Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of Saizen in Combination With Stilamin on Intestinal Mucosa of a Rabbit Model of Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate whether the regimen of Saizen, a recombinant human somatropin, in combination Stilamin, a somatostatin analog, exerts synergistic effect on intestinal mucosa of a rabbit model of severe acute pancreatitis. Methods The rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A without any treatment, group B with single treatment of Stilamin, and group C with treatment of Saizen combined with Stilamin. The blood levels of D-lactate, insulinlike growth factor 1, prealbumin, and albumin were detected at the 6th, 12th, 24th, 48th, and 72nd hours after modeling. The pathological changes in terms of the villus height, crypt depth, and mucosal thickness were observed. The caspase 3 expression and apoptotic indices were evaluated. Results The blood levels of D-lactate at the 48th hour; insulinlike growth factor 1 at the 24th and 48th hours; prealbumin at the 24th, 48th, and 72nd hours; and albumin at the 48th hour in group C were significantly higher than these in the other 2 groups. Pathological changes in group C were slighter; the level of caspase 3 and apoptotic index in group C were significantly lower than those in the other 2 groups. Conclusions The combination of Saizen with Stilamin can enhance intestinal mucosa barrier function.
Neurotransmitter Activation of Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Current in Dissociated Hippocampal CA3 Neurons: Interactions among Multiple Receptors

We characterized potassium current activated by G-protein-coupled receptors in acutely dissociated hippocampal CA3 neurons. Agonists for serotonin, adenosine, and somatostatin receptors reliably activated a potassium-selective conductance that was inwardly rectifying and that was blocked by 1 mm external Ba2+. The conductance had identical properties to that activated by GABAB receptors in the same cells. In one-half of the CA3 neurons that were tested, the metabotropic glutamate agonist 1S,3R-ACPD also activated inwardly rectifying Ba2+-sensitive potassium current. Activation of the current by serotonin and adenosine agonists occurred with a time constant of 200–700 msec after a lag of 50–100 msec; on removal of agonist the current deactivated with a time constant of 1–2 sec after a lag of 200–400 msec. These kinetics are similar to GABAB-activated current and consistent with a direct action of G-protein on the channels. For somatostatin, both activation and deactivation were approximately fourfold slower, probably limited by agonist binding and unbinding. The half-maximally effective agonist concentrations were ∼75 nm for somatostatin, ∼100 nm for serotonin, and ∼400 nm for 2-chloroadenosine. Dose–response relationships had Hill coefficients of 1.2–1.9, suggesting cooperativity in the receptor-to-channel coupling mechanism. At saturating concentrations of agonists, the combined application of baclofen and either somatostatin, serotonin, or 2-chloroadenosine produced effects that were subadditive and often completely occlusive. However, at subsaturating concentrations the effects of baclofen and 2-chloroadenosine were supra-additive. Thus, low levels of different transmitters can act synergistically in activating inwardly rectifying potassium current.
Robust Stability and Robust Periodicity of Delayed Recurrent Neural Networks With Noise Disturbance

Neural networks suffer from the natural intra- and inter-cellular noise perturbations and environmental fluctuations. Such noises will undoubtedly affect the dynamics of the neural networks both quantitatively and qualitatively. In this paper, we study the effects of noise perturbations on the stability and periodicity of delayed recurrent neural networks. We first derive the mean-square stability conditions for stochastic delayed recurrent neural networks without and with parametric uncertainties, respectively. After that, we study the stochastic periodicity (stability) with disturbance attenuation of delayed recurrent neural networks. The analysis are all based on the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional approach, and the conditions are all expressed in terms of linear matrix inequalities, which can be easily solved by using the effective convex optimization techniques. Several numerical examples are also given to demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of the theoretical results
Curcumin downregulates the expression of Snail via suppressing Smad2 pathway to inhibit TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transitions in hepatoma cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the third cause of cancer-related mortality. Resection and transplantation are the only curative treatments available but are greatly hampered by high recurrence rates and development of metastasis, the initiation of cancer metastasis requires migration and invasion of cells, which is enabled by epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT). TGF-β1 is a secreted protein that performs many cellular functions, including the control of cell growth, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and apoptosis. TGF-β1 is known as a major inducer of EMT, and it was reported that TGF-β1 induced EMT via Smad-dependent and Smad-independent pathways. However, the extrinsic signals of TGF-β1 regulated the EMT in hepatoma cells remains to be elucidated, and searching drugs to inhibit TGF-β1 induced EMT may be considered to be a potentially effective therapeutic strategy in HCC. Fortunately, in this study, we found that curcumin inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT in hepatoma cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that curcumin inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT via inhibiting Smad2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, then suppressing Smad2 combined with the promoter of Snail which inhibited the transcriptional expression of Snail. These findings suggesting curcumin could be a useful agent for antitumor therapy and also a promising drug combined with other strategies to preventing and treating HCC.
Prediction of seismic P-wave velocity using machine learning

