Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Doppler velocimetry of the orbital arteries in patients with sickle cell anemia: relationship with biomarkers of hemolysis

Objective To investigate orbital vascular resistance by Doppler velocimetry in patients with steady-state sickle cell anemia, as well as to characterize its relationship with biomarkers of hemolysis. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study of two groups: 71 outpatients with sickle cell anemia; and 32 age- and gendermatched, healthy subjects (control group). All participants underwent Doppler velocimetry of the orbital arteries and laboratory tests. Results All biochemical laboratory markers were abnormal in the sickle cell anemia patients (p < 0.0001 vs. controls). In the patient group, Doppler velocimetry revealed increased flow velocities in the ophthalmic artery and reduced flow velocities in the central retinal artery, as well as high values for the resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) in both arteries (p < 0.0001 vs. controls). Biomarkers of hemolysis were found to correlate significantly with the RI and PI indices. In the ophthalmic artery, the reticulocyte count showed a moderate direct correlation with RI and with PI. In the central retinal artery, hemoglobin showed a strong inverse correlation with RI and with PI. Conclusion Orbital vascular resistance, as evaluated by Doppler velocimetry, is elevated in patients with steady-state sickle cell anemia and shows a significant correlation with biomarkers of hemolysis.
Counting connected graphs and hypergraphs via the probabilistic method

While it is exponentially unlikely that a sparse random graph or hypergraph is connected, with probability 1 − o(1) such a graph has a “giant component” that, given its numbers of edges and vertices, is a uniformly distributed connected graph. This simple observation allows us to estimate the number of connected graphs, and more generally the number of connected d‐uniform hypergraphs, on n vertices with ((d − 1)−1 + ε)n ≤ m = o(nlnn) edges, where ε > 0 is arbitrarily small but independent of n. We also estimate the probability that a binomial random hypergraph Hd(n,p) is connected, and determine the expected number of edges of Hd(n,p) given that it is connected. This extends prior work of Bender et al. (Random Struct Algorithm 1 (1990), 127–169) on the number of connected graphs. While Bender et al. (1990) is based on a recursion relation satisfied by the number of connected graphs, so that the argument is to some extent enumerative, we present a purely probabilistic approach. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. , 2007
Coding Techniques for Primitive Relay Channels

We give a comprehensive discussion on coding techniques for the primitive relay channel, in which the channel input X is transmitted to the relay Y1 and the ultimate receiver Y over a channel p(y, y1|x) and the relay can facilitate the communication between the transmitter and the receiver by sending some information to the receiver over a separate noiseless link of capacity R0. In particular, we compare three known coding schemes, “decode-and-forward,” “compress-andforward,” and “hash-and-forward,” clarify their limitations, and explore further extensions. Possible unification of these coding schemes is also discussed, as well as a few open problems reflecting major difficulties in proving optimality.
Uncoordinated centrosome cycle underlies the instability of non-diploid somatic cells in mammals

In animals, somatic cells are usually diploid and are unstable when haploid for unknown reasons. In this study, by comparing isogenic human cell lines with different ploidies, we found frequent centrosome loss specifically in the haploid state, which profoundly contributed to haploid instability through subsequent mitotic defects. We also found that the efficiency of centriole licensing and duplication changes proportionally to ploidy level, whereas that of DNA replication stays constant. This caused gradual loss or frequent overduplication of centrioles in haploid and tetraploid cells, respectively. Centriole licensing efficiency seemed to be modulated by astral microtubules, whose development scaled with ploidy level, and artificial enhancement of aster formation in haploid cells restored centriole licensing efficiency to diploid levels. The ploidy–centrosome link was observed in different mammalian cell types. We propose that incompatibility between the centrosome duplication and DNA replication cycles arising from different scaling properties of these bioprocesses upon ploidy changes underlies the instability of non-diploid somatic cells in mammals.
On Wireless Links for Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Communications

Future intelligent transportation systems (ITS) will necessitate wireless vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications. This wireless link can be implemented by several technologies, such as digital broadcasting, cellular communication, or dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) systems. Analyses of the coverage and capacity requirements are presented when each of the three systems is used to implement the V2I link. We show that digital broadcasting systems are inherently capacity limited and do not appropriately scale. Furthermore, we show that the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) can implement the V2I link using either a dedicated channel (DCH) or a multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS), as well as a hybrid approach. In every case, such V2I systems scale well and are capacity limited. We also show that wireless access in vehicular environment (WAVE) systems scale well, provide ample capacity, and are coverage limited. Finally, a direct quantitative comparison of the presented systems is given to show their scaling behavior with the number of users and the geographical coverage.
Returns to Shareholder Activism: Evidence from a Clinical Study of the Hermes U.K. Focus Fund

