Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The status of gene therapy for brain tumors

The advent of gene therapy in the early 1990’s raised expectations for brain tumor therapies; however, whereas clinical trials in patients with malignant gliomas provided evidence of safety, therapeutic benefit was not convincing. These early forays resembled the historical introductions of other therapies that seemed promising, only to fail in human trials. Nevertheless, re-study in the laboratory and retesting in iterative laboratory–clinic processes enabled therapies with strong biological rationales to ultimately show evidence of success in humans and become accepted. Examples, such as organ transplantation, monoclonal antibody therapy and antiangiogenic therapy, provide solace that a strategy’s initial lack of success in humans provides an opportunity for its further refinement in the laboratory and development of solutions that will translate into patient success stories. The authors herein summarize results from clinical trials of gene therapy for malignant gliomas, and discuss the influence of these results on present thought in preclinical research.
Random fiber laser based on Rayleigh scattering: Basic principles and experimental results

A fibre laser with a mirrorless cavity that operates via Rayleigh scattering amplified through the Raman effect is recently demonstrated. The properties of such random distributed feedback laser appear different from those of both traditional random lasers and conventional fibre lasers. In the present paper, basic mechanisms defining operation of such random distributed feedback (RDFB) fiber lasers are analyzed and the obtained experimental results are reviewed.
Surface Wave Removal by Least Squares Migration Filtering

Nemeth (1996) developed a Least-Squares Migration (LSM) ltering method for ltering surface waves in seismic records. The strengths and limitations of this method have been largely untested on eld data. In this report I apply the LSM ltering method to two data sets, short oset seismic data collected in West Valley, Utah, and long oset data collected by ARCO in Texas. LSM ltering of surface waves in the West Valley data does not show a signicant improvement compared to F-K pie slice ltering. The surface waves in the ARCO data were also ltered by the LSM ltering method, and more clearly reveal reflection events than the F-K ltered data. Unlike the LSM ltered data, the F-K ltered reflection events also are smoother in the oset coordinate, which is an indication of damage done by the F-K lter. It appears that the actual reflectivity amplitudes are better preserved in the LSM ltered sections so such data should be better for AVO studies than F-K ltered data.
Initiation and spread of action potentials in granule cells maintained in vitro in slices of guinea‐pig hippocampus.

1. Laminar field potentials due to the synchronous activation of granule cells were studied in slices of guinea‐pig hippocampus maintained in vitro. 2. Extracellular recordings confirmed that stimulation of afferent laminae in the molecular layer caused excitatory synaptic current to enter the granule cell dendrites. If large enough this current initiated action potentials at, or near to, the somata 100‐‐200 micrometers away. 3. After a population spike had been initiated via excitatory synapses or via antidromic invasion, the lcoation of inward membrane current (sink) appeared to move from the cell body layer into the dendrites at a velocity of 0.08‐0.12 m/sec, for a distance of up to 250 micrometers. 4. The sink movement into the dendrites was blocked by tetrodotoxin and not by agents that blocked synaptic activation. Together with other observations these results led to the conclusion that granule cell dendrites were invaded by action potentials from the cell body region. There was no evidence of dendritic action potentials from the cell body region. There was no evidence of dendritic action potentials preceding the cell body spike initiated by synaptic inputs. Possible functions of this dendritic invasion are discussed.
Towards video rate imaging at submillimetre-waves — Finnish developments of passive multi-band imaging and holographic submm-wave beam steering at VTT

Imaging at submillimetre-wave (SMMW) frequencies is of considerable interest for security applications due to potentially superior performance at longer stand-off ranges in comparison to mm-wave imaging thanks to reduced diffraction. We have demonstrated passive broad-band video rate imaging system operating at a centre frequency of about 600 GHz, capable of 10 frames/second imagery of a 2 m × 1 m field-of-view at a stand-off distance of 5 meters. In addition, a multi-band system centred around 250, 450 and 720 GHz will be discussed. Multi-band imagery is interesting given its potential for rudimentary materials differentiation, a capability that would substantially benefit e.g. security imaging applications. The passive imaging activities are complemented by activities towards developing rapid electronic beam steering capability for imaging submm-wave radars. Results from two projects aiming at constructing such beam steering systems at 120 GHz and at 650 GHz are presented.
An Optical Frequency Synthesizer Using an Integrated Erbium Tunable Laser

