Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Surround suppression maps in the cat primary visual cortex

In the primary visual cortex and higher-order areas, it is well known that the stimulation of areas surrounding the classical receptive field of a neuron can inhibit its responses. In the primate area middle temporal (MT), this surround suppression was shown to be spatially organized into high and low suppression modules. However, such an organization has not been demonstrated yet in the primary visual cortex. Here, we used optical imaging of intrinsic signals to spatially evaluate surround suppression in the cat visual cortex. The magnitude of the response was measured in areas 17 and 18 for stimuli with different diameters, presented at different eccentricities. Delimited regions of the cortex were revealed by circumscribed stimulations of the visual field (“cortical response field”). Increasing the stimulus diameter increased the spread of cortical activation. In the cortical response field, the optimal stimulation diameter and the level of suppression were evaluated. Most pixels (≥3/4) exhibited surround suppression profiles. The optimal diameter, corresponding to a population of receptive fields, was smaller in area 17 (22°) than in area 18 (36°) in accordance with electrophysiological data. No difference in the suppression strength was observed between both areas (A17: 25%, A18: 21%). Further analysis of our data revealed the presence of surround modulation maps, organized in low and high suppression domains. We also developed a statistical method to confirm the existence of this cortical map and its neuronal origin. The organization for center/surround suppression observed here at the level of the primary visual cortex is similar to those found in higher order areas in primates (e.g., area MT) and could represent a strategy to optimize figure ground discrimination.
Cloning of MASK, a Novel Member of the Mammalian Germinal Center Kinase III Subfamily, with Apoptosis-inducing Properties*

We have cloned a novel human GCK family kinase that has been designated as MASK (Mst3 andSOK1-related kinase). MASK is widely expressed and encodes a protein of 416 amino acid residues, with an N-terminal kinase domain and a unique C-terminal region. Like other GCK-III subfamily kinases, MASK does not activate any mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Wild type MASK, but not a form lacking the C terminus, exhibits homophilic binding in the yeast two-hybrid system and in coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Additionally, deletion of this C-terminal region of MASK leads to an increased kinase activity toward itself as well as toward an exogenous substrate, myelin basic protein. A potential caspase 3 cleavage site (DESDS) is present in the C-terminal region of MASK, and we show that MASK is cleaved in vitro by caspase 3. Finally, wild type and C-terminally truncated forms of MASK can both induce apoptosis upon overexpression in mammalian cells that is abrogated by CrmA, suggesting involvement of MASK in the apoptotic machinery in mammalian cells.
Novel Aspects of Mevalonate Pathway Inhibitors as Antitumor Agents

The mevalonate pathway for cholesterol biosynthesis and protein prenylation has been implicated in various aspects of tumor development and progression. Certain classes of drugs, such as statins and bisphosphonates, inhibit mevalonate metabolism and therefore have also been tested as antitumor agents. This concept is strongly supported by the recent finding that mutant p53, which is present in more than half of all human cancers, can significantly upregulate mevalonate metabolism and protein prenylation in carcinoma cells. The first evidence that mevalonate pathway inhibitors may have the potential to reverse the malignant phenotype has already been obtained. Moreover, recently discovered immunomodulatory properties of statins and bisphosphonates may also contribute to their known anticancer effects. Drug-induced inhibition of protein prenylation may induce sequential cellular stress responses, including the unfolded protein response and autophagy, that eventually translate into inflammasome-dependent and caspase-1-mediated activation of innate immunity. This review focuses on these novel capabilities of mevalonate pathway inhibitors to beneficially affect tumor biology and contribute to tumor immune surveillance. Clin Cancer Res; 18(13); 3524–31. ©2012 AACR.
The need for a nutrition-related quality-of-life measure.

