Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A neuroglial cooperativity is required for the potentiation by 2- chloroadenosine of the muscarinic-sensitive phospholipase C in the striatum

In rat striatal slices, 2-chloroadenosine, which had no direct effect on inositol phosphate formation, potentiated in a dose-dependent manner the accumulation of inositol phosphates induced either by carbamylcholine (10(-3) M) or by noradrenaline (10(-4) M). Experiments made on pure populations of striatal neurons or striatal glial cells in primary culture from mouse embryos indicated that 2-chloroadenosine potentiated the noradrenaline-elicited phosphoinositide breakdown in striatal glial cultures but did not modify the responses evoked either by noradrenaline or by carbamylcholine in striatal neuronal cultures. However, 2-chloroadenosine enhanced both the carbamylcholine and the noradrenaline-induced accumulation of inositol phosphates in neuroglial cocultures just as it did in rat striatal slices. The potentiation by 2- chloroadenosine of the carbamylcholine response, which is neuron specific, involved a cooperative effect between neurons and glial cells and, as shown by additional experiments, required a brief contact only between the 2 types of cells. The potentiating effect of 2- chloroadenosine was blocked completely by a nonselective A1, A2 adenosine antagonist isobutylmethylxanthine either on rat striatal slices or on mouse embryonic cocultures (noradrenaline and carbamylcholine responses) or on mouse embryonic glial cultures (noradrenaline response). These data indicate the involvement of an extracellular membrane-bound adenosine receptor, possibly of the A1 subtype since N6-cyclohexyladenosine, an A1 adenosine receptor agonist, was more efficient than 5′-N-ethylcarboxamide-adenosine, a rather selective A2 adenosine receptor agonist. We propose that 2- chloroadenosine acts through an adenosine receptor located on glial cells and induces the synthesis of a substance that improves the coupling between carbamylcholine or noradrenaline and phospholipase C located in glial cells or neurons.
3D inpatient dose reconstruction from the PET-CT imaging of 90Y microspheres for metastatic cancer to the liver: feasibility study.

PURPOSE The introduction of radioembolization with microspheres represents a significant step forward in the treatment of patients with metastatic disease to the liver. This technique uses semiempirical formulae based on body surface area or liver and target volumes to calculate the required total activity for a given patient. However, this treatment modality lacks extremely important information, which is the three-dimensional (3D) dose delivered by microspheres to different organs after their administration. The absence of this information dramatically limits the clinical efficacy of this modality, specifically the predictive power of the treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a 3D dose calculation technique that is based on the PET imaging of the infused microspheres. METHODS The Fluka Monte Carlo code was used to calculate the voxel dose kernel for 90Y source with voxel size equal to that of the PET scan. The measured PET activity distribution was converted to total activity distribution for the subsequent convolution with the voxel dose kernel to obtain the 3D dose distribution. In addition, dose-volume histograms were generated to analyze the dose to the tumor and critical structures. RESULTS The 3D inpatient dose distribution can be reconstructed from the PET data of a patient scanned after the infusion of microspheres. A total of seven patients have been analyzed so far using the proposed reconstruction method. Four patients underwent treatment with SIR-Spheres for liver metastases from colorectal cancer and three patients were treated with Therasphere for hepatocellular cancer. A total of 14 target tumors were contoured on post-treatment PET-CT scans for dosimetric evaluation. Mean prescription activity was 1.7 GBq (range: 0.58-3.8 GBq). The resulting mean maximum measured dose to targets was 167 Gy (range: 71-311 Gy). Mean minimum dose to 70% of target (D70) was 68 Gy (range: 25-155 Gy). Mean minimum dose to 90% of target (D90) was 53 Gy (range: 13-125 Gy). CONCLUSIONS A three-dimensional inpatient dose reconstruction method has been developed that is based on the PET/CT data of a patient treated with 90Y microspheres. It allows for a complete description of the absorbed dose by the tumor and critical structures. It represents the first step in building predictive models for treatment outcomes for patients receiving this therapeutic modality as well as it allows for better analysis of patients' dose response and will ultimately improve future treatment administration.
Refractive lens exchange with a multifocal diffractive aspheric intraocular lens.