Abstract. Measurements of seismic velocity as a function of depth are generally restricted to borehole locations and are therefore sparse in the world's oceans. Consequently, in the absence of measurements or suitable seismic data, studies requiring knowledge of seismic velocities often obtain these from simple empirical relationships. However, empirically derived velocities may be inaccurate, as they are typically limited to certain geological settings, and other parameters potentially influencing seismic velocities, such as depth to basement, crustal age, or heat flow, are not taken into account. Here, we present a machine learning approach to predict the overall trend of seismic P-wave velocity (vp) as a function of depth (z) for any marine location. Based on a training dataset consisting of vp(z) data from 333 boreholes and 38 geological and spatial predictors obtained from publicly available global datasets, a prediction model was created using the random forests method. In 60 % of the tested locations, the predicted seismic velocities were superior to those calculated empirically. The results indicate a promising potential for global prediction of vp(z) data, which will allow the improvement of geophysical models in areas lacking first-hand velocity data.
Investigating a mitigation strategy for acidic sediment conditions in support of First Nation Bivalve restoration initiatives : the effect of shell hash on porewater pH and carbonate saturation states in Burrard Inlet, British Columbia, Canada

Climate change related impacts threaten calcium carbonate dependent species, such as bivalve shellfish. Coastal sediment acidification may have disproportionate effects on bivalves. Shellfish are ecologically, economically, and socially significant in the Pacific Northwest. This research was guided by First Nation habitat restoration objectives and Indigenous science. Using field studies and microcosm experiments, we investigated the effect of shell treatments on sediment porewater conditions in Burrard Inlet, Canada. Porewater pH and aragonite saturation states (Ωarg) were evaluated under different tidal conditions and pH treatments. Significant differences were found in porewater acidity and Ωarg between sites, tidal conditions, and pH treatments. There was no consistent shell treatment effect on porewater pH or Ωarg. Augmenting coastal sediment with shell material has many documented benefits. Based on the results, shell treatments are not recommended as an effective mitigation for acidic sediment conditions in support of First Nation shellfish habitat restoration objectives in Burrard Inlet.
Microarchitectural-level statistical timing models for near-threshold circuit design

Near-threshold computing has emerged as a promising solution for drastically improving the energy efficiency of microprocessors. This paper proposes architectural-level statistical static timing analysis (SSTA) models for the near-threshold voltage computing where the path delay distribution is approximated as a lognormal distribution. First, we prove several important theorems that help consider architectural design strategies for high performance and energy efficient near-threshold computing. After that, we show the numerical experiments with Monte Carlo simulations using a commercial 28-nm process technology model and demonstrate that the properties presented in the theorems hold for the practical near-threshold logic circuits.
Calibration of ρ Values for Testing Precise Null Hypotheses

P values are the most commonly used tool to measure evidence against a hypothesis or hypothesized model. Unfortunately, they are often incorrectly viewed as an error probability for rejection of the hypothesis or, even worse, as the posterior probability that the hypothesis is true. The fact that these interpretations can be completely misleading when testing precise hypotheses is first reviewed, through consideration of two revealing simulations. Then two calibrations of a ρ value are developed, the first being interpretable as odds and the second as either a (conditional) frequentist error probability or as the posterior probability of the hypothesis.
First experiences with laparoscopic assisted distal gastrectomy: in the view of comparison with high volume centers

Purpose Recently, the number of laparoscopic gastric surgeries increased in Korea. But since many patients prefer to attend larger hospitals, most operations have been performed in high volume center by experienced surgeons, and also most reported studies on laparoscopic gastric surgery have been performed in these hospitals. For better health service and increased access of local residents, district hospitals that have a smaller number of surgical cases also need to perform this surgery safely. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 58 patients who underwent laparoscopic assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) from April 2009 to January 2012 in Dankook University Hospital. We compared our data with the retrospective data of the Korean Laparoendoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study (KLASS) group because we thought the KLASS study was a representative study of LADG. Results A total of 58 patients underwent LADG during a period of 32 months. The male to female ratio, mean age and body mass index were 34:19, 62.4 years and 23.0 kg/m2, respectively. More than D1 + β lymph node was dissected in all patients and the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 31.4. Mean operation time, estimated blood loss and mean hospital stays were 235 minutes, 176 mL and 7.4 days respectively. During the operation, there were no complication and no conversions to open surgery. After the operation, there were 2 cases of wound complication and 1 case of intra-abdominal abscess which improved with conservative treatment and there was no mortality. These data were not different to the data of high volume centers, especially KLASS. Conclusion We report first experience with LADG and concluded that LADG could be performed safely in smaller scale hospitals.
Facilitating ICN deployment with an extended openflow protocol

