Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetically modified CD34+ cells exert a cytotoxic bystander effect on human endothelial and cancer cells.

We and others have proposed mammalian cells as gene delivery vehicles with the potential for overcoming physiological barriers to viral vectors. To that end, we previously have shown the potential of CD34+ endothelial progenitors for systemic gene delivery in a primate angiogenesis model. Here we seek to explore the utility of CD34+ cells of human origin as vehicles for toxin genes and, in particular, to measure their capacity to effect a cytotoxic bystander effect in human endothelium and tumor cells. To this end, CD34+ cells were transduced with TOZ.1, a nonreplicative herpes simplex vector encoding thymidine kinase. To test the capacity of CD34+ cells to induce a cytotoxic bystander effect in target cells, we performed mixing experiments, whereby TOZ.1-transduced CD34+ cells were mixed with either human vascular endothelial cells or human ovarian tumor cells (SKOV3.ip1). Cell viability was measured by the MTS assay. Lastly, mixtures of TOZ.1-transduced CD34+ cells and SKOV3.ip1 tumor cells were injected s.c. to evaluate the bystander effect in vivo. After transduction of CD34+ cells with TOZ.1, treatment with ganciclovir induced the killing of 99% of cells. In cell-mixing experiments, a linear correlation was observed between the percentages of TOZ.1-transduced CD34+ cells and total cell killing. For example, when 50% of CD34+ transduced cells were mixed with nontransduced SKOV3.ip1, >70% of all cells died. Similarly, when the same percentage was mixed with human vascular endothelial cells, >80% of the total number of cells died. In vivo studies showed an abrogation of tumor formation when TOZ.1-transduced CD34+ cells and ganciclovir were administered. Our observations establish the feasibility of a method for cell-based toxin gene delivery into disseminated areas of tumor angiogenesis.
Diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis: sonographic findings in patients with early disease.

OBJECTIVE The diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis is often difficult, because clinical manifestations and results of laboratory studies are nonspecific. If sonographic findings are sufficiently characteristic for diagnosis, sonography would be useful, especially in India, where abdominal tuberculosis is common and more expensive imaging techniques are not easily available. Accordingly, we performed sonography to establish the sonographic findings in cases of early tuberculosis in 56 patients with abdominal tuberculosis who had normal barium studies of the small bowel. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Fifty-six patients with clinical features suggestive of abdominal tuberculosis (history of fever, abdominal pain, and weight loss) with no history of intestinal obstruction and normal barium studies of the small bowel had abdominal sonography. All sonograms were independently assessed by three radiologists, and the findings were tabulated by consensus. Diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed by sonographically guided biopsy of mesenteric lymph nodes in 19 patients, analysis of aspirated ascitic fluid in 12, and response to antituberculous chemotherapy in 25. Sonography was repeated 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after antituberculous chemotherapy was begun. Abdominal sonograms were also performed in 30 healthy volunteers, and measurements of mesenteric thickness were recorded. The mesenteric thickness was statistically compared in two groups of patients: patients at presentation with patients at the end of antituberculous chemotherapy and patients at presentation with healthy individuals. RESULTS The mesenteric thickness in healthy individuals ranged from 5 to 14 mm. Sonographic findings in all patients with abdominal tuberculosis included an echogenic thickened mesentery (> or = 15 mm) with mesenteric lymphadenopathy. Other findings were dilated small bowel loops in 38 patients, minimal ascites in 17, matted small bowel loops in five, and omental thickening with altered echogenicity in three. Regression of these changes was noted on follow-up of all patients undergoing treatment. CONCLUSION The characteristic sonographic features of early abdominal tuberculosis are mesenteric thickness of 15 mm or more and an increase in the mesenteric echogenicity (due to fat deposition), combined with mesenteric lymphadenopathy. Presence of dilated small bowel loops and ascites further substantiate the diagnosis.
Notch signalling pathway as an oncogenic factor involved in cancer development

