Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
JPET Miniseries : Imaging Assessing Antibody Pharmacokinetics in Mice with In Vivo Imaging

Recent advances in small-animal molecular imaging instrumentation combined with well characterized antibody-labeling chemistry have enabled detailed in vivo measurements of antibody distribution in mouse models. This article reviews the strengths and limitations of in vivo antibody imaging methods with a focus on positron emission tomography and singlephoton emission computed tomography and a brief discussion of the role of optical imaging in this application. A description of the basic principles behind the imaging techniques is provided along with a discussion of radiolabeling methods relevant to antibodies. Practical considerations of study design and execution are presented through a discussion of sensitivity and resolution tradeoffs for these techniques as defined by modality, signaling probe (isotope or fluorophore) selection, labeling method, and radiation dosimetry. Images and analysis results from a case study are presented with a discussion of output data content and relevant informatics gained with this approach to studying antibody pharmacokinetics.
Professional Relationships and Power Dynamics Between Urban Community‐Based Nurses and Social Work Case Managers: Advocacy in Action

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore how community-based case managers interface with their clients' healthcare providers and other community organizations as a function within their advocacy efforts. Case managers previously defined advocacy as occurring at individual, organizational, and community levels. The relationships they attempt to develop and maintain are consistent with case management ideology, yet this is a complex process to ensure care for vulnerable populations with many medical and socioeconomic needs. Primary practice settings Community-based case management settings. Methodology and sample In-depth qualitative interviews with a total of 20 nurse and social work case managers working in public housing, university-affiliated community nursing centers, local parishes, and community ministry. Results The case managers in this study reflected on how they interface with their clients, other healthcare providers, and community organizations on behalf of their clients. They reflect on the importance of trust and communication to facilitate this process. The advocacy work of case managers is influenced by the setting, others' perceptions of their knowledge and expertise, and power dynamics. Their ability to effectively advocate is greatly influenced by the strength of the relationships they forge. Implications for case management practice Advocacy for vulnerable clients is influenced by the existing relationship between case managers and their clients' healthcare providers. Case managers need to be persistent in their interactions with other providers to ensure that their clients have access to valuable community resources. Clear lines of communication should be established between case managers so that there is clarity around roles and expectations in service provision. Case managers should also participate in the mentoring of future health professions students so they may learn the application of advocacy work in community settings.
Effects of TNF-α polymorphisms on asthma risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Several studies have examined associations between TNF-α polymorphisms and asthma risk, but the results have been conflicting. METHODS A search was performed of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Wanfang databases. Data were extracted and pooled ORs with 95% CIs were calculated. RESULTS Fifty-four studies were included. A significant association between the TNFA-308A/G polymorphism and asthma susceptibility was observed for AA + AG vs GG (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.23-1.58; P < .001). This polymorphism was also significantly associated with asthma risk in whites (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.25-1.73; P < .001), atopic asthma risk (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.16-1.65; P < .001), pediatric asthma risk (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23-1.79; P < .001), and adult asthma risk (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.21-1.52; P < .001). There was also a significant association between the TNFA -857C/T polymorphism and asthma risk in the recessive model (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.10-1.43; P < .001). In the subgroup analyses, asthma risk was significantly increased in Asians (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.07-1.41; P = .004) and atopic individuals (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.13-1.57; P < .001). No significant association was found for the TNFA-238A/G polymorphism. There were insufficient data to evaluate the associations between TNFA -1031T/C and -863C/A polymorphisms and asthma risk. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis suggests that TNFA -308A/G and -857C/T polymorphisms are risk factors for asthma.
Robust Beamforming for Secure Communication in Systems With Wireless Information and Power Transfer

This paper considers a multiuser multiple-input single-output (MISO) downlink system with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer. In particular, we focus on secure communication in the presence of passive eavesdroppers and potential eavesdroppers (idle legitimate receivers). We study the design of a resource allocation algorithm minimizing the total transmit power for the case when the legitimate receivers are able to harvest energy from radio frequency signals. Our design advocates the dual use of both artificial noise and energy signals in providing secure communication and facilitating efficient wireless energy transfer. The algorithm design is formulated as a non-convex optimization problem. The problem formulation takes into account artificial noise and energy signal generation for protecting the transmitted information against both considered types of eavesdroppers when imperfect channel state information (CSI) of the potential eavesdroppers and no CSI of the passive eavesdroppers are available at the transmitter. Besides, the problem formulation also takes into account different quality of service (QoS) requirements: a minimum required signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) at the desired receiver; maximum tolerable SINRs at the potential eavesdroppers; a minimum required outage probability at the passive eavesdroppers; and minimum required heterogeneous amounts of power transferred to the idle legitimate receivers. In light of the intractability of the problem, we reformulate the considered problem by replacing a non-convex probabilistic constraint with a convex deterministic constraint. Then, a semi-definite programming (SDP) relaxation approach is adopted to obtain the optimal solution for the reformulated problem. Furthermore, we propose a suboptimal resource allocation scheme with low computational complexity for providing communication secrecy and facilitating efficient energy transfer. Simulation results demonstrate the close-to-optimal performance of the proposed schemes and significant transmit power savings by optimization of the artificial noise and energy signal generation.
Accurate Image Analysis of the Retina Using Hessian Matrix and Binarisation of Thresholded Entropy with Application of Texture Mapping

