Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TGF-β1 induces the formation of vascular-like structures in embryoid bodies derived from human embryonic stem cells

Human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can differentiate into endothelial cells in response to stimuli from extracellular cytokines. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 signaling is involved in stem cell renewal and vascular development. Previously, human ESCs were isolated from inner cell mass and a stable ESC line was developed. In the present study, the effects of extracellular TGF-β1 were investigated on human ESC-derived embryoid bodies (EB) in suspension. The structures of the EBs were analyzed with light and electron microscopy, while the cellular composition of the EBs was examined via the expression levels of specific markers. Vascular-like tubular structures and cardiomyocyte-like beating cells were observed in the EBs at day 3 and 8, respectively. The frequencies of vascular-like structures and beating cells in the TGF-β1 treated group were significantly higher compared with the control group (84.31 vs. 12.77%; P<0.001; 37.25 vs. 8.51%; P<0.001, respectively). Electron microscopy revealed the presence of lumens and gap junctions in the sections of the tubular structures. Semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed elevated expression levels of CD31 and fetal liver kinase-1 in EBs cultured with TGF-β1. In addition, extensive staining of von Willebrand factor was observed in the vascular-like structures of TGF-β1-treated EBs. Therefore, the results of the present study may aid the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of human ESC differentiation and improve the methods of propagating specific cell types for the clinical therapy of cardiovascular diseases.
Better Speech Perception in Noise With an Assistive Multimicrophone Array for Hearing Aids

Objective: To evaluate the improvement in speech intelligibility in noise obtained with an assistive real-time fixed endfire array of bidirectional microphones in comparison with an omnidirectional hearing aid microphone in a realistic environment. Design: The microphone array was evaluated physically in anechoic and reverberant conditions. Perceptual tests of speech intelligibility in noise were carried out in a reverberant room, with two types of noise and six different noise scenarios with single and multiple noise sources. Ten normal-hearing subjects and 10 hearing aid users participated. The speech reception threshold for sentences was measured in each test setting for the omnidirectional microphone of the hearing aid and for the hearing aid in combination with the array with one and three active microphones. In addition, the extra improvement of five active array microphones, relative to three, was determined in another group of 10 normal-hearing listeners. Results: Improvements in speech intelligibility in noise obtained with the array relative to an omnidirectional microphone depend on noise scenario and subject group. Improvements up to 12 dB for normal-hearing and 9 dB for hearing-impaired listeners were obtained with three active array microphones relative to an omnidirectional microphone for one noise source at 90°. For three uncorrelated noise sources at 90°, 180°, and 270°, improvements of approximately 9 dB and 6 dB were obtained for normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners, respectively. Even with a single noise source at 45°, benefits of 4 dB were achieved in both subject groups. Five active microphones in the array can provide an additional improvement at 45° of approximately 1 dB, relative to the three-microphone configuration for normal-hearing listeners. Conclusions: These improvements in signal-to-noise ratio can be of great benefit for hearing aid users, who have difficulties with speech understanding in noisy environments.
HPV testing on self collected cervicovaginal lavage specimens as screening method for women who do not attend cervical screening: cohort study

Objective To determine whether offering self sampling of cervicovaginal material for high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is an effective screening method for women who do not attend regular cervical screening programmes. Design Cohort study (the PROHTECT trial). Settings Noord-Holland and Flevoland regions of the Netherlands, December 2006 to December 2007, including 13 laboratories, gynaecologists, and more than 800 general practitioners. Participants 28 073 women who had not responded to two invitations to the regular cervical screening programme: 27 792 women were assigned to the self sampling group and invited to submit a self collected cervicovaginal sample for HPV testing; 281 were assigned to the recall control group and received a second re-invitation for conventional cytology. Intervention Women with a positive result on the high risk HPV test on their self sample material were referred to their general practitioner. Women with abnormal results on cytology were referred for colposcopy. Women with normal results on cytology were re-evaluated after one year by cytology and high risk HPV testing and referred for colposcopy if either result was positive. Main outcome measures Attendance rate in both groups and yield of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade II/III or worse (≥CIN II/≥CIN III) in self sampling responders. Results The compliance rate in the self sampling group was significantly higher than in the control group (crude 26.6% v 16.4%, P<0.001; adjusted 27.5% v 16.6%, P<0.001). The number of detected ≥CIN II and ≥CIN III lesions in self sampling responders was 99 (1.3%) and 76 (1.0%), respectively. Self sampling responders who had not participated in the previous round of screening (43%) had increased relative risks of ≥CIN II (2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.27 to 3.28) and ≥CIN III (2.28, 1.31 to 3.96) compared with self sampling women who had been screened in the previous round (57%). Conclusions Offering self sampling by sending a device for collecting cervicovaginal specimens for high risk HPV testing to women who did not attend regular screening is a feasible and effective method of increasing coverage in a screening programme. The response rate and the yield of high grade lesions support implementation of this method for such women. Trial registration ISRCTN45527158.
Sealing Ability of Nano-ionomer in Primary Teeth: An ex vivo Study

