Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CD73 mediates lymphocyte binding to vascular endothelium in inflamed human skin

Inflammatory diseases of the skin are characterized by abundant lymphocytic infiltrates at the site of inflammation, which are critical for the perpetuation of chronic disease. Lymphocytes gain entry to the site of inflammation by the use of adhesion molecules, which recognize their counterparts on vascular endothelial cells. CD73 is a lymphocyte differentiation antigen, which has recently been shown to mediate lymphocyte binding to cultured endothelial cells. Here, we have examined its expression and function in inflammatory situations using inflammatory skin diseases as a model. In several idiopathic and allergic disorders of the skin, a vast majority of the skin‐infiltrating lymphocytes were found to express CD73. However, on the circulating lymphocytes of these patients the expression of CD73 does not differ from that of healthy individuals. Of the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PEL) of patients, 13% are CD73+; of these, 9% express the cutaneous lymphocyte antigen (CLA), 32% express CD45RO, and 86% are L‐selectin+. Only 1% of PEL express both CLA and CD73. In contrast, most skin‐infiltrating lymphocytes express both molecules, which led us to investigate the role of CD73 in the skin‐homing behavior of these cells. In the frozen‐section adhesion assay, when PBL were treated with the anti‐CD73 monoclonal antibody 4G4, their binding to the vascular endothelium in inflamed skin was inhibited by 70%. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CD73+ lymphocytes preferentially accumulate into inflamed skin and, most importantly, that CD73 is involved in lymphocyte binding to vessels in inflamed skin. In the future, these findings may offer new means to treat inflammatory disorders of the skin.
SMS Reminders in the UK National Health Service: An Evaluation of Its Impact on "No-Shows" at Hospital Out-Patient Clinics

Abstract: The ownership of cell phones and use of short message service (SMS) are sufficiently common in the United Kingdom to be exploited by health services providers. The study evaluates their use to reduce nonattendance at out-patient clinics. The impact is modest, but so also is the cost, about £7.50 ($13.13, &U20AC;10.88) per "no-show" avoided.
Long-term results of surgical treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of total synovectomy in pigmented villonodular synovitis of the knee (PVNS). METHODS Open total synovectomy was performed for 19 patients (9 men, 10 women; mean age: 42.8 years) with PVNS. Of these patients, 15 had diffuse and 4 localized PVNS. The patients were followed for an average of 80.2 months and the average time between the onset of complaints and surgery was 23 months. In 4 patients, PVNS was identified during total knee replacement (TKR) performed due to gonarthrosis. Radiotherapy was performed as an adjuvant treatment in one patient with recurrence. Puncture was performed in 11 patients due to effusion and 8 to 70 cc of fluid was aspirated. Diagnosis was made during the exposure for TKR in 4 patients, by a biopsy in 2 and based on joint puncture and MRI findings in the rest. RESULTS Recurrence occurred in 5 patients. A second total synovectomy was performed in 4 patients. Radiotherapy was used for the remaining one patient. Two patients were operated three times. During the follow-up, TKR was performed in 7 of the 19 patients. None of the patients developed infection and hemarthrosis requiring puncture nor required amputation or arthrodesis. Three patients had a postoperative knee joint stiffness of 10 to 25 degrees. The patients were evaluated according to the Knee Society Score and 8 (42.2%) had perfect, 9 (47.3%) good and 2 (10.5%) bad results. CONCLUSION PVNS is a disease with a high risk of recurrence. No individual or combined treatment method can offer a definitive solution. Open or arthroscopic radical synovectomy is still considered as the gold standard. If necessary, adjuvant intraarticular or extraarticular radiotherapy can be added to the treatment.
Implementing an integrated system in a socially dis-integrated enterprise: A critical view of ERP enabled integration

– Organisational integration has been presented as a key imminent outcome of implementing ERP systems. This study aims to examine critically this notion of integration by focusing on the role of the social fabric of the organisation in the implementation of ERP systems and, in particular, its integration capability. , – This study examines the case of a successful ERP implementation in a large international organisation through the analytical lens of actor network theory and the introduction of the concept of “organisational othering”. , – The study argues that the institutionalised marginalisation of some business units within the organisation created a highly political and largely dis‐integrated social context for the ERP implementation, which contrasts with the system logic of integration, transparency, and coordination. It reveals that this organisational practice of dis‐integration can be reproduced and inscribed in the implemented ERP system, thereby hindering the realisation of its integration capability. , – The research contributes to the emerging critical studies of ERP systems and the ongoing discussion on IS implementation politics and intra‐group conflict by suggesting that configuring integrated systems such as ERP in such a context requires careful consideration and delicate management in order to achieve a workable version of integration that is socially and organisationally acceptable.
Nonlinear programming extensions to rational function approximation methods for unsteady aerodynamic forces

