Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detrusor underactivity is prevalent after radical prostatectomy: A urodynamic study including risk factors.

INTRODUCTION The objective was to determine the prevalence of, and factors that predict, detrusor underactivity (DU) in patients presenting with incontinence or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) following radical prostatectomy (RP). We also determined the prevalence of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and detrusor overactivity (DO) in this population. METHODS Patients who underwent urodynamics post-RP were identified. Detrusor underactivity was defined as a maximum flow rate (Qmax) of ≤15 mL/s and detrusor pressure (Pdet) Qmax <20 cmH20 or maximum Pdet <20 cmH20 during attempted voiding. Abdominal voiding (AV) was defined as sustained increase in abdominal pressure during voiding. Bladder outlet obstruction and DO were identified using the Abrams-Griffiths nomogram and the International Continence Society criteria. Univariate logistic regression was used to determine factors predicting DU. The following factors were analyzed: age, year of RP, procedure type (minimally-invasive surgery [MIS] or open), postoperative radiation, nerve-sparing, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason grade and interval between RP and evaluation. RESULTS Between 2005 and 2008, 264 patients underwent urodynamics post-RP. Detrusor underactivity was observed in 108 patients (41%; 95% CI 35%, 47%), of whom 48% demonstrated AV. Overall, BOO and DO were present in 17% (95% CI 12%, 22%) and 27% (95% CI 22%, 33%), respectively. On univariate analysis, only MIS RP was predictive of DU (univariate odds ratio 2.05 for MIS vs. open; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS Detrusor underactivity and AV are common in patients presenting for evaluation of incontinence or LUTS following RP. The etiology of DU in this setting is likely related to the surgical approach. Because DU may affect the success of male incontinence treatment with the male sling or artificial urinary sphincter, it is useful to document its presence prior to treatment. More studies are needed to elucidate the influence of DU on treatment success for male urinary incontinence following RP.
The role of Cdx proteins in intestinal development and cancer

Since their original identification in Drosophila, the caudal related homologues (Cdx1 and Cdx2) have been known to be evolutionarily conserved both in molecular structure and function. In a great variety of organisms they are recognized to function critically during antero-posterior patterning and the development of the intestinal epithelium. The Cdx homologues, when expressed, modulate a diverse set of processes including proliferation, apoptosis, cell-adhesion, and columnar morphology. They are also necessary for the expression of an increasing number of intestine-specific genes. By targeting these processes and genes, the Cdx homologues promote the appearance of a mature intestinal cell phenotype. In addition to these critical roles during development, accumulating evidence suggests that the Cdx homologues may play significant roles in oncogenesis in the gastrointestinal tract and other tissues. In the colon, several studies suggest the Cdx homologues may act as tumor suppressors. However, ectopic Cdx1 and Cdx2 expression is involved in the development of the precancerous intestinal metaplasia in the stomach and esophagus, and may be a transforming event in one form of acute myelogenous leukemia. This review will explore our current understanding of the roles of the caudal homologues Cdx1 and Cdx2 in intestinal development and carcinogenesis.
Efficient performance analysis of asynchronous cellular CDMA over Rayleigh-fading channels

The bit error rate (BER) analysis of a direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) cellular system over a Rayleigh-fading channel often results in complicated expressions even though the Gaussian approximation is applied. A combined probability density function (pdf) approach for the forward link and a mean-method technique for the reverse link are proposed to significantly reduce the computational complexity. The simplified BER expressions are derived and yield accurate results.
Mobile RFID in Internet of Things: Security attacks, privacy risks, and countermeasures

The Internet of Things (IoTs) is an emerging technological paradigm that entails interconnected smart objects in order to sense, communicate and interact autonomously, finally providing advanced services. This innovative phenomenon makes the smart objects capable of seeing, hearing, thinking and performing jobs by sharing information and coordinating decisions. The potential growth of IoTs is highly dependent upon enabling technologies like RFID technology, Sensor technology, smart technologies and nanotechnology. RFID is the first communication technology that apprehends the concept of M2M, enabling the machines to identify objects, understanding their status, communicating information and taking necessary actions. In this paper we highlight important security and privacy risks/issues, challenges and countermeasures involved in the mobile RFID when it is used in IoTs. The risk mitigation is also pointed out for the attacks and problems involved.
Signature of a Fano resonance in the local density of states of a plasmonic meta-molecule

We experimentally study the local density of optical states (LDOS) of a plasmonic meta-molecule exhibiting plasmon induced transparency (PIT) by near field driving. We discuss the observed LDOS features in terms of the system's uncoupled eigenmodes and identify the potential of sub-radiant modes to create narrow bright features for spontaneous emission control in the context of optical antennas.
The 'race' for Camden : the Camden Islamic school controversy

