Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Lesion-Based Response Prediction Model Using Pretherapy PET/CT Image Features for Y90 Radioembolization to Hepatic Malignancies

We present a probabilistic approach to identify patients with primary and secondary hepatic malignancies as responders or nonresponders to yttrium-90 radioembolization therapy. Recent advances in computer-aided detection have decreased false-negative and false-positive rates of perceived abnormalities; however, there is limited research in using similar concepts to predict treatment response. Our approach is driven by the goal of precision medicine to determine pretherapy fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography imaging parameters to facilitate the identification of patients who would benefit most from yttrium-90 radioembolization therapy, while avoiding complex and costly procedures for those who would not. Our algorithm seeks to predict a patient’s response by discovering common co-occurring image patterns in the lesions of baseline fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans by extracting invariant shape and texture features. The extracted imaging features were represented as a distribution of each subject based on the bag-of-feature paradigm. The distribution was applied in a multinomial naive Bayes classifier to predict whether a patient would be a responder or nonresponder to yttrium-90 radioembolization therapy based on the imaging features of a pretherapy fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography scan. Comprehensive published criteria were used to determine lesion-based clinical treatment response based on fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography imaging findings. Our results show that the model is able to predict a patient with liver cancer as a responder or nonresponder to yttrium-90 radioembolization therapy with a sensitivity of 0.791 using extracted invariant imaging features from the pretherapy fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography test. The sensitivity increased to 0.821 when combining extracted invariant image features with variable features of tumor volume.
Cochlear implant: the family’s perspective

Objective: To understand the family’s experience of a child who uses a cochlear implant (CI). Specifically, to identify the difficulties, changes, and feelings entailed by deafness and the use of the CI; the coping strategies; and to understand the role of the family for the child with a CI. Method: Qualitative research, using Symbolic Interactionism and Straussian Grounded Theory as the theoretical and methodological frameworks, respectively. Data collection instrument: semi-structured interview. A total of 9 families (32 individuals) participated in the study. The children’s ages ranged from 6 to 11 years old (mean = 8.9 years old). Results: Their experience is described in the following categories: Having to fight for results, Coping with difficult situations, Recognizing that you are not alone, Learning to overcome, and Having one’s life restored by the implant. Conclusion: Cochlear implantation changes the direction of the child and the family’s life by restoring the child’s opportunity to hear and to obtain good results in her personal, social, and academic development. Even after implantation, the child continues to experience difficulties and requires the family’s mobilization in order to be successful. The family is the principal actor in the process of the child’s rehabilitation.
[Consequences of oocyte dysmorphy on the fertilization rate and embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. A prospective multicenter study].

OBJECTIVES This prospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of oocyte dysmorphy on the fertilization rate and embryonic development rate in an ICSI programme. PATIENTS AND METHODS Three hundred and two couples have been included during 302 ICSI cycles, and 1970 oocytes have been studied in 4 ART centres. After decoronisation, 18 morphological criteria, including the size and shape of the oocyte, the thickness of the zona pellucida, the presence or not of debris in the perivitelline space, as well as the appearance of the cytoplasm and polar body have been noted. RESULTS In total 61.3% of the oocytes presented a dysmorphy, involving, almost equally, the different oocyte compartments. Among the dysmorphic oocytes, half presented more than one anomaly. On average, 9.2% of the oocytes were lysed the day after the micro-injection. The oocytes presenting an enlarged perivitelline space, or multiple vacuoles had a significantly raised lyse rate, 16.3% and 27.8%, respectively. The day after micro-injection, 61.3% of the intact oocytes were fertilized. The rate of fertilization was correlated to the number of abnormalities per oocyte: 1 anomaly: 64.6%, > or = 3 anomalies: 54.6%. The oocytes presenting a large perivitelline space had a slightly lowered fertilization rate (53.4%). On the other hand, those showing a cytoplasm containing refractile bodies had a slightly raised fertilization rate (68.6%). We did not see any statistically significant difference between the different types of oocytes concerning embryonic development at d2. CONCLUSION These results confirm and contribute new elements with respect to previously published data, showing that (i) oocyte morphology little affects fertilization and the first stages of embryonic development; (ii) certain dysmorphies, (enlargement of the perivitelline space) are specifically deleterious at certain stages in the process (lowering the fertilization rate); (iii) certain morphological differences (the presence of refringent bodies) are not anomalies, but can reflect physiological cellular changes.
Development and Testing of an LED-Based Near-Infrared Sensor for Human Kidney Tumor Diagnostics

