Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methods of measurement of myocardial blood flow in patients: a critical review.

During the past decade, major progress has been made in the evolution of technology directed toward the accurate measurement of regional myocardial perfusion in patients. The deficiencies of some of the older methods (thermodilution and gas clearance) are better appreciated and improved approaches (Doppler catheters, positron-emission tomography, and digital subtraction angiography) have been developed. The new approaches should play a major role in research and for most applications the older methods will gradually be replaced. Efforts to bring these new methods to community hospitals and practicing cardiologists should be stimulated. Doppler catheters, positron-emission tomography, and digital-subtraction angiography are commercially available and Doppler catheters and digital-subtraction angiography could be easily incorporated into routine cardiac catheterization procedures. The Doppler catheter is the most inexpensive and probably the simplest to apply. In our opinion, routine measurements of coronary flow reserve will significantly improve the care of patients with coronary obstructive disease and other diseases that impair myocardial perfusion. If coronary reserve measurements are used frequently, patient selection for coronary angioplasty and bypass surgery will no longer depend entirely on visual assessment of percent diameter stenosis, a very poor criterion in many situations. Also, patients with chest pain syndromes, normal coronary vessels, and impaired coronary reserve will be identified and perhaps some effective treatment for this condition will be devised. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Practical Framework for Robust Decision-Theoretic Planning and Execution for Service Robots

The deployment of robots in populated environments is recently gaining more interest because of increased maturity and capability of this technology. In this context, sophisticated planning techniques are required because there is a need of increasing the complexity of the tasks that the robot can accomplish. In particular, there is a large emphasis on service robots, i.e., robots that can satisfy several user needs. In this paper, we present a practical framework based on a decision-theoretic formalism for generation and execution of robust plans for service robots. The proposed framework has been implemented and succesfully tested on service robots interacting with non-expert users in public environments, facing many sources of uncertainty and failures in task execution.
Bullous pemphigoid of childhood: autoantibodies target the same epitopes within the NC16A domain of BP180 as autoantibodies in bullous pemphigoid of adulthood.

BACKGROUND Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease of the elderly that rarely occurs in children. Most adult BP serum samples react with epitopes within the NC16A domain of BP180, a glycoprotein of the cutaneous basement membrane zone. OBJECTIVES To characterize the autoimmune response in childhood BP using recombinant forms of BP180 and to determine the subclass distribution of autoantibodies and their correlation with disease activity. OBSERVATIONS Serum samples from 2 infants with BP, aged 4 and 5 months, reacted by immunoblot analysis with 4 epitopes clustered within the N-terminal 45 amino acids of the NC16A domain. The same 4 epitopes have previously been shown to be the target in adult BP. Childhood BP antibodies to BP180 NC16A belonged to IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 immunoglobulin subclasses. IgE reactivity was not detected. Serum levels of antibodies targeting BP180 NC16A paralleled disease activity as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CONCLUSIONS The fine specificity of autoantibodies to BP180 is the same in BP of childhood and adulthood. Childhood BP is a true variant of BP.
P7.14 Cloud optical depth from UW-NMS and GEOS-DAS and comparisons with MODIS and ISCCP satellite observations

