Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Safety and complications reporting update on the re-implantation of culture-expanded mesenchymal stem cells using autologous platelet lysate technique.

UNLABELLED Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great promise as therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine. Numerous animal studies have documented the multipotency of MSCs, showing their capabilities for differentiating into orthopedic tissues such as muscle, bone, cartilage, and tendon. However, the safety of culture expanded MSC's for human use has only just begun to be reported. METHODS Between 2006 and 2010, two groups of patients were treated for various orthopedic conditions with culture-expanded, autologous, bone marrow-derived MSCs (group 1: n=50; group 2: n=290-one patient in both groups). Cells were cultured in monolayer culture flasks using an autologous platelet lysate technique and re-injected into peripheral joints or into intervertebral discs with use of c-arm fluoroscopy. While both groups had prospective surveillance for complications, Group 1 additionally underwent 3.0T MRI tracking of the re-implant sites. RESULTS The mean age of patients treated was 53 +/- 13.85 years; 214 were males and 125 females with mean follow-up time from any procedure being 435 days +/- 261 days. Number of contacts initiated based on time from first procedure was 482 at 3 months, 433 at 6 months, 316 contacts at 12 months, 110 contacts at 24 months, and 22 contacts at 36 months. For Group 1, 50 patients underwent 210 MRI surveillance procedures at 3 months, 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years which failed to demonstrate any tumor formation at the re-implant sites. Formal disease surveillance for adverse events based on HHS criteria documented significantly less morbidity than is commonly reported for more invasive surgical procedures, all of which were either self-limited or were remedied with therapeutic measures. Two patients were diagnosed with cancer out of 339 patients treated since study inception; however, this was almost certainly unrelated to the MSC therapy and the neoplasm rate in similar to that seen in the U.S. Caucasian population. Knee outcome data was collected on a subset of patients. Here, > 75% improvement was reported in 41.4% while decreasing the improvement threshold to > 50% improvement, 63.2% reported an improvement. At an average reporting time of 11.3 months from first procedure average reported relief in the knee sample equaled 53.1% (n=133 reporting). CONCLUSIONS Using both intensive high field MRI tracking and complications surveillance in 339 patients, no neoplastic complications were detected at any stem cell re-implantation site. These findings are consistent with our prior publication and other published reports that also show no evidence of malignant transformation in vivo, following implantation of MSCs for orthopedic use.
A feature matching algorithm applied to welding trajectory revising

Laser welding robots usually adopt the method of “teach and playback”. Practically, if the weldment is placed inaccurately, it will have to be taught again. In order to solve this problem, we establish a high efficient system to revise welding trajectory automatically, which adopt improved SIFT algorithm to get the mapping relationship between standard weldments and on-line weldments. Firstly, we calibrate camera parameters based on planar constraint. Secondly, we adopt the improved SIFT algorithm to calculate the feature points, which can raise matching ratio and decrease the computing complexity. Next, we match key points of standard weldments and on-line weldments through kNN algorithm. Thirdly, we use the homography matrix to map the matched points from image coordinate to world coordinate so as to get affine matrix. Finally, we can achieve the goal of translating the welding trajectory between standard weldment and on-line weldment.
The Long‐Term Impacts of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games on Economic and Labor Market Outcomes

This paper aims to assess the long‐term effects of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games on various economic and labor market outcomes in Nagano Prefecture. One‐shot and large‐size events, such as the Olympic Games, are expected to boost the local economy and create jobs, thus leading to lower unemployment. In addition, the tightening of the local labor market eventually raises wages. Using the synthetic control methodology, we build counterfactual dynamics of various economic and labor market outcomes for Nagano Prefecture, and then compare these outcomes with the actual data for these variables. This allows us to determine how the local economic and labor market outcomes in Nagano Prefecture would have been different had the 1998 Olympic Games not been held there.
Trade-based Money Laundering: Responding to an Emerging Threat

Concerted global effort has made the financial system an increasingly hostile and risky environment in which to launder illicit funds. As a result, offenders are increasingly turning to money laundering typologies that operate outside the financial system - primarily, trade-based money laundering. Despite this, enforcement agencies are ill-equipped to systematically detect and prevent trade-based financial crime. This paper makes several observations. The first is that, while little has been done to prevent trade-based financial crime, there is also little evidence of its ill effect. Further, there has been little consideration as to whether systematic monitoring of the trade system would be cost-effective, relative to the number of offenders detected and the harm prevented. Without such analysis, it is almost impossible to reach a measured and balanced view on appropriate policy settings. The second is that, even if monitoring were to be implemented, the analytical methodologies that are currently used have major flaws. They not only rely on data that is often of poor quality, but may also be worryingly easy to circumvent. This too raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the proposed policy responses to trade-based money laundering. The difficulties associated with data monitoring also raise the spectre of a significant increase in the number of physical, and therefore costly, inspections of trade goods.
Acute effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol on second messenger systems and on the secretion of oxytocin and progesterone from granulosa and early luteal cells of the ewe.