Optical spectroscopy is increasingly used for cancer diagnostics. Tumor detection feasibility in human kidney samples using mid- and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy has been reported (Artyushenko et al., Spectral fiber sensors for cancer diagnostics in vitro. In Proceedings of the European Conference on Biomedical Optics, Munich, Germany, 21–25 June 2015). In the present work, a simplification of the NIR spectroscopic analysis for cancer diagnostics was studied. The conventional high-resolution NIR spectroscopic method of kidney tumor diagnostics was replaced by a compact optical sensing device constructively represented by a set of four light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at selected wavelengths and one detecting photodiode. Two sensor prototypes were tested using 14 in vitro clinical samples of 7 different patients. Statistical data evaluation using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) confirmed the general applicability of the LED-based sensing approach to kidney tumor detection. An additional validation of the results was performed by means of sample permutation.
PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE GENOME OF AN ENTERITIS-ASSOCIATED BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN MASTADENOVIRUS SUPPORTS A CLADE INFECTING THE CETARTIODACTYLA

ABSTRACT: Adenoviruses are nonenveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses, known to infect members of all tetrapod classes, with a similarity between phylogenies of hosts and viruses observed. We characterized bottlenose dolphin adenovirus 2 (BdAdV-2) found in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) with enteritis. Virions were seen by negative staining electron microscopy of feces. Initial sequences obtained using conserved PCR primers were expanded using primer walking techniques, and the complete coding sequence was obtained. Phylogenetic analyses were consistent with coevolution of this virus and its bottlenose dolphin host, placing BdAdV-2 into a monophyletic group with other mastadenoviruses of Cetartiodactyla. When considering the low guanine/cytosine (G/C) content of BdAdV-2 with the phylogenetic data, this virus may represent a host-jumping event from another member of Cetartiodactyla. Analysis of partial polymerase indicated that bottlenose dolphin adenovirus 1, previously identified in Spain, and BdAdV-2 are sister taxa with harbor porpoise adenovirus 1, forming a cetacean clade. Bottlenose dolphin adenovirus 2 includes a highly divergent fiber gene. Two genes homologous to the dUTPase superfamily are also present which could play a role in enabling viral replication in nondividing cells. We used sequence data to develop a probe hybridization quantitative PCR assay specific to BdAdV-2 with a limit of detection of 10 copies.
Holdout behaviour: a question of diversification, risk aversion and expectation

ABSTRACT We argue a holdout is not a destructive investor behaviour but an investment decision. The decision is characterized by the mean-variance approach. We investigate intercreditor conflict by diverse portfolio structure. We demonstrate that at some point during the Greek (2012) and Argentine (2005) debt restructuring programmes, it was reasonable for the investor to hold out. This model shows that the investment decision is based on the portfolio structure, risk aversion and expected possible payment of the debtor, so there is no free-rider behaviour. This is based on the fact that the investor harms herself due to destructive and uncooperative behaviour.
The effect of hydrofluoric acid treatment of titanium and titanium dioxide surface on primary human osteoblasts.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate solely the effect of fluoride on the surface chemistry of polycrystalline ceramic titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) and metallic titanium (Ti) and its effect on proliferation and differentiation of primary human osteoblasts (NHO). MATERIALS AND METHODS The NHO cells were exposed to fluoride-modified and unmodified samples for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. The fluoride effect on the mRNA expression was quantified and measured. The secretion of cytokines and interleukins in the cell culture medium was measured by Luminex, gene expression by RT-PCR, and compared with untreated controls. The effect on cell growth after 1 and 3 days in culture was measured using [(3) H]-thymidine incorporation. Fluoride release was measured using an ion-selective electrode. The surfaces were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and profilometry. RESULTS The fluoride release study detected that fluoride content easily washed off in TiO2 coins when compared with Ti coins. No increase in cell proliferation was found among fluoride-modified TiO2 surfaces compared with controls, except for washed Ti coins with fluoride modification. The cell differentiation with regard to gene expression showed no significant differences in both fluoride-modified and unmodified samples and less effect on protein release for all groups. CONCLUSIONS The fluoride from hydrofluoric acid treatment on Ti and TiO2 surfaces gave no specific effect on primary human osteoblast cells. The study indicates that the released fluoride is not the unique factor for the bioactivity of Ti and TiO2 surfaces.
MYC2 Orchestrates a Hierarchical Transcriptional Cascade That Regulates Jasmonate-Mediated Plant Immunity in Tomato[OPEN]