Clouds have an important influence on tropospheric photochemistry through modification of solar radiation that determines photolysis rates (J-values). The enhanced photolysis rates have been found above and in the upper levels of clouds while reduced rates are found below optically thick clouds and absorbing aerosols. Cloud optical depth is thus a critical parameter needed to describe these radiative effects of clouds on tropospheric photochemistry. For example, a fast and accurate numerical method (so-called Fast-J) for calculating photolysis rates (Wild et al., 2000) in three-dimensional chemical transport models (3-D CTMs) requires as input the cloud optical depth in vertical model layers. Current estimates of cloud optical depth and its vertical distribution, however, have large uncertainties. As part of our study of the radiative effect of clouds on tropospheric chemistry, we evaluate here the cloud optical depths from two modeling systems with those from satellite retrievals. The radiative effect of clouds on tropospheric chemistry will be presented elsewhere (Liu et al., 2004). On one hand, we use the University of Wisconsin Non-hydrostatic Modeling System (UW-NMS), a regional-scale meteorological prediction model (Tripoli, 1992ab) where distributions of cloud water are explicitly predicted, to simulate cloud optical depth in the Asian Pacific region in spring 2001. On the other hand, empirically diagnosed global cloud optical depth for all seasons of the same year is available from the GEOS3 archive of the Goddard Earth Observing data assimilation system (GEOS-DAS) at the NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) (Schubert et al., 1993). The calculated cloud optical depths from these two modeling systems are compared with the satellite retrieval products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) (Platnick et al., 2003) and the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) (Rossow and Schiffer, 1999).
A rat gene with sequence homology to the Drosophila gene hairy is rapidly induced by growth factors known to influence neuronal differentiation

Several genes encoding transcription factors with a helix-loop-helix (HLH) motif are involved in the early process of neural development in Drosophila spp. We report the isolation from the rat a homolog of one of these genes, called hairy. The rat-hairy-like (RHL) gene is expressed early during embryogenesis. In contrast to the restricted expression of hairy mRNA in Drosophila spp. , however, the mRNA encoded by RHL is detectable in all tissues examined. Stimulation of PC12 pheochromocytoma cells by nerve growth factor, basis fibroblast growth factor, or epidermal growth factor or of Rat-1 fibroblasts by epidermal growth factor causes a rapid and transient induction of the RHL gene. Thus, RHL acts as an immediate-early gene that can potentially transduce growth factor signals during the development of the mammalian embryo.
Key Role of Ser562/661 in Snf1-Dependent Regulation of Cat8p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces lactis

ABSTRACT Utilization of nonfermentable carbon sources by Kluyveromyces lactis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae requires the Snf1p kinase and the Cat8p transcriptional activator, which binds to carbon source-responsive elements of target genes. We demonstrate that KlSnf1p and KlCat8p from K. lactis interact in a two-hybrid system and that the interaction is stronger with a kinase-dead mutant form of KlSnf1p. Of two putative phosphorylation sites in the KlCat8p sequence, serine 661 was identified as a key residue governing KlCat8p regulation. Serine 661 is located in the middle homology region, a regulatory domain conserved among zinc cluster transcription factors, and is part of an Snf1p consensus phosphorylation site. Single mutations at this site are sufficient to completely change the carbon source regulation of the KlCat8p transactivation activity observed. A serine-to-glutamate mutant form mimicking constitutive phosphorylation results in a nearly constitutively active form of KlCat8p, while a serine-to-alanine mutation has the reverse effect. Furthermore, it is shown that KlCat8p phosphorylation depends on KlSNF1. The Snf1-Cat8 connection is evolutionarily conserved: mutation of corresponding serine 562 of ScCat8p gave similar results in S. cerevisiae. The enhanced capacity of ScCat8S562E to suppress the phenotype caused by snf1 strengthens the hypothesis of direct phosphorylation of Cat8p by Snf1p. Unlike that of S. cerevisiae ScCAT8, KlCAT8 transcription is not carbon source regulated, illustrating the prominent role of posttranscriptional regulation of Cat8p in K. lactis.
Experimental techniques for evaluation of fiber transmission loss and dispersion

This paper describes state-of-the-art measurement techniques for the characterization of fiber loss and dispersion. Special emphasis is placed on the achievement of high measurement accuracy, and on novel techniques to determine the loss and dispersion of single-mode and graded-index fibers in the 0.8 to 1.7-µm wavelength region where fiber loss and material dispersion are both small.
Transdermal absorption enhancing effect of the essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis on percutaneous absorption of Na diclofenac from topical gel

