Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profile of sodium channel subunits in the anterior cingulate cortex during experimental paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in mice

Paclitaxel, a chemotherapeutic agent, causes neuropathic pain whose supraspinal pathophysiology is not fully understood. Dysregulation of sodium channel expression, studied mainly in the periphery and spinal cord level, contributes to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. We examined gene expression of sodium channel (Nav) subunits by real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) at day 7 post first administration of paclitaxel, when mice had developed paclitaxel-induced thermal hyperalgesia. The ACC was chosen because increased activity in the ACC has been observed during neuropathic pain. In the ACC of vehicle-treated animals the threshold cycle (Ct) values for Nav1.4, Nav1.5, Nav1.7, Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 were above 30 and/or not detectable in some samples. Thus, comparison in mRNA expression between untreated control, vehicle-treated and paclitaxel treated animals was done for Nav1.1, Nav1.2, Nav1.3, Nav1.6, Nax as well as Navβ1–Navβ4. There were no differences in the transcript levels of Nav1.1–Nav1.3, Nav1.6, Nax, Navβ1–Navβ3 between untreated and vehicle-treated mice, however, vehicle treatment increased Navβ4 expression. Paclitaxel treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression of Nav1.1, Nav1.2, Nav1.6 and Nax, but not Nav1.3, sodium channel alpha subunits compared to vehicle-treated animals. Treatment with paclitaxel significantly increased the expression of Navβ1 and Navβ3, but not Navβ2 and Navβ4, sodium channel beta subunits compared to vehicle-treated animals. These findings suggest that during paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain (PINP) there is differential upregulation of sodium channels in the ACC, which might contribute to the increased neuronal activity observed in the area during neuropathic pain.
EUROSCIENCE A DEQUATE AS THE F ORTHCOMING “ M INDSCIENCE ” ?

The widespread use of brain imaging techniques encourages conceiving of neuroscience as the forthcoming ―mindscience. ‖ Perhaps surprisingly for many, this conclusion is still largely unwarranted. The present paper surveys various shortcomings of neuroscience as a putative ―mindscience. ‖ The analysis shows that the scope of mind (both cognitive and phenomenal) falls outside that of neuroscience. Of course, such a conclusion does not endorse any metaphysical or antiscientific stance as to the nature of the mind. Rather, it challenges a series of assumptions that the undeniable success of neuroscience has fostered. In fact, physicalism is here taken as the only viable ontological framework— an assumption that does not imply that the central nervous system exhausts the physical domain. There are other options like behavior, embodiment, situatedness, and externalism that are worth considering. Likewise, neuroscience is not the only available epistemic option as to the understanding of mind.
A wide-input-range low-power ASK demodulator for wireless data transmission in retinal prosthesis

In biomedical implantable applications, ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation over an inductive link is often used to transmit data wirelessly. Due to the relative movements of coils, the received data signal can vary in a wide range, which makes the demodulation circuit design a challenge. In this work a wide-input-range low-power ASK demodulator is proposed. The design is implemented in X-FAB 0.35um CMOS process. The demodulator can work with an ASK input voltage swing from 0.05V-6V and a modulation index swing from 1.1%–100% at the carrier frequency of 13.56MHz and data rate of 700kbps. The whole circuit consumes an average power of 76.5uW.
Development of gold nanorod-based localized surface plasmon resonance optical fiber biosensor

A localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) based optical fiber biosensor using gold nanorods has been developed. The LSPR optical fiber sensor was fabricated by immobilizing gold nanorods at the distal end of a multimode fiber. The surface of gold nanorods was further functionalized with human IgG to create a biosensor to detect anti-human IgG. The peak shift of the longitudinal plasmon wavelength of gold nanorod was monitored as a function of the refractive index change. The results show that refractive index sensitivity of this sensor is 506 nm/RIU, and the limit of detection for antihuman IgG is 3 nM.
Effects of potent antiretroviral therapy on free testosterone levels and fat-free mass in men in a prospective, randomized trial: A5005s, a substudy of AIDS Clinical Trials Group Study 384.

