Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
regenerative mechanisms through endogenous circulating or site-specific stem cells . The new direction for clinical trials includes the use of stem cells capable of cardiac lineage , such as endogenous cardiac stem cells . steM Cell theraPy For heart Failure

debakeyheartcenter.com/journal 187 The Problem of Heart Failure Cardiovascular disease (Cvd) is this nation’s number-one killer, accounting for 34% of all u.s. deaths each year, innumerable resources, and healthcare expenditures that approach $300 billion annually.1 each year, Cvd kills more people than cancer, hiv, diabetes, and trauma combined.2 Coronary artery disease (Cad) is the major component of Cvd. Cad that results in myocardial infarction (Mi) claims more than 1 million u.s. lives each year and leads to countless permanent disabilities including heart failure.1 Many advances have been made in the medical and surgical treatment of Cad since the Coronary artery surgery study (Cass) clinical trial identified a fundamental role for surgical intervention.3 Cardiac surgery has been central in the treatment of nearly every major cardiac condition. Moreover, the success of medical and surgical therapies in the management of acute and chronic ischemic heart disease has contributed to a growing number of patients reaching their sixth, seventh, and eighth decades of life with congestive heart failure (ChF). indeed, it is estimated that 1% of the Western world carries the diagnosis of ChF, and approximately 5 million americans currently live with heart failure, with an additional 400,000 patients newly diagnosed each year.4 ChF is the most common admitting diagnosis for patients over the age of 65 years and is associated not only with a decreased quality of life but also significant mortality.5 the age-adjusted mortality rate for ChF is 106 per 100,000, exceeding that of breast cancer and aids combined. recent data suggest that ChF carries a mortality rate of at least 40% within 2 years of diagnosis. For those patients with the most advanced stages of ChF (new york heart association class iv), the 1-year mortality rate exceeds 50%. in addition to its poor prognosis, the treatment of ChF is associated with very high and continuingly escalating costs. not only is ChF the most expensive diagnosis-related group covered by Medicare and Medicaid, it is estimated that the total Abstract
Modulation of human mesenchymal stem cell function in a three‐dimensional matrix promotes attenuation of adverse remodelling after myocardial infarction

The application of tissue engineering (TE) practices for cell delivery offers a unique approach to cellular cardiomyoplasty. We hypothesized that human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) applied to the heart in a collagen matrix would outperform the same cells grown in a monolayer and directly injected for cardiac cell replacement after myocardial infarction in a rat model. When hMSC patches were transplanted to infarcted hearts, several measures for left ventricle (LV) remodelling and function were improved, including fractional area change, wall thickness, –dP/dt and LV end‐diastolic pressure. Neovessel formation throughout the LV infarct wall after hMSC patch treatment increased by 37% when compared to direct injection of hMSCs. This observation was correlated with increased secretion of angiogenic factors, with accompanying evidence that these factors enhanced vessel formation (30% increase) and endothelial cell growth (48% increase) in vitro. These observations may explain the in vivo observations of increased vessel formation and improved cardiac function with patch‐mediated cell delivery. Although culture of hMSC in collagen patches enhanced angiogenic responses, there was no effect on cell potency or viability. Therefore, hMSCs delivered as a cardiac patch showed benefits above those derived from monolayers and directly injected. hMSCs cultured and delivered within TE constructs may represent a good option to maximize the effects of cellular cardiomyoplasty. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Severe and uncontrolled asthma in China: a cross-sectional survey from the Australasian Severe Asthma Network.

