Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PLGA-encapsulated perfluorocarbon nanoparticles for simultaneous visualization of distinct cell populations by 19F MRI.

AIM In vivo imaging using (19)F MRI is advantageous, due to its ability to quantify cell numbers, but is limited for a lack of suitable labels. Here, we formulate two stable and clinically applicable labels for tracking two populations of primary human dendritic cells (DCs) simultaneously. MATERIALS & METHODS Plasmacytoid and myeloid DCs are able to take up sufficient nanoparticles (200 nm) for imaging (10(12 19)F's per cell), despite being relatively nonphagocytic. RESULTS Clinically relevant numbers of labeled DCs could be imaged in about 10 min, even on a clinical scanner. CONCLUSION We demonstrate the use of perfluorocarbon nanoparticles for simultaneous (19)F MRI of distinct cell populations in a clinical setting, without spectroscopic imaging.
Role of nitric oxide in parasitic infections.

Nitric oxide is produced by a number of different cell types in response to cytokine stimulation and thus has been found to play a role in immunologically mediated protection against a growing list of protozoan and helminth parasites in vitro and in animal models. The biochemical basis of its effects on the parasite targets appears to involve primarily inactivation of enzymes crucial to energy metabolism and growth, although it has other biologic activities as well. NO is produced not only by macrophages and macrophage-like cells commonly associated with the effector arm of cell-mediated immune reactivity but also by cells commonly considered to lie outside the immunologic network, such as hepatocytes and endothelial cells, which are intimately involved in the life cycle of a number of parasites. NO production is stimulated by gamma interferon in combination with tumor necrosis factor alpha or other secondary activation signals and is regulated by a number of cytokines (especially interleukin-4, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor beta) and other mediators, as well as through its own inherent inhibitory activity. The potential for design of prevention and/or intervention approaches against parasitic infection (e.g., vaccination or combination chemo- and immunotherapy strategies) on the basis of induction of cell-mediated immunity and NO production appears to be great, but the possible pathogenic consequences of overproduction of NO must be taken into account. Moreover, more research on the role and regulation of NO in human parasitic infection is needed before its possible clinical relevance can be determined.
Personality, organizational stress, and attitudes toward work as prospective predictors of professional burnout in hospital nurses

Aim To examine to what extent personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness), organizational stress, and attitudes toward work and interactions between personality and either organizational stress or attitudes toward work prospectively predict 3 components of burnout. Methods The study was carried out on 118 hospital nurses. Data were analyzed by a set of hierarchical regression analyses, in which personality traits, measures of organizational stress, and attitudes toward work, as well as interactions between personality and either organizational stress or attitudes toward work were included as predictors, while 3 indices of burnout were measured 4 years later as criteria variables. Results Personality traits proved to be significant but weak prospective predictors of burnout and as a group predicted only reduced professional efficacy (R2 = 0.10), with agreeableness being a single negative predictor. Organizational stress was positive, affective-normative commitment negative predictor, while continuance commitment was not related to any dimension of burnout. We found interactions between neuroticism as well as conscientiousness and organizational stress, measured as role conflict and work overload, on reduced professional efficacy (βNRCWO = -0.30; ßcRCWO = -0.26). We also found interactions between neuroticism and affective normative commitment (β = 0.24) and between openness and continuance commitment on reduced professional efficacy (β = -0.23), as well as interactions between conscientiousness and continuance commitment on exhaustion. Conclusion Although contextual variables were strong prospective predictors and personality traits weak predictors of burnout, the results suggested the importance of the interaction between personality and contextual variables in predicting burnout.
The human ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, UBE2E3, is required for proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells.

PURPOSE Cell cycle progression is governed by the coordinated activities of kinases, phosphatases, and the ubiquitin system. The entire complement of ubiquitin pathway components that mediate this process in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells remains to be identified. This study was undertaken to determine whether the human ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, UBE2E3, is essential for RPE cell proliferation. METHODS UBE2E3 expression and localization in telomerase-immortalized, human RPE cells was determined with a UBE2E3-specific antibody. The necessity for UBE2E3 in RPE proliferation was determined using small interfering (si)RNA to target the expression of the enzyme. Cell counts and immunolabeling for the proliferation marker Ki-67 and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1) were performed to assess the consequences of UBE2E3 depletion. A mouse strain harboring a disrupted allele of UbcM2 (the mouse counterpart of UBE2E3) with the coding sequence for beta-galactosidase was used to track the developmental expression of the enzyme in murine RPE cells. RESULTS UBE2E3 localized in the nucleus of the immortalized RPE cells. Depletion of the enzyme by siRNA resulted in a cell-cycle exit accompanied by a loss of Ki-67, an increase in p27(Kip1), and a doubling in cell area. Rescue experiments confirmed the specificity of the RNA interference. In vivo, UbcM2 was transcriptionally downregulated during RPE development in the mouse. CONCLUSIONS UBE2E3 is essential for the proliferation of RPE-1 cells and is downregulated during RPE layer maturation in the developing mouse eye. These findings indicate that UBE2E3 is a major enzyme in modulating the balance between RPE cell proliferation and differentiation.
EBUS-TBNA Provides Highest RNA Yield for Multiple Biomarker Testing from Routinely Obtained Small Biopsies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients - A Comparative Study of Three Different Minimal Invasive Sampling Methods

