Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Engraftment of Primates with G‐CSF Mobilized Peripheral Blood CD34+ Progenitor Cells Expanded in G‐CSF, SCF and MGDF Decreases the Duration and Severity of Neutropenia

We used a primate model of autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation to study the effect of in vitro expansion on committed progenitor cell engraftment and marrow recovery after transplantation. Four groups of baboons were transplanted with enriched autologous CD34+ PBPC collected by apheresis after five days of G‐CSF administration (100 μg/kg/day). Groups I and III were transplanted with cryopreserved CD34+ PBPC and Groups II and IV were transplanted with CD34+ PBPC that had been cultured for 10 days in Amgen‐defined (serum free) medium and stimulated with G‐CSF, megakaryocyte growth and development factor (MGDF), and stem cell factor each at 100 ηg/ml. Group III and IV animals were administered G‐CSF (100 μg/kg/day) and MGDF (25 μg/kg/day) after transplant, while animals in Groups I and II were not. For the cultured CD34+ PBPC from groups II and IV, the total cell numbers expanded 14.4 ± 8.3 and 4.0 ± 0.7‐fold, respectively, and CFU‐GM expanded 7.2 ± 0.3 and 8.0 ± 0.4‐fold, respectively. All animals engrafted. If no growth factor support was given after transplant (Groups II and I), the recovery of WBC and platelet production after transplant was prolonged if cells had been cultured prior to transplant (Group II). Administration of post‐transplant G‐CSF and MGDF shortened the period of neutropenia (ANC < 500/μL) from 13 ± 4 (Group I) to 10 ± 4 (Group III) days for animals transplanted with non‐expanded CD34+ PBPC. For animals transplanted with ex vivo‐expanded CD34+ PBPC, post‐transplant administration of G‐CSF and MGDF shortened the duration of neutropenia from 14 ± 2 (Group II) to 3 ± 4 (Group IV) days. Recovery of platelet production was slower in all animals transplanted with expanded CD34+ PBPC regardless of post‐transplant growth factor administration. Progenitor cells generated in vitro can contribute to early engraftment and mitigate neutropenia when growth factor support is administered post‐transplant. Thrombocytopenia was not decreased despite evidence of expansion of megakaryocytes in cultured CD34+ populations.
Optimum Coordination of Overcurrent Relays in Distribution System Using Dual Simplex Method

This paper presents dual simplex method for coordination of overcurrent (OC) relays. The OC relays are the major protection devices in a distribution system. OC relay is usually employed as backup protection. But in some situations it may be the only protection provided. To reduce the power outages, mal-operation of the backup relays should be avoided, and therefore, OC relay coordination in power distribution network is a major concern of protection engineer. The OC relay coordination in ring fed distribution networks is a highly constrained optimization problem. The purpose is to find an optimum relay setting to minimize the time of operation of relays and at the same time, to avoid the mal-operation of relays. This paper presents dual simplex technique for optimum coordination of OC relays in a ring fed distribution system. A brief comparison with two phase simplex method is also given.
Unsupervised Trajectory Segmentation for Surgical Gesture Recognition in Robotic Training

Dexterity and procedural knowledge are two critical skills that surgeons need to master to perform accurate and safe surgical interventions. However, current training systems do not allow us to provide an in-depth analysis of surgical gestures to precisely assess these skills. Our objective is to develop a method for the automatic and quantitative assessment of surgical gestures. To reach this goal, we propose a new unsupervised algorithm that can automatically segment kinematic data from robotic training sessions. Without relying on any prior information or model, this algorithm detects critical points in the kinematic data that define relevant spatio-temporal segments. Based on the association of these segments, we obtain an accurate recognition of the gestures involved in the surgical training task. We, then, perform an advanced analysis and assess our algorithm using datasets recorded during real expert training sessions. After comparing our approach with the manual annotations of the surgical gestures, we observe 97.4% accuracy for the learning purpose and an average matching score of 81.9% for the fully automated gesture recognition process. Our results show that trainees workflow can be followed and surgical gestures may be automatically evaluated according to an expert database. This approach tends toward improving training efficiency by minimizing the learning curve.
Inaccuracy in Traffic Forecasts