Abstract Context: Rosemary essential oil has been used topically for several purposes (analgesic, anti acne, and anti-inflammatory) in Iranian traditional medicine. Objectives: This investigation aimed to study the effect of essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) on the transdermal absorption of Na diclofenac from topical gel. Material and methods: Diclofenac sodium topical gel was prepared with HPMC K4M and Carbopol 934P as a gelling agent, and several vehicles. The most stable gel was chosen and enhancing effects of the essential oil with different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0% w/w) on the permeation of diclofenac were evaluated. The anti-nociceptive effect of preparations was evaluated based on the formalin and tail flick tests in mice. Results: The major constituents of the essential oil were 1,8-cineol (15.96%), α-pinene (13.38%), camphor (7.87%), bornyl acetate (6.54%), verbenone (5.82%), borneol (5.23%), camphene (4.96%), and (E)-caryophyllene (3.8%). Topical diclofenac containing 0.5% essential oil showed more analgesic effect after 25, 30, and 35 min (p < 0.001) than the reference drug in the tail flick test. The analgesic effect of preparation containing 1% essential oil was more than reference gel after 15 min (p < 0.05). This difference was observed after 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 min (p < 0.001) too. Rosemary essential oil 1% promoted analgesic effect of drug in comparison with diclofenac gel in the formalin early phase (p < 0.05). The enhancing effect of rosemary was observed in 0.5 and 1% concentration (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively) in the late phase. Conclusion: This study proved the enhancing effect of 0.5 and 1% of rosemary essential oil on diclofenac percutaneous absorption.
Optimizing Routes using Genetic Algorithms based on Throughput or Delay Sensitivity of Applications using SNMP for Automatic Discovery of Network Topology

Network Applications can be broadly classified as Throughput sensitive or Delay sensitive. Such applications require efficient routing mechanisms in order to work effectively. Genetic Algorithms can be used for defining the Best or Optimal Route based on its sensitivity and Various Constraints that the application imposes usually referred to as Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSP). The use of Genetic Algorithms for selecting an optimal route based on CSP requires a mechanism for automatic discovery of network topology and also mechanisms for learning the capacity of the network infrastructure. SNMP along with MIB provides the required data for Topology discovery and also to learn the information about the current network capacity along with various bottlenecks present in the topology. Since the shortest path is not always the best path, our genetic algorithm will provide the optimal route based on CSP and application sensitivity.
A Design-Adaptive Local Polynomial Estimator for the Errors-in-Variables Problem

Local polynomial estimators are popular techniques for nonparametric regression estimation and have received great attention in the literature. Their simplest version, the local constant estimator, can be easily extended to the errors-in-variables context by exploiting its similarity with the deconvolution kernel density estimator. The generalization of the higher order versions of the estimator, however, is not straightforward and has remained an open problem for the last 15 years. We propose an innovative local polynomial estimator of any order in the errors-in-variables context, derive its design-adaptive asymptotic properties and study its finite sample performance on simulated examples. We provide not only a solution to a long-standing open problem, but also provide methodological contributions to error-in-variable regression, including local polynomial estimation of derivative functions.
Perceived Frequency of Advertising Practices

In this paper, we introduce a new construct for measuring individuals’ privacy-related beliefs and understandings, namely their perception of the frequency with which information about individuals is gathered and used by others for advertising purposes. We introduce a preliminary instrument for measuring this perception, called the Ad Practice Frequency Perception Scale. We report data from a survey using this instrument, as well as the results of an initial clustering of participants based on this data. Our results, while preliminary, suggest that this construct may have future potential to characterize and segment individuals, and is worthy of further exploration.
Development of coated beads for oral controlled delivery of cefaclor: In vitro evaluation

