Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vivo molecular imaging of colorectal cancer with confocal endomicroscopy by targeting epidermal growth factor receptor.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a therapeutic target for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, technical challenges have limited in vivo imaging of EGFR in CRCs. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) enables accurate microscopic visualization of CRC in patients during endoscopy. We evaluated the ability to use CLE in vivo for instantaneous molecular imaging of EGFR in CRC models. METHODS Tumors were grown in mice (n = 68) from human CRC cell lines that expressed high (SW480 cells) or low (SW620 cells) levels of EGFR. Tumors were visualized in vivo with a handheld CLE probe after injection of fluorescently labeled EGFR antibodies. EGFR-specific fluorescence was graded from 0 to 3+. Neoplastic and non-neoplastic specimens from human colorectal mucosa were examined. In vivo findings were correlated with histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence microscopy analyses. RESULTS CLE analysis of cell cultures confirmed the different expression levels of EGFR between cell lines. In living animals, CLE differentiated EGFR expression levels between tumor cell limes (mean fluorescence, 1.92 +/- 0.22 [SW480] and 0.59 +/- 0.21 [SW620], P = .0004). CLE analysis of EGFR expression in human specimens allowed distinction of neoplastic from non-neoplastic tissues (mean fluorescence, 2.0 +/- 0.37 vs 0.25 +/- 0.16, respectively, P = .0035). CONCLUSIONS CLE can be used for in vivo, molecular analysis of CRC and to differentiate EGFR expression patterns in xenograft tumors and human tissue samples. Because CLE can be performed during endoscopy, in vivo molecular imaging might be used in diagnosis of CRC and to predict response to targeted therapies.
katG Gene as a Surrogate Molecular Marker Leading to Cause Drug Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates

Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an emerging problem of great importance to public health worldwide. Resistance to Rifampicin (RIF) and Isoniazid (INH) are considered as surrogate markers for MDR-TB. Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Rifampicin is reported to be conferred by mutation in an 81bp rifampicin resistance determining region (RRDR) of the β subunit of RNA polymerase encoded by rpoB gene corresponding to codons 507-533. Resistance to Isoniazid is conferred by mutation in Catalase-peroxidase gene (katG), alkyl hydroperoxidase gene (aphC) and enoyl acyl reductase gene (inhA). The aim of this study was to identify the mutation conferring resistance to INH and RIF by automated DNA sequencing. Seventy-four isolates of M. tuberculosis were tested phenotypically with four anti tuberculosis drugs namely Rifmapicin (RIF), Isoniazid (INH), Ethambutol (EMB) and Streptomycin(SM) by absolute concentration method. Three isolates from pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients were resistant to RIF with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) greater than or equal to 128µg/ml and to INH with MIC greater than are equal to 5µg/ml. The genome of these three MDR-TB isolates were amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing was performed. All three isolates showed a point mutation at codon 315 (Ser ® Thr) in the sequenced katG region for INH resistance, but did not show any mutation in the 81bp hotspot sequenced rpoB region for RIF resistance and promoter region of inhA and aphC for INH resistance. Two of three isolates were from patients who had not taken treatment previously which is of great concern with respect to public health.
Line scanning confocal microscopy with the use of cross structured illumination

In this paper, we propose new SI method, the cross SI method that improves the lateral resolution and the image acquisition speed. The cross SI pattern is generated by using the 2-D diffractive grating. The acquisition of a total of 6 raw images shortens the image acquisition time. The cross structured illumination confocal microscope (CSICM) is combined with the cross SI pattern generation optics and the line scanning confocal microscope. Performances of the conventional and the cross SI are compared by the analysis of the modulation transfer function. As a result, the cro ss SI method shows similar resolution to conventional SI method. The CSICM has the two times enhanced lateral resolution than the conventional microscope, the optical sectioning ability and the fast image acquisition speed.
Peptide-mediated targeting of hepatocytes via low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)

It has previously been reported that a peptide sequence of T7 phage protein p17 mediates uptake of its cargo by liver parenchymal cells. The aim of this study was to identify the phage-binding receptor. The involvement of LRP was confirmed by the observations that phage binding to Hepa 1c1c7 cells was inhibited by the LRP-binding receptor-associated protein, LRP-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts bound phage with lower efficiency than their wild-type counterparts, and using mouse models with ablated LRP liver expression. The identification of LRP as a cognate receptor for this sequence offers a new ligand-receptor combination for hepatocyte delivery of therapeutic agents.
Detecting Urban Vegetation Using a Object-oriented Method with QuickBird Imagery