Abstract This paper presents results from the first statistically significant study of traffic forecasts in transportation infrastructure projects. The sample used is the largest of its kind, covering 210 projects in 14 nations worth US$58 billion. The study shows with very high statistical significance that forecasters generally do a poor job of estimating the demand for transportation infrastructure projects. The result is substantial downside financial and economic risk. Forecasts have not become more accurate over the 30‐year period studied. If techniques and skills for arriving at accurate demand forecasts have improved over time, as often claimed by forecasters, this does not show in the data. For nine out of ten rail projects, passenger forecasts are overestimated; average overestimation is 106%. For 72% of rail projects, forecasts are overestimated by more than two‐thirds. For 50% of road projects, the difference between actual and forecasted traffic is more than ±20%; for 25% of road projects, the difference is larger than ±40%. Forecasts for roads are more accurate and more balanced than for rail, with no significant difference between the frequency of inflated versus deflated forecasts. But for both rail and road projects, the risk is substantial that demand forecasts are incorrect by a large margin. The causes of inaccuracy in forecasts are different for rail and road projects, with political causes playing a larger role for rail than for road. The cure is more accountability and reference class forecasting. Highly inaccurate traffic forecasts combined with large standard deviations translate into large financial and economic risks. But such risks are typically ignored or downplayed by planners and decision‐makers, to the detriment of social and economic welfare. The paper presents the data and approach with which planners may begin valid and reliable risk assessment.
Multidimensional Approach to an Analysis of Individual Deprivation: The MACaD Model and the Results of Empirical Investigation

The aim of this paper is to present a model of capability measurement, called MACaD (Multidimensional Analysis of Capabilities Deprivation), which is based on the observation of a list of functionings in a sample of people through an empirical analysis. Within the theoretical framework of the capability approach developed by Amartya K. Sen, we introduce an analytical definition of the concept of functioning that encompasses individual agency. Furthermore, we develop a multidimensional index based on the counting approach which allows us to represent individuals within a Cartesian space. Empirical analysis is carried out through a specific questionnaire administered to more than 500 individuals living in the Municipality of Rome 10. We have focused our attention on specific subgroups of our sample (households with children), a peculiar life dimension (expressing emotions) and capabilities transformation deficit.
Regional Trade Agreements and Foreign Direct Investment: Impact of Existing RTAs on FDI and Trade Flows in the Andean Community and Implications of a Hemispheric RTA in the Americas

This paper discusses the possible impact of RTAs on FDI and trade flows in the Americas. First, it briefly looks at selected RTAs with investment protection, namely the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Group of Three (G-3) and the Andean Community of Nations (ACN). It then analyses the effect of RTA membership on FDI flows in the Andean subregion by constructing, running and testing a gravity model with data for the period 1992-2001. The evidence suggests that RTAs in the region foster trade and divert FDI in the ACN despite investment protection. The study finalizes by considering the implications of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), a hemispheric RTA with investment protection, on FDI flows.
Comparison of the efficacy of ramoplanin and vancomycin in both in vitro and in vivo models of clindamycin-induced Clostridium difficile infection.

