Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Who can tolerate a marginal kidney? Predicting survival after deceased donor kidney transplant by donor–recipient combination

The impact of donor quality on post–kidney transplant (KT) survival may vary by candidate condition. Characterizing this variation would increase access to KT without sacrificing outcomes. We developed a tool to estimate post‐KT survival for combinations of donor quality and candidate condition. We studied deceased donor KT recipients (n = 120 818) and waitlisted candidates (n = 376 272) between 2005 and 2016 by using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. Donor quality and candidate condition were measured by using the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) and the Estimated Post Transplant Survival (EPTS) score. We estimated 5‐year post‐KT survival based on combinations of KDPI and EPTS score using random forest algorithms and waitlist survival by EPTS score using Weibull regressions. Survival benefit was defined as absolute reduction in mortality risk with KT. For candidates with an EPTS score of 80, 5‐year waitlist survival was 47.6%, and 5‐year post‐KT survival was 78.9% after receiving kidneys with a KDPI of 20 and was 70.7% after receiving kidneys with a KDPI of 80. The impact of KDPI on survival benefit varied greatly by EPTS score. For candidates with low EPTS scores (eg, <40), the KDPI had limited impact on survival benefit. For candidates with middle or high EPTS scores (eg, >40), survival benefit decreased with higher KDPI but was still substantial even with a KDPI of 100 (>16 percentage points). Our prediction tool (www.transplantmodels.com/kdpi-epts) can support individualized decision‐making on kidney offers in clinical practice.
SOYBEAN MEAL REPLACEMENT WITH CASSAVA LEAF:BLOOD MEAL MIX WITH OR WITHOUT ENZYME IN BROILER DIETS

Two hundred and sixteen unsexed day-old Cobb broilers of a commercial strain were used to study the effect of replacement of soybean meal (SBM) by cassava leaf:blood meal mix (CLM:BM) with or without enzyme supplementation on broiler growth and performance. The birds were divided into 6 groups of 36 birds each after balancing for live weight. Each group was further sub-divided into 6 replicates of 6 birds each. CLM:BM replaced SBM at 0, 25 and 50 % on weight for weight basis. The resulting three dietary combinations were supplemented with a commercial enzyme (Maxigrain®) at the rates of 0 and 100 ppm thus resulting in 6 dietary treatments. The six groups of 36 birds were randomly allotted to the six experimental diets. Feed and water were provided free choice during the 56 days experimental period during which data were collected on performance, nutrient retention, feed transit time and carcass characteristics of birds. Replacement of SBM with CLM:BM mix had no effect (p>0.05) on weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), feed: gain ratio (F:G), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and crude fibre retention (CF), dressing percentage, breast cut, drumstick, thigh liver and kidney weights but significantly (p 0.05) nutrient retention, dressing and abdominal fat percentage but had no effect on FI. No mortality was recorded in the course of this study. Enzyme supplementation significantly (p<0.05) reduced gizzard and caecum weights. It was concluded that in broiler feeding CLM:BM mix can effectively replace 50 % SBM without adverse effect on the birds. Supplemen-tation of diets with enzyme led to further impro-vement in performance of broilers.
New tools for carbohydrate sulfation analysis: heparan sulfate 2-O-sulfotransferase (HS2ST) is a target for small-molecule protein kinase inhibitors