Introduction Microleakage is an important consideration in primary dentition because the floor of the cavity preparation may be close to the pulp. The added insult to the pulp caused by seepage of irritants around the restoration and through the thin dentin may produce irreversible pulp damage. Aim The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the sealing ability of three light cured (LC) resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (RMGICs) in primary anterior teeth. Materials and methods Class V cavity was prepared on the labial surface of extracted primary anterior teeth which were then grouped and restored with Ketac N100, Fuji II LC, or Vitremer. Dye penetration test with methylene blue stain was used to record the microleakage. Depth of dye penetration was recorded in millimeters at the incisal and gingival margin using computer software. Results The depth of dye penetration at the incisal margin in the three groups was comparable, but at the gingival margin, Vitremer showed the least dye penetration, followed by Fuji II LC, and Ketac N100. The depth of dye penetration at the gingival margin was higher than the incisal margins in all the three groups. Conclusion Among the three RMGICs, Vitremer can be considered as the material of choice for restoring class V cavities in primary anterior teeth. Periodic recall and recare is necessary when any of the three materials are used in clinical practice. How to cite this article Siddiqui F, Karkare S. Sealing Ability of Nano-ionomer in Primary Teeth: An ex vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(3):209-213.
Multiobjective algorithms to optimize broadcasting parameters in mobile Ad-hoc networks

A mobile adhoc network (MANETs) is a self-configuring network of mobile routers (and associated hosts). The routers tend to move randomly and organize themselves arbitrarily; thus, the network's wireless topology may change fast and unpredictably. Nowadays, these networks are having a great influence due to the fact that they can create networks without a specific infrastructure. In MANETs message broadcasting is critical to network existence and organization. The broadcasting strategy in MANETs can be optimized by defining a multiobjective problem whose inputs are the broadcasting algorithm's parameters and whose objectives are: reaching as many stations as possible, minimizing the network utilization, and reducing the makespan. The network can be simulated to obtain the expected response to a given set of parameters. In this paper, we face this multiobjective problem with two algorithms: Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization and ESN (Evolution Strategy with NSGAII). Both algorithms are able to find an accurate approximation to the Pareto optimal front that is the solution of the problem. ESN improves the results of MOPSO in terms of the set coverage and hypervolume metrics used for comparison.
Tropical Cyclone Wind Retrievals from the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit: Application to Surface Wind Analysis

Horizontal winds at 850 hPa from tropical cyclones retrieved using the nonlinear balance equation, where the mass field was determined from Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) temperature soundings, are compared with the surface wind fields derived from NASA’s Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) and Hurricane Research Division H*Wind analyses. It was found that the AMSU-derived wind speeds at 850 hPa have linear relations with the surface wind speeds from QuikSCAT or H*Wind. There are also characteristic biases of wind direction between AMSU and QuikSCAT or H*Wind. Using this information to adjust the speed and correct for the directional bias, a new algorithm was developed for estimation of the tropical cyclone surface wind field from the AMSU-derived 850-hPa winds. The algorithm was evaluated in two independent cases from Hurricanes Floyd (1999) and Michelle (2001), which were observed simultaneously by AMSU, QuikSCAT, and H*Wind. In this evaluation the AMSU adjustment algorithm for wind speed worked well. Results also showed that the bias correction algorithm for wind direction has room for improvement.
NK2 Receptor-Mediated Spontaneous Phasic Contractions in Normal and Ulcerative Colitis Human Sigmoid Colon