BACKGROUND Low testosterone levels are commonly reported in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus disease. The effects of initiation of different antiretroviral regimens on testosterone levels and changes in fat-free mass have not been reported. METHODS Antiretroviral-naive men (n=213) were randomized to receive nelfinavir, efavirenz, or both plus either zidovudine and lamivudine or stavudine and didanosine. Patients underwent measurements of metabolic parameters, including determination of free testosterone level by equilibrium dialysis and bioelectrical impedance analysis, over a 64-week period. RESULTS At baseline, the median free testosterone level was 92 pg/mL; the level was subnormal (i.e., <50 pg/mL) in 6%. Lower CD4 cell count at the time of study entry, higher weight, and greater age were independently associated with lower baseline free testosterone level. At week 64, the median free testosterone level increased more in zidovudine-lamivudine recipients (48 of whom had paired values available; change, +31 pg/mL) than in stavudine-didanosine recipients (57 of whom had paired values; change, +3 pg/mL; P=.001, by Wilcoxon rank sum test), and it increased more in efavirenz recipients (37 of whom had paired values; change, +30 pg/mL) than in nelfinavir recipients (28 of whom had paired values; change, -3 pg/mL; P=.05). The median fat-free mass for the entire group increased by 1.2 kg at week 64 (change, +2.0%; P<.001); the increase was greater in the zidovudine-lamivudine group (n=70; change, +1.8 kg) than in the stavudine-didanosine group (n=79; change, +0.5 kg; P=.04), and the increase was also greater for efavirenz recipients (n=53; change, +2.1 kg) than among nelfinavir recipients (n=47; change, +0.4 kg; P=.003). White race, lower CD4 cell count at study entry, assignment to the efavirenz treatment arm, and assignment to the zidovudine-lamivudine treatment arm independently predicted greater absolute change in fat-free mass at week 64. CONCLUSIONS Subnormal free testosterone levels occurred infrequently among these antiretroviral-naive men. Free testosterone and fat-free mass levels increased after initiation of antiretroviral therapy, with greater increases at 64 weeks among zidovudine-lamivudine recipients than among stavudine-didanosine recipients and among efavirenz recipients than among nelfinavir recipients.
INITIAL STIMULUS AND SUBSEQUENT INTERACTIONS IN EMBRYONIC INDUCTION.

An Artificial environmental stimulus of short duration (10–15 min.) leads to either mesodermal or neural differentiation of competent amphibian ectoderm in certain experimental conditions (Johnen, 1956 a ; Yamada, 1962). Subsequent to this stimulus development into well organized structures is autonomous, independent of environmental ‘inductive’ factors. Hence, two alternatives for the control mechanism have to be considered; either the whole pathway to the complex end-result is triggered and determined during the short-term initial pulse (primary induction), or only the first step of a long chain reaction has been activated, and this is followed by secondary interactions between the tissue components. Recently Grobstein (1963) discussed these alternatives in the mechanism of embryonic induction and concluded that a single step process is most unlikely in many known examples of induction (kidney tubule induction, induction of cartilage etc.).
Optimal Coding Rate Control for Scalable Streaming Media

Perhaps the major technical problem in streaming media on demand over the Internet is the need to adapt to changing network conditions. In this paper, we investigate the problem of coding rate control , or equivalently quality adaptation, in response to changing network conditions such as the onset of congestion. Using the theory of optimal linear quadratic control, we design an efficient online rate control algorithm. Extensive analytical and experimental results show that three goals are achieved: fast startup (about 1 s delay without bursting), continuous playback in the face of severe congestion, and maximal quality and smoothness over the entire streaming session. We argue that our algorithm complements any transport protocol, and we demonstrate that it works effectively with both TCP and TFRC transport protocols.
R-Flurbiprofen Reduces Neuropathic Pain in Rodents by Restoring Endogenous Cannabinoids

