Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Populations of granulosa cells in small follicles of the sheep ovary.

The aim of this study in sheep ovaries was to determine the total number of granulosa cells in primordial follicles and at subsequent stages of growth to early antrum formation. The second aim was to examine the interrelationships among the total number of granulosa cells in the follicles, the number of granulosa cells in the section through the oocyte nucleolus, and the diameter of the oocyte. A third aim was to examine whether proliferating cell nuclear antigen labelling occurred in flattened granulosa cells in primordial follicles or was confined to follicles containing cuboidal granulosa cells. The follicles were classified using the section through the oocyte nucleolus by the configuration of granulosa cells around the oocyte as type 1 (primordial), type 1a (transitory), type 2 (primary), type 3 (small preantral), type 4 (large preantral), and type 5 (small antral). In type 1 follicles, the number of granulosa cells and oocyte diameter were highly variable in both fetal and adult ovaries. Each type of follicle was significantly different from the others (all P < 0.05) with respect to oocyte diameter, number of granulosa cells in the section through the oocyte nucleolus and total number of granulosa cells. Follicles classified as type 2, 3, 4 or 5 each corresponded to two doublings of the total granulosa cell population. The relationships between oocyte diameter and the number of granulosa cells (that is, in the section through the oocyte nucleous or total population per follicle) could all be described by the regression equation loge chi = a + b loge gamma with the correlation coefficients R always > 0.93. For each pair of variables the slopes (b) for each type of follicle were not different from the overall slope for all types of follicle pooled. Immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen was observed in granulosa cells in type 1 follicles, as well as in the other types of follicle. These findings indicate that 'flattened' granulosa cells in type 1 follicles express an essential nuclear protein involved in cell proliferation before assuming the cuboidal shape. Thus, when considering factors that regulate specific phases of early follicular growth, it is important to consider: (i) the follicle classification system used; (ii) the animal model studied; (iii) whether type 1 follicles are all quiescent; and (iv) the likelihood that each follicle type represents more than one doubling of the population of granulosa cells.
Comparing short scan CT reconstruction algorithms regarding cone-beam artifact performance

While circular cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has numerous advantages in CT scanner design, the image reconstruction from circular cone-beam data is known to be approximate since the data sufficiency condition is not fulfilled. This is an unresolved issue yet and may become a problem if the number of detector rows is further increased in the future. The purpose of this work is to evaluate different CBCT reconstruction algorithms regarding their cone-beam artifact performance. For the comparison the two standard methods Feldkamp and SART are used. Additionally the factorization approach, which is designed for reconstruction with low cone-beam artifacts and a new method for cone-beam artifact reduction (CBAR) based on iterative filtered backprojection reconstruction are used. Among the compared algorithms, the Feldkamp reconstruction has the lowest computational load and shows the worst cone-beam artifacts while the factorization approach shows the best trade-off between cone-beam artifacts and computation time.
Sensory Dysfunction in HTLV-I-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis

We performed a comprehensive clinical and neurophysiological evaluation of function of the large- and small-caliber afferent pathways in 29 patients with HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Sensory symptoms, particularly cutaneous paresthesias, were present in 11 (37.9%) patients. On examination, a mild distal impairment of vibration and sense of position were found in 14 (48.2%) and 5 (17.2%) patients, respectively. Ten (34.4%) patients had distal tactile hypoesthesia and 7 (24.1%) presented pinprick hypoesthesia. Quantitative somatosensory thermotest showed cold hypoesthesia in 58.6% of patients. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography were normal. Tibial somatosensory evoked potentials were abnormal in 88.5% of patients. All of the sensory abnormalities found were restricted to sensations carried by myelinated (A-beta and A-delta) fibers. Unmyelinated C fibers mediating warm sensation and thermal pain appeared unimpaired. Our findings indicate that the sensory dysfunction in HAM/TSP patients is probably due to a lesion restricted to the central nervous system.
Cellular IRES-mediated translation

Translation of cellular mRNAs via initiation at Internal Ribosome Entry Sites (IRESs) has received increased attention during recent years due to its emerging significance for many physiological and pathological stress conditions in eukaryotic cells. Expression of genes bearing IRES elements in their mRNAs is controlled by multiple molecular mechanisms, with IRES-mediated translation favored under conditions when cap-dependent translation is compromised. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the field and future directions that may bring us closer to understanding the complex mechanisms that guide cellular IRES-mediated expression. We present examples in which the competitive action of IRES-transacting factors (ITAFs) plays a pivotal role in IRES-mediated translation and thereby controls cell-fate decisions leading to either pro-survival stress adaptation or cell death.
Nucleotide sequence of the wild-type RAD4 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and characterization of mutant rad4 alleles

