Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic Comparison of Dendritic Cell-based Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Malignant Gliomas: In Vitro Induction of Cytolytic and Natural Killer-like T Cells

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of various immunotherapeutic strategies of loading dendritic cells (DCs) with whole-glioma cell antigens and characterize the effector responses induced. METHODS: DCs were either fused with major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matched glioma cells (Fusion) or pulsed with apoptotic tumor cells (DC/Apo), total tumor ribonucleic acid (RNA) (DC/RNA), or tumor lysate (DC/Lys). These tumor-DC preparations were then assessed for their phenotype, cytokine profile, and capacity to stimulate autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. Phenotype and tumor-specific cytolytic activities of various effector cell populations were characterized and compared. RESULTS: The various tumor-DC preparations exhibited similar phenotype and cytokine profiles irrespective of the method of loading tumor-cell antigens. However, the fusion, DC/Apo, and DC/RNA induced superior tumor cytolytic activities in PBMCs compared with DC/Lys or DC and tumor controls. DC/Apo induced the greatest expansion of tumor-specific lymphocytes, as detected by trypan blue exclusion and thymidine incorporation assays. Flow cytometric analyses also revealed the highest relative percentages of T helper cells (CD3+CD4+), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) (CD3+CD8+), and natural killer (NK)-like T cells (CD3+CD56+) in the DC/Apo group among all the groups studied, indicating that DC/Apo induced expansion of PBMCs bearing multiple T and NK cell markers. Interestingly, isolated NK-like T cells demonstrated significantly higher tumor cytotoxicity compared with CTLs isolated from the same groups and was also non-MHC-restricted. CONCLUSION: Apoptotic tumor cells may be an optimal source of whole-tumor-cell antigen for immunotherapy of gliomas. The study also demonstrates for the first time that both CTLs and NK-like T cells are expanded and stimulated by mature, tumor-pulsed DCs.
Undiagnosed Diabetes in Breast, Colorectal, Lung, and Prostate Cancer: Incidence and Risk Factors

Our study describes the incidence and risk factors for undiagnosed diabetes in elderly cancer patients. Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data, we followed patients with breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer from 24 months before to 3 months after cancer diagnosis. Medicare claims were used to exclude patients with diabetes 24 to 4 months before cancer (look-back period), identify those with diabetes undiagnosed until cancer, and construct indicators of preventive services, physician contact, and comorbidity during the look-back period. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with undiagnosed diabetes. Overall, 2,678 patients had diabetes undiagnosed until cancer. Rates were the highest in patients with both advanced-stage cancer and low prior primary care/medical specialist contact (breast 8.2%, colorectal 5.9%, lung 4.4%). Nonwhite race/ethnicity, living in a census tract with a higher percent of the population in poverty and a lower percent college educated, lower prior preventive services use, and lack of primary care and/or medical specialist care prior to cancer all were associated with higher (P ≤ 0.05) adjusted odds of undiagnosed diabetes. Undiagnosed diabetes is relatively common in selected subgroups of cancer patients, including those already at high risk of poor outcomes due to advanced cancer stage.
Noise in Gene Expression Determines Cell Fate in Bacillus subtilis

Random cell-to-cell variations in gene expression within an isogenic population can lead to transitions between alternative states of gene expression. Little is known about how these variations (noise) in natural systems affect such transitions. In Bacillus subtilis, noise in ComK, the protein that regulates competence for DNA uptake, is thought to cause cells to transition to the competent state in which genes encoding DNA uptake proteins are expressed. We demonstrate that noise in comK expression selects cells for competence and that experimental reduction of this noise decreases the number of competent cells. We also show that transitions are limited temporally by a reduction in comK transcription. These results illustrate how such stochastic transitions are regulated in a natural system and suggest that noise characteristics are subject to evolutionary forces.
A candidate mammalian DNA methyltransferase related to pmt1p of fission yeast.

Trace levels of 5-methylcytosine persist in the DNA of mouse embryonic stem cells that are homozygous for null mutations in Dnmt1 , the gene for the one previously recognized metazoan DNA methyltransferase. This residual 5-methylcytosine may be the product of a candidate second DNA methyltransferase, Dnmt2, that has now been identified in human and mouse. Dnmt2 contains all the sequence motifs diagnostic of DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferases but appears to lack the large N-terminal regulatory domain common to other eukaryotic methyltransferases. Dnmt2 is more similar to a putative DNA methyltransferase of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe than to Dnmt1. Dnmt2 produces multiple mRNA species that are present at low levels in all tissues of human and mouse and is not restricted to those cell types known to be active in de novo methylation. The human DNMT2 gene was mapped to chromosome 10p12-10p14 in a panel of radiation hybrids. Dnmt2 is a candidate for the activity that methylates newly integrated retroviral DNA and maintains trace levels of 5-methylcytosine in the DNA of embryonic stem cells homozygous for null mutations in Dnmt1.
Cutting-balloon angioplasty before drug-eluting stent implantation for the treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions

Background Severely calcified coronary lesions respond poorly to balloon angioplasty, resulting in incomplete and asymmetrical stent expansion. Therefore, adequate plaque modification prior to drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation is the key for calcified lesion treatment. This study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cutting balloon angioplasty for severely calcified coronary lesions. Methods Ninety-two consecutive patients with severely calcified lesions (defined as calcium arc ≥ 180° calcium length ratio ≥ 0.5) treated with balloon dilatation before DES implantation were randomly divided into two groups based on the balloon type: 45 patients in the conventional balloon angioplasty (BA) group and 47 patients in the cutting balloon angioplasty (CB) group. Seven cases in BA group did not satisfactorily achieve dilatation and were transferred into the CB group. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was performed before balloon dilatation and after stent implantation to obtain qualitative and quantitative lesion characteristics and evaluate the stent, including minimum lumen cross-sectional area (CSA), calcified arc and length, minimum stent CSA, stent apposition, stent symmetry, stent expansion, vessel dissection, and branch vessel jail. In-hospital, 1-month, and 6-month major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were reported. Results There were no statistical differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups, including calcium arc (222.2° ± 22.2° vs. 235.0° ± 22.1°, P = 0.570), calcium length ratio (0.67 ± 0.06 vs. 0.77 ± 0.05, P = 0.130), and minimum lumen CSA before PCI (2.59 ± 0.08 mm2 vs. 2.52 ± 0.08 mm2, P = 0.550). After stent implantation, the final minimum stent CSA (6.26 ± 0.40 mm2 vs. 5.03 ± 0.33 mm2; P = 0.031) and acute lumen gain (3.74 ± 0.38 mm2 vs. 2.44 ± 0.29 mm2, P = 0.015) were significantly larger in the CB group than that of the BA group. There were not statistically differences in stent expansion, stent symmetry, incomplete stent apposition, vessel dissection and branch vessel jail between two groups. The 30-day and 6-month MACE rates were also not different. Conclusions Cutting balloon angioplasty before DES implantation in severely calcified lesions appears to be more efficacies including significantly larger final stent CSA and larger acute lumen gain, without increasing complications during operations and the MACE rate in 6-month.
Timeliness for Dynamic Source Selection in Situated Public Displays

Dynamic sources, which make regularly updated data available for use by other applications, are increasingly a key enabling feature of the web. They are extensively used in all sorts of social media applications where they are re-combined in multiple ways to generate new aggregate services. Public situated displays are an emergent area where dynamic sources can also play a key role in providing situated and frequently updated content. However, the specificities of public displays raise the need for automated selection of the most relevant sources to present. This study addresses relevance from the perspective of timeliness. We propose a timeliness model that supports the most common types of dynamic source. To validate that model, we set an experiment with a public display exhibiting content from dynamic sources and receiving from users feedback on its timeliness. The results from this experiment suggest a reasonable match between our model and the users’ perspectives on timeliness. The results also show that the model is able to make comparative calculations of timeliness for different types of dynamic source. These results enable us to conclude that timeliness functions may help to significantly increase the relevance of content automatically selected from dynamic sources.
Online Coordinated Charging Decision Algorithm for Electric Vehicles Without Future Information

The large-scale integration of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) to the power grid spurs the need for efficient charging coordination mechanisms. It can be shown that the optimal charging schedule smooths out the energy consumption over time so as to minimize the total energy cost. In practice, however, it is hard to smooth out the energy consumption perfectly, because the future PEV charging demand is unknown at the moment when the charging rate of an existing PEV needs to be determined. In this paper, we propose an online coordinated charging decision (ORCHARD) algorithm, which minimizes the energy cost without knowing the future information. Through rigorous proof, we show that ORCHARD is strictly feasible in the sense that it guarantees to fulfill all charging demands before due time. Meanwhile, it achieves the best known competitive ratio of 2.39. By exploiting the problem structure, we propose a novel reduced-complexity algorithm to replace the standard convex optimization techniques used in ORCHARD. Through extensive simulations, we show that the average performance gap between ORCHARD and the offline optimal solution, which utilizes the complete future information, is as small as 6.5%. By setting a proper speeding factor, the average performance gap can be further reduced to 5%.
Obesity and Systemic Oxidative Stress: Clinical Correlates of Oxidative Stress in The Framingham Study