Notch signalling is an evolutionarily conserved signalling pathway, which plays a significant role in a wide array of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Nevertheless, it must be noted that Notch is a binary cell fate determinant, and its overexpression has been described as oncogenic in a broad range of human malignancies. This finding led to interest in therapeutically targeting this pathway especially by the use of GSIs, which block the cleavage of Notch at the cell membrane and inhibit release of the transcriptionally active NotchIC subunit. Preclinical cancer models have clearly demonstrated that GSIs suppress the growth of such malignancies as pancreatic, breast, and lung cancer; however, GSI treatment in vivo is associated with side effects, especially those within the gastrointestinal tract. Although intensive studies are associated with the role of γ-secretase in pathological states, it should be pointed out that this complex impacts on proteolytic cleavages of around 55 membrane proteins. Therefore, it is clear that GSIs are highly non-specific and additional drugs must be designed, which will more specifically target components of the Notch signalling.
Enabling antenna design with nano-magnetic materials using machine learning

A machine learning approach to design with magneto dielectric nano-composite (MDNC) substrate for planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) is presented. A new mixing rule model has been developed. A database of material properties has been created using several particle radius and volume fraction. A second database built with antenna simulations has been developed to complete the machine learning dataset. It is shown that, starting from particle radius and volume fraction of the nano-magnetic material, it is possible to calculate the antenna parameters like gain, bandwidth, radiation efficiency, resonant frequency, and viceversa with good precision by using machine learning techniques.
Optimization of a Low-Cost Force Sensor for Spinal Orthosis Applications

Force sensors have been reported to be reliable for monitoring spinal orthosis compliance in the treatment of scoliosis. However, the current force sensor used for these compliance monitors has certain limitations and drawbacks. A lower cost force sensor with a 55% larger operating force range was chosen for this application, with modifications required to increase its contact surface, improve comfort, and reduce the manufacturing time. Different designs have been considered and described in this paper. A final prototype using a rubberlike material housing with a stiff nub over the sensing area of the original sensor produced a linear, highly sensitive, large surface area, reliable, and robust sensor. It has a sensitivity of 315 mV/N, accuracy 1.9%, repeatability 0.6%, linearity 0.7%, hysteresis 0.8%, dead band 0.0%, point drift 0.5%, temperature drift 2.2% for the temperature range 25 °C- 35 °C, and reproducibility 1.3%. These properties are adequate for measuring forces in a spinal orthosis. The total cost of the sensor with housing is $46 when ordered in quantities of 1000, which reduces the price of the existing sensor by 34%. The manufacturing time of the new sensor was reduced and a preliminary subject trial demonstrated that the new sensor did not have significant temperature effect. This will make force systems more affordable and adaptable for the effective treatment of scoliosis.
Design of built environments to accommodate mobility scooter users: part II

Purpose. Accessibility standards for wheeled mobility devices currently use a 1.5 m turning circle, designed to accommodate manual wheelchairs. Scooters are less manoeuvrable than wheelchairs, so allowing a full turning circle would require too much space. Instead, we propose using a rectangle that provides space for a three-point turn. Here, we determine the area requirements of this approach. Method. For rectangular ‘rooms’ of varying aspect ratios, we measured the minimum dimensions in which two four-wheeled scooters (the Celebrity-X and Fortress-1700), which combine good outdoor performance with reasonable indoor manoeuvrability, could enter the space, perform a three-point turn and exit. Moveable Styrofoam walls defined each ‘room’, and a doorway was located either near the corner of the space or in the middle of one wall. ‘Room’ size was decreased until our expert driver could no longer perform the manoeuvre. Results. Compared to the area required for a turning circle, 42–54% savings were achieved. Relative to existing requirements, 53–95% more space is required to accommodate the Celebrity-X; 173–223% increases are necessary for the Fortress-1700. Conclusions. When accommodating four-wheeled scooters, our proposed three-point turn definition would require more space than the current standards, but considerably less than if a full turning circle were used.
Ventricular and Dual Chamber Pacing for Treatment of Carotid Sinus Syndrome

