Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of aspirin or resistant starch on colorectal neoplasia in the Lynch syndrome.

The Authors Reply: Our international clinical study compared machine perfusion with cold storage of kidneys obtained from donors after brain death or from donors after cardiocirculatory death (in Maastricht category III). The organs studied in our trial are the most common deceased-donor kidneys. We very much agree with Ray and colleagues that machine perfusion is also likely to be useful for renal allografts obtained from donors after cardiocirculatory death who are in Maastricht categories I, II, or IV, because their organs have sustained more severe ischemic injury. The study by Ray et al. presents promising results. Our group has found that perfusion settings are critical for maintaining the viability of the vascular endothelium.1 Currently, in our prospective data set, we are investigating whether vascular resistance and various perfusate biomarkers during machine perfusion have independent predictive value for determining which kidneys have a high risk of complications or failure after transplantation. We speculate that with the use of such data, machine perfusion might become an additional diagnostic tool for selecting kidneys that are sufficiently viable for transplantation but that might otherwise have been discarded.2 In addition, normothermic machine perfusion and normothermic recirculation are interesting new techniques that may improve the viability of marginal donor kidneys.3-5
Photovoltaic effect at spin resonance in quantum magnetic field

N. N. Chernyshov, A. V. Belousov, M. A. F. Alkhawaldeh, V. M. Pisarenko, I. V. Rogozin The Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Education “Belgorod State Technological University named after V. G. Shukhov”. 46, Kostyukova street, Belgorod, 308012, Russian Federation Kharkov National University of Radio Electronics 14, prospect of Science, Kharkov, 61166, Ukraine E-mail: mykola.chernyshov@nure.ua
Improving the Design and Application of Insulator-Based Dielectrophoretic Devices for the Assessment of Complex Mixtures

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is an electrokinetic (EK) transport mechanism that exploits polarization effects when particles are exposed to a non-uniform electric field. This dissertation focused on the development of high-performance insulator-based DEP (iDEP) devices. A detailed analysis of the spatial forces that contribute to particle movement in an iDEP device is provided. In particular, this analysis shows how particle size and shape affects the regions where particles are likely to be retained due to dielectrophoretic trapping. The performance of these trapping regions was optimized using a systematic approach that integrates the geometrical parameters of the array of insulating structures. Devices that decrease the required electrical potential by ∼80% where found. The optimization strategy enabled the detection of structures that promote and discourage particle trapping. By combining the “best” and “worst” structures in a single asymmetric structure, a novel iDEP device was designed. This device selectively enriches the larger particles in a sample and drives the smaller particles away from the enrichment region. A quick enrichment and elution of large cells was achieved. This is important when dealing with samples containing eukaryotic cells, which can be harmed by the electrical treatment. Yeast cells were successfully separated from polystyrene particles in under 40 seconds using this device and a high cell viability of 85% was achieved. Finally, an enhancement of traditional iDEP devices is proposed, where some insulating posts are replaced by conducting structures. That is, insulating and conductive posts are intimately combined within the same array. The performance of this hybrid device is presented to show the advantage of using insulating structures with microelectrodes in the same array to dominate par-
The making of hemidesmosome structures in vivo

Hemidesmosomes are evolutionarily conserved attachment complexes linked to intermediate filaments that connect epithelial cells to the extracellular matrix. They provide tissue integrity and resistance to mechanical forces. Alterations in hemidesmosome structures are responsible for skin blistering, carcinoma invasion, and wound‐healing defects. Valuable information about hemidesmosome assembly and disassembly has been obtained from in vitro cell culture studies. However, how these processes take place in vivo still remains elusive. Here, we discuss recent data about the formation and reorganization of hemidesmosomes in several in vivo model systems, particularly zebrafish and Caenorhabditis elegans, focusing on various factors affecting their dynamics. Mechanisms found in different organisms reveal that hemidesmosome formation and maintenance in vivo are carefully controlled by ECM protein folding, ECM‐receptor expression and trafficking, and by post‐translational modification of hemidesmosome components. These findings validate and extend the in vitro studies, and shed light on our understanding about hemidesmosomes across species. Developmental Dynamics 239:1465–1476, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Monitoring Response to Antiangiogenic Therapy in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Imaging Markers Derived from PET and Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI

With antiangiogenic agents, tumor shrinkage may be absent, despite survival benefit. The present study assessed the predictive value of molecular imaging for the identification of survival benefit during antiangiogenic treatment with bevacizumab and erlotinib in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer. Methods: Patients were evaluated using an imaging protocol including CT, 18F-FDG PET, H215O PET, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to derive measurements on tumor size, glucose metabolism, perfusion, and microvascular permeability. The percentage change in imaging parameters after 3 wk of treatment as compared with baseline was calculated and correlated with progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Forty-four patients were included, and 40 underwent CT and 18F-FDG PET at both time points. Complete datasets, containing all imaging modalities, were available for 14 patients. Bevacizumab and erlotinib treatment resulted in decreased metabolism, perfusion, and tumor size. A decrease in standardized uptake value or tumor perfusion of more than 20% at week 3 was associated with longer PFS (9.7 vs. 2.8 mo, P = 0.01, and 12.5 vs. 2.9 mo, P = 0.009, respectively). Whole-tumor Ktrans (the endothelial transfer constant) was not associated with PFS, but patients with an increase of more than 15% in the SD of tumor Ktrans values—that is, an increase in regions with low or high Ktrans values—after 3 wk had shorter PFS (2.3 vs. 7.0 mo, P = 0.008). A partial response, according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST), at week 3 was also associated with prolonged PFS (4.6 vs. 2.9 mo, P = 0.017). However, 40% of patients with a partial response as their best RECIST response still had stable disease at week 3. In these cases tumor perfusion was already decreased and Ktrans heterogeneity showed no increase, indicating that the latter parameters seem to be more discriminative than RECIST at the 3-wk time point. Conclusion: PET and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI were able to identify patients who benefit from bevacizumab and erlotinib treatment. Molecular imaging seems to allow earlier response evaluation than CT.
Cell Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury: a Mini- Reivew

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating disease which leads to progressive functional damages. Because of limited axonal regeneration in the central nervous system, there is no or little recovery expected in the patients. Different cellular and molecular approaches were investigated in SCI animal models. Cellular transplantation of stem cells can potentially replace damaged tissue and provide a suitable microenvironment for axons to regenerate. Here, we reviewed the last approaches applied by our colleagues and others in order to improve axonal regeneration following SCI. We used different types of stem cells via different methods. First, fetal olfactory mucosa, schwann, and bone marrow stromal cells were transplanted into the injury sites in SCI models. In later studies, was applied simultaneous transplantation of stem cells with chondroitinase ABC in SCI models with the aid of nanoparticles. Using these approaches, considerable functional recovery was observed. However, considering some challenges in stem cell therapy such as rejection, infection, and development of a new cancer, our more recent strategy was application of cytokines. We observed a significant improvement in motor function of rats when stromal derived factor-1 was used to attract innate stem cells to the injury site. In conclusion, it seems that co-transplantation of different cells accompanies with other factors like enzymes and growth factors via new delivery systems may yield better results in SCI.
The Core Periphery Model : Key Features and Effects

More than 25 years ago, Avinash Dixit and Joe Stiglitz developed a simple model for addressing imperfect competition and increasing returns (ICIR) in a general equilibrium setting. Its first application, in Dixit and Stiglitz (1977), was to an issue that now seems rather banal – whether the free markets produces too many or too few varieties of differentiated products. But ICIR considerations are so crucial to so many economic phenomena, and yet so difficult to model formally, that the Dixit-Stiglitz framework has become the workhorse of many branches of economics. In this paper, we present one of its most recent, and most startling applications – namely, to issues of economic geography. While there are many models in this new literature, almost all of them rely on Dixit-Stiglitz monopolistic competition, and among these, the most famous is the so-called core-periphery model introduced by Paul Krugman in a 1991 paper. The basic structure of the core-periphery (CP) model is astoundingly familiar to trade economists. Take the classroom Dixit-Stigliz monopolistic-competition trade model with trade costs, add in migration driven by real wage differences, impose a handful of normalisations, and voila, the CP model! The fascination of the CP model stems in no small part from the fact that these seemingly innocuous changes so unexpectedly and so radically transform the behaviour of a model that trade theorists have been exercising for more than 25 years.
Acute Kidney Injury Urinary Biomarker Time-Courses