The tomato transcription factor (TF) MYC2 and MYC2-targeted TFs form a hierarchical transcriptional cascade during jasmonate-mediated plant immunity that initiates and amplifies the transcriptional output. The hormone jasmonate (JA), which functions in plant immunity, regulates resistance to pathogen infection and insect attack through triggering genome-wide transcriptional reprogramming in plants. We show that the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (TF) MYC2 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) acts downstream of the JA receptor to orchestrate JA-mediated activation of both the wounding and pathogen responses. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) coupled with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) assays, we identified 655 MYC2-targeted JA-responsive genes. These genes are highly enriched in Gene Ontology categories related to TFs and the early response to JA, indicating that MYC2 functions at a high hierarchical level to regulate JA-mediated gene transcription. We also identified a group of MYC2-targeted TFs (MTFs) that may directly regulate the JA-induced transcription of late defense genes. Our findings suggest that MYC2 and its downstream MTFs form a hierarchical transcriptional cascade during JA-mediated plant immunity that initiates and amplifies transcriptional output. As proof of concept, we showed that during plant resistance to the necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis cinerea, MYC2 and the MTF JA2-Like form a transcription module that preferentially regulates wounding-responsive genes, whereas MYC2 and the MTF ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR.C3 form a transcription module that preferentially regulates pathogen-responsive genes.
The effect of P2Y12 inhibition on platelet activation assessed with aggregation- and flow cytometry-based assays

Abstract Patients on P2Y12 inhibitors may still develop thrombosis or bleeding complications. Tailored antiplatelet therapy, based on platelet reactivity testing, might reduce these complications. Several tests have been used, but failed to show a benefit of tailored antiplatelet therapy. This could be due to the narrowness of current platelet reactivity tests, which are limited to analysis of platelet aggregation after stimulation of the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-pathway. However, the response to ADP does not necessarily reflect the effect of P2Y12 inhibition on platelet function in vivo. Therefore, we investigated whether measuring platelet reactivity toward other physiologically relevant agonists could provide more insight in the efficacy of P2Y12 inhibitors. The effect of in vitro and in vivo P2Y12 inhibition on αIIbβ3-activation, P-selectin and CD63-expression, aggregate formation, release of alpha, and dense granules content was assessed after stimulation of different platelet activation pathways. Platelet reactivity measured with flow cytometry in 72 patients on P2Y12 inhibitors was compared to VerifyNow results. P2Y12 inhibitors caused strongly attenuated platelet fibrinogen binding after stimulation with peptide agonists for protease activated receptor (PAR)-1 and -4, or glycoprotein VI ligand crosslinked collagen-related peptide (CRP-xl), while aggregation was normal at high agonist concentration. P2Y12 inhibitors decreased PAR-agonist and CRP-induced dense granule secretion, but not alpha granule secretion. A proportion of P2Y12-inhibitor responsive patients according to VerifyNow, displayed normal fibrinogen binding assessed with flow cytometry after stimulation with PAR-agonists or CRP despite full inhibition of the response to ADP, indicating suboptimal platelet inhibition. Concluding, measurement of platelet fibrinogen binding with flow cytometry after stimulation of thrombin- or collagen receptors in addition to ADP response identifies different patients as nonresponders to P2Y12 inhibitors, compared to only ADP-induced aggregation-based assays. Future studies should investigate the value of both assays for monitoring on-treatment platelet reactivity.
Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Exploiting Signaling Pathways Implicated in Endocrine Resistance.

Advancements in molecular profiling and endocrine therapy (ET) have led to more focused clinical attention on precision medicine. These advances have expanded our understanding of breast cancer (BC) pathogenesis and hold promising implications for the future of therapy. The estrogen receptor-α is a predominant endocrine regulatory protein in the breast and in estrogen-induced BC. Successful targeting of proteins and genes within estrogen receptor (ER) nuclear and nonnuclear pathways remains a clinical goal. Several classes of antiestrogenic agents are available for patients with early, advanced, or metastatic BC, including selective ER modulators, aromatase inhibitors, and a selective ER degrader. Clinical development is focused upon characterizing the efficacy and tolerability of inhibitors that target the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/akt murine thymoma viral oncogene (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTOR) signaling pathway or the cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) cell cycle pathway in women with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth receptor 2-negative BC who have demonstrated disease recurrence or progression. De novo and acquired resistance remain a major challenge for women with BC receiving antiestrogenic therapy. Therefore, sequential combination of targeted ET is preferred in these patients, and the ever-increasing understanding of resistance mechanisms may better inform the selection of future therapy. This review describes the intricate roles of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and CDK4/6 pathways in intracellular signaling and the use of endocrine and endocrine-based combination therapy in BC. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The foundational strategy for treating hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth receptor 2-negative, advanced breast cancer includes the use of endocrine therapy either alone or in combination with targeted agents. The use of combination therapy aims to downregulate cell-signaling pathways with the intent of minimizing cellular "crosstalk," which can otherwise result in continued tumorigenesis or progression through redundant pathways. This review provides the clinician with the molecular rationale and clinical evidence for these treatments and refers to evidence-based guidelines to inform the decision-making process.
Lack of appropriate stoichiometry: Strong evidence against an energetically important astrocyte–neuron lactate shuttle in brain