Thirty‐nine consecutive patients with recurrent syncope and either cardioinhibitory or mixed type carotid sinus syndrome were studied to determine the efficacy of ventricular (VVI) pacing in 16, and dual chamber (DDD/DVI) in 23 patients. Only those patients affected by the isolated vasodepressor form were excluded. Follow‐up lasted 12 ± 5 months. Symptoms were totally eliminated in 67% of patients and ameliorated with persistence of minor symptoms in 33%. All patients underwent an initial 2‐month follow‐up in the VVI mode. Evaluation of the 19 patients who remained symptomatic and the 20 who became asymptomatic with VVI pacing demonstrated that factors observed prior to pacemaker implant were related to failure of the VVI mode. These included symptomatic pacemaker effect (42% vs 0%), mixed carotid sinus syndrome (95% vs 65%), orthostatic hypotension (47% vs 15%), or ventriculoatrial conduction (68% vs 38%). In the 23 patients with dual chamber pacing, random 2 month comparisons were performed between VVI and DVI/DDD pacing. The dual chamber mode was preferred by 14 patients, none preferred the VVI mode and nine noted no difference. Comparison of the two groups found that the factors linked to DVI/DDD preference were symptomatic pacemaker effect (50% vs 0%), ventriculoatrial conduction (78% vs 44%), or orthostatic hypotension (50% vs 11 %). VVI pacing is efficacious in a high proportion of patients affected by cardioinhibitory or mixed carotid sinus syndrome. The identification of causes of VVI pacing failure allows determination of those who will benefit from VVI pacing and those who should have DVI/DDD. VVI pacing is suggested for the cardioinhihitory type with no symptomatic pacemaker effect and for the mixed type with no symptomatic pacemaker effect or orthostatic hypotension or ventriculoatrial conduction. Dual chamber pacing should be used in all other instances.
PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATORs stabilize CONSTANS protein to promote flowering in response to day length

Seasonal reproduction in many organisms requires detection of day length. This is achieved by integrating information on the light environment with an internal photoperiodic time‐keeping mechanism. Arabidopsis thaliana promotes flowering in response to long days (LDs), and CONSTANS (CO) transcription factor represents a photoperiodic timer whose stability is higher when plants are exposed to light under LDs. Here, we show that PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR (PRR) proteins directly mediate this stabilization. PRRs interact with and stabilize CO at specific times during the day, thereby mediating its accumulation under LDs. PRR‐mediated stabilization increases binding of CO to the promoter of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), leading to enhanced FT transcription and early flowering under these conditions. PRRs were previously reported to contribute to timekeeping by regulating CO transcription through their roles in the circadian clock. We propose an additional role for PRRs in which they act upon CO protein to promote flowering, directly coupling information on light exposure to the timekeeper and allowing recognition of LDs.
Two-dimensional electrochemical model for mixed conductors: a study of ceria

A two-dimensional small bias model has been developed for a patterned metal current collector $|$ mixed oxygen ion and electronic conductor (MIEC) $|$ patterned metal current collector electrochemical cell in a symmetric gas environment. Specifically, we compute the electrochemical potential distributions of oxygen vacancies and electrons in the bulk and near the surface for $\text{Pt} | \text{Sm}_{0.15}\text{Ce}_{0.85}\text{O}_{1.925} | \text{Pt}$ symmetric cell in a $\text{H}_2-\text{H}_2\text{O}-\text{Ar}$ (reducing) atmosphere from 500 to $650^o C$. Using a two-dimensional finite-element model, we show that two types of electronic current exist within the cell: an in-plane drift-diffusion current that flows between the gas $|$ ceria chemical reaction site and the metal current collector, and a cross-plane current that flows between the two metal electrodes on the opposite side of the cell. By fitting the surface reaction constant $\tilde k_f^0$ to experimental electrode resistance values while fixing material properties such as bulk ionic and electronic equilibrium defect concentrations and mobilities, we are able to separate the electrode polarization into the surface reaction component and the in-plane electron drift-diffusion component. We show that for mixed conductors with a low electronic conductivity (a function of oxygen partial pressure) or a high surface reaction rate constant, the in-plane electron drift-diffusion resistance can become rate-limiting in the electrode reaction.
A Prospective Study Investigating the Cost Effectiveness of Intraoperative Blood Salvage during Liver Transplantation

