Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leukokinetic studies. IV. The total blood, circulating and marginal granulocyte pools and the granulocyte turnover rate in normal subjects.

When granulocytes are labeled with diisopropyl-fluorophosphate (DFP32) and then returned to the circulation of the donor, the labeled granulocytes are distributed in a pool of cells which is approximately two times larger than that calculated from the blood volume and the concentration of granu-locytes in the circulating venous blood (1, 2). This pool has been referred to as the total blood granulocyte pool (TBGP) and it consists of two subcompartments or pools. These pools have been designated the circulating granulocyte pool (CGP) and the marginal granulocyte pool (MGP). The size of the CGP can be calculated from the blood volume and the absolute granulocyte count. Equilibration between the granulocytes in the CGP and in the "noncirculating" or MGP is sufficiently rapid and complete to allow these two pools to be considered as one kinetically, and the size of the TBGP can be determined by the isotope dilution principle. Since the cells are removed from the TBGP in an exponential fashion with a mean half-time disappearance (Ti) of 6.6 hours, the granulocyte turnover rate (GTR), that is, the number of granulocytes turned over through the blood in a unit of time, can be calculated. The purpose of this paper is to present data on the GTR in normal subjects, as well as additional data on the size of the TBGP, CGP and MGP in normal subjects. The influence of steroids, physical exercise, epinephrine and bacterial endotoxin on these parameters in normal subjects has also been studied. Twenty-five volunteers from the Utah State Prison, in addition to the 45 subjects previously reported (1, 2), were used in these studies. All of the subjects were normal healthy males, 20 to 50 years of age, with normal leukocyte values. The subjects ate breakfast at 6:00 a.m. and the infusion of labeled blood was begun between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. The methods for labeling blood in vitro, for the isolation of leukocytes from the blood samples, for the determination of leukocyte radioactivity, and for the calculation of the TBGP, CGP and T± have been described in previous publications (1, 2, 5). The GTR, defined as the number of granulocytes turned over through the blood each day per kilogram body weight, was calculated from the following equation (6): GTR = 24 X 0.693/Ti (hrs) X TBGP (no. cells X 107/kg). The DFP32 was purchased from the New England Nuclear Corp., Boston, Mass. , as a dilute solution …
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Stimulate Cardiac Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

Rationale: The regenerative potential of the heart is insufficient to fully restore functioning myocardium after injury, motivating the quest for a cell-based replacement strategy. Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capacity for cardiac repair that appears to exceed their capacity for differentiation into cardiac myocytes. Objective: Here, we test the hypothesis that bone marrow derived MSCs stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous cardiac stem cells (CSCs) as part of their regenerative repertoire. Methods And Results: Female Yorkshire pigs (n=31) underwent experimental myocardial infarction (MI), and 3 days later, received transendocardial injections of allogeneic male bone marrow–derived MSCs, MSC concentrated conditioned medium (CCM), or placebo (Plasmalyte). A no-injection control group was also studied. MSCs engrafted and differentiated into cardiomyocytes and vascular structures. In addition, endogenous c-kit+ CSCs increased 20-fold in MSC-treated animals versus controls (P<0.001), there was a 6-fold increase in GATA-4+ CSCs in MSC versus control (P<0.001), and mitotic myocytes increased 4-fold (P=0.005). Porcine endomyocardial biopsies were harvested and plated as organotypic cultures in the presence or absence of MSC feeder layers. In vitro, MSCs stimulated c-kit+ CSCs proliferation into enriched populations of adult cardioblasts that expressed Nkx2–5 and troponin I. Conclusions: MSCs stimulate host CSCs, a new mechanism of action underlying successful cell-based therapeutics.
A placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial comparing sertraline and imipramine for the treatment of dysthymia.

BACKGROUND Despite the high prevalence of dysthymia and its associated morbidity, few controlled trials have evaluated the efficacy of antidepressant medication for this disorder. A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, multicenter trial was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sertraline hydrochloride and imipramine hydrochloride in treating dysthymia. METHODS A total of 416 outpatients (271 women and 145 men) aged 25 to 65 years with DSM-III-R-defined, early-onset, primary dysthymia without concurrent major depression were randomized to 12 weeks of treatment with sertraline, imipramine, or placebo. RESULTS Both active treatments resulted in significantly reduced scores on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (P = .04 and P = .01 for sertraline and imipramine vs placebo, respectively), the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (P = .01 and P = .003 vs placebo, respectively), Hopkins Symptom Checklist (P < .05), and the self-rated version of the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (P < .05). With the use of a Clinical Global impressions improvement score of 1 or 2 (very much or much improved) to define response, response rates were 59% for sertraline, 64% for imipramine, and 44% for placebo (P = .02 for sertraline vs placebo and P < .001 for imipramine vs placebo). A significantly greater proportion of patients receiving imipramine than those receiving sertraline or placebo discontinued treatment because of adverse events (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Pharmacotherapy provides considerable relief from the symptoms of dysthymia in patients suffering from this chronic affective disorder, with both sertraline and imipramine being more effective than placebo. The greater tolerability of sertraline is an important consideration because of the chronicity of dysthymia, which may require prolonged treatment with antidepressant medication.
Contrasting Roles of NADPH Oxidase Isoforms in Pressure-Overload Versus Angiotensin II–Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy

Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is implicated in the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Phagocyte-type NADPH oxidases are major cardiovascular sources of ROS, and recent data indicate a pivotal role of a gp91phox-containing NADPH oxidase in angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced LVH. We investigated the role of this oxidase in pressure-overload LVH. gp91phox−/− mice and matched controls underwent chronic Ang II infusion or aortic constriction. Ang II–induced increases in NADPH oxidase activity, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) expression, and cardiac mass were inhibited in gp91phox−/− mice, whereas aortic constriction-induced increases in cardiac mass and ANF expression were not inhibited. However, aortic constriction increased cardiac NADPH oxidase activity in both gp91phox−/− and wild-type mice. Myocardial expression of an alternative gp91phox isoform, Nox4, was upregulated after aortic constriction in gp91phox−/− mice. The antioxidant, N-acetyl-cysteine, inhibited pressure-overload–induced LVH in both gp91phox−/− and wild-type mice. These data suggest a differential response of the cardiac Nox isoforms, gp91phox and Nox4, to Ang II versus pressure overload.
Robust Sliding Mode Congestion Control Algorithm for TCP Networks

A robust sliding mode congestion control algorithm is proposed to slove the problem of congestion control in TCP networks. Based on the TCP networks congestion control model, an asymptotically stable sliding surface is designed by means of linear matrix inequality (LMI). The sliding surface can compensate for the effect of the uncertainties in TCP networks. In addition, a novel reaching condition is proposed to reduce chattering, the robust sliding mode controller is designed to constrain oscillation of the queue length in router effectively. The simulation results certify the validity of the algorithm.
Organization of the cerebral ganglion of the colonial ascidian Polyandrocarpa misakiensis

The cerebral ganglion of a budding styelid ascidian, Polyandrocarpa misakiensis, whose phylogenetic location is midway between vertebrates and invertebrates, was studied by light and electron microscopy to obtain some insight into the evolution of the central nervous system. The lateral and ventral sides of the ganglion are surrounded by blood sinuses. The ganglion is covered with a thin fibrous sheath through which many nerve fibers run. The ganglion is composed of a cellular cortex and a fibrous medulla. The cortex consists of three to six layers of large and small neurons. Some neurons are also scattered within the medulla. Many neurons are monopolar, and some are bi‐ or multipolar. The cytoplasm of the large neurons is dense with extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum, free ribosomes, mitochondria, one or more Golgi complexes, large dense bodies, and many clear or dense vesicular structures. Some neurons send their processes directly into the lumen of the sinuses. The medulla is composed of loosely arranged nerve fibers without cellular wrappings. The medullary fibers contain vesicles and granules of various sizes, and microtubules. At the anterior and posterior ends of the ganglion, the medullary fibers are assembled into thick peripheral nerve fiber bundles. The peripheral nerve fibers are enveloped and subdivided by fibrous structures. Synapses are found in the medulla, in the cortex, and between the peripheral nerve fibers. The presence of neurons and axodendritic or axoaxonic synapses in the peripheral nerve fibers is consistent with a diffuse organization of the central nervous system of the ascidians. The morphology of the central nervous system synapses is comparable to that of other invertebrates, but the locations of the synapses are similar to those of vertebrates. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bacillus anthracis Spores of the bclA Mutant Exhibit Increased Adherence to Epithelial Cells, Fibroblasts, and Endothelial Cells but Not to Macrophages