PURPOSE To evaluate the safety, efficacy and predictability after refractive lens exchange with multifocal diffractive aspheric intraocular lens implantation. METHODS Sixty eyes of 30 patients underwent bilateral implantation with AcrySof(®) ReSTOR(®) SN6AD3 intraocular lens with +4.00 D near addition. Patients were divided into myopic and hyperopic groups. Monocular best corrected visual acuity at distance and near and monocular uncorrected visual acuity at distance and near were measured before and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS After surgery, uncorrected visual acuity was 0.08 ± 0.15 and 0.11 ± 0.14 logMAR for the myopic and hyperopic groups, respectively (50% and 46.67% of patients had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better in the myopic and hyperopic groups, respectively). The safety and efficacy indexes were 1.05 and 0.88 for the myopic and 1.01 and 0.86 for the hyperopic groups at distance vision. Within the myopic group, 20 eyes remained unchanged after the surgery, and 3 gained >2 lines of best corrected visual acuity. For the hyperopic group, 2 eyes lost 2 lines of best corrected visual acuity, 21 did not change, and 3 eyes gained 2 lines. At near vision, the safety and efficacy indexes were 1.23 and 1.17 for the myopic and 1.16 and 1.13 for the hyperopic groups. Best corrected near visual acuity improved after surgery in both groups (from 0.10 logMAR to 0.01 logMAR in the myopic group, and from 0.10 logMAR to 0.04 logMAR in the hyperopic group). CONCLUSIONS The ReSTOR(®) SN6AD3 intraocular lens in refractive lens exchange demonstrated good safety, efficacy, and predictability in correcting high ametropia and presbyopia.
Determination of Clinically Relevant Cutoffs for HIV-1 Phenotypic Resistance Estimates Through a Combined Analysis of Clinical Trial and Cohort Data

Background:Clinically relevant cutoffs are needed for the interpretation of HIV-1 phenotypic resistance estimates as predicted by “virtual” phenotype HIV resistance analysis. Methods:Using a clinical data set containing 2596 treatment change episodes in 2217 patients in 8 clinical trials and 2 population-based cohorts, drug-specific linear regression models were developed to describe the relation between baseline characteristics (resistance, viral load, and treatment history), new treatment regimen selected, and 8-week virologic outcome. Results:These models were used to derive clinical cutoffs (CCOs) for 6 nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (zidovudine, lamivudine, stavudine, didanosine, abacavir, and tenofovir), 3 unboosted protease inhibitors (PIs; indinavir, amprenavir, and nelfinavir), and 4 ritonavir-boosted PIs (indinavir/ritonavir, amprenavir/ritonavir, saquinavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir). The CCOs were defined as the phenotypic resistance levels (fold change [FC]) associated with a 20% and 80% loss of predicted wild-type drug effect and depended on the drug-specific dynamic range of the assay. Conclusions:The proposed CCOs were better correlated with virologic response than were biological cutoffs and provide a relevant tool for estimating the resistance to antiretroviral drug combinations used in clinical practice. They can be applied to diverse patient populations and are based on a consistent methodologic approach to interpreting phenotypic drug resistance.
ASC-Based Acceleration in an FPGA with a Processor Core Using Software-Only Skills

A stream compiler (ASC) generates net lists for hardware (FPGA) accelerators from C-like descriptions, obviating the need for hardware skills. The authors present a backend adapter that enables integration of such accelerators with a processor core in the same FPGA. Development of hybrid ASC-accelerated applications using software-only skills is thus made possible, as illustrated by a hybrid power-conscious iDCT implementation
Evaluation of the Heterogeneous Reactivity of the Syntaxin Molecules on the Inner Leaflet of the Plasma Membrane

The soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) protein syntaxin 1A forms nano-sized clusters (membrane rafts) on the plasma membrane (PM) that are in equilibrium with freely diffusing syntaxin molecules. SNARE-complex formation between syntaxin 1A and SNAP-25 (synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa) on the PM and synaptobrevin 2 on the vesicles (trans-SNAREs) is crucial for vesicle priming and fusion. This process might be impeded by the spontaneous accumulation of non-fusogenic cis-SNARE complexes formed when all three SNARE proteins reside on the PM. We investigated the kinetics of cis-SNARE complex assembly and disassembly and both exhibited biphasic behavior. The experimental measurements were analyzed through integration of differential rate equations pertinent to the reaction mechanism and through the application of a heuristic search for time constants and concentrations using a genetic algorithm. Reconstruction of the measurements necessitated the partitioning of syntaxin into two phases that might represent the syntaxin clusters and free syntaxin outside the clusters. The analysis suggests that most of the syntaxin in the clusters is concentrated in a nonreactive form. Consequently, cis-SNARE complex assembly in the clusters is substantially slower than outside the rafts. Interestingly, the clusters also mediate efficient disassembly of cis-SNARE complexes possibly attributable to the high local concentration of complexes in the clusters area that allows efficient disassembly by the enzymatic reaction of NSF.
Unique Ability of Troglitazone to Up-Regulate Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor- (cid:1) Expression in Hepatocytes

