Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Reactive Gliosis Prevents Neovascular Growth in the Mouse Model of Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy

Retinal neovascularization (NV) is a major cause of blindness in ischemic retinopathies. Previous investigations have indicated that ischemia upregulates GFAP and PDGF-B expression. GFAP overexpression is a hallmark of reactive gliosis (RG), which is the major pathophysiological feature of retinal damage. In addition, PDGF-B has been implicated in proliferative retinopathies. It was the aim of this study to gain insights on the possible pharmacological interventions to modulate PDGF-B and GFAP expression, and its influence on RG and NV. We used an array of assays to evaluate the effects of YC-1, a small molecule inhibitor of HIF-1 and a novel NO-independent activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), on RG and NV, in vivo and in vitro. When compared to the DMSO-treated retinas, dual-intravitreal injections of YC-1, in vivo: (1) suppressed the development and elongation of neovascular sprouts in the retinas of the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model; and (2) reduced ischemia-induced overexpression of GFAP and PDGF-B at the message (by 64.14±0.5% and 70.27±0.04%) and the protein levels (by 65.52±0.02% and 57.59±0.01%), respectively. In addition, at 100 µM, YC-1 treatment downregulated the hypoxia-induced overexpression of GFAP and PDGF-B at the message level in rMC-1 cells (by 71.42±0.02% and 75±0.03%), and R28 cells (by 58.62±0.02% and 50.00±0.02%), respectively; whereas, the protein levels of GFAP and PDGF-B were reduced (by 78.57±0.02% and 77.55±0.01%) in rMC-1cells, and (by 81.44±0.02% and 79.16±0.01%) in R28 cells, respectively. We demonstrate that YC-1 reversed RG during ischemic retinopathy via impairing the expression of GFAP and PDGF-B in glial cells. This is the first investigation that delves into the reversal of RG during ischemic retinal vasculopathies. In addition, the study reveals that YC-1 may exert promising therapeutic effects in the treatment of retinal and neuronal pathologies.
Articulated distance fields for ultra-fast tracking of hands interacting

The state of the art in articulated hand tracking has been greatly advanced by hybrid methods that fit a generative hand model to depth data, leveraging both temporally and discriminatively predicted starting poses. In this paradigm, the generative model is used to define an energy function and a local iterative optimization is performed from these starting poses in order to find a "good local minimum" (i.e. a local minimum close to the true pose). Performing this optimization quickly is key to exploring more starting poses, performing more iterations and, crucially, exploiting high frame rates that ensure that temporally predicted starting poses are in the basin of convergence of a good local minimum. At the same time, a detailed and accurate generative model tends to deepen the good local minima and widen their basins of convergence. Recent work, however, has largely had to trade-off such a detailed hand model with one that facilitates such rapid optimization. We present a new implicit model of hand geometry that mostly avoids this compromise and leverage it to build an ultra-fast hybrid hand tracking system. Specifically, we construct an articulated signed distance function that, for any pose, yields a closed form calculation of both the distance to the detailed surface geometry and the necessary derivatives to perform gradient based optimization. There is no need to introduce or update any explicit "correspondences" yielding a simple algorithm that maps well to parallel hardware such as GPUs. As a result, our system can run at extremely high frame rates (e.g. up to 1000fps). Furthermore, we demonstrate how to detect, segment and optimize for two strongly interacting hands, recovering complex interactions at extremely high framerates. In the absence of publicly available datasets of sufficiently high frame rate, we leverage a multiview capture system to create a new 180fps dataset of one and two hands interacting together or with objects.
Primary and secondary kinase genotypes correlate with the biological and clinical activity of sunitinib in imatinib-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumor.