Monitoring urban vegetation is one of the major environmental applications in remote sensing. This paper presents multi-scale segmentation and object-oriented image analysis approaches to extract urban vegetation information from high spatial resolution images. Multi-scale segmentation is used to segment an image into highly homogeneous image objects in any chosen resolution and generate a hierarchical image object network. Advantages of object-oriented analysis are meaningful statistic and texture calculation, an increased uncorrelated feature space using shape and topological features (neighbor, super-object, etc.), and the close relation between real-world objects and image objects. This paper applies these new techniques to extract urban vegetation information in Lianyungang City with QUICKBIRD images. Four object layers which represent different area of vegetation are built to extract different scales of vegetation. To different applications, the segmentation scale differs in thousands ways, and here four segmentation scales 800, 300, 90 and 20 are selected corresponding to four object layers. Based on multi-scale segmentation, Classification is conducted by fuzzy logic, and membership functions are used to produce class description, which consists of a set of fuzzy expressions from appropriate sample objects. Image objects are classified to proper classes by evaluation of membership function classifiers. Not only spectral information but also spatial, texture, and contextual characteristics of image are considered for classification. The result of vegetation information extraction is promising and the accuracy of classification is higher than other conventional approaches. It is obvious that these new image analysis approaches offer satisfying solutions to extract information quickly and efficiently for high resolution images and can be applied to many other application fields as well.
Developing New Abilities for Humanoid Robots with a Wearable Interface

A humanoid robot is a robot that has a similar appearance with humans. Although appearance is the one of the important features of humanoid robots, human-like behaviors and task solving abilities are more meaningful features in daily life. To make humanoid robots more useful, they should have the capacity to learn new abilities. However, today’s humanoid robots are not smart enough to adapt to their working environments. In this paper, we propose a method to develop new abilities of humanoid robots on the basis of imitation, one of the most powerful methods to learn a new skill, not only for humans but also for humanoid robots. To achieve this goal, we designed and implemented a wearable interface to teach humanoid robots via user demonstration. Magnetic markers and flex sensors are applied for capturing human motion. A head mount display and a microphone are used for communicating with the partner robot. A vision channel and speech channel are employed to communicate with the partner robot. The wearable system assists the user and enhances interaction with the robot through an intuitive motion imitating method and multimodal communication channels via which commands are given and sensory feedback is received. A vision channel is used to complement the weakness in recognizing surrounding states. A human teacher can sense the environment by sharing the robot’s sight using the head mount display and he or she can decide the most appropriate behavior for the observed situation. When the teacher concludes that there is no proper behavior among the robot’s abilities, a new ability can be trained through demonstration by the teacher. We conducted a kinematic analysis on both a human user and a partner robot to overcome the joint difference problem when transferring motion from the human user to the robot. We used the humanoid robot AMIO as a test bed to validate the wearable interface and found that we could make the robot more intelligent with the wearable interface.
Two-Layer Phase Coding Interference Cancellation Enhancement of Uplink Broadband Wireless Access System

Multi-carrier OFDM-CDMA has a range of advantages that are ideal for high data rate wireless access system. A two-layer carrier interferometry (CI) phase coding approach is proposed for enhancing multi-user detection of millimeter wavelength multi-carrier OFDM-CDMA based uplink broadband wireless access system (BWA). The proposed OFDM-CDMA scheme uses a two-layer CI phase coding structure, which comprises outer and inner CI modulations and is combined with iterative interference cancellation and detection to boost the system capability in high fading radio channel and strong multiple access interference environment. Orthogonal property of two-layer CI signals is exploited to enhance diversities in time, frequency and spreading code domains, as well as to mitigate peak-to-average power problem and to simplify signal processing. The proposed two-layer CI OFDM-CDMA scheme for the uplink BWA is mathematically analyzed. Effects of frequency synchronization errors to the scheme are studied. Numeric simulations are carried out to evaluate the system performance. The simulation results show the superior characteristics of the proposed two-layer CI phase coding scheme for the uplink BWA system compared to other schemes.
Requirements Engineering with Contextual Design and RUP

Models from methods like Contextual Design (CD) are a sound basis for requirements engineering. But current software engineering processes are not prepared to use such models. Together with tight schedule and budget project teams settle for the minimal work needed, which is writing use cases in case of the Rational Unified Process (RUP). HCI practitioners more and more need HCI methods effectively integrated into software engineering processes. As an example, integrating CD in RUP is outlined here.
Highly efficient and linear level shifting digital LINC transmitter with a phase offset cancellation

In this paper, a novel level shifting digital linear amplifier with nonlinear components (LINC) transmitter for OFDM system is presented. By using a multi-level switched power supply, the final power added efficiency is significantly improved compared to a conventional LINC amplifier. Moreover, with digital phase offset cancellation scheme, the transmitter has a good linearity as well. This work was verified by ADS simulation with standard 0. 18μm CMOS Technology.
Boolean unification with predicates

