Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural-Colony Forming Cell Assay: An Assay To Discriminate Bona Fide Neural Stem Cells from Neural Progenitor Cells

The neurosphere assay (NSA) is one of the most frequently used methods to isolate, expand and also calculate the frequency of neural stem cells (NSCs). Furthermore, this serum-free culture system has also been employed to expand stem cells and determine their frequency from a variety of tumors and normal tissues. It has been shown recently that a one-to-one relationship does not exist between neurosphere formation and NSCs. This suggests that the NSA as currently applied, overestimates the frequency of NSCs in a mixed population of neural precursor cells isolated from both the embryonic and adult mammalian brain. This video practically demonstrates a novel collagen based semi- solid assay, the neural-colony forming cell assay (N-CFCA), which has the ability to discriminate stem from progenitor cells based on their long-term proliferative potential, and thus provides a method to enumerate NSC frequency. In the N-CFCA, colonies ≥2 mm in diameter are derived from cells that meet all the functional criteria of a NSC, while colonies < 2mm are derived from progenitors. The N-CFCA procedure can be used for cells prepared from different sources including primary and cultured adult or embryonic mouse CNS cells. Here we use cells prepared from passage one neurospheres generated from embryonic day 14 mice brain to perform N-CFCA. The cultures are replenished with proliferation medium every seven days for three weeks to allow the plated cells to exhibit their full proliferative potential and then the frequency of neural progenitor and bona fide neural stem cells is calculated respectively by counting the number of colonies that are < 2mm and the ones that are ≥2mm in reference to the number of cells that were initially plated.
Ground displacement measurement by radio interferometric ranging for landslide early warning

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to measuring ground surface displacement at high accuracy by radio interferometric ranging (RIR) with extremely low-cost devices. A major challenge to RIR in accurate measurement is multipath in mountainous environments. We propose a novel RIR scheme called Downslope Interferometric Phase (DIP) to decouple the effect of reflective path from that of line-of-sight path. With a two-path channel model, we find that the displacement errors in DIP fluctuate periodically with respect to measurement frequencies. Based on such a revelation, we propose to employ multiple carrier frequencies from large enough bandwidth to mitigate multipath. Experiments both in open spaces and dense multipath environments show that millimeter level displacement can be detected by DIP within several minutes. With better performance and much lower cost than carrier phase GPS receivers, DIP provides a promising method to build landslide monitoring and early warning systems covering vast areas at reasonable cost.
Capsaicin and capsiate could be appropriate agents for treatment of obesity: A meta-analysis of human studies

ABSTRACT Consumption of capsaicin or its nonpungent analogues, capsinoids has been reported to affect energy expenditure and fat oxidation, although available data are still controversial. The aim of the present study was to conduct a meta-analysis regarding the effects of these substances on energy expenditure and respiratory quotient, with special emphasis on the role of body mass index (BMI) of the participants. Medical databases were systematically searched for papers. Of the 627 trials identified, 9 provided results suitable to be included in analysis. Data analysis showed that after ingestion of capsaicin or capsinoids the energy expenditure increased (245 kJ/day, 58.56 kcal/day, p = 0.030) and the respiratory quotient decreased (by 0.216; p = 0.031) indicating a rise in fat oxidation. Studies with mean BMI of the participants below 25 kg/m2 failed to report any effect of capsaicin or capsinoids on the energy expenditure (p = 0.718) or on the respiratory quotient (p = 0.444), but studies with mean BMI exceeding 25 kg/m2 demonstrated an increase in energy expenditure (292 kJ/day, 69.79 kcal/day, p = 0.023) and a marked decrease in respiratory quotient (−0.257, p = 0.036). Our data clearly suggest that capsaicin or capsiate could be a new therapeutic approach in obesity promoting a negative energy balance and increased fat oxidation.
A Model for Surveillance of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

It is well recognized that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a community pathogen. Several key differences between community-associated and hospital-associated MRSA strains exist, including distinct methicillin resistance genes and genetic backgrounds and differing susceptibility to antibiotics. Recent studies have demonstrated that typical hospital and community strains easily move between hospital and community environments. Despite evidence of MRSA's expanding reach in the community, the best methods for population-level detection and containment have not been established. In an effort to determine effective methods for monitoring the spread of MRSA, we reviewed the literature on hospital-associated and community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) in the community and proposed a model for enhanced surveillance. By linking epidemiologic and molecular techniques within a surveillance system that coordinates activities in the community and health-care setting, scientists and public health officials can begin to measure the true extent of CA-MRSA in communities and hospitals.
Visual object tracking based on filtering methods