ABSTRACT Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax, and the spore form of the bacterium represents the infectious particle introduced into a host. The spore is surrounded by an exosporium, a loose-fitting membrane composed of proteins and carbohydrates from which hair-like projections extend. These projections are composed mainly of BclA (Bacillus-collagen-like protein of B. anthracis). To date, exact roles of the exosporium structure and BclA protein remain undetermined. We examined differences in spore binding of wild-type Ames and a bclA mutant of B. anthracis to bronchial epithelial cells as well as to the following other epithelial cells: A549, CHO, and Caco-2 cells; the IMR-90 fibroblast line; and human umbilical vein vascular endothelium cells. The binding of wild-type Ames spores to bronchial epithelial cells appeared to be a dose-dependent, receptor-ligand-mediated event. There were similar findings for the bclA mutant, with an additional nonspecific binding component likely leading to significantly more adherence to all nonprofessional phagocytic cell types. In contrast, we detected no difference in adherence and uptake of spores by macrophages for either the wild-type Ames or the bclA mutant strain. These results suggest that one potential role of the BclA fibers may be to inhibit nonspecific interactions between B. anthracis spores with nonprofessional phagocytic cells and thus direct the spores towards uptake by macrophages during initiation of infection in mammals.
Using programming tools in virtual environments

We are interested in potential breaks in presence for virtual environment authoring tools. Most current VR authoring tools require a user to exit the environment in order to edit that environment, and then re-enter the environment to view changes. Our hypothesis is that such shifting of environments will result in loss of presence. To overcome this problem, we have been investigating how to build a system which allows users to edit an environment from within that same environment. To that end, we have developed a solution which we have implemented and evaluated with user tests.
On observability and detectability of continuous-time linear switching systems

The notion of observability and detectability for a particular class of hybrid systems, linear continuous-time switching systems, is investigated. We compare some of the definitions of observability previously offered and we analyze their drawbacks. A novel definition of observability is proposed corresponding to the possibility of reconstructing the state of the system from the knowledge of the discrete and continuous outputs and inputs. The notion of detectability is also introduced. Sufficient and necessary conditions for these properties to hold for switching systems are presented.
Artificial neural network and SARIMA based models for power load forecasting in Turkish electricity market

Load information plays an important role in deregulated electricity markets, since it is the primary factor to make critical decisions on production planning, day-to-day operations, unit commitment and economic dispatch. Being able to predict the load for a short term, which covers one hour to a few days, equips power generation facilities and traders with an advantage. With the deregulation of electricity markets, a variety of short term load forecasting models are developed. Deregulation in Turkish Electricity Market has started in 2001 and liberalization is still in progress with rules being effective in its predefined schedule. However, there is a very limited number of studies for Turkish Market. In this study, we introduce two different models for current Turkish Market using Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and present their comparative performances. Building models that cope with the dynamic nature of deregulated market and are able to run in real-time is the main contribution of this study. We also use our ANN based model to evaluate the effect of several factors, which are claimed to have effect on electrical load.
An evaluation of patient attitudes to colonoscopy and the importance of endoscopist interaction and the endoscopy environment to satisfaction and value

Abstract Objective. Understanding patients' attitudes to their medical experience is essential for identifying value in the patient pathway, optimizing care and use of resources. This service evaluation was undertaken to determine patients' preferences and expectations for day case colonoscopy, a common gastrointestinal procedure for which there is limited such data. Methods. Patients attending for elective colonoscopy were invited to complete a composite, validated dedicated endoscopy questionnaire, with Likert-scale questions and a 15-point preference (ranking) scale of domains of endoscopy care that were considered most important (1) to least important (15) as contributing to a satisfactory experience. Results. Two hundred and sixteen out of 224 patients returned questionnaires. Moderate to severe anxiety was recorded in 56% of patients, commonly with respect to anticipation of pain or the results of the procedure. The median values for ranked preference scores consistent with greatest importance for satisfaction were technical skill of the endoscopist (1), discomfort during the procedure (4), and manner of the endoscopist (5). Factors considered of relatively low importance included the single-sex environment (15) (although this was more important to female patients), noise levels (13), and explanation of delay (11). Only 14% of patients responded that they would be prepared to delay an appointment for a single-sex environment. Conclusion. Patients undergoing colonoscopy highly prioritize aspects of care relating to the interaction with the endoscopist and the procedure itself. Environment factors are considered to be less important. These findings may assist in service redesign around patient-identified value within the patient pathway.
Binary Distance Transform to Improve Feature Extraction

To recognize textures many methods have been developed along the years. However, texture datasets may be hard to be classified due to artefacts such as a variety of scale, illumination and noise. This paper proposes the application of binary distance transform on the original dataset to add information to texture representation and consequently improve recognition. Texture images, usually in grayscale, suffers a binarization prior to distance transform and one of the resulted images are combined with original texture to improve the amount of information. Four datasets are used to evaluate our approach. For Outex dataset, for instance, the proposal outperforms all rates, improvements of an up to 10\%, compared to traditional approach where descriptors are applied on the original dataset, showing the importance of this approach.
Vision-Based Road Detection in Automotive Systems: A Real-Time Expectation-Driven Approach