Human colonic circular muscle produces spontaneous phasic contractions that are reduced in ulcerative colitis. How the spontaneous phasic contractions develop and why they decrease in ulcerative colitis are not known. We found that spontaneous phasic contractions of normal sigmoid circular muscle strips were significantly reduced by 90-min incubation with tetrodotoxin (10–5 M), which blocked neurokinin A release in basal conditions and in response to electrical stimulation. In addition, spontaneous contraction of human sigmoid colon was significantly decreased by the NK2 receptor antagonists MEN10376 (Asp-Tyr-d-Trp-Val-d-Trp-d-Trp-Lys-NH2) and NK2ra (Bz-Ala-Ala-d-Trp-Phe-d-Pro-Pro-Nle-NH2) but not by atropine or by the NK1 antagonist FK888 (N2-[(4R)-4-hydroxyl-1-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)carbonyl-l-prolyl]-N-methyl-N-phenylmethyl-3-(2-naphthyl)-l-alaninamide), suggesting that NK2 receptors are involved in their development. The spontaneous phasic contractions were abolished by thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid and significantly decreased by the protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine and by the calmodulin inhibitor CGS9343B (1,3-dihydro-1-[1-[(4-methyl-4H,6H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]-[4,1]-benzoxazepin-4-yl)methyl]-4-piperidinyl]-2H-benzimidazol-2-one (1:1) maleate), suggesting that spontaneous phasic contractions may be mediated by Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and by a protein kinase C- and calmodulin-dependent pathway. In strips from patients with ulcerative colitis, spontaneous contractions were significantly reduced, and this reduction was partially restored by the hydrogen peroxide scavenger catalase. Neurokinin A release, however, was not affected. We conclude that spontaneous phasic contractions of human sigmoid circular smooth muscle may be mediated by activation of NK2 receptors, calcium release from intracellular stores, and activation of calmodulin and protein kinase C. In ulcerative colitis patients, spontaneous phasic contractions are decreased, and this decrease may be in part due to overproduction of hydrogen peroxide affecting sigmoid circular muscle.
A cross-layer-based rate control method for distributed video coding

The conventional rate control method does not take channel loss into consideration. Thus, quality of service (QoS) cannot be guaranteed if packet loss occurs. To guarantee QoS in wireless communication environments that include channel loss, the PLR(packet loss ratio) must be taken into consideration. In this paper, we propose a new rate control algorithm that takes the PLR into consideration by using a cross-layer approach. The proposed method modifies the quantization parameter in accordance with the PLR. After the encoder determines available rates by obtaining the PLR, it decides the quantization parameter for encoding video to available rates and transmits this information to the decoder. This means that a smaller amount of data is sent at a higher puncturing rate. Therefore, the probability of successful decoding is increased when packet loss occurs.
Stabilizing quantized feedback with minimal information flow : the scalar case

A state feedback with finitely many quantization levels yields only the so called practical stabilization, namely the convergence of any initial state belonging to a bigger bounded region into another smaller target region of the state space. The ratio between the measure of the starting region and the target region is called contraction of the closed loop system. In the analysis of the performance of a stabilization strategy based on a quantized state feedback two parameters play a central role: the number of quantization levels used by the feedback and the convergence time of the closed loop system. In this paper we propose a definition of optimality for a quantized stabilization strategy. This definition is based on how the number of quantization levels and the convergence time grow with the contraction. Then, we analyze the performance and prove the optimality of three different stabilizing quantized feedbacks strategy for scalar linear systems.
Identification accuracy of eyewitnesses for a multiple perpetrator crime: Examining the simultaneous and elimination lineup procedures

Identification accuracy of witnesses for multiple perpetrators was examined using two lineup procedures, the simultaneous and elimination. Participants (N = 132) viewed a videotape of a staged theft involving two perpetrators (thief versus accomplice). Each witness was shown two lineups. Target-present and -absent lineups were used with each procedure across each perpetrator. Collapsing across lineup procedure, witnesses were more likely to correctly identify the thief than the accomplice. When either the thief or the accomplice was present in the lineup, identification accuracy did not vary as a function of lineup procedure. When either the thief or the accomplice was absent from the lineup, correct rejection rates were higher with the elimination lineup compared to the simultaneous lineup procedure. Copyright 2008 American Journal of Forensic Psychology.
Immunotherapy using algal‐produced Ara h 1 core domain suppresses peanut allergy in mice

Summary Peanut allergy is an IgE‐mediated adverse reaction to a subset of proteins found in peanuts. Immunotherapy aims to desensitize allergic patients through repeated and escalating exposures for several months to years using extracts or flours. The complex mix of proteins and variability between preparations complicates immunotherapy studies. Moreover, peanut immunotherapy is associated with frequent negative side effects and patients are often at risk of allergic reactions once immunotherapy is discontinued. Allergen‐specific approaches using recombinant proteins are an attractive alternative because they allow more precise dosing and the opportunity to engineer proteins with improved safety profiles. We tested whether Ara h 1 and Ara h 2, two major peanut allergens, could be produced using chloroplast of the unicellular eukaryotic alga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. C. reinhardtii is novel host for producing allergens that is genetically tractable, inexpensive and easy to grow, and is able to produce more complex proteins than bacterial hosts. Compared to the native proteins, algal‐produced Ara h 1 core domain and Ara h 2 have a reduced affinity for IgE from peanut‐allergic patients. We further found that immunotherapy using algal‐produced Ara h 1 core domain confers protection from peanut‐induced anaphylaxis in a murine model of peanut allergy.
Illuminating the dark matter of social neuroscience: Considering the problem of social interaction from philosophical, psychological, and neuroscientific perspectives

