Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Liver cancer: the role of stem cells

Abstract. Studies of aggregation chimaeras and X‐linked polmorphisms strongly suggest that liver tumours are derived from single cells (monoclonal), but the important question is, which cell? Stem cell biology and cancer are inextricably linked. In continually renewing tissues such as the gut mucosa and epidermis, where a steady flux of cells occurs from the stem cell zone to the terminally differentiated cells that are imminently to be lost, it is widely accepted that cancer is a disease of stem cells, since these are the only cells that persist in the tissue for a sufficient length of time to acquire the requisite number of genetic changes for neoplastic development. In the liver the identity of the founder cells for the two major primary tumours, hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, is more problematic. The reason for this is that no such obvious unidirectional flux occurs in the liver, although it is held that the centrilobular hepatocytes may be more differentiated (polyploid) and closer to cell senescence than those cells closest to the portal areas. Moreover, the existence of bipotential hepatic progenitor cells, along with hepatocytes endowed with longevity and long‐term repopulating potential suggests there may be more than one type of carcinogen target cell. Cell proliferation at the time of carcinogen exposure is pivotal for ‘fixing’ any genotoxic injury into a heritable form, thus any proliferative cell in the liver can be susceptible to neoplastic transformation. Hepatocytes are implicated in many instances of hepatocellular carcinoma, direct injury to the biliary epithelium implicates cholangiocytes in some cases of cholangiocarcinoma, while hepatic progenitor cell/oval cell activation accompanies many instances of liver damage irrespective of aetiology, making such cells very likely carcinogen targets. Of course, we must qualify this assertion by stating that many carcinogens are both cytotoxic and cytostatic, and that hepatic progenitor cell proliferation may be merely a bystander effect of this toxicity. An in‐depth discussion of causes of cancer in the liver is beyond the scope of this review, but infectious agents (e.g. hepatitis B and C viruses) play a major role, not just in transactivating or otherwise disrupting cellular proto‐oncogenes (hepatitis B virus), but also in causing chronic inflammation (hepatitis C and B viruses). Sustained epithelial proliferation in a milieu rich in inflammatory cells, growth factors and DNA‐damaging agents (reactive oxygen and nitrogen species – produced to fight infection), will lead to permanent genetic changes in proliferating cells. Up‐regulation of the transcription factor NF‐κB in transformed hepatocytes, through the paracrine action of TNF‐α from neighbouring endothelia and inflammatory cells, may be critical for tumour progression given the mitogenic and antiapoptotic properties of proteins encoded by many of NF‐κB's target genes.
Evolution of avian clutch size along latitudinal gradients: do seasonality, nest predation or breeding season length matter?

Birds display a latitudinal gradient in clutch size with smaller clutches in the tropics and larger in the temperate region. Three factors have been proposed to affect this pattern: seasonality of resources (SR), nest predation and length of the breeding season (LBS). Here, we test the importance of these factors by modelling clutch size evolution within bird populations under different environmental settings. We use an individual‐based ecogenetic simulation model that combines principles from population ecology and life history theory. Results suggest that increasing SR from the tropics to the poles by itself or in combination with a decreasing predation rate and LBS can generate the latitudinal gradient in clutch size. Annual fecundity increases and annual adult survival rate decreases from the tropics to the poles. We further show that the annual number of breeding attempts that (together with clutch size) determines total annual egg production is an important trait to understand latitudinal patterns in these life history characteristics. Field experiments that manipulate environmental factors have to record effects not only on clutch size, but also on annual number of breeding attempts. We use our model to predict the outcome of such experiments under different environmental settings.
A Study of TDMR Signal Processing Opportunities Based on Quasi-Micromagnetic Simulations

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of the shingled writing process and various signal processing and data detection approaches applied to the readback waveforms. The recording simulations include realistic head fields, a random granular media, magnetostatic and exchange interactions, and a READ head sensitivity function. Readback waveforms are examined in both one and two dimensions in terms of signal characteristics (linear and nonlinear), noise behavior (stationary and signal-dependent), and intertrack interference. Different equalization and detection approaches are compared and about a 10% density gain is reported for such 2-D magnetic recording compared with traditional single-track recording. These gains depend strongly on the number of readers, the reader positioning, and the reader width.
Australian Liver Association (ALA) expert consensus recommendations for the use of transient elastography in chronic viral hepatitis