Shuttle plasmids carrying the wild-type RAD4 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cannot be propagated in Escherichia coli (R. Fleer, W. Siede, and E. C. Friedberg, J. Bacteriol. 169:4884-4892, 1987). In order to determine the nucleotide sequence of the cloned gene, we used a plasmid carrying a mutant allele that allows plasmid propagation in E. coli. The wild-type sequence in the region of this mutation was determined from a second plasmid carrying a different mutant rad4 allele. We established the locations and characteristics of a number of spontaneously generated plasmid-borne RAD4 mutations that alleviate the toxicity of the wild-type gene in E. coli and of several mutagen-induced chromosomal mutations that inactivate the excision repair function of RAD4. These mutations are situated in very close proximity to each other, and all are expected to result in the expression of truncated polypeptides missing the carboxy-terminal one-third of the Rad4 polypeptide. This region of the gene may be important both for the toxic effect of the Rad4 protein in E. coli and for its role in DNA repair in S. cerevisiae.
Willingness to use microbicides varies by race/ethnicity, experience with prevention products, and partner type.

OBJECTIVE To investigate women's willingness to use vaginal microbicides to reduce/prevent HIV infection, using measures grounded in the individual, behavioral, and social contexts of sex. DESIGN A cross-sectional study that enrolled a sample (N = 531) of 18-55 year old Latina, African-American, and White women in the U.S. between October, 2004, and July, 2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Willingness to use microbicides and individual- and context-related variables (e.g., demographics, relationship status). RESULTS Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a one-dimensional, 8-item scale, with high internal consistency (alpha = .91). Subgroup analyses within the Latina (n = 166), African- American (n = 193), and White sub-samples (n = 172) also supported a unidimensional scale with strong internal validity and high reliability. Race/ethnicity as a contextual factor, a woman's history of using prevention products, and the nature of the sexual partnership were predictive of willingness to use microbicides (R = .41). That is, women with greater frequencies of condom use, a history of spermicide use, and non-main sexual partners had higher predicted Willingness to Use Microbicides scale scores, while White women had lower predicted scores. CONCLUSION The Willingness to Use Microbicides scale serves as the first psychometrically validated measure of factors related to microbicide acceptability. Developing and implementing psychometrically validated and contextualized microbicide acceptability measures, in an effort to understand microbicide users and circumstances of use, is crucial to both clinical trials and future intervention studies.
2011 3 D face recognition based on a modified ICP method

3D face recognition technique has gained much more attention recently, and it is widely used in security system, identification system, and access control system, etc. The core technique in 3D face recognition is to find out the corresponding points in different 3D face images. The classic partial Iterative Closest Point (ICP) method is iteratively align the two point sets based on repetitively calculate the closest points as the corresponding points in each iteration. After several iterations, the corresponding points can be obtained accurately. However, if two 3D face images with different scale are from the same person, the classic partial ICP does not work. In this paper we propose a modified partial Iterative Closest Point (ICP) method in which the scaling effect is considered to achieve 3D face recognition. We design a 3x3 diagonal matrix as the scale matrix in each iteration of the classic partial ICP. The probing face image which is multiplied by the scale matrix will keep the similar scale with the reference face image. Therefore, we can accurately determine the corresponding points even the scales of probing image and reference image are different. 3D face images in our experiments are acquired by a 3D data acquisition system based on Digital Fringe Projection Profilometry (DFPP). A 3D database consists of 30 group images, three images with the same scale, which are from the same person with different views, are included in each group. And in different groups, the scale of the 3 images may be different from other groups. The experiment results show that our proposed method can achieve 3D face recognition, especially in the case that the scales of probing image and referent image are different.
In vitro studies of the interaction of isolated Lp(a) lipoprotein and other serum lipoproteins with glycosaminoglycans

The interaction of isolated Lp(a) lipoprotein or other lipoprotein classes with different glycosaminoglycans (GAG) bound to activated Sepharose was studied. In contrast to LDL, the Lp(a) lipoprotein did not bind to the GAG tested if sodium was used as a buffer cation. In the presence of Ca++, however, even the Lp(a) lipoprotein was bound to GAG. This type of binding, probably mediated by divalent cation bridges, is apparently not a simple function of the GAG used. Addition of GAG in solution revealed that this binding, as well as the binding in the absence of Ca++, is reversible. The Ca++ mediated binding may be the only one existing under physiological conditions, and it appears possible that the Lp(a) lipoprotein is bound more firmly to GAG than is LDL under such conditions.
An Improved Adaptive Scheduling Strategy Utilizing Simulated Annealing Genetic Algorithm for Data Center Networks