The approximation of unsteady generalized aerodynamic forces in the equations of motion of a flexible aircraft are discussed. Two methods of formulating these approximations are extended to include the same flexibility in constraining the approximations and the same methodology in optimizing nonlinear parameters as another currently used extended least-squares method. Optimal selection of nonlinear parameters is made in each of the three methods by use of the same nonlinear, nongradient optimizer. The objective of the nonlinear optimization is to obtain rational approximations to the unsteady aerodynamics whose state-space realization is lower order than that required when no optimization of the nonlinear terms is performed. The free linear parameters are determined using the least-squares matrix techniques of a Lagrange multiplier formulation of an objective function which incorporates selected linear equality constraints. State-space mathematical models resulting from different approaches are described and results are presented that show comparative evaluations from application of each of the extended methods to a numerical example.
Algorithm for viewpoint estimation and registration

This paper presents a simple technique for estimating the space location from which a certain image has been taken. The basic assumption is that the scene portrayed in the image is planar. The method is based on the acquisition of a new set of images, closely resembling the given image. The location is recovered from the parameters describing the camera's pose during the acquisition of that among the new images showing the highest degree of correlation with the original image. An example of application of this technique is discussed in the paper.
On the vagus-respiratory reflex.

In our previous experiments (6) on the effects of electric stimulation of the vagus nerve and the inflation of the lung on the respiratory movements, it was found that weak and moderate stimuli for both the nerve and lung produced excitatory and strong stimuli inhibitory effects. Action potentials were used by many recent investigators to indicate the respiratory mechanism, namely they were recorded in respiratory muscles by Worzniak and Gesell (14) in the phrenic nerves by Larrabee and Knowlton (8) and Widdicomb (13) and in the respiratory center by Dirken and Woldring (3). We have recently succeeded to record action potentials of a single neurone in the respiratory centers and have again undertaken the following experiments to reexamine the previous problems on the respiratory reflex.
Measuring Hospital Competition

This paper appraises the use of the Herfindahl market share index as an exogenous competition variable in empirical studies of the hospital sector. An analysis of cross-sectional Florida data shows that this index itself is significantly influenced by the demand and supply factors commonly included in econometric models of hospital performance. The analysis then illustrates that biased inferences about the effects of market competition on the costs of hospital care may result unless the values of the Herfindahl Index are treated endogenously in hospital cost models.
The relationship between the innovation orientation and organizations’ performance in Romania

The purpose of this research is to contribute to the conceptual understanding of innovation orientation and to inquire the relationship between the innovation orientation and the firm's performance. The empirical data was obtained from top executives of 106 companies activating in Romania. It has been empirically proven that there is a direct, strong and positive link between the innovation orientation and market and financial performance.
Density-functional theory and NiO photoemission spectra.

The generalization of the local-density-approximation method for the systems with strong Coulomb correlations is proposed, which restores the discontinuity in the one-electron potential as in the exact density functional. The method is based on the model-Hamiltonian approach and allows us to take into account the nonsphericity of the Coulomb and exchange interactions. The calculation scheme could be regarded as a first-principle method due to the absence of adjustable parameters. The method was applied to the calculation of the photoemission (x-ray photoemission spectroscopy) and bremsstrahlung isochromat spectra of NiO.
Four level inverter's DC bus voltage balancing with 3-terminal DAB converter

Multilevel inverters become more and more popular, especially in the medium or high voltage and high power applications. Unfortunately, some of inverter topologies require additional DC bus voltage balancing systems. This paper presents a novel approach to such systems, which is based on a multiple terminal DAB converter. Along with the voltage balancing function the proposed solution enables the connection of energy storage devices to the inverter which extends the functionality of the inverter.
Model building of disulfide bonds in proteins with known three-dimensional structure.

As an aid in the selection of sites in a protein where a disulfide bond might be engineered, a computer program has been developed. The algorithm starts with the generation of C beta positions from the N, C alpha and C atom coordinates available from a three-dimensional model. A first set of residue pairs that might form a disulfide bond is selected on the basis of C beta-C beta distances between residues. Then, for each residue in this set, S gamma positions are generated, which satisfy the requirement that, with ideal values for the C alpha-C beta and C beta-S gamma bond lengths and for the bond angle at C beta, the distance between S gamma of residue 1 and C beta of residue 2 in a pair (determined by the bond angle at S gamma 2) is at, or very close to its ideal value. Usually two acceptable S gamma positions are found for each half cystine, resulting in up to four different conformations for the disulfide bond. Finally, these conformations are subjected to an energy minimization procedure to remove large deviations from ideal geometry and their final energies are calculated. User input determines which final conformations are energetically acceptable. These conformations are written to a file to allow further analysis and e.g. inspection on a computer graphics device.
Duloxetine Attenuated Morphine Withdrawal Syndrome in the Rat