Named-Data Networking (NDN) is proposed as an approach to evolve the Internet infrastructure from a host- to an information-centric (ICN) approach, which is better suited to the current usage of the Internet. However, the deployment of a global NDN-based Internet is still a long way out of reach. The most likely scenario for a global NDN network will be the one based on NDN 'islands' or domains, where interior forwarding and routing of packets is based on NDN principles. The interconnection of NDN domains involves human configuration to set up IP tunnels, implying an unscalable, tedious and error-prone process resulting in static configuration incapable of reacting to ad-hoc requirements or network changes. Leveraging the flexibility of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) can solve aforementioned problems. Due to its dynamic nature, SDN can automatically recognize an NDN service and instruct switches to set up the configuration for actual service deployment. Such a solution significantly eases the deployment of NDN networks. In this paper, we propose a hybrid solution where we combine Software-Defined Networking, more specifically OpenFlow, and eBPF to perform control plane configuration and data plane programmability respectively, to realize connectivity within and across NDN domains. To do so, we have designed eBPF filters that match on NDN traffic, extended the OpenFlow protocol to configure switch data planes with these match filters and enhanced an OpenFlow switch to act accordingly. Our OpenFlow controller written for Ryu performs routing on NDN names and configures switches correspondingly. Additionally, our controller detects NDN domains and sets up IP tunnels between them. Our evaluation shows that our proof-of-concept on, among others, the SciNet testbed autoconfigures an NDN network, successfully providing end-to-end NDN network functionality across multiple domains.
Intrinsically motivated general companion NPCs via Coupled Empowerment Maximisation

Non-player characters (NPCs) in games are traditionally hard-coded or dependent on pre-specified goals, and consequently struggle to behave sensibly in ever-changing and possibly unpredictable game worlds. To make them fit for new developments in procedural content generation, we introduce the principle of Coupled Empowerment Maximisation as an intrinsic motivation for game NPCs. We focus on the development of a general game companion, designed to support the player in achieving their goals. We evaluate our approach against three intuitive and abstract companion duties. We develop dedicated scenarios for each duty in a dungeon-crawler game testbed, and provide qualitative evidence that the emergent NPC behaviour fulfils these duties. We argue that this generic approach can speed up NPC AI development, improve automatic game evolution and introduce NPCs to full game-generation systems.
A modified Volterra series approach for nonlinear dynamic systems modeling

This paper describes a modeling approach for nonlinear dynamic systems based on a modified Volterra series; by comparing the truncation error of this series with that of the classical Volterra one, we outlined that, under the assumption of short-term nonlinear memory effects, the modified series enables a single-fold nonlinear convolution integral to be adopted also in the presence of strong nonlinearities. The measurement-based identification of the first terms of the modified Volterra series is described; experimental and simulation results which confirm the theoretical considerations are also provided.
Real Convergence and Euro Adoption in Central and Eastern Europe: Trade and Business Cycle Correlations as Endogenous Criteria for Joining Emu

Optimum currency area theory says that trade patterns and cyclical correlations are important criteria for whether a country should join a monetary area such as EMU. But these criteria are endogenous. Recent econometric estimates suggest that currency unions have far greater effects on trade patterns than previously believed. Since currency unions are good for trade, and trade is good for growth, that is one major argument in favor of adopting the euro. There are the usual countervailing arguments for retaining monetary independence, particularly the famous asymmetric shocks. But the pattern of shocks is also endogenous. For the countries of Central and Eastern Europe joining the EU in 2004, one risk-averse argument for joining later, but not necessarily yet, is that trade with euroland can be expected to continue increasing. Econometric estimates suggest that the growing trade links will in turn lead to growing cyclical correlation, that is, to cyclical convergence. The implication is that the new EU members may better qualify for the optimum currency area criteria in the future, even in just five years, than they do as of today. Another kind of convergence, income convergence, is also relevant, but will take too long to wait for.
Discovery of Sequential Patterns with Quantity Factors