In this article, we deal with the following problem which we call Boolean unification with predicates: For a given formula F[X ] in first-order logic with equality containing an n-ary predicate variable X , is there a quantifier-free formula G[x1,. ,xn] such that the formula F[G] is valid in first-order logic with equality? We obtain the following results. Boolean unification with predicates for quantifier-free F is 2 -complete. In addition, there exists an EXPTIME algorithm which for an input formula F[X ], given as above, constructs a formula G such that F[G] being valid in first-order logic with equality, if such a formula exists. For F of the form ∀yF ′[X ,y] with F ′ quantifier-free, we prove that Boolean unification with predicates is already undecidable. The same holds for F of the form ∃yF ′[X ,y] for F ′ quantifier-free. Instances of Boolean unification with predicates naturally occur in the context of automated theorem proving. Our results are relevant for cut-introduction and the automated search for induction invariants.
Ranking of product alternatives based on customer-designer preferences

In this research paper the alternatives of vacuum cleaners are ranked using MADM methods such as Simple Additive Weighing (SAW) Method, Weighted Product Method (WPM), Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) Method, Modified TOPSIS, Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) and Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluations (PROMETHEE). The results of various methods are then compared and a new quantitative approach has been suggested in case of tie. It is observed that the proposed quantitative approach provides better guidelines to the decision maker, than that provided by qualitative approach applied by earlier researchers.
Targeting neighbouring poly(purine.pyrimidine) sequences located in the human bcr promoter by triplex-forming oligonucleotides.

Most poly(purine.pyrimidine) [poly(R.Y)] sequences in eukaryotic genomes are interrupted by one or more base pair inversions. When the inversions are centrally located, the poly(R.Y) sequences can be regarded as the sum of two abutting sites, each potentially capable of forming a triple helix. Employing band-shift, footprinting and modeling methods we examined the formation of triple helices at a critical 27 bp poly(R.Y) sequence interrupted by two adjacent CG inversions, and located in the promoter of the human bcr gene at transcription initiation. We designed several 13-mer and 14-mer triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) capable of binding the bcr abutting sites, thereby generating different base juxtapositions at the triple helical junction, to examine whether triplex formation occurs in a cooperative manner. It is found that in 50 mM Tris/HCl, pH 7.4, 10 mM MgCl2, 2 mM spermine, 37 degrees C, the 13-and the 14-mer TFOs bind to one half of the bcr site with Delta G between -30 and -35 kJ x mol-1. However, when different 13-mer/14-mer combinations of TFOs were directed against the abutting poly(R x Y) sites, triplex formation has been found to be enhanced only for the triple helical junction formed by the 5'-A-T-3' base juxtaposition, in keeping with a partial stacking suggested from modeling analysis. On the other hand, a longer 24-mer TFO, binding noncooperatively to the same abutting sites, forms a much more stable triplex (Delta G = -51 kJ x mol-1), notwithstanding the two T x CG triads in the middle. Modeling investigations reveal that there is no continuity or propagation of base stacking involving adjacent bases of the third strand at the site of base inversion as well as on the 5' side. The data indicate that the entropy penalty of forming a triplex with two oligonucleotides is much higher than the energy gained from base stacking interactions at the triplex junction formed between the two TFOs.
Effect of smoking on the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D depends on the assay employed.

OBJECTIVE Because we found higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels among smokers than among non-smokers with analyses using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) from Roche, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether this difference between smokers and non-smokers was maintained using other serum 25(OH)D assays. DESIGN A cross-sectional population-based study on 6932 participants from the Tromsø study, 1994-1995, and one validation study comparing six different serum 25(OH)D assays in 53 non-smokers and 54 smokers were performed. METHODS The association between smoking, season and serum 25(OH)D as measured by ECLIA (Roche) was assessed in the population-based study using general linear models with multivariate adjustments. In the validation study, serum levels of 25(OH)D were analysed with liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry assay from two different laboratories, RIA (DiaSorin), HPLC, RIA (IDS) and ECLIA (Roche). T-tests and linear mixed model analyses were performed to compare the serum 25(OH)D levels in smokers and non-smokers within and between the methods. RESULTS In the population-based study, the serum levels of 25(OH)D using the ECLIA method were 51.9, 53.2 and 72.0 nmol/l in never, former and current smokers (P<0.01). In the validation study, the serum concentration of 25(OH)D was 10.3 nmol/l higher in smokers than in non-smokers (P<0.01) using the ECLIA (Roche), while non-significantly lower serum levels of 25(OH)D were found in smokers using the other five methods. CONCLUSIONS These two studies indicate that the ECLIA (Roche) overestimates serum 25(OH)D levels in smokers by unknown mechanisms. If confirmed, this might have clinical consequences, and the issue needs further exploration.
Comparison of ring artifact correction methods for flat-detector CT