Glutamate‐stimulated aerobic glycolysis in astrocytes coupled with lactate shuttling to neurons where it can be oxidized was proposed as a mechanism to couple excitatory neuronal activity with glucose utilization (CMRglc) during brain activation. From the outset, this model was not viable because it did not fulfill critical stoichiometric requirements: (i) Calculated glycolytic rates and measured lactate release rates were discordant in cultured astrocytes. (ii) Lactate oxidation requires oxygen consumption, but the oxygen–glucose index (OGI, calculated as CMRO2/CMRglc) fell during activation in human brain, and the small rise in CMRO2 could not fully support oxidation of lactate produced by disproportionate increases in CMRglc. (iii) Labeled products of glucose metabolism are not retained in activated rat brain, indicating rapid release of a highly labeled, diffusible metabolite identified as lactate, thereby explaining the CMRglc–CMRO2 mismatch. Additional independent lines of evidence against lactate shuttling include the following: astrocytic oxidation of glutamate after its uptake can help “pay” for its uptake without stimulating glycolysis; blockade of glutamate receptors during activation in vivo prevents upregulation of metabolism and lactate release without impairing glutamate uptake; blockade of β‐adrenergic receptors prevents the fall in OGI in activated human and rat brain while allowing glutamate uptake; and neurons upregulate glucose utilization in vivo and in vitro under many stimulatory conditions. Studies in immature cultured cells are not appropriate models for lactate shuttling in adult brain because of their incomplete development of metabolic capability and astrocyte–neuron interactions. Astrocyte–neuron lactate shuttling does not make large, metabolically significant contributions to energetics of brain activation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Internet Privacy Regulations in USA and EU

A four-layer Narrative Policy Analysis, which includes definition of the issue, identifying two narratives, generating a metanarratives, and determining the alternatives, has been applied to investigate the Internet privacy policy issue. This top-down approach could be used in many controversial policy issues such as Internet regulations. This research proposed three propositions. Though only one proposition is supported by current literature, two other propositions could be used for future study.
‘I was just so different’: The experiences of women diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in adulthood in relation to gender and social relationships

Existing literature exploring autism spectrum disorders within female populations predominantly utilises quantitative methodology. A limited number of small-scale, qualitative studies have explored the experiences of adolescent girls with autism spectrum disorder, but adult women have remained largely unheard. This study aims to broaden the stories told within autobiographical literature and empower those within the wider community of women with autism spectrum disorder. In doing so, it seeks to extend existing conceptualisations of experience to include socially and culturally located factors. A qualitative methodology was adopted, utilising multi-stage narrative analysis. Seven semi-structured interviews with women who received a diagnosis in adulthood were conducted. Recruitment spanned community mental health services, an inpatient service and a community support group. From the women’s diverse experiences and stories emerged two broad categories related to gender identity and social relationships. The findings are discussed in relation to existing constructs of autism in women.
Gender Stereotype Activation versus Lexical Semantic Activation: An ERP Study

ABSTRACT It is an open question whether social stereotype activation can be distinguished from nonsocial semantic activation. To address this question, gender stereotype activation (GSA) and lexical semantic activation (LSA) were directly compared. EEGs were recorded in 20 participants as they identified the congruence between prime-target word pairs under four different conditions (stereotype congruent, stereotype incongruent, semantic congruent, and semantic incongruent). We found that congruent targets elicited faster and more accurate responses and reduced N400 amplitudes irrespective of priming category types. The N400 congruency effect (i.e., the difference between incongruity and congruity) started earlier and had greater amplitude for GSA than for LSA. Moreover, gender category priming induced a smaller N400 and a larger P600 than lexical category priming. These findings suggest that the brain is not only sensitive to both stereotype and semantic violation in the post-perceptual processing stage but can also differentiate these two information processes. Further, the findings suggest superior processing (i.e., faster and deeper processing) when the words are associated with social category and convey stereotype knowledge.
Accounting for Value

What are the determinants of firms' market value? We incorporate quasi-fixed labor and intangible capital inputs into the neoclassical model of investment, and estimate the contribution of each input for explaining firms' market value. Using the generalized method of moments, we estimate that, on average, physical capital accounts for 55% of firms value, installed labor force accounts for 20%, and installed intangible capital accounts for the remaining 25%. What explains these empirical findings? In contrast to conventional wisdom, we show that labor inputs are costly to adjust: we estimate that, on average, total labor adjustment costs represent about 4% of firms' annual sales, about half the value that we estimate for physical capital. In addition, total intangible capital adjustment costs represent about 2% of firms' annual sales. Thus the three capital inputs are costly to adjust which explains why the market assigns a large and positive value to the installed stocks of the different capital inputs. We also characterize the time-series and business cycle of properties of the market value of each capital input. We find that the value of labor is more volatile and procyclical than the value of the remaining inputs suggesting that understanding the determinants of the value of labor input is important for understanding the dynamics of firm value.