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- (cid:1) (PPAR- (cid:1) ) is a nuclear receptor that is activated by the binding of an appropriate ligand. Several studies have demonstrated that certain ligands can also induce the expression of PPAR- (cid:1) . In the present study, we examined the mechanism whereby this induction occurs by specifically addressing whether potentiation of the transactivation function of PPAR- (cid:1) per se leads to induction of expression. We observed that thiazolidinediones, a group of insulin-sensi- tizing drugs, had differential effects, with troglitazone inducing protein levels of PPAR- (cid:1) , while rosiglitazone, englitazone, and ciglitazone were without effect. Similarly, the prostaglandin me- tabolite 15-deoxy- (cid:1) 12,14 -prostaglandin J 2 and the potent synthetic ligand GW1929 ( N -(2-benzoyl phenyl)- L -tyrosine) also had no effect, as did ligands for other isoforms of PPAR. Since troglitazone has antioxidant properties, we also examined the effect of (cid:2) -tocopherol and observed that it induced PPAR- (cid:1) expression in a dose-dependent fashion. Finally, we found that mice fed troglitazone as a dietary admixture displayed an up-regulation of hepatic PPAR- (cid:1) mRNA and protein, indicating that the mechanism of action is at the level of gene expression and not protein stability. These data indicate that 1) up-regulation of the transactivation function of PPAR- (cid:1)
Optical Systems for in Vivo Molecular Imaging of Cancer

Progress toward a molecular characterization of cancer would have important clinical benefits; thus, there is an important need to image the molecular features of cancer in vivo. In this paper, we describe a comprehensive strategy to develop inexpensive, rugged and portable optical imaging systems for molecular imaging of cancer, which couples the development of optically active contrast agents with advances in functional genomics of cancer. We describe initial results obtained using optically active contrast agents to image the expression of three well known molecular signatures of neoplasia: including over expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), matrix metallo-proteases (MMPs), and oncoproteins associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. At the same time, we are developing inexpensive, portable optical systems to image the morphologic and molecular signatures of neoplasia noninvasively in real time. These real-time, portable, inexpensive systems can provide tools to characterize the molecular features of cancer in vivo.
Utilization of Formal and Informal Home Care by AIDS Patients in Boston: A Comparison of Intravenous Drug Users and Homosexual Males

The assumption that intravenous (IV) drug users have weaker informal support networks than homosexual men has led to opposing policy recommendations: one emphasizes outreach and more formal (paid) home care for IV drug users, whereas the other maintains that formal home care programs are less effective for this risk group due to the lack of informal (unpaid) caregivers to coordinate efforts. Data from interviews with a sample of 231 persons with AIDS in the Boston area were used to compare the use of formal and informal home care between the two largest risk groups, homosexual men and IV drug users. Multivariate regression analysis was also employed to adjust estimates and to determine the significance of population characteristics in explaining utilization differences. IV drug users received about twice as much formal and informal home care as homosexual men. Controlling for functional status, income and assets, insurance and potential caregiver supply, IV drug users obtained significantly fewer formal home care services, but more informal care. Overall, IV drug users received a greater number of adjusted home care hours. These findings cast doubt upon the previous assumptions of the literature and suggest that members of both risk groups are appropriate candidates for formal home care services.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and colorectal cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

The association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility has been researched in numerous studies. However, the results of these studies were controversial. Therefore, the objective of this meta-analysis was to offer a more convincible conclusion about such association with more included studies. Eligible studies published till May 1, 2017 were searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI database about such association. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate such association. And the Begg’s funnel plot and Egger’s test were applied to assess the publication bias. This meta-analysis contained 37049 cases and 52444 controls from 87 publications with 91 eligible case–control studies. Because of lack of data for a particular genotype in several studies, all the included studies were analysed barely in the dominant model. Originally, there was no association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and CRC susceptibility (OR =0.99, 95% CI =0.94–1.05). After excluding 13 studies according to their heterogeneity and publication bias, rs1801133 polymorphism was found to reduce the risks of CRC significantly (OR =0.96, 95% CI =0.94–0.99). In the subgroup analysis of ethnicity, there was a significant association in Asians (OR =0.94, 95% CI =0.89–1.00). Furthermore, when stratified by the source of controls and genotyping methods, the positive results were observed in population-based control group (OR =0.97, 95% CI =0.93–1.00) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method (OR =0.95, 95% CI =0.91–0.99. The results of the meta-analysis suggested that MTHFR C677T polymorphism was associated with CRC susceptibility, especially in Asian population.
Price discovery in the European wheat market

To know about the pricing process in agricultural spot and futures markets is important for every market participant. However, literature for the European market is rare. In this article we analyse price discovery in the European wheat market and focus especially on time periods with price turmoil. We find that price discovery is subject to structural changes over time and that the pattern of dominance in the pricing process alternates between the spot and futures market. Results suggest that neither price turmoil nor a change in the liquidity of the futures market is solely responsible for these structural changes.
Relative Performance Evaluation and the Ratchet Effect