OBJECTIVES Treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is limited primarily to either metronidazole or vancomycin. We compared vancomycin and a novel glycolipodepsipeptide, ramoplanin, in both hamster and in vitro gut models of clindamycin-induced CDI. METHODS We used an in vitro triple-stage chemostat model that simulates the human gut, and an in vivo hamster model, both primed with clindamycin. RESULTS Clindamycin exposure elicited symptomatic disease in the hamster model, and promoted C. difficile germination and toxin production in the gut model. C. difficile germination and toxin production were not associated with depletion of gut microflora in the gut model, but were temporarily associated with subinhibitory concentrations of clindamycin. Both ramoplanin and vancomycin were associated with rapid symptom resolution in the hamster model, and rapid toxin titre decrease in the in vitro gut model. In both models of CDI, vancomycin was associated with greater persistence of C. difficile spores. C. difficile spores were recovered significantly more often from the caecal contents of vancomycin-treated (n = 19/23) compared with ramoplanin-treated (n = 6/23) hamsters (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Results from the in vitro gut and hamster models were concordant. Ramoplanin and vancomycin were similarly effective at reducing cytotoxin production in the gut CDI model and in resolving symptoms in the hamster model. Ramoplanin may be more effective than vancomycin at killing spores and preventing spore recrudescence. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for ramoplanin in CDI that requires further clinical investigation.
Effect of Insulin Dilution on Lowering Glycemic Variability in Pump-Treated Young Children with Inadequately Controlled Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND We investigated whether in young children with inadequately controlled type 1 diabetes and technical problems with continuous subcutaneous infusion of insulin at 100 units/mL the switch to insulin diluted to 10 units/mL (U10) can limit technical problems and improve glycemic control. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Diluted U10 insulin was started in three children 3.8, 3.2, and 1.3 years old with a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level (mean±SD) of 8.1±0.17% (65±1.7 mmol/mol) and insulin dose of 8.80±2.93 units/day. Patients were evaluated with continuous glucose monitoring (iPro™2; Medtronic Minimed, Northridge, CA) and a quality of life questionnaire (PedsQL™; www.pedsql.org/ ) and surveyed for pump-related problems at baseline and after 3 and 9 months of U10 insulin therapy. RESULTS Continuous glucose monitoring records showed that glycemic variability assessed by SD and M100 decreased significantly (P=0.0085 and P=0.0482, respectively). HbA1c levels dropped to 7.3±1.00% (56±11.0 mmol/mol) after 3 months and to 6.7±0.55% (50±6.1 mmol/mol) after 9 months (P=0.12). Technical difficulties were minimized. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the use of U10 insulin decreases glycemic variability and improves hampered pump therapy in young children with inadequately controlled type 1 diabetes.
Organizational Structure and Expected Output at Nuclear Power Plants

This paper examines the relationship between organizational structure and operation and outage durations at nuclear power plants in the United States. It empirically examines Aoki's (1990) proposition that (1) hierarchical control increases productivity in situations that are very stable or very uncertain and (2) horizontal coordination increases productivity in intermediate situations. It describes a model of continuous production in which management chooses an organizational structure that minimizes the ratio of the hazard rates for operation and outage. And proposes an index of hierarchy based on measures of plant-level organization. Parameter estimates support the proposition that less hierarchy is associated with higher productivity through longer periods of operation. Copyright 1996 by MIT Press.
Limited Inhibitory Effects of Oseltamivir and Zanamivir on Human Sialidases

ABSTRACT Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), two extensively used clinically effective anti-influenza drugs, are viral sialidase (also known as neuraminidase) inhibitors that prevent the release of progeny virions and thereby limit the spread of infection. Recently mortalities and neuropsychiatric events have been reported with the use of oseltamivir, especially in pediatric cases in Japan, suggesting that these drugs might also inhibit endogenous enzymes involved in sialic acid metabolism, including sialidase, sialyltransferase, and CMP-synthase, in addition to their inhibitory effects on the viral sialidase. The possible inhibition could account for some of the rare side effects of oseltamivir. However, there has been little direct evidence in regard to the sensitivities of animal sialidases to these drugs. Here, we examined whether these inhibitors might indeed affect the activities of human sialidases, which differ in primary structures and enzyme properties but possess tertiary structures similar to those of the viral enzymes. Using recombinant enzymes corresponding to the four human sialidases identified so far, we found that oseltamivir carboxylate scarcely affected the activities of any of the sialidases, even at 1 mM, while zanamivir significantly inhibited the human sialidases NEU3 and NEU2 in the micromolar range (Ki, 3.7 ± 0.48 and 12.9 ± 0.07 μM, respectively), providing a contrast to the low nanomolar concentrations at which these drugs block the activity of the viral sialidases.
Business excellence: make it happen