BACKGROUND Severe asthma is largely unexplored in the Chinese population. Patients with asthma underwent systematic evaluation, by investigating the characteristics of uncontrolled asthma and of asthma treated with three different controller therapies. METHODS This multi-centre, real-world study was conducted from March 2014 to September 2015. Adults with stable asthma underwent assessment of medication use, asthma control, quality of life, psychological symptoms, work productivity and activity impairment, bronchodilator response and sputum induction. RESULTS Participants (n=379) had a mean (SD) age of 47.4 (14.0) years, and 57.0% were female. There were 14.8% (n=56) of patients receiving treatment with Step 4/5 as severe asthma, but only 13 (3.4%) met ERS/ATS severe refractory asthma criteria. The patients with severe asthma usually used triple controller therapy: ICS/LABA, additional leukotriene modifier or theophylline, and reported better asthma control. Two fifths of patients (n=147) had uncontrolled asthma, with worse symptoms, psychological symptoms (both P<0.001), health-related work productivity and activity impairment, increased eosinophilic inflammation in sputum [1.68% (0.0, 17.1%) vs. 0.2% (0.0, 1.3%), P<0.0001] and more exacerbations (P<0.05). Multiple regression analysis indicated that triple controller therapy significantly reduced the risk of uncontrolled asthma [OR =0.32, 95% CI =(0.14, 0.75)]. CONCLUSIONS Although there is a relatively low proportion of severe refractory asthma based on ERS/ATS criteria, two of five patients with asthma in China are uncontrolled, displaying more psychological symptoms and reduced work productivity. Substantial gain in asthma control is obtained by triple controller therapy and this may be a promising therapeutic option for persistent asthma.
Acceleration and execution of relational queries using general purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU)

s away much detail about the actual execution of a program from application developers: developers only specify logical relationships between data. Compared to emerging distributed programming languages for GPUs such as Map-Reduce [24], LogiQL expresses a richer set of relational and database operations that are cumbersome to implement in Map-Reduce. 2.1. 2 Relational Algebra Primitives Database programming languages are mainly derived from primitive operations common to first order logic. They are also declarative, in that they specify the expected result of the computation rather than a list of steps required to determine it. Due to their roots in first order logic, many database programming languages such as SQL and Datalog can be mostly or completely represented using RA. RA itself consists of a small number of fundamental operations, including PROJECT, SELECT, PRODUCT, SET operations (UNION, INTERSECT, and DIFFERENCE), and JOIN. These fundamental operators are themselves complex applications that are composed of multi-level algorithms and complex data structures. Given kernel-granularity implementations of these operations it is possible to compile many high level database applications into a CFG of RA kernels. RA consists of a set of fundamental transformations that are applied to sets of primitive elements. Primitive elements consist of n-ary tuples that map attributes to values. Each attribute consists of a finite set of possible values and an n-ary tuple is a list of n values, one for each attribute. Another way to think about tuples is as coordinates in an n-dimensional space. An unordered set of tuples of this type specifies a region in this n-dimensional space and is termed a “relation”. Each transformation in RA performs an operation on a relation, producing a new relation. Many operators divide the tuple attributes into key attributes and value attributes. In these operations, the key attributes are considered by the operator and the value attributes are treated as payload data that are not considered by the operation. Table 1 lists the common RA operators and a few simple examples. In general, these operators perform simple tasks on a large amount of data. A typical complex relational
Classical Zeno dynamics in the light emitted by an extended, partially coherent source

We provide theoretical and experimental evidence of a classical-optics realization of quantum Zeno dynamics. In contrast to other approaches, the classical implementation is extremely simple and adaptable. Frequently monitoring the transverse spreading of the light emitted by an extended source results in a nontrivial dynamics where spreading and all other transverse effects associated with light propagation as the increase of spatial coherence tends to be inhibited. This is fully equivalent to a quantum Zeno dynamics where monitoring whether a quantum free particle at rest remains in a spatial interval causes inhibition of the quantum-state evolution, including the degree of purity.
Progressive stochastic motion planning for human-robot interaction