Factors which modify the excretion profiles of acute kidney injury biomarkers are difficult to measure. To facilitate biomarker choice and interpretation we modelled key modifying factors: extent of hyperfiltration or reduced glomerular filtration rate, structural damage, and reduced nephron number. The time-courses of pre-formed, induced (upregulated), and filtered biomarker concentrations were modelled in single nephrons, then combined to construct three multiple-nephron models: a healthy kidney with normal nephron number, a non-diabetic hyperfiltering kidney with reduced nephron number but maintained total glomerular filtration rate, and a chronic kidney disease kidney with reduced nephron number and reduced glomerular filtration rate. Time-courses for each model were derived for acute kidney injury scenarios of structural damage and/or reduced nephron number. The model predicted that pre-formed biomarkers would respond quickest to injury with a brief period of elevation, which would be easily missed in clinical scenarios. Induced biomarker time-courses would be influenced by biomarker-specific physiology and the balance between insult severity (which increased single nephron excretion), the number of remaining nephrons (reduced total excretion), and the extent of glomerular filtration rate reduction (increased concentration). Filtered biomarkers have the longest time-course because plasma levels increased following glomerular filtration rate decrease. Peak concentration and profile depended on the extent of damage to the reabsorption mechanism and recovery rate. Rapid recovery may be detected through a rapid reduction in urinary concentration. For all biomarkers, impaired hyperfiltration substantially increased concentration, especially with chronic kidney disease. For clinical validation of these model-derived predictions the clinical biomarker of choice will depend on timing in relation to renal insult and interpretation will require the pre-insult nephron number (renal mass) and detection of hyperfiltration.
Oxytocin in the nucleus accumbens core reduces reinstatement of methamphetamine‐seeking behaviour in rats

The psychostimulant methamphetamine (METH) is an addictive illicit drug. Systemic administration of the neuropeptide oxytocin modulates METH‐related reward and METH‐seeking behaviour. Recent findings demonstrated a reduction in METH‐induced reward by oxytocin administration into the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core. It is not known, however, if oxytocin acts in this region to reduce relapse to METH‐seeking behaviour. Using the drug reinstatement paradigm in rats experienced at METH self‐administration, we aimed to determine whether oxytocin pre‐treatment within the NAc core would reduce relapse to METH use and if this could be reversed by the co‐administration of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) antagonist desGly‐NH2,d(CH2)5[D‐Tyr2,Thr4]OVT. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent surgery to implant an intravenous jugular vein catheter and bilateral microinjection cannulae in the NAc core. Rats were then trained to self‐administer intravenous METH (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) by lever press during 2‐hour fixed ratio 1 scheduled sessions for 20 days. Following extinction of lever press activity, the effect of microinjecting saline, oxytocin (0.5 pmol, 1.5 pmol, 4.5 pmol) or co‐administration of oxytocin (1.5 pmol) and desGly‐NH2,d(CH2)5[D‐Tyr2,Thr4]OVT (1 nmol, 3 nmol) in the NAc core (500 nl/side) was examined on METH‐primed (1 mg/kg, i.p.) reinstatement of drug‐seeking behaviour. Our results showed oxytocin directly administered into the NAc core decreased METH‐primed reinstatement in a dose‐dependent manner. Co‐administration of the selective OTR antagonist did not specifically reverse the inhibitory effects of oxytocin on METH priming, suggesting mediation by receptors other than the OTR. These findings highlight an important modulatory effect of oxytocin in the NAc core on relapse to METH seeking.
Boosting the performance of connectionist large vocabulary speech recognition

Hybrid connectionist-hidden Markov model large vocabulary speech recognition has been shown to be competitive with more traditional HMM systems. Connectionist acoustic models generally use considerably less parameters than HMM's, allowing real-time operation without significant degradation of performance. However, the small number of parameters in connectionist acoustic models also poses a problem-how do we make the best use of large amounts of training data? This paper proposes a solution to this problem in which a "smart" procedure makes selective use of training data to increase performance.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Genome Database and PseudoCAP: facilitating community-based, continually updated, genome annotation

Using the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Genome Project as a test case, we have developed a database and submission system to facilitate a community-based approach to continually updated genome annotation (http://www.pseudomonas.com). Researchers submit proposed annotation updates through one of three web-based form options which are then subjected to review, and if accepted, entered into both the database and log file of updates with author acknowledgement. In addition, a coordinator continually reviews literature for suitable updates, as we have found such reviews to be the most efficient. Both the annotations database and updates-log database have Boolean search capability with the ability to sort results and download all data or search results as tab-delimited files. To complement this peer-reviewed genome annotation, we also provide a linked GBrowse view which displays alternate annotations. Additional tools and analyses are also integrated, including PseudoCyc, and knockout mutant information. We propose that this database system, with its focus on facilitating flexible queries of the data and providing access to both peer-reviewed annotations as well as alternate annotation information, may be a suitable model for other genome projects wishing to use a continually updated, community-based annotation approach. The source code is freely available under GNU General Public Licence.
Plant genomes do a balancing act