Performance measurement is essential in the quest for Business Excellence. To be effective, the performance measurement system must be based on the drivers of success. Moreover, the relative contribution of each of these factors to an aggregate measure of performance measurement should be established. Because Business Excellence implies the simultaneous satisfaction of the various stake holders, performance has to be measured taking into consideration their distinct views. This paper shows how a new performance measurement system that is holistic, comprehensive, valid and reliable can be used to drive success by focusing the organization's efforts on the real Forces of Excellence.
Inhibitory Effect of Progesterone on Cervical Tissue Formation in a Three-Dimensional Culture System with Human Cervical Fibroblasts1

ABSTRACT Progesterone supplementation is recommended to prevent preterm birth in women with a short cervix, but the mechanism is unclear. We hypothesize that progesterone acts by altering the composition of the cervical extracellular matrix (ECM). We tested this hypothesis using human cervical fibroblasts in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures. For 2D culture, cells were seeded in 6-well plates and cultured with media supplemented with estradiol (10−8 M), progesterone (10−7 or 10−6 M), and vehicle. For 3D culture, the cells were cultured on a porous silk protein scaffold system. Progesterone and estrogen receptors were documented by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. In both 2D and 3D cultures, decreased collagen synthesis was seen with increased progesterone concentration. Three-dimensional cultures could be maintained significantly longer than 2D cultures, and the morphology of 3D cultures appeared similar to native cervical tissue. Thus, further studies were performed in 3D culture. To determine the effect of progesterone concentration, the 3D scaffolds were cultured with estradiol (10−8 M) and five conditions: vehicle; 10−9, 10−8, or 10−7 M progesterone; or 10−7 M progesterone plus 10−6 M mifepristone. The highest progesterone concentration correlated with the least amount of collagen synthesis. Collagen synthesis progressively increased as progesterone concentration decreased. This effect was partially antagonized by mifepristone, suggesting the mechanism is mediated by the progesterone receptor. This hormonally responsive 3D culture system supports the hypothesis that progesterone has a direct effect on remodeling cervical ECM during pregnancy. The 3D culture system could be useful for studying the mechanism of progesterone effects on the cervix.
Disentangling the Incentive and Entrenchment Effects of Large Shareholdings

This article disentangles the incentive and entrenchment effects of large ownership. Using data for 1,301 publicly traded corporations in eight East Asian economies, we find that firm value increases with the cash-flow ownership of the largest shareholder, consistent with a positive incentive effect. But firm value falls when the control rights of the largest shareholder exceed its cash-flow ownership, consistent with an entrenchment effect. Given that concentrated corporate ownership is predominant in most countries, these findings have relevance for corporate governance across the world.
Force production and reactive strength capabilities after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

CONTEXT Ambiguity exists in the literature regarding whether individuals can restore function to 100% after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The response of force production and reactive strength in stretch-shortening cycle activities after surgery has not been established. OBJECTIVE To compare reactive strength and force production capabilities between the involved and uninvolved legs of participants who had undergone ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation with the reactive strength and force production capabilities of a control group. DESIGN Repeated measures, cross-sectional. SETTING Research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Ten participants with ACL reconstructions who had returned to their chosen sports and 10 age-matched and activity-matched control subjects. INTERVENTION(S) We screened the ACL group with the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form and functional performance tests to measure a basic level of function. We assessed force production capabilities and reactive strength using squat, countermovement, drop, and rebound jump protocols on a force sledge apparatus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The dependent variables were flight time, peak vertical ground reaction force, leg spring stiffness, and reactive strength index. RESULTS No participant in the ACL group exhibited functional deficits in comparison with normative values or the control group. Using the force sledge apparatus, we found no notable differences in force production capabilities and reactive strength in the ACL group when comparing the involved with uninvolved legs or the degree of difference between legs with the control group. CONCLUSIONS After ACL reconstruction, rehabilitated participants did not exhibit deficits in force production or reactive strength capabilities. Our results suggest that force production and reactive strength capabilities can be restored to levels comparable with the uninjured control limb and may not be limiting factors in ACL recovery.
The (Non) Impact of UN Sanctions on North Korea

