Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computationally Feasible Bounds for Partially Observed Markov Decision Processes

A partially observed Markov decision process (POMDP) is a sequential decision problem where information concerning parameters of interest is incomplete, and possible actions include sampling, surveying, or otherwise collecting additional information. Such problems can theoretically be solved as dynamic programs, but the relevant state space is infinite, which inhibits algorithmic solution. This paper explains how to approximate the state space by a finite grid of points, and use that grid to construct upper and lower value function bounds, generate approximate nonstationary and stationary policies, and bound the value loss relative to optimal for using these policies in the decision problem. A numerical example illustrates the methodology.
Attenuation in rat brain nitric oxide synthase activity in the coarctation model of hypertension.

The correlation of brain nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity with renal hypertension has been investigated in rats. NOS activity was measured by oxyhaemoglobin and by conversion of radioactive arginine to citrulline. There was significant elevation of blood pressure (54% increase) along with left ventricular hypertrophy (26% greater than the control) 8 weeks after coarctation. The brain NOS activity was also significantly reduced in coarctated animals (45% of the control value). Treatment with captopril (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) or centhaquin (centrally acting antihypertensive agent) led to significant reduction of left ventricular hypertrophy and a marked recovery in the brain NOS activity (to 92% and 135% of the control, respectively). Nifedipine (a calcium channel blocker) also brought about normalization of blood pressure but the left ventricular hypertrophy was not prevented. The brain NOS activity in the nifedipine treated group also showed a significant trend of recovery (to 73% of the control NOS activity). The results suggested that there is an inverse correlation between brain NOS activity and blood pressure level.
Long‐distance dispersal or postglacial contraction? Insights into disjunction between Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains and Taiwan in a cold‐adapted herbaceous genus, Triplostegia

Abstract Current disjunct patterns can result from long‐distance dispersal or postglacial contraction. We herein investigate the evolutionary history of Triplostegia to elucidate the disjunction between the Himalaya–Hengduan Mountain region (HHM) and Taiwan (TW). Genetic structure of Triplostegia was investigated for 48 populations using sequences from five chloroplast loci and the ribosomal nuclear internal transcribed spacer. Divergence time estimation, ancestral area reconstruction, and species distribution modeling (SDM) were employed to examine the biogeographic history of Triplostegia. Substantial genetic differentiation among populations from southwestern China (SW), Central China (CC), and TW was detected. Triplostegia was inferred to have originated in SW, and diversification began during the late Miocene; CC was colonized in the mid‐Pliocene, and TW was finally colonized in the early Pleistocene. SDM suggested an expansion of climatically suitable areas during the Last Glacial Maximum and range contraction during the Last interglacial in Triplostegia. Disjunction between HHM and TW in Triplostegia is most likely the consequence of topographic isolation and postglacial contraction. The potential climatic suitability areas for Triplostegia by 2070s (2061–2080) are predicted to slightly shrink and move northward. With continued global warming and human‐induced deforestation, extinction risk may increase for the cold‐adapted species, and appropriate strategies should be employed for ecosystem conservation.
Cerebral Perfusion and Cerebrovascular Reactivity Are Reduced in White Matter Hyperintensities

Background and Purpose— There is growing evidence that white matter hyperintensities (WMH) should not be considered as benign age-dependent changes on MR images but indicate pathological changes with clinical consequences. Previous studies comparing subjects with WMH to normal controls have reported global reductions in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral vascular reactivity. In this study, we examined localized hemodynamic status to compare WMH to normal appearing white matter (NAWM). Methods— A group of 21 normal 85-year-old subjects were studied using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI together with administration of acetazolamide. From a combination of anatomic images with different signal weighting, regions of interest were generated corresponding to gray and white matter and WMH. Localized measurements of CBF and cerebral blood volume (CBV) and mean transit time were obtained directly within WMH and NAWM. Results— When comparing WMH to NAWM, measurements showed significantly lower CBF (P =0.004) and longer mean transit time (P < 0.001) in WMH but no significant difference in CBV (P =0.846). The increases in CBF and CBV induced by acetazolamide were significantly smaller in WMH than in NAWM (P =0.026, P <0.001). Conclusion— These results show that a change in the hemodynamic status is present within the WMH, making these areas more likely to be exposed to transient ischemia inducing myelin rarefaction. In the future, MRI may be used to examine the effect of therapeutic strategies designed to prevent or normalize vascular changes.
Assessment of Aggregated Impacts of Prosumer Behaviour

