Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Novel Statistical Model for Assessing the Synergy of Combined-Agent Cancer Chemoprevention

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, developing over prolonged periods through genetic and epigenetic changes induced and exacerbated by tobacco exposure. Many epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and histone methylation and acetylation, are reversible. The use of agents that can modulate these aberrations are a potentially effective approach to cancer chemoprevention. Combined epigenetic-targeting agents have gained interest for their potential to increase efficacy and lower toxicity. The present study applied recently developed statistical methods to validate the combined effects of the demethylating agent 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-AZA-CdR, or AZA, or decitabine) and the histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA or vorinostat). This validation compared AZA alone with SAHA alone and with their combinations (at later or earlier time points and in varying doses) for inhibiting the growth of cell lines of an in vitro lung carcinogenesis system. This system comprises isogenic premalignant and malignant cells that are immortalized (earlier premalignant), transformed (later premalignant), and tumorigenic human bronchial epithelial cells [immortalized BEAS-2B and its derivatives 1799 (immortalized), 1198 (transformed), and 1170-I (tumorigenic)]. AZA alone and SAHA alone produced a limited (<50%) inhibition of cell growth, whereas combined AZA and SAHA inhibited cell growth more than either agent alone, reaching 90% inhibition under some conditions. Results of drug interaction analyses in the Emax model and semiparametric model supported the conclusion that drug combinations exert synergistic effects (i.e., beyond additivity in the Loewe model). The present results show the applicability of our novel statistical methodology for quantitatively assessing drug synergy across a wide range of doses of agents with complex dose-response profiles, a methodology with great potential for advancing the development of chemopreventive combinations. Cancer Prev Res; 3(8); 917–28. ©2010 AACR.
Effects of Vegetarian Diets on Blood Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Vegetarian diets exclude all animal flesh and are being widely adopted by an increasing number of people; however, effects on blood lipid concentrations remain unclear. This meta‐analysis aimed to quantitatively assess the overall effects of vegetarian diets on blood lipids. Methods and Results We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library through March 2015. Studies were included if they described the effectiveness of vegetarian diets on blood lipids (total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride). Weighted mean effect sizes were calculated for net changes by using a random‐effects model. We performed subgroup and univariate meta‐regression analyses to explore sources of heterogeneity. Eleven trials were included in the meta‐analysis. Vegetarian diets significantly lowered blood concentrations of total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non–high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and the pooled estimated changes were −0.36 mmol/L (95% CI −0.55 to −0.17; P<0.001), −0.34 mmol/L (95% CI −0.57 to −0.11; P<0.001), −0.10 mmol/L (95% CI −0.14 to −0.06; P<0.001), and −0.30 mmol/L (95% CI −0.50 to −0.10; P=0.04), respectively. Vegetarian diets did not significantly affect blood triglyceride concentrations, with a pooled estimated mean difference of 0.04 mmol/L (95% CI −0.05 to 0.13; P=0.40). Conclusions This systematic review and meta‐analysis provides evidence that vegetarian diets effectively lower blood concentrations of total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non–high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Such diets could be a useful nonpharmaceutical means of managing dyslipidemia, especially hypercholesterolemia.
Task-oriented whole body motion for humanoid robots

We present a whole body motion control algorithm for humanoid robots. It is based on the framework of Liegeois and solves the redundant inverse kinematics problem on velocity level. We control the hand positions as well as the hand and head attitude. The attitude is described with a novel 2-dof description suited for symmetrical problems. Task-specific command elements can be assigned to the command vector at any time, such enabling the system to control one or multiple effectors and to seamlessly switch between such modes while generating a smooth, natural motion. Further, kinematic constraints can be assigned to individual degrees of freedom. The underlying kinematic model does not consider the leg joints explicitly. Nevertheless, the method can be used in combination with an independent balance or walking control system, such reducing the complexity of a complete system control. We show how to incorporate walking in this control scheme and present experimental results on ASIMO
Efficacy/Safety of a Fixed‐Dose Amlodipine/Olmesartan Medoxomil–Based Treatment Regimen in Hypertensive Blacks and Non‐Blacks With Uncontrolled BP on Prior Antihypertensive Monotherapy