This dissertation focuses on the 2007-09 controversy surrounding the proposed development of an Islamic school in Camden, a small semi-rural town of Sydney, Australia. It critically examines the resistance that was mounted by local opponents of the proposed school in a xenophobic campaign that was vastly disproportionate to the fairly modest development application. A series of actions and events formed the hostile reception the proposal received. Thousands of residents protested and an Australian flag, a wooden crucifix and two pigs’ heads appeared on the site of the proposed school. Camden Council and the local newspaper received record numbers of letters protesting against the development. Two conservative antiMuslim groups from outside the local area joined the cause, and several non-local politicians were involved in campaigning against the school. The motivations behind these strong reactions of protest need to be uncovered, particularly in the post 9/11 world whereby the shapes and forms of Islamophobia are increasing and diversifying. Using a number of qualitative methodologies, this investigation into the school saga reveals that several entangled events and discourses were at play that supplied some opponents with ammunition to use against this development. With a proud local history of flourishing white agricultural settlement, a sense of local ownership was flaunted in the face of the proposal. This was tangled with a catalogue of recent moral panics concerning Islam and people of Arab backgrounds that fuelled local Islamophobia against Others. Further, the school was a reminder to locals of the encroaching multicultural suburbia of Sydney’s West, which locals interpreted as the loss of localized rural white Australian life. Drawing on Stuart Hall’s (Jhally 1999) concept of ‘race’ as the floating signifier, this thesis argues that the insidious presence of ‘race’ influences the many diverse positions and narratives of protest against the school. These discourses are situated in two significant contexts. The first is the local Camden context as a semi-rural, largely ‘white town’ which borders many culturally diverse Sydney areas. The second is the broader contemporary Australian context, in which there are increasing levels of social apprehension towards Muslims and Arabs. Critics depicted the school as a catalyst for horrid change in the area, whether it was demographic change brought on by the Other (in the Camden context, the Other refers to Arabs and Muslims), or general devastating change of the landscape (referring to the transformation of a rural and white ‘oasis’ into a culturally diverse suburban area). Through these fears, a number of constructions of ‘race’ are apparent. In analysing these discourses, we are exposed to the distinct relationship between ‘race’, racism and a type of local Islamophobia that is situated in the Camden controversy.
Energy, Resources and Welfare: Exploration of Social Frameworks for Sustainable Development

Bent S rensen, one of the world's leading experts in the field of renewable energy systems, explores the current hurdles to the universal adoption of renewable energy sources and proposes solutions to the current situation in this new inspiring work. He discusses the social, political and economic issues that make sustainability seem like such an attainable goal, and explores the ways through which change can be achieved without loss of welfare. Even though the author has written several scientific monographs covering the technical issues behind the energy and social transitions mentioned in this book, and bases his conclusions on solid facts and analysis, S rensen avoids specialist jargon in this text. He therefore addresses scientists and engineers directly involved in sustainable technologies, as well as energy planners and decision makers in industry and government, and also those interested in the direction in which our societies are moving. This book can be a good basis for discussions and debate, whether in academic or in political circles, and may even be used as complementary reading for students in the field of energy generation, implementation, planning, management, markets and policy. * One of the world's leading experts in renewable energy systems looks into economic, social and political factors that influence the current state of renewable energy implementation in the world. * S rensen examines the reasons why reaching 100% renewable and sustainable energy sources might seem like an unattainable goal, and proposes alternative solutions that would allow the world to proceed towards energy sustainability without losing welfare.
The Luminal Domain of TGN38 Interacts with Integrin β1 and is Involved in its Trafficking

TGN38 luminal domain (TGN38LD) was expressed in Cos‐7 cells to identify potential binding partners. The luminal domain was secreted but, surprisingly, a significant portion bound to the plasma membrane. Cells over‐expressing TGN38LD or the full‐length molecule detached from the substratum and left footprints positive for TGN38. Unexpectedly, in these cells, TGN38 colocalizes with integrin α5β1 at the Golgi, the cell surface or in the footprints and an increased amount of both integrin subunits on the plasma membrane was observed. Under physiological conditions when TGN38 is not overexpressed, it interacts with integrin β1. This was demonstrated by reciprocal co‐immunoprecipitation of integrin β1 and TGN38. Functional analysis reveals that modification of the trafficking of TGN38 results in a parallel change in the distribution of integrin α5β1, leading to the conclusion that TGN38 is involved in the trafficking of integrin β1.
Effects of Heterosis and Direction of Crossing on Production Performance of F 1 Offspring of Dominant Black Strain and Fulani Ecotype Chickens.