Background Multiple biomarker testing is necessary to facilitate individualized treatment of lung cancer patients. More than 80% of lung cancers are diagnosed based on very small tumor samples. Often there is not enough tissue for molecular analysis. We compared three minimal invasive sampling methods with respect to RNA quantity for molecular testing. Methods 106 small biopsies were prospectively collected by three different methods forceps biopsy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA), and CT-guided core biopsy. Samples were split into two halves. One part was formalin fixed and paraffin embedded for standard pathological evaluation. The other part was put in RNAlater for immediate RNA/DNA extraction. If the pathologist confirmed the diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC), the following molecular markers were tested: EGFR mutation, ERCC1, RRM1 and BRCA1. Results Overall, RNA-extraction was possible in 101 out of 106 patients (95.3%). We found 49% adenocarcinomas, 38% squamouscarcinomas, and 14% non-otherwise-specified(NOS). The highest RNA yield came from endobronchial ultrasound guided needle aspiration, which was significantly higher than bronchoscopy (37.74±41.09 vs. 13.74±15.53 ng respectively, P = 0.005) and numerically higher than CT-core biopsy (37.74±41.09 vs. 28.72±44.27 ng respectively, P = 0.244). EGFR mutation testing was feasible in 100% of evaluable patients and its incidence was 40.8%, 7.9% and 14.3% in adenocarcinomas, squamouscarcinomas and NSCLC NOS subgroup respectively. There was no difference in the feasibility of molecular testing between the three sampling methods with feasibility rates for ERCC1, RRM1 and BRCA1 of 91%, 87% and 81% respectively. Conclusion All three methods can provide sufficient tumor material for multiple biomarkers testing from routinely obtained small biopsies in lung cancer patients. In our study EBUS guided needle aspiration provided the highest amount of tumor RNA compared to bronchoscopy or CT guided core biopsy. Thus EBUS should be considered as an acceptable option for tissue acquisition for molecular testing.
Antenna Selection Strategies for MIMO-OFDM Wireless Systems: An Energy Efficiency Perspective

In this paper, we investigate antenna selection strategies for multiple-input-multiple-output orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) wireless systems from an energy efficiency (EE) perspective. We first derive closed-form expressions of the EE and the energy efficiency-spectral efficiency (EE-SE) tradeoff in conventional antenna selection MIMO-OFDM systems. The obtained results show that these systems suffer from a significant loss in EE. To achieve a better EE performance, we propose an adaptive antenna selection method where both the number of active radio-frequency chains and the antenna indexes are selected depending on the channel condition. This selection scheme could be implemented by an exhaustive search technique for a small number of antennas. Moreover, we develop a greedy algorithm that achieves a near-optimal performance with much lower complexity compared with the (optimal) exhaustive search method when the number of antennas is large. In addition, the efficacy of power loading across subcarriers for improved EE in the conventional and proposed antenna selection MIMO-OFDM systems is considered. Monte Carlo simulation results are provided to validate our analyses.
Central Nervous System Syndromes in Critically Ill Adults

1. Interpret factors affecting the acute and long-term psychological well-being of the critically ill. 2. Design initiatives to prevent agitation, pain, and delirium and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. 3. Design effective strategies to optimize pharmacologically based ICU patient comfort while avoiding therapeutic misadventures. 4. Appraise mechanisms for caregiver evaluation of pain, agitation, and delirium in verbal and nonverbal critically ill patients. 5. Justify the use of “analgesia-first” sedation for most critically ill patients. 6. Argue successfully for and design a program that avoids drug-induced coma for most patients through the provision of protocol-driven and goal-directed sedation and analgesia using validated assessment tools. 7. Develop a mechanism for the application of daily sedative interruption in the ICU.
Differences in perceptions of risk, benefits, and barriers by stage of mammography adoption.

