Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychedelics and Religious Experience

THE EXPERIENCES resulting from the use of psychedelic drugs are often described in religious terms. They are therefore of interest to those like myself who, in the tradition of William James,x are concerned with the psychology of religion. For more than thirty years I have been studying the causes, the consequences, and the conditions of those peculiar states consciousness in which the individual discovers himself to be one continuous process with God, with the Universe, with the Ground of Being, or whatever name he may use by cultural conditioning or personal preference for the ultimate and eternal reality. We have no satisfactory and definitive name for experiences of this kind. The terms "religious experience," "mystical experience," and "cosmic consciousness" are all too vague and comprehensive to denote that specific mode of consciousness which, to those who have known it, is as real and overwhelming as falling in love. This Article describes such states of consciousness as and when induced by psychedelic drugs, although they are virtually indistinguishable from genuine mystical experience. The Article then discusses objections to the use of psychedelic drugs which arise mainly from the opposition between mystical values and the traditional religious and secular values of Western society.
A linear high capture range CDR with adaptive loop bandwidth for SONET application

A linear referenceless CDR with adaptive loop bandwidth suitable for OC-192 SONET transceiver is presented. The system employs a linear Hogge PD with enhanced capture range technique for a better jitter performance. Improved jitter transfer is also obtained utilizing an adjustable loop bandwidth. The proposed CDR Operates at 9–11 Gb/s with 3.5–7 MHz adjustable loop bandwidth and enhances jitter transfer by 3 dB for a 27-1 PRBS input. Jitter parameters of CDR system are compatible with OC-192 jitter requirements.
Targeting the insulin-like growth factor receptor pathway in lung cancer: problems and pitfalls

The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) pathway is a complex pathway involving interactions between membrane-bound receptors, ligands, binding proteins, downstream effectors, and other receptor tyrosine kinase signaling cascades. The IGF pathway has been identified as a potential therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on the following provocative factors. Preclinical observations in NSCLC have shown that this pathway is involved in tumor cell proliferation, survival, and invasiveness. In addition, IGF-1R protein expression is found in a significant number of non-small cell tumor specimens. Initial therapeutic efforts involved the development of monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target IGF-1R, a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase. Enthusiasm for targeting this pathway increased when a randomized phase II study showed that combining an anti-IGF-1R monoclonal antibody (figitumumab) with a platinum doublet resulted in a higher response rate and trends for superior progression-free survival and overall survival. Subsequently, a phase III study failed to confirm the promising results observed in the phase II trial. Currently, investigators are studying different monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinases targeting IGF-1R. In unselected patients, results presented thus far do not suggest efficacy of this agent. However, retrospective subgroup analyses suggest that circulating IGF-1 levels might identify patients who could benefit from treatment with an IGF-1R monoclonal antibody and may warrant further exploratory studies for predictive molecular markers. The purpose of this paper is to briefly discuss the IGF pathway and its relationship with other signaling pathways in lung cancer and to review the ongoing IGF clinical trials and efforts to identify predictive molecular markers.
Risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in liver transplantation patients.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to evaluate the exposure of our institution's liver transplantation population to gadolinium-based contrast agents and assess the rate of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) within this unique group. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional review board approval was obtained for a retrospective review of medical records of patients who had undergone liver transplantation at our institution between 1997 and 2008. Informed consent was not required. Demographic information, history of gadolinium-based contrast agent exposure, stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and evidence of NSF were recorded. RESULTS A total of 2142 patients who had undergone liver transplantation at our institution between 1997 and 2008 were identified. Of this total, 33% (709/2142) had documented gadolinium-based contrast agent exposure peritransplantation. Patients in CKD1 and 2, CKD3, CKD4, and CKD5 comprised 50% (352/709), 28% (200/709), 8% (60/709), and 14% (97/709), respectively. Of patients in CKD5, 76% (74/97) required dialysis. Thorough review of all patients' medical records identified one biopsy-confirmed case of NSF in the 709 patients. This patient was also in CKD5 and required dialysis. CONCLUSION Within our institution, only 0.1% (1/709) of all liver transplantation patients exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents or 1.4% (1/74) of CKD5 patients requiring dialysis had biopsy proof of NSF. This incidence is consistent with the rate of NSF in all patients exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents regardless of liver transplantation reported in the literature. Therefore, liver transplantation may not be an independent risk factor in development of NSF in patients exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents.
Tree-Representation of Set Families in Graph Decompositions and Efficient Algorithms