In this secondary analysis of a dose‐titration study of patients with hypertension uncontrolled on prior monotherapy, blacks (n=234) and non‐blacks (n=765) were switched to amlodipine (AML)/olmesartan medoxomil (OM) 5/20 mg, with uptitration every 4 weeks to AML/OM 5/40 mg and then AML/OM 10/40 mg to achieve a seated cuff blood pressure (SeBP) of <120/70 mm Hg. Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 and 25 mg could be added if SeBP was ≥125/75 mm Hg. The cumulative proportions of patients achieving systolic SeBP <140 mm Hg (<130 mm Hg if diabetic) at 12 weeks were 71.6% for blacks and 77.2% for non‐blacks. Mean SeBP change from baseline in blacks (mean baseline BP: 153.0/93.7 mm Hg) ranged from −11.7/−6.1 mm Hg for AML/OM 5/20 mg to −23.6/−12.9 mm Hg for AML/OM 10/40 mg +hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg (all P<.0001). Antihypertensive efficacy was maintained throughout the 24‐hour dosing interval. An AML/OM‐based regimen was effective in blacks with hypertension uncontrolled on prior monotherapy.
An enhancer/locus control region is not sufficient to open chromatin

To study the way in which an enhancer/locus control region (LCR) activates chromatin, we examined transgenic mice carrying various combinations of the chicken beta A-globin gene coding region, promoter, and 3' enhancer/LCR. We compared lines carrying only the coding region and enhancer R (E) and only the coding region and promoter (P) with those containing all three elements (PE). We have shown previously that all PE mice transcribe the transgene in a copy number-dependent manner while the P mice do not express their transgene. In the current study, we examined chromatin activation by monitoring formation of erythroid-specific hypersensitive sites at the promoter and enhancer. We found that all of the PE lines but none of the P lines show hypersensitivity. In contrast, only three of six E lines are hypersensitive (two strongly and one weakly), demonstrating position dependence of this transgene. The two E lines with strong hypersensitive sites were found also to have RNA complementary to the transgene, presumably starting from an adjacent adventitious mouse promoter. In all of these lines, we found a correlation between erythroid-specific hypersensitivity and erythroid-specific general DNase I sensitivity, an indicator of regional chromatin activation. The results support a mutual interaction model for the mechanism of chromatin opening by LCRs in which the enhancer/LCR and promoter must cooperate in order to generate open chromatin. The data are not consistent with a dominant enhancer model in which the enhancer/LCR can open chromatin autonomously.
Platelet aggregation, eicosanoid production and thrombogenic ratio in individuals at high cardiovascular risk consuming meat enriched in walnut paste. A crossover, placebo-controlled study

Walnut consumption produces beneficial cardiovascular effects. The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of meat enriched in walnut paste (WM) and low-fat meat (LM) consumptions on platelet aggregation, plasma thromboxane A2 (TXA2, measured as TXB2), prostacyclin I2 (PGI2, as 6-keto-PGF1α) and the thrombogenic ratio (TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α) in volunteers at high CVD risk. Twenty-two adults were placed on a random, non-blinded crossover study involving two test periods (five portions WM/week for 5 week; five portions LM/week for 5 week) separated by a 4- to 6-week washout period. The participants were asked to complete a diet record throughout the study. Platelet aggregation, plasma TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1α production and the TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α ratio were determined at baseline and at weeks 3 and 5 for the two dietary periods. The WM diet contains a lower SFA content, a higher concentration of PUFA and a more favourable n-6/n-3 ratio than the LM diet. Significant time × treatment interactions were observed for TXB2 (P = 0·048) and the TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α ratio (P = 0·028). The WM diet significantly increased the level of 6-keto-PGF1α (P = 0·037) and decreased the TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α ratio (P = 0·048). At week 5, significant differences (P < 0·05) between treatments were found for maximum aggregation rate, TXB2 values and the TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α ratio. The effects on TXB2 and the TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α ratio were time-course dependent (P = 0·019 and 0·011, respectively). The WM and LM diets reduced TXB2 levels most (P = 0·050) in obese individuals, while the TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α ratio decreased most (P = 0·066) in volunteers whose serum cholesterol levels were ≥ 2200 mg/l. The WM diet should be considered a functional meat because it improves the thrombogenic status mainly in individuals with high-cholesterol levels or high BMI.
In Vitro Adhesion of Commensal and Pathogenic Bacteria to Commercial Titanium Implants with Different Surfaces

Although dental implants have undergone impressive evolution in recent years, periimplantitis still remains a relevant problem and information on the susceptibility of commercial implants to bacterial colonization is insufficient. This work evaluated the susceptibility of different commercial implants to bacterial colonization, to identify key features for good performances. Twenty-four implants, produced with different technologies, were colonized with 9 bacterial strains following pre-conditioning with culture medium, or saliva or serum proteins and adherent bacteria were enumerated by Real Time quantitative PCR. The studied implants differed significantly for susceptibility to bacterial adhesion. Pre-conditioning of surfaces affected adhesion assays in a species specific manner. Although surface topography influenced bacterial adhesiveness, implants produced by different manufacturers with comparable technologies showed great variability of results. These data demonstrate that susceptibility of implants to bacterial colonization is influenced by productive technologies (in a surface topography proportional manner) and by the productive environment. In choosing an implant the clinician should rely upon specific experimental studies, because surface characteristics alone cannot predict susceptibility to colonization by pathogenic bacteria. Tests should include assays performed in the medium of culture and in the presence of serum proteins.
Are discrete models more accurate?