The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize coated chitosan-alginate beads containing cefaclor as a controlled release delivery system. Coated cefaclor beads were prepared by solvent evaporation techniques. Beads were found to be intact and spherical in shape. Their size range was 1.05 to 2.06. The loading efficiency showed maximum value when the concentration of cefaclor, chitosan and PEG 400 was 10 % (m/V), 0.5 % (m/V) and 2 % (V/V), respectively. Best retardation of cefaclor release from chitosan-alginate beads was achieved by coating with 15 % of shellac in formula F19. A significant antimicrobial activity (p < 0.05) against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae was observed for formula F19 compared to the standard antibiotic disc. Furthermore, the simulated plasma profile showed the superiority of F19 in sustaining drug release for more than 12 h. Therefore, shellac coated chitosan-alginate beads could be considered a successful controlled release oral cefaclor dosage form.
Coexistence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Superior Vena Cava Syndromes Due to Substernal Goitre in a Patient With Respiratory Failure: A Case Report

Introduction: Substernal goiter may rarely cause superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) owing to venous compression, and cause acute respiratory failure due to tracheal compression. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may rarely occur when there is a narrowing of upper airway by edema and vascular congestion resulting from SVCS. Case Presentation: We presented the clinical course and treatment of acute respiratory failure (ARF) developed in a patient with SVCS and OSAS due to substernal goiter. After treatment of ARF with invasive mechanical ventilation, weaning and total thyroidectomy were successfully performed through collar incision and median sternotomy without complications. Conclusions: Our case showed that if the respiratory failure occurred due to substernal goiter and SVCS, we would need to investigate the coexistence of OSAS and SVCS.
Identifying the Class of Maxi-Consistent Operators in Argumentation

Dung's abstract argumentation theory can be seen as a general framework for nonmonotonic reasoning. An important question is then: what is the class of logics that can be subsumed as instantiations of this theory? The goal of this paper is to identify and study the large class of logic-based instantiations of Dung's theory which correspond to the maxi-consistent operator, i.e. to the function which returns maximal consistent subsets of an inconsistent knowledge base. In other words, we study the class of instantiations where every extension of the argumentation system corresponds to exactly one maximal consistent subset of the knowledge base. We show that an attack relation belonging to this class must be conflict-dependent, must not be valid, must not be conflict-complete, must not be symmetric etc. Then, we show that some attack relations serve as lower or upper bounds of the class (e.g. if an attack relation contains canonical undercut then it is not a member of this class). By using our results, we show for all existing attack relations whether or not they belong to this class. We also define new attack relations which are members of this class. Finally, we interpret our results and discuss more general questions, like: what is the added value of argumentation in such a setting? We believe that this work is a first step towards achieving our long-term goal, which is to better understand the role of argumentation and, particularly, the expressivity of logic-based instantiations of Dung-style argumentation frameworks.
Immunodeficiency virus exploitation of dendritic cells in the early steps of infection

The unique capacity of dendritic cells (DCs) to capture and process pathogens for presentation to the immune system, combined with their capacity to express costimulatory and adhesion molecules as well as cytokines and chemokines, renders them powerful antigen‐presenting cells. However, immunodeficiency viruses hijack DCs to facilitate virus dissemination while subverting effective immune activation. Depending on the activation level of the DC subset, human immunodeficiency virus can use different receptors (CD4, chemokine, and C‐type lectin receptors) to bind to DCs. These aspects likely impact whether a DC is productively infected by or simply carries virus for transmission to more permissive targets. DCs efficiently transmit virus to CD4+ T cells, driving virus growth as well as providing signals to trigger virus expansion in virus‐bearing CD4+ T cells. There is accumulating evidence that viral determinants (nef, tat) selectively modulate immature DC biology, fostering DC–T cell interactions and virus replication without up‐regulating costimulatory molecules for effective immune function. In addition, virus‐loaded, immature DCs activate CD4+ virus‐specific T cells, and mature DCs stimulate CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Thus, even if immature DCs entrap virus as it crosses the mucosae and initiate a CD4+ T cell response, this is likely insufficient to control infection. Appreciating how virus modulates DC function and what determines whether virus is processed for immune stimulation or transmitted between cells will unveil the exact role of these cells in the onset of infection and advance preventative microbicide and vaccine/therapeutic approaches.
Towards an Index of Asphalt Mixture Homogeneity