We demonstrate a self-calibrated optical frequency synthesizer using a fully-integrated erbium-doped tunable laser. A 20 nm tuning range from 1544 nm to 1564 nm is achieved with~10−13 frequency instability at 10s averaging time. © 2019 The Author(s)
Effects of low‐protein diets on growth performance and carcass yields of growing French meat quails (France coturnix coturnix)

&NA; A dose‐response experiment with 5 analyzed dietary crude protein (CP) levels (17.61, 19.73, 21.58, 23.24, and 25.32%) was conducted to investigate the effects of low‐protein diets on growth performance and carcass yields of French meat quails from 15 to 42 d of age. All diets were formulated to contain a similar dietary energy level and amino acid profile. A total of 400 fifteen‐day‐old French quails were divided into 5 experimental treatments and each treatment contained 4 replicate pens of 20 birds (10♂+10♀). At 42 d of age, weight gain, feed intake, CP intake, feed/gain, and the yields of breast part with bone, leg part with bone, and liver of quails from each pen were measured. The results showed significant effects of the low‐CP diets on CP intake, weight gain, feed intake, and feed/gain at different experiment periods except for the sixth wk of age (P < 0.05). In addition, as dietary CP decreased from 25.32 to 17.61%, feed intake and feed/gain were increased linearly (P < 0.05), whereas CP intake showed the opposite trend and decreased gradually. On the other hand, the carcass yields of quail were not influenced by reducing dietary CP at 42 day of age (P > 0.05). Based on broken‐line regression, 23.0%, 22.5%, and 20.4% were the minimum dietary CP to keep weight gain similar to the quails fed with 25.32% CP diets during the third, fourth, and fifth wk of age, respectively. In summary, with crystalline amino acid supplementation based on a similar amino acid profile, it was possible to formulate the low‐protein diets containing about 22.0% CP for growing meat quails without adverse effects on growth and carcass yields of meat quails.
Frequent and prolonged hospitalizations: A risk factor for early mortality in sickle cell disease patients

A subset of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) has frequent and prolonged hospitalizations. Clinical outcomes for this subset of patients are not known. We analyzed mortality data in 71 such patients enrolled in a case management study. Adult patients (mean age 32 years) with SCD and ≥50 hospitalization days/year or ≥6 admissions/year were enrolled. Clinical and psychosocial data were obtained. During a mean 24‐month follow up, 11 of 71 patients died (15.5%). Patients who died had a higher mean number of hospitalization days in the year before study entry (116 vs. 40, P < 0.000008) and were also more depressed than those who survived (mean score 17.8 vs. 11.9, P = 0.031). Frequent and prolonged hospitalizations are a risk factor for early mortality in patients with SCD. Am. J. Hematol. 72:201–203, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single and combined effects of body composition phenotypes on carotid intima‐media thickness

Central fatness might be a more sensitive predictor of atherosclerotic changes in children than are total body fat measures. However, it is unclear whether a total body fat measure coupled with an estimate of a more central pattern of fat accumulation predicts increased carotid intima‐media‐thickness (cIMT) better than either measure alone.
Multilevel scheme parameters optimization of the PO-ML-BSP method by using a simulated annealing algorithm

The optimization of the parameters of the multilevel scheme for a particular terrain has been carried out. Taking this example as reference, the results can be extrapolated to other similar maps, so an accurate calculus of the field levels with the PO-ML-BSP method is assured in these cases. The simulated annealing algorithm has minimized the function involving computational time and electric accuracy of PO-ML-BSO with respect to PO-BSP. In consequence a midway solution between time and accuracy has been achieved.
Assisted Movement With Enhanced Sensation (AMES): Coupling Motor and Sensory to Remediate Motor Deficits in Chronic Stroke Patients