We address some issues around three main topics: on the representation of set families by a tree, on decompositions of graphs, and on algorithms on graphs. Our study ranges from theoretical questions in combinatorics to the design of algorithms in computational biology, and also includes several decomposition schemes of graphs, as well as some issues in combinatorial optimization. The first half of the thesis has two foci. Firstly, in order to estimate the number of set families satisfying some closure axioms, we have developed new tools and techniques to find tree-like representations for them. Then, we have given some applications of the previous results in a branch of graph theory called graph decomposition. The second half of the thesis is devoted to algorithmic applications of set representations and decompositions to three graph problems. For each of them we show how the philosophy of decomposition can help to provide efficient solutions. We also show how to apply our three solutions to solve three other graph problems.
PEGylated liposomes of anastrozole for long-term treatment of breast cancer: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Abstract The aim of present study was to develop conventional and PEGylated (long circulating), liposomes containing anastrozole (ANS) for effective treatment of breast cancer. ANS is a third-generation non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor of the triazole class used for the treatment of advanced and late-stage breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Under such disease conditions the median duration of therapy should be prolonged until tumor regression ends (>31 months). Liposomes were prepared by the thin film hydration method by using ANS and various lipids such as soyaphosphatidyl choline, cholesterol and methoxy polyethylene glycol distearoyl ethanolamine in different concentration ratios and evaluated for physical characteristics, in vitro drug release and stability. Optimized formulations of liposome were studied for in vitro cytotoxic activity against the BT-549 and MCF-7 cell lines and in vivo behavior in Wistar rats. Preformulation studies, both Fourier transform infrared study and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed no interaction between the drug and the excipients used in the formulations. The optimized formulations AL-07 and AL-09 liposomes showed encapsulation efficiencies in the range 65.12 ± 1.05% to 69.85 ± 3.2% with desired mean particle size distribution of 101.1 ± 5.9 and 120.2 ± 2.8 nm and zeta potentials of −43.7 ± 4.7 and −62.9 ± 3.5 mV. All the optimized formulations followed Higuchi-matrix release kinetics and when plotted in accordance with the Korsemeyer–Peppas method, the n-value 0.5 < n < 1.0 suggests an anomalous (non-Fickian) transport. Likewise, the PEGylated liposomes showed greater tumor growth inhibition on BT-549 and MCF-7 cell lines from in vitro cytotoxicity studies (p < 0.05). Pharmacokinetic study of conventional and PEGylated liposomes in Wistar rats demonstrated a 3.33- and 20.28-fold increase in AUC(0–∞) values when compared to pure drug (p < 0.001). Among the formulations, PEGylated liposomes showed encouraging results by way of their long circulation and sustained delivery properties for effective treatment of breast cancer.
System on a chip for petroleum pipeline inspection

The present paper describes the implementation and experimental results of the DAQP02 system on a chip (SoC) for petroleum pipeline inspection. This integrated circuit is able to read and process information about physical phenomena inside pipelines. The DAQP02 has two multiplexed analog inputs, one 8-bit A/D converter, an 8-bit data bus and a 22-bit address bus. Due to its small dimensions and low power consumption features, it is an efficient in-line inspection tool. The integrated circuit was manufactured in CMOS 0.8 /spl mu/m double poly, double metal, n-well technology.
Collaborative team organization using communication in a decentralized robotic system

As a flexible and robust intelligent robot system, we have been developing an autonomous and decentralized robot system called ACTRESS, which is composed of multiple robotic agents. In this paper, introducing an idea of cooperative action with group organization and a strategy for cooperative task processing using communication, a method for team organization by efficient negotiation is presented. The efficient negotiation is realized by a newly developed communication functionality called groupcast and a learning mechanism utilizing historical records on past negotiation. The negotiation procedures for team organization are implemented, and as a result of simulation experiments, the efficiency of the learning mechanism is verified. <<ETX>>
Nitroglycerin-Induced Release of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide From Sensory Nerves Attenuates the Development of Nitrate Tolerance