Previous reports have suggested that gonadotropins, estradiol, and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) have varying effects on progesterone and oxytocin synthesis or secretion in cultured granulosa and luteal cells collected at different stages of the estrous cycle. The experiments reported here were designed to investigate whether effects of these agonists on secretion of hormones and their coupling to second messenger systems changed around the time of ovulation. Granulosa cells and Day 2 luteal cells of the ewe were cultured for three days and then treated for 30 min with varying doses of PGF2 alpha, LH, or estradiol. LH increased intracellular cAMP at both stages, but granulosa cells were more responsive in terms of both minimum effective dose (10 compared with 100 ng/ml) and degree of stimulation. LH caused no change in intracellular inositol phosphate levels. Both granulosa and early luteal cells responded to LH treatment by an increase in progesterone output in a dose-responsive fashion. PGF2 alpha increased inositol phosphate accumulation in cells collected at both stages of the cycle. All doses tested (10(-6)-10(-8) M) stimulated the release of oxytocin into the culture medium from both granulosa and luteal cells. Progesterone secretion was also increased, but only at the highest dose (10(-6) M). Estradiol treatment (10(-6) M) did not affect either the inositol phosphate or cAMP second messenger systems, but it did inhibit the secretion of oxytocin from granulosa cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Energy-Efficient MAC Protocol for IEEE 802.11-Based Cognitive Radio Networks

In a cognitive radio (CR) network, it is extremely important to implement periodic spectrum sensing in order to prevent secondary users (SUs) from interfering with primary users (PUs). Contention from SU transmitters may increase the back-off interval to the point that the time remaining to the beginning of next sensing interval is too short to transmit a frame. In this paper, we propose an energy-efficient medium access control (MAC) protocol that allows a single SU sender to transmit a sequence of packets to its intended receivers until the next spectrum sensing interval begins. The sender, which is allowed to monopolize the channel for a certain length of time, sends to a restricted number of intended receivers in the wake state while all other nodes switch to sleep mode to reduce overall power consumption. We provide an analytical model for throughput and power consumption performance of cognitive networks under our proposed MAC protocol. Through performance analysis and extensive simulation, we show that our proposed energy saving protocol efficiently reduces power consumption while retaining high throughput performance.
Chemical constituents and biological research on plants in the genus Curcuma

ABSTRACT Curcuma, a valuable genus in the family Zingiberaceae, includes approximately 110 species. These plants are native to Southeast Asia and are extensively cultivated in India, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Peru, Australia, and the West Indies. The plants have long been used in folk medicine to treat stomach ailments, stimulate digestion, and protect the digestive organs, including the intestines, stomach, and liver. In recent years, substantial progress has been achieved in investigations regarding the chemical and pharmacological properties, as well as in clinical trials of certain Curcuma species. This review comprehensively summarizes the current knowledge on the chemistry and briefly discusses the biological activities of Curcuma species. A total of 720 compounds, including 102 diphenylalkanoids, 19 phenylpropene derivatives, 529 terpenoids, 15 flavonoids, 7 steroids, 3 alkaloids, and 44 compounds of other types isolated or identified from 32 species, have been phytochemically investigated. The biological activities of plant extracts and pure compounds are classified into 15 groups in detail, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities.
Regulatory features of the epidermal growth factor receptor

The role of EGF receptor concentration in tumor growth was investigated in athymic mice by measuring the rate of growth of clonal human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells containing different extents of EGF receptor gene amplification and protein expression. A direct correlation‐between the rate of tumor growth and EFG receptor concentration was found, supporting previous cell culture studies that quantitated the relationship between activated EGF receptors and cell proliferation. Holo EGF receptor is activated by ligand binding to the extracellular domain to activate cytoplasmic tyrosine protein kinase activity. A model of single molecule transmembrane signaling is proposed. The function of two phosphorylation sites on the EGF receptor has been analyzed by use of site‐directed mutagenesis. Comparison of normal and mutant hEGF receptors expressed in rodent cells lacking endogenous EGF receptors indicates that: (1) Thr654, located 10 amino acids carboxyl terminal to the inner membrane boundary, is a major site of heterologous regulation via protein kinase C catalyzed phosphorylation, and (2) Tyr1173, the major site of self‐phosphorylation, located at the carboxyl terminus, provides a secondary level of regulation of receptor function by acting as a competitive inhibitor with exogenous substrates.
Coupling Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress to the Cell Death Program