Background. Conventional methods of rehabilitation in patients with chronic, severe motor impairments after stroke usually do not lessen paresis. Objective. A novel therapeutic approach (assisted movement with enhanced sensation [AMES]) was employed in a medical device phase I clinical trial to reduce paresis and spasticity and, thereby, to improve motor function. Methods. Twenty subjects more than 1 year poststroke with severe motor disability of the upper or lower extremity were studied. A robotic device cycled the ankle or the wrist and fingers at 5°/s through ±17.5° in flexion and extension while the subject assisted this motion. Feedback of the subject's active torque was displayed on a monitor. Simultaneously, 2 vibrators applied a 60 pps stimulus to the tendons of the lengthening muscles, alternating from flexors to extensors as the joint rotation reversed from extension to flexion, respectively. Subjects treated themselves at home for 30 min/day for 6 months. Every other day prior to treatment, the therapy device performed automated tests of strength and joint positioning. Functional testing was performed prior to enrollment, immediately after completing the protocol, and 6 months later. Functional tests included gait and weight distribution (lower extremity subjects only) and the Stroke Impact Scale. Results. Most subjects improved on most tests, and gains were sustained for 6 months in most subjects. No safety problems arose. Conclusion. The AMES strategy appears safe and possibly effective in patients with severe chronic impairments. The mechanism underlying these gains is likely to be multifactorial.
Street Web - A Framework for "Web on the Road" Smart Services

Many recent trends in mobile web and context aware applications are leading to consider new applicative scenario including the so called smart services which are characterized by the use of autonomous devices connected to internet (sensors, beacons, etc.) cooperating with user personal mobile devices (tablet, smartphone, etc.). In this work we describe a conceptual framework, called STREET (Sensor network "on The Road " for EnhancEd internet of Touristic things) WEB, aimed to support mobile users moving in smart scenarios (e.g smart tourism) with the aim to combine context aware information and high quality geo marketing services in the same web infrastructure enhanced with sensors. STREET WEB makes possible to implement smart services (smart museum, etc.) in an easy way by integrating micro servers, distributed in the scenario (servers on the road), called smart boxes, working as a geo based Cloud system in an autonomous way, as a Distributed Local Storage system, without remote internet access.
Longitudinal development of match‐running performance in elite male youth soccer players

This study longitudinally examined age‐related changes in the match‐running performance of retained and released elite youth soccer players aged 8–18 years. The effect of playing position on age‐related changes was also considered. Across three seasons, 263 elite youth soccer players were assessed in 1–29 competitive matches (988 player‐matches). For each player‐match, total distance and distances covered at age group‐specific speed zones (low‐speed, high‐speed, sprinting) were calculated using 1 Hz or 5 Hz GPS. Mixed modeling predicted that match‐running performance developed nonlinearly, with age‐related changes best described with quadratic age terms. Modeling predicted that playing position significantly modified age‐related changes (P < 0.05) and retained players covered significantly more low‐speed distance compared with released players (P < 0.05), by 75 ± 71 m/h (mean ± 95% CI; effect size ± 95% CI: 0.35 ± 0.34). Model intercepts randomly varied, indicating differences between players in match‐running performance unexplained by age, playing position or status. These findings may assist experts in developing training programs specific to the match play demands of players of different ages and playing positions. Although retained players covered more low‐speed distance than released players, further study of the actions comprising low‐speed distance during match play is warranted to better understand factors differentiating retained and released players.
Development and Implementation of Clinical Practice Guidelines: An Update and Synthesis of the Literature With a Focus in Application to Spinal Conditions