Background. Adult orthotopic liver transplantation is associated with significant use of allogenic blood products, which places considerable demands on finite resources. This could be reduced by autologous red cell salvage use, and we evaluated its cost effectiveness in this prospective study. Methods. Intraoperative autotransfusion was used in 660 adult liver transplant patients between January 1997 and July 2002. These included 134 with acute liver failure, 62 retransplants, 90 alcohol-related, 183 viral, 98 cholestatic chronic liver diseases, and 93 with other etiologies. Results. The total volume of red blood cells transfused was 3641±315 ml, 2805±234 ml, 2603±443 ml, and 2785±337 ml for alcohol-related, viral, cholestatic, and others, respectively. Low preoperative hemoglobin was significantly associated with higher intraoperative transfusion requirements. Blood volumes transfused at retransplantation were significantly higher (7077±1110 ml vs. 2864±138 ml; P<0.001) than for acute liver failure and chronic liver disease. Autologous blood volumes transfused were similar in all diagnostic groups, but were significantly greater in retransplantation (2754±541 ml vs. 1524±77 ml; P<0.01). Venovenous bypass was significantly associated with higher transfusion requirements. Total savings per case were similar for all diagnostic groups but were greater in cases of retransplantation (£864±222 ($1235±317) vs. £238±24 ($340±34; P<0.001). With the use of autologous transfusion over the study period, a cost saving of £131,901 ($188,618) was achieved. Conclusions. Intraoperative red blood cell salvage and autologous transfusion is cost effective in adult liver transplantation. Currently, where optimum resource utilization and fiscal constraint are paramount in healthcare delivery, autologous transfusion is an important adjunct in liver transplantation.
Effect of pH on coenzyme binding to liver alcohol dehydrogenase.

1. The transient-state kinetics of ligand-displacement reactions have been analyzed. Methods based on this analysis have been used to obtain reliable estimates of on-velocity and off-velocity constants for coenzyme binding to liver alcohol dehydrogenase at different pH values between 6 and 10. 2. The rate of NADH dissociation from the enzyme shows no pronounced dependence on pH. The rate of NAD+ dissociation is controlled by a group with a pKa of 7.6, agreeing with the pKa reported to regulate the binding of certain inhibitory substrate analogues to the enzyme . NAD+ complex. 3. Critical experiments have been performed to test a recent proposal that on-velocity constants for the binding of NADH and NAD+ are controlled by proton equilibria exhibiting different pKa values. The results show that association rates for NADH and NAD+ exhibit the same pH dependence corresponding to a pKa of 9.2. Titrimetric evidence is presented indicating that the latter effect of pH derives from ionization of a group which affects the anion-binding capacity of the coenzyme-binding site.
Carrier ethernet - state of art and challenges ahead

Many carriers are already offering Metro Ethernet services at a fraction of the cost of TDM services. Many are also in the midst of effecting major Network transformations involving Carrier Ethernet to gear up to NGN service and transport requirements. Carrier Ethernet improves operational efficiencies and provides ability to be a launch pad for newer services. As part of the various Industry forum and Standards body initiatives, Ethernet has got increasingly ¿sanitized¿ (¿Sonetized and ATMized¿) to acquire some of the proven carrier grade characteristics from SONET/SDH and ATM technologies. Still, Ethernet as a Carrier Transport technology has some outstanding challenges to be solved before it can be deployed as a singular technology to address all network and application service requirements
Testing the mediating effect of appraisal in the model of uncertainty in illness study.