PURPOSE Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) harbor mutant KIT or platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) kinases, which are imatinib targets. Sunitinib, which targets KIT, PDGFRs, and several other kinases, has demonstrated efficacy in patients with GIST after they experience imatinib failure. We evaluated the impact of primary and secondary kinase genotype on sunitinib activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Tumor responses were assessed radiologically in a phase I/II trial of sunitinib in 97 patients with metastatic, imatinib-resistant/intolerant GIST. KIT/PDGFRA mutational status was determined for 78 patients by using tumor specimens obtained before and after prior imatinib therapy. Kinase mutants were biochemically profiled for sunitinib and imatinib sensitivity. RESULTS Clinical benefit (partial response or stable disease for > or = 6 months) with sunitinib was observed for the three most common primary GIST genotypes: KIT exon 9 (58%), KIT exon 11 (34%), and wild-type KIT/PDGFRA (56%). Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer for patients with primary KIT exon 9 mutations (P = .0005) or with a wild-type genotype (P = .0356) than for those with KIT exon 11 mutations. The same pattern was observed for overall survival (OS). PFS and OS were longer for patients with secondary KIT exon 13 or 14 mutations (which involve the KIT-adenosine triphosphate binding pocket) than for those with exon 17 or 18 mutations (which involve the KIT activation loop). Biochemical profiling studies confirmed the clinical results. CONCLUSION The clinical activity of sunitinib after imatinib failure is significantly influenced by both primary and secondary mutations in the predominant pathogenic kinases, which has implications for optimization of the treatment of patients with GIST.
NEAR-INFRARED DETECTION OF WD 0806-661 B WITH THE HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE

WD 0806-661 B is one of the coldest known brown dwarfs (Teff = 300–345 K) based on previous mid-infrared photometry from the Spitzer Space Telescope. In addition, it is a benchmark for testing theoretical models of brown dwarfs because its age and distance are well constrained via its primary star (2 ± 0.5 Gyr, 19.2 ± 0.6 pc). We present the first near-infrared detection of this object, which has been achieved through F110W imaging (∼Y + J) with the Wide Field Camera 3 on board the Hubble Space Telescope. We measure a Vega magnitude of m110 = 25.70 ± 0.08, which implies J ∼ 25.0. When combined with the Spitzer photometry, our estimate of J helps to better define the empirical sequence of the coldest brown dwarfs in M4.5 versus J − [4.5]. The positions of WD 0806-661 B and other Y dwarfs in that diagram are best matched by the cloudy models of Burrows et al. and the cloudless models of Saumon et al., both of which employ chemical equilibrium. The calculations by Morley et al. for 50% cloud coverage differ only modestly from the data. Spectroscopy would enable a more stringent test of the models, but based on our F110W measurement, such observations are currently possible only with Hubble, and would require at least ∼10 orbits to reach a signal-to-noise ratio of ∼5.
Computing the minimum distance of linear codes by the error impulse method

A new method for computing the minimum distances of linear error-correcting codes is proposed and justified. Unlike classical techniques that rely on exhaustive or partial enumeration of codewords, this new method is based on the ability of the Soft-In decoder to overcome Error Impulse input patterns. It is shown that the maximum magnitude of the Error Impulse that can be corrected by the decoder is directly related to the minimum distance. This leads to a very fast algorithm to obtain minimum distances of any linear code whatever the block size and the code rate considered. In particular, the method can be advantageously worked out for turbo-like concatenated codes.
Real Rape, Real Pain: Help for women sexually assaulted by male partners

Based on interviews with thirty women, as well as the personal experiences of the authors, this book explores the barriers to reporting partner rape. Partner rape is often not recognised or named as assault, both from fear of the repercussions from the perpetrator of disclosing the abuse, and fear that others will minimise or disbelieve the disclosure of abuse, which leads to a reluctance to report sexual assault in relationships. The book is written, as the authors put it, 'for, not about' women. While primarily intended for women who have experienced or are experiencing rape by a partner, it frames the problem of partner rape as a social problem, not just as a problem of individual women. The book is organised around three main themes: healing, identifying sexual assaults, and confronting society's denial, as well as the related theme of naming partner rape. The authors argue that the difficulty that victim/survivors spoke of in naming partner rape as 'real rape' is compounded by society's denial. What is especially important about this book is the recognition of the complex issues facing women who are sexually assaulted by male partners. It validates the traumatic and abusive nature of partner abuse, and challenges many of the myths that deny or minimise the harm caused by this form of sexual assault. The inclusion of women's stories (including some detailed accounts of abuse) and the jargon-free style make it widely accessible.
Query Optimization for Dynamic Imputation

Missing values are common in data analysis and present a usability challenge. Users are forced to pick between removing tuples with missing values or creating a cleaned version of their data by applying a relatively expensive imputation strategy. Our system, ImputeDB, incorporates imputation into a cost-based query optimizer, performing necessary imputations on-the-fly for each query. This allows users to immediately explore their data, while the system picks the optimal placement of imputation operations. We evaluate this approach on three real-world survey-based datasets. Our experiments show that our query plans execute between 10 and 140 times faster than first imputing the base tables. Furthermore, we show that the query results from on-the-fly imputation differ from the traditional base-table imputation approach by 0--8%. Finally, we show that while dropping tuples with missing values that fail query constraints discards 6--78% of the data, on-the-fly imputation loses only 0--21%.
Definition of T cell idiotypes using anti-idiotypic antisera produced by immunization with T cell clones