Abstract Background: Long term exposure to morphine can induce dependence. The exact mechanisms of dependence are not yet fully understood. Many studies have been conducted to find new drugs that can prevent dependence. This study examined the effects of the chronic administration of duloxetine on the morphine withdrawal syndrome in rats. Methods: To this end, male Wistar rats (170–220 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups including one saline treated group (non-dependent group) and 4 morphine dependent groups. The experimental groups received additive doses of morphine for 9 days in order to induce dependence according to the following protocol: day 1: 5 mg/kg/12 h, days 2 and 3: 10 mg/kg/12 h, days 4, 5: 15 mg/kg/12 h, days 6 and 7: 20 mg/kg/12 h and days 8 and 9: 25 mg/kg/12 h. On the ninth day, the morning dose of morphine was only injected. It is worth noting that 30 min before the morning dose of morphine, duloxetine (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. In addition, 2 h after the last injection of morphine, the morphine withdrawal was precipitated by naloxone. The withdrawal signs were recorded for 30 min; these signs included jumping, rearing, genital grooming, abdominal writhing, wet dog shaking, and teeth grinding. Results: The results of the study revealed that the chronic administration of duloxetine decreased all the withdrawal signs. Besides, it attenuated the total withdrawal scores significantly. Conclusion: Results indicate that the regulatory effects on serotonergic and noradrenergic parameters might be associated with the amelioration of the withdrawal symptoms.
Evaluation of an allelic association of the serotonin 5‐HT1B G681C polymorphism with antisocial alcoholism in the German population

Our study tested whether an association of the 861C allele of the serotonin 5‐HT1B gene (HTR1B) with antisocial alcoholism exists in the German population. The HTR1B G861C polymorphism was genotyped in 588 subjects of German descent, comprising 250 non‐alcoholic controls and 338 alcohol‐dependent subjects, of whom 56 exhibited a dissocial personality disorder (DSPD). The Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire was assessed in 109 alcohol‐dependent males to explore an effect of the 861C allele to risk‐taking behaviour. Our results revealed no evidence for an association of the 861C allele with antisocial alcoholism (p > 0.63). There were no significant differences in the personality traits, novelty‐seeking, harm avoidance and reward dependence between 46 male alcoholics carrying the 861C allele compared to those 63 alcoholics lacking it (p > 0.52). Our results do not provide evidence that the 861C allele contributes a substantial vulnerability effect to antisocial behavior in German alcohol‐dependent subjects.
A (n,t,n) Verifiable Multi-secret Sharing Scheme with Secure Secret Reconstruction

In a verifiable multi-secret sharing scheme, multiple secrets can be shared in one process and the shares can be verified. We propose a novel verifiable multi-secret sharing scheme in this paper. The scheme has the following advantages: (i) A mutually trusted dealer is no longer needed to distribute shares; (ii) shares can be verified by shareholders both in the secret generation and reconstruction phases; and (iii) any adversary without providing a valid share cannot recover the real secrets in the secret reconstruction phase. A secret sharing scheme with above-mentioned advantages is also described as a stepping stone, before we propose the multi-secret sharing scheme. We give the definition of a
Pharmacokinetics of atractylenolide I from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz in rats by RP-HPLC

Aim To establish an RP-HPLC method for the analysis of pharmacokinetics of atractylenolide I in rats. Methods The biological samples were extracted with ethyl acetate. The chromatographic conditions were as follows: An ODS column (4.6 × 150 mm, I.D, 5 µm) was used. The mobile phase was acetonitrile/water (55:45) with a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min -1 under the room temperature, and the detection wavelength was set at 220 nm. Results The Lowest Limit of detection was 5.0 ng·mL -1 (S/N>3). The linear range was 0.025 µg·mL -1 ~ 2.5 µg·mL -1 (r=0.9992) in rat plasma. The method recoveries for all samples were greater than 94% at the low, medium and high concentrations. The within-day and between-day precision were from 3.17% to 6.93% and 2.33% to 7.20%, respectively. After oral administration of atractylenolide I 80 mg·kg -1 , the concentration-time profiles of atractylenolide I fit a two compartment with the first absorption model. Tmax was (0.21 ± 0.04) h, and Cmax was (420 ± 35) ng·mL -1 , AUC was (1313 ± 146) (ng·h )·mL -1 . Conclusion The method was accurate, stable and reliable, and can be used for the investigation of atractylenolide I in plasma of rats. The experimental results showed that atractylenolide I was easily absorbed, but its elimination was slow from 2 h to 24 h after oral administration.
Click-boosted graph ranking for image retrieval

