Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors that influence collection and engraftment of autologous peripheral-blood stem cells.

PURPOSE To analyze factors that affect the collection of peripheral-blood stem cells (PBSC) before transplant and the tempo of engraftment after transplant. PATIENTS AND METHODS A consecutive series of 243 patients with breast cancer (n = 87), malignant lymphoma (n = 90), multiple myeloma (n = 32), or other malignancies (n = 34) had PBSC collected following stimulation with colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) or after chemotherapy followed by CSF. Infusion of PBSC was performed following myeloablative chemotherapy with chemotherapy with or without total-body irradiation (TBI). Postinfusion CSFs were administered to 72 patients. An analysis of factors that influence CD34+ cell yield was performed by linear regression. Cox regression analysis was used to determine factors that affect the kinetics of granulocyte and platelet recovery following infusion of PBSC. RESULTS Mobilization with chemotherapy followed by CSF, a diagnosis of breast cancer, absence of marrow disease, no prior history of radiation therapy, and fewer cycles of conventional-dose chemotherapy were associated with a higher average daily yield of CD34+ cells. In the multivariate analysis, the CD34 content of infused cells and the use of a posttransplant CSF influenced neutrophil recovery after infusion of PBSC. CD34 content was also important for predicting platelet recovery. The use of postinfusion CSF was associated with a significant delay in platelet recovery in patients who received less than 5.0 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg, but there was no discernable effect in patients who received greater than 5.0 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg. CONCLUSION Disease status and prior treatment influence the ability to mobilize PBSC. CD34 cell dose is an important predictor of engraftment kinetics after PBSC transplant, regardless of disease or mobilization technique. The use of postinfusion CSF improves neutrophil recovery, but at low CD34 doses can delay platelet recovery.
Patterns of DNA sequence polymorphism along chromosome 1 of maize (Zea mays ssp. mays L.)

We measured sequence diversity in 21 loci distributed along chromosome 1 of maize (Zea mays ssp. mays L.). For each locus, we sequenced a common sample of 25 individuals representing 16 exotic landraces and nine U.S. inbred lines. The data indicated that maize has an average of one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) every 104 bp between two randomly sampled sequences, a level of diversity higher than that of either humans or Drosophila melanogaster. A comparison of genetic diversity between the landrace and inbred samples showed that inbreds retained 77% of the level of diversity of landraces, on average. In addition, Tajima's D values suggest that the frequency distribution of polymorphisms in inbreds was skewed toward fewer rare variants. Tests for selection were applied to all loci, and deviations from neutrality were detected in three loci. Sequence diversity was heterogeneous among loci, but there was no pattern of diversity along the genetic map of chromosome 1. Nonetheless, diversity was correlated (r = 0.65) with sequence-based estimates of the recombination rate. Recombination in our sample was sufficient to break down linkage disequilibrium among SNPs. Intragenic linkage disequilibrium declines within 100–200 bp on average, suggesting that genome-wide surveys for association analyses require SNPs every 100–200 bp.
Eigenvalue constraints for the stability of T-S fuzzy models

This paper deals with the stability issue of T-S fuzzy models by eigenvalue analysis. Based on Lyapunov's direct method, the stability of T-S fuzzy models can be reduced to finding a common positive definite matrix. Conditions for the existence of such a matrix are discussed in terms of eigenvalue distributions. Then, the relaxed eigenvalue constraints for the the stabilization of T-S fuzzy models are given via state feedback controllers.
Patient specific instrumentation: A minimally invasive technique for knee arthroplasty

Patient specific instrumentation (PSI) is considered a minimally invasive technique regardless of whether the skin incision is small or traditionally long. PSI provides two pieces of instruments to replace the complex conventional instruments that may reach up to 100 pieces. PSI eliminates the need for using the invasive intramedullary rods that perforate the medullary canal leading to higher risk of bleeding, fat embolism, infection and fractures. PSI also reduces operative time and speeds the recovery of patients. In this review, the authors collect the data given on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using PSI. The criteria for TKA as well as the development of different surgical techniques and how PSI would benefit the surgeons and patients to conduct a successful surgery have been discussed.
Ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ release channels and their regulation by endogenous effectors.

Current evidence suggests that excitable and nonexcitable cells may contain one or both of two intracellular Ca2+ release channels. Release of Ca2+ from intramembrane compartments can be triggered by the binding of the second messenger inositol I ,4,5-trisphosphate (lP3) to the IP3 receptor/Ca2+ release channel (for review, see 6). It also can be mediated by the ryanodine receptor (RyR)/Ca2+ release channel in response to a surface membrane action potential and/or a change in the concentration of a second messenger, by a mechanism referred to in musele as excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. In striated muscle, rapid release of Ca2+ from the intracellular compart­ ment, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), is initiated by a surface membrane action potential that is communicated to the SR at specialized areas where the junctional SR comes in close contact with the surface membrane or tubular infoldings of the surface membrane (T-tubule); at these areas large protein structures are present that span the gap between the two membrane systems. These structures have been termed feet (see C rranzini-Armstrong & A Jorgensen, this volume) and are now commonly known as ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ release channels because of the presence of an intrinsic ci+ channel activity within the feet structures, and their ability to bind the plant
Synergistic effects of citrulline supplementation and exercise on performance in male rats: evidence for implication of protein and energy metabolisms.

