Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anticontractile Effect of Perivascular Adipose Tissue and Leptin are Reduced in Hypertension

Leptin causes vasodilatation both by endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Leptin is synthesized by perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). The hypothesis of this study is that a decrease of leptin production in PVAT of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) might contribute to a diminished paracrine anticontractile effect of the hormone. We have determined in aorta from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and SHR (i) leptin mRNA and protein levels in PVAT, (ii) the effect of leptin and PVAT on contractile responses, and (iii) leptin-induced relaxation and nitric oxide (NO) production. Leptin mRNA and protein expression were significantly lower in PVAT from SHR. Concentration-response curves to angiotensin II were significantly blunted in presence of PVAT as well as by exogenous leptin (10−9 M) only in WKY. This anticontractile effect was endothelium-dependent. Vasodilatation induced by leptin was smaller in SHR than in WKY, and was also endothelium-dependent. Moreover, release of endothelial NO in response to acute leptin was higher in WKY compared to SHR, but completely abolished in the absence of endothelium. In conclusion, the reduced anticontractile effect of PVAT in SHR might be attributed to a reduced PVAT-derived leptin and to an abrogated effect of leptin on endothelial NO release probably due to an impaired activation of endothelial NO synthase.
A Heuristic Method for Estimating the Relative Weight of Predictor Variables in Multiple Regression

The relative weight of predictor variables in multiple regression is difficult to determine because of non-zero predictor intercorrelations. Relative weight (also called relative importance by some researchers) is defined here as the proportionate contribution each predictor makes to R2, considering both its unique contribution and its contribution when combined with other variables. Although there are no unambiguous measures of relative weight when variables are correlated, some measures have been shown to provide meaningful results (Budescu, 1993; Lindeman, Merenda, & Gold, 1980). These measures are very difficult to implement, however, when the number of predictors is greater than about five. A method is proposed that is computationally efficient with any number of predictors, and is shown to produce results that are very similar to those produced by more complex methods. Recommendations are made for when this procedure may be applied and in what situations it is not appropriate.
Effect of clofibrate in jaundiced full-term infants:a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND Hyperbilirubinemia is a common problem in newborn infants. It can progress to kernicterus in severe forms, unless an intervention is initiated. The objective of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of clofibrate in full-term neonates with nonhemolytic jaundice. METHODS A randomized clinical trial was performed on two groups of full-term jaundiced neonates: the clofibrate-treated group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30). Infants in the clofibrate group received a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg clofibrate while the neonates in the control group received distilled water (same color and volume); both groups received phototherapy. Serum total and direct bilirubin levels were measured at the beginning, 16, 24, 48, and 74 hours, after the start of the trial. RESULTS The mean+/-SD total serum bilirubin level of the control and clofibrate groups at enrollment was 17.5+/-2.3 and 18.2+/-1.9 mg/dL, respectively (P = 0.199). The mean+/-SD total serum bilirubin in the control and clofibrate groups after 48 hours was 11.4+/-2.4 and 10.1+/-2.4 mg/dL, respectively (P = 0.047). After 72 hours of intervention, 25 (83%) neonates of the clofibrate group and 16 (53%) of the control group were discharged with a total serum bilirubin of <10 mg/dL (P = 0.026). No side-effect was observed on serial examination during hospitalization, and on the first and seventh day after discharge. CONCLUSION Clofibrate results in a faster decline in TSB, shorter duration of hospitalization and had no side effects in jaundiced full-term neonates.
Ex Vivo and In Silico Feasibility Study of Monitoring Electric Field Distribution in Tissue during Electroporation Based Treatments

Magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT) was recently proposed for determining electric field distribution during electroporation in which cell membrane permeability is temporary increased by application of an external high electric field. The method was already successfully applied for reconstruction of electric field distribution in agar phantoms. Before the next step towards in vivo experiments is taken, monitoring of electric field distribution during electroporation of ex vivo tissue ex vivo and feasibility for its use in electroporation based treatments needed to be evaluated. Sequences of high voltage pulses were applied to chicken liver tissue in order to expose it to electric field which was measured by means of MREIT. MREIT was also evaluated for its use in electroporation based treatments by calculating electric field distribution for two regions, the tumor and the tumor-liver region, in a numerical model based on data obtained from clinical study on electrochemotherapy treatment of deep-seated tumors. Electric field distribution inside tissue was successfully measured ex vivo using MREIT and significant changes of tissue electrical conductivity were observed in the region of the highest electric field. A good agreement was obtained between the electric field distribution obtained by MREIT and the actual electric field distribution in evaluated regions of a numerical model, suggesting that implementation of MREIT could thus enable efficient detection of areas with insufficient electric field coverage during electroporation based treatments, thus assuring the effectiveness of the treatment.
Comparison of ant-inspired search techniques for software release planning

The software releasing planning has been proven to be a NP-complete problem. For a metaheuristic algorithm, too much emphasis on the exploitation of the search experience gathered so far can frequently converge to local optima. On the contrary, too much emphasis on the exploration of unvisited or relatively unexplored search space regions can cause an unstable state. On the basis of the principles of ant colony optimization (ACO), we therefore propose a constructive-oriented iterative algorithm which is named as MMASDRW-SRP to overcome the mentioned drawbacks. Experimental results indicate that MMASDRW-SRP is a significant improvement compared with the other ACO-based approaches AS-SRP, ASRank-SRP, ACS-SRP, and MMAS-SRP at solving the software release planning problem.
An Exact Analysis of Heat and Mass Transfer Past a Vertical Plate with Newtonian Heating

An exact analysis of heat and mass transfer past an oscillating vertical plate with Newtonian heating is presented. Equations are modelled and solved for velocity, temperature, and concentration using Laplace transforms. The obtained solutions satisfy governing equations and conditions. Expressions of skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are obtained and presented in tabular forms. The results show that increasing the Newtonian heating parameter leads to increase velocity and temperature distributions whereas skin friction decreases and rate of heat transfer increases.
Mining Control Flow Graphs for Crosscutting Concerns

Aspect mining tries to identify crosscutting concerns in existing systems and thus supports the adoption to an aspect-oriented design. This paper describes an automatic static aspect mining approach, where the control flow graphs of a program are investigated for recurring execution patterns based on different constraints, such as the requirement that the patterns have to exist in different calling contexts. A case study done with the implemented tool shows that most discovered crosscutting candidates are instances of crosscutting delegation and should not be refactored into aspects
Lane Tracking with Omnidirectional Cameras: Algorithms and Evaluation

With a panoramic view of the scene, a single omnidirectional camera can monitor the 360-degree surround of the vehicle or monitor the interior and exterior of the vehicle at the same time. We investigate problems associated with integrating driver assistance functionalities that have been designed for rectilinear cameras with a single omnidirectional camera instead. Specifically, omnidirectional cameras have been shown effective in determining head gaze orientation from within a vehicle. We examine the issues involved in integrating lane tracking functions using the same omnidirectional camera, which provide a view of both the driver and the road ahead of the vehicle. We present analysis on the impact of the omnidirectional camera's reduced image resolution on lane tracking accuracy, as a consequence of gaining the expansive view. And to do so, we present Omni-VioLET, a modified implementation of the vision-based lane estimation and tracking system (VioLET), and conduct a systematic performance evaluation of both lane-trackers operating on monocular rectilinear images and omnidirectional images. We are able to show a performance comparison of the lane tracking from Omni-VioLET and Recti-VioLET with ground truth using images captured along the same freeway road in a specified course. The results are surprising: with 1/10th the number of pixels representing the same space and about 1/3rd the horizontal image resolution as a rectilinear image of the same road, the omnidirectional camera implementation results in only three times the amount the mean absolute error in tracking the left lane boundary position.
Martin's conjecture, arithmetic equivalence, and countable Borel equivalence relations