The main aim of this work is the development of a vision-based road detection system fast enough to cope with the difficult real-time constraints imposed by moving vehicle applications. The hardware platform, a special-purpose massively parallel system, has been chosen to minimize system production and operational costs. This paper presents a novel approach to expectation-driven low-level image segmentation, which can be mapped naturally onto mesh-connected massively parallel Simd architectures capable of handling hierarchical data structures. The input image is assumed to contain a distorted version of a given template; a multiresolution stretching process is used to reshape the original template in accordance with the acquired image content, minimizing a potential function. The distorted template is the process output.
Optimizing stimulus patterns for dense array TDCS with fewer sources than electrodes using a branch and bound algorithm

Dense array transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has become of increasing interest as a noninvasive modality to modulate brain function. To target a particular brain region of interest (ROI), using a dense electrode array placed on the scalp, the current injection pattern can be appropriately optimized. Previous optimization methods have assumed availability of individually controlled current sources for each non-reference electrode. This may be costly and impractical in a clinical setting. However, using fewer current sources than electrodes results in a non-convex combinatorial optimization problem. In this paper, we present a novel use of the branch and bound (BB) algorithm to find sub-optimal stimulus patterns with fewer current sources than electrodes. We present simulation results for both focal and spatially extended cortical ROIs. Our results suggest that only a few (2–3) independently controlled current sources can achieve comparable results to a full set (125 sources) to a tolerance of 5%. BB is computationally 3–5 orders of magnitude less demanding than exhaustive search.
Warp: Lightweight Multi-Key Transactions for Key-Value Stores

Traditional NoSQL systems scale by sharding data across multiple servers and by performing each operation on a small number of servers. Because transactions on multiple keys necessarily require coordination across multiple servers, NoSQL systems often explicitly avoid making transactional guarantees in order to avoid such coordination. Past work on transactional systems control this coordination by either increasing the granularity at which transactions are ordered, sacrificing serializability, or by making clock synchronicity assumptions. This paper presents a novel protocol for providing serializable transactions on top of a sharded data store. Called acyclic transactions, this protocol allows multiple transactions to prepare and commit simultaneously, improving concurrency in the system, while ensuring that no cycles form between concurrently-committing transactions. We have fully implemented acyclic transactions in a document store called Warp. Experiments show that Warp achieves 4 times higher throughput than Sinfonia's mini-transactions on the standard TPC-C benchmark with no aborts. Further, the system achieves 75% of the throughput of the non-transactional key-value store it builds upon.
Similarity networks for heterogeneous data

A two-layer neural network is developed in which the neuron model computes a user-deﬁned similarity function between inputs and weights. The neuron model is formed by the composition of an adapted logistic function with the mean of the partial input-weight similarities. The model is capable of dealing directly with variables of potentially diﬀerent nature (continuous, ordinal, categorical); there is also provision for missing values. The network is trained using a fast two-stage procedure and involves the setting of only one parameter. In our experiments, the network achieves slightly superior performance on a set of challenging problems with respect to both RBF nets and RBF-kernel SVMs.
New methods to identify conserved microsatellite loci and develop primer sets of high cross‐species utility – as demonstrated for birds

We have developed a new approach to create microsatellite primer sets that have high utility across a wide range of species. The success of this method was demonstrated using birds. We selected 35 avian EST microsatellite loci that had a high degree of sequence homology between the zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata and the chicken Gallus gallus and designed primer sets in which the primer bind sites were identical in both species. For 33 conserved primer sets, on average, 100% of loci amplified in each of 17 passerine species and 99% of loci in five non‐passerine species. The genotyping of four individuals per species revealed that 24–76% (mean 48%) of loci were polymorphic in the passerines and 18–26% (mean 21%) in the non‐passerines. When at least 17 individuals were genotyped per species for four Fringillidae finch species, 71–85% of loci were polymorphic, observed heterozygosity was above 0.50 for most loci and no locus deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg proportions.
Applying iterated local search to the permutation ow shop problem

Iterated local search (ILS) is a general and powerful metaheuristic which provides an easily implementable way of improving the performance of local search algorithms. In this article we consider the application of ILS to the permutation flow shop problem (FSP), a strongly studied problem in machine scheduling. We experimentally investigate the effect of specific implementation choices in our ILS algorithm and analyze its performance. Computational results show that our ILS approach compares very favorably to other approaches proposed for the FSP and is, despite its simplicity, even able to find new best solutions for some benchmark instances which have already been attacked by many other algorithms.