Visual object tracking is an important, but open research topic in many practical applications. In this paper, the particle filter, a filtering algorithm based on the sequential-importance-sampling (SIS), is developed and implemented with different modifications to the transition models and constraint conditions. By applying the particle filter into a typical object tracking task, several experimental results are obtained and the feasibility of the modified particle filter is verified.
Familial White Matter Hypoplasia, Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, Mental Retardation and Growth Deficiency: A New Distinctive Syndrome

We have observed in two different families two pairs of male siblings born from normal, non-consanguineous parents having the same syndrome, characterized by severe cerebral white matter hypoplasia, agenesis or extreme hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, mental retardation, failure to thrive and minor midline facial abnormalities. This seems to be a previously unreported genetic syndrome.
Development of a performance measurement system: case study of an Italian SME

Business performance measurement and management is a topic of increasing interest in both academic and industrial ambits. While performance indicators and frameworks have been developed for large companies, little research has focused on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As a consequence of that, different kind of research are needed in order to extend the current body of knowledge. This paper is a contribute forward this direction. Particularly, the paper reports the case study of the implementation of a performance measurement system in a SME. The various stages of the project are highlighted and characteristics of the final system discussed. After two years of system's adoption, feedbacks from user appear positive.
For your eyes only: Bio-behavioural and psycho-social research priorities

Abstract Infertility is experienced as a deeply personal and private condition, which has been investigated across disciplines, from psycho-social to bio-behavioural (van den Akker, 2012). This is undoubtedly, in part, because the interactions between the biological–behavioural axis and psychological–social axis have been linked to aetiological and treatment factors and to the consequences of infertility. Recent data from the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA, 2012) show that medically assisted reproduction (MAR) for infertility is continuing to increase, with 46,000 women in the UK seeking treatment in 2010 alone. Infertility is therefore considered to be a public health concern. However, prevention and ethical treatment require individual and collective responsibility. The currently identified public health concerns are compounded by evidence that genetic factors are linked to infertility, with new generations of children conceived through IVF/ICSI potentially affected by inherited damaged DNA (Bonde et al., 2008) that would otherwise not have found its way into the gene pool of new generations. Since treatment takes place at one point in time, and consideration of the moral rights and wrongs of the consequences of some treatments takes place at another, usually much later on within the social contexts in which they coexist with others, there is a discontinuity between the initial treatment and the future consequences of these treatments. In this paper I propose a simple prevention outcome consequences (POC) model for future comprehensive research priorities with substantial policy and practice implications. The time has come to face the new challenges with all eyes wide open.
Signed Decomposition of Fully Fuzzy Linear Systems

System of linear equations is applied for solving many problems in various areas of applied sciences. Fuzzy methods constitute an important mathematical and computational tool for modeling real-world systems with uncertainties of parameters. In this paper, we discuss about fully fuzzy linear systems in the form b AX  (FFLS). A novel method for finding the non-zero fuzzy solutions of these systems is proposed. We suppose that all elements of coefficient matrix A are positive and we employ parametric form linear system. Finally, Numerical examples are presented to illustrate this approach and its results are compared with other methods.
Modeling and controller design of a VTOL UAV

A tilt rotor VTOL UAV in tri-copter configuration is developed. The vehicle is modeled using the blade element formulation for the propulsion system, and the aerodynamic properties are obtained from a 3D panel code. Linear quadratic regulators and linear quadratic tracking controllers are designed for the attitude control of the aircraft in vertical takeoff and hover flight conditions. The vehicle is built and hover flight tests are carried out. The results demonstrate the success of the modeling carried out and the controller designed.
Current and Future Perspectives in Cardiogenic Shock, Reperfusion Strategies and Hemodynamic Inotropic Support for Acute Heart Failure

Rafael Beyar Editor in Chief Cardiogenic shock continues to be one of the frustrating conditions among the acute heart syndromes that are encountered with high mortality, despite the variety of heroic interventional approaches that have been tried. Dziewierz et al (1) indentifi ed the predictors for cardiogenic shock among an unselected cohort of acute coronary syndrome patients. Overall 4.3% of our patients are presented with cardiogenic shock and are subjected to 63% mortality rate, with the highest predictive risk factors being prior myocardial infarction, prior heart failure, age, and diabetes mellitus. Cardiogenic shock in the 21 st
Effect of Concentrated Fibroblast-Conditioned Media on In Vitro Maintenance of Rat Primary Hepatocyte

The effects of concentrated fibroblast-conditioned media were tested to determine whether hepatocyte function can be maintained without direct contact between hepatocytes and fibroblasts. Primary rat hepatocytes cultured with a concentrated conditioned media of NIH-3T3 J2 cell line (final concentration of 55 mg/ml) showed significantly improved survival and functions (albumin and urea) compared to those of control groups. They also showed higher expression levels of mRNA, albumin and tyrosine aminotransferase compared to hepatocyte monoculture. The results suggest that culture with concentrated fibroblast-conditioned media could be an easy method for in vitro maintenance of primary hepatocytes. They also could be contribute to understand and analyze co-culture condition of hepatocyte with stroma cells.
Phase I Pilot Trial of the Bispecific Antibody MDXH210 (anti-Fc&ggr;RI X anti–HER-2/neu) in Patients Whose Prostate Cancer Overexpresses HER-2/neu