Sulfation of carbohydrate residues occurs on a variety of glycans destined for secretion, and this modification is essential for efficient matrix-based signal transduction. Heparan sulfate (HS) glycosaminoglycans control physiological functions ranging from blood coagulation to cell proliferation. HS biosynthesis involves membrane-bound Golgi sulfotransferases, including HS 2-O-sulfotransferase (HS2ST), which transfers sulfate from the cofactor PAPS (3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate) to the 2-O position of α-l-iduronate in the maturing polysaccharide chain. The current lack of simple non-radioactive enzyme assays that can be used to quantify the levels of carbohydrate sulfation hampers kinetic analysis of this process and the discovery of HS2ST inhibitors. In the present paper, we describe a new procedure for thermal shift analysis of purified HS2ST. Using this approach, we quantify HS2ST-catalysed oligosaccharide sulfation using a novel synthetic fluorescent substrate and screen the Published Kinase Inhibitor Set, to evaluate compounds that inhibit catalysis. We report the susceptibility of HS2ST to a variety of cell-permeable compounds in vitro, including polyanionic polar molecules, the protein kinase inhibitor rottlerin and oxindole-based RAF kinase inhibitors. In a related study, published back-to-back with the present study, we demonstrated that tyrosyl protein sulfotranferases are also inhibited by a variety of protein kinase inhibitors. We propose that appropriately validated small-molecule compounds could become new tools for rapid inhibition of glycan (and protein) sulfation in cells, and that protein kinase inhibitors might be repurposed or redesigned for the specific inhibition of HS2ST.
Solid-State Highly Efficient DR Mono and Poly-dicyano-phenylenevinylene Fluorophores

An efficient deep red (DR)-emitting organic solid based on a dicyano-phenylenevinylene derivative was reported. The structural and spectroscopic properties of the solid have been described in terms of crystallographic data and time-dependent DFT analysis. A noteworthy fluorescence quantum yield of 53% was observed for the brightest emitter cast into solid films. This result can be explained in terms of the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect.
Relationship between sensory analysis for texture and instrument measurements in model strawberry jam.

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between instrument measurements and sensory attributes of strawberry jam. For this purpose, a series of low sugar strawberry jams were prepared by using different contents of pectin from different sources, which were evaluated by sensory analysis for sensory attributes and by instrument measurements for specific physical properties. Model strawberry jams showed an elastic behavior that increased with higher low-methoxyl (LM) pectin content. These results showed that the apparent viscosity from viscosity measurements was highly correlated with each sensory attribute. As jam is a non-Newtonian fluid, the apparent viscosity was dependent on the shear rate. Moreover, the secondary objective of this study was to discern the physical properties affecting human texture perception based on these relationships. Hence, the instrumental texture perception based on the oral cavity condition was able to predict human texture perception based on the shear rate, which was obtained from the apparent viscosity. These results indicated that human texture perception is judged by apparent viscosity as determined by controlling tongue movement and oral cavity condition (e.g., temperature, saliva, and shear rate). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS We could demonstrate the importance of texture measurement using replicated oral processing for each sensory attribute. Specifically, viscosity measurement results indicated that shear rate is a very important factor for texture perception. Moreover, our findings clarified that human texture perception is modified by apparent viscosity corresponding to shear rate. We anticipate that this technology might be applied as a measure of apparent viscosity to control texture for jam quality improvement.
An arithmetic complexity lower bound for computing rational functions , with applications to structured and sparse linear algebra

In 1965 Klyuev and Kokovkin-Shcherbak proved that n 3 3 + O(n ) multiplications are necessary to solve an n-by-n system of linear equations. In 1969 Strassen proved O(n2 ) multiplications are sufficient. They could both be right because they considered different models of permitted algorithms. Here we propose yet another algorithmic model, closer in spirit to Klyuev and Kokovkin-Shcherbak, but sufficiently more general to be able to provide lower bounds on the number of arithmetic operations required to perform dense, sparse or “structured” one-sided matrix factorizations: The simplest (and overly restrictive) version of our assumption is that each scalar result is computed using only the data on which it depends mathematically. We compare these lower bounds with a variety of algorithms and matrix sparsity patterns and algebraic structures (such as Vandermonde). Depending on the sparsity patterns and structures, conventional algorithms may or may not attain the lower bounds. In some cases when they do not, we present new algorithms that do, for example for the QR decomposition of a sparse matrix.
Improving secret key generation for wireless communications in FDD mode