Background R-flurbiprofen, one of the enantiomers of flurbiprofen racemate, is inactive with respect to cyclooxygenase inhibition, but shows analgesic properties without relevant toxicity. Its mode of action is still unclear. Methodology/Principal Findings We show that R-flurbiprofen reduces glutamate release in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord evoked by sciatic nerve injury and thereby alleviates pain in sciatic nerve injury models of neuropathic pain in rats and mice. This is mediated by restoring the balance of endocannabinoids (eCB), which is disturbed following peripheral nerve injury in the DRGs, spinal cord and forebrain. The imbalance results from transcriptional adaptations of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and NAPE-phospholipase D, i.e. the major enzymes involved in anandamide metabolism and synthesis, respectively. R-flurbiprofen inhibits FAAH activity and normalizes NAPE-PLD expression. As a consequence, R-Flurbiprofen improves endogenous cannabinoid mediated effects, indicated by the reduction of glutamate release, increased activity of the anti-inflammatory transcription factor PPARγ and attenuation of microglia activation. Antinociceptive effects are lost by combined inhibition of CB1 and CB2 receptors and partially abolished in CB1 receptor deficient mice. R-flurbiprofen does however not cause changes of core body temperature which is a typical indicator of central effects of cannabinoid-1 receptor agonists. Conclusion Our results suggest that R-flurbiprofen improves the endogenous mechanisms to regain stability after axonal injury and to fend off chronic neuropathic pain by modulating the endocannabinoid system and thus constitutes an attractive, novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of chronic, intractable pain.
An Investigation of Packet Concatenation in Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), the multi-hop MAC protocol combines duty cycling radio and forwarding packet via multiple hops (i.e., multi-hop forwarding) to achieve a good balance between energy and latency efficiency. The multi-hop MAC protocol has been proven to outperform other traditional duty cycling protocols, which allow forwarding a packet at most one hop in an operational cycle. Among state-of-the-art multi-hop protocols, M AC2, which additionally leverages packet concatenation technique, achieves the best performance in normal environments (i.e., without considering noisy). The concatenation technique, which lets several small packets be concatenated into a bigger one before sending out at a node, effectively saves control overhead and shortens delivery latency in WSNs. However, the packet concatenation may downgrade the performance of the network in the noisy environment since the cost for retransmission is high. In this paper, we investigate the negative effect of the noisy level of environment on the efficiency of M AC2. We observe that in the noisy environment, M AC2 still keeps the reasonable performances, which are better than the one without concatenation (i.e., the demand-wake up MAC DW-MAC). The simulation results using ns-2 confirm our observations.
BRWLDA: bi-random walks for predicting lncRNA-disease associations

Increasing efforts have been done to figure out the association between lncRNAs and complex diseases. Many computational models construct various lncRNA similarity networks, disease similarity networks, along with known lncRNA-disease associations to infer novel associations. However, most of them neglect the structural difference between lncRNAs network and diseases network, hierarchical relationships between diseases and pattern of newly discovered associations. In this study, we developed a model that performs Bi-Random Walks to predict novel LncRNA-Disease Associations (BRWLDA in short). This model utilizes multiple heterogeneous data to construct the lncRNA functional similarity network, and Disease Ontology to construct a disease network. It then constructs a directed bi-relational network based on these two networks and available lncRNAs-disease associations. Next, it applies bi-random walks on the network to predict potential associations. BRWLDA achieves reliable and better performance than other comparing methods not only on experiment verified associations, but also on the simulated experiments with masked associations. Case studies further demonstrate the feasibility of BRWLDA in identifying new lncRNA-disease associations.
Stress Analysis of Cup Type Strain Wave Gearing