This article reports a unique analysis of private engagements by an activist fund. It is based on data made available to us by Hermes, the fund manager owned by the British Telecom Pension Scheme, on engagements with management in companies targeted by its UK Focus Fund. In contrast with most previous studies of activism, we report that the fund executes shareholder activism predominantly through private interventions that would be unobservable in studies purely relying on public information. The fund substantially outperforms benchmarks and we estimate that abnormal returns are largely associated with engagements rather than stock picking.
The Balloon-borne Large-Aperture Submillimeter Telescope for polarization: BLAST-pol

The Balloon-borne Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (BLAST) is a sub-orbital experiment designed to study the process of star formation in local galaxies (including the Milky Way) and in galaxies at cosmological distances. Using a 2m Cassegrain telescope, BLAST images the sky onto a focal plane, which consists of 270 bolometric detectors split between three arrays, observing simultaneously in 30% wide bands, centered at 250, 350, and 500 μm. The diffraction-limited optical system provides a resolution of 30" at 250 μm. The pointing system enables raster-like scans with a positional accuracy of ~30", reconstructed to better than 5" rms in postflight analysis. BLAST had two successful flights, from the Arctic in 2005, and from Antarctica in 2006, which provided the first high-resolution and large-area (~0.8−200 deg2) submillimeter surveys at these wavelengths. As a pathfinder for the SPIRE instrument on Herschel, BLAST shares with the ESA satellite similar focal plane technology and scientific motivation. A third flight in 2009 will see the instrument modified to be polarization-sensitive (BLAST-pol). With its unprecedented mapping speed and resolution, BLAST-pol will provide insights into Galactic star-forming nurseries, and give the necessary link between the larger, coarse resolution surveys and the narrow, resolved observations of star-forming structures from space and ground based instruments being commissioned in the next 5 years.
THE APPLICATION OF MULTIWAVELET FILTER BANKS TO IMAGE PROCESSING ∗

Multiwavelets are a new addition to the body of wavelet theory. Realizable as matrix-valued filter banks leading to wavelet bases, multiwavelets offer simultaneous orthogonality, symmetry, and short support, which is not possible with scalar 2-channel wavelet systems. After reviewing this recently developed theory, we examine the use of multiwavelets in a filter bank setting for discrete-time signal and image processing. Multiwavelets differ from scalar wavelet systems in requiring two or more input streams to the multiwavelet filter bank. We describe two methods (repeated row and approximation/deapproximation) for obtaining such a vector input stream from a one-dimensional signal. Algorithms for symmetric extension of signals at boundaries are then developed, and naturally integrated with approximation-based preprocessing. We describe an additional algorithm for multiwavelet processing of two-dimensional signals, two rows at a time, and develop a new family of multiwavelets (the constrained pairs) that is well-suited to this approach. This suite of novel techniques is then applied to two basic signal processing problems, denoising via wavelet-shrinkage, and data compression. After developing the approach via model problems in one dimension, we applied multiwavelet processing to images, frequently obtaining performance superior to the comparable scalar wavelet transform.
Assessment of a Single-site Daily Rainfall Generator in the Middle East

Most agricultural, hydrological and ecological models require daily rainfall data to run. However, such data at many sites are often incomplete or simply unavailable. In this study we developed a single-site daily rainfall generator for the simulations of rainfall occurrences and amounts in arid and semi-arid areas in the Middle East. A first-order two-state Markov chain was used to determine the occurrence of rainfall. The rainfall amounts on wet days were generated by using the one-parameter Exponential distribution and the two-parameter Gamma distribution. The Markov model was successful in simulating the rainfall occurrences and the Gamma distribution as the more reliability in preserving most of the important daily characteristics of the historical rainfall amounts.
Motion Coordination with Distributed Information

Motion coordination is a remarkable phenomenon in biological systems and an extremely useful tool for groups of vehicles, mobile sensors, and embedded robotic systems. For many applications, teams of mobile autonomous agents need the ability to deploy over a region, assume a specified pattern, rendezvous at a common point, or move in a synchronized manner. The objective of this article is to illustrate the use of systems theory to analyze emergent behaviors in animal groups and to design autonomous and reliable robotic networks. We present and survey some recently developed theoretical tools for modeling, analysis, and design of motion coordination algorithms in both continuous and discrete time. We pay special attention to the distributed character of coordination algorithms, the characterization of their performance, and the development of design methodologies that provide mobile networks with provably correct cooperative strategies.
Ca 2 þ shuttling between endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria underlying Ca 2 þ oscillations

endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, we found that Ca2þ shuttles between the ER and mitochondria in phase with Ca2þ oscillations. Following agonist stimulation, Ca2þ release from the ER generated the first Ca2þ oscillation and loaded mitochondria with Ca2þ . Before the second Ca2þ oscillation, Ca2þ release from the mitochondria by means of the Naþ /Ca2þ exchanger caused a gradual increase in cytoplasmic Ca2þ concentration, inducing a regenerative ER Ca2þ release, which generated the peak of Ca2þ oscillation and partially reloaded the
Information flow vs. resource access in the asynchronous pi-calculus