Data center networks provide critical bandwidth for the continuous growth of cloud computing, multimedia storage, data analysis and other businesses. The problem of low link bandwidth utilization in data center network is gradually addressed in more hot fields. However, the current scheduling strategies applied in data center network do not adapt to the real-time dynamic change of the traffic in the network. Thus, they fail to distribute resources due to the lack of intelligent management. In this paper, we present an improved adaptive traffic scheduling strategy utilizing the simulated annealing genetic algorithm (SAGA). Inspired by the idea of software defined network, when a flow arrives, our strategy changes the bandwidth demand dynamically to filter out the flow. Then, SAGA distributes the path for the flow by considering the scheduling of the different pods as well as the same pod. It is implemented through software defined network technology. Simulation results show that the bisection bandwidth of our strategy is higher than state-of-the-art mechanisms.
A technique for NoC routing based on extended compact genetic optimization algorithm

Network-on-chip (NoC) has been proposed as a solution for the global communication challenges of System-on-chip (SoC) design in the nanoscale technologies. This method tries to develop an efficient routing algorithm for Network-on-Chip. The proposed routing methodology, based on the Extended Compact Genetic Algorithm Optimization, is applied on the 2D-Mesh NoC platform to balance the link load. Experimental results show that this routing algorithm can efficiently assign deadlock-free, minimal routing paths for traffic traces in a short period of time.
Early switch from intravenous to oral antibiotics and early hospital discharge: a prospective observational study of 200 consecutive patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

UNLABELLED To determine the proportion of patients who can be treated with early switch to oral antibiotics and early discharge, to evaluate clinical outcome and patient satisfaction for patients treated with early switch and early discharge, and to define the factors that interfere with early discharge for some of the patients who underwent early switch to oral antibiotic therapy. DESIGN Prospective study. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred consecutive hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Number of days needed to switch to oral therapy and length of hospital stay. Clinical outcome and satisfaction with care were evaluated for those patients treated with early switch and early discharge. RESULTS Early switch to oral antibiotics (within the first 3 days of hospitalization) was performed in 133 patients (67%). Clinical failure was documented in 1 patient. Early switch and early discharge was performed in 88 patients (44%). The mean length of hospital stay for this group was 3.4 days. The most common reason for prolonged hospitalization after the switch to oral antibiotics was the need for diagnostic workup. More than 95% of patients were satisfied with the care they had received. CONCLUSIONS Using simple clinical and laboratory criteria, a significant proportion of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (44%) can be treated with early switch and early discharge. This model did not affect patient outcome, decreased the length of hospitalization, and was associated with a high level of patient satisfaction.
Module testing embedded software-an industrial pilot project

This paper reports on an industrial pilot project that introduces systematic, automated module testing for embedded software in distributed, real-time, control systems. The systems are used in safety-related applications, are complex in nature, and hence have strong requirements for test coverage, auditability and repeatability. This paper explores issues of isolating modules from the run-time environment, improving integration of testing into the development environment, automating testing, and improving test planning and documentation. Metrics were gathered throughout the project that allow a coarse cost-benefit evaluation. Code coverage metrics for statement and branch coverage were also gathered using a commercial code coverage analysis tool. The testing exposed a number of latent faults within the software, and the overall results of the project show that module testing is feasible for this complex, embedded software.
ASSESSING GEOMETRIC INTEGRITY THROUGH SPHERICAL REGRESSION TECHNIQUES

Traditional methods of assessing the geometric integrity of any nely engineered product requires the use of xtures. The t is then tested with a feeler gauge. Fixtures are expensive to construct and transport and the degree of accuracy obtained may be insu cient, depending on the tolerance speci ed by the procurer of the part. In this paper, we discuss an alternative scienti c approach to assessing geometric quality assurance. Through the use of spherical regression techniques we are able to statistically assess the spatial integrity of geometric objects described through CAD and CMM data.
Fuzzy logic controller for predictive vision-based target tracking with an unmanned aerial vehicle

Abstract We present in this paper a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) combined with a predictive algorithm to track an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV), using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The UAV is equipped with a down facing camera. The video flow is sent continuously to a ground station to be processed in order to extract the location of the UGV and send the commands back to the UAV to follow autonomously the UGV. To emulate an experienced UAVs pilot, we propose a fuzzy-logic set of rules. Double Exponential Smoothing algorithm is used to filter the measurements and give the predictive value of the errors in the image plan. The FLC inputs are the filtered errors (UGV position) in the image plan and the derivative of its predicted value. The outputs are pitch and roll commands to be sent to the UAV. We show the efficiency of the proposed controller experimentally, and discuss the improvement of the tracking results compared to our previous work. Graphical Abstract
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF DRACAENA CINNABARI RESIN FROM SOQOTRA ISLAND ON MULTI DRUG RESISTANT HUMAN PATHOGENS