Most recent research on channel‐based key generation oriented to time division duplex system because the channel reciprocity feature is applied directly for secret key generation. Most of commercial cellular systems depend on frequency division duplex (FDD) systems. In this paper, we investigate the impact of uplink and downlink of FDD systems for the generation of shared secret keys between two parties in the presents of passive eavesdropper. In addition, we are considering improving the rate of the secret key for wireless communication in FDD mode. The main idea is to use the fading coefficient of the channels between the relay and other parties as an additional random common source for the secret key generation. Also, explore the using of channel estimation techniques to reduce the channel training sequence and study its effect on the generation of shared key for wireless communications in FDD mode. We derive the upper bound of the generated shared key rate for four scenarios and give numerical examples to reveal the performance of our suggested improvement approaches.
The use of intraoperative epidural or spinal analgesia modulates postoperative hyperalgesia and reduces residual pain after major abdominal surgery P. L AVAND'HOMME and M. DE KOCK

Introduction : The use of intraoperative mul- timodal analgesia has clearly improved postoperative pain control, mortality and morbidity after major surgical procedures. However, very few clinical trials have stud- ied the longterm impact of intraoperative epidural or spinal analgesia on chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) development. Even less studies have evaluated the mod- ulatory effect of intraoperative neuraxial analgesia on objective changes (i.e. mechanical hyperalgesia) reflect- ing central sensitization. Methods : The present work compares general anesthesia alone (GA group) versus general anesthesia combined to either intraoperative epidural analgesia (EPID group : combination of bupicavaine, sufentanil and clonidine 1µg/kg) or spinal analgesia (IT group : either bupiva- caine or clonidine 300 µg) on the development of sec- ondary mechanical hyperalgesia and the incidence of CPSP after major abdominal surgery. Data analyzed in the present work involve adult patients undergoing surgi- cal resection of rectal adenocarcinoma who participated in three previously published randomized trials. Results : Intraoperative epidural and particularly spinal analgesia reduced both incidence (p < 0.05 between GA alone and spinal analgesia) and extent (area) of second- ary mechanical hyperalgesia surrounding the wound at 48h and 72 h after surgery. The use of intraoperative epidural and spinal analgesia also reduced CPSP inci- dence. Postoperative area of mechanical hyperalgesia seems positively correlated with the incidence CPSP. Conclusion : An effective intraoperative neuraxial block of nociceptive inputs from the wound using multimodal analgesia - specifically when involving spinal analgesics and antihyperalgesic drugs - contributes to prevent cen- tral sensitization and hence reduces CPSP after major abdominal procedures.
Another 'futile quest'? A simulation study of Yang and Land's Hierarchical Age-Period-Cohort model

Background: Whilst some argue that a solution to the age-period-cohort (APC) 'identification problem' is impossible, numerous methodological solutions have been proposed, including Yang and Land's Hierarchical-APC (HAPC) model: a multilevel model considering periods and cohorts as cross-classified contexts in which individuals exist. Objective: To assess the assumptions made by the HAPC model, and the situations in which it does and does not work. Methods: Simulation study. Simulation scenarios assess the effect of (a) cohort trends in the Data Generating Process (DGP) (compared to only random variation), and (b) grouping cohorts (in both DGP and fitted model). Results: The model only works if either (a) we can assume that there are no linear (or non-linear) trends in periods or cohorts, (b) we control any cohort trend in the model's fixed part and assume there is no period trend, or (c) we group cohorts in such a way that they exactly match the groupings in the (unknown) DGP. Otherwise, the model can arbitrarily reapportion APC effects, radically impacting interpretation. Conclusions: Since the purpose of APC analysis is often to ascertain the presence of period and/or cohort trends, and since we rarely have solid (if any) theory regarding cohort groupings, there are few circumstances in which this model achieves what Yang and Land claim it can. The results bring into question findings of several published studies using the HAPC model. However, the structure of the model remains a conceptual advance that is useful when we can assume the DGP has no period trends.
Proanthocyanidins Protect Epithelial Cells from Zearalenone-Induced Apoptosis via Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Apoptosis Pathways in Mouse Small Intestines