The present study was designed to determine if endogenous calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) affects the process of nitrate tolerance development in blood vessels. Rat aortic rings were suspended in organ chambers and relaxations to nitroglycerin (10−9-10−6 M) were obtained in nitrate tolerant and nontolerant rings contracted with norepinephrine (10−7 M). Tolerance was induced by incubating the rings with (tolerant) or without (nontolerant) nitroglycerin (10−4 M) for 90 minutes, followed by repeated rinsing for 1 hour. Some rings were treated with CGRP8-37 (10−6 M), glyburide (10−6 M), or iberiotoxin (10−7 M) during the 90-minute desensitization period with nitroglycerin (10−4 M), and were then washed out during the 1-hour rinsing period. Other rings were treated with capsaicin (10−5 M) prior to the 90-minute desensitization period. Calcitonin gene-related peptide release was measured by radioimmunoassay. Relaxation to nitroglycerin was markedly reduced in tolerant rings, as compared with nontolerant. Incubation with CGRP8-37 (10−6 M) specifically during the 90-minute desensitization period with nitroglycerin resulted in even greater impairment in the response to nitroglycerin in tolerant rings, even though the calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist had been washed out before completion of the nitroglycerin dose-response curve. Similar results were obtained following depletion of calcitonin gene-related peptide stores in sensory nerves by treatment with capsaicin (10−5 M) prior to the 90-minute desensitization period with nitroglycerin. Prior treatment with CGRP8-37 or capsaicin had no effect on the response to nitroglycerin in nontolerant rings. Incubation with glyburide (10−6 M), but not iberiotoxin (10−7 M), specifically during the 90-minute desensitization period, mimicked the effect of CGRP8-37 and capsaicin in tolerant rings, suggesting a role for KATP channels in the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide. Nitroglycerin (10−4 M) caused a greater than twofold increase over basal levels in calcitonin gene-related peptide release in nontolerant rings, which was abolished in rings treated with capsaicin and in nitrate tolerant rings. These results suggest that nitroglycerin releases calcitonin gene-related peptide from sensory nerves during the process of desensitization to nitrovasodilators, and that interference with either the release or action of endogenous calcitonin gene-related peptide during this period enhances the extent to which nitrate tolerance occurs. The finding that nitroglycerin-induced release of calcitonin gene-related peptide from sensory nerves attenuates the desensitizing effect of nitroglycerin represents a heretofore unknown event in the development of nitrate tolerance, and demonstrates a novel role for calcitonin gene-related peptide in the vasculature.
Frequent concomitant epigenetic silencing of the stress‐responsive tumor suppressor gene CADM1, and its interacting partner DAL‐1 in nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma

Nasal NK/T‐cell lymphoma (NL) is a rare but clinically important entity of lymphoma. Its preferential incidence in Orientals but not Caucasians suggests possible genetic predisposition. 11q deletion is common in NL, indicating certain tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) at this locus involved in its pathogenesis. We investigated the expression and methylation of an 11q23.2 TSG, CADM1 (or TSLC1), and its partner DAL‐1 (or EPB41L3) in NL. Methylation and silencing of CADM1 were detected in 2 NL and 4 of 8 (50%) of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cell lines, but not in normal NK cells and normal PBMC. Absence of CADM1 protein was also detected in NL cell lines. 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (Aza) demethylation or genetic knockout of both DNMT1 and 3B genes restored CADM1 and DAL‐1 expression. CADM1 methylation was further detected in 36 of 45 (80%) of NL tumors. Concomitantly, DAL‐1 was epigenetically inactivated in NL cell lines and virtually all the tumors with methylated CADM1. A significant correlation between the methylation of both genes was found (p < 0.0001). Homozygous deletion of CADM1 was detected in only 3 of 18 (17%) of tumors. The stress‐response of CADM1 was abolished when its promoter becomes methylated. Our results demonstrate a frequent, predominant epigenetic silencing of CADM1 and DAL‐1 in NL, which likely play a synergic role in NL pathogenesis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tim-3 is upregulated in human colorectal carcinoma and associated with tumor progression

T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) has previously been implicated in the immune response and tumor biology. Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a malignancy, which is closely associated with inflammation. However, the role of Tim-3 in the progression of CRC remains to be fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Tim-3 in the progressive activities of human CRC. A total of 30 clinical CRC tissues and their adjacent tissues were collected. Slides from another 112 cases that underwent CRC surgical resection were also obtained. The protein and mRNA levels of Tim-3 in the clinical tissues and in CRC cell lines were initially examined using western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect Tim-3 in the CRC samples. Specific small interfering (si)RNA against Tim-3 (siTim-3) was synthesized to knock down the expression of Tim-3, and the subsequent effects of Tim-3 knockdown on cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed. The data obtained showed that Tim-3 was expressed at high levels in the CRC tissues, compared with the non-cancerous tissues. The expression of Tim-3 in the clinical tissues was significantly associated with tumor size (P=0.007), tumor-node-metastasis staging (P<0.0001) and distant metastasis (P<0.0001). Knockdown of Tim-3 significantly reduced the cell proliferative rate of HCT116 and HT-29 cells. Wound closure activity was also inhibited by knockdown of Tim-3 in these two cell lines, and the migration and invasive abilities of these two cell lines were consistently decreased following knockdown of Tim-3. Taken together, Tim-3 was found to be a critical mediator in the progression of CRC and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC.
Effect of a two-year supplementation with low doses of antioxidant vitamins and/or minerals in elderly subjects on levels of nutrients and antioxidant defense parameters.