Introduction. There is a fascinating interplay and overlap between recursion theory and descriptive set theory. A particularly beautiful source of such interaction has been Martin's conjecture on Turing invariant functions. This longstanding open problem in recursion theory has connected to many problems in descriptive set theory, particularly in the theory of countable Borel equivalence relations. In this paper, we shall give an overview of some work that has been done on Martin's conjecture, and applications that it has had in descriptive set theory. We will present a long unpublished result of Slaman and Steel that arithmetic equivalence is a universal countable Borel equivalence relation. This theorem has interesting corollaries for the theory of universal countable Borel equivalence relations in general. We end with some open problems, and directions for future research. Martin's conjecture. Martin's conjecture on Turing invariant functions is one of the oldest and deepest open problems on the global structure of the Turing degrees. Inspired by Sacks’ question on the existence of a degree-invariant solution to Post's problem [Sac66], Martin made a sweeping conjecture that says in essence, the only nontrivial definable Turing invariant functions are the Turing jump and its iterates through the transfinite. Our basic references for descriptive set theory and effective descriptive set theory are the books of Kechris [Kec95] and Sacks [Sac90]. Let ≤T be Turing reducibility on the Cantor space ^ω2, and let ≡T be Turing equivalence. Given x ∈^ω2, let x′ be the Turing jump of x. The Turing degree of a real x∈^ω2 is the ≡T equivalence class of x. A Turing invariant function is a function such that for all reals x, y ∈ ^ω2, if x ≡T y, then f(x) ≡T f(y). The Turing invariant functions are those which induce functions on the Turing degrees. With the axiom of choice, we can construct many pathological Turing invariant functions. Martin's conjecture is set in the context of ZF+DC+AD, where AD is the axiom of determinacy. We assume ZF+DC+AD for the rest of this section. The results we will discuss all “localize” so that the assumption of AD essentially amounts to studying definable functions assuming definable determinacy, for instance, Borel functions using Borel determinacy.
Acoustic Feature Learning via Deep Variational Canonical Correlation Analysis

We study the problem of acoustic feature learning in the setting where we have access to another (non-acoustic) modality for feature learning but not at test time. We use deep variational canonical correlation analysis (VCCA), a recently proposed deep generative method for multi-view representation learning. We also extend VCCA with improved latent variable priors and with adversarial learning. Compared to other techniques for multi-view feature learning, VCCA's advantages include an intuitive latent variable interpretation and a variational lower bound objective that can be trained end-to-end efficiently. We compare VCCA and its extensions with previous feature learning methods on the University of Wisconsin X-ray Microbeam Database, and show that VCCA-based feature learning improves over previous methods for speaker-independent phonetic recognition.
Validation of two discriminant strategies applied to NIRS data spectra for detection of animal meals in feedstuffs

For developing qualitative or quantitative applications with spectroscopic data, such as near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), different methodologies have been proposed in the mathematical statistical and computer science literature. Useful chemometrical alternatives have emerged, such as support vector machines (SVM), widely used for modeling multivariate and non-linear systems. These methods are usually compared using the classification performance and the success of results. The aim of the present work was to develop and validate a robust, accurate and fast discriminant methodology based on NIRS data to detect presence of animal meals in feedstuffs. A linear method, modified partial least square (PLS) analysis and one non-linear method (SVM) were studied. Results showed that modified PLS model allows obtaining coefficients of determination for cross validation around 0.97. Applying SVM strategy no false negatives were detected during training step. With both strategies the lowest percentage of misclassified samples on external validation was achieved with SVM, 0% with certified standard samples containing from 0.05% to 4% of animal meals. These results show SVM strategy as a robust method of classification for detecting animal meals in feedstuffs using NIRS methodology.
Linear precoding over time-varying channels in TDD systems