Study Design: Review. Objectives: The objectives of this review are to (a) summarize the role of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), (b) outline the methodology involved in formulating CPGs, (c) provide an illustration of these principles using a CPG developed for degenerative cervical myelopathy, and (d) highlight the importance of knowledge translation. Methods: A review of the literature was conducted to summarize current standards in CPG development and implementation. Results: CPGs are systematically developed statements intended to affect decisions made by health care providers, policy makers, and patients. The main objectives of CPGs are to synthesize and translate evidence into recommendations, optimize patient outcomes, standardize care, and facilitate shared decision making among physicians, patients, and their caregivers. The main steps involved in the development of CPGs include defining the clinical problem, assembling a multidisciplinary guideline development group and systematic review team, conducting a systematic review of the literature, translating the evidence to recommendations, critically appraising the CPG and updating the document when new studies arise. The final step in developing a CPG is to implement it into clinical practice; this step requires an assessment of the barriers to implementation and the formulation of effective dissemination strategies. Conclusion: CPGs are an important component in the teaching and practice of medicine and are available for a wide spectrum of diseases. CPGs, however, can only be used to influence clinical practice if the recommendations are informed by a systematic review of the literature and developed using rigorous methodology. The opportunity to transform clinical management of spinal conditions is an attractive outcome of the application of high-quality CPGs.
Gastric Phase 3 Motility After Pylorus-Preserving Pancreatoduodenectomy

ObjectiveTo analyze factors affecting the recovery course of phase 3 activity of the gastric migrating motor complex after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) and investigate effects of the recovery of gastric phase 3 on gastric emptying after feeding. Summary Background DataWhether early recovery of gastric phase 3 during fasting would predict early recovery of the fed-state gastric emptying function after PPPD has not been well documented. MethodsManometric recording from the gastric antrum was repeated at a weekly interval until the first appearance of gastric phase 3 in 57 patients after PPPD. Twenty-three clinical parameters were assessed as possible factors affecting the recovery course of gastric phase 3 by simple and multiple regression analyses. A gastric emptying study after feeding of a test meal was performed by the acetaminophen method and the values were compared between patients with and without gastric phase 3 after PPPD. ResultsThe mean period before the first appearance of gastric phase 3 was 38 days. Among 23 parameters, only lymph node dissection along the hepatoduodenal ligament significantly delayed recovery of gastric phase 3 after PPPD by univariate and multivariate analyses. The presence or absence of gastric phase 3 in the early postoperative period did not influence gastric emptying after feeding in the intermediate period after PPPD. ConclusionsAvoiding lymph node dissection along the hepatoduodenal ligament, if applicable, may contribute to early recovery of gastric phase 3 after PPPD. The recovery state of gastric phase 3 during fasting, however, is not necessarily consistent with the degree of improvement of gastric emptying after feeding.
Electron spin resonance and spin trapping technique provide direct evidence that edaravone prevents acute ischemia–reperfusion injury of the liver by limiting free radical-mediated tissue damage

A novel free radical scavenger, 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (edaravone), is used for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke and is protective in several animal models of organ injury. We tested whether edaravone is protective against acute liver warm ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat by acting as a radical scavenger. When edaravone was administered prior to ischemia and at the time of initiation of the reperfusion, liver injury was markedly reduced. Production of oxidants in the liver in this model was assessed in vivo by spin-trapping/electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Ischemia/reperfusion caused an increase in free radical adducts rapidly, an effect markedly blocked by edaravone. Furthermore, edaravone treatment blunted ischemia/reperfusion-induced elevation in pro-inflammatory cytokines, infiltration of leukocytes and lipid peroxidation in the liver. These results demonstrate that edaravone is an effective blocker of free radicals in vivo in the liver after ischemia/reperfusion, leading to prevention of organ injury by limiting the deleterious effects of free radicals.
Behavior understanding at railway station by association of locational semantics and postures

The protection of critical transportation assets and infrastructure is an important topic in these days. In this paper, we develop a new rule based approach to smart video surveillance system for detecting situations where people may be in peril, as well as suspicious action or interactions at or near critical transportation assets. We analyze here three general types of human involved behaviors and interactions: (i) single pedestrian or no interaction, (ii) multiple pedestrian interactions, and (iii) pedestrian-facility/location interactions. The behavior analysis is accomplished through the development of geometric and motion visual features for each pedestrian. It is very simple and highly effective. The performance evaluation is carried out by using the video sequences taken in the real life environments of rail stations.
Granulocytic sarcoma presenting as an ulcerative mucogingival lesion: report of a case and review of the literature.