The sequential pattern mining stems from the need to obtain patterns that are repeated in multiple transactions in a database of sequences, which are related to time, or another type of criterion. This work presents the proposal of a new technique for the discovery of sequential patterns from a database of sequences, where the patterns not only provide information on how these relate to the time, but also, that in the mining process itself should be included the quantity factors associated with each of the items that are part of a sequence, and as a result of this process can be obtain information relating to how they relate these items with regard to the amounts associated. The proposed algorithm uses divide and conquer techniques, as well as indexing and partitioning of the database.
Susceptibility to reinfection after a primary chlamydial genital infection is associated with a decrease of antigen-specific T cells in the genital tract

We tested the hypothesis that the intensity of specific antichlamydial T cell-mediated immunity in the genital tract of female guinea pigs infected intravaginally with the chlamydial agent of guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis would determine the resistance or susceptibility to reinfection after a primary chlamydial infection. T cell-enriched lymphocytes were isolated by collagenase treatment of genital tract tissues from either infected or control uninfected female guinea pigs at various times after infection. The nylon wool-enriched T lymphocytes were evaluated for expression of antigen-specific T cell-mediated immunity in vitro by using a blast transformation assay. Both uninfected and infected genital tracts contained T cells, as evidenced by reactivity to concanavalin A, although a greater number of T lymphocytes was detected in the genital tracts of infected animals compared with that in controls. Significant antigen-specific T-cell activity could be detected in the genital tract tissue by 7 days after a primary genital tract infection with the chlamydial agent of guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis. When antigen-specific activity was assessed at different times after infection, the intensity of the response of genital tract-associated T lymphocytes was directly proportional to the degree of resistance of the animals to genital challenge. Thus, susceptibility of animals to reinfection by chlamydiae appears to be associated with the intensity of the local T cell-mediated immune responses in the genital tract of infected animals.
Optimal Precoder and Symbol Grouping for Bandwidth-Efficient Bit-Interleaved Coded Modulation over NAF Single-Relay Channels

This paper considers the precoder design for a bandwidth-efficient bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) over non-orthogonal amplify-and-forward (NAF) single-relay channels with an arbitrary length of cooperative frame $2N$. Based on the tight union bound on the bit error probability (BEP), we first derive an asymptotic design criterion with regard to a general $2N\times 2N$ rotation matrix. This expression allows us to develop a class of precoder that not only achieves full cooperative diversity but also optimizes the asymptotic error performance. Interestingly, the developed class of optimal precoder indicates that the source should be kept silent in the cooperative phase. In the broadcasting phase, it is shown that power is distributed equally to $2N$ information symbols at the source. By further examining the structure of the optimal class of $2N\times 2N$ precoders, we then reveal that precoding over a group of at least 2 information symbols is sufficient to fully exploit diversity and coding advantages. Such precoding technique, which is referred to as symbol grouping, therefore significantly reduces the system complexity without degrading the error performance.
Dynamic cache consistency schemes for wireless cellular networks

Caching frequently accessed data objects at the local buffer of a mobile user (MU) has been found to be very effective in improving information availability in mobile wireless environments. Several mechanisms have been proposed in the literature to address the challenging problem of cache consistency in cellular wireless networks. However, these mechanisms are limited to single cell systems. In this paper, we develop a novel Dynamic Scalable Asynchronous Cache Consistency Scheme (DSACCS) that can adaptively maintain mobile data objects globally or locally depending on the minimum consistency maintenance cost in multi-cell systems. The cost function is derived by taking into account each data object's update frequency, MUs' access pattern and roaming frequency, number of cells and number of MUs in the system. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate that DSACCS outperforms three existing cache strategies extended to multi-cell environments. The three cache consistency strategies are homogeneous invalidation reports (IRs), inhomogeneous IR without roaming check, and inhomogeneous IR with roaming check. Finally, an improvisation of DSACCS, called DSACCS-G, is proposed for grouping cells in order to facilitate effective cache consistency maintenance in multi-cell systems.
A Method to Avoid Zero Convergence of Confidence Term on Exemplar Based Inpaintings

A method to improve the behavior of zero convergence of confidence terms on exemplar based inpainting approaches. If the target area of inpainting is significantly large, the confidence values are conversed to zero near the center and it results a randomized selection of patches. It degrades the inpainting results. A patching error based confidence compensation method has been proposed. Error between selected patches and known area of target patch is calculated and a new confidence terms is defined based on the error to protect zero convergence. Several experiments were conducted to verify the effects of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the proposed method can protect the zero convergence and stabilize the inpainting procedures.