Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Poly[N-(2-aminoethyl)ethyleneimine] as a new non-viral gene delivery carrier: the effect of two protonatable nitrogens in the monomer unit on gene delivery efficiency.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro gene delivery efficiency of poly[N-(2-aminoethyl)ethylene-imine](PAEEI), a polymer with a linear Polyethyleneimine (LPEI) backbone and with aminoethyl side groups that has two protonatable nitrogen atoms per monomer unit instead of one as in LPEI (an established gene delivery polymer). Method. PAEEI (Mn=4.5 kDa, Mw= 10 kDa) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of N-(2-(1'-aziridino)ethyl)formamide followed by hydrolysis of the amide groups. The buffering capacity of the resulting polymer was determined by acid-base titration and consequently the percentage of the protonated nitrogen atoms was calculated. Polyplexes were prepared separately in buffers with different ionic strength including Hepes buffered saline (150 mM NaCl) and Hepes buffered glucose (5% glucose) and their zeta-potential, hydrodynamic diameter and colloidal stability were measured. Transfection activity (and toxicity in Hela cells) of the polyplexes were done in HeLa, CHO and HEK293T cells. Cell incubations with polyplexes were done both in the presence and absence (HeLa cells) of serum. Results. PAEEEI showed two times more buffering capacity than LPEI. PAEEI-based Polyplexes had about the same size and zeta-potential as those of LPEI, with a higher colloidal stability in saline buffer in continuous particle size measurement. Their transfection activity was slightly higher than 22-kDa LPEI polyplexes whereas their toxicity profiles were similar in cell lines studied. The PAEEI polyplexes showed gene expression activity both in the presence and absence of serum. Conclusion. Paying attention to the fact that LPEI molecules with smaller sizes than 22 kDa show less transfection efficiency than LPEI 22, the effect of smaller size of PAEEI (10 kDa) on the gene delivery efficiency was compensated by its higher buffering capacity due to carrying more protonatable nitrogen per monomeric unit comparing with LPEI (22 kDa). Having slightly higher transfection efficiency and better colloidal stability than PEI-based systems, PAEEI is an attractive candidate for future in vivo gene delivery studies.
More realistic approximate LV feeder model for quick decision on PV interconnection requests

Low voltage distribution feeders have many imperfections. Their theoretical models give results far from actual values because of ignoring many extraneous factors. Small PV plants have a major share among renewable energy based Distributed Generators. They are interconnected with grid at Low Voltage (LV) distribution level which may adversely affect the voltage profile and phase balancing. Proper analysis is required before giving permission for PV plant interconnection. A realistic model of LV feeder is required to study the impact of PV plant penetration in distribution system. In this paper, an approximate realistic model of LV feeder using minimum data is presented. The model ensures more close results to real performance. Voltage regulation data is used for making approximation in line parameters. Three phase four wire LV distribution system is considered. A real feeder of Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd. is modeled. This model will help Distribution Network Operators to decide on PV connection requests.
A zebrafish vasa morphant abolishes Vasa protein but does not affect the establishment of the germline