Newton’s second law describes the motion of the center of mass of most objects that we encounter in everyday life, including the complex motion of a spoon when we eat, the acceleration of a car, and even the trajectories of planets and stars. Only if objects move extremely fast, do we need to replace Newton’s second law with Einstein’s theory of relativity, and only if objects are extremely small, do we need to use the laws of quantum mechanics.
Edgenetworkcloudsim: Placement of service chains in edge clouds using networkcloudsim

Edge cloud computing is a trending paradigm, which extends cloud computing by additionally utilizing computing resources at the network edge, e.g., at mobile base stations. Especially personalized services can be instantiated or migrated close to end users, which improves the latency and supports user mobility. However, the placement of the service chains is crucial for the performance of the services and the energy consumption of the edge cloud platform, and appropriate algorithms have to be designed. To support the simulative performance evaluation of such algorithms, EdgeNetworkCloudSim was developed. It is an extension of NetworkCloudSim, and allows to simulate and evaluate the orchestration and consolidation of service chains in an edge network cloud.
Ghrelin stimulates gastric acid secretion and motility in rats.

Ghrelin, a novel growth-hormone-releasing peptide, was discovered in rat and human stomach tissues. However, its physiological and pharmacological actions in the gastric function remain to be determined. Therefore, we studied the effects of rat ghrelin on gastric functions in urethane-anesthetized rats. Intravenous administrations of rat ghrelin at 0.8 to 20 microgram/kg dose-dependently increased not only gastric acid secretion measured by a lumen-perfused method, but also gastric motility measured by a miniature balloon method. The maximum response in gastric acid secretion was almost equipotent to that of histamine (3 mg/kg, i.v.). Moreover, these actions were abolished by pretreatment with either atropine (1 mg/kg, s.c.) or bilateral cervical vagotomy, but not by a histamine H(2)-receptor antagonist (famotidine, 1 mg/kg, s.c.). These results taken together suggest that ghrelin may play a physiological role in the vagal control of gastric function in rats.
Survey on Biometric Data Security and Chaotic Encryption Strategy with Bernoulli Mapping

This paper discusses the information security issue on biometric data. A brief survey is given at first with the discussion on the significance of biometric application. A novel encrypting strategy combined with Bernoulli-Logistic chaotic cipher system is proposed to improve the performance on cryptographic text with consideration both of volatility and correlation. Experimental results show that the proposed approach for encryption provides an efficient and more secure performance.
Prevalence of Noninfectious Uveitis in the United States: A Claims-Based Analysis.

Importance Noninfectious uveitis (NIU) is a collection of intraocular inflammatory disorders that may be associated with significant visual impairment. To our knowledge, few studies have investigated NIU prevalence overall or stratified by inflammation location, severity, presence of systemic conditions, age, or sex. Objective To estimate NIU prevalence using a large, retrospective, administrative claims database. Design, Setting, and Participants This analysis used the OptumHealth Reporting and Insights database to estimate 2012 NIU prevalence. Analysis was conducted in September 2016. The large administrative insurance claims database includes 14 million privately insured individuals in 69 self-insured companies spanning diverse industries. Included in the study were patients with NIU with 2 or more uveitis diagnoses on separate days in 2012 and continuous enrollment in a health plan for all of 2012 and categorized by inflammation site. Main Outcomes and Measures We estimated overall NIU prevalence by inflammation site, severity, sex, and age. Patients with anterior NIU were categorized by the presence of systemic conditions. Results Of the approximately 4 million eligible adult patients, approximately 2.1 million were women, and of the 932 260 children, 475 481 were boys. The adult prevalence of NIU was 121 cases per 100 000 persons (95% CI, 117.5-124.3). The pediatric NIU prevalence was 29 cases per 100 000 (95% CI, 26.1-33.2). Anterior NIU accounted for 81% (3904 cases) of adult NIU cases (98 per 100 000; 95% CI, 94.7-100.9) and 75% (207 cases) of pediatric NIU cases (22 per 100 000; 95% CI, 19.3-25.4). The prevalences of noninfectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis were, for adults, 1 (95% CI, 0.8-1.5), 10 (95% CI, 9.4-11.5), and 12 (95% CI, 10.6-12.7) per 100 000, respectively, and for pediatric patients, 0 (95% CI, 0.1-1.1), 3 (95% CI, 1.8-4.1), and 4 (95% CI, 2.9-5.6) per 100 000, respectively. The prevalence of NIU increased with age and was higher among adult females than males. Application of these estimates to the US population suggests that NIU affected approximately 298 801 American adults (95% CI, 290 512-307 324) and 21 879 children (95% CI, 19 360-24 626) in 2015. Conclusions and Relevance The estimated prevalence of NIU was 121 cases per 100 000 for adults (95% CI, 117.5-124.3) and 29 per 100 000 for children (95% CI, 26.1-33.2). Prevalence was estimated using administrative claims from a commercially insured population, which may have a different prevalence than other segments of the US population. A better understanding of the prevalence of NIU will help to determine the number of patients affected.
A parallel measurement system for the extraction of level 3 SPICE parameters