Successful human social interaction depends on our capacity to understand other people's mental states and to anticipate how they will react to our actions. Despite its importance to the human condition, the exact mechanisms underlying our ability to understand another's actions, feelings, and thoughts are still a matter of conjecture. Here, we consider this problem from philosophical, psychological, and neuroscientific perspectives. In a critical review, we demonstrate that attempts to draw parallels across these complementary disciplines is premature: The second-person perspective does not map directly to Interaction or Simulation theories, online social cognition, or shared neural network accounts underlying action observation or empathy. Nor does the third-person perspective map onto Theory-Theory (TT), offline social cognition, or the neural networks that support Theory of Mind (ToM). Moreover, we argue that important qualities of social interaction emerge through the reciprocal interplay of two independent agents whose unpredictable behavior requires that models of their partner's internal state be continually updated. This analysis draws attention to the need for paradigms in social neuroscience that allow two individuals to interact in a spontaneous and natural manner and to adapt their behavior and cognitions in a response contingent fashion due to the inherent unpredictability in another person's behavior. Even if such paradigms were implemented, it is possible that the specific neural correlates supporting such reciprocal interaction would not reflect computation unique to social interaction but rather the use of basic cognitive and emotional processes combined in a unique manner. Finally, we argue that given the crucial role of social interaction in human evolution, ontogeny, and every-day social life, a more theoretically and methodologically nuanced approach to the study of real social interaction will nevertheless help the field of social cognition to evolve.
Modelling of Classical and Rotary Inverted Pendulum Systems – A Generalized Approach

The purpose of this paper is to present the design and program implementation of a general procedure which yields the mathematical model for a classical or rotary inverted pendulum system with an arbitrary number of pendulum links. Lagrange equations of the second kind with an integrated Rayleigh dissipation function are employed in model design, and the energetic balance relations, derived for the base and all pendulum links in a generalized (n-link) classical and rotary inverted pendulum system, are implemented in form of symbolic MATLAB functions and a MATLAB GUI application. The validity and accuracy of motion equations generated by the application are demonstrated by evaluating the open-loop responses of simulation models of classical double and rotary single inverted pendulum.
Network Traffic Decomposition for Anomaly Detection

In this paper we focus on the detection of network anomalies like Denial of Service (DoS) attacks and port scans in a unified manner. While there has been an extensive amount of research in network anomaly detection, current state of the art methods are only able to detect one class of anomalies at the cost of others. The key tool we will use is based on the spectral decomposition of a trajectory/hankel matrix which is able to detect deviations from both between and within correlation present in the observed network traffic data. Detailed experiments on synthetic and real network traces shows a significant improvement in detection capability over competing approaches. In the process we also address the issue of robustness of anomaly detection systems in a principled fashion.
Reduction of neurovascular damage resulting from microelectrode insertion into the cerebral cortex using in vivo two-photon mapping

Penetrating neural probe technologies allow investigators to record electrical signals in the brain. The implantation of probes causes acute tissue damage, partially due to vasculature disruption during probe implantation. This trauma can cause abnormal electrophysiological responses and temporary increases in neurotransmitter levels, and perpetuate chronic immune responses. A significant challenge for investigators is to examine neurovascular features below the surface of the brain in vivo. The objective of this study was to investigate localized bleeding resulting from inserting microscale neural probes into the cortex using two-photon microscopy (TPM) and to explore an approach to minimize blood vessel disruption through insertion methods and probe design. 3D TPM images of cortical neurovasculature were obtained from mice and used to select preferred insertion positions for probe insertion to reduce neurovasculature damage. There was an 82.8 ± 14.3% reduction in neurovascular damage for probes inserted in regions devoid of major (>5 µm) sub-surface vessels. Also, the deviation of surface vessels from the vector normal to the surface as a function of depth and vessel diameter was measured and characterized. 68% of the major vessels were found to deviate less than 49 µm from their surface origin up to a depth of 500 µm. Inserting probes more than 49 µm from major surface vessels can reduce the chances of severing major sub-surface neurovasculature without using TPM.
Hybrid MPPT controller for accurate and quick tracking

The PV output is fluctuating with respect to solar insolation and temperature, and the output power is maximum if it operate at MPP. So, tracking with accuracy and faster convergence is very much important. There are so many techniques for tracking MPP. In this work, controller with incremental conductance and fractional short circuit current is explained, which will have the advantages of individual controllers. Initially, fractional short circuit method drives the PV to nearby MPP condition because of its higher tracking speed. Then incremental conductance will take care for higher accuracy. As insolation is continuously varying, fractional method is better due to its quick tracking. So, accuracy of incremental conductance and faster convergence of fractional short circuit controller are added together in this controller. MATLAB/Simulink simulation results are included in this paper to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed control technique.