This study evaluated the protective effect of proanthocyanidins (PCs) on reducing apoptosis in the mouse intestinal epithelial cell model MODE-K exposed to zearalenone (ZEA) through inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-induced apoptosis pathway. Our results showed that PCs could reduce the rate of apoptosis in MODE-K cells exposed to ZEA (p < 0.01). PCs significantly increased the ZEA-induced antioxidant protective effects on the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and on the content of GSH. PCs also significantly decreased the ZEA-induced increase in the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). The analysis indicated that ZEA increased both mRNA and protein expression levels of C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), GRP78, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 12 (caspase-12) (p < 0.05), which are related to the ERS-induced apoptosis pathway. ZEA decreased levels of the pro-apoptotic related protein Bcl-2 (p < 0.05) and increased the anti-apoptotic related protein Bax (p < 0.05). Co-treatment with PCs was also shown to significantly reverse the expression levels of these proteins in MODE-K cells. The results demonstrated that PCs could protect MODE-K cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by ZEA. The underlying mechanism may be that PCs can alleviate apoptosis in mouse intestinal epithelial cells by inhibition of the ERS-induced apoptosis pathway.
Intuitionistic topological spaces

First of all, we list some concepts and results introduced by [10, 15]. Second, we give some examples related to intuitionistic topologies and intuitionistic bases, and obtain two properties of an intuitionistic base and an intuitionistic subbase. And we define intuitionistic intervals in R. Finally, we define some types of intuitionistic closures and interiors, and obtain their some properties. 2010 AMS Classification: 54A10
Axial alignment for high-precision interferometric measurements of steeply-curved spheres

Incorrect positioning of a steeply-curved sphere along the optical axis of a laser Fizeau interferometer introduces a measurement error that is proportional to the cosine of the inclination angle of the ray trace within the cavity, and directly proportional to the misalignment. The standard metrology solution is to subtract a fitted parabola from the 3D image, which corrects for most of the error, but neglects higher terms. As a consequence, measurements of steeply curved parts may have residual errors resembling spherical aberration. Here we calculate the magnitude of the error and present it in a graphical format that allows for straightforward quantification of the residual error as a function of the measured quadratic or power term in the measured 3D surface form. While our recommendation is to employ automated alignment for best results, we also consider options for higher-order software corrections for geometric misalignments.
Coupling of organic and inorganic aerosol systems and the effect on gas–particle partitioning in the southeastern US

Several models were used to describe the partitioning of ammonia, water, and organic compounds between the gas and particle phases for conditions in the southeastern US during summer 2013. Existing equilibrium models and frameworks were found to be sufficient, although additional improvements in terms of estimating pure-species vapor pressures are needed. Thermodynamic model predictions were consistent, to first order, with a molar ratio of ammonium to sulfate of approximately 1.6 to 1.8 (ratio of ammonium to 2× sulfate, RN/2S ≈ 0.8 to 0.9) with approximately 70% of total ammonia and ammonium (NHx) in the particle. Southeastern Aerosol Research and Characterization Network (SEARCH) gas and aerosol and Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS) Monitor for AeRosols and Gases in Ambient air (MARGA) aerosol measurements were consistent with these conditions. CMAQv5.2 regional chemical transport model predictions did not reflect these conditions due to a factor of 3 overestimate of the nonvolatile cations. In addition, gas-phase ammonia was overestimated in the CMAQ model leading to an even lower fraction of total ammonia in the particle. Chemical Speciation Network (CSN) and aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) measurements indicated less ammonium per sulfate than SEARCH and MARGA measurements and were inconsistent with thermodynamic model predictions. Organic compounds were predicted to be present to some extent in the same phase as inorganic constituents, modifying their activity and resulting in a decrease in [H+]air (H+ in μgm−3 air), increase in ammonia partitioning to the gas phase, and increase in pH compared to complete organic vs. inorganic liquid–liquid phase separation. In addition, accounting for nonideal mixing modified the pH such that a fully interactive inorganic–organic system had a pH roughly 0.7 units higher than predicted using traditional methods (pH = 1.5 vs. 0.7). Particle-phase interactions of organic and inorganic compounds were found to increase partitioning towards the particle phase (vs. gas phase) for highly oxygenated (O : C≥0.6) compounds including several isoprene-derived tracers as well as levoglu-cosan but decrease particle-phase partitioning for low O: C, monoterpene-derived species.
Temporal dissociation between muscle and pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics : influences of perfusion dynamics and arteriovenous oxygen concentration differences in muscles and lungs