This study finds that North Korea's nuclear test and the imposition of UN Security Council sanctions have had no perceptible effect on North Korea's trade with its two largest partners, China and South Korea. Before North Korea conducted an underground nuclear test, it was widely believed that such an event would have cataclysmic diplomatic ramifications. However, beginning with visual inspection of data and ending with time-series models, no evidence is found to support the notion that these events have had any effect on North Korea's trade with its two principal partners. In retrospect, North Korea may have calculated quite correctly that the direct penalties for establishing itself as a nuclear power would be modest (or, alternatively, put such a high value on demonstrating its nuclear capability that it outweighed the downside risks, however large). If sanctions are to deter behavior in the future, they will have to be much more enthusiastically implemented.
Adaptive calibration of an underwater robot vision system based on hemispherical optics

In this paper the issue of on-line adaptation of the robot vision system to variations in the refractive index of the ambient fluid is being considered. This is achieved by developing an analytical model of the light propagation through the AUV water-dome-air interface before entering the camera optics. The model developed is used for simulation of the AUV's camera dome. The effect of variations in the refractive index of the ambient fluid is investigated through experimental and simulation results. Based on this model, an appropriately designed stationary target is mounted on the AUV in the camera's FOV enabling adaptive estimation of the fluid refractive index. Experiments were carried out in and out of the water, thus changing the refractive index of the ambient fluid. Relations of the system's sensitivity to the camera resolution and the target geometry are investigated. The refractive index measurements obtained through the developed on-line adaptive estimator during the experiment, closely match the ones predicted by the model through the simulations. The experiments were performed using a commercially available ROV.
Cerebral vasoreactivity assessed with transcranial Doppler and regional cerebral blood flow measurements. Dose, serum concentration, and time course of the response to acetazolamide.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To improve the assessment of cerebral vasoreactivity using acetazolamide (ACZ), we studied the time course of the response and the relationship between dose, response, and serum concentration. METHODS Blood flow velocities were measured with the use of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in one of the middle cerebral arteries of 48 healthy subjects after the intravenous administration of 1 to 1.6 g ACZ. In 34 subjects (group 1), velocities were measured every second minute to detect the maximum middle cerebral artery velocity increase. We also measured regional cerebral blood flow using single-photon emission computed tomography in 27 of the subjects in group 1 before and approximately 15 to 20 minutes after the ACZ injection. The serum concentration of ACZ was measured in 15 subjects. In the remaining 14 subjects (group 2), middle cerebral artery velocity measurements were made 10, 25, 30, and 45 minutes after ACZ administration to obtain information regarding the late time course of the response. RESULTS In group 1 the plateau phase of the velocity response was reached 8 to 15 minutes after ACZ administration. A large range of velocity increase was observed, and a significant correlation was found between the maximum velocity increase and the dose and serum concentration of ACZ. In group 2 subjects, maximum velocities were maintained 30 minutes after the injection, but after 45 minutes velocities had decreased to 68% of their highest level. No significant relationship was found between dose or serum concentration of ACZ and the regional cerebral blood flow increase. The velocity increase after ACZ was similar in both older and younger subjects. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that cerebral vasoreactivity is best assessed 10 to 30 minutes after ACZ administration and that the dose should probably exceed 15 mg/kg if a maximum vasodilatory response in the cerebral circulation is to be obtained.