Since the introduction of Transient Elastography (TE) into Australia in 2008, non‐invasive liver fibrosis assessments have integrated themselves into clinical hepatology. The Australian Liver Association (ALA) recognizes these technologies perform an important role in the assessment of chronic viral hepatitis B and C. However, in the setting of viral hepatitis and many other chronic liver diseases, there remains no consensus or guidelines regarding the performance, utility or reporting of TE. Accordingly, the ALA sought to produce an expert consensus statement for the use of TE in chronic viral hepatitis. The recommendations incorporated in this document are based upon a thorough literature review and draw on extensive clinical experience using TE. The initial draft was presented at Australian Gastroenterology Week (AGW) 2013. Through a collaborative process and expert external review a finalized document was presented at AGW 2014.
HECKE ALGEBRAS ACTING ON ELLIPTIC COHOMOLOGY

Introduction. In our earlier papers [2,3,4,5,6], we investigated stable operations and cooperations in elliptic cohomology and its variants, relating these to known operations on rings of modular forms. The purpose of this article is to give an introduction to these stable operation algebras, in particular explaining the connections with Hecke algebras and Morava stabilizer algebras; further details will appear in [7]. In [9] we make use of some of the Hecke operations described here to calculate parts of the Adams E2-term based on elliptic homology. In work currently in progress we describe the operation algebra for the supersingular elliptic cohomology of §4 in terms of isogenies of supersingular elliptic curves over finite fields and use this to study the v2-periodic part of elliptic cohomology Adams E2-term which was determined in [8]. I would like to thank Jack Morava for providing the original stimulus for this paper and also to offer felicitations and thanks to Mark Mahowald, who always knows a good operation.
Ionizing radiation exposure is still increasing in Crohn’s disease: Who should be blamed?

Abstract Background and aim. Crohn’s disease (CD) patients undergo many radiological studies employing ionizing radiation for diagnosis and management purposes. Our aim was to assess the total radiation exposure of our patients over the years, to estimate the risk factors for exposure to high doses, and to correlate radiation exposure to immunosuppression. Methods. The cumulative effective dose of radiation (CEDR) was calculated multiplying the number of imaging studies by the effective dose of each examination. Results. A total of 451 patients with CD (226 female) were followed during 11.0 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 6.0–16.0), with 52.1% of the patients being classified with penetrating (B3) and 38.6% being steroid-dependent. About 16% were exposed to high-radiation dose levels (CEDR >50 mSv) and 4% were exposed to CEDR >100 mSv. The mean CEDR between age 26 and 35 years was 12.539 mSv and a significant dose of radiation (over 50 mSv) was achieved at a median age of 40 (IQR: 29.0–47.0). Abdominal-pelvic computed tomography scan was the examination that contributed the most for CEDR. Patients with B3 phenotype, previous surgery, azathioprine, and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α therapy were exposed earlier on the course of the disease to CEDR >50 mSv (p < 0.001). The value of CEDR in the patients under immunosuppression mainly increased in the first year of immunosuppression. Conclusion. Penetrating phenotype, abdominal surgery, steroid resistance or steroid dependence, and treatment with anti-TNF-α and azathioprine were predictive factors for high CEDR. It was also demonstrated that immunosuppression and anti-TNF-α treatment were followed by a sustained increment of radiation exposure and that a significant dose of radiation was achieved <40 years of age.
Gender inequality, income, and growth : are good times good for women ?

The relative status of women is poor in the developing world, compared to developed countries. Increases in per capita income lead to improvements in different measures of gender equality, suggesting that there may be market failures hindering investment in girls in developing countries, and that these are typically overcome as development proceeds. Gender inequality in education and health can also be explained to a considerable extent by religious preference, regional factors, and civil freedom. These systematic patterns in gender differentials suggest that low investment in women is not an efficient economic choice, and we can show that gender inequality in education is bad for economic growth. Thus, societies that have a preference for not investing in girls pay a price for it in terms of slower growth and reduced income.
Neural control based on RBF network implemented on FPGA

The RBF radial basis function network is intended especially for hardware implementation and this type of network is used successfully in the areas of robotics and control, where the real time capabilities of the network are of particular importance. The implementation of neural networks on FPGA has several benefits, with emphasis on parallelism and the real time capabilities. This paper discusses the hardware implementation of the RBF type neural network, the architecture and parameters and the functional modules of the hardware implemented neuro-processor.
Incorporating imperfect debugging into software fault processes

For the traditional SRGMs, it is assumed that a detected fault is immediately removed and is perfectly repaired with no new faults being introduced. In reality, it is impossible to remove all faults from the fault correction process and have a fault-free effect on the software development environment. In order to relax this perfect debugging assumption, we introduce the possibility of imperfect debugging phenomenon. Furthermore, most of the traditional SRGMs have focused on the failure detection process. Consideration of fault correction process in the existing models is limited. However, to achieve desired level of software quality, it is very important to apply powerful technologies for removing the errors in the fault correction process. Therefore, we divide these processes into different two nonhomogeneous Poisson processes (NHPPs). Moreover, these models are considered to be more practical to depict the fault-removal phenomenon in software development.
Abundance of Cellular Material and Proteins in the Atmosphere

Suspended atmospheric particles play a crucial role in any global climate scenario: They can both enforce and suppress radiative forcing. In developing climate modeling further, a deeper understanding of atmospheric aerosol is needed. Because of extreme local and temporal variations, proper incorporation of aerosols into models requires modeling of the aerosol itself. It turns out that cellular material and proteins compose up to 25% of the atmospheric aerosol. Consequently, the source strength of the biogenic aerosol in general must be corrected and should be estimated on the order of other major aerosol sources.
Nocturnal insights in chronic heart failure.

