Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrathecal Administration of Flavopiridol Promotes Regeneration in Experimental Model of Spinal Cord Injury.

AIM Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious condition of the central nervous system and it affects the quality of life and even hampers the day-to-day activity of the patient. In the current study, we investigated the efficacy of intrathecal administration of flavopiridol in an experimental animal model of SCI. The study also aimed at exploring the physiological effects of flavopiridol on neurons, astrocytes and cell cycle regulatory proteins. MATERIAL AND METHODS In vitro scratch wound experiments were performed on female Sprague-Dawley rats (n=23). A complete hemisection to the right of T10 was made, and flavopiridol solution (200 mM, 0.8 nmol flavopiridol/animal) was delivered topically to the lesion site. Cell viability assay, in vitro scratch injury assay, cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry and behavioural assessments were performed. RESULTS The local delivery of flavopiridol reduced cavity formation and improved regeneration of neurons with improvement in physiological performance. Flavopiridol also inhibited the migration and proliferation of astrocytes, and at the same time, promoted the survival of neurons. CONCLUSION Intrathecal administration of flavopiridol can be a promising treatment strategy in patients with SCI and it needs to be validated in patient setting.
A Compact Dual-Band Filtering Patch Antenna Using Step Impedance Resonators

A compact dual-band three-pole Chebyshev filtering patch antenna with orthogonal polarizations in the two bands is developed for 2.4/5.8-GHz ISM-band applications. Step impedance resonators and aperture coupled feed techniques are integrated together to fulfill the goal. The synthesis procedure is discussed using formulation and design curves. The advantages of the proposed design, including harmonic suppression and controllable bandwidth, are verified by experiments. According to the summary table, this dual-band filtering antenna, realized in planar form, shows either a more compact size or improved radiation characteristics when compared with those reported in the open literature.
Socioeconomic, cultural and behavioural features of prior and anticipated influenza vaccine uptake in urban and rural Pune district, India: a mixed-methods case study

Introduction Ensuring production capacity of efficacious vaccines for pandemic preparedness alone may not be sufficient for effective influenza control. Community willingness to accept the vaccine is also critical. Population acceptance must therefore be recognised as a major determinant of vaccine effectiveness, and the social, cultural and economic determinants of population acceptance require study for effective policy and action. Pune is a focus of pandemic influenza in India. The experience of the 2009/2010 pandemic in Pune, capacity for vaccine production and experience with vaccine use provide a unique opportunity to address key questions about an effective vaccine intervention strategy for influenza control in India. This study will examine the socioeconomic, cultural and behavioural determinants of anticipated acceptance of influenza vaccines among the urban and rural populations of Pune district. Additionally, community ideas about seasonal influenza and its distinction from pandemic influenza will be investigated. Proposed research also considers the influence of health professionals, policy makers and media professionals on the awareness, preference and use of influenza vaccines. Methods and analysis This is a mixed-methods study including urban and rural community surveys, in-depth interviews with health professionals, case studies at two hospitals where suspected influenza cases were referred during the pandemic and in-depth interviews with media professionals and public health policy makers. Ethics and dissemination This protocol was approved by the ethics review committees of the Maharashtra Association of Anthropological Sciences and the WHO, and by the Ethics Commission of Basel, Switzerland. The proposed research will provide a better understanding of communication and education needs for vaccine action for influenza control in India and other low-income and middle-income countries. The findings and the approach for health social science research will have implications for containment of pandemic influenza in other settings and for effective vaccine action planning for other vaccines.
El acceso por materias en los catálogos en línea: índices y terminología de los usuarios en el catálogo CISNE (Universidad Complutense de Madrid)

[ES] El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido estudiar las caracteristicas de los enunciados de busqueda empleados por los usuarios de una catalogo publico de acceso en linea y comprobar su grado de coincidencia con los indices de encabezamientos de materia. Se ha realizado un analisis transaccional de 1925 enunciados utilizados en el campo materias en el catalogo CISNE de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Para cada enunciado valido se han considerado las siguientes variables: presencia de errores ortograficos y tipograficos, uso de idiomas diferentes al espanol, numero de palabras, tipo de busqueda, estructura sintactica y nivel de coincidencia con el indice alfabetico de materias. Tambien se ha comprobado si existen diferencias entre las areas de conocimiento en cuanto a todas las variables analizadas. Los resultados sobre las caracteristicas de los enunciados confirman que los usuarios del OPAC mayoritariamente utilizan pocas palabras (1 o 2) para expresar las materias sobre las que necesitan informacion. Aunque la estructura sintactica de las expresiones es muy variada, predominan las mas simples y en orden directo (nombre o nombre + adjetivo). El tipo de busqueda mas frecuente es la tematica, frente a los escasos porcentajes que se refieren a personas, lugares, entidades o titulos de obras. Los niveles de coincidencia exacta con los encabezamientos de materia del indice son de un 42% mientras que la coincidencia parcial o de algun termino alcanza el 47%. Respecto a las diferencias entre las areas de conocimiento, tanto en las caracteristicas de los enunciados como en la equiparacion, permiten establecer similitudes entre las areas de "ciencias" y las de "letras". Sin embargo, solo dos grupos presentan perfiles claramente diferenciados: Humanidades y Ciencias Medicas.
EDDIE: An Embodied AI System for Research and Intervention for Individuals with ASD