Linear transmit filters depend on current channel state information, which is available from the uplink channel estimation in time division duplex systems. For multiple antenna elements at the transmitter, we illustrate the influence of out-dated channel estimates on link level performance for symmetric and asymmetric traffic, comparing the transmit matched, zero-forcing, and Wiener filters. A Wiener predictor is proposed to improve channel knowledge of the transmitter. We observe an inherent robustness of the transmit matched filter and explain the occurrence of a minimum in the bit error ratio at a finite SNR for the transmit Wiener filter.
Phase II Study of Personalized Peptide Vaccination for Previously Treated Advanced Colorectal Cancer

Kibe and colleagues report the safety and benefit in a phase II study of 60 pretreated, advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients of personalized vaccines comprising HLA-matched peptides selected from preexisting host immunity, providing a new approach of personalized immunotherapy for refractory CRC. The prognosis of advanced colorectal cancer (aCRC) remains poor, and development of new therapeutic approaches, including immunotherapy, is needed urgently. Herein we report on our phase II study of personalized peptide vaccination (PPV) in 60 previously treated patients with aCRC, who had failed at least one regimen of standard chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy. For PPV, a maximum of four HLA-matched peptides were individually selected from a pool of 31 different peptide candidates based on preexisting host immunity, and administered subcutaneously without severe adverse events. Boosting of IgG and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses specific to the administered peptides was observed in 49% and 63%, respectively, of the patients, who completed the first cycles of six vaccinations. Median overall survival (OS) time was 498 days, with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 53% and 22%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis of prevaccination factors showed that plasma IL6, IP-10, and BAFF levels were significantly prognostic for OS [hazard ratio (HR), 1.508, P = 0.043; HR, 1.579, P = 0.024; HR, 0.509, P = 0.002, respectively]. In addition, increased peptide-specific CTL responses after vaccination were significantly predictive of favorable OS (HR, 0.231; P = 0.021), suggesting a causal relationship between biologic and clinical efficacy of PPV. On the basis of the safety profile and potential clinical efficacy, we believe that clinical trials of PPV would be warranted for previously treated patients with aCRC. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(12); 1154–62. ©2014 AACR.
Appropriate Causal Models and Stability of Causation

Causal models defined in terms of structural equations have proved to be quite a powerful way of representing knowledge regarding causality. However, a number of authors have given examples that seem to show that the Halpern-Pearl (HP) definition of causality (Halpern & Pearl 2005) gives intuitively unreasonable answers. Here it is shown that, for each of these examples, we can give two stories consistent with the description in the example, such that intuitions regarding causality are quite different for each story. By adding additional variables, we can disambiguate the stories. Moreover, in the resulting causal models, the HP definition of causality gives the intuitively correct answer. It is also shown that, by adding extra variables, a modification to the original HP definition made to deal with an example of Hopkins and Pearl (2003) may not be necessary. Given how much can be done by adding extra variables, there might be a concern that the notion of causality is somewhat unstable. Can adding extra variables in a "conservative" way (i.e., maintaining all the relations between the variables in the original model) cause the answer to the question "Is X = x a cause of Y = y? " to alternate between "yes" and "no"? Here it is shown that adding an extra variable can change the answer from "yes' to "no", but after that, it cannot cannot change back to "yes".
Methanolic Extract of Curcuma caesia Roxb. Prevents the Toxicity Caused by Cyclophosphamide to Bone Marrow Cells, Liver and Kidney of Mice