ABSTRACT Homogeneity is one of the most important factors affecting the performance-related properties of asphalt mixtures. Pavement condition surveys have shown various patterns of distresses due to segregation and other types of non-uniformity. Most of presently used test methods have limitations to evaluate asphalt mixture homogeneity and their test results usually have flaws. The main objective of this research is to investigate the index of asphalt mixture homogeneity using digital image processing, which includes three aspects: (1) to develop the index of homogeneity, (2) to categorize the index of homogeneity, and (3) to examine the main influence factors of the index of homogeneity. By the aggregate distributed situation, the aggregate distributed number, the area ratio coefficient, and a gradation-related coefficient, a method for evaluating homogeneity of a cross section in asphalt mixtures was described in detail, and a method for evaluating the whole homogeneity was also presented. The research results indicate that based on digital image processing it is feasible to quantitatively evaluate asphalt mixture homogeneity through the index of homogeneity; the index of homogeneity can be classified by Empirical-Analytical method; aggregate gradation, asphalt content, compaction effort, and experimental temperature all influence the index of homogeneity.
Residual Bootstrapping on Classified Tensor Morphologies using Constrained Two-Tensor Model

In this study, a fast and clinically feasible residual-bootstrapping algorithm using a geometrically constrained two-tensor diffusion model is employed for estimating uncertainty in fibre orientation. Voxels are classified based on tensor morphologies before applying a single or two tensor residual-bootstrapping algorithms. Classification of tensor morphologies allows the tensor morphology to be considered when selecting the most appropriate bootstrap procedure. A constrained two-tensor model approach can greatly reduce data acquisition and computational times for whole bootstrap data volume generation compared to other multi-fibre model techniques, facilitating widespread clinical use. Tractography with two-tensor residual-bootstrapping is also developed to estimate the connection probabilities between brain regions, especially regions with complex fibre configurations. Experimental results on a hardware phantom and in vivo data demonstrate the superior performance of our approach compared to conventional approaches.
The Link between Seasonal Influenza and NCDs: Strategies for Improving Vaccination Coverage

Seasonal influenza is a major public health problem globally, causing significant morbidity and mortality, especially in high-risk groups. Children and adults with underlying chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are especially vulnerable to complications, hospitalizations and even death from the infection. However, the link between NCDs and influenza is frequently underestimated. Vaccination against influenza is the single most effective way to reduce this vulnerability in people living with NCDs. Irrespective vaccination rates in this group fall short of the WHO recommended target of 75%. This paper explores the relationship between seasonal influenza and NCDs and proposes strategies for increasing vaccination coverage among the target groups.
The HIV epidemic and human rights violations in Brazil

Efforts to mitigate stigma and discrimination have been central to the national response to HIV in Brazil, a country historically recognized as a leader in human rights-based HIV prevention, treatment and care. Brazil is credited with avoiding a potentially generalized HIV epidemic by providing universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and associated HIV care since 1996. The Brazilian AIDS policy, although hailed as a model worldwide, has been more difficult to implement among more vulnerable groups of people living with HIV/AIDS, such as drug users, homeless persons, people who use drugs and sex workers, who are often stigmatized as noncompliant or difficult to retain in care. (Published: 12 November 2013) Citation: Malta M and Beyrer C. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2013, 16 :18817 http://www.jiasociety. org/index.php/jias/article/view/18817 | http://dx.doi. org/10.7448/IAS.16. 1.18817
Toward Dark Silicon in Servers

Server chips will not scale beyond a few tens to low hundreds of cores, and an increasing fraction of the chip in future technologies will be dark silicon that we cannot afford to power. Specialized multicore processors, however, can leverage the underutilized die area to overcome the initial power barrier, delivering significantly higher performance for the same bandwidth and power envelopes.