Germline formation in the zebrafish is still poorly understood. The cloning of the zebrafish vasa cDNA (Yoon et al., 1997; Olsen et al., 1997) and analysis of localization and distribution of the vasa mRNA (Yoon et al., 1997; Olsen et al., 1997; Braat et al., 1999; Knaut et al., 2000) have demonstrated its maternal expression and its localization that is restricted to the presumptive primordial germ cells (pPGCs) and the PGCs in the embryo and larva. Unlike the vasa mRNA, the Vasa protein is uniformly distributed throughout the early embryo and can only be detected in a higher concentration from gastrulation onward in a subset of cells presumably pPGCs. Subsequently the protein becomes restricted to the PGCs (Braat et al., 2000). Although vasa mRNA and Vasa protein are localized to the PGCs, their respective significance for germline establishment or maintenance is still unclear. To investigate the function of the Vasa protein in germline development, we interfered with Vasa protein synthesis by vasa morpholino injection, which resulted in the disappearance of Vasa protein in the oneday-old zebrafish embryo as shown by immunostaining. Morphological characterization of zebrafish PGCs (Braat et al., 1999) in morpholino-injected embryos revealed cells with the typical PGC morphology, and morpholinoinjected embryos raised to adulthood were capable of producing offspring.
Gene Therapy for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Gene therapy is a promising treatment modality that is being explored for several inherited disorders. Multiple human gene therapy clinical trials are currently ongoing, but few are directed at hearing loss. Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent sensory disabilities in the world, and genetics play an important role in the pathophysiology of hearing loss. Gene therapy offers the possibility of restoring hearing by overcoming the functional deficits created by the underlying genetic mutations. In addition, gene therapy could potentially be used to induce hair cell regeneration by delivering genes that are critical to hair cell differentiation into the cochlea. In this review, we examine the promises and challenges of applying gene therapy to the cochlea. We also summarize recent studies that have applied gene therapy to animal models of hearing loss.
What Did We Learn about Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Institutions?

The Interdisciplinary Generalist Curriculum (IGC) Project significantly advanced collaboration in the development of medical school curricula. As primary care faculty began to work together they encountered and overcame many challenges inherent in this new process. Inclusion of other faculty and departments, as well as dedicated support from the deans' offices, became necessary to the success of the projects. The continuation of successful collaborative projects in the medical school environment requires a common commitment of faculty, students, department chairs, and the dean's office; protected time; and involvement of faculty from other disciplines. This article outlines initial models of collaboration implemented in the IGC Project, followed by a description of the expected and unexpected outcomes of these collaborative efforts, and a discussion of the emergence of new ways of collaborating, with recommendations for successful collaborative efforts.
Allelopathy and Exotic Plant Invasion: From Molecules and Genes to Species Interactions

Here we present evidence that Centaurea maculosa (spotted knapweed), an invasive species in the western United States, displaces native plant species by exuding the phytotoxin (–)-catechin from its roots. Our results show inhibition of native species' growth and germination in field soils at natural concentrations of (–)-catechin. In susceptible species such as Arabidopsis thaliana, the allelochemical triggers a wave of reactive oxygen species (ROS) initiated at the root meristem, which leads to a Ca2+ signaling cascade triggering genome-wide changes in gene expression and, ultimately, death of the root system. Our results support a “novel weapons hypothesis” for invasive success.
Monetary cost of self-reported diet in relation to biomarker-based estimates of nutrient intake in young Japanese women

Abstract Objective All previous studies on monetary diet cost have examined the relationship of monetary cost of self-reported diet to self-reported, rather than biomarker-based, estimates of dietary intake. The present cross-sectional study examined the association between monetary costs of self-reported diet and biomarker-based estimates of nutrient intake. Design Monetary diet cost (Japanese yen/1000 kJ) was calculated based on dietary intake information from a self-administered, comprehensive diet history questionnaire using retail food prices. Biomarker-based estimates of nutrient intake (percentage of energy for protein and mg/1000 kJ for K and Na) were estimated based on 24 h urinary excretion and estimated energy expenditure. Setting A total of fifteen universities and colleges in Japan. Subjects A total of 1046 female Japanese dietetic students aged 18–22 years. Results Total monetary diet cost showed a significant positive association with biomarker-based estimates of protein, K and Na. Vegetables and fish were not only the main contributors to total monetary diet cost (16·4 % and 15·5 %, respectively) but also were relatively strongly correlated with total monetary diet cost (Pearson’s correlation coefficient: 0·70 and 0·68, respectively). Monetary cost of vegetables was significantly positively associated with all three nutrients, while that of fish showed a significant and positive association only with protein. Conclusions Total monetary cost of self-reported diet was positively associated with biomarker-based estimates of protein, K and Na intake in young Japanese women, and appeared mainly to be explained by the monetary costs of vegetables and fish.
Exploring the role of CT densitometry: a randomised study of augmentation therapy in α1-antitrypsin deficiency