Purpose The aim of the study was to test whether or not the arteriovenous oxygen concentration difference (avDO2) kinetics at the pulmonary (avDO2pulm) and muscle (avDO2musc) levels is significantly different during dynamic exercise. Methods A re-analysis involving six publications dealing with kinetic analysis was utilized with an overall sample size of 69 participants. All studies comprised an identical pseudorandom binary sequence work rate (WR) protocol—WR changes between 30 and 80 W—to analyze the kinetic responses of pulmonary ( V̇O2pulm ) and muscle ( V̇O2musc ) oxygen uptake kinetics as well as those of avDO2pulm and avDO2musc. Results A significant difference between V̇O2musc (0.395 ± 0.079) and V̇O2pulm kinetics (0.330 ± 0.078) was observed (p < 0.001), where the variables showed a significant relationship (rSP = 0.744, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between avDO2musc (0.446 ± 0.077) and avDO2pulm kinetics (0.451 ± 0.075), which are highly correlated (r = 0.929, p < 0.001). Conclusion It is suggested that neither avDO2pulm nor avDO2musc kinetic responses seem to be responsible for the differences between estimated V̇O2musc and measured V̇O2pulm kinetics. Obviously, the conflation of avDO2 and perfusion ( Q̇ ) at different points in time and at different physiological levels drive potential differences in V̇O2pulm and V̇O2musc kinetics. Therefore, Q̇ should, in general, be considered whenever oxygen uptake kinetics are analyzed or discussed.
The Neuroregenerative Capacity of Olfactory Stem Cells Is Not Limitless: Implications for Aging

The olfactory epithelium (OE) of vertebrates is a highly regenerative neuroepithelium that is maintained under normal conditions by a population of stem and progenitor cells, globose basal cells (GBCs), which also contribute to epithelial reconstitution after injury. However, aging of the OE often leads to neurogenic exhaustion, the disappearance of both GBCs and olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). Aneuronal tissue may remain as olfactory, with an uninterrupted sheet of apically arrayed microvillar-capped sustentacular cell, or may undergo respiratory metaplasia. We have generated a transgenic mouse model for neurogenic exhaustion using olfactory marker protein-driven Tet-off regulation of the A subunit of Diphtheria toxin such that the death of mature OSNs is accelerated. At as early as 2 months of age, the epithelium of transgenic mice, regardless of sex, recapitulates what is seen in the aged OE of humans and rodents. Areas of the epithelium completely lack neurons and GBCs; whereas the horizontal basal cells, a reserve stem cell population, show no evidence of activation. Surprisingly, other areas that were olfactory undergo respiratory metaplasia. The impact of accelerated neuronal death and reduced innervation on the olfactory bulb (OB) was also examined. Constant neuronal turnover leaves glomeruli shrunken and affects the dopaminergic interneurons in the periglomerular layer. Moreover, the acceleration of OSN death can be reversed in those areas where some GBCs persist. However, the projection onto the OB recovers incompletely and the reinnervated glomeruli are markedly altered. Therefore, the capacity for OE regeneration is tempered when GBCs disappear. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT A large percentage of humans lose or suffer a significant decline in olfactory function as they age. Therefore, quality of life suffers and safety and nutritional status are put at risk. With age, the OE apparently becomes incapable of fully maintaining the neuronal population of the epithelium despite its well known capacity for recovering from most forms of injury when younger. Efforts to identify the mechanism by which olfactory neurogenesis becomes exhausted with age require a powerful model for accelerating age-related tissue pathology. The current OMP-tTA;TetO-DTA transgenic mouse model, in which olfactory neurons die when they reach maturity and accelerated death can be aborted to assess the capacity for structural recovery, satisfies that need.