysis were performed. There were 8 DEmiRNAs in the serum and 3 DEmiRNAs in the urine. For GC patients, there were three up-regulated DEmiRNAs (hsa-miR-130b-3p, hsa-miR-151a-3p and hsa-miR-15b-3p) in the serum exosomes, and one up-regulated DEmiRNA (hsa-miR-1246) in the urinary exosomes. Using miRNA target prediction databases, we found 418 common targets of hsa-miR-15b-3p, 35 common targets of hsa-miR-151a-3p, 117 common targets of hsa-miR-130b-3p, and 357 common targets of hsa-miR-1246. Some commonly enriched ontology terms were found, including GO BP terms like cell surface receptor signaling pathway involved in cell-cell signaling, positive regulation of catabolic process, morphogenesis of an epithelium, and GO CC terms perinuclear region of cytoplasm. The PPI network show some key nodes, including TAOK1, CMTM6, SCN3A, WASF3, IGF1, CNOT7, GABRG1, PRKD1. Together, this study provided an integrative analysis of expression profile of key circulating exosomal microRNAs. Four key exosomal miRNAs (hsa-miR-130b-3p, hsa-miR-151a-3p and hsa-miR-15b-3p) and the interaction network or enrichments based on their targets (TAOK1, CMTM6, SCN3A, WASF3, IGF1, CNOT7, GABRG1, PRKD1) may provide a reference of the molecular mechanisms in the GC development.
Non-pharmacological Approaches to Depressed Elderly With No or Mild Cognitive Impairment in Long-Term Care Facilities. A Systematic Review of the Literature

Introduction: Compared to old people who live at home, depressive symptoms are more prevalent in those who live in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Different kinds of non-pharmacological treatment approaches in LTCFs have been studied, including behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapy, cognitive bibliotherapy, problem-solving therapy, brief psychodynamic therapy and life review/reminiscence. The aim of the current review was to systematically review non-pharmacological treatments used to treat depressed older adults with no or mild cognitive impairment (as described by a Mini Mental State Examination score > 20) living in LTCFs. Methods: A research was performed on PubMed and Scopus databases. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses (PRISMA) flowchart, studies selection was made. The quality of each Randomized Controlled Trial was scored using the Jadad scale, Quasi-Experimental Design studies and Non-Experimental studies were scored based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) Results: The review included 56 full text articles; according to the type of intervention, studies were grouped in the following areas: horticulture/gardening (n = 3), pet therapy (n = 4), physical exercise (n = 9), psychoeducation/rehabilitation (n = 15), psychotherapy (n = 3), reminiscence and story sharing (n = 14), miscellaneous (n = 8). Discussion and Conclusion: Despite mixed or negative findings in some cases, most studies included in this systematic review reported that the non-pharmacological interventions assessed were effective in the management of depressed elderly in the LTCFs context. Regrettably, the limitations and heterogeneity of the studies described above hinder the possibility to generalize and replicate results.
Love Your Country: EEG Evidence of Actor Preferences of Audiences in Patriotic Movies

Movie watching is one of the common ways to spark love for the country. A good patriotic movie can arouse love and pride, encourage people to stand by their countries, and reinforce a sense of national belonging. To evoke audience emotion and enhance patriotism, the choice of actors is fundamental and is a dilemma for film producers. In this exploratory study, an electroencephalogram (EEG) with a rating task was used to investigate how actor types (i.e., skilled vs. publicity) in patriotic movies modulate the willingness of audiences to watch a film and their emotional responses. Behavioral results showed that audiences are more willing to watch patriotic movies starring skilled actors than to watch patriotic movies starring publicity actors. Furthermore, brain results indicated that smaller P3 and late positive potential (LPP) were elicited in response to skilled actors than to publicity actors in patriotic movies. A larger theta oscillation was also observed with skilled actors than with publicity actors. These findings demonstrate that the willingness of audiences to watch a movie is deeply affected by actor types in patriotic films. Specifically, skilled actors engage audiences emotionally, more so than publicity actors, and increase the popularity of patriotic movies. This study is the first to employ neuroscientific technology to study movie casting, which advances film studies with careful scientific measurements and a possible new direction. La première des vertus est le dévouement à la patrie. Napoléon Bonaparte
Dynamic Asymmetries Do Not Match Spatiotemporal Step Asymmetries during Split-Belt Walking