Alloreactive T cell clones with distinct specificities were used to raise anti-idiotypic antisera via an F1 anti-(parent anti-F1) protocol. Antisera were raised that could stimulate the proliferation of the appropriate T cell clone, but not other clones. The active fraction of the antisera for T cell proliferation was immunoglobulin. In addition to proliferation, an anti-idiotypic antiserum could induce the appropriate T cell clone to secrete substantial amounts of interleukin 2 (IL-2). Production of IL-2 appeared independent of the involvement of accessory cells. These accessory cells may be unnecessary for IL-2 production in our assay, or their effect may be produced by anti- idiotype. Thus, anti-idiotype may provide two or more specific T cell signals.
Please Scroll down for Article Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods

This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. As genetically modified (GM) foods are starting to intrude in our diet concerns have been expressed regarding GM food safety. These concerns as well as the limitations of the procedures followed in the evaluation of their safety are presented. Animal toxicity studies with certain GM foods have shown that they may toxically affect several organs and systems. The review of these studies should not be conducted separately for each GM food, but according to the effects exerted on certain organs it may help us create a better picture of the possible health effects on human beings. The results of most studies with GM foods indicate that they may cause some common toxic effects such as hepatic, pancreatic, renal, or reproductive effects and may alter the hematological, biochemical, and immunologic parameters. However, many years of research with animals and clinical trials are required for this assessment. The use of recombinant GH or its expression in animals should be reexamined since it has been shown that it increases IGF-1 which may promote cancer.
Who you are and who you know: The influence of person-environment fit and social network centrality on individual performance

OF DISSERTATION WHO YOU ARE AND WHO YOU KNOW: THE INFLUENCE OF PERSONENVIRONMENT FIT AND SOCIAL NETWORK CENTRALITY ON INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE Job seekers and employers frequently make application and selection decisions based on how well they believe there is a ‘fit’ with the organization and job. The personenvironment fit literature has strongly supported this practice demonstrating that fit is an antecedent to attraction, selection, and attrition. What has been lacking, however, is evidence that once individuals enter the organization their fit relates to performance. Using a social network analytical lens, I develop a framework that integrates PE fit and social networks to explore antecedents to employee performance. Using this framework, I explore how informal workplace relationships may act as catalysts through which fit either enhances or detracts from individual performance, how fit might directly influence performance once the social context is taken into account, and how fit might make an individual an attractive exchange partner benefiting performance. Results suggest that PE fit is related to individual performance (both inand extra-role) but that this relationship differs depending on how well embedded the employee is in the informal social networks of the organization. It is only when accounting for the ‘who you know’ element of organizational life that we can see how ‘who you are’ relates to performance.
Researching children's individual empathic abilities in the context of their daily lives: the importance of mixed methods

In social neuroscience, empathy is often approached as an individual ability, whereas researchers in anthropology focus on empathy as a dialectic process between agents. In this perspective paper, we argue that to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development of empathy, social neuroscience research should draw on insights and methods from anthropology. First, we discuss neuropsychological studies that investigate empathy in inter-relational contexts. Second, we highlight differences between the social neuroscience and anthropological conceptualizations of empathy. Third, we introduce a new study design based on a mixed method approach, and present initial results from one classroom that was part of a larger study and included 28 children (m = 13, f = 15). Participants (aged 9–11) were administered behavioral tasks and a social network questionnaire; in addition an observational study was also conducted over a period of 3 months. Initial results showed how children's expressions of their empathic abilities were influenced by situational cues in classroom processes. This effect was further explained by children's positions within classroom networks. Our results emphasize the value of interdisciplinary research in the study of empathy.
On the union of the fifth cervical nerve with the superior cervical ganglion