Two main types of sleep-related breathing disorders occur in patients with congestive heart failure: obstructive sleep apnoea and Cheyne–Stokes respiration with central apnoeas. Obstructive sleep apnoea is characterized by recurring upper airway collapse with ongoing respiratory effort during sleep, causing repetitive surges of negative intrathoracic pressure, arousals, and oxygen desaturations. This gives rise to sympathetic activation and increases systemic blood pressure. Obstructive sleep apnoea is strongly related to increased body weight and is common in the general population. In epidemiological and animal studies, an association between systemic hypertension and obstructive sleep apnoea independent of obesity was found. There is also evidence linking obstructive sleep apnoea with endothelial dysfunction and increased cardiovascular mortality. In 1818 John Cheyne, and in 1854 William Stokes, were the first to describe a regularly waxing and waning breathing pattern with central apnoeas (i.e. absence of respiratory effort) now known as Cheyne–Stokes respiration. With the propagation of polysomnography in the last decade it appeared that Cheyne–Stokes respiration, with repetitive oxygen desaturations, occurred at night in many patients. The high prevalence of sleep disordered breathing in congestive heart failure is highlighted by the systematic investigation using polysomnography by Tremel et al. in this issue. The authors reported that about 80% of 34 consecutive patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction <45% investigated 1 month after an episode of pulmonary oedema had an apnoea+ hypopnoea index (AHI) >15 . h. Obstructive sleep apnoea was less common (25%) than Cheyne–Stokes respiration (75%) and was chiefly observed in the more overweight patients. Recently Javaheri et al. reported on 81 ambulatory male congestive heart failure patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction <45%. The authors noted that 51% of their patients had an apnoea+hypopnea index >15. Again most of
Cost analysis of continuous versus intermittent infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam: a time-motion study.

The time and associated costs (drug, labor, supply) of administering a continuous versus an intermittent i.v. infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam were compared. The total labor cost was calculated for each regimen based on the time required for nurses, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians to either prepare or administer the drug, according to their standard responsibilities. Thirty timed observations were made for each of the dosing formulations. Observations were conducted on separate occasions for at least four different nurses, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians per formulation. Labor costs were calculated by multiplying the mean times recorded by the average U.S. hourly wages and local wages for these health professionals and extrapolated to encompass a 24-hour period of drug administration. The average wholesale price and hospital contract price of piperacillin-tazobactam were used to calculate the costs of both intermittent and continuous infusions. The costs for all items used in drug preparation and administration were also calculated for supplies. Basic descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the costs of the time needed to prepare and administer the different regimens. Drug acquisition costs accounted for the largest percentage of the total cost for all regimens. Analysis of labor costs revealed that nursing time accounted for the majority of the labor costs, with continuous infusion regimens being the least time-consuming and least costly administration method. Continuous-infusion regimens were more cost-efficient when evaluated on a daily basis and for the total cost of 5- and 10-day treatments. The use of continuous infusion as a means of administering piperacillin-tazobactam maximized the drug's pharmacodynamics and was more cost-efficient than intermittent infusion of the drug.
NO enhances presynaptic currents during cerebellar mossy fiber-granule cell LTP.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a candidate retrograde messenger in long-term potentiation (LTP). The NO metabolic pathway is expressed in the cerebellar granule cell layer but its physiological role remained unknown. In this paper we have investigated the role of NO in cerebellar mossy fiber-granule cell LTP, which has postsynaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent induction. Pre- and postsynaptic current changes were simultaneously measured by using extracellular focal recordings, and NO release was monitored with an electrochemical probe in P21 rat cerebellar slices. High-frequency mossy fiber stimulation induced LTP and caused a significant NO release (6.2 +/- 2.8 nM; n = 5) in the granular layer that was dependent on NMDA receptor as well as on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation. Preventing NO production by perfusing the NOS inhibitor 100 microM NG-nitro-l-arginine (L-NNA), blocking extracellular NO diffusion by 10 microM MbO2, or inhibiting the NO target guanylyl cyclase (sGC) with 10 microM 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-dione (ODQ) prevented LTP. Moreover, the NO donor 10 microM 2-(N,N-diethylamino)-diazenolate-2-oxide.Na (DEA-NO) induced LTP, which was mutually occlusive with LTP generated by high-frequency stimulation, prevented by ODQ, and insensitive to NMDA channel blockade (50 microM APV + 25 microM 7-Cl-kyn) or interruption of mossy fiber stimulation. Thus NO is critical for LTP induction at the cerebellar mossy fiber-granule cell relay. Interestingly, LTP manipulations were accompanied by consensual changes in the presynaptic current, suggesting that NO acts as a retrograde signal-enhancing presynaptic terminal excitability.
Polynucleotide Sequence Relationships among Members of Enterobacteriaceae

