Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patient-derived bladder cancer xenografts in the preclinical development of novel targeted therapies

Optimal animal models of muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) are necessary to overcome the current lack of novel targeted therapies for this malignancy. Here we report on the establishment and characterization of patient-derived primary xenografts (PDX). Patient tumors were grafted under the renal capsule of mice and subsequently transplanted over multiple generations. Patient tumor and PDX were processed for analysis of copy number variations by aCGH, gene expression by microarray, and expression of target pathways by immunohistochemistry (IHC). One PDX harbouring an FGFR3 mutation was treated with an inhibitory monoclonal antibody targeting FGFR3. Five PDX were successfully established. Tumor doubling time ranged from 5 to 11 days. Array CGH revealed shared chromosomal aberrations in the patient tumors and PDX. Gene expression microarray and IHC confirmed that PDXs maintain similar patterns to the parental tumors. Tumor growth in the PDX with an FGFR3 mutation was inhibited by the FGFR3 inhibitor. PDXs recapitulate the tumor biology of the patients' primary tumors from which they are derived. Investigations related to tumor biology and drug testing in these models are therefore more likely to be relevant to the disease state in patients. They represent a valuable tool for developing precision therapy in MIBC.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometrial Cancer

An association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometrial carcinoma was first suggested in 1949. Since then, several studies have been published that appear to support this association, and it is common practice among gynecologists and physicians to prescribe hormonal treatment to reduce this perceived risk, although there is no consensus as to the subgroup of PCOS in whom this is required. The mechanism(s) underlying any association are also unclear, but it is again widely assumed that chronic anovulation, which results in continuous estrogen stimulation of the endometrium unopposed by progesterone, is a major factor. However, obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperandrogenism, which are also features of PCOS, are risk factors for endometrial carcinoma, but it does not necessarily follow that the incidence or mortality from endometrial cancer is increased in women with the syndrome. Potential strategies to prevent endometrial cancer in PCOS women are discussed.
Advanced visual interfaces: the focus is on the user

The current trend in the production of information appliances is the human-centred, customer-centred approach, where technology serves human needs invisibly, unobtrusively. The emphasis shifts from the application programs to the users, their tasks and their workplaces, making computation often move off the desktop to become embedded in the world around us. In this scenario the role of the visual interface becomes crucial since, as far as the customer is concerned, the interface is the product. In this paper we briefly survey the most recent results in the field of advanced visual interfaces, with focus on users' needs and ways to serve them.
Modeling of DNA microarray data by using physical properties of hybridization

A method of analyzing DNA microarray data based on the physical modeling of hybridization is presented. We demonstrate, in experimental data, a correlation between observed hybridization intensity and calculated free energy of hybridization. Then, combining hybridization rate equations, calculated free energies of hybridization, and microarray data for known target concentrations, we construct an algorithm to compute transcript concentration levels from microarray data. We also develop a method for eliminating outlying data points identified by our algorithm. We test the efficacy of these methods by comparing our results with an existing statistical algorithm, as well as by performing a cross-validation test on our model.
Vulvar cancer--(r)evolution in management.