Accumulation of misfolded proteins and alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) causes ER stress and leads to cell death. However, the signal-transducing events that connect ER stress to cell death pathways are incompletely understood. To discern the pathway by which ER stress-induced cell death proceeds, we performed studies on Apaf-1−/− (null) fibroblasts that are known to be relatively resistant to apoptotic insults that induce the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. While these cells were resistant to cell death initiated by proapoptotic stimuli such as tamoxifen, they were susceptible to apoptosis induced by thapsigargin and brefeldin-A, both of which induce ER stress. This pathway was inhibited by catalytic mutants of caspase-12 and caspase-9 and by a peptide inhibitor of caspase-9 but not by caspase-8 inhibitors. Cleavage of caspases and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase was observed in cell-free extracts lacking cytochrome c that were isolated from thapsigargin or brefeldin-treated cells. To define the molecular requirements for this Apaf-1 and cytochrome c-independent apoptosis pathway further, we developed a cell-free system of ER stress-induced apoptosis; the addition of microsomes prepared from ER stress-induced cells to a normal cell extract lacking mitochondria or cytochromec resulted in processing of caspases. Immunodepletion experiments suggested that caspase-12 was one of the microsomal components required to activate downstream caspases. Thus, ER stress-induced programmed cell death defines a novel, mitochondrial and Apaf-1-independent, intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
SPECTROSCOPIC ASSESSMENT OF WISE-BASED YOUNG STELLAR OBJECT SELECTION NEAR λ AND σ ORIONIS

We have conducted a sensitive search down to the hydrogen burning limit for unextincted stars over ∼200 square degrees around Lambda Orionis and 20 square degrees around Sigma Orionis using the methodology of Koenig & Leisawitz. From WISE and 2MASS data we identify 544 and 418 candidate young stellar objects (YSOs) in the vicinity of λ and σ respectively. Based on our followup spectroscopy for some candidates and the existing literature for others, we found that ∼80% of the K14-selected candidates are probable or likely members of the Orion star-forming region. The yield from the photometric selection criteria shows that WISE sources with K S − w 3 > 1.5 ? > mag and KS between 10 and 12 mag are most likely to show spectroscopic signs of youth, while WISE sources with K S − w 3 ? > > 4 mag and K S > 12 ? > were often active galactic nuclei when followed up spectroscopically. The population of candidate YSOs traces known areas of active star formation, with a few new “hot spots” of activity near Lynds 1588 and 1589 and a more dispersed population of YSOs in the northern half of the H ii region bubble around σ and ϵ Ori. A minimal spanning tree analysis of the two regions to identify stellar groupings finds that roughly two-thirds of the YSO candidates in each region belong to groups of 5 or more members. The population of stars selected by WISE outside the MST groupings also contains spectroscopically verified YSOs, with a local stellar density as low as 0.5 stars per square degree.
Surgically Treated Aneurysms Previously Coiled: Lessons Learned

OBJECTIVEIntravascular coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms has proved to be a safe and effective treatment in certain patient groups; however, this treatment is relatively new, and the long-term outcomes are unknown. One of the known complications is refilling of the aneurysm dome, which is seen in follow-up studies. This patient population poses unique technical difficulties for the neurosurgeon. We present a series of 18 patients who underwent surgery for residual aneurysms after coil remobilization. METHODSDuring a 5-year period, we performed surgery in 18 patients who had previously undergone coil embolization for their aneurysms. Of these aneurysms, four were in the anterior communicating artery, five were in the posterior communicating artery, three were in the internal carotid artery, three were in the posteroinferior cerebellar artery, and three were in the middle cerebral artery. One patient presented with rupture, one presented with acute IIIrd cranial nerve palsy, and the rest of the aneurysms were found on routine follow-up angiograms. Fifteen aneurysms were clipped, and in three patients, they were wrapped because the clip could not be placed adequately. RESULTSThere were no major complications in any of the patients, and all had uneventful recoveries. The presence of coils in the aneurysm dome and/or neck made clipping and exposure of the aneurysm neck difficult, resulting in incomplete neck obliteration in three patients. CONCLUSIONOperative clipping after previous coil embolization in aneurysms poses a unique problem for neurosurgeons. With the increasing use of coil embolization, this patient population will undoubtedly increase. The neurosurgeon should be aware of the difficulties and pitfalls encountered in these patients.
Heterozygosity‐fitness correlations of conserved microsatellite markers in Kentish plovers Charadrius alexandrinus