PURPOSE The purpose of this report was to identify the relationship of mammography adoption with perceived susceptibility to breast cancer and perceived benefits and barriers to mammography. METHODS Stage of mammography adoption was based on the Transtheoretical Model. Previously validated scales for susceptibility, benefits, and barriers were administered. The sample included 694 women who were recruited from a large Health Maintenance Organization and general medicine clinic. The mean age was 61.2 years; 30% were African American and 67% were Caucasian. RESULTS Women who were currently compliant (action) had lower perceived barriers than other groups. Precontemplators and Relapse Precontemplators had lower perceived benefits scores than those who were currently compliant or those who were thinking of having a mammogram. Women who had never received a mammogram were more likely to feel they were too old for the procedure. Stage matched interventions are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Beliefs differ among women in various stages of mammography adoption. These differences may inform interventions to increase mammography use.
Local circuit neurons of macaque monkey striate cortex: III. Neurons of laminae 4B, 4A, and 3B

We continue an investigation of the organization of local circuit neurons (largely inhibitory, GABAergic neurons, with smooth or sparsely spined dendrites) in the primary visual cortex of macaque monkey (Lund, '87: J. Comp. Neurol. 257:60–92; Lund et al., '88: J. Comp. Neurol. 276:1–29). This account covers local circuit neurons of layers 4B, 4A, and 3B; these three layers each receive different intrinsic second‐order relays of principal thalamic inputs as well as receiving primary thalamic inputs in the case of two of the three laminae (4A and 3B). The study shows the existence of a number of different local circuit neurons making interlaminar projections between 4B, 4A, and 3B; each provides specific cross links between different combinations of the three laminae. It is known that the functional properties recorded physiologically from layers 4B, 4A, and 3B differ from one another and so these anatomical cross links may allow for correlation between different attributes of visual stimuli, e.g., color or motion, while still enabling separate processing of these different attributes to proceed in each of the three layers and be passed on to extrastriate areas. Whereas no spine‐bearing neurons of layers 4B, 4A, or 3B provide “feedback” circuits to layer 4C (the source of their major intrinsic excitatory afferents), some of the local circuit neurons provide precisely structured axon feedback projections to divisions of 4C. The local circuit neurons also project to either lamina 5 or lamina 6, but not both and to superficial layers 3A, 2, and 1. Some local circuit neuron axon projections are of a dimension that would be confined to single functional clusters, e.g., cytochrome‐rich “blobs,” others reach out far enough to contact nearest neighbor “unlike” functional clusters, and yet others spread far enough to link repeating clusters of single function.
A matrix-pencil approach to blind separation of non-white sources in white noise

The problem of blind source separation in additive white noise is an important problem in speech, array and acoustic signal processing. In general this problem requires the use of higher order statistics of the received signals. However for many signal sources, such as speech with distinct non-white power spectral densities, second order statistics of the received signal mixture can be exploited for signal separation. While previous approaches often assume that additive noise is absent or that the noise correlation matrix is known, we propose a simple and yet effective signal extraction method for signal source separation under unknown white noise. This new and unbiased signal extractor is derived from the matrix pencil formed between output auto-correlation matrices at different delays. Simulation examples are presented.
Developing, simulating, and deploying peer-to-peer systems using the Kompics component model

Currently, the development of overlay network systems typically produces two software artifacts: a simulator to model key protocols and a production system for a WAN environment. However, this methodology requires the maintenance of two implementations, as well as adding both development overhead and the potential for errors, through divergence in the different code bases. This paper describes how our message-passing component model, called Kompics, is used to build overlay network systems using a P2P component framework, where the same implementation can be simulated or deployed in a production environment. Kompics enables two different modes of simulation: deterministic simulation for reproducible debugging, and emulation mode for stress-testing systems. We used our P2P component framework to build and evaluate overlay systems, and we show how our model lowers the programming barrier for simulating and deploying overlay network systems.
Social Capital, Team Efficacy and Team Potency: The Mediating Role of Team Learning Behaviors.

Purpose – Drawing on social capital theory and self‐identification theory, this study aims to examine the associations of two indicators of social capital, personal networks and deep‐level similarity, with team capability measures of team efficacy and team potency. The central focus of the study is to be the hypothesized mediating role of team learning behaviors.Design/methodology/approach – Hypotheses were tested using questionnaire data obtained from 221 teachers working in 33 teams and data were analyzed using multilevel analyses.Findings – Consistent with the hypotheses, the results supported the contention that team learning behaviors mediate the relationship between different types of social capital and team efficacy and team potency. Specifically, it was found that, in highly (deep‐level) similar teams, the level of team learning behaviors is higher than in diverse teams, and this is hardly dependent on the extent of social capital based on personal networks. For diverse teams (i.e. teams scoring l.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Good times ? ! 3 problems and design considerations for playful HCI