A fast and cost-efficient system to measure level-3 SPICE parameters is described. The extraction process takes 30 measurements in 18 measurement cycles using six MOSFETs and an oxide capacitor. Many of the measurements are performed in parallel and this significantly reduces the combined measurement and extraction time. <<ETX>>
Ex-Offenders Reentering the Workforce.

Approximately 650,000 individuals will be released from incarceration in state and federal prisons this year. However, little is known about the challenges ex-offenders face when they endeavor to reenter the workforce. The authors used consensual qualitative research methods to analyze data from 2 focus groups: one for male (n 6) and another for female (n 9) nonviolent felony offenders, all of whom were receiving services at day reporting centers, which offer a nonresidential form of community corrections. Attendees discussed their reentry experiences, and 11 domains were identified, encompassing ex-offenders’ needs for education, training, and practical assistance; challenges in obtaining and maintaining a job; and available support, including personal networks and resources from the correctional system. Findings suggest that counseling professionals should attend to ex-offenders’ social networks, including social aspects of the workplace, as such networks can offer support or represent a liability for individuals in transition. Substance abuse issues impact ex-offenders’ social viability as well as their career-related reentry attempts. Finally, career development practitioners should understand the internal and external impacts of the stigma associated with incarceration.
Mucosal immunity: Some historical perspective on host‐pathogen interactions and implications for mucosal vaccines

Historical perspectives are defined as synthesis of determining forces as inferred from past events. However, in reality, any historical overview is often fraught with biases underlying the inferences of the historian. History continues to be rewritten on the basis of emerging new facts or biases, and what is often perceived as authentic recorded past may not always be factual. As a result, such perspectives are often criticized for either ignoring or highlighting major or minor events or contributions, respectively, in the recorded history. While recognizing the outstanding contributions of many recent or contemporary investigators, this report is a modest effort to pay tribute largely to our earlier scientific ancestors. This reviewer accepts full responsibility for any errors in facts of past history and any perceived bias in the inclusion or exclusion of some important investigators and their contributions in the recent history of this still evolving field of human biology.
Decreasing mortality in patients hospitalized with cirrhosis.

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Pseudosecure vs. individuated-secure client attachment to therapist: Implications for therapy process and outcome†

Abstract Objective: We differentiated two hypothesized client subtypes: (a) Pseudosecure clients have high Client Attachment to Therapist Scale (CATS) Secure and high CATS Preoccupied scores, tend to idealize their therapist, and exhibit maladaptive dependency; (b) Individuated-secure clients combine high Secure with low Preoccupied scores and function more autonomously. Clients who, despite insecure attachment to others, “earn” individuated-secure attachment to their therapist benefit most from therapy. Method: We examined regression suppressor effects by reanalyzing raw data from four published studies. If pseudosecure attachment is present, when covariance between CATS Secure and Preoccupied scores is removed, residual Secure scores should be significantly better predictors of process/outcome indicators than raw Secure scores. Results: Suppressor effects were observed in eight of nine analyses. Two were statistically significant. Earned individuated-secure attachment predicted improvement in interpersonal relationship symptoms, but only for clients with Avoidant pre-therapy attachment patterns. Finally, significant meta-analytic effect size estimates were obtained for CATS subscales, Secure r = . 274 (95% CI = .177, .366), Avoidant, r = −. 296 (95% CI = −.392, −193), and Preoccupied, r = −. 192 (95% CI = −.289, −.092). Conclusions: Clients with pre-therapy Avoidant attachment who nevertheless “earn” individuated-secure attachment to their therapist appear to benefit more from therapy.