Balancing selection is one mechanism that may explain why diversity is maintained in wild populations. However, relatively few examples of genes showing evidence of balancing selection have been identified, particularly in plants. In this issue, Reininga et al. (2009) present three Arabidopsis loci that show strong evidence of balancing selection. The loci, discovered using a genome‐scanning approach, encode proteins with diverse predicted functions: starch synthesis and control of gene expression. These three genes were identified by scanning only a small fraction of the Arabidopsis genome, suggesting that balancing selection may be more prevalent than previously known.
State of charge estimation of a Lithium-ion battery for electric vehicle based on particle swarm optimization

Lithium-ion battery plays important roles in electric drive vehicles. It has several advantages among other battery technologies such as high energy density and specific energy. The primary concerns of Lithium-ion batteries are to maintain optimum battery performance and extend the battery's life. An accurate state of charge (SOC) estimation can improve the performance of Lithium-ion battery. In this paper, a method for SOC estimation for LiFePO4 using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is presented. The results indicate the SOC estimation using PSO optimized algorithm has good performance. The simulation result has also been validated and complies within specific confidence level.
Exploiting parallel corpus for automatic extraction of multilingual names: Transliteration perspective

This paper describes a novel approach for extraction of multilingual transliteration pairs from aligned parallel corpus. The proposed approach utilizes an encoding technique based on “Place and Manner of Articulation”. Jaccard Coefficient has been used to measure the distance between encoded source and target transliteration pairs. The proposed methodology has been employed for extraction of English-Bangla transliteration pairs and reported 94% accuracy which is quite encouraging when compared to Expectation Maximization based word alignment module that yields 59.42% accuracy on the same test data.
A Flexible, Low Noise Reflective PPG Sensor Platform for Ear-Worn Heart Rate Monitoring

This paper presents a novel ear-worn reflective photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that addresses the mechanical complexities of coupling the sensor to the surface of the skin and a detection circuit that minimises ambient noise artefacts. The flexible optoelectronic transducer structure can adapt to a variety of skin surface contours. Light emitting diode (LED) modulation and a unique integrating photocurrent demodulator reduce susceptibility to wideband noise and allow subtraction of ambient light from the desired PPG signal. Experimental results demonstrate that the sensitivity is robust to sensor location and application pressure variations. Simulations also show that the photodetection method is resilient against high levels of wideband noise.
Power consumption optimization for information exchange in wireless-relay sensor networks

Minimization of power consumption is a critical design goal for wireless-relay networks comprised of battery-powered sensor devices. Traditionally, wireless communication is optimized to minimize the total transmission power. In the paper, we further include the detection power and the reception power in order to minimize the overall network power consumption for information exchange in wireless-relay sensor networks (WSNs). Specifically, after the physical attributes of relay nodes are given, we wish to maximize the network lifetime by a proper selection of the transmission range, the sleep period, and the participation density. We propose a random gossip network (RGN) as a framework for our analysis. We find simple rules govern the optimal settings of these three parameters for all-to-all broadcast in the RGN. One key relationship is that the optimal number of nodes broadcasting messages in a time epoch within the transmission range depends only on the path loss exponent and the network dimensionality. This optimal value does not depend on factors such as the physical network size, the reception cost, and the message origination rate. Moreover, it is shown that neither increasing nor decreasing the physical network size will affect the optimal value of these design parameters. The optimal setting for power consumption minimization is a scalable solution. Finally, we demonstrate that our results can be well applied to predict the optimal value of operational parameters for information exchange as well as information dissemination in actual WSNs.
BASIC AND TRANSLATIONAL — ALIMENTARY TRACT Pan-Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Panobinostat Sensitizes Gastric Cancer Cells to Anthracyclines via Induction of CITED 2

*Department of Medicine II, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, München; ‡ § Department of Medicine II, **Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim; Tumor Immunology aboratory, LIFE Center, Klinikum der Universität München, München; Institute of Pathology, Christian-Albrechts Universität Kiel, Kiel, Germany
Advances in Molecular Diagnosis of HBV Infection and Drug Resistance

Serological markers are key elements in diagnosing acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and determining its possible evolution towards chronicity. Once treatment of chronic HBV is initiated with approved anti-hepadnaviral agents, such as lamivudine, interferon-alpha, or adefovir dipivoxil, the measurement of HBV DNA in serum can not only help monitor treatment efficacy but also indicates breakthrough infection should drug resistance emerge. Advances in the molecular diagnosis of drug resistance using highly sensitive methodologies such as DNA hybridization assays can further pinpoint the type of mutation responsible and, more importantly, detect upcoming viral resistance at an early stage when the variant represents only a minor fraction of the total viral population. Such new tools are especially relevant for patients at high risk for disease progression or acute exacerbation. Recent diagnostic developments including HBV genotyping and precore/core promoter assays that could well play important future roles in HBV patient management are also reviewed.