We report on the ongoing development of EDDIE (Emotion Demonstration, Decoding, Interpretation, and Encoding), an interactive embodied AI to be deployed as an intervention system for children diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (HFASD). EDDIE presents the subject with interactive requests to decode facial expressions presented through an avatar, encode requested expressions, or do both in a single session. Facial tracking software interprets the subject’s response, and allows for immediate feedback. The system fills a need in research and intervention for children with HFASD by providing an engaging platform for presentation of exemplar expressions consistent with mechanical systems of facial action measurement integrated with an automatic system for interpreting and giving feedback to the subject’s expressions. Both live interaction with EDDIE and video recordings of human-EDDIE interaction will be demonstrated.
Assessing the New York City involuntary outpatient commitment pilot program.

OBJECTIVE The study evaluated the effectiveness of a three-year outpatient commitment pilot program established in 1994 at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. METHODS A total of 142 participants were randomly assigned; 78 received court-ordered treatment, which included enhanced services, and 64 received the enhanced-service package only. Between 57 and 68 percent of the subjects completed interviews at one, five, and 11 months after hospital discharge. Outcome measures included rehospitalization, arrest, quality of life, symptomatology, treatment noncompliance, and perceived level of coercion. RESULTS On all major outcome measures, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. No subject was arrested for a violent crime. Eighteen percent of the court-ordered group and 16 percent of the control group were arrested at least once. The percentage rehospitalized during follow-up was about the same for both groups-51 percent and 42 percent, respectively. The groups did not differ significantly in the total number of days hospitalized during the follow-up period. Participants' perceptions of their quality of life and level of coercion were about the same. From the community service providers' perspective, patients in the two groups were similarly adherent to their required treatments. CONCLUSIONS All results must be qualified by the fact that no pick-up order procedures for noncompliant subjects in the court-ordered group were implemented during the study, which compromised the differences between the conditions for the two groups, and that persons with a history of violence were excluded from the program.
A Single Center 11 Year Experience with 202 Pancreas Transplants in the New Millennium: Evolving Trends.

Our single center experience with pancreas transplantation (PTx) over an 11+ year period is reviewed. METHODS We retrospectively studied outcomes in 202 consecutive PTxs in 192 patients at our center. All patients received either rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) or alemtuzumab (Alem) induction with tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil and tapered steroids or early withdrawal. 179 PTxs (89%) were performed with portal-enteric and 23 with systemic-enteric drainage. RESULTS From 11/01 to 3/13, we performed 162 simultaneous kidney-PTxs (SKPT), 35 sequential PTxs after kidney, and 5 PTx alone (40 solitary PTxs, SPT). 186 PTxs (92%) were primary and 16 were pancreas retransplants. With a mean follow-up of 5.5 years, overall patient (86% SKPT versus 87% SPT), kidney (74% SKPT versus 80% SPT), and pancreas graft survival (both 65%) rates were comparable. Causes of PTx loss were also similar between SKPT and SPT; the rates of early thrombosis were 8.6% and 5%, respectively. Acute rejection rates were similar between groups (SKPT 29% versus SPT 28%, p= not significant). A randomized trial of Alem versus rATG induction in SKPT demonstrated lower rates of acute rejection and infection in the Alem group. Consequently, Alem induction has been used exclusively in all PTxs since 2009. Early steroid elimination has been feasible in most patients. Surveillance PTx biopsy-directed immunosuppression has contributed to equivalent long-term outcomes in SKPT and SPT. Good results have been achieved in African-American patients and in patients with a type 2 diabetes phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Excellent 5-year outcomes following PTx can be achieved as >86% of patients are alive, >87% of surviving patients are dialysis-free, 80% of surviving patients remain insulin-free, and 88% of surviving patients have detectable C-peptide levels.
Fusing transcription results from polyphonic and monophonic audio for singing melody transcription in polyphonic music