Introduction: With an ever increasing cause of cancer, it has been recommended to treat with conventional drugs, however because of the side effects caused by the conventional drugs, the research on medicinal plants has been intensified due to their less adverse and toxic effects. Objectives: The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of the medicinal plant Curcuma caesia Roxb. against free radicals ABTS + and O2 - . Also it was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of C.caesia Roxb. against the chemotherapeutic drug Cyclophosphamide and its side effects in liver and kidney. Methods: The rhizomes of the plant was extracted with methanol through soxhlet and its antioxidant activity was tested against ABTS + and O2 - . For antigenotoxic studies, animals were divided into eight groups and micronucleus assay was employed and for biochemical analysis serum sample was collected from the blood and SGOT, SGPT analysis was performed. Also the biochemical analysis was performed from both the liver and kidney. Results: The methanolic extract of Curcuma caesia Roxb. was found to scavenge the free radicals ABTS + and O2 - . the micronuclei formation was found to be increased in the positive control group as compared to the negative control group significantly (P<0.002) however increase in the number of micronuclei was found to be decrease with the pretreatment of the extract at different concentrations significantly as compared to the negative control groups (P<0.01, P<0.005,P<0.001). The increased level of serum SGPT and SGOT as well as peroxidation level in both liver and kidney due to treatment of cyclophosphamide was also found to be decreased with the pretreatment of the extract significantly as compared to the positive control groups. There was decreased in the level of endogenous antioxidant such as GSH and GR in the positive control group however decreased level of GSH and GR was found to be increased with the pretreatment of the methanolic extract of C. caesia Roxb. Conclusion: The present study suggested that the methanolic extract of C. caesia Roxb has not shown any genotoxicity and reduces the genotoxicity caused by cyclophosphamide. It was also to have the protective effects against the liver and kidney. So it could be provided as one of the herbal supplementation in chemoprevention of CP to ameliorate the side effects of it.
Ampicillin in Combination with Ceftaroline, Cefepime, or Ceftriaxone Demonstrates Equivalent Activities in a High-Inoculum Enterococcus faecalis Infection Model

ABSTRACT Ampicillin-ceftriaxone combination therapy has become a predominant treatment for serious Enterococcus faecalis infections, such as endocarditis. Unfortunately, ceftriaxone use is associated with future vancomycin-resistant enterococcus colonization. We evaluated E. faecalis in an in vitro pharmacodynamic model against simulated human concentration-time profiles of ampicillin plus ceftaroline, cefepime, ceftriaxone, or gentamicin. Ampicillin-cefepime and ampicillin-ceftaroline demonstrated activities similar to those of ampicillin-ceftriaxone against E. faecalis.
Profile of follitropin alpha/lutropin alpha combination for the stimulation of follicular development in women with severe luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone deficiency

A severe gonadotropin deficiency together with chronic estradiol deficiency leading to amenorrhea characterizes patients suffering from hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Administration of both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to these patients has been shown to be essential in achieving successful stimulation of follicular development, ovulation, and rescue of fertility. In recent years, the availability of both recombinant FSH (rFSH) and recombinant LH (rLH) has provided a new therapeutic option for the stimulation of follicular growth in hypopituitary–hypogonadotropic women (World Health Organization Group I). In this article, we review the data reported in the literature to highlight the role and the efficacy of using recombinant gonadotropins, rFSH and rLH, in the treatment of women with severe LH/FSH deficiency. Although the studies on this issue are limited and the experiences available in the literature are few due to the small number of such patients, it is clearly evident that the recombinant gonadotropins rFSH and rLH are efficient in treating patients affected by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The results observed in the studies reported in this review suggest that recombinant gonadotropins are able to induce proper follicular growth, oocyte maturation, and eventually pregnancy in this group of women. Moreover, the clinical use of recombinant gonadotropins in this type of patients has given more insight into some endocrinological aspects of ovarian function that have not yet been fully understood.
Scabies community prevalence and mass drug administration in two Fijian villages

Scabies has been estimated to affect approximately 300 million people worldwide each year. Scabies rates are high and pose a significant public health problem in Fiji. Community‐based comparison treatment trials have not been undertaken. We estimated scabies prevalence and compared the efficacy and tolerability of mass drug administration (MDA) of benzyl benzoate lotion (BB) or oral ivermectin (IVM) in two villages in Fiji.