While walking on split-belt treadmills (two belts running at different speeds), the slower limb shows longer anterior steps than the limb dragged by the faster belt. After returning to basal conditions, the step length asymmetry is transiently reversed (after-effect). The lower limb joint dynamics, however, were not thoroughly investigated. In this study, 12 healthy adults walked on a force-sensorised split-belt treadmill for 15 min. Belts rotated at 0.4 m s−1 on both sides, or 0.4 and 1.2 m s−1 under the non-dominant and dominant legs, respectively. Spatiotemporal step parameters, ankle power and work, and the actual mean velocity of the body’s centre of mass (CoM) were computed. On the faster side, ankle power and work increased, while step length and stance time decreased. The mean velocity of the CoM slightly decreased. As an after-effect, modest converse asymmetries developed, fading within 2–5 min. These results may help to decide which belt should be assigned to the paretic and the unaffected lower limb when split-belt walking is applied for rehabilitation research in hemiparesis.
Physiological Functions of Mcl-1: Insights From Genetic Mouse Models

The ability to regulate the survival and death of a cell is paramount throughout the lifespan of a multicellular organism. Apoptosis, a main physiological form of programmed cell death, is regulated by the Bcl-2 family proteins that are either pro-apoptotic or pro-survival. The in vivo functions of distinct Bcl-2 family members are largely unmasked by genetically engineered murine models. Mcl-1 is one of the two Bcl-2 like pro-survival genes whose germline deletion causes embryonic lethality in mice. Its requisite for the survival of a broad range of cell types has been further unraveled by using conditional and inducible deletion murine model systems in different tissues or cell lineages and at distinct developmental stages. Moreover, genetic mouse cancer models have also demonstrated that Mcl-1 is essential for the survival of multiple tumor types. The MCL-1 locus is commonly amplified across various cancer types in humans. Small molecule inhibitors with high affinity and specificity to human MCL-1 have been developed and explored for the treatment of certain cancers. To facilitate the pre-clinical studies of MCL-1 in cancer and other diseases, transgenic mouse models over-expressing human MCL-1 as well as humanized MCL-1 mouse models have been recently engineered. This review discusses the current advances in understanding the physiological roles of Mcl-1 based on studies using genetic murine models and its critical implications in pathology and treatment of human diseases.
The Association among Autistic Traits, Interactional Synchrony and Typical Pattern of Motor Planning and Execution in Neurotypical Individuals

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in interactional synchrony and motor performance, but little is known about the association between them. The current study investigated the association among aberrant interactional synchrony (as measured by interactors’ symmetry in the form of the hand at each time-point along movement’s execution), motor functioning and the level of Autistic traits. In this study, autistic traits were evaluated by the Autistic Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Two tasks were used: (1) an interactional synchrony task where participants and the research assistant were instructed to move their hands together; and (2) a motor planning task which allows for continuous monitoring of natural hand movements. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant association between lower communication skills (i.e., higher AQ communication scores) and lower intentional synchrony rates. In addition, lower communication skills were found associated with typical patterns of motor planning and execution characterized by shorter time to start the movement and higher value of max speed. Mediator analyses supported the notion that aberrant intentional synchrony in individuals with low communication skills is partially mediated through typical patterns of motor planning and execution. These results suggest typical patterns of motor functions may account for intentional synchrony difficulties.
Anomaly Detection Using Support Vector Machines for Time Series Data

Analysis of large data sets is increasingly important in business and scientific research. One of the challenges in such analysis stems from uncertainty in data, which can produce anomalous results. This paper proposes a method for detecting an anomaly in time series data using a Support Vector Machine (SVM). Three different kernels of the SVM are analyzed to predict anomalies in the UCR time series benchmark data sets. Comparison of the three kernels shows that the defined parameter values of the Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernel are critical for improving the validity and accuracy in anomaly detection. Our results show that the RBF kernel of the SVM can be used to advantage in detecting anomalies.
The voltammetric applications and frequency-dependent properties of screen-printed electrodes and carbon nanomaterial electrodes

This thesis reports the voltammetric applications and fundamental frequency-dependent properties of carbon-based electrode materials. A range of electrochemical systems hasve been investigated, and new materials have been electrochemically characterised, which will be of use to the field of electrochemistry. In Chapter 3 of this thesis, different graphenes were utilised as electrode composite materials, and their electrochemical behaviour was de-convoluted. It was found that surfactant-free graphenes were useful for the detection of guanine in terms of a reduced activation potential, which is thought to be derived from a pi-pi adsorption mechanism. The oxygen reduction reaction was also focussed upon and it was found that the type of graphene utilised did not affect the electrochemical mechanism in the respective reactions, but the peroxide yields changed. This could have dramatic ramifications for users choosing carbon materials as catalyst supports. Screen-printed electrodes were applied to novel systems including theophylline and creatinine, finding that their use as portable sensors was viable in two ways. For theophylline, a direct oxidation mechanism was useful for the detection of the medicine, while in the case of creatinine, an indirect detection method was found to be effective as creatinine is not electrochemically active. In Chapter 5, the first graphene screen-printed electrodes were developed and characterised. The result was two graphene screen-printed electrodes, with differing electrochemical properties, both of which could be used for different applications. Finally, Chapter 6 focusses upon whether electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is useful for screen-printed electrodes and carbon modifications. The work in this thesis finds that a synergy could potentially be formed, and in particularly, has found that it would be wise to operate screen-printed electrodes around +0.2 V due to this being the point where there is no net charge at the electrode surface under standard conditions.
Modeling of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors

In this thesis, models are presented for the design and analysis of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNFETs). Such transistors are being seriously considered for applications in the emerging field of nanotechnology. Because of the small size of these devices, and the nearone-dimensional nature of charge transport within them, CNFET modeling demands a rigorous quantum-mechanical basis. This is achieved in this thesis by using the effective-mass Schrodinger Equation (SE) to compute the electron and hole charges in the nanotube, and by using the Landauer Equation to compute the drain current. A Schrodinger-Poisson (SP) solver is developed to arrive at a self-consistent potential distribution within the device. Normalization of the wavefunction in SE is achieved by equating the probability density current with the current predicted by the Landauer Equation. The scattering matrix solution is employed to compute the wavefunction, and an adaptive integration scheme to obtain the charge. Overall convergence is sought via the Picard or Gummel iterative schemes. An AC small-signal circuit model, employing the DC results from the SP solver, is also constructed to obtain estimates of the high-frequency capabilities of the transistors. The DC results predict the unusual ambipolar behaviour of CNFETs reported in the literature, and explore the possibilities of using work-function engineering to tailor IV characteristics for different device applications. The model qualitatively agrees with some experimental results in the literature, and gives confidence that the performance of coaxial devices, when they become available, will be well predicted by the models. In the AC regime, it was found that under somewhat ideal operating conditions the operating limit of these devices might just reach into the 1-10 THz regime. In addition to the development of rigorous modeling procedures for CNFETs, a preliminary compact model is developed, in which some of the essence of the detailed model is distilled into a set of simpler equations, which may prove useful in guiding device design towards CNFETs for applications in nanoelectronics.
The instability of S vacancies in Cu2ZnSnS4

The electronic structures of the possible charge states of vacancies in the earth-abundant solar cell absorber material Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) are investigated using screened-exchange hybrid density functional theory. We find that all the charge states of anionic S vacancies (VS) are not stable because VS rehybridizes with the nearest neighbor Sn atom, reducing the valence of the Sn atom. Therefore, there is no charge transition level for VS. Instead, all the charge states of cation vacancies are stable. The copper and zinc vacancies show delocalized features which create shallow charge transition levels, while the tin vacancy shows localized feature which creates deep charge transition levels within the band gap and acts as a recombination center in CZTS.
Dewey on Arts , Sciences and Greek Philosophy

In this chapter, I ponder John Dewey’s efforts to understand science in terms of both the practical and fine arts; and how his writings on art and science suggest that Plato and Aristotle correctly identified conditions under which things become visible to cognition, even while not satisfactorily answering how these conditions can be met. Since Dewey understood aesthetic experience as a dramatic process, I also discuss how visual experience is imbued with narrative and therefore temporal structure, and the importance of this to understanding and learning.
Comparative HPTLC Analysis of Antioxidant Compound Gallic Acid from in vitro and Naturally Grown Stevia rebaudiana

Abstract Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Asteraceae) is a perennial shrub of South America, produces diterpene glycosides used as low calorie sweeteners. Stevioside and extracts prepared from the leaves have been used widely all over the world as sweetening agents, taste modifiers and sugar substitutes. Gallic acid (GA) is reported for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral and antimelanogenic activities and many of these are mediated by its antioxidative capacity. Presently a study has been conducted on the comparative High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of gallic acid from the dried leaf powder of in-situ and in-vitro grown S. rebaudiana. Nodal explants of S. rebaudiana were cultured in vitro in MS media supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (BA; 8.5 mM) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA; 9.2 mM). The quantitative determination of gallic acid was performed on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates as stationary phase. The linear ascending development was carried out in a twin trough glass chamber saturated with a mobile phase consisting of chloroform: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5:4:1) at room temperature (22±2°C). CAMAG TLC scanner-3 equipped with CATS software (version: 1.4.4.6337) was used for spectrodensitometric scanning and analysis in the ultraviolet region at λ=280 nm. The method was validated for linearity, precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ) as well as recovery values were found to be satisfactory. S. rebaudiana raised in vitro (0.042 %) was found to contain higher amount of GA than their naturally growing counterparts (0.022 %).
Filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria in water bodies of Middle and Lower Volga basin (European Russia): an overview

“Filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs” or “green non-sulfur bacteria” form a distinct lineage, order Chloroflexales (Chloroflexia: Chloroflexi) in broad polyphyletic group of anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria. Filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria have apparently important, though not fully understood functions in contemporary ecosystems and perhaps were much more significant in the Archaean. However, since their discovery in hot spring mats in the late 1960s, the extremophilic species of thermal, hypersaline and/or hyperalcaline habitats remain the most studied representatives of the lineage. In this overview, we show our representation of the history of finding and research of filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs, and current situation with their taxonomy, phylogeny and diversity. Some problems and uncertainties in these fields are also discussed. The special section is dedicated to the discovery and research of this group in the Volga River basin. Due to the small number of studies, the exact distribution of filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria in the region is unknown. For example, in small stratified lakes with high humic and/or ferruginous water in the basins of the Oka and the Upper Volga the development of planktonic filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs is very likely. Besides, the development of Chloroflexales, including new species, is quite expected in the microbial mats of saline rivers and hypersaline lakes of the Lower Volga region. Further progress in the field will be possible only with the use of molecular methods along or preferably in combination with traditional methods (polyphasic approach). Since their role in communities is far from elucidated, further studies of FAP may also provide new opportunities in the field of microbial biotechnology.
Flow cytometry analysis on colchicine induced polyploid of Katokkon peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

A preliminary study was conducted to determine the ploidy level of Katokkon pepper after colchicine induction using flow cytometry analysis. Compared to squash method, flow cytometry analysis can provide effectively faster results of the ploidy levels of the cells. The research was conducted at the Laboratory of Plant Bioscience and Reproduction Biotechnology, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University Makassar. Polyploidy of the Katokkon pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) were induced by immersing the seeds in colchicine solution at concentrations of 0.00%, 0.0125%, 0.025%, 0.050% (w/v). For each concentration, an immersion time of 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 hours were employed, respectively. Ploidy level was analyzed using the flow cytometer machine (Partec® Cy-Flow Space). The resulting histogram of the analysis shows differences between control (0.00%) and the rest of Colchicine treatment. Based on the peak position on the histogram, the colchicine concentration and their various immersion time given did not produce tetraploid (4n) plants. Nevertheless, at 0.10% colchicine concentration with all immersion times, it was obtained mixoploid plants with 2n and 4n pairs of chromosomes.
Development and validation of spectrophotometric methods for quantitative determination of total phenolic and total flavonoid content of lyophilizate of the leaf of sweet potato leaf

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the plants commonly used as traditional medicine, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, anti-mutagenic and to increase platelet count. The benefits of sweet potato leaves have been reported as a result of the presence of antioxidant compounds and bioactive compounds, mainly phenolic and flavonoid compounds. In this study, we validated the spectrophotometry method of total phenolic and flavonoid compound of lyophilizate of the leaves of sweet potato juices. The results showed that the coefficient correlation (r) values were 0.97389 for gallic acid standard and 0.99869 for quercetin standard; the recovery rates ranged from 105.08% to 109.92% for phenolic, and from 87.48% to 94.36% for flavonoids respectively; precision with relative standard deviation values ranged from 0.7% to 0.4% for phenolic, and from 0.9% to 0.5% for flavonoids respectively; and the detection limit (LOD) and the quantitation limit (LOQ) for phenolic were 0.0425 μg/mL and 0.128 μg/mL respectively while for flavonoids were 0.17 μg/mL and 0.5 μg/mL respectively. The method was successfully applied in the determination of phenolic and flavonoid contents of lyophilizate of sweet potato leaf juices with the average total phenolic content of 9.83mg GAE/g lyophilizate, while the average total flavonoid level was 5.11mg QE/g lyophilizate.
Tolerance response of ten chili genotypes under the limited watering condition

Ten chili genotypes of germplasm collection had been evaluated under limited watering conditions. The objective of the research was to know the mechanism response of each treated genotype under limited watering conditions. The research was conducted from February to December 2017 at Indonesia Vegetables Research Institute, Lembang (1,250 m sal). A randomized complete design (RCD) was used as a research design with three replications. There were 20 treatments which combination between 10 chili genotypes with limited (interval per six days) or unlimited watering (per daily). The seedlings were planted in plastic pots with a mixture of media soil:sand = 1:2, then be applied treatments. The population number of each genotype per treatment was 15 plants/replication. The results showed that AN and 238 were a better tolerance level than other genotypes under-treated limited watering conditions by some mechanisms, i.e the smallest change in total chlorophyll, but increase in proline content, and reduction in leaf area index and stomata number. Moreover, genotype 238 also developed effectivity water absorption by root elongation at untreated stress conditions. Hence the results could determine a good strategy for each genotype to be improved as a new tolerant variety in water deficiency conditions.