In the strain wave gearing, the flexspline is a thin wall cyl inder with external teeth, the circular spline is a rigid ring with internal teeth, and the wave generator is an oval bearing. The main purpose of this study is the numerical evaluation of the stress in the flexspline which is the key element for the motion transmission in this components. When the flexs pline is deformed into an elliptical shape by repeated load from the wave generator, the fatigue stre ngth at the root of the tooth in the flexspline is a serious problem. The cup type strain wave g earin is modeled for FEM analysis. In the three dimensional field, the work ball of bearing and the oil fi lm are modeled. 16 nodes element is used as the contact element to consider the contact problem betwe en the teeth of flexspline and circular spline. Deformation shape of the flexspline, various stres s distribution at the root of tooth in the flexspline, and load of the bearing ball are calculated. The re sults show good agreement with experimental measurement qualitatively and quantitatively.
BioMet Toolbox: genome-wide analysis of metabolism

The rapid progress of molecular biology tools for directed genetic modifications, accurate quantitative experimental approaches, high-throughput measurements, together with development of genome sequencing has made the foundation for a new area of metabolic engineering that is driven by metabolic models. Systematic analysis of biological processes by means of modelling and simulations has made the identification of metabolic networks and prediction of metabolic capabilities under different conditions possible. For facilitating such systemic analysis, we have developed the BioMet Toolbox, a web-based resource for stoichiometric analysis and for integration of transcriptome and interactome data, thereby exploiting the capabilities of genome-scale metabolic models. The BioMet Toolbox provides an effective user-friendly way to perform linear programming simulations towards maximized or minimized growth rates, substrate uptake rates and metabolic production rates by detecting relevant fluxes, simulate single and double gene deletions or detect metabolites around which major transcriptional changes are concentrated. These tools can be used for high-throughput in silico screening and allows fully standardized simulations. Model files for various model organisms (fungi and bacteria) are included. Overall, the BioMet Toolbox serves as a valuable resource for exploring the capabilities of these metabolic networks. BioMet Toolbox is freely available at www.sysbio. se/BioMet/.
Stability of nano-emulsions produced by phase inversion temperature (PIT) method

In this study, the feasibility of preparing nano-emulsions under laboratory conditions by phase inversion temperature (PIT) method was investigated. Nano-emulsions were prepared using 19.2 wt% n-Dodecane (C12H26) or n-Decane (C10H22) oils as the dispersed
Impact of Leisure-Time Physical Activity on Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The Fukuoka Diabetes Registry

Aims/hypothesis The effects of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) on glycemia and cardiovascular risk factors are not fully understood in Asian type 2 diabetic patients, who are typically non-obese. We studied associations between LTPA and glycemia and cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. Methods A total of 4,870 Japanese type 2 diabetic patients aged ≥20 years were divided into eight groups according to their LTPA. We investigated associations between the amount and intensity levels of physical activity (PA) and glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular risk factors, and low-grade systemic inflammation in a cross-sectional study. Results LTPA was dose-dependently associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and prevalence of metabolic syndrome, but not with blood pressure, low density lipoprotein cholesterol or adiponectin. The amount of PA required to lower HbA1c was greater than that required to improve cardiovascular risk factors. LTPA was inversely associated with HbA1c in non-obese participants but not in obese participants after multivariate adjustments for age, sex, duration of diabetes, current smoking, current drinking, energy intake, cardiovascular diseases, depressive symptoms, and treatment of diabetes. Higher-intensity LTPA, not lower-intensity LTPA was associated with HbA1c after multivariate adjustments with further adjustment including BMI. Conclusions/interpretation LTPA was dose-dependently associated with better glycemic control and amelioration of some cardiovascular risk factors in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. In addition, increased higher-intensity LTPA may be appropriate for glycemic control.
Fractal UC-EBG structure and cross slot for mutual coupling suppression applications