BACKGROUND Although there have been a great number of research studies based on the model of uncertainty in illness, few studies have considered the appraisal portion of model. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to test the mediating effect of appraisal in the model of uncertainty in illness. Additionally, this study aimed to examine the relationships among uncertainty, symptom severity, appraisal, and anxiety in patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. METHODS This study employed a descriptive correlational and cross-sectional survey design using a face-to-face interview method. Patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation within the previous 6 months prior to data collection were interviewed by Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale-Community Form, appraisal scale, Symptom Checklist-Severity V.3, and State Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS A total of 81 patients with atrial fibrillation were recruited from two large urban medical centers in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. Symptom severity was the significant variable in explaining uncertainty (beta=0.34). Individuals with greater symptom severity perceived more uncertainty. Uncertainty was appraised as a danger rather than opportunity, and those with greater uncertainty appraised a greater danger (p<.01). While the appraisal of opportunity had the negative relationship with anxiety (r=-0.25), the appraisal of danger was positively associated with anxiety (r=0.78). The measure of goodness of fit (Q) of the model was.7863, and the significant test (chi(2)) for the Q was statistically significant (df =3, p<.001). Accordingly, the overall mediating model of uncertainty in illness was proven not to be fit to the empirical data of patients with atrial fibrillation. Consequently, the mediating effect of appraisal was not supported by the empirical data of this study. CONCLUSION The findings of this study were discussed in terms of their relevance compared with those of previous studies or theoretical framework and the plausible explanations on study findings. Lastly, in order to expand the present body of knowledge on uncertainty in illness model, recommendations for the future nursing studies were included.
Dielectric Properties and Microstructure of Nb-Co Codoped BaTiO3-(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 Ceramics

X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and an impedance analyzer were used to examine the Nb–Co codoping effects on the densification, crystalline phase, microstructure development, and dielectric–temperature characteristics of BaTiO3–(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 ceramics. The results indicate that the Curie temperature shifted to a higher temperature (above 140°C) by adding BNT. The dielectric constant–temperature (ɛ–T) curve broadened at the Curie temperature due to the small grain size (0.3–0.4 μm). A core-shell structure was developed, which is helpful to flatten the ɛ–T curve of BaTiO3 ceramics at high temperatures.
Investigating the Emergence of Speech Sounds Content Areas : artificial life , natural language processing , philosophical foundations Tracking Number : A 504

This paper presents a system that simulates the emergence of realistic vowel systems in a population of agents that try too imitate each other as well as possible. Although none of the agents has a global view of the language, and none of the agents does an explicit optimization , a coherent system of vowels emerges that happens too be optimized for acoustic distinct-iveness. The results presented here fit in and confirm the theory of Luc Steels [Steels 1995, 1997, 1998] that views languages as a complex dynamic system and the origins of language as the result of self-organization and cultural evolution .
Behavior and Distribution of Heavy Metals Including Rare Earth Elements, Thorium, and Uranium in Sludge from Industry Water Treatment Plant and Recovery Method of Metals by Biosurfactants Application

In order to investigate the behavior, distribution, and characteristics of heavy metals including rare earth elements (REEs), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) in sludge, the total and fractional concentrations of these elements in sludge collected from an industry water treatment plant were determined and compared with those in natural soil. In addition, the removal/recovery process of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, and Ni) from the polluted sludge was studied with biosurfactant (saponin and sophorolipid) elution by batch and column experiments to evaluate the efficiency of biosurfactant for the removal of heavy metals. Consequently, the following matters have been largely clarified. (1) Heavy metallic elements in sludge have generally larger concentrations and exist as more unstable fraction than those in natural soil. (2) Nonionic saponin including carboxyl group is more efficient than sophorolipid for the removal of heavy metals in polluted sludge. Saponin has selectivity for the mobilization of heavy metals and mainly reacts with heavy metals in F3 (the fraction bound to carbonates) and F5 (the fraction bound to Fe-Mn oxides). (3) The recovery efficiency of heavy metals (Pb, Ni, and Cr) reached about 90–100% using a precipitation method with alkaline solution.