This paper introduces a new approach to optimal online motion planning for human-robot interaction scenarios. For a safe, comfortable, and efficient interaction between human and robot working in close proximity, robot motion has to be agile and perceived as natural by the human partner. The robot has to be aware of its environment, including human motions, in order to proactively take actions while ensuring safety, and task fulfillment. Human motion prediction constitutes the fundamental perception input for the motion planner. The prediction system, which is based on probabilistic movement primitives, generates a prediction of human motion as a trajectory distribution learned in an offline phase. The proposed stochastic optimization-based planning algorithm then progressively finds feasible optimization parameters to replan the motion online that ensures collision avoidance while minimizing the task-related trajectory cost. Our simulation results show that the proposed approach produces collision-free trajectories while still reaching the goal successfully. We also highlight the performance of our planner in comparison to previous methods in stochastic motion planning.
Distinct regulatory elements govern Fgf4 gene expression in the mouse blastocyst, myotomes, and developing limb.

Embryonic development requires a complex program of events which are directed by a number of signaling molecules whose expression must be rigorously regulated. We previously showed that expression of Fgf4, which plays an important role in postimplantation development and growth and patterning of the limb, is regulated in EC cells by the synergistic interaction of Sox2 and Oct-3 with the Fgf4 EC cell-specific enhancer. To verify whether this mechanism was also operating in vivo, and to identify new elements controlling Fgf4 gene expression in distinct developmental stages, we have analyzed the expression of LacZ reporter plasmids containing different fragments of the Fgf4 gene in transgenic mouse embryos. Utilizing these transgenic constructs we have been able to recapitulate, for the most part, Fgf4 gene expression during embryonic development. We show here that most of the cis-acting regulatory elements determining Fgf4 embryonic expression are located in conserved regions within the 3' UTR of the gene. The EC cell-specific enhancer is required to drive gene expression in the ICM of the blastocyst, and its activity requires the Sox and Oct-proteins binding sites. We were also able to identify specific and distinct enhancer elements that govern postimplantation expression in the somitic myotomes and the limb bud AER. The myotome-specific elements contain binding sites for bHLH myogenic regulatory factors, which appear to be essential for myotome expression. Finally, we present evidence that the very restricted pattern of expression of Fgf4 transcripts in the AER results from the combined action of positive and negative regulatory elements located 3' of the Fgf4 coding sequences. Thus the Fgf4 gene relies on multiple and distinct regulatory elements to achieve stage- and tissue-specific embryonic expression.
Comparison of Tuberculin Skin Test, IFN-γ Assay, Real Time PCR and Lateral Flow Rapid Test in Diagnosis of Field Outbreaks of Bovine Tuberculosis

Bovine tuberculosis is an important zoonotic disease transmitted by direct contact, respiratory pathway, ingestion of unpasteurised milk and milk product, raw or undercooked meat. Tuberculosis can be difficult to diagnose based only on the clinical signs. Tuberculosis is usually diagnosed in the field with the tuberculin skin test. Sputum and other body fluids may be collected for microbiological examination. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods have also been described. Diagnostic blood tests include the lymphocyte proliferation assay, the interferon gamma (IFN-γ) assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). In this study a total of 50 animals were tested by using tuberculin skin test (TST), lateral flow rapid test, IFN-γ assay and real time PCR. The animals were selected randomly among 178 cattle in dairy farms with the aged between 3-5 years and suspected of having tuberculosis. Forty five cattle were positive out of 50 for TST while 31 for reactive by the IFN-γ assay and 28 for rapid test and 9 for real time PCR. The purpose behind such variable as age was to compare sensitivity of tuberculin skin test, the IFN-γ assay and TB lateral flow rapid test and real time PCR examination for the diagnosis of field outbreaks of bovine tuberculosis in Turkey.
Expectant management of severe preeclampsia presenting before 25 weeks of gestation.