The objectives of this study were to determine the mode of gene action of determinants of performance (i.e. positive or negative heterosis) in F chickens produced by mating Fulani Ecotype (FE) and Dominant Black strain (DB) chickens, and whether the direction of crossing (DBxFE or FExDB) influenced the mode of gene action. Analysis of all F data irrespective of cross direction (combined) showed that the effect of 1 percentage heterosis was positive but weak for Weight Gain (WG) = 0.04, Feed Intake (FI) = 3.83, Body Weight at First egg (BWF) = 0.76, Egg Weight (EW) = 11.28, and 0 for Egg Number (EN) and Mortality (M) during the laying period. The combined heterotic effects were negative for Hen Day Production (HDP), Feed efficiency (FEf), Age at Sexual Maturity (ASM), and mortality from day old to 21 weeks of age (-0.16, -4.33, -9.15 and -67.74% respectively). Positive but low heterosis was obtained for BWF (0.76), and EW (11.28) and WG, FEf, EN, ASM, HDP and M showed negative heterosis (-100.00 to - 0.28) in the DBXFE cross bred. The mean performance of the FEXDB showed positive heterosis ranging from 1.08 to 100% in WG, FI, BWF, EW, EN, HDP and M during the laying period, while negative heterosis; -67.74, -4.54 and -8.22 was observed for M (0- 21days), FEf and ASM. The reciprocal effects showed F FEXDB were superior in ASM, 1 BWF and EW, while F DBxFE were superior in EN, HDP and M. 1 Key words: Exotic laying strain, Fulani Ecotype chicken, Heterosis, Reciprocal effects.
Polyamines regulate expression of E-cadherin and play an important role in control of intestinal epithelial barrier function

Epithelial cells line the gastrointestinal mucosa and form an important barrier that protects the subepithelial tissue against a wide array of noxious substances, allergens, viruses and luminal microbial pathogens. Restoration of mucosal integrity following injury and various environmental stresses requires epithelial cell decisions that regulate signaling networks controlling gene expression, survival, migration and proliferation. Recently, it has been shown that polyamines play an important role in the regulation of cell-cell interactions and are critical for maintenance of intestinal epithelial integrity. Both the function of polyamines in expression of adherens junction proteins and their possible mechanisms, especially in implication of intracellular Ca2+ and c-Myc transcription factor, are the subject of this review article.
Thermodynamics of barnase unfolding

The thermodynamics of barnase denaturation has been studied calorimetrically over a broad range of temperature and pH. It is shown that in acidic solutions the heat denaturation of barnase is well approximated by a 2‐state transition. The heat denaturation of barnase proceeds with a significant increase of heat capacity, which determines the temperature dependencies of the enthalpy and entropy of its denaturation. The partial specific heat capacity of denatured barnase is very close to that expected for the completely unfolded protein. The specific denaturation enthalpy value extrapolated to 130 °C is also close to the value expected for the full unfolding. Therefore, the calorimetrically determined thermodynamic characteristics of barnase denaturation can be considered as characteristics of its complete unfolding and can be correlated with structural features — the number of hydrogen bonds, extent of van der Waals contacts, and the surface areas of polar and nonpolar groups. Using this information and thermodynamic information on transfer of protein groups into water, the contribution of various factors to the stabilization of the native structure of barnase has been estimated. The main contributors to the stabilization of the native state of barnase appear to be intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The contributions of van der Waals interactions between nonpolar groups and those of hydration effects of these groups are not as large if considered separately, but the combination of these 2 factors, known as hydrophobic interactions, is of the same order of magnitude as the contribution of hydrogen bonding.
Variable-temperature spectroelectrochemical study of horseradish peroxidase.

The reduction potentials of the compound II/ferric and compound I/compound II couples have been studied, using potassium hexachloroiridate as a mediator titrant, by thin-layer spectroelectrochemistry. Compound I, which is 2 equiv more oxidized than the ferric (i.e., resting) form of the enzyme, was reversibly formed via a compound II intermediate; no evidence for a ferric porphyrin pi-cation radical intermediate was obtained. At 25 degrees C, E degrees' (compound I/compound II) = 897.9 +/- 3 mV (NHE) and E degrees'-(compound II/ferric) = 869.1 +/- 2 mV. Redox thermodynamic parameters, obtained from the temperature dependences of the reduction potentials of both couples, are reported. The reaction entropies (delta S degrees rc) for the compound II/ferric and compound I/compound II couples are 19.8 +/- 3.9 and 12.1 +/- 3.7 eu, respectively. This result indicates that the reorganization energy for the macrocycle-centered couple is lower than that for the metal-centered one. Together with our observation that E degrees' for the former is ca. 30 mV greater than that for the latter, these results suggest that compound I is more reactive toward outer-sphere reductants than compound II. In particular, the electron self-exchange rates for the compound I/compound II and compound II/ferric couples are estimated to be 4.4 x 10(-1) and 4.9 x 10(-4) M-1 s-1, respectively. Surprisingly, the formation of compound I from ferric HRP is accompanied by an almost zero standard entropy (delta S degrees') change.
A thermodynamically consistent model of bone rotary remodeling: a 2D study