Assessment of emphysema-modifying therapy is difficult, but newer outcome measures offer advantages over traditional methods. The EXAcerbations and Computed Tomography scan as Lung End-points (EXACTLE) trial explored the use of computed tomography (CT) densitometry and exacerbations for the assessment of the therapeutic effect of augmentation therapy in subjects with α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) deficiency. In total, 77 subjects (protease inhibitor type Z) were randomised to weekly infusions of 60 mg·kg−1 human α1-AT (Prolastin®) or placebo for 2–2.5 yrs. The primary end-point was change in CT lung density, and an exploratory approach was adopted to identify optimal methodology, including two methods of adjustment for lung volume variability and two statistical approaches. Other end-points were exacerbations, health status and physiological indices. CT was more sensitive than other measures of emphysema progression, and the changes in CT and forced expiratory volume in 1 s were correlated. All methods of densitometric analysis concordantly showed a trend suggestive of treatment benefit (p-values for Prolastin® versus placebo ranged 0.049–0.084). Exacerbation frequency was unaltered by treatment, but a reduction in exacerbation severity was observed. In patients with α1-AT deficiency, CT is a more sensitive outcome measure of emphysema-modifying therapy than physiology and health status, and demonstrates a trend of treatment benefit from α1-AT augmentation.
Optimization of revenues of a distributed generation portfolio: Industrial pilot results

Many companies are investing in energy production from renewable energy sources and are looking at ways to optimize their portfolio performance. This pilot aims at maximizing the revenues from such a distributed energy generation portfolio, consisting of gas engines and a photo-voltaic (PV) installation, by actively controlling the available flexibility within a cluster. The gas engines themselves and an on-site water treatment plant (WTP) turned out to be flexible respectively in their electricity production and consumption. This paper presents the preliminary results of the pilot in which smart control was applied to the gas engines. It compares them with the simulation results, which are discussed in a previous paper, as well as with the business as usual (BAU) scenario. Practical issues and their related solutions are discussed. The economic outcomes are also described. The first results from the pilot are in line with the results obtained by the simulations.
Low Permutation-Rank Matrices: Structural Properties and Noisy Completion

We consider the problem of noisy matrix completion, in which the goal is to reconstruct a structured matrix whose entries are partially observed in noise. Standard approaches to this underdetermined inverse problem are based on assuming that the underlying matrix has low rank, or is well-approximated by a low rank matrix. In this paper, we first identify how the classical non-negative rank model enforces restrictions that may be undesirable in practice. We propose a richer model based on what we term the “permutation-rank” of a matrix and show how the restrictions due to classical low rank assumptions can be avoided by using the richer permutation-rank model. We establish information-theoretic lower bounds on the rates of estimation, and design an estimator which we prove is simultaneously optimal (up to logarithmic factors) for both the permutation-rank and the low-rank models. Our results thus show that the proposed permutation-rank model and estimator enjoy a surprising win-win in terms of the statistical bias-variance tradeoff as compared to the classical low-rank models. An extended version of this paper is available on arXiv [1].
Primary culture of prepubertal human testicular cells isolated from testes collected at necropsy.

The aim of the present work was to develop a method for maintaining prepubertal human testicular cells in culture. Seven pairs of testes of boys who died of causes unrelated to endocrine or metabolic diseases were obtained at necropsy. Histology of the testes was normal. Testes were digested with collagenase and dispersed cells were seeded in multi-well dishes in the presence of 5% bovine fetal serum. After the first day, cells were cultured for five days in serum-free medium in the presence or absence of 918 pmol/l insulin. At the end of culture, microscopic examination showed healthy looking cells with characteristics compatible with pre-Sertoli cells; peritubular cells were identified by immunocytochemistry. In the presence of insulin, cells were able to secrete either testosterone or estradiol into the medium, as well as to reveal aromatase activity. In order to study the effect of the time elapsed between death and beginning of cultures, steroidogenic activity was related to this post mortem time. It was found that, in the presence of insulin, cells obtained from testes with less than 24 h of post mortem time secreted testosterone (64 +/- 7.2 pmol/10(6) cells.24 h, mean +/- SD) while cells obtained from testes with more than 24 h of post mortem time did not secrete testosterone. With long post mortem times, aromatase activity under insulin increased from non-detectable to 35 pmol/10(6) cells.24 h. Time course studies showed that cells with capacity to secrete testosterone increase this secretion gradually up to day 10 of culture, while those with detectable aromatase activity showed increments in this activity during the first week of culture. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Bifidobacterium lactis Fermented Milk Was Not Effective for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Study