Background: Few studies showed that Dracaena cinnabari resin, collected from Soqotra Island, Yemen, has antimicrobial activity. This study is the first to investigate antimicrobial activity of the resin on both antibiotic multi-resistant human pathogens and on poly-microbial culture. Material and Methods: Antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract of Dracaena cinnabari resin from Soqotra Island on multidrug resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative human ATCC standard pathogens and Ascosphaera apis, the causal organism of chalkbrood disease of honeybee was studied using the agar disc diffusion method. The minimal inhibitory concentration of extracts was carried out by the broth micro dilution method. Results: Ethanolic extract of Dracaena cinnabari resin showed a considerable antimicrobial activity against all the pathogens tested. The zone of inhibition were between 4.9-11.5 mm. The most sensitive microbe was Staphylococcus aureus and least sensitive was Aspergillus nidulans. The minimal inhibitory concentration of the extract against Escherichia. coli ATCC 10402, Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 10031, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29212 was 1.25 μg/mL (w/v) and for the other pathogens (Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Salmonella typhimurum ATCC 3311 and Pseudomonos aeruginosa ATCC 2785) was 2.5 μg/mL (w/v). Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Dracaena cinnabari resin has a considerable antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative human pathogens and fungi. This extract might possess a role in the management of microbial infections in human and honeybee disease.
Target segmentation and event detection at video-rate: the EAGLE project

In this paper we present the EAGLE system: new modular, two-layer object detection and tracking system for static camera situations. The first, low-level layer provides feature extraction and tracking capabilities. The second, high-level layer exploits this information using techniques borrowed from artificial intelligence; its flexible architecture is easily adaptable to different surveillance situations and allows for event detection raising (user defined) warnings and alarms. EAGLE uses intelligent scene observation in order to evaluate interaction with user-defined landmarks instead of probabilistic trajectory estimation. The often unpredictable behavior of humans in motion had us abandon that feature. EAGLE needs no detection areas and has the ability to do "warm starts", i.e., start tracking with targets already present in the scene. With this paper we intend to participate in the CREDS competition.
The Sydney System: Endoscopic division. Endoscopic appearances in gastritis/duodenitis

As almost all biopsies of the stomach are at present taken under endoscopic control, it is appropriate that the role of endoscopy should be discussed. One of the most difficult areas in clinical gastroenterology today is a precise description of the inflammatory changes of the stomach and the duodenum, and the endoscopic appearances upon which a macroscopic endoscopic diagnosis of inflammatory changes in the gastric or duodenal mucosal lining may be based. The literature dealing with this subject is confusing, because of the lack of precise terminology and major discrepancies in interpretation of macroscopic changes. Legitimately, one may ask whether it is appropriate that the endoscopist uses the terms ‘gastritis’ and ‘duodenitis’ to indicate macroscopic changes of the mucosal lining, or whether the terms ‘gastritis’ and ‘duodenitis’ should be reserved only for histologically demonstrable inflanunatory changes. This view is based partly upon the sometimes poor correlation between macroscopic and microscopic changes. Such poor correlation is especially present when only equivocal changes such as minor diffuse discolouration are apparent endoscopically. A purist point of view would be to avoid the terms ‘gastritis’ and ‘duodenitis’ in the endoscopic description. However, a compilation of unequivocal macroscopic alterations should allow endoscopic diagnosis of gastric or duodenal abnormality, in the same way as macroscopic changes allow the diagnosis of skin disorders. Close correlation between visible macroscopic abnormalities and corresponding microscopic changes or, indeed symptoms, may be absent or difficult to detect. Just because such correlation is lacking is no reason to disallow the use of the term ‘endoscopic gastritis’ or ‘duodenitis’ to indicate gross visible changes of the gastric or duodenal mucosal lining. Similar problems occur in staging malignancy. For example, it is generally accepted that there is a cTNM, uTNM and pTNM-staging. In a similar vein, it seems reasonable to use the term ‘endoscopic gastritis’ or ‘endoscopic duodenitis’ if a classified and defined set of unequivocal alterations of the mucosal lining is visible.
The Epidemiology of Severe Acute Kidney Injury: from BEST to PICARD, in Acute Kidney Injury: New Concepts

Various definitions of acute kidney injury (AKI) exist, making comparisons among studies difficult. Despite this, significant changes have occurred in the epidemiology of AKI during the last decade. Recent studies, including PICARD and BEST, have examined the epidemiology of ICU-related AKI in the USA and worldwide, respectively, and found that AKI remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The incidence of AKI has increased, most likely due to a trend toward older, more severely and chronically ill patients admitted to the hospital. Sepsis and multi-organ system failure continue to be strongly associated with AKI, as well as pre-morbid chronic kidney disease. The proportion of patients with AKI requiring dialysis is high. The mortality of ICU-related AKI, although still very elevated, may be decreasing. Understanding these changes, in the context of standardized definitions, will be essential for the design of successful interventional studies.