F ood is essential for life. It provides subsistence, nutrients, and energy. Food is critical to our physiologic well-being, but what, when, and how we eat also contributes to our social, cultural, and psychological quality of life. In many ways, food defines who we are. It is entwined with our sense of self. As we move beyond the pleasures of eating to satisfy our physiologic hunger, we can savor the pleasures of the table and enjoy other sources of nourishment. In his 1825 seminal book in gastronomical literature, The Physiology of Taste, Brillat-Savarin summarized that process:
Production of Drip Irrigated Potatoes as Affected by Plastic Mulches and Row Covers

ABSTRACT Field studies were conducted during 1998 and 1999 to determine the effect of different color plastic mulches and row covers on total and marketable yield and US grades of three varieties of potatoes, ‘Kueka Gold’, ‘AF1437-1’ and ‘Dark Red Norland’. Although there was an observed increase in the rate of emergence and growth of the potato plants with row covers, there was no significant effect on yield of any of the varieties. In both years all mulch treatments significantly increased marketable yields compared to no mulch. In 1998, yields of ‘Dark Red Norland’ showed a statistically significant difference between mulch color, with metallized silver and red being higher than black. In 1999, both total and marketable yields of ‘Dark Red Norland’ were significantly higher with the use of metallized silver rather than black mulch. For ‘AF1437-1’ total yield, with the use of metallized silver, was significantly higher than that of red mulch, and for marketable yield only metallized silver was significantly higher than for black mulch. Metallized silver mulch resulted in the highest marketable yields for all varieties of potatoes.
LINE-1 methylation patterns of different loci in normal and cancerous cells

This study evaluated methylation patterns of long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) sequences from 17 loci in several cell types, including squamous cell cancer cell lines, normal oral epithelium (NOE), white blood cells and head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC). Although sequences of each LINE-1 are homologous, LINE-1 methylation levels at each locus are different. Moreover, some loci demonstrate the different methylation levels between normal tissue types. Interestingly, in some chromosomal regions, wider ranges of LINE-1 methylation levels were observed. In cancerous cells, the methylation levels of most LINE-1 loci demonstrated a positive correlation with each other and with the genome-wide levels. Therefore, the loss of genome-wide methylation in cancerous cells occurs as a generalized process. However, different LINE-1 loci showed different incidences of HNSCC hypomethylation, which is a lower methylation level than NOE. Additionally, we report a closer direct association between two LINE-1s in different EPHA3 introns. Finally, hypermethylation of some LINE-1s can be found sporadically in cancer. In conclusion, even though the global hypomethylation process that occurs in cancerous cells can generally deplete LINE-1 methylation levels, LINE-1 methylation can be influenced differentially depending on where the particular sequences are located in the genome.
Silver Nanoparticles on Zinc Oxide: An Approach to Plasmonic PV Solar Cell

Efficient light management in solar cells can be achieved by incorporating plasmonic nanoscatterers that support surface plasmons: excitations of conduction electrons at the interface/surface. As known, light trapping increases the amount of light absorbed by bouncing the light within the cell, giving it a chance to be absorbed thereby increasing the absorption and scattering cross-section. The challenge is to fabricate these plasmonic nanoparticles in cost-effective method as well as without hampering optical, electrical and topographical properties of underneath layers. Here in this report a simple two step method was adopted to fabricate silver nanoparticles on zinc oxide followed by topographic and elemental analysis thereof. Numerical calculation was carried out to elucidate optical scattering of silver nanoparticles of various sizes as well as that of dimer. Near-electric field distribution of single silver nanoparticles and dimer along with the individual component of electric field was simulated by finite different time domain analysis. Using the benefit of increased scattering cross-section and ease of such nanoparticles fabrication, a cell configure is proposed herewith.
DNA-Triggered Aggregation of Copper, Zinc Superoxide Dismutase in the Presence of Ascorbate