A Ilancheran, MBBS, MMed, FRCOG, MD, FAMS Associate Professor & Senior Consultant Tel: (65) 772 4261 Fax: (65) 779 4753 Email: obgia@nus.edu. sg Vulvar cancer is rare in Singapore. This issue has the first reported series of vulvar cancer in Singapore. It is timely to remind ourselves of the (r)evolution that has occurred in the treatment of this disease(1). There is no other gynaecological cancer that has undergone so much change in management as vulvar cancer. The change mirrors what happened in the surgical management of breast cancer. Following the Halsteadian principle and the pioneering work of Taussig(2) and Way(3) in the 40s and 50s, en bloc radical vulvectomy and bilateral dissection of the groin and pelvic nodes became the standard treatment for operable vulvar cancer. The disfigurement produced by the surgery and its long-term morbidity were disregarded in the face of a remarkable improvement in the cure rates that were attained. However, over the last three decades, several factors have led to the modifications to the “standard” approach. These may be summarised as follows: 1. A better understanding of the lymphatic pathways from the vulva to the groins and the pelvis(4). It was clearly demonstrated that in the vast majority of patients, the lymph flowed in a systematic manner from the vulva to the superficial groin nodes, then to the deep groin nodes and then to the pelvic nodes. Tumour metastases followed this route and skipping of the nodes was very rare. It was also shown that the lymphatics from either half of the vulva communicated mainly in the midline. Other studies showed that the disease usually spread by embolism from the primary lesion to the draining lymph nodes with little or no opportunity for metastatic sites to develop along the pathway (the intervening “skin bridge”)(5). 2. The finding that local radical excision with a good margin was as equally effective as radical vulvectomy in terms of local recurrence rates(6). With increasing number of younger women developing vulvar cancer, this was a very important factor in preventing the severe psychosexual consequences associated with radical vulvectomy which involved the removal of the clitoris. 3. Chemoradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva was very effective(7). Initially studied in head and neck cancers, chemoradiation was so successful in reducing the size of tumours, that a less radical and disfiguring dissection could be performed. When applied to the vulva, tumours which previously required very radical procedures like posterior exenteration because of involvement of the anal canal by the vulvar tumor, could now be treated much less radically often requiring only a vulvectomy after chemoradiation. Cover Picture: Sagittal T1-weighted (TR/TE 540/12) MR image shows complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament with a haemorrhagic mass (arrows). (Refer to page 332-336) Permit No MITA (P) 265/09/00 ISSN 0037 5675
Elevated serum C-reactive protein associates with deterioration of renal function in transplant recipients.

AIM Since t he elevated concentration of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive indicator of underlying inflammation, we investigated the association between serum CRP during the initial 6 post-transplantation months and histopathological changes in the 6-month protocol biopsies in 79 patients. We stained the biopsies for CRP and C3 to elucidate a possible role of CRP in renal injuries. RESULTS Forty patients showed no or minimal (Grade 0-1) tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis and 39 patients mild to moderate (Grade > or = 2) chronic histopathological changes. The latter group had had higher concentration of CRP during the first 6 post-transplant months. Because the histopathological changes predict poor long-term prognosis, we followed--from 6th month onwards--40 patients who had no or minimal histopathologic changes, and analyzed the association between CRP elevation and development of chronic allograft dysfunction. During this follow-up period (mean 51, range 14-72 months), 23 of 40 patients retained normal CRP level (Group A, mean CRP 1.12 mg/l), and 17 patients had elevated CRP concentrations (Group B, mean CRP 4.16 mg/l); 24-hour creatinine clearance improved or remained the same in all Group A patients, whereas it decreased in 7 of 17 (41%) of Group B patients (p < 0.001). In Group B patients, the annual change of creatinine clearance correlated inversely with the mean CRP concentration (r = -0.682, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Our results show that histological changes in 6-month biopsies were more prominent in patients with more transplantation-associated complications, infections and frequently higher CRP levels during the initial 6 post-transplant months than in those with lower CRP levels. During post-biopsy follow-up, we found low-grade systemic inflammation--measured as elevated CRP--to associate with impairment of graft function in patients with no or minimal histological findings in 6-month biopsies, and permanently low CRP to rule out chronic allograft dysfunction.
Age-Related Effects on Atherogenesis and Scavenger Enzymes of Intracranial and Extracranial Arteries in Men Without Classic Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis

Background and Purpose— Atherosclerosis occurs later and is less extensive in intracranial arteries than in extracranial arteries. However, the mechanisms responsible are poorly understood. A previous study has suggested a better antioxidant protection of intracranial arteries. Methods— To assess the influence of age on arterial activity of antioxidant enzymes and atherogenesis, we compared intracranial and extracranial arteries of humans of different ages who retrospectively lacked confounding classic risk factors (48 premature fetuses aged 6.4±0.8 months [mean±SD], 58 children aged 7.9±3.8 years, 42 adults aged 42.5±5.1 years, and 40 elderly subjects aged 71.8±3.4 years; all males). Lesions were quantified by computer-assisted imaging analysis of sections of the middle cerebral and basilar arteries, the left anterior descending coronary artery, the common carotid artery, and the abdominal aorta. Macrophages, apolipoprotein B, oxidized LDL, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in lesions were determined by immunocytochemistry. The effect of aging on atherogenesis was then compared with that on the activity of 4 antioxidant enzymes in the arterial wall. Results— Atherosclerosis was 6- to 19-fold greater (P <0.01) in extracranial arteries than in intracranial arteries, and it increased linearly with age. Intracranial arteries showed significantly greater antioxidant enzyme activities than did extracranial arteries. However, the antioxidant protection of intracranial arteries decreased significantly in older age, coinciding with a marked acceleration of atherogenesis. An increase in matrix metalloproteinase-9 protein expression and in gelatinolytic activity consistent with the degree of intracranial atherosclerosis was also observed. Conclusions— These results suggest that a greater activity of antioxidant enzymes in intracranial arteries may contribute to their greater resistance to atherogenesis and that with increasing age intracranial arteries respond with accelerated atherogenesis when their antioxidant protection decreases relatively more than that of extracranial arteries.
A task-independent workload classifier for neuroadaptive technology: Preliminary data

Passive brain-computer interfacing allows computer systems direct access to aspects of their user's cognition. In essence, a computer system can gain information about its user without this user needing to explicitly communicate it. Based on this information, human-computer interaction can be made more symmetrical, solving an age-old but still fundamental problem of present-day interaction techniques. For practical real-world application of this technology, it is important that cognitive states can be identified accurately and efficiently. Here we present preliminary data demonstrating it is possible to calibrate a task-independent classifier to identify when a user is under heavy workload across different activities. We used different types of mental arithmetic and even a semantic task. Task-independent classification is an important step towards real-world practical application of this technology.
Arabidopsis fhl/fhy1 double mutant reveals a distinct cytoplasmic action of phytochrome A

Phytochrome A (phyA) plays an important role during germination and early seedling development. Because phyA is the primary photoreceptor for the high-irradiance response and the very-low-fluence response, it can trigger development not only in red and far-red (FR) light but also in a wider range of light qualities. Although phyA action is generally associated with translocation to the nucleus and regulation of transcription, there is evidence for additional cytoplasmic functions. Because nuclear accumulation of phyA has been shown to depend on far-red-elongated hypocotyl 1 (FHY1) and FHL (FHY1-like), investigation of phyA function in a double fhl/fhy1 mutant might be valuable in revealing the mechanism of phyA translocation and possible cytoplasmic functions. In fhl/fhy1, the FR-triggered nuclear translocation of phyA could no longer be detected but could be restored by transgenic expression of CFP:FHY1. Whereas the fhl/fhy1 mutant showed a phyA phenotype in respect to hypocotyl elongation and cotyledon opening under high-irradiance response conditions as well as a typical phyA germination phenotype under very-low-fluence response conditions, fhl/fhy1 showed no phenotype with respect to the phyA-dependent abrogation of negative gravitropism in blue light and in red-enhanced phototropism, demonstrating clear cytoplasmic functions of phyA. Disturbance of phyA nuclear import in fhl/fhy1 led to formation of FR-induced phyA:GFP cytoplasmic foci resembling the sequestered areas of phytochrome. FHY1 and FHL play crucial roles in phyA nuclear translocation and signaling. Thus the double-mutant fhl/fhy1 allows nuclear and cytoplasmic phyA functions to be separated, leading to the novel identification of cytoplasmic phyA responses.
Secondary Structure Models of Nucleic Acid Folding Kinetics