Heterozygosity‐fitness correlations (HFCs) are frequently used to examine the relationship between genetic diversity and fitness. Most studies have reported positive HFCs, although there is a strong bias towards investigating HFCs in genetically impoverished populations. We investigated HFCs in a large genetically diverse breeding population of Kentish plovers Charadrius alexandrinus in southern Turkey. This small shorebird exhibits highly variable mating and care systems, and it is becoming an ecological model species to understand breeding system evolution. Using 11 conserved and six anonymous microsatellite markers, we tested whether and how heterozygosity was associated with chick survival, tarsus and body mass growth controlling for nongenetic effects (chick sex, hatching date, length of biparental care and site quality) that influence survival and growth. There was no genome‐wide effect of heterozygosity on fitness, and we did not find any significant effects of heterozygosity on growth rates. However, two of the 11 conserved markers displayed an association with offspring survival: one marker showed a positive HFC, whereas the other marker showed a negative HFC. Heterozygosity at three further conserved loci showed significant interaction with nongenetic variables. In contrast, heterozygosity based on anonymous microsatellite loci was not associated with fitness or growth. Markers that were correlated with chick survival were not more likely to be located in exons or introns than other markers that lacked this association.
An economic evaluation of telehealth data collection with rural populations.

OBJECTIVE This study compared direct costs of conducting structured clinical interviews via real-time interactive videoconferencing (known as telehealth) versus standard in-person methods with American Indians in rural locations. METHODS Psychiatrists administered in person and via telehealth on two occasions the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R to 53 non-VA male, American-Indian veterans. Telehealth interviews were conducted by an integrated services digital network (ISDN) connection at 384 kbps. Direct costs were compared for the two interview modalities. Models for starting telehealth in new clinics and established clinics were created, and the models were further subdivided to examine 2003 and 2005 differences in transmission fees. Direct costs included transmission, personnel, travel, and equipment (where applicable). RESULTS The model of conducting interviews via telehealth in new clinics cost about $6,000 more than in-person interviews in 2003. However, reduced transmission fees and a different videoconferencing setup resulted in telehealth interviews' costing $8,000 less than in-person interviews in 2005. The same pattern held true for the model for established clinics. Telehealth interviews cost $1,700 more than in-person interviews in 2003 but $12,000 less in 2005. Scenarios using nonphysician interviewers and current, rather than historical, transmission costs favored telehealth as a cost-effective means for clinical research. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of current transmission costs, telehealth proved less expensive than in-person interviews. Telehealth may therefore increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of research with rural, remote, and underserved populations, facilitating the ease with which one can investigate health disparities in these otherwise neglected settings.
The PRODIGY project-the iterative development of the release one model

We summarise the findings of the first two research phases of the PRODIGY project and describe the guidance model for Release One of the ensuing nationally available system. This model was a result of the iterative design process of the PRODIGY research project, which took place between 1995 and 1998 in up to 183 general practices in the England. Release One of PRODIGY is now being rolled out to all (27,000) General Practitioners in England during 1999-2000.
The theory of credibility: confusions, limitations and dangers

Over the past two decades there has been a prevailing shift in economic policy in many countries. This reflects the continuing rise of neo-liberalism – the doctrine that economic policy should ‘leave it to the market’ and that governments should retreat from market intervention. This book provides a balanced and comprehensive appraisal of these important policy developments. The authors examine the most notable trends in neo-liberal economic policy such as the withdrawal from the use of fiscal measures and the reliance on monetary policy. They discuss the neo-liberal view that the causes of unemployment lie in the operation of the labour market, in particular its inflexibility. They also assess the increasing inclination towards the liberalisation and deregulation of markets, most notably financial markets.
Filament Formation of MSF-A, a Mammalian Septin, in Human Mammary Epithelial Cells Depends on Interactions with Microtubules*

Septins are a family of conserved proteins implicated in a variety of cellular functions such as cytokinesis and vesicle trafficking, but their properties and modes of action are largely unknown. Here we now report findings of immunocytochemical and biochemical characterization of a mammalian septin, MSF-A. Using an antibody specific for MSF subfamily proteins, MSF-A was found to be expressed predominantly in mammary human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC). MSF-A was associated with microtubules in interphase HMEC cells as it localized with the mitotic spindle and the bundle of microtubule at midzone during mitosis. Biochemical analysis revealed direct binding of MSF-A with polymerized tubulin through its central region containing guanine nucleotide-interactive motifs. GTPase activity, however, was not required for the association. Conditions that disrupt the microtubule network also disrupted the MSF-A-containing filament structure, resulting in a punctate cytoplasmic pattern. Depletion of MSF-A using small interfering RNAs caused incomplete cell division and resulted in the accumulation of binucleated cells. Unlike Nedd5, an MSF mutant deficient in GTPase activity forms filament indistinguishable from that of the wild type in COS cells. These results strongly suggest that septin filaments may interact not only with actin filaments but also with microtubule networks and that GTPase activity of MSF-A is not indispensable to incorporation of MSF-A into septin filaments.