Granulocytic sarcoma is a localized tumor of granulocytic precursor cells. It was first described by Burns in 1811. Reported sites of its occurrence include visceral organs, lymph nodes, skin, bone, periosteum, and soft tissue. The tumor is usually found in association with acute myeloid leukemia. In many cases, it occurs in patients with a known myeloproliferative disorder and is associated with a “blastic” crisis. Granulocytic sarcoma is uncommon in the oral cavity. In this report, a case of granulocytic sarcoma presenting as an ulcerative maxillary mucogingival lesion is presented. The literature concerning this subject is also reviewed.
Cleaning in place with onsite-generated electrolysed oxidizing water for water-saving disinfection in breweries

The use of acid electrolysed water (AcEW) is a relatively new sanitizing technique for brewery equipment. Experiments showed that a 30% AcEW (a free chlorine concentration of above 17 mg/L) was a sufficient and effective alternative to conventional sanitizers such as peracetic acid (2%). On the basis of the results of industrial-scale clean-in-place tests, an effective AcEW-based clean-in-place procedure, which requires only 10 min of cleaning and does not require final water rinsing after sanitation, was established for the bright beer tank. Copyright © 2013 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling
Oscillatory Expression of the bHLH Factor Hes1 Regulated by a Negative Feedback Loop

Transcription of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for Notch signaling molecules oscillates with 2-hour cycles, and this oscillation is important for coordinated somite segmentation. However, the molecular mechanism of such oscillation remains to be determined. Here, we show that serum treatment of cultured cells induces cyclic expression of both mRNA and protein of the Notch effector Hes1, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factor, with 2-hour periodicity. Cycling is cell-autonomous and depends on negative autoregulation ofhes1 transcription and ubiquitin-proteasome–mediated degradation of Hes1 protein. Because Hes1 oscillation can be seen in many cell types, this clock may regulate timing in many biological systems.
Glutamate induces oxidative stress not mediated by glutamate receptors or cystine transporters: protective effect of melatonin and other antioxidants

Glutamate is responsible for most of the excitatory synaptic activity and oxidative stress induction in the mammalian brain. This amino acid is increased in the substantia nigra in parkinsonism due to the lack of dopamine restraint to the subthalamic nucleus. Parkinson's disease also shows an increase of iron levels in the substantia nigra and a decrease of glutathione, the antioxidant responsible for the ascorbate radical recycling. Considered together, these facts could make the antioxidant ascorbate behave as a pro‐oxidant in parkinsonism. Since both glutamate and ascorbate are present in the synaptosomes and neurons of substantia nigra, we tested 1) if glutamate is able to induce oxidative stress independently of its excitatory activity, and 2) if ascorbate may have synergistic effects with glutamate when these two molecules co‐exist. Brains were homogenized in order to disrupt membranes and render membrane receptors and intracellular signaling pathways non‐functional. In these homogenates glutamate induced lipid peroxidation, indicating that this amino acid also may cause oxidative stress not mediated by its binding to glutamate receptors or cystine transporters. Ascorbate also induced lipid peroxidation thus behaving as a pro‐oxidant. Both substances together produced an additive effect but they did not synergize. Given that melatonin is a potent physiological antioxidant with protective effects in models of neurotoxicity, we tested the role of this secretory product on the pro‐oxidant effect of both compounds given separately or in combination. We also checked the protective ability of several other antioxidants. Pharmacological doses of melatonin (millimolar), estrogens, pinoline and trolox (micromolar) prevented the oxidant effect of glutamate, ascorbate, and the combination of both substances. Potential therapeutic application of these results is discussed.