This paper presents a new system for singing melody transcription from polyphonic songs. Instead of operating solely on polyphonic audio of each song to be processed (as most existing systems do), our system takes as inputs additionally multiple monophonic recordings of people singing the song. To transcribe the singing melody in a song, our system first tracks the singing pitch from polyphonic audio of the song by using a deep neural network (DNN)-based method, and then uses the estimated pitch series as reference to select the pitch sequences extracted from the multiple monophonic singing recordings. The selected monophonic pitch sequences, as well as the DNN pitch series from the polyphonic audio, are then transcribed separately, and their transcriptions results are fused to form the final note sequence. Experimental results show that, by introducing monophonic singings into transcription, the performance of singing melody transcription from polyphonic songs can be significantly improved.
Homological algebra on a complete intersection, with an application to group representations

Let R be a regular local ring, and let A = R/(x), where x is any nonunit of R. We prove that every minimal free resolution of a finitely generated A -module becomes periodic of period 1 or 2 after at most dim A steps, and we examine generalizations and extensions of this for complete intersections. Our theorems follow from the properties of certain universally defined endomorphisms of complexes over such rings. Let A be a commutative ring, and let x G A be a nonzero divisor. How does homological algebra over A/(x) = B differ from that over AI In this paper we will study a certain natural endomorphism / of complexes of free A / (x)-modu\es which seems to reflect some of the difference. For example, the (homotopic) triviality of t is an obstruction (closely related to the usual one in Ext2,) to the lifting of a complex of free 5-modules to a complex of free /I-modules. More generally, if x,, . , xn is an A -sequence, we study « natural endomorphisms /,,. , tn of complexes of free A/(xx, . . . , x")-modules, and try to use them to explain the way in which free resolutions over A/(xx, . . . , x") differ from free resolutions over A (the construction and elementary properties of these endomorphisms is given in §1). In this paper, we will study the case in which A is a regular local ring and B = A/(xx, . . . , x") is not regular. (It would also be very interesting to understand the case in which both A and A/(x) = B were regular-with, say, A of mixed characteristic and B ramified or of characteristic p.) In this case, the homological algebra over A is dominated, roughly speaking, by the fact that minimal /I-free resolutions are finite; we seek to understand the eventual behavior of minimal 5-free resolutions in terms of the tt. For example, if « = 1, so that B = A/(x), we prove that / is eventually an isomorphism, so that every minimal 5-free resolution becomes periodic of period 2 after at most 1 + dim B steps (§6). We also show that the 5-modules with periodic resolutions are the maximal Cohen-Macaulay modules without free direct summands. Since the periodic part of a periodic resolution over A/(x) (or more generally, over A/(xx, . . . , xn), if x,, . , x" is an A -sequence) is easy to describe explicitly (§5), this yields information on maximal Cohen- Macaulay modules.
Immunofluorescence analysis of diazepam-induced mitotic apparatus anomalies and chromosome loss in Chinese hamster cells.

To study the mechanisms leading to diazepam (DZ)-induced chromosome loss, we evaluated the effect of the drug on the distribution of cytoplasmic and mitotic apparatus proteins using specific antibodies. The use of antibodies directed against dynein and kinetochores (CREST staining) suggested that chromosomes arranged in monopolar spindles were interacting with short fibers originating from the monopole. Interestingly, nearly 50% of DZ-induced monopolar mitoses showed a punctate staining of centrosomes when evaluated with an anti-gamma-tubulin antibody. The extent of phosphorylation of mitotic proteins was not affected by drug treatment, as shown by staining the cells with an antibody against mitotic phosphorylated proteins (MPM-2). After recovery of DZ, nearly 20% of anaphases were abnormal and mainly consisted of multipolar anaphases and lagging chromosomes; this was consistent with a high frequency of kinetochore-containing micronuclei as evaluated by CREST antibody staining in cells that had divided only once after drug removal, i.e. binucleate cells obtained by cytochalasin-B treatment. Our data confirmed that DZ is a powerful inducer of chromosome loss in cultured rodent cells. Moreover, our results indicate that DZ interfered with the correct assembly of centrosomes.
Analysis and Design for a Novel Single-Stage High Power Factor Correction Diagonal Half-Bridge Forward AC-DC Converter

By means of components placement, the buck-boost and diagonal half-bridge forward converters are combined to create a novel single-stage high power factor correction (HPFC) diagonal half-bridge forward converter. When both the PFC cell and dc-dc cell operate in DCM, the proposed converter can achieve HPFC and lower voltage stress of the bulk capacitor. The circuit analysis of the proposed converter operating in DCM+DCM mode is presented. In order to design controllers for the output voltage regulation, the ac small-signal model of the proposed converter is derived by the averaging method. Based on the derived model, the proportional integral (PI) controller and minor-loop controller are then designed. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed converter with the minor-loop controller has faster output voltage regulation than that with the PI controller despite the variations of line voltage and load. Finally, a 100-W prototype of the proposed ac-dc converter is implemented and the theoretical result is experimentally verified
Force Sensing Resistor and Evaluation of Technology for Wearable Body Pressure Sensing