The management of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication is still a matter of discussion, full effectiveness is rarely achieved, and it has many adverse effects. The use of probiotics may be associated with better eradication rates and possibly prevention of adverse events due to antibiotic therapy. The present clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of a specially designed fermented milk product, containing Bifidobacterium lactis B420, on the eradication of H. pylori infection in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study in humans. Four test fermented milks (FM) were specially designed in which counts of viable cells in all products were 10 Log CFU. 100 mL for Bifidobacterium lactis Bifidobacterium species 420. 190 subjects infected with H. pylori, with previous diagnosis of functional dyspepsia according to Rome III criteria entered the study. Bifidobacterium lactis B420, administered twice a day for 90 days was not able to eradicate H. pylori in Brazilian patients with functional dyspepsia. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN22923997 Keywords—Antibacterial Therapy, Bifidobacteria Fermented
A Compact Dual Circularly Polarized Microstrip Patch Array With Interlaced Sequentially Rotated Feed

This communication presents a microstrip patch array, using sequentially rotated feed networks to achieve dual circular polarization in the same band. By interlacing the microstrip patches of adjacent 2 × 2 subarrays, the element spacing is minimized to avoid the challenging grating lobe issue. In this manner, the number of radiating elements is reduced from the conventional 4N to 2N + 2, where N is the number of 2 × 2 subarrays. The array is implemented on a two-layer substrate, with the upper layer hosting the microstrip patch array and the sequentially rotated networks, and the lower layer hosting the power dividers, sharing a common ground plane in the middle. To validate this novel configuration, a prototype is fabricated and measured. It achieves both |S11| <; -10 dB and axial ratio . 3 dB bandwidth of 12.5% (4.95-5.61 GHz) for right-hand circular polarization and 14.7% (5.05-5.85 GHz) for left-hand circular polarization. The isolation between the orthogonal circularly polarized ports is about 12 dB in band.
Phytochemical and Anti-oxidant Activity of Lavandula Angustifolia Mill. Essential oil on Preoperative Anxiety in Patients undergoing Diagnostic Curettage

Objective: The objective of present work was mainly to phytochemical, antioxidant properties and examine the effect of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Essential oil on Preoperative Anxiety in Patients undergoing Diagnostic Curettage (Gorgan, Iran). Materials and Methods: Essential oil of plant in blooming was obtained by hydro distillation method (clavenger) and analysed by (GC/MS). Antioxidant activity determined by 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, anti anxiety effects were studied using Spielbergers state anxiety inventory questionery method and analyzed by using SPSS 18 statistical Software and t-test (0.05%). Results: Carvacrol (26.2%), limonene (19.6%), 1,8-cineole (11.8%), terpinen-4-ol (7.6%), spathulenol (4.9%), α-pinene (4.2%), p-cymene (4.2%), caryophyllene oxide (2.7%), and terpinolene (2.6%) were the prominent components of essential oil and showed good antioxidant property via radical scavenging activity (DPPH) assay with IC50 values of 4.3±0.12% to compare with BHT standard (2.18±0.3%). Clinical results showed that among 100 patients with average anxiety scores for the case group and the control was recorded 53.37±9.8 and 49.19±12.96, respectively and the difference was not significant (P<0.08), but after intervention, this difference was found to be statistically significant (P<0.0001)with regard to the results 40.28±6.66 and 47.87±12.96 for cases and controls, respectively. Conclusion: There is a positive relationship between essential oil components, its antioxidant activity in reducing anxiety in patients undergoing curettage (D & C), especially in the night before the surgery.
Geological Survey 731-2005 Distribution Patterns of Lentic-Breeding Amphibians in Relation to Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure in Western North America