We propose an extension of the asynchronous π-calculus in which a variety of security properties may be captured using types. These are an extension of the input/output types for the π-calculus in which I/O capabilities are assigned specific security levels. The main innovation is a uniform typing system that, by varying slightly the allowed set of types, captures different notions of security.We first define a typing system that ensures that processes running at security level σ cannot access resources with a security level higher than σ. The notion of access control guaranteed by this system is formalized in terms of a Type Safety Theorem.We then show that, by restricting the allowed types, our system prohibits implicit information flow from high-level to low-level processes. We prove that low-level behavior can not be influenced by changes to high-level behavior. This is formalized as a noninterference theorem with respect to may testing.
To: Out-of-bed extubation: a feasible study

Weaning from mechanical ventilation represents one of the major challenges and concerns in intensive care units worldwide. The withdrawal time represents at least 40% of the overall mechanical ventilation period. Furthermore, in 30% of clinical cases some incidents will force the clinician to stop the attempt. Fortunately, there have been substantial improvements in mechanical ventilation weaning since release of the weaning and discontinuation ventilation guidelines in 2001,(1) standardizing the clinical practice of weaning protocols. Sedation control, adjusting doses to the minimum amount needed, daily spontaneous breathing trials after satisfying the respiratory assessment criteria and chest physical therapy (inspiratory muscle strength training) in the early stages of the illness, to avoid ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD), are the cornerstones of current weaning protocols intended to avoid secondary wean failure (SWF). However, there remain many questions on this topic that merit further investigation. Dexheimer Neto et al. make progress in addressing these as yet unanswered questions. (2) The goal was to assess the advantages of extubating a patient after mobilization in an unusual position (seated in an arm chair) compared with the regular practice of extubation in the supine position. They concluded that there were no differences in the results for the two groups, (seated versus supine position). (1) With respect to the three main tools intended to prevent SWF mentioned above, the most poorly understood at present is chest physical therapy. Although controversy still exists because of limited data and a lack of multicenter trials on chest physical therapy,(3) it seems pathophysiologycally(4) that this therapy, in association with uncontrolled ventilator modalities, would significantly reduce the incidences of muscle atrophy, structural injury and respiratory muscle fiber remodeling, thereby preventing VIDD and failure to wean. However, the problem extends beyond the specific type of therapy, to when and how to use it. Chest physical therapy protocols are needed to solve this problem. These protocols should be tailored to address the main named causes of VIDD; however, we cannot forget cost effectiveness, respiratory secretion control and general motor muscle training. These are additional major concerns related to and causes of SWF that can interfere with weaning. Pharmacologic therapies such as expectorants, mucolytics, mucokinetics and mucoregulators and nonpharmacologic therapies such as humidification (active or passive), percussion Conflicts of interest: None.
Move for Change Part III: a European survey evaluating the impact of the EPDA Charter for People with Parkinson's Disease

Move for Change is an online pan‐European patient survey based on the European Parkinson's Disease Association (EPDA) Charter for People with Parkinson's Disease (PD), which states that all PD patients have the right to: be referred to a doctor with a specialist interest in PD; receive an accurate diagnosis; have access to support services; receive continuous care; and take part in managing their illness.
Feature Articles Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fluid Overload at 48 Hours Is Associated with Respiratory Morbidity but Not Mortality in a General Picu: Retrospective Cohort Study*

205 Objective: Recent evidence suggests that fluid overload may be deleterious to critically ill children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of early fluid overload with respiratory morbidity and mortality in patients admitted to a general PICU. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Single, tertiary referral PICU. Patients: Six hundred thirty-six patients aged 0–16 years inva-sively ventilated at 48 hours post admission, Measurements and Main Results: Data collected included demo-graphics, diagnosis, Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 score, and fluid overload percent at 48 hours from admission. Fluid overload percent was calculated as (cumulative fluid in – cumulative fluid out (L))/ hospital admission weight (kg) × 100%. Outcome measures were oxygenation index at 48 hours from admission, death, and invasive ventilation days in survivors. Data are reported as median (inter-quartile range) and were analyzed using nonparametric tests. The median age was 1.05 years (0.3–4.2 yr). Fifty-three patients (8%) died. Median duration of ventilation in survivors was 5 days (3–8 d). Fluid overload percent correlated significantly with oxygenation index (Spearman ρ, 0.318; p < 0.0001) and with invasive ventilation days in survivors (Spearman ρ, 0.274; p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in fluid overload percent between survivors and nonsurvivors. Regression analysis demonstrated that fluid overload percent was a significant predictor of both oxygenation index at 48 hours (p < 0.001) and invasive ventilation days (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Fluid overload at 48 hours was associated with oxy-genation index at 48 hours and invasive ventilation days in survivors in a general PICU population. There was no association of fluid overload at 48 hours with mortality. F luid bolus resuscitation is integral to developed world management of children presenting with signs of severe sepsis, despite the lack of high-grade evidence to support its use (1). Enthusiastic fluid resuscitation, along with ongoing maintenance fluid administration, commonly leads to positive fluid balance, sometimes with fluid overload, in children admitted to pediatric intensive care. Increasing evidence is accumulating that fluid overload in critical illness is deleterious in both children and adults (2–6). In children with acute lung injury (ALI), early fluid overload has been independently associated with mortality and with duration of mechanical ventilation (7, 8). Analysis of the 109 patients in the pediatric arm of the Calfactant in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome trial (9), a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial of endotracheally instilled calfactant versus placebo in patients intubated for ALI, also …
Return to work and health-related quality of life after burn injury.