In this paper, we demonstrate a comprehensive method for segmenting the retinal vasculature in camera images of the fundus. This is of interest in the area of diagnostics for eye diseases that affect the blood vessels in the eye. In a departure from other state-of-the-art methods, vessels are first pre-grouped together with graph partitioning, using a spectral clustering technique based on morphological features. Local curvature is estimated over the whole image using eigenvalues of Hessian matrix in order to enhance the vessels, which appear as ridges in images of the retina. The result is combined with a binarized image, obtained using a threshold that maximizes entropy, to extract the retinal vessels from the background. Speckle type noise is reduced by applying a connectivity constraint on the extracted curvature based enhanced image. This constraint is varied over the image according to each region's predominant blood vessel size. The resultant image exhibits the central light reflex of retinal arteries and veins, which prevents the segmentation of whole vessels. To address this, the earlier entropy-based binarization technique is repeated on the original image, but crucially, with a different threshold to incorporate the central reflex vessels. The final segmentation is achieved by combining the segmented vessels with and without central light reflex. We carry out our approach on DRIVE and REVIEW, two publicly available collections of retinal images for research purposes. The obtained results are compared with state-of-the-art methods in the literature using metrics such as sensitivity (true positive rate), selectivity (false positive rate) and accuracy rates for the DRIVE images and measured vessel widths for the REVIEW images. Our approach out-performs the methods in the literature.
Dose titration using the Disease Activity Score (DAS28) in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with anti-TNF-alpha.

OBJECTIVE Anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) therapy yields high response rates shortly after institution of therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and on theoretical grounds large differences in the effective dose between patients can be expected. Together with the high costs, these differences warrant new approaches to the way patients are dosed. METHODS We used the Disease Activity Score (DAS28), a composite disease activity index, to titrate the dose of anti-TNF-alpha (adalimumab, D2E7; Knoll) in 21 patients with low disease activity in an open extension study lasting 40 weeks. The dose of anti-TNF-alpha was reduced stepwise and dosing intervals were kept stable. Disease activity and flares were assessed using the DAS28. Patients who flared received the previous effective dose. RESULTS Dose reduction was accomplished in 15 patients. The total amount of anti-TNF-alpha given to the patients was reduced by 67%. At the end of the study the mean DAS28 had not changed and no patients dropped out because of persistent worsening of the RA. CONCLUSION Dose titration of anti-TNF-alpha treatment using the DAS28 is feasible and leads to overall dose reduction while maintaining clinical efficacy. This approach will save costs and possibly prevent long-term side-effects.
Identifying genomic and metabolic features that can underlie early successional and opportunistic lifestyles of human gut symbionts

We lack a deep understanding of genetic and metabolic attributes specializing in microbial consortia for initial and subsequent waves of colonization of our body habitats. Here we show that phylogenetically interspersed bacteria in Clostridium cluster XIVa, an abundant group of bacteria in the adult human gut also known as the Clostridium coccoides or Eubacterium rectale group, contains species that have evolved distribution patterns consistent with either early successional or stable gut communities. The species that specialize to the infant gut are more likely to associate with systemic infections and can reach high abundances in individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), indicating that a subset of the microbiota that have adapted to pioneer/opportunistic lifestyles may do well in both early development and with disease. We identified genes likely selected during adaptation to pioneer/opportunistic lifestyles as those for which early succession association and not phylogenetic relationships explain genomic abundance. These genes reveal potential mechanisms by which opportunistic gut bacteria tolerate osmotic and oxidative stress and potentially important aspects of their metabolism. These genes may not only be biomarkers of properties associated with adaptation to early succession and disturbance, but also leads for developing therapies aimed at promoting reestablishment of stable gut communities following physiologic or pathologic disturbances.
Performance of Epigenetic Markers SEPT9 and ALX4 in Plasma for Detection of Colorectal Precancerous Lesions