This thesis examines nucleic acid folding processes using secondary structure models, which have the advantage that they may simulate behavior at long timescales. First, it verifies that Kinetic Monte Carlo can reproduce known behavior of biological riboswitches. Motivated by the results of that study, a new and general method for determining the effective barrier between local free energy minima is introduced. Finally, a general rate model is developed that greatly improves simulated agreement with measured dynamic properties by considering the energy of intermediates outside the state space of secondary structure.
A noise reduction technique for wideband LNAs in low-power digital TV applications

A low power ultra wideband very low noise amplifier is presented. The proposed LNA scheme uses two parallel nMOS and pMOS cascode common gate (CG) branches, an active positive feedback and input matching extender. Compared to the CG structure, the proposed LNA results in improved noise figure and input matching over a wide bandwidth with the same power consumption. Circuit level analysis and simulation results are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed LNA scheme. Simulated in a 0. 18μm RF CMOS technology, the proposed LNA achieves a noise figure of 2.2 to 2.5 dB and input return loss (S11) less than -10 dB over whole bandwidth while consumes only 2.7 mW power from a 1.8 V power supply. The -3 dB power gain (S21) is 19.7 dB and maximum values of IIP3 and IIP2 are -6 dBm and 15 dBm, respectively.
Photovoltaic Performance of Silicon Solar Cells Enhanced by Plasmonic Silver Nanoparticles of Various Dimensions Depositing Through Anodic Aluminum Oxide Template

The plasmonic scattering performances of periodic silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) deposited on silicon solar cells using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) mask and e-beam evaporation are demonstrated. The dimension and profile of Ag-NPs are controlled by the pore diameter and configuration of AAO template. Optical reflectance, absorption, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and photovoltaic current-voltage measurements are used to reveal the contribution of plasmonic scattering induced by Ag-NPs of various dimensions. Larger dimension of Ag-NPs exhibited a high efficiency enhancement (from 10.85% to 12.50%) than that of smaller one (10.85% to 12.07%) because the improving in optical reflectance and EQE due to plasmonic scattering of NPs are appeared much high for the cell with large Ag-NPs beyond 650 nm wavelength.
A Tool for Discourse Analysis and Visualization

In this paper we present a system that combines the cognitive and socio-cultural paradigms existent in the field of discourse analysis in order to analyze both narrations and conversations. The novelty of our approach is that existing applications are oriented on analyzing only one of these two types, an adaptation being necessary for the analysis of the other type.
Intraosseous synovial sarcoma of the body of the scapula

Background: Intraosseous Synovial Sarcoma is extremely rare. To the author’s knowledge this is the first description of an intraosseous synovial sarcoma of the scapula. Case description: Here, a case of a giant Synovial Sarcoma of the body of the scapula is reported. Diagnosis was based on histologic (haematoxylin and eosin) pattern and immunohistochemical analysis and confirmed by cytogenetics. The patient underwent a Malawer type IV resection. Four years after index surgery the disease recurred and another resection was performed followed by radiotherapy. Seven years after initial presentation this patient is disease-free. Literature review: To date, only 10 cases of intraosseous synovial sarcoma have been reported, being located to the mandible, elbow, proximal femur, tibia and sacrum. In all cases, wide surgical resection was advocated but, despite optimal treatment, prognosis remained poor. Clinical relevance: In this study a novel localization for intraosseous synovial sarcoma is described and its treatment with wide surgical resection (Tikhoff- Linberg procedure - total extra-articular scapulectomy) is presented. Prompt surgical and adjuvant treatment led a favorable prognosis.
More on Proofs of Knowledge