When targets depend on past performance, incentives are adversely affected by the ratchet effect. We provide theory and evidence that incorporating past peer performance into targets can alleviate this adverse incentive effect. In particular, we present an analytical model that characterizes optimal target revisions as a function of past own and past peer performance. We then test the predictions of our model using data on 2008–2010 performance targets from 354 units of a governmental agency responsible for reintegration of the long‐term unemployed into the labor market. As a unique feature of our data, we have information on peer group quality, defined as the extent to which peer performance is informative about common shocks. Consistent with our model, we find that higher peer group quality (a) increases sensitivity of target revisions to past peer performance, (b) reduces sensitivity of target revisions to past own performance, and (c) reduces the ratchet effect as reflected in managerial incentives to withhold end‐of‐year effort. Evaluation de la performance relative et effet d'entrainement Lorsque les objectifs vises dependent de la performance passee, l'effet d'entrainement a une incidence negative sur les motivations. Les auteurs formulent et demontrent la theorie selon laquelle l'integration de la performance passee des pairs dans les objectifs peut attenuer cette incidence negative sur les motivations. Ils proposent notamment un modele analytique dans lequel les revisions d'objectif optimal sont definies comme etant fonction de la performance passee du sujet et de la performance passee des pairs. Ils testent ensuite les predictions du modele a l'aide de donnees s'echelonnant de 2008 a 2010 sur les objectifs de performance de 354 unites d'un organisme gouvernemental responsable de la reintegration sur le marche du travail de chomeurs de longue date. Une caracteristique exclusive des donnees qu'ils analysent reside dans l'information qu'elles contiennent au sujet de la qualite des groupes de pairs, definie comme etant la mesure dans laquelle la performance des pairs nous renseigne sur les turbulences economiques communes. Conformement a leur modele, les auteurs observent qu'une meilleure qualite du groupe de pairs a) accroit la sensibilite de la revision des objectifs a la performance passee des pairs, b) reduit la sensibilite de la revision des objectifs a la performance passee du sujet et c) reduit l'effet d'entrainement qui se manifeste dans la motivation des dirigeants a la retention de leurs efforts en fin d'exercice.
A parallel adaptation algorithm for recursive-least-squares adaptive filters in nonstationary environments

An accurate new expression for the steady-state tracking performance of exponentially weighted recursive-least-squares (RLS) adaptive filters in a random walk scenario is derived. This relation is then used to provide a detailed comparison between RLS-performance and that of normalized least-mean-squares adaptive filters. Further, a variable-forgetting-factor algorithm referred to as the parallel adaptation algorithm that approximately achieves the theoretical minimum mean-squared-error performance in a random walk scenario is developed. Extensive simulation results are presented to support the present findings and demonstrate the improved performance of the proposed algorithm in a number of different applications.
Capital, Economic Growth, and Socio-Ecological Crisis: A Critique of De-Growth

ABSTRACT This paper presents a critique of mainstream growth ideology, as well as of a variety of neo-Malthusian or liberal approaches considering economic growth as an ideology, and “growth economies” as the main culprit of ecological crisis, while disconnecting growth from the prevailing capitalist mode of production. To tackle ecological crisis, they suggest economic de-growth or a steady-state economy, while often projecting the negative impact of economic growth to different forms of production. On the contrary, this paper considers economic growth as an inherent necessity of the capitalist mode of production and explores the socio-ecological conditions of economic growth and capitalist accumulation. With a brief reference to Greece, it is demonstrated that even a protracted recession cannot reverse the trend of environmental degradation and socio-ecological crisis. As argued, overcoming the current crisis requires overcoming not only economic growth, but capitalism itself.
An Empirical Investigation of Triple Helix and National Innovation System Dynamics in ASEAN-5 Economies

This paper exhibits the concept of Triple Helix model to explain and link university-industry-government (Triple Helix) connections to national innovation systems theory. The driver of this paper is to test the dynamics of Triple Helix concept under national innovation system in the Association of South East Asian Countries (ASEAN)-5 economies. Panel econometric analysis with cross-sectional dependence (CD) test is applied to investigate the relationship amongst Triple Helix variables. The empirical analysis employs innovation indicators of five founding ASEAN countries namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand for the period of 2000-2015 from an existing WDI and WCY database. Econometric results support the two research questions of this study; firstly, there is a significant relationship between innovation outcome and its key drivers under Triple Helix context of National Innovation System in ASEAN-5 economies; secondly, the extent of the relationship among government R&D expenditure with high-tech productions are positive and significant while new ideas coming from universities as scientific publications and high-tech production have positive relationship but not significant yet in ASEAN-5 countries. Overall labor productivity is positive and significant with innovation outcomes in ASEAN-5.