The goal of this study was to evaluate, in patients with prostate cancer, the toxicity profile and biologic activity of the bispecific antibody MDXH210, which has specificity for the non–ligand-binding site of the high-affinity immunoglobulin G receptor (Fc&ggr;RI) and the extracellular domain of the HER-2/neu proto-oncogene product. Patients with prostate cancer that expressed HER-2/neu were entered into a phase I dose-escalation trial of MDXH210. Patients received an intravenous infusion MDXH210 during a period of 2 h three times per week for 2 weeks and were monitored for toxicity. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters were measured and included the biologic end points of monocyte-bound MDXH210, cytokine production, and clinical response. Seven patients were treated with MDXH210 doses ranging from 1 to 8 mg/m2. In general, MDXH210 was well tolerated, with only mild infusion-related malaise, fever, chills, and myalgias. No dose-limiting toxic effects were observed. Biologic effects included induction of low plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-&agr; and interleukin-6 observed immediately after MDXH210 infusion and 70% saturation of circulating monocyte-associated Fc&ggr;RI with MDXH210 at a dose level of 4 to 8 mg/m2. Five of six patients had stable prostate-specific antigen levels during the course of 40 days or more. Circulating plasma HER-2/neu levels decreased by 80% at days 12 and 29 (p = 0.03 and 0.06, respectively, by the Wilcoxon signed rank test). MDXH210 can be given safely to patients with HER-2/neu–positive prostate cancer in doses of at least 8 mg/m2. At the doses studied, biologic activity was demonstrated and characterized by binding of MDXH210 to circulating monocytes, release of monocyte-derived cytokines, a decrease in circulating HER-2/neu, and short-term stabilization of prostate-specific antigen levels.
Influence of different types of lactose on powder flow and tablets dissolution

The objective of this study was the evaluation of different types of lactose on the powders flow properties and dissolution of tablets of formulations with captopril and amoxicillin. Data of powders flow rate, compressibility index and dissolution profiles of tablets are presented. The powders flow rate showed higher sensitivity to small changes in their properties, compared to compressibility index. SuperTabs 21AN and 24AN flow at least 20 times faster than Lactopress and lactose NF. Lubrication increases the flow rate, maintaining the observed comparative differences. Dilution of lactoses with 50% captopril or amoxicillin reduces drastically the powder flow, producing also an equalizing effect. The greater flowability of SuperTabs, compared to other types of lactose, practically disappears. Dissolution of lubricated and unlubricated lactose tablets show a much faster dissolution of SuperTab 21AN tablets followed by Lactopress, lactose NF and SuperTab 24AN tablets. Dilution of lactoses with 50% captopril displays a quite smaller dissolution rate with a comparative similar behavior as observed before while dilution with amoxicillin show an equalizing effect of drug dissolution with minor differences between lactoses. The effect of lactose excipients on dissolution is attributed in a greater extent to mechanical properties of their tablets than to differences in solubility and dissolution.
Phase extraction and boundary removal in dual phase steel micrographs

In order to study the material characteristics, it is essential to obtain the quantitative description of micro-structure of the materials. In this context, digital image processing is used to analyze the microscopic images of the materials. Extraction of grains/phases present in the material is the fundamental step to achieve the description of the micro-structure. In this work, we present an automated scheme for segmenting the phases present in the microscopic image of high strength low alloy steel. The challenge posed by the presence of revealed grain boundaries bearing striking similarity with one of the phases also has been addressed successfully. Experiment shows that proposed scheme has the inherent capability to cope up with the factors like magnification, imaging condition affecting the image characteristics.
A decision tree conceptualization of choice of knowledge transfer mechanism: the views of software development specialists in a multinational company

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically study transfer mechanisms of technological knowledge, and to explore the interplay among the factors that influence the choice of a mechanism. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reports on a qualitative case study designed to explore the reasons underlying the selection of intra-organizational knowledge transfer mechanisms. This research was carried out as an exploratory case study, which allowed one to observe the phenomenon in a natural setting. Findings – The results of the present study indicate the interplay between the factors, and link the factors in a sequence that help decide a mechanism. A decision to select a mechanism depends upon several variables; some of them override others, others are interlinked, and sometimes there is a causal link. Research limitations/implications – It is based on a sample of employees that may not be representative of the broader population. Since the samples were drawn only from a MNC, the results may not b.
AMP‐activated protein kinase: the energy charge hypothesis revisited