BACKGROUND The treatment of preeclampsia before 25 weeks of gestation remains controversial. The aim was to evaluate the outcome of expectant management of preeclamptic women presenting prior to 25 weeks of gestation. MATERIAL/METHODS During a five-year period, 55 women presenting with severe preeclampsia at or before 24 weeks and 6 days of gestation were admitted to a high-care unit for expectant management. Indications for delivery were the development of severe maternal morbidity secondary to preeclampsia. Complications were identified from individual patient and infant records. RESULTS Mean prolongation of gestation was 4.8+/-4.1 days (range: 1-13 days) and the mean maternal hospitalization period was 10.0+/-8.3 days (range: 2-31 days). Conservative management was associated with a 94.5% (52/55) intrauterine fetal loss rate. Of the three live-born infants, one died secondary to respiratory distress syndrome followed by neonatal sepsis and the other two survived with cognitive and motor developmental delay. HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome was diagnosed in 12 women (21.8%). Nine women (16.3%) required transfusions with blood or blood products. There was 1 case (1.8%) of eclampsia. Overall, 15 women (27.2%) had developed some maternal morbidity without any significant differences between <23 weeks' and >/=23 weeks' gestation. Nulliparity was not associated with stillbirth (p=0.8), HELLP syndrome (p=0.8), or overall maternal morbidity (p=0.7). None of the women died or required any long-term treatment. CONCLUSIONS Conservative management of severe preeclampsia before 25 weeks of gestation is associated with considerable perinatal mortality and morbidity. Maternal complications are relatively common, but generally short-lived.
An Integrated Approach for Process Control Valves Diagnosis Using Fuzzy Logic

Control valves are widely used in industry to control fluid flow in several applications. In nuclear power systems they are crucial for the safe operation of plants. Therefore, the necessity of improvements in monitoring and diagnosis methods started to be of extreme relevance, establishing as main goal of the reliability and readiness of the system components. The main focus of this work is to study the development of a model of non-intrusive monitoring and diagnosis applied to process control valves using artificial intelligence by fuzzy logic technique, contributing to the development of predictive methodologies identifying faults in incipient state. Specially in nuclear power plants, the predictive maintenance contributes to the security factor in order to diagnose in advance the occurrence of a possible failure, preventing severs situations. The control valve analyzed belongs to a steam plant which simulates the secondary circuit of a PWR—Pressurized Water Reactor. The maintenance programs are being implemented based on the ability to diagnose modes of degradation and to take measures to prevent incipient failures, improving plant reliability and reducing maintenance costs. The approach described in this paper represents an alternative departure from the conventional qualitative techniques of system analysis. The methodology used in this project is based on signatures analysis, considering the pressure (psi) in the actuator and the stem displacement (mm) of the valve. Once the measurements baseline of the control valve is taken, it is possible to detect long-term deviations during valve lifetime, detecting in advance valve failures. This study makes use of MATLAB language through the “fuzzy logic toolbox” which uses the method of inference “Mamdani”, acting by fuzzy conjunction, through Triangular Norms (t-norm) and Triangular Conorms (t-conorm). The main goal is to obtain more detailed information contained in the measured data, correlating them to failure situations in the incipient stage.
Model Structure of Decorin and Implications for Collagen Fibrillogenesis*

The three-dimensional structure of human decorin, a secreted proteoglycan involved in the regulation of collagen fibrillogenesis and cellular growth, has been modeled based on the crystal structure of the porcine ribonuclease inhibitor. Both proteins contain leucine-rich repeats and share 18% identical residues. This model structure of decorin has an arch shape with the single glycosaminoglycan chain and the three N-linked oligosaccharides located on the same side of the molecule. Decorin was modeled as binding to a polar sequence of collagen type I found in the d band. The inner concave surface is the appropriate size and shape to accommodate only one collagen triple helix of ∼3 nm in length. The binding of one collagen triple helix to decorin is proposed to play a major role in the formation of the staggered arrangement of collagen molecules within the microfibrils by preventing lateral fusion of collagen molecules.
A high I/O reconfigurable crossbar switch