IT has been shownl' that the vagus nerve irn the neck contains nerve fibres which are capable of making functional connectiorn with the nerve-cells of the superior cervical ganglion. The vagus in this region contains pre-ganglionic fibres for various visceral structures comparable with the pre-ganglionic fibres of the cervical sympathetic, so that the union of the vagus with the superior cervical ganglion is explainable without any great strain on the theory of essential differences existing between different classes of nerve fibres. The fifth cervical nerve contains no pre-ganglionic fibres; it contains efferent and affe rent somatic fibres, and post-ganglionic sympathetic fibres, d priori it did not seem probable that any of these classes of fibres should be able to make functional connection with sympathetic nerve-cells, btut we thought it well to put the question to the test of experiment. We have made two experiments, both on cats. The results are so decided that it seems to us unnecessary, so far as regards the main point, to make further experiments. The experiments were as follows.
Basal-Like Breast Cancer Defined by Five Biomarkers Has Superior Prognostic Value than Triple-Negative Phenotype

Purpose: Basal-like breast cancer is associated with high grade, poor prognosis, and younger patient age. Clinically, a triple-negative phenotype definition [estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2, all negative] is commonly used to identify such cases. EGFR and cytokeratin 5/6 are readily available positive markers of basal-like breast cancer applicable to standard pathology specimens. This study directly compares the prognostic significance between three- and five-biomarker surrogate panels to define intrinsic breast cancer subtypes, using a large clinically annotated series of breast tumors. Experimental Design: Four thousand forty-six invasive breast cancers were assembled into tissue microarrays. All had staging, pathology, treatment, and outcome information; median follow-up was 12.5 years. Cox regression analyses and likelihood ratio tests compared the prognostic significance for breast cancer death-specific survival (BCSS) of the two immunohistochemical panels. Results: Among 3,744 interpretable cases, 17% were basal using the triple-negative definition (10-year BCSS, 6 7%) and 9% were basal using the five-marker method (10-year BCSS, 62%). Likelihood ratio tests of multivariable Cox models including standard clinical variables show that the five-marker panel is significantly more prognostic than the three-marker panel. The poor prognosis of triple-negative phenotype is conferred almost entirely by those tumors positive for basal markers. Among triple-negative patients treated with adjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy, the additional positive basal markers identified a cohort of patients with significantly worse outcome. Conclusions: The expanded surrogate immunopanel of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human HER-2, EGFR, and cytokeratin 5/6 provides a more specific definition of basal-like breast cancer that better predicts breast cancer survival.
An event-driven inter-vehicle communication protocol to attenuate vehicular shock waves

In this paper we investigate an event-driven Inter-Vehicle Communication protocol to mitigate shock waves in dense traffic situation. From previous work we know that flooding or frequent beaconing require excessive network resources. To overcome this limitation we focus on an efficient message exchange mechanism requiring as few network resources as possible, while still providing timely and accurate traffic information. We designed Density Redistribution through Intelligent Velocity Estimation (DRIVE), an event-driven Inter-Vehicle Communication protocol that learns about traffic conditions ahead and recommends optimal velocities in order to prevent the formation of vehicular shock waves. We demonstrate that our approach of reacting in case of traffic fluctuations leads to significant improvements in overall traffic flow. Furthermore we show that even a low number of equipped vehicles is sufficient to achieve this target.
A View From Myopia

The federal government has set up a new office for bright and talented youth and placed it within the bureau of the handicapped. Named director is Harold C. Lyon, author of the book Learning to Feel Feeling to Learn, a humanistic textbook. The new development is an outgrowth of the concern of Commissioner S. P. Marland to give increased attention to the country’s two million gifted and talented children and youth. Lyon’s office will coordinate about a half million dollars in federal aid to programs that will benefit gifted children. In an appearance at the National Association for Gifted Children convention in Long Beach, Lyon intimated that much of these funds would be spent for small grants to state departments of education to beef up their services to the gifted, for invitational conferences to further communication between researchers, and eventually for some demonstration centers. Lyons appears as a very pleasant young man with some good new ideas which he hopes to sell to U.S.O.E. We wish him lots of luck in his new position.
A Microsimulation of Traders Activity in the Stock Market: The Role of Heterogeneity, Agents' Interactions and Trade Frictions

We propose a model with heterogeneous interacting traders which can explain some of the stylized facts of stock market returns. In the model synchronization effects, which generate large fluctuations in returns, can arise either from an aggregate exogenous shock or, even in its absence, purely from communication and imitation among traders. A trade friction is introduced which, by responding to price movements, creates a feedback mechanism on future trading and generates volatility clustering.