Graph ranking is one popular and successful technique for image retrieval, but its effectiveness is often limited by the well-known semantic gap. To bridge this gap, one of the current trends is to leverage the click-through data associated with images to facilitate the graph-based image ranking. However, the sparse and noisy properties of the image click-through data make the exploration of such resource challenging. Towards this end, this paper propose a novel click-boosted graph ranking framework for image retrieval, which consists of two coupled components. Concretely, the first one is a click predictor based on matrix factorization with visual regularization, in order to alleviate the sparseness of the click-through data. The second component is a soft-label graph ranker that conducts the image ranking by using the enriched click-through data noise-tolerantly. Extensive experiments for the tasks of click predicting and image ranking validate the effectiveness of the proposed methods in comparison to several existing approaches.
Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method Development and Validation for the Estimation of Sumatriptan in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Dosage Form -

A simple, highly sensitive stability indicating reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for the determination of sumatriptan succinate in bulk and tablet dosage form. The analysis was performed on reverse phase C18 ODS Inertsil (250×4.6mm, 5µm) column, with a mobile phase containing buffer: aetonitrile: methanol (80:10:10 v/v/v), pH was adjusted to 2.5 with orthophosphoric acid (OPA) at 221nm, by an isocratic elution mode with 1ml/min flow rate using photo diode array (PDA) detector at ambient temperature. The injection volume and retention time was found 20μl and 4.4minutes respectively. The method produced linear responses in the concentration range of 5-150 µg/ml, with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values for HPLC method were found to be 1.967 and 5.961 μg/ml respectively. The recovery of the method was 98% of the labelled value. This method was validated for accuracy, precision, linearity and robustness. Sumatriptan subjected to different ICH prescribed stress conditions of acid, alkali, peroxide, reduction, thermal, photolytic and humidity degradation. This method successfully applied to stability indicating method and also found to be routine quantitative analysis of sumatriptan by easily available materials with low cost.
Planning End-of-Life Care for Patients with Dementia: Roles of Families and Health Professionals

We examined families' end-of-life decision making and their interactions with health professionals. Twenty-eight family members of institutionalized dementia patients participated in four focus groups. We found that participating family members were not well prepared for their decision-making roles, and that they: 1) experienced substantial burdens and loss in caring for institutionalized elders; 2) had limited understanding of the natural progression of dementing conditions; 3) were uncomfortable in setting goals for their relatives' end-of-life care; 4) had little experience with death, and were ambivalent about the anticipated death of their relative; and (5) reported that they had little substantive communication with health professionals regarding end-of-life care planning. We concluded that many of the needs of such families could be addressed through improved application of the principles of advance care planning, including regular structured discussions, involvement of surrogate decision-makers, and anticipation of clinical decisions. Health professionals should take the lead in ‘normalizing’ the discussion of death.
Enzyme immunoassay for detection of Salmonellae in foods

An enzyme immunoassay was developed to detect Salmonella in foods. Indirect test protocols were developed for use with microtitration plates or Gilford microcuvettes. Samples from enrichment cultures were mixed with H-specific immunoglobulin G and allowed to react; unbound antibody was removed by three 5-min centrifugation washes; goat anti-rabbit antibody conjugated to alkaline phosphatase was added and allowed to react; and unbound conjugate was removed by centrifugation washing as before. Salmonella-positive samples were indicated by the production of a chromogenic reaction product after the addition of alkaline phosphatase substrate. The color could be read visually or quantified by absorbance. Ninety-eight food samples were examined to compare the enzyme immunoassay with enrichment serology, immunofluorescence, and the Food and Drug Administration pure culture technique. The enzyme immunoassay was sensitive and specific, and it possessed advantages over methods currently in use. Furthermore, when the enzyme immunoassay was used to screen preenrichment media, the results indicated that it might be decidedly more sensitive than the conventional pure culture technique.
Estimating Hurst exponent with wavelet packet

Applied in many areas, from original hydrology to modern computer networking, Hurst exponent provides us with an indicator that the analyzed data is a completely random process or has underlying trends. But a good estimation of Hurst exponent remains complicated as R/S algorithm shows. Recurring to fractal mathematics, especially the research on fractal Brownian motion (fBm), wavelet packet transform is introduced to estimate Hurst exponent. Compared with wavelet transform and other estimating methods, the wavelet packet algorithm is found able to provide more accurate result. And another advantage of wavelet packet is the extensive choice of available analyzing wavelet filter functions