The oxidative damage hypothesis proposed for the function gain of copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) maintains that both mutant and wild-type (WT) SOD1 catalyze reactions with abnormal substrates that damage cellular components critical for viability of the affected cells. However, whether the oxidative damage of SOD1 is involved in the formation of aggregates rich in SOD1 or not remains elusive. Here, we sought to explore the oxidative aggregation of WT SOD1 exposed to environments containing both ascorbate (Asc) and DNA under neutral conditions. The results showed that the WT SOD1 protein was oxidized in the presence of Asc. The oxidation results in the higher affinity of the modified protein for DNA than that of the unmodified protein. The oxidized SOD1 was observed to be more prone to aggregation than the WT SOD1, and the addition of DNA can significantly accelerate the oxidative aggregation. Moreover, a reasonable relationship can be found between the oxidation, increased hydrophobicity, and aggregation of SOD1 in the presence of DNA. The crucial step in aggregation is neutralization of the positive charges on some SOD1 surfaces by DNA binding. This study might be crucial for understanding molecular forces driving the protein aggregation.
Impact of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography on surgical management of melanoma patients

Several studies have shown adequate sensitivity and specificity of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) for the detection of metastases from melanoma, but few have addressed its impact on treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the impact of FDG‐PET on treatment of melanoma in three Dutch university medical centres.
Recycling for all: preliminary criteria for the design of disability-friendly receptacles

The design of current waste bins, paper and bottle banks presents barriers for disabled and elderly persons, as pointed out by several Danish studies. In drawing up design criteria for the development of receptacles to be usable by persons with disabilities and senior citizens it is essential to be aware of the problems caused by different types of disability as well as old age. On the basis of general user requirements, preliminary criteria for the design of disability-friendly receptacles are proposed. In collaboration with a collecting agent, current receptacles modified in accordance to the preliminary design criteria will be tested in pilot studies in three selected housing estates in the municipalities of Frederiksberg and Copenhagen. It is the authors’ hope that the testing of the modified receptacles will result in achieving more efficient source separation not only for disabled and elderly persons, but for all user groups.
Solifenacin/tamsulosin fixed-dose combination therapy to treat lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) has traditionally focused on the management of benign prostatic obstruction, but the contribution of bladder dysfunction has been recently recognized. Therefore, it is well understood that LUTS have multifactorial etiology and often occur in clusters and not in isolation. Voiding LUTS are highly prevalent in men, but storage LUTS have been proved to be more bothersome. α1-Blockers are the most widely used pharmacologic agents for the treatment of symptoms relating to benign prostatic enlargement due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), while antimuscarinics are the drug class of choice for overactive bladder symptoms. A combination of the two drug classes would be a reasonable approach to treat men with both storage and voiding symptoms, and several short-term studies have proved the efficacy and safety of different combinations with an α1-blocker and an antimuscarinic. Following previous studies on the separate administration of solifenacin and tamsulosin, a fixed-dose combination tablet of tamsulosin oral controlled absorption system (OCAS) 0.4 mg and solifenacin succinate 6 mg has been recently introduced, and the current review evaluates the available data on the use of this fixed-dose combination in the treatment of LUTS in men with BPH.
Weight management through lifestyle modification for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes: rationale and strategies: a statement of the American Diabetes Association, the North American Association for the Study of Obesity, and the American Society for Clinical Nutrition.

Overweight and obesity are important risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The marked increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity is presumably responsible for the recent increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle modification aimed at reducing energy intake and increasing physical activity is the principal therapy for overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes. Even moderate weight loss in combination with increased activity can improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in high-risk persons (ie, those with impaired glucose tolerance). The American Diabetes Association, the North American Association for the Study of Obesity, and the American Society for Clinical Nutrition have joined together to issue this statement on the use of lifestyle modification in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
Neutrophil aggregation--factors modulating stimulus-specific responses.