Polynucleotide relationships were examined among many representatives of the Enterobacteriaceae by means of agar, membrane filter, and hydroxyapatite procedures. The amount of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that reassociated was dependent, especially in interspecific reactions, on the annealing temperature. In only three cases: Escherichia coli-Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhimurium-S. typhi, and Proteus mirabilis-P. vulgaris, was relative interspecific duplex formation 80% or higher. In most cases interspecies DNA duplex formation was 40% or less of that obtained from intraspecies DNA reassociation reactions. The stability of E. coli-S. flexneri DNA duplexes formed at either 60 or 75 C was virtually identical to that of homologous E. coli DNA duplexes, and the degree of interspecies duplex formation was minimally affected by the temperature increase (86% at 60 C; 77% at 75 C). The thermal stability of DNA duplexes formed at 60 C between DNA from E. coli and DNA from strains of Aerobacter aerogenes, S. typhimurium, S. typhi, and P. mirabilis was about 12 to 14 C below that of reassociated E. coli DNA. At 75 C, the formation of the interspecific DNA duplexes was markedly decreased, but the stability of the DNA able to reassociate at this temperature approximated that of reassociated E. coli DNA. The degree of reassociation and the thermal stability of E. coli-S. flexneri DNA duplexes suggests relatively little evolutionary divergence in these organisms. The other enterobacteria tested, however, have diverged to a point where less than one-half of their DNA can reanneal with E. coli DNA at 60 C and less than 10% reacts at 75 C. The degree of divergence between various enterobacteria does not appear to be uniform along the DNA molecule. Ribosomal ribonucleic acid (RNA)-specific sequences are conserved among most enterobacteria. An examination of messenger RNA relatively specific for the lactose operon suggests that specific chromosomal genes may diverge more or less than the genome as a whole.
Supporting collaboration in multidisciplinary home care teams

Collaboration is an important part of healthcare delivery. However, in home care, collaboration is difficult due to the mobility and schedule variability of the workers. In this paper, we investigate the difficulties inherent in home care collaboration. We present the results of a study carried out with home care clinicians in Saskatoon District Health, and identify five areas of collaboration that are difficult for home care workers: scheduling, information dissemination, information retrieval, short-term treatment coordination, and long-term treatment planning. We present recommendations for incorporating support for each of these areas into point-of-care clinical information systems that provide access to shared patient records. Finally, we discuss general design approaches for incorporating this type of support, including the need for workers to maintain awareness of the activities of others, and the need to integrate communication with the presentation of the health record.
The neuroprotective role of erythropoietin in the management of acute ischaemic stroke: from bench to bedside

Recombinant human erythropoietin was produced soon after the discovery of the erythropoietin gene in 1985 and since then, it is used in various clinical conditions such as chronic renal failure. Moreover, experimental studies have shown that erythropoietin exerts neuroprotective action as well. Recently, a clinical trial yielded promising results concerning the use of erythropoietin in stroke management. In this review, we summarize the main data which suggest that recombinant human erythropoietin and its analogues may indeed have a role in stroke treatment.
ANNE - A New Algorithm for Evolution of Artificial Neural Network Classifier Systems

This paper introduces ANNE, a new algorithm for evolution of neural network classifiers. Different from standard divide and conquer approaches, the proposed algorithm evolves simultaneously the input feature vector, the network topology and the weights. The use of the embedded approach is also novel in an evolutionary feature selection paradigm. Tested on seven benchmark problems, ANNE creates compact solutions that achieve accurate and robust learning results. Significant reduction of the input features is obtained in most of the data sets. The performance of ANNE is compared to the performance of five control algorithms that combine different manual and automatic feature selection approaches with different structure design techniques. The tests show that ANNE performs concurrent feature selection and structure design with results that are equal or better than the best results obtained by algorithms specialised only on feature selection or neural network architecture design. Moreover, the proposed approach fully automates the neural network generation process, thus removing the need for time-consuming manual design.