We present a distribution grid simulation study in which we analyse the aggregated impacts of individual prosumer optimization strategies for the operation of a typical European distribution grid. For this we simulate the individual behaviour of 4'000 prosumer households that have roof-top solar PV and residential batteries. They are using different operation strategies in order to maximize their own benefit with respect to variable residential electricity tariffs as well as their own load consumption and PV power production - for instance via PV self-consumption maximization. We analyse the aggregated impacts of the individual prosumer behaviour on the distribution grid. We show how the choice of the applied rule-set, respectively the economic incentives given to prosumers, is decisive for inducing either grid-friendly or grid-unfriendly prosumer behaviour.
Variation of crash severity and injury risk depending on collisions with different vehicle types and objects

Real-life crashes with cars fitted with on-board crash pulse recorders were used to study the influence of their collision partner, in both two- and single-vehicle crashes, on crash severity and injury risk. The crash severity was lower in single-vehicle crashes compared with two-vehicle crashes. Both average change of velocity and mean acceleration were lower and average pulse duration was longer in collisions with deformable objects compared with collisions with fixed objects. In frontal two-vehicle crashes the average change of velocity in crashes with passenger cars was 21.3 km/h, while it was 35.8 km/h in collisions with trucks. The difference corresponded to an increased average risk of MAIS2+ injury of almost 5-fold. The corresponding values for mean acceleration were 6.3 g and 8.8 g respectively, which corresponded to a doubled risk. In rear-end crashes the average change of velocity in crashes with passenger cars was 9.8 km/h, while it was 16.3 km/h in collisions with trucks. The corresponding values for average mean acceleration were 3.7 g and 4.4 g respectively, meaning a doubled average risk of long-term whiplash injury symptoms. In frontal single-vehicle crashes the average mean acceleration in collisions with deformable objects was 4.5 g and in collisions with fixed objects 6.2 g. The increase corresponded to an almost 3-fold higher average risk of an MAIS2+ injury. For the covering abstract see ITRD E141569.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria isolated from neonatal foal samples submitted to a New Zealand veterinary pathology laboratory (2004 to 2013)

Abstract AIMS: To describe antimicrobial susceptibility, and identify antimicrobial resistance (AMR), in bacteria isolated from New Zealand foals. METHODS: A database search was performed of submissions to a veterinary pathology laboratory between April 2004 and December 2013 for bacterial culture of samples from foals <3 weeks of age. Culture and susceptibility results were compiled with demographic information. Susceptibility results were as defined for the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test based on Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was defined as non-susceptibility to ≥3 of a panel of antimicrobials (ceftiofur, enrofloxaxin, gentamicin, penicillin, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfonamide); penicillin susceptibility was not included for Gram-negative isolates. RESULTS: Submissions from 102 foals were examined, and 127 bacterial isolates were cultured from 64 (63%) foals. Of the 127 isolates, 32 (25%) were Streptococcus spp. , 30 (24%) were Staphylococcus spp. , 12 (10%) were Enterococcus spp. and 26 (21%) were Escherichia coli. Of 83 Gram-positive isolates, 57 (69%) were susceptible to penicillin. Over all isolates, 92/126 (73%) were susceptible to gentamicin and 117/126 (93%) to enrofloxacin; 62/82 (76%) of Gram-positive, and 22/42 (52%) of Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to ceftiofur; 53/81 (65%) of Gram-positive, and 23/44 (52%) of Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to tetracycline; 59/82 (72%) of Gram-positive, and 23/44 (43%) of Gram-negative bacteria were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfonamide. Of 126 isolates, 33 (26%) had MDR; >1 isolate with MDR was cultured from 24/64 (38%) foals, and ≥2 isolates with MDR were recovered from 8/64 (13%) foals. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-drug resistance, including resistance to commonly used antimicrobials, was found in bacterial isolates from foals in New Zealand. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study are of concern from a treatment perspective as they indicate a potential for antimicrobial treatment failure. For future surveillance of AMR and the creation of national guidelines, it is important to record more data on samples submitted for bacterial culture.
Mechanical property characterization of the zebrafish embryo chorion