The AMP‐activated protein kinase cascade is a sensor of cellular energy charge, and its existence provides strong support for the energy charge hypothesis first proposed by Daniel Atkinson in the 1960s. The system is activated in an ultrasensitive manner by cellular stresses that deplete ATP (and consequently elevate AMP), either by inhibiting ATP production (e.g., hypoxia), or by accelerating ATP consumption (e.g., exercise in muscle). Once activated, it switches on catabolic pathways, both acutely by phosphorylation of metabolic enzymes and chronically by effects on gene expression, and switches off many ATP‐consuming processes. Recent work suggests that activation of AMPK is responsible for many of the effects of physical exercise, both the rapid metabolic effects and the adaptations that occur during training. Dominant mutations in regulatory subunit isoforms (γ2 and γ3) of AMPK, which appear to increase the basal activity in the absence of AMP, lead to hypertrophy of cardiac and skeletal muscle respectively. BioEssays 23:1112–1119, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Influence of Plumbing Materials on Biofilm Formation and Growth of Legionella pneumophila in Potable Water Systems

A two-stage chemostat model of a plumbing system was developed, with tap water as the sole nutrient source. The model system was populated with a naturally occurring inoculum derived from an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease and containing Legionella pneumophila along with associated bacteria and protozoa. The model system was used to develop biofilms on the surfaces of a range of eight plumbing materials under controlled, reproducible conditions. The materials varied in their abilities to support biofilm development and the growth of L. pneumophila. Elastomeric surfaces had the most abundant biofilms supporting the highest numbers of L. pneumophila CFU; this was attributed to the leaching of nutrients for bacterial growth from the materials. No direct relationship existed between total biofouling and the numbers of L. pneumophila CFU.
State, unknown input and uncertainty estimation for nonlinear systems using a Takagi-Sugeno model

The paper addresses a systematic procedure to deal with the state, unknown input and parameter uncertainty estimation for nonlinear time-varying systems. This is realized by designing a robust observer for dynamic nonlinear systems using a Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) multi-model (MM) approach with nonlinear outputs. The method applies the technique of descriptor systems by considering unknown inputs and parameter uncertainty as auxiliary state variables. This approach allows to apply the tools of the linear automatic to dynamic nonlinear systems by using the Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI) optimization. The observer estimates the previous mentioned variables and minimizes the effect of external disturbances on the estimation error. The model uncertainties are included in the model in a polynomial way which allows to consider the model uncertainty estimation as a fault detection problem. The residual sensitivity to faults while maintaining robustness according to a noise signal is handled by ℋ∞/ℋ- approach.
Treatments for Decreased Sound Tolerance (Hyperacusis and Misophonia)

Abstract Decreased sound tolerance (DST) is an underappreciated condition that affects the lives of a significant portion of the general population. There is lack of agreement regarding definitions, specific components, prevalence, methods of evaluation, and methods of treatment. Limited data are available on the results of treatments. Research is scant and constrained by the lack of an animal model. This article proposes a definition of DST and its division into hyperacusis and misophonia. The potential mechanisms of these phenomena are outlined, and the results of treatment performed at Emory University are presented. Out of 201 patients with DST, 165 (82%) showed significant improvement. Of 56 patients with hyperacusis (with or without misophonia), 45 (80%) showed significant improvement. This proportion was higher for the group with hyperacusis and concurrent misophonia (33 of 39, or 85%) and lower for patients with hyperacusis only (13 of 17, or 76%). Effectiveness of treatment for misophonia with or without hyperacusis was identical (152 of 184, 83% and 139 of 167, 83%, respectively, for misophonia accompanied by hyperacusis and for misophonia only). Even with current limited knowledge of DST, it is possible to propose specific mechanisms of hyperacusis and misophonia and, based on these mechanisms, to offer treatments in accordance with the neurophysiological model of tinnitus. These treatments are part of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), which is aimed at concurrently treating tinnitus and DST and alleviating the effects of hearing loss. High effectiveness of the proposed treatments support the postulated mechanisms.
Application of Quality Function Deployment in redesigning website: a case study on TV3

Internet technology has been used by most of the organizations in the world today. One of the primary vehicles of information gathering and dissemination in today’s world is organizational website. This research evaluates the performance of the present TV3 (a popular private television station in Malaysia) website. By means of an on-line survey and a few focus group discussions, it also identifies the website viewer requirements and their corresponding importance level. Subsequently, the technical requirements are identified that can fulfill the viewer requirements. A House of Quality (HOQ) is built to find the relationship between the viewer and technical requirements. The Quality Function Deployment (QFD) exercise provides the prioritized technical requirements, which is expected to guide the TV3 website development and maintenance team in its future website redesigning project. The findings of the research are also expected to provide some insight in other organizations in similar need.