Bone remodeling characterizes the lifelong turnover and adaptation of bone tissue to its mechanical and biochemical environment. This phenomenon is of major importance, as it governs healing as well as osseointegration around implants (Haiat et al. 2014). Several scales and physics are involved in bone remodeling. Indeed, changes of the mechanical environment of bone at the organ scale lead to apposition and resorption of bone material at the microstructural scale which, in turn, result in an evolution of the mechanical properties of bone tissue, at the tissue scale. Moreover, biochemical stimuli can also trigger bone remodeling. In this work, we present a thermodynamically consistent framework for describing the evolution of bone elastic properties at the tissue scale. Such an approach allows to consider not only mechanics, but also phenomena related to biological activity. In particular, we focus on the stress driven rotation of the principal axes of the elastic tensor of bone. Rotation of bone material axes describes, at the tissue scale, the reorientation of bone microstructure induced by the macroscopic loading.
Spi‐B can functionally replace PU.1 in myeloid but not lymphoid development

Mature macrophages, neutrophils and lymphoid cells do not develop in PU.1−/− mice. In contrast, mice lacking the highly related protein Spi‐B generate all hematopoietic lineages but display a B‐cell receptor signaling defect. These distinct phenotypes could result from functional differences between PU.1 and Spi‐B or their unique temporal and tissue‐specific expression (PU.1: myeloid and B cells; Spi‐B: B cells only). To address this question, we introduced the Spi‐B cDNA into the murine PU.1 locus by homologous recombination. In the absence of PU.1, Spi‐B rescued macrophage and granulocyte development when assayed by in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Adherent, CD11b+/F4/80+ cells capable of phagocytosis were detected in PU.1Spi‐B/Spi‐B embryoid bodies, and myeloid colonies were present in hematopoietic progenitor assays. Despite its ability to rescue myeloid differentiation, Spi‐B did not rescue lymphoid development in a RAG‐2−/− complementation assay. These results demonstrate an important difference between PU.1 and Spi‐B. Careful comparison of these Ets factors will delineate important functional domains of PU.1 involved in lymphocyte lineage commitment and/or maturation.
Protective effect of aqueous extract of Oroxylum indicum Linn. (root bark) against DNBS-induced colitis in rats

Objective: Aqueous root extract of Oroxylum indicum was evaluated in rats against dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) induced colitis. Materials and Methods: Rats were pre-treated orally for seven days and continued for four days after the induction of colitis with OIaq (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) or vehicle. Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of 25 mg of DNBS per rat dissolved in 50% alcohol and 4 days later, the colonic mucosal damage was analyzed along with food intake, body weight, colon weight, spleen weight, histological damage, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, reduced glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide levels in colonic tissue homogenate. Results: Significant reduction in gross damage area, weight loss and increase in colonic and spleen weight were evident in test substance-pretreated animals’ dose dependently as compared to vehicle treated control. These effects were confirmed biochemically by a reduction in colonic myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, nitric oxide levels, and increase in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Furthermore, microscopic examination revealed diminution of inflammatory cell infiltration and submucosal edema in colon segments of rats treated with OIaq. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the protective effect of OIaq in the animal model of acute colitis possibly through an antioxidant, anti-lipoperoxidative or due to reduction in nitric oxide generation.
Synaptic organization in the adult Drosophila mushroom body calyx

Insect mushroom bodies are critical for olfactory associative learning. We have carried out an extensive quantitative description of the synaptic organization of the calyx of adult Drosophila melanogaster, the main olfactory input region of the mushroom body. By using high‐resolution confocal microscopy, electron microscopy‐based three‐dimensional reconstructions, and genetic labeling of the neuronal populations contributing to the calyx, we resolved the precise connections between large cholinergic boutons of antennal lobe projection neurons and the dendrites of Kenyon cells, the mushroom body intrinsic neurons. Throughout the calyx, these elements constitute synaptic complexes called microglomeruli. By single‐cell labeling, we show that each Kenyon cell's claw‐like dendritic specialization is highly enriched in filamentous actin, suggesting that this might be a site of plastic reorganization. In fact, Lim kinase (LimK) overexpression in the Kenyon cells modifies the shape of the microglomeruli. Confocal and electron microscopy indicate that each Kenyon cell claw enwraps a single bouton of a projection neuron. Each bouton is contacted by a number of such claw‐like specializations as well as profiles of γ‐aminobutyric acid‐positive neurons. The dendrites of distinct populations of Kenyon cells involved in different types of memory are partially segregated within the calyx and contribute to different subsets of microglomeruli. Our analysis suggests, though, that projection neuron boutons can contact more than one type of Kenyon cell. These findings represent an important basis for the functional analysis of the olfactory pathway, including the formation of associative olfactory memories. J. Comp. Neurol. 517:808–824, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.