Objective—To determine the clinical conditions associated with systemic oxidative stress in a community-based cohort. Information regarding cardiovascular risk factors associated with systemic oxidative stress has largely been derived from highly selected samples with advanced stages of vascular disease. Thus, it has been difficult to evaluate the relative contribution of each cardiovascular risk factor to systemic oxidative stress and to determine whether such risk factors act independently and are applicable to the general population. Methods and Results—We examined 2828 subjects from the Framingham Heart Study and measured urinary creatinine–indexed levels of 8-epi-PGF2&agr; as a marker of systemic oxidative stress. Age- and sex-adjusted multivariable regression models were used to assess clinical correlates of oxidative stress. In age- and sex-adjusted models, increased urinary creatinine–indexed 8-epi-PGF2&agr; levels were positively associated with female sex, hypertension treatment, smoking, diabetes, blood glucose, body mass index, and a history of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, age and total cholesterol were negatively correlated with urinary creatinine–indexed 8-epi-PGF2&agr; levels. After adjustment for several covariates, decreasing age and total/HDL cholesterol ratio, sex, smoking, body mass index, blood glucose, and cardiovascular disease remained associated with urinary 8-epi-PGF2&agr; levels. Conclusions—Smoking, diabetes, and body mass index were highly associated with systemic oxidative stress as determined by creatinine-indexed urinary 8-epi-PGF2&agr; levels. The effect of body mass index was minimally affected by blood glucose, and diabetes and may suggest an important role of oxidative stress in the deleterious impact of obesity on cardiovascular disease.
A power-efficient sizing methodology of SAR ADCs

Analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is a vital component for modern electronic systems, but designing an ADC usually takes much time and effort. Though several synthesis methods have been presented for analog circuits, there exists limited works focusing on ADC design automation. In this paper, we propose a systematic sizing methodology to minimize the power consumption for successive approximation register (SAR) ADCs in transistor level. This method manipulates the characteristics of SAR ADC to develop an efficient searching algorithm for shortening the sizing time. The time complexity of our method is O(2 log2 |S|), where jSj is the number of candidates in the searching space. According to the proposed sizing flow, we develop a sizing tool which is independent of manufacturing process and is able to minimize power consumption for SAR ADCs. By using the developed sizing tool, a proof-of-concept prototype was carried out within only 15 minutes and fabricated in a 1P4M 0. 11μm process. The measurement results show the prototype demonstrates a high competitiveness compared to other state-of-the-art works on performance and power efficiency.
A framework for proof certificates in finite state exploration

Model checkers use automated state exploration in order to prove various properties such as reach-ability, non-reachability, and bisimulation over state transition systems. While model checkers have proved valuable for locating errors in computer models and specifications, they can also be used to prove properties that might be consumed by other computational logic systems, such as theorem provers. In such a situation, a prover must be able to trust that the model checker is correct. Instead of attempting to prove the correctness of a model checker, we ask that it outputs its " proof evidence " as a formally defined document—a proof certificate—and that this document is checked by a trusted proof checker. We describe a framework for defining and checking proof certificates for a range of model checking problems. The core of this framework is a (focused) proof system that is augmented with premises that involve " clerk and expert " predicates. This framework is designed so that soundness can be guaranteed independently of any concerns for the correctness of the clerk and expert specifications. To illustrate the flexibility of this framework, we define and formally check proof certificates for reachability and non-reachability in graphs, as well as bisimulation and non-bisimulation for labeled transition systems. Finally, we describe briefly a reference checker that we have implemented for this framework.
Existence, uniqueness and finite element approximation of the solution of time‐harmonic electromagnetic boundary value problems involving metamaterials

Purpose – To provide sufficient conditions for existence, uniqueness and finite element approximability of the solution of time‐harmonic electromagnetic boundary value problems involving metamaterials.Design/methodology/approach – The objectives are achieved by analysing the most simple conditions under which radiation, scattering and cavity problems are well posed and can be reliably solved by the finite element method. The above “most simple conditions” refer to the hypotheses allowing the exploitation of the simplest mathematical tools dealing with the well posedness of variationally formulated problems, i.e. Lax‐Milgram and first Strang lemmas.Findings – The results of interest are found to hold true whenever the effective dielectric permittivity is uniformly positive definite on the regions where no losses are modelled in it and, moreover, the effective magnetic permeability is uniformly negative definite on the regions where no losses are modelled in it. The same good features hold true if “positive.
Acceleration mechanism for high throughput and low latency in NFV environments

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) brings agility and flexibility delivering network services with cost efficiency to network operators. As an emerging technology, it also presents several challenges, among them, ensuring high performance for virtualized network functions, based on software implementation and running on standard IT servers, instead of custom hardware appliances. In this article, we propose an acceleration mechanism for NFV platforms that allows the network traffic to bypass the service chain offloading the network functions. This mechanism can significantly improve performance and scalability, as demonstrated by the evaluation of our NFV platform, which is presented along with the details of the architecture and the implementation. The proposed solution using the proposed acceleration mechanism provided a performance boost of a factor of 23 compared to the same NFV platform without the acceleration mechanism enabled.
Millimeter-wave cavity-backed antenna array with high gain and simple structure