An increase in ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation has been posited to be a potential factor in the decline of some amphibian population. This hypothesis has received support from laboratory and field experiments showing that current levels of UV-B can cause embryo mortality in some species, but little research has addressed whether UV-B is influencing the distribution of amphibian populations. We compared patterns of amphibian presence to sitespecific estimates of UV-B dose at 683 ponds and lakes in Glacier, Olympic, and Sequoia–Kings Canyon National Parks. All three parks are located in western North America, a region with a concentration of documented amphibian declines. Sitespecific daily UV-B dose was estimated using modeled and field-collected data to incorporate the effects of elevation, landscape, and water-column dissolved organic carbon. Of the eight species we examined (Ambystoma gracile, Ambystoma macrodactylum, Bufo boreas, Pseudacris regilla, Rana cascadae, Rana leuteiventris, Rana muscosa, Taricha granulosa), two species (T. granulosa and A. macrodactylum) had quadratic relationships with UV-B that could have resulted from negative UV-B effects. Both species were most likely to occur at moderate UV-B levels. Ambystoma macrodactylum showed this pattern only in Glacier National Park. Occurrence of A. macrodactylum increased as UV-B increased in Olympic National Park despite UV-B levels similar to those recorded in Glacier. We also found marginal support for a negative association with UV-B for P. regilla in one of the two parks where it occurred. We did not find evidence of a negative UV-B effect for any other species. Much more work is still needed to determine whether UV-B, either alone or in concert with other factors, is causing widespread population losses in amphibians.
Imagine Otherwise: On Asian Americanist Critique

"Imagine Otherwise" is an incisive critique of the field of Asian American studies. Recognizing that the rubric 'Asian American' elides crucial differences, Kandice Chuh argues for re framing Asian American studies as a study defined not by its subjects and objects, but by its critique. Toward that end, she urges the foregrounding of the constructedness of 'Asian American' formations and shows how this understanding of the field provides the basis for continuing to use the term 'Asian American' in light of - and in spite of - contemporary critiques about its limitations.Drawing on the insights of post structuralist theory, post colonial studies, and investigations of trans nationalism, "Imagine Otherwise" conceives of Asian American literature and U.S. legal discourse as theoretical texts to be examined for the normative claims about race, gender, and sexuality that they put forth. Reading government and legal documents, novels including Carlos Bulosan's "America Is In the Heart", John Okada's "No-No Boy", Chang-Rae Lee's "A Gesture Life", Ronyoung Kim's "Clay Walls", and Lois Ann Yamanaka's "Blu's Hanging", and the short stories "Immigration Blues" by Bienvenido Santos and "High-Heeled Shoes" by Hisaye Yamamoto, Chuh works through Filipino American and Korean American identity formation and Japanese American internment during World War II as she negotiates the complex and sometimes tense differences that constitute 'Asian America' and Asian American studies.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Facilitate Ovarian Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Promoting Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Through Activating the TGF-β Pathway

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) are multipotent mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissues and are capable of differentiating into multiple cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The roles of ADSC in ovarian cancer (OC) metastasis are still not well defined. To understand whether ADSC contributes to ovarian tumor metastasis, we examined epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in OC cells following the treatment of the ADSC-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM). ADSC-CM promotes EMT in OC cells. Functionally, ADSC-CM promotes OC cell proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion. We further demonstrated that ADSC-CM induced EMT via TGF-β growth factor secretion from ADSC and the ensuing activation of the TGF-β pathway. ADSC-CM-induced EMT in OC cells was reversible by the TGF-β inhibitor SB431542 treatment. Using an orthotopic OC mouse model, we also provide the experimental evidence that ADSC contributes to ovarian tumor growth and metastasis by promoting EMT through activating the TGF-β pathway. Taken together, our data indicate that targeting ADSC using the TGF-β inhibitor has the therapeutic potential in blocking the EMT and OC metastasis.