Using Location-aware Multimedia Messaging (LMM) systems as a research testbed, we present an analysis of how ‘fun or playfulness’ can be studied and designed for under mobile and ubiquitous environments. These LMM systems allow users to leave geo-tagged multimedia messages behind at any location. Drawing on previous efforts with LMM systems and an envisioned scenario illustrating how LMM can be used, we discuss in detail what playful experiences are and three problems that arise in realizing the scenario: how playful experiences can be inferred (the inference problem), how the experience of capture can be motivated and maintained (the experience-capture maintenance problem), and how playful experiences can be measured (the measurement problem). We respond to each of the problems by drawing three design considerations for playful Human-Computer Interaction: 1) experiences can be approached as information-rich representations or as arising from human-system interaction 2) incentive mechanisms can be mediators of fun and engagement, and 3) measuring experiences requires a balance in testing methodology choice.
Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Observations from TOGA COARE: Selected Results and Lightning Location Algorithms

Abstract Recently, observations of electrified oceanic convection and associated cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning were obtained over the tropical western Pacific Ocean during TOGA COARE (Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment). During COARE, observations of convection were made using a variety of instrument platforms including ship and airborne Doppler radars, an advanced lightning direction finder (ALDF) network, and a shipborne inverted electric field mill. This study focuses on data collected by the COARE ALDF network, fusion of those data with observations, and the methods used to calculate accurate CG return stroke locations. Analysis of CG lightning data and Doppler radar data indicates that lightning-producing oceanic convection is characterized by deep, vertically developed convective cells with radar reflectivities exceeding 30-dBZ above the height of the −10°C level. In several cases a peak in CG frequency occurred coincident with the descent of precipitation.
PET-Specific Parameters and Radiotracers in Theoretical Tumour Modelling

The innovation of computational techniques serves as an important step toward optimized, patient-specific management of cancer. In particular, in silico simulation of tumour growth and treatment response may eventually yield accurate information on disease progression, enhance the quality of cancer treatment, and explain why certain therapies are effective where others are not. In silico modelling is demonstrated to considerably benefit from information obtainable with PET and PET/CT. In particular, models have successfully integrated tumour glucose metabolism, cell proliferation, and cell oxygenation from multiple tracers in order to simulate tumour behaviour. With the development of novel radiotracers to image additional tumour phenomena, such as pH and gene expression, the value of PET and PET/CT data for use in tumour models will continue to grow. In this work, the use of PET and PET/CT information in in silico tumour models is reviewed. The various parameters that can be obtained using PET and PET/CT are detailed, as well as the radiotracers that may be used for this purpose, their utility, and limitations. The biophysical measures used to quantify PET and PET/CT data are also described. Finally, a list of in silico models that incorporate PET and/or PET/CT data is provided and reviewed.
Rat Urinary Bladder Carcinogenesis by Dual-Acting PPARα + γ Agonists

Despite clinical promise, dual-acting activators of PPARα and γ (here termed PPARα+γ agonists) have experienced high attrition rates in preclinical and early clinical development, due to toxicity. In some cases, discontinuation was due to carcinogenic effect in the rat urothelium, the epithelial layer lining the urinary bladder, ureters, and kidney pelvis. Chronic pharmacological activation of PPARα is invariably associated with cancer in rats and mice. Chronic pharmacological activation of PPARγ can in some cases also cause cancer in rats and mice. Urothelial cells coexpress PPARα as well as PPARγ, making it plausible that the urothelial carcinogenicity of PPARα+γ agonists may be caused by receptor-mediated effects (exaggerated pharmacology). Based on previously published mode of action data for the PPARα+γ agonist ragaglitazar, and the available literature about the role of PPARα and γ in rodent carcinogenesis, we propose a mode of action hypothesis for the carcinogenic effect of PPARα+γ agonists in the rat urothelium, which combines receptor-mediated and off-target cytotoxic effects. The proposed mode of action hypothesis is being explored in our laboratories, towards understanding the human relevance of the rat cancer findings, and developing rapid in vitro or short-term in vivo screening approaches to faciliate development of new dual-acting PPAR agonist compounds.
Remote trust with aspect-oriented programming

Given a client/server application, how can the server entrust the integrity of the remote client, albeit the latter is running on an un-trusted machine? To address this research problem, we propose a novel approach based on the client-side generation of an execution signature, which is remotely checked by the server, wherein signature generation is locked to the entrusted software by means of code integrity checking. Our approach exploits the features of dynamic aspect-oriented programming (AOP) to extend the power of code integrity checkers in several ways. This paper both presents our approach and describes a prototype implementation for a messaging application.
Phosphoinositides as Regulators in Membrane Traffic

Phosphorylated products of phosphatidylinositol play critical roles in the regulation of membrane traffic, in addition to their classical roles as second messengers in signal transduction at the cell surface. Growing evidence suggests that phosphorylation-dephosphorylation of the polar heads of phosphoinositides (polyphosphorylated inositol lipids) in specific intracellular locations signals either the recruitment or the activation of proteins essential for vesicular transport. Cross talk between phosphatidylinositol metabolites and guanosine triphosphatases is an important feature of these regulatory mechanisms.