In flat-detector CT, imperfect or defect detector elements may cause concentric ring artifacts due to their continuous over- or underestimation of attenuation values, which often disturb image quality. Especially due to the demand for high-spatial resolution images and the necessary pixel read-out without arbitrary pixel-binning, ring artifacts become more pronounced and the reduction of these artifacts becomes a necessity. We here present a comparison of two dedicated ring artifact correction methods for flat-detector CT, on the basis of different median and mean filterings of the reconstructed image but each working in different geometric planes. While the first method works in Cartesian coordinates, the second method performs a transformation to polar coordinates. Both post-processing methods efficiently reduce ring artifacts in the reconstructed images and improve image quality. The transformation to polar coordinates turned out to be a necessary step for efficient ring artifact correction, since correction in Cartesian coordinates suffers from newly introduced artifacts as well as insufficient correction of artifacts close to the center of rotation.
Critical Review: Does bilingualism slow language development in children?

This critical review examines the effects of bilingualism on language development in children. Overall, the literature suggests that simultaneous bilingual children are not at a disadvantage for their language development and compare to monolingual peers. Unlike simultaneous bilinguals, sequential bilinguals may need additional time to have similar skills to their monolingual counterparts. On the whole, simultaneous or sequential bilingual children’s dual language skills should be viewed positively and reinforced as much as possible.
Antenna-coupled TES bolometer arrays for BICEP2/Keck and SPIDER

BICEP2/Keck and SPIDER are cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarimeters targeting the B-mode polarization induced by primordial gravitational waves from inflation. They will be using planar arrays of polarization sensitive antenna-coupled TES bolometers, operating at frequencies between 90 GHz and 220 GHz. At 150 GHz each array consists of 64 polarimeters and four of these arrays are assembled together to make a focal plane, for a total of 256 dual-polarization elements (512 TES sensors). The detector arrays are integrated with a time-domain SQUID multiplexer developed at NIST and read out using the multi-channel electronics (MCE) developed at the University of British Columbia. Following our progress in improving detector parameters uniformity across the arrays and fabrication yield, our main effort has focused on improving detector arrays optical and noise performances, in order to produce science grade focal planes achieving target sensitivities. We report on changes in detector design implemented to optimize such performances and following focal plane arrays characterization. BICEP2 has deployed a first 150 GHz science grade focal plane to the South Pole in December 2009.
Large suspended inductors on silicon and their use in a 2- mu m CMOS RF amplifier

Large spiral inductors encased in oxide over silicon are shown to operate beyond the UHF band when the capacitance and loss resistance are greatly reduced by selective removal of the underlying substrate. Using a 100-nH inductor whose self-resonance lies at 3 GHz, a balanced tuned amplifier with a gain of 14 dB centered at 770 MHz has been implemented in a standard digital 2- mu m CMOS IC process. The core amplifier noise figure is 6 dB, and the power dissipation is 7 mW for a 3-V supply. <<ETX>>
Enhancement of irradiation effects on cancer cells by cross-linked dextran-coated iron oxide (CLIO) nanoparticles

We investigated iron oxide nanoparticles with two different surface modifications, dextran coating and cross-linked dextran coating, showing that their different internalization affects their capability to enhance radiation damage to cancer cells. The internalization was monitored with an ultrahigh resolution transmission x-ray microscope (TXM), indicating that the differences in the particle surface charge play an essential role and dominate the particle–cell interaction. We found that dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles cannot be internalized by HeLa and EMT-6 cells without being functionalized with amino groups (the cross-linked dextran coating) that modify the surface potential from −18 mV to 13.4 mV. The amount of cross-linked dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles uptaken by cancer cells reached its maximum, 1.33 × 109 per HeLa cell, when the co-culture concentration was 40 µg Fe mL−1 or more. Standard tests indicated that these internalized nanoparticles increased the damaging effects of x-ray irradiation, whereas they are by themselves biocompatible. These results could lead to interesting therapy applications; furthermore, iron oxide also produces high contrast for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and therapy stages.
Heuristic algorithm and cooperative relay for energy efficient data collection with a UAV and WSN

This work 1 presents a heuristic algorithm for optimizing the average total energy consumed by the ground-based nodes in data collection applications with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). For each cluster of nodes, the UAV is assumed to fly over at least one of them to collect data. In advance of each flight only the positions of the nodes are known to the UAV. After flying into communication range of any of the nodes in a cluster, it receives information about the remaining energy of each node. This knowledge is then used by the UAV to find which node to fly to. Essential criteria include the average energy consumption, flight distance for visiting the network, and the life-time of the network. In order to show the robustness of the algorithm, we compare the results to the following two cases: when the UAV is always flying to node closest to the cluster center or to least energy node of each cluster, respectively. Moreover, cooperative data relay is also applied in a compatible IEEE 802.11 hierarchal network for the nodes and the UAV. The simulation results show noticeable benefits of this cooperative data relay used in data collection, particularly with respect to the energy consumption and the longevity of the whole network of nodes.