Wearable technologies are gaining momentum and widespread diffusion. Thanks to devices such as activity trackers, in form of bracelets, watches, or anklets, the end-users are becoming more and more aware of their daily activity routine, posture, and training and can modify their motor-behavior. Activity trackers are prevalently based on inertial sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. Loads we bear with us and the interface pressure they put on our body also affect posture. A contact interface pressure sensing wearable would be beneficial to complement inertial activity trackers. What is precluding force sensing resistors (FSR) to be the next best seller wearable? In this paper, we provide elements to answer this question. We build an FSR based on resistive material (Velostat) and printed conductive ink electrodes on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate; we test its response to pressure in the range 0–2.7 kPa. We present a state-of-the-art review, filtered by the need to identify technologies adequate for wearables. We conclude that the repeatability is the major issue yet unsolved.
The random walk model of intrafraction movement

The purpose of this paper is to understand intrafraction movement as a stochastic process driven by random external forces. The hypothetically proposed three-dimensional random walk model has significant impact on optimal PTV margins and offers a quantitatively correct explanation of experimental findings. Properties of the random walk are calculated from first principles, in particular fraction-average population density distributions for displacements along the principal axes. When substituted into the established optimal margin recipes these fraction-average distributions yield safety margins about 30% smaller as compared to the suggested values from end-of-fraction Gaussian fits. Stylized facts of a random walk are identified in clinical data, such as the increase of the standard deviation of displacements with the square root of time. Least squares errors in the comparison to experimental results are reduced by about 50% when accounting for non-Gaussian corrections from the random walk model.
Effect of Antioxidant Vitamins on the Plasma Homocysteine Level in a Free-Living Elderly Population

Background: The factors influencing total plasma homocysteine levels (tHcy) are of special interest in the attempt to reduce cardiovascular risk. Aim: This investigation aimed to assess the independent effects of antioxidant vitamins on tHcy in elderly people. Methods: Our cross-sectional analysis included data of 184 subjects (≧60 years) from the longitudinal study in an aging population in Giessen (GISELA), Germany. We examined the effects of plasma levels, intake and supplementation of vitamin C, vitamin E, and β-carotene on tHcy. Results: The mean tHcy was within the normal range in this population. Serum folate, the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and plasma vitamin C showed a negative association with tHcy in simple regression analysis. In a subsequent multiple regression analysis, eGFR, serum folate, and plasma vitamin C were the relevant independent predictors of tHcy. Intake and supplementation of vitamin C, as well as plasma levels, intake and supplementation of vitamin E, and β-carotene were not associated with tHcy. Conclusion: Vitamin C may be an independent predictor of tHcy in free-living elderly people and, therefore, should be considered in attempts to reduce tHcy.
The use of legal action in New York City to ensure treatment of tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS After an increase in the number of cases of tuberculosis, New York City passed regulations to address the problem of nonadherence to treatment regimens. The commissioner of health can issue orders compelling a person to be examined for tuberculosis, to complete treatment, to receive treatment under direct observation, or to be detained for treatment. On the basis of a review of patients' records, we evaluated the use of these legal actions between April 1993 and April 1995. RESULTS Among more than 8000 patients with tuberculosis, regulatory orders were issued for less than 4 percent. Among patients with a variety of social problems, only a minority required regulatory intervention: 10 percent of those with injection-drug use, 16 percent of those with alcohol abuse, 17 percent of those who were homeless, 29 percent of those who used "crack" cocaine, and 38 percent of those with a history of incarceration. A total of 150 patients were ordered to undergo directly observed therapy, 139 patients to be detained during therapy, 12 patients to be examined for tuberculosis, and 3 patients to complete treatment. These 304 patients had a median of three prior hospitalizations related to tuberculosis and one episode of leaving the hospital against medical advice. Repeatedly noncompliant patients and those who left the hospital against medical advice were more likely than others to be detained. The median length of detention was 3 weeks for infectious patients and 28 weeks for noninfectious patients. As compared with patients ordered to receive directly observed therapy, the patients who were detained remained infectious longer, had left hospitals against medical advice more often, and were less likely to accept directly observed therapy voluntarily. Altogether, excluding those who died or moved, 96 percent of the patients completed treatment, and 2 percent continued to receive treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS For most patients with tuberculosis, even those with severe social problems, completion of treatment can usually be achieved without regulatory intervention. Patients were detained on the basis of their history of tuberculosis, rather than on the basis of their social characteristics, and the less restrictive measure of mandatory directly observed therapy was often effective.