The notion of proofs of knowledge is central to cryptographic protocols, and many deenitions for it have been proposed. In this work we explore a diierent facet of this notion, not addressed by prior deenitions. Speciically, prior deenitions concentrate on capturing the properties of the veriier, and do not pay much attention to the properties of the prover. Our new deenition is strictly stronger than previous ones, and captures new and desirable properties. In particular, it guarantees prover feasibility, that is, it guarantees that the time spent by the prover in a proof of knowledge is comparable to that it spends in an \extraction" of this knowledge. Our deenition also enables one to consider meaningfully the case of a single, speciic prover.
Integral backstepping sliding mode control of a magnetic ball suspension system

This paper solves the uncertainty of nonlinear system using the backstepping control with sliding function in magnetic ball suspension system. The classical backstepping control is a systematic, methodical recursive nonlinear feedback control method which is fit to design in high order complicated system. A backstepping control and a sliding function are added in design process. The magnetic ball suspension system is employed to validate the proposed controller. The experimental results show that the integral backstepping sliding mode controller is successful solving both the uncertainty of nonlinear system and the steady error of classical backstepping control method.
Traffic-Related Air Pollution Exposure in the First Year of Life and Behavioral Scores at 7 Years of Age

Background: There is increasing concern about the potential effects of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) on the developing brain. The impact of TRAP exposure on childhood behavior is not fully understood because of limited epidemiologic studies. Objective: We explored the association between early-life exposure to TRAP using a surrogate, elemental carbon attributed to traffic (ECAT), and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms at 7 years of age. Methods: From the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study (CCAAPS) birth cohort we collected data on exposure to ECAT during infancy and behavioral scores at 7 years of age. Children enrolled in CCAAPS had at least one atopic parent and a birth residence either < 400 m or > 1,500 m from a major highway. Children were followed from infancy through 7 years of age. ECAT exposure during the first year of life was estimated based on measurements from 27 air sampling sites and land use regression modeling. Parents completed the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, 2nd Edition, when the child was 7 years of age. ADHD-related symptoms were assessed using the Hyperactivity, Attention Problems, Aggression, Conduct Problems, and Atypicality subscales. Results: Exposure to the highest tertile of ECAT during the child’s first year of life was significantly associated with Hyperactivity T-scores in the “at risk” range at 7 years of age, after adjustment [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.7]. Stratification by maternal education revealed a stronger association in children whose mothers had higher education (aOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.1). Conclusions: ECAT exposure during infancy was associated with higher Hyperactivity scores in children; this association was limited to children whose mothers had more than a high school education.
Counting Lattice Paths via a New Cycle Lemma

Let $\alpha,\beta,m,n$ be positive integers. Fix a line $L:y=\alpha x+\beta$ and a lattice point $Q=(m,n)$ on L. It is well known that the number of lattice paths from the origin to Q which touch L only at Q is given by $\frac{\beta}{m+n}\binom{m+n}m. $ We extend the above formula in various ways; in particular, we consider the case when $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are arbitrary positive reals. The key ingredient of our proof is a new variant of the cycle lemma originated by Dvoretzky and Motzkin [Duke Math. J., 14 (1947), pp. 305–313] and Raney [Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. , 94 (1960), pp. 441–451]. We also include a counting formula for lattice paths lying under a cyclically shifting boundary, which generalizes a resultdue to Irving and Rattan in [J. Combin. Theory Ser. A, 116 (2009), pp. 499–514], and a counting formula for lattice paths having a given number of peaks, which contains the Narayana number as a special case.
Metallic materials for medical use

This article provides a brief overview of the metallic materials used as implants in orthopedics, the alloying system and a complex of the physical-mechanical properties for metallic materials certified for medical use, as well as the advantages and drawbacks of using metallic materials as implants. Approaches to improve the quality of an implant made of metallic materials are noted.
Using machine translation in computer-aided translation to suggest the target-side words to change

Work supported by Spanish government through TIN2009-14009-C02-01 project. M.L. Forcada’s sabbatical stay at Dublin City University was supported by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) through ETS Walton Award 07/W.1/I1802 and by Universitat d’Alacant (Spain).