A compact patch antenna array with high isolation by using two decoupling structures including a row of fractal uniplanar compact electromagnetic band-gap (UC-EBG) structure and three cross slots is proposed. Simulated results show that significant improvement in interelement isolation of 16dB is obtained by placing the proposed two decoupling structures. The design is easy to be manufactured without the implementation of metal vias and a more compact array with the edge-to-edge distance of 0. 22λ0 can be facilitated by a row of fractal UC-EBG, which can be well applied in the patch antenna array.
Neurnl dynamics of speech and language coding : developmental programs , perceptual grouping , and competition for short-tenD memory

A computational theory of how an observer parses a speech stream into context-sensitive language representations is described. It is shown how temporal lists of events can be chunked into unitized repre~ntations, how perceptual groupings of past item sublists can be reorganized due to information carried by newly occurring items, and how item information and temporal order information are bound together into context-sensitive codes. These language units are emergent properties due to intercellular interactions among large numbers of nerve cells. The controlling neural networks can arise through simple rules of neuronal development: random growth of connections along spatial gradients, activity-dependent self-similar cell growth, and competition for conserved synaptic sites. Within these networks, a spatial frequency analysis of temporally evolving activity patterns leads to competitive masking of un appropriate list encodings in short term memory. The neurons obey membrane equations undergoing shunting recurrent on-center off-surround interactions. Several design principles are embodied by the networks, such as the sequence masking principle, the longterm memory invariance principle, and the principle of selfsimilar growth.
Capacity of 60 GHz Wireless Communication Systems over Fading Channels

This paper considers the channel capacity of 60GHz wireless communications systems over Rayleigh fading channels and Ricean fading channels. The SNR and therefore capacity varies according to the communication distance. The capacity is presented for line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) channels given based on a 60GHz link budget model. Phase shift keying (PSK) modulation is considered under FCC power constraints for the unlicensed 59-64GHz radio spectrum. The channel capacity over Rayleigh fading channels is compared with the capacity in additive white Gaussian noise channels. The paper also investigates the channel capacity of 60GHz wireless communications systems over Ricean fading channels and gives the channel capacity compariasion with q-ary PSK modulation over Ricean fading channel, AWGN channel and Rayleigh channel when the SNR per symbol is given. The results show that a 60GHz wireless system is more suitable for short range communications less than 100 meters rather than long distances
The barriers to and enablers of providing reasonably adjusted health services to people with intellectual disabilities in acute hospitals: evidence from a mixed-methods study

Objective To identify the factors that promote and compromise the implementation of reasonably adjusted healthcare services for patients with intellectual disabilities in acute National Health Service (NHS) hospitals. Design A mixed-methods study involving interviews, questionnaires and participant observation (July 2011–March 2013). Setting Six acute NHS hospital trusts in England. Methods Reasonable adjustments for people with intellectual disabilities were identified through the literature. Data were collected on implementation and staff understanding of these adjustments. Results Data collected included staff questionnaires (n=990), staff interviews (n=68), interviews with adults with intellectual disabilities (n=33), questionnaires (n=88) and interviews (n=37) with carers of patients with intellectual disabilities, and expert panel discussions (n=42). Hospital strategies that supported implementation of reasonable adjustments did not reliably translate into consistent provision of such adjustments. Good practice often depended on the knowledge, understanding and flexibility of individual staff and teams, leading to the delivery of reasonable adjustments being haphazard throughout the organisation. Major barriers included: lack of effective systems for identifying and flagging patients with intellectual disabilities, lack of staff understanding of the reasonable adjustments that may be needed, lack of clear lines of responsibility and accountability for implementing reasonable adjustments, and lack of allocation of additional funding and resources. Key enablers were the Intellectual Disability Liaison Nurse and the ward manager. Conclusions The evidence suggests that ward culture, staff attitudes and staff knowledge are crucial in ensuring that hospital services are accessible to vulnerable patients. The authors suggest that flagging the need for specific reasonable adjustments, rather than the vulnerable condition itself, may address some of the barriers. Further research is recommended that describes and quantifies the most frequently needed reasonable adjustments within the hospital pathways of vulnerable patient groups, and the most effective organisational infrastructure required to guarantee their use, together with resource implications.