After stimulation with various soluble stimuli, e.g. fMLP and LTB4, human neutrophils aggregated in a characteristic and stimulus-specific way. They formed clumps of cells, mainly pairs and triplets. Their calculated total light-obscuring cell area corresponded well with the recorded aggregation response assessed as light transmittance, when not only neutrophil clumping but also cell swelling and shape changes were taken into account. Changes of neutrophil concentrations had only marginal effects on maximal responses and their kinetics. Lowering cell temperature to 26 degrees C decreased the responses to fMLP, whereas LTB4 responses were more inhibited by increasing temperatures to 42 degrees C. At 26 degrees C, both LTB4 and fMLP induced biphasic aggregation waves with two peaks. Cytochalasin B enhanced the response both to LTB4 and fMLP, and LTB4 responses became biphasic with an early peak preceding the major response. The presence of high concentrations of platelets potentiated aggregation responses, a phenomenon that could not be ascribed to generation of cyclo-oxygenase products. Thus, the formation of neutrophil aggregates and the subsequent change in light transmission can be modulated by several experimental factors which influence the stimulus-specific responses, and the effects on fMLP-induced aggregation under some experimental conditions are different from those on LTB4.
The effect of cashless policy, saving and bank credit on Nigerian deregulated economy

This study examines the implications of cashless banking, with a view to exposing the possible challenges and prospects it poses to the Nigerian economy whilst employing aggregated approach. Biases the effects of cashless policy, savings and bank credit on economic growth in Nigeria deregulated economy using deposit money banks as a case study. This study is significant to Nigeria, where carrying raw cash is norm, money laundering and illiteracy is on high. It specifically sought to find out how cashless policy can mobilize and increase total domestic saving by increasing bank credit of deposit money banks injected into the Nigerian economy, and their impact on the country's economic growth as proxies by Gross Domestic Product. Data were collected from secondary sources. The ordinary least square econometric technique was used to analyze the data. The a priori expectation is that bank credit to domestic economy should have a significant positive impact on the growth of GDP. Our findings revealed that the marginal productivity coefficient of bank credit to the domestic economy is positive but insignificant. The implication is that banks credit did not affect the productive sectors sufficiently for the latter to impact significantly on the Nigerian economy. In view of this, the paper recommended that banks should be willing to give both short and long-term loans for productive purposes as there would be more available funds with introduction of cashless policy, as this will eventually lead to economic growth. Also the regulatory body (CBN) should adopt a direct credit control that will be beneficial to the productive sector of the economy.
Thalamic deep brain stimulation for management of essential tremor.

OBJECT Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamus is used for the treatment of patients with medically refractory essential tremor (ET). The authors evaluated patient outcomes after DBS surgery. METHODS Clinical outcomes were evaluated in 19 patients who had undergone DBS surgery by using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin clinical tremor rating scale. All adverse outcomes were also systematically recorded during follow-up outpatient visits. Eighteen DBS systems were implanted. The median follow-up period after surgery was 27 months (range 10-75 months). The preoperative mean Fahn-Tolosa-Marin action tremor score was 3.3 +/- 0.5, and the postoperative mean score with the DBS system activated was 0.8 +/- 0.4. The mean preoperative writing score was 2.8 +/- 0.9, and the postoperative mean writing score with the DBS system activated was 1 +/- 0.6. (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, p < 0.005). Fourteen patients were treated with bipolar stimulation, and four eventually required monopolar stimulation. Complications included lead breakage (one patient); temporary erythema of the incision through which the pulse generator had been implanted, which required oral antibiotics (one patient); electrode migration, which required surgery (one patient); and mild hand tingling during stimulation (three patients). Twelve of 18 patients with implanted systems experienced no morbid condition. CONCLUSIONS Thalamic DBS is safe and effective for medically refractory ET. Stimulator adjustments can frequently occur in some patients, and tremor may worsen despite a readjustment in the system.
Prospective study of outcome in antenatally diagnosed renal pelvis dilatation