BACKGROUND Eighty-one elderly hospitalized subjects (> 65 years) were recruited for a double-blind placebo-controlled study to examine low dose supplementation of antioxidant vitamins and minerals on biological and functional parameters of free radical metabolism. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups, daily receiving for 2 years: placebo group; mineral group: 20 mg zinc, 100 micrograms selenium; vitamin group: 120 mg vitamin C (Vit C), 6 mg beta-carotene (beta CA), 15 mg vitamin E (Vit E); mineral and vitamin group: Zn 20 mg, Se 100 micrograms, Vit C 120 mg, beta CA 6 mg, Vit E 15 mg. RESULTS Fifty-seven subjects completed the study. A large frequency of Vit C, Zn and Se deficiencies were observed at baseline. As early as 6 months of treatment, a significant increase in vitamin and mineral serum levels was observed in the corresponding groups. The increases ranged from 1.1-4.0 fold depending on the nutrient. Antioxidant defense, studied in vitro with a test using red blood cells in presence of 2,2'-azo-bis (2-amidinopropane) by hydrochloride, showed an increase of cell resistance in patients receiving vitamins (p = 0.002); it was positively correlated with serum Vit C (p < 0.0001), alpha-tocopherol/cholesterol (p = 0.06), beta CA (p = 0.0014), serum Cu and Se (p < 0.05). Moreover, red blood cell antioxidant defense was reduced in elderly compared with young control subjects (50% hemolysis time: 69 +/- 14 mn and 109 +/- 12 mn, respectively). Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity was enhanced in groups receiving minerals, whereas no significant change was observed for other indicators of oxidative stress (erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, total glutathione, reduced and oxidized forms). DISCUSSION Our results provide experimental evidence that a low dose supplementation with vitamins and minerals was able to normalize biological nutrient status as early as 6 months of treatment. In addition, our data indicate that antioxidant defense in elderly subjects was improved with low doses of vit C, vit E and beta CA as studied by means of a functional test utilizing red blood cells challenged in vitro with free radicals.
ESTIMATING DENSITY DEPENDENCE, PROCESS NOISE, AND OBSERVATION ERROR

We describe a discrete-time, stochastic population model with density depend ence, environmental-type process noise, and lognormal observation or sampling error. The model, a stochastic version of the Gompertz model, can be transformed into a linear Gaussian state-space model (Kaiman filter) for convenient fitting to time series data. The model has a multivariate normal likelihood function and is simple enough for a variety of uses ranging from theoretical study of parameter estimation issues to routine data analyses in population monitoring. A special case of the model is the discrete-time, stochastic exponential growth model (density independence) with environmental-type process error and lognormal observation error. We describe two methods for estimating parameters in the Gompertz state-space model, and we compare the statistical qualities of the methods with computer simulations. The methods are maximum likelihood based on observations and restricted maximum likelihood based on first differences. Both offer adequate statistical properties. Because the likelihood function is identical to a repeated-measures analysis of variance model with a random time effect, parameter estimates can be calculated using PROC MIXED of SAS. We use the model to analyze a data set from the Breeding Bird Survey. The fitted model suggests that over 70% of the noise in the population's growth rate is due to observation error. The model describes the autocovariance properties of the data especially well. While observation error and process noise variance parameters can both be estimated from one time series, multimodal likelihood functions can and do occur. For data arising from the model, the statistically consistent parameter estimates do not necessarily correspond to the global maximum in the likelihood function. Maximization, simulation, and bootstrapping programs must accommodate the phenomenon of multimodal likelihood functions to produce statistically valid results.
Effects of Visibility and Alarm Modality on Workload, Trust in Automation, Situation Awareness, and Driver Performance

EFFECTS OF VISIBILITY AND ALARM MODALITY ON WORKLOAD, TRUST IN AUTOMATION, SITUATION AWARENESS, AND DRIVER PERFORMANCE Smruti J. Shah Old Dominion University, 2016 Director: Dr. James P. Bliss Driving demands sustained driver attention. This attentional demand increases with decreasing field visibility. In the past researchers have explored and investigated how collision avoidance warning systems (CAWS) help improve driving performance. The goal of the present study is to determine whether auditory or tactile CAWS have a greater effect on driver performance, perceived workload, system trust, and situation awareness (SA). Sixty-three undergraduate students from Old Dominion University participated in this study. Participants were asked to complete two simulated driving sessions along with Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire, Background Information Questionnaire, Trust Questionnaire, NASA Task Load Index Questionnaire, Situation Awareness Rating Technique Questionnaire, and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. Analyses indicated that drivers in the tactile modality condition had low perceived workload. Drivers in the heavy fog visibility condition had the highest number of collisions and red-light tickets. Drivers in the heavy fog condition also reported having the highest overall situation awareness. Drivers in the clear visibility condition trusted tactile alarms more than the auditory alarms, whereas drivers in the heavy fog condition trusted auditory alarms more than tactile alarms. The findings of this investigation could be applied to improve the design of CAWS that would help improve driver performance and increase safety on the roadways. © Copyright, 2016, by Smruti J. Shah, All Rights Reserved.