A crossbar switch with 928 inputs and 928 outputs is presented. Switching elements are constructed using logic in the routing fabric. This approach yields a 16/spl times/ improvement in logic density compared with using conventional logic. Normally, the routing is fixed. However, in FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), the interconnection is defined by the state of SRAM configuration cells, which are dynamically modifiable. Therefore, the switch is implemented on an FPGA using partial configuration to modify routing resources during operation. All paths are synchronously clocked at 155.5 MHz, creating a total throughput of 144.3 Gbits/s. to maintain constant clock latency across all paths, partially configurable delay registers are used. Finally, the partial reconfiguration controller is implemented in hardware to enable fast switch updates.
Structural analysis and enhanced production of fusaricidin from Paenibacillus kribbensis CU01 isolated from yellow loess

A bacterial strain showing strong antifungal activity was isolated from yellow loess and was identified as Paenibacillus kribbensis CU01. Insoluble mucoidal polymers were separated from M9 culture medium via low‐speed centrifugation. Most antifungal activity was associated with substances in the insoluble precipitate, which was purified by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. Purified fractions were analyzed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Two major ion peaks with mass‐to‐charge ratio values (m/z) at 883.6 and 897.6 were revealed. After alkaline hydrolysis and sequence analysis, two cyclic depsipeptides were identified as, fusaricidin A and fusaricidin B. Their production was significantly increased by the addition of glucose, Fe2+, and Mn2+ to M9 medium. Maximum concentrations of produced fusaricidin A and fusaricidin B at flask‐scale comprised 460 mg L−1 and 118 mg L−1, respectively: the highest production concentrations yet reported in the literature. This demonstrates that P. kribbensis CU01 has enormous commercial potential for the mass production of fusaricidin.
The effects of leucodepletion in patients who develop the systemic inflammatory response syndrome following cardiopulmonary bypass

The development of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Numerous anticytokine trials have failed to demonstrate any outcome benefit and there has been little evidence of improvement in the prognosis of this condition over the past 20 years. This study examines the effect of using a white cell filter designed to remove polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in patients who developed SIRS 36 h after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Twenty-four patients were randomized to receive either leucofiltration (LF) or control therapy (CT). The two groups were well matched at study entry in terms of age, severity of illness and length of time on CPB. LF patients received 60 min filtration periods using a venovenous extracorporeal circuit at a flow rate of 200 ml/min with the cycle repeated every 12 h while SIRS and other entry criteria were met. CT patients received standard therapy. LF patients received an average of 4.2 cycles (range 1-8) and, after 15 min filtration, the total leucocyte count had fallen from 16.2 ± 5.3 to 10.4 ± 3.3 × 109/l and PMN from 14.4 ± 5.2 to 8.3 ± 4.2 × 109/l. The mean platelet count changed from 127 ± 87 to 117 ± 82 × 109/l. No adverse effects related to leucodepletion were observed. There was no difference between the groups in either mortality or length of stay at the intensive care unit or at hospital discharge. Organ function was assessed regularly during the study period and significant changes occurred only in respiratory and renal function. In the LF patients, respiratory function assessed by change in hypoxaemia index from baseline and renal function assessed by serum creatinine showed significant treatment effects compared to CT patients (p < 0.01, <0.01 respectively); three CT patients, but no LF patients, received haemofiltration during the study period. Leucofiltration safely and effectively removes circulating PMNs from patients with SIRS following CPB. This may result in improved pulmonary and renal function in these patients. Further studies are required of the kinetics and phenotypic characteristics of PMN removal by leucofiltration and a larger multicentre study will be necessary to determine whether this novel therapy has a significant outcome benefit in critically ill patients with SIRS.
A Compact, linearly-polarized antenna design with electronically steerable angle of orientation

In this paper, a planar, linear-polarized antenna with electronic controllable angle of orientation is presented. A steerable range of over 75° is achieved by exploiting the large power dividing ratio of a tunable rat-race coupler. The proposed design features compact size, simple control method, potentially wide band and low cost. For experimental demonstration, the simulated and measured results of a 2.45-GHz tunable linear-polarized antenna implemented on microstrip are provided.