OBJECTIVE Although severe burn injury is associated with long-term rehabilitation and disability, research on returning to work in burn patients is limited. The aims of this study were: (i) to explore injury- and personality-related predictors of returning to work, and (ii) to compare health-related quality of life and health outcome in working versus non-working individuals. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS Forty-eight former patients with pre-burn employment were evaluated on average 3.8 years after the burn. METHODS Data were collected from medical records and by a questionnaire in which the patients were asked about their main activity status described in the terms: work, studies, pension, disability pension, sick leave or unemployment. It also contained the Swedish universities Scales of Personality, SF-36, Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief, items assessing fear-avoidance, Impact of Event Scale-Revised and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS Thirty-one percent had not returned to work. In logistic regression, returning to work was associated with time since injury, the extent of full-thickness injuries, and the personality trait embitterment. Those who did not work had lower health-related quality of life, poorer burn-specific health, more fear-avoidance and more symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, but they did not differ from those who were working regarding general mood. CONCLUSION Returning to work was explained by both injury severity and personality characteristics. Those who did not work were characterized by low health-related quality of life and poorer trauma-related physical and psychological health.
A New Noncoding RNA Arranges Bacterial Chromosome Organization

ABSTRACT Repeated extragenic palindromes (REPs) in the enterobacterial genomes are usually composed of individual palindromic units separated by linker sequences. A total of 355 annotated REPs are distributed along the Escherichia coli genome. RNA sequence (RNAseq) analysis showed that almost 80% of the REPs in E. coli are transcribed. The DNA sequence of REP325 showed that it is a cluster of six repeats, each with two palindromic units capable of forming cruciform structures in supercoiled DNA. Here, we report that components of the REP325 element and at least one of its RNA products play a role in bacterial nucleoid DNA condensation. These RNA not only are present in the purified nucleoid but bind to the bacterial nucleoid-associated HU protein as revealed by RNA IP followed by microarray analysis (RIP-Chip) assays. Deletion of REP325 resulted in a dramatic increase of the nucleoid size as observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and expression of one of the REP325 RNAs, nucleoid-associated noncoding RNA 4 (naRNA4), from a plasmid restored the wild-type condensed structure. Independently, chromosome conformation capture (3C) analysis demonstrated physical connections among various REP elements around the chromosome. These connections are dependent in some way upon the presence of HU and the REP325 element; deletion of HU genes and/or the REP325 element removed the connections. Finally, naRNA4 together with HU condensed DNA in vitro by connecting REP325 or other DNA sequences that contain cruciform structures in a pairwise manner as observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). On the basis of our results, we propose molecular models to explain connections of remote cruciform structures mediated by HU and naRNA4. IMPORTANCE Nucleoid organization in bacteria is being studied extensively, and several models have been proposed. However, the molecular nature of the structural organization is not well understood. Here we characterized the role of a novel nucleoid-associated noncoding RNA, naRNA4, in nucleoid structures both in vivo and in vitro. We propose models to explain how naRNA4 together with nucleoid-associated protein HU connects remote DNA elements for nucleoid condensation. We present the first evidence of a noncoding RNA together with a nucleoid-associated protein directly condensing nucleoid DNA. Nucleoid organization in bacteria is being studied extensively, and several models have been proposed. However, the molecular nature of the structural organization is not well understood. Here we characterized the role of a novel nucleoid-associated noncoding RNA, naRNA4, in nucleoid structures both in vivo and in vitro. We propose models to explain how naRNA4 together with nucleoid-associated protein HU connects remote DNA elements for nucleoid condensation. We present the first evidence of a noncoding RNA together with a nucleoid-associated protein directly condensing nucleoid DNA.