Background Screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) has shown to reduce cancer-related mortality, however, acceptance and compliance to current programmes are poor. Developing new, more acceptable non-invasive tests for the detection of cancerous and precancerous colorectal lesions would not only allow preselection of individuals for colonoscopy, but may also prevent cancer by removal of precancerous lesions. Methods Plasma from 128 individuals (cohort I – exploratory study: 73 cases / 55 controls ) was used to test the performance of a single marker, SEPT9, using a real-time quantitative PCR assay. To validate performance of SEPT9, plasma of 76 individuals (cohort II – validation study: 54 cases / 22 controls) was assessed. Additionally, improvement of predictive capability considering SEPT9 and additionally ALX4 methylation was investigated within these patients. Results In both cohorts combined, methylation of SEPT9 was observed in 9% of controls (3/33), 29% of patients with colorectal precancerous lesions (27/94) and 73% of colorectal cancer patients (24/33). The presence of both SEPT9 and ALX4 markers was analysed in cohort II and was observed in 5% of controls (1/22) and 37% of patients with polyps (18/49). Interestingly, also 3/5 (60%) patients with colorectal cancer were tested positive by the two marker panel in plasma. Conclusions While these data confirm the detection rate of SEPT9 as a biomarker for colorectal cancer, they also show that methylated DNA from advanced precancerous colorectal lesions can be detected using a panel of two DNA methylation markers, ALX4 and SEPT9. If confirmed in larger studies these data indicate that screening for colorectal precancerous lesions with a blood-based test may be as feasible as screening for invasive cancer.
On the necessary conditions for transmitting correlated sources over a multiple access channel

We study the lossy communication of correlated sources over a multiple access channel (MAC). In particular, we provide a new set of necessary conditions for the achievability of a distortion pair over a given channel. The necessary conditions are then specialized to the case of bivariate Gaussian sources and doubly symmetric binary sources over a Gaussian multiple access channel. Our results indicate that the new necessary conditions provide the tightest conditions to date in certain cases.
The first approximated distributed algorithm for the minimum degree spanning tree problem on general graphs

In this paper we present the first distributed algorithm on general graphs for the minimum degree spanning tree problem. The problem is NP-hard in sequential. Our algorithm gives a spanning tree of a degree at most 1 from the optimal. The resulting distributed algorithm is asynchronous, it works for named asynchronous arbitrary networks and achieves O(|V|) time complexity and O(|V| |E|) message complexity.
Retrieval from Shape Databases Using Chance Probability Functions and Fixed Correspondence

Similarity-based retrieval from shape databases typically employs a pairwise shape matcher and one or more indexing techniques. In this paper, we focus specifically on the design of a pairwise matcher for retrieval of 2-D shape contours. In the past, the matchers used for the one-to-many problem of shape retrieval were often designed for the problem of matching an isolated pair of shapes. This approach fails to exploit two characteristics of the one-to-many matching problem that distinguish it from the one-to-one matching problem. First, the output of shape retrieval systems tends to be dominated by matches to relatively similar shapes. In this paper, we demonstrate that by not expending computational resources on unneeded accuracy of matching, both the speed and the accuracy of retrieval can be increased. Second, the shape database is a large statistical sample of the population of shapes. We introduce a probabilistic model for exploiting that statistical knowledge to further increase retrieval accuracy. The model has several benefits: (1) It does not require class labels on the database shapes, thus supporting unlabeled retrieval. (2) It does not require feature independence. (3) It is parameter-free. (4) It has a fast runtime implementation. The probabilistic model is general and thus potentially applicable to other one-to-many matching problems.
Temporal Dynamics of the Default Mode Network Characterize Meditation-Induced Alterations in Consciousness

Current research suggests that human consciousness is associated with complex, synchronous interactions between multiple cortical networks. In particular, the default mode network (DMN) of the resting brain is thought to be altered by changes in consciousness, including the meditative state. However, it remains unclear how meditation alters the fast and ever-changing dynamics of brain activity within this network. Here we addressed this question using simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare the spatial extents and temporal dynamics of the DMN during rest and meditation. Using fMRI, we identified key reductions in the posterior cingulate hub of the DMN, along with increases in right frontal and left temporal areas, in experienced meditators during rest and during meditation, in comparison to healthy controls (HCs). We employed the simultaneously recorded EEG data to identify the topographical microstate corresponding to activation of the DMN. Analysis of the temporal dynamics of this microstate revealed that the average duration and frequency of occurrence of DMN microstate was higher in meditators compared to HCs. Both these temporal parameters increased during meditation, reflecting the state effect of meditation. In particular, we found that the alteration in the duration of the DMN microstate when meditators entered the meditative state correlated negatively with their years of meditation experience. This reflected a trait effect of meditation, highlighting its role in producing durable changes in temporal dynamics of the DMN. Taken together, these findings shed new light on short and long-term consequences of meditation practice on this key brain network.
Comparison of the clinical outcomes between antiviral-naïve patients treated with entecavir and lamivudine-resistant patients receiving adefovir add-on lamivudine combination treatment