AIMS To ascertain the outcome associated with antenatal renal pelvis dilatation; to recommend guidelines for postnatal investigation and determine an upper limit of normal for the anterioposterior dimensions of the fetal renal pelvis. METHODS Infants whose antenatal ultrasound scan showed a fetal renal pelvis of 5 mm or greater were investigated using postnatal renal tract ultrasound and a micturating cystogram. Isotope studies were also performed, where appropriate. RESULTS Vesicoureteric reflux (VUR), the most common diagnosis, was evident in 23/104 (22%). In 14 infants with VUR the postnatal ultrasound scan was normal. There was no evidence of renal scarring or dysplasia in any of the refluxing kidneys. Other diagnoses were pelviureteric junction obstruction, renal dysplasia, and idiopathic dilatation. Antenatal counselling and parental information facilitated postnatal assessment. CONCLUSIONS Infants with antenatal renal pelvis measurements of 5 mm or greater should be investigated postnatally, as a significant percentage will have VUR. A normal postnatal ultrasound scan does not preclude the presence of VUR.
Association of hsCRP, White Blood Cell Count and Ferritin with Renal Outcome in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Inflammation is a pathogenic factor in renal injury, but whether inflammation is related to renal outcome in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is little known. We thus assess the association of inflammation and renal outcome in an advanced CKD cohort. This study analyzed the association between inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (hsCRP), white blood cell (WBC) count and ferritin, renal replacement therapy (RRT) and rapid renal progression (estimated GFR slope<-6 ml/min/1.73 m2/y) in 3303 patients with stage 3–5 CKD. In all subjects, the mean hsCRP, WBC count, and ferritin levels were 1.2 (0.4, 5.4) mg/L, 7.2±2.3×103 cells/µL, and 200 (107,349) ng/mL, respectively. During a mean 3.2-year follow-up, there were 1080 (32.7%) subjects commencing RRT, and 841(25.5%) subjects presenting rapid renal progression. Both hsCRP and ferritin were associated with increased risk for RRT with the adjusted HR (tertile 3 versus tertile 1∶1.17 〔1.01–1.36〕 and 1.20 〔1.03–1.40〕, respectively). Both hsCRP and ferritin were associated with increased odds for rapid renal progression with the adjusted OR (tertile 3 versus tertile 1∶1.40 〔1.13–1.77〕 and 1.32 〔1.06–1.67〕, respectively). hsCRP and ferritin stratified by albumin were also associated with RRT and rapid renal progression. Instead, WBC count was not associated with renal outcome. In conclusion, elevated levels of hsCRP and ferritin are risk factors associated with RRT and rapid renal progression in advanced CKD patients.
Multitask Multiple Kernel Learning ( MT-MKL )

The lack of sufficient training data is the limiting factor for many Machine Learning applications in Computational Biology. If data is available for several different but related problem domains, Multitask Learning algorithms can be used to learn a model based on all available information. However, combining information from several tasks requires careful consideration of the degree of similarity between tasks. We propose to use the recently published q-Norm Multiple Kernel Learning algorithm to simultaneously learn or refine the similarity matrix between tasks along with the Multitask Learning classifier by formulating the Multitask Learning problem as Multiple Kernel Learning. We demonstrate the performance of our method on two problems from Computational Biology. First, we show that our method is able to improve performance on a splice site dataset with given hierarchical task structure by refining the task relationships. Second, we consider an MHC-I dataset, for which we assume no knowledge about the degree of task relatedness. Here, we are able to learn the task similarity ab initio. Our framework is very general as it allows to incorporate prior knowledge about tasks relationships if available, but is also able to identify task similarities in absence of such prior information. Both variants show promising results in applications from Computational Biology.
On Stock Trading Via Feedback Control When Underlying Stock Returns Are Discontinuous

Trading rules based on feedback laws have recently attracted significant attention in the control community. One of the main results in this area states that the gain obtained by so-called simultaneously long short strategies has positive expectation for price processes governed by geometric Brownian motion. This technical note shows that this result extends to Merton's jump diffusion model. Particularly, we show that the expected total profit is invariant to the jumps and so still positive.