A microrobotic force sensing system is used to characterize the mechanical properties of the chorion of zebrafish embryos and quantitate the mechanical property differences of the chorion at different developmental stages. Quantitative relationships between applied forces and chorion structural deformations are established for various developmental stages. The measured penetration forces for puncturing chorion at the blastula stage are 1.3 times as large as those at the pre-hatching stage. Through the use of an analytical biomembrane elastic model, chorion elastic modulus values are determined. The modulus at the blastula stage is 1.66 times as large as that at the pre-hatching stage. The experimental results quantitatively describe "chorion softening," which is mostly due to the proteolytic activity at the pre-hatching stage. This study also reveals the effect of pronase treatment on zebrafish chorion, which produces an "artificial chorion softening" effect. This draws an analogy between pronase treatment and proteolytic activities at the pre-hatching stage.
Predictors and prognosis of inability to get up after falls among elderly persons.

OBJECTIVE To identify the predictors and prognosis associated with inability to get up after falling. DESIGN Cohort study with a mean 21-month follow-up. SETTING General community. SUBJECTS 1103 New Haven, Conn, residents aged 72 years and older who were able to follow simple commands and walk unassisted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported inability to get up without help after falls not resulting in serious injury; activity restriction and hospitalization after a fall; death; and placement in a nursing home. RESULTS Inability to get up without help was reported after 220 of 596 non-injurious falls. Of 313 non-injured fallers, 148 (47%) reported inability to get up after at least one fall. Compared with non-fallers, the risk factors independently associated with inability to get up included the following: an age of at least 80 years (adjusted relative risk [RR], 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 2.1); depression (RR, 1.5; CI, 1.1 to 2.0); and poor balance and gait (RR, 2.0; CI, 1.5 to 2.7). Previous stroke (RR, 1.6; CI, 1.0 to 2.4) and sedative use (RR, 1.5; CI, 0.9 to 2.2) did not achieve significance. Among fallers, older age and poor balance and gait were associated marginally with inability to get up. Compared with fallers who were able to get up, fallers who were unable to get up were more likely to suffer lasting decline in activities of daily living (35% vs 26%). Fallers who were unable to get up were more likely to die, to be hospitalized, and to suffer a decline in activities of daily living for at least 3 days, and were less likely to be placed in a nursing home than were fallers who were able to get up, but these trends were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The risk factors for inability to get up were similar to those for falling, although certain factors imparted a particular risk of inability to get up without help. The frequency of inability to get up and the short- and long-term morbidity associated with this inability suggest the need for preventive and treatment efforts.
Phase I study of intravenously administered bacterially synthesized granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and comparison with subcutaneous administration.

A Phase I study of bacterially synthesized recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) was undertaken in 21 patients with advanced malignancy or neutropenia. rhGM-CSF was administered once daily by i.v. bolus injection (0.3 to 3 micrograms/kg/day) or 2-h i.v. infusion (3 to 20 micrograms/kg day) for 10 days. rhGM-CSF at all i.v. doses caused an immediate transient decrease in circulating neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes. By 6 h after rhGM-CSF, circulating leukocyte levels were restored. Daily i.v. bolus dosing (0.3 to 3 micrograms/kg/day) did not elevate leukocyte levels except in one neutropenic patient. Daily 2-h i.v. infusions (10 to 20 micrograms/kg/day) caused a dose-dependent leukocytosis with increased levels of neutrophils (up to 4.3-fold), eosinophils (up to 18-fold), and monocytes (up to 3.5-fold). Marrow aspirates showed increased proportions of promyelocytes and myelocytes during rhGM-CSF administration. Retreatment after 10 days without rhGM-CSF resulted in a more marked leukocytosis at doses greater than or equal to 10 micrograms/kg/day. Platelet levels decreased for the first 3 days and then increased during the first course of rhGM-CSF administration. Two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia had a transient reduction in lymphocytosis. Serum cholesterol and albumin levels decreased, and vitamin B12 levels increased during rhGM-CSF treatment. At doses of up to 15 micrograms/kg/day, rhGM-CSF was relatively well tolerated by the patients, but adverse effects included bone pain, lethargy, fever, rash, and weight gain. A first dose reaction characterized by hypoxia and hypotension was identified at dose levels greater than or equal to 1 microgram/kg. Dosing i.v. was less potent at inducing a leukocytosis than previously observed for equivalent s.c. doses and was associated with a higher incidence of generalized rash and first dose reactions. The maximal tolerated dose of i.v. rhGM-CSF was 15 micrograms/kg/day. Phase II studies in which the derived effect is to raise leukocyte levels should be undertaken at rhGM-CSF doses of 3 to 15 micrograms/kg/day.
Neurological manifestations of atrio‐esophageal fistulas from left atrial ablation