Background/Aims To analyze the effects of preexisting lamivudine (LAM) resistance and applying antiviral treatment (adefovir [ADV] add-on LAM combination treatment) on long-term treatment outcomes, and comparing the clinical outcomes of antiviral-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients receiving entecavir (ETV) monotherapy. Methods This study enrolled 73 antiviral-naïve patients who received 0.5-mg ETV as an initial therapy and 54 patients who received ADV add-on LAM combination treatment as a rescue therapy from July 2006 to July 2010. Results During 24-month treatments, the decreases in serum log10HBV-DNA values (copies/mL) were significantly greater in the antiviral-naïve patients treated with ETV than the patients receiving ADV add-on LAM combination treatment. The biochemical response rates for alanine aminotransferase normalization at 6 months (ETV) and 12 months (ADV add-on LAM) were 90.4% (66/73) and 77.8% (42/54), respectively (P=0.048). A Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the rates of serologic response, viral breakthrough, and emergence of genotypic resistance did not differ significantly between the two patient groups. There were also no significant intergroup differences in the rates of disease progression (PD) and new development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Conclusion The long-term clinical outcomes of antiviral-naïve patients treated with ETV and LAM-resistant patients receiving ADV add-on LAM combination treatment were comparable in terms of the emergence of HCC and disease progression.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TOXAEMIA OF PREGNANCY AND THIAMINE DEFICIENCY

THIAMINE deficiency has been thought by some investigators to be one of the causes of toxaemia of pregnancy but nobody has yet established the relationship convincingly. Caldur (1944) produced both temporary and permanent hypertension by feeding rats on a diet deficient in the heat stable fractions of the B-complex, as well as thickening of the basement membrane of the glomerular capillaries characteristic of eclampsia. Thiamine is found in the tissues in the phosphorylated form as diphosphothiamine, which is a co-enzyme for reactions which involve decarboxylation of acids. Thus thiamine is essential for carbohydrate metabolism, and deficiency of which leads to accumulation of acid metabolites in the tissues, which affects the functions of the organs involved. Several pieces of evidence suggest that there is derangement of carbohydrate metabolism in toxaemia of pregnancy. The alkali reserve of blood is much diminished in toxaemia (MacNider, 1928; Stander, 1930). The blood lactic acid is increased in severe toxaemia (Stander and Radelet, 1926). Bockelmann (1936) stated that the liver in toxaemia is extremely poor in glycogen. Mukherjee and Govan (1950) found a gross degree of compensated tissued acidosis that varied directly with the severity of toxaemia. The acidosis was compensated by retention of sodium. These findings suggest a defect in carbohydrate metabolism possibly related to phosphorylation, for which thiamine is essential. Clinical observations also suggest a relationship between thiamine deficiency and toxaemia of pregnancy. Siddall(l938) observed a common association between toxaemia and beriberi in Southern China. King and Ride (1 945) and King (1947) observed that in 1940 and 1941, when there was an outbreak of beriberi in the community, the incidence of eclampsia suddenly rose high in the Hong Kong hospitals. Toxaemia was also more common amongst women suffering from beriberi and the more severe the toxaemia the higher was the mortality and the incidence of avitaminosis B1. This led them to believe that B, deficiency was a cause of toxaemia. Jasumami (1938) reported that toxaemia was more prevalent amongst the poor and administration of vitamin B, was effective in severe preeclamptic toxaemia. Nixon et al. (1942) observed that thiamine excretion in the urine and thiamine concentration in the placentae of eclamptics were significantly lower compared with controls. In the present study one of the latest methods was used to detect thiamine deficiency, a method which was not used by any of the previous investigators. The blood pyruvic acid level before and after the intravenous injection of dextrose was estimated, using a modification of the method of Williams et al. (1943) as advocated
Performance analysis of wireless mesh routing protocols for smart utility networks

Legacy utility meters for electricity, water and gas are rapidly being replaced by highly automated and networked smart meters. The network of smart meters, collector devices and head-end systems constitute an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). The purpose of deploying an AMI is to increase the granularity of utility consumption data for demand-response applications. A data routing protocol is essential for forwarding collected information to an aggregation point. A fully functional protocol suite for networking of such smart metering devices is imperative to the success of the AMI. This paper reviews two such wireless mesh routing protocols designed to work for AMI systems, viz. RPL and Geographical routing. A performance analysis of these protocols using real world topology, deployed on-field, is presented in this paper.