Antennas in high speed wireless local-area network (WLAN) at 60 GHz is now becoming a hot topic, and high-gain properties are often preferred due to high transmission loss of the frequencies around 60GHz. In this paper, a 2-element cavity-backed antenna (CBA) array is proposed, which is excited by bowtie dipoles and fed by a transition from a coaxial line to parallel strip lines. The array prototype is fabricated and measured after the parametric optimization is performed. The measured and simulated results agree reasonably with each other, proving that the array can feature an impedance bandwidth of ~8.3% for SWR ≤ 2, a broad gain of 12.6-13.6 dBi, and cross polarization of around -20 dB.
Characterization of Liposarcoma Cell Lines for Preclinical and Biological Studies

Liposarcoma cell lines represent in vitro models for studying disease mechanisms at the cellular level and for preclinical evaluation of novel drugs. To date there are a limited number of well-characterized models available. In this study, nine immortal liposarcoma cell lines were evaluated for tumor-forming ability, stem cell- and differentiation potential, and metastatic potential, with the aim to generate a well-characterized liposarcoma cell line panel. Detailed stem cell and differentiation marker analyses were also performed. Five of the liposarcoma cell lines were tumorigenic, forming tumors in mice. Interestingly, tumor-forming ability correlated with high proliferative capacity in vitro. All the cell lines underwent adipocytic differentiation, but the degree varied. Surprisingly, the expression of stem cell and differentiation markers did not correlate well with function. Overall, the panel contains cell lines suited for in vivo analyses (LPS141, SA-4, T778, SW872, and LISA-2), for testing novel drugs targeting cancer stem cells (LPS141) and for studying tumor progression and metastasis (T449 and T778).
Thinking ahead – the need for early Advance Care Planning for people on haemodialysis: A qualitative interview study

Background: There is a need to improve end-of-life care for people with end-stage kidney disease, particularly due to the increasingly elderly, frail and co-morbid end-stage kidney disease population. Timely, sensitive and individualised Advance Care Planning discussions are acceptable and beneficial for people with end-stage kidney disease and can help foster realistic hopes and goals. Aim: To explore the experiences of people with end-stage kidney disease regarding starting haemodialysis, its impact on quality of life and their preferences for future care and to explore the Advance Care Planning needs of this population and the timing of this support. Study design: Semi-structured qualitative interview study of people receiving haemodialysis. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Recruitment ceased once data saturation was achieved. Setting/participants: A total of 20 patients at two UK National Health Service hospitals, purposively sampled by age, time on haemodialysis and symptom burden. Results: Themes emerged around: Looking Back, emotions of commencing haemodialysis; Current Experiences, illness and treatment burdens; and Looking Ahead, facing the realities. Challenges throughout the trajectory included getting information, communicating with staff and the ‘conveyor belt’ culture of haemodialysis units. Participants reported a lack of opportunity to discuss their future, particularly if their health deteriorated, and variable involvement in treatment decisions. However, discussion of these sensitive issues was more acceptable to some than others. Conclusion: Renal patients have considerable unmet Advance Care Planning needs. There is a need to normalise discussions about preferences and priorities in renal and haemodialysis units earlier in the disease trajectory. However, an individualised approach is essential – one size does not fit all.
Evaluation of Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Amlodipine, Valsartan, and Hydrochlorothiazide in Patients With Hypertension

The steady‐state pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction potential between amlodipine (10 mg), valsartan (320 mg), and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ; 25 mg) was evaluated in patients with hypertension in a multicenter, multiple‐dose, open‐label, 4‐cohort, parallel‐group study. Eligible patients were randomly allocated to the dual combination of valsartan + HCTZ, amlodipine + valsartan, or amlodipine + HCTZ and nonrandomly allotted to amlodipine + valsartan + HCTZ triple combination treatment. After 6 days of treatment with a half‐maximal dose of different combinations, patients were up‐titrated to the maximal drug doses from day 7 through day 17. PK parameters of corresponding analytes from the triple‐ and dual‐treatment groups were estimated on day 17 and compared. Safety and tolerability of all treatments was assessed. The Cssmax and AUC0‐τ values of amlodipine or HCTZ remained unaffected when administered with valsartan + HCTZ or valsartan + amlodipine, respectively. On the other hand, valsartan exposure increased by 10% to 25% when coadministered with HCTZ and amlodipine, which is not considered clinically relevant. In conclusion, there were no clinically relevant PK interactions with amlodipine, valsartan, and HCTZ triple combination compared with the corresponding dual combinations. All treatments were safe and well tolerated.