Left atrial ablation (LAAB) is carried out as an alternative treatment of atrial fibrillation refractory to conservative measures. An increasingly recognized complication of LAAB is an atrio‐esophageal fistula (AEF). Neurological manifestations usually dominate the presentation of an AEF and result from cardiac embolism of thrombi, transgressed esophageal contents, or air. AEFs have been reported after LAAB in 52 patients (23 men, age 35–76 years), described in 24 publications, so far. AEFs manifest clinically on the average 17 days (3–38 days) after ablation. Neurological manifestations include embolic strokes (n = 30), seizures (n = 9), transitory‐ischaemic attacks (n = 6), coma (n = 6), or psychiatric abnormalities (n = 5). Imaging studies of the cerebrum most frequently show multiple embolic strokes or air embolism. The diagnosis is made upon thoracic computed tomography with contrast media. An act of swallowing, trans‐esophageal echocardiography, gastroscopy, or esophageal stenting must be avoided not to enlarge the shunt. The only expedient therapy is surgical closure of the fistula, but even then, the prognosis is poor with a mortality of 71%. AEFs should be suspected if there is a history of LAAB followed by fever, thoracic pain, postprandial cerebral strokes, seizures, coma, or confusion with a latency of days to 5 weeks after ablation. Diagnostic work‐up must avoid measures, which enlarge the fistula. Treatment is surgical exclusively.
Suppression of lymphoproliferation by alveolar macrophages in the guinea pig.

SETTING The relationship between alveolar macrophages (AM) and lymphocytes may be important in the early establishment of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. AM in several species have been shown to suppress lymphoproliferation by producing inhibitors that include nitric oxide (NO). OBJECTIVE To study this phenomenon in the guinea pig, the mitogen-induced proliferation of splenic lymphocytes was quantified under various conditions of co-culture with resident AM. RESULTS Guinea pig AM consistently and profoundly suppressed proliferation in the co-cultures at AM:lymphocyte ratios of 1:4 or greater. The inclusion of a NO synthesis inhibitor, N-monomethyl-L arginine (NMMA), in the co-culture medium did not influence the suppression of Con A-induced lymphoproliferation by resident guinea pig AM. No nitrite could be detected in supernatant fluids of co-cultured AM and splenocytes. Attempts to stimulate guinea pig AM with LPS in combination with recombinant murine and human IFN-gamma, infection with live Listeria monocytogenes, or incubation with the supernatants from ConA-activated guinea pig lymphocytes failed to generate NO metabolites. The addition of catalase or indomethacin to the Con A-induced AM-splenocyte co-cultures, to inhibit hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), respectively, did not counteract the suppression mediated by AM. Cell contact was necessary for the co-cultures to generate their inhibitory effects on lymphoproliferation, however, the suppression was actually mediated, at least in part, by soluble factors produced in the co-cultures. CONCLUSION These results suggest that resident alveolar macrophages suppress lymphocyte proliferation in the guinea pig, but that the effect is not mediated by NO, PGE2 or H2O2. The failure to demonstrate NO synthesis under a variety of stimulatory conditions, which resulted in macrophage activation, suggests that the guinea pig is similar to the human in that regard.
Salicylideneamino‐2‐thiophenol enhances osteogenic differentiation through the activation of MAPK pathways in multipotent bone marrow stem cell

Osteoporosis is a reduction in skeletal mass due to an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. Therefore, the identification of specific stimulators of bone formation is of therapeutic significance in the treatment of osteoporosis. Salicylideneamino‐2‐thiophenol (Sal‐2) consists of two benzene rings, has been reported to possess antioxidant activity, and is an effective remedy for fever and rheumatic diseases. However, until now the effects of osteoblastic bone formation by Sal‐2 were unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of Sal‐2 on osteogenic differentiation of multipotent bone marrow stromal stem cells by alizarin red S staining for osteogenic differentiation, RT‐PCR and western blot for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and signaling pathways, FACS analysis and immunofluorescence staining for CD44 and CD51 expression, calcium assays, and immunofluorescence staining for signaling pathways. We found that Sal‐2 enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of multipotent bone marrow stromal stem cells. Sal‐2 treatment induced the expression and activity of ALP, and enhanced the levels of CD44 and CD51 expression as well as Ca2+ content, in multipotent bone marrow stromal stem cells. Moreover, we found that Sal‐2‐induced osteogenic differentiation and expression of osteogenesis‐related molecules involve the activation of the MAPK and nuclear factor‐κB pathways. Our findings provide insight into both the mechanism and effects of Sal‐2 on osteogenic differentiation and demonstrate that Sal‐2 may be a beneficial adjuvant in stimulating bone formation in osteoporotic diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1833–1841, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic disruption of G proteins, Gi2α or Goα, does not abolish inotropic and chronotropic effects of stimulating muscarinic cholinoceptors in atrium

Background and purpose: Classically, stimulation of muscarinic cholinoceptors exerts negative inotropic and chronotropic effects in the atrium of mammalian hearts. These effects are crucial to the vagal regulation of the heart beat. This effect is assumed to be mediated via GTP binding (G) proteins, because they can be abolished by Pertussis toxin. However, it is unknown which G proteins are involved.
Characterisation of the phenolic profile of Boerhaavia diffusa L. by HPLC-PAD-MS/MS as a tool for quality control.

Phenolic acids and flavonols of nine leaf and three root samples of Boerhaavia diffusa L. , collected at different locations and subjected to several drying procedures, were characterised by reversed-phase HPLC-PAD-ESI/MS for the first time. Ten phenolic compounds were identified: 3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxycinnamoyl-rhamnoside, quercetin 3-O-rhamnosyl(1-->6)galactoside (quercetin 3-O-robinobioside), quercetin 3-O-(2"-rhamnosyl)-robinobioside, kaempferol 3-O-(2"-rhamnosyl)-robinobioside, 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyflavone 3-O-galactosyl(1-->2)glucoside [eupalitin 3-O-galactosyl(1-->2)glucoside], caffeoyltartaric acid, kaempferol 3-O-robinobioside, eupalitin 3-O-galactoside, quercetin and kaempferol. Quantification was achieved by HPLC-PAD and two phenolic patterns were found for the leaves, in which quercetin 3-O-robinobioside or quercetin 3-O-(2"-rhamnosyl)-robinobioside was the major compound. Caffeoyltartaric acid was only present in the root material where it represented the main phenolic constituent. The results obtained demonstrated that the geographical origin (particularly the nature of the soil), but not the drying process, influences the phenolic composition.
Isolation of Listeria ivanovii from a septicaemic chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)

The most significant problem encountered when using PCR for embryo sexing is contamination, because of the technique's high sensitivity. PCR products from the previous assay pose the greatest risk of assay contamination (Herr and Reed 1991). In contrast FISH has the advantage that there is a reduction in the risk of contamination with extraneous cellular material. In addition, cells are actually visualised directly throughout the procedure and can be verified as being of embryonic origin. In conclusion, the rapid FISH procedure, using a Y chromosome-specific DNA probe, enables accurate and rapid sex selection of embryos, in order to obtain offspring of the desired sex.