Background: Exercise and citrulline (CIT) are both regulators of muscle protein metabolism. However, the combination of both has been under-studied yet may have synergistic effects on muscle metabolism and performance. Methods: Three-month-old healthy male rats were randomly assigned to be fed ad libitum for 4 weeks with either a citrulline-enriched diet (1 g·kg-1·day-1) (CIT) or an isonitrogenous standard diet (by addition of nonessential amino acid) (Ctrl) and trained (running on treadmill 5 days·week-1) (ex) or not. Maximal endurance activity and body composition were assessed, and muscle protein metabolism (protein synthesis, proteomic approach) and energy metabolism [energy expenditure, mitochondrial metabolism] were explored. Results: Body composition was affected by exercise but not by CIT supplementation. Endurance training was associated with a higher maximal endurance capacity than sedentary groups (P<0.001), and running time was 14% higher in the CITex group than the Ctrlex group (139±4 min versus 122±6 min, P<0.05). Both endurance training and CIT supplementation alone increased muscle protein synthesis (by +27% and +33%, respectively, versus Ctrl, P<0.05) with an additive effect (+48% versus Ctrl, P<0.05). Mitochondrial metabolism was modulated by exercise but not directly by CIT supplementation. However, the proteomic approach demonstrated that CIT supplementation was able to affect energy metabolism, probably due to activation of pathways generating acetyl-CoA. Conclusion: CIT supplementation and endurance training in healthy male rats modulates both muscle protein and energy metabolisms, with synergic effects on an array of parameters, including performance and protein synthesis.
Identification and correction of flying pixels in range camera data

This paper focuses on errors which are possible to occur in the depth measurements of range cameras. Range cameras can capture 3D information of a scene by sending out infrared light and then measuring the reflections. Wrong measurements occur at the edges of objects where the depth level changes. A depth value between the foreground and background level is measured which creates a so-called "flying pixel" when displaying the 3D points. In this paper different methods for the identification of flying pixels are presented and compared. The advantages and drawbacks of each method are discussed. Then a simple method for the correction of flying pixel errors is presented and its limitations are shown. The final method for correction is presented which is based on segmenting the pixel matrix into horizontal and vertical scanlines. After segmentation, linear segments can be identified to which the pixels can be mapped. The paper concludes with the evaluation of the presented methods to show their effectiveness.
Effective treatment with oral administration of rebamipide in a mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether oral administration of rebamipide, a mucosal protective agent, is effective in the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in the NFS/sld mouse model of the disease. METHODS NFS/sld mice were given daily oral doses of rebamipide (0.3 mg/kg of body weight or 3 mg/kg) or vehicle alone starting from the age of 4 weeks to the age of 8 weeks. The volume of saliva and tears was monitored during and after treatment. After the final dose, histologic features of the tissues, TUNEL+ apoptotic duct cells in affected glands, T cell and cytokine function, and levels of immunoglobulin isotypes and serum autoantibodies were examined. RESULTS The 3-mg/kg dose of rebamipide prevented the development of autoimmune lesions. The average volume of saliva in rebamipide-treated mice was significantly higher than that in control mice. We found decreased TUNEL+ apoptotic duct cells in the salivary and lacrimal glands of rebamipide-treated mice as compared with control mice. Rebamipide treatment suppressed the activation of CD4+ T cells and Th1 cytokines (interleukin-2, interferon-gamma) associated with impaired NF-kappaB activity. Production of serum autoantibodies, IgM, and IgG1 was clearly inhibited. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of oral administration of rebamipide in the treatment of SS. Rebamipide represents a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with sicca symptoms caused by SS, as well as for patients with other diseases.
A Feasibility Study for Anaerobic Digestion of Municipal Solid Waste for South Hampshire

This paper investigates the feasibility of processing the organic fraction of the municipal solid waste from the Winchester, Southampton, Eastleigh and wider areas (population ~450,000) using anaerobic digestion. Commercial and agricultural organic waste is also considered. Data for feedstock location, volumes and type is collated from many information sources. A model is used to estimate the energy yield. Further modelling calculates the return on investment for various scenarios. It is found that there is sufficient feedstock local to the area to make treatment of the organic fraction of municipal waste through anaerobic digestion economically feasible in theory. However, confidential commercial agreements that form the Project Integra (incineration orientated) integrated waste management scheme make it impossible to confirm this in practice. Further work investigating the nature of these contracts is required.
Methodology for assessing zinc bioavailability: efficacy estimates for zinc-methionine, zinc sulfate, and zinc oxide.

The bioavailability of zinc-methionine (ZnMET) was compared to that of feed-grade ZnSO4.H2O using three different diets: purified (crystalline amino acid [AA]), semipurified (soy isolate), and complex (corn-soybean [C-SBM]) diet. With the Zn-deficient purified or semipurified diet, weight gain and tibia Zn responded linearly to both ZnSO4.H2O and ZnMET supplementation. Common-intercept, multiple linear regression indicated differences in Zn bioavailability between ZnMET and ZnSO4.H2O for both diets as indicated by bone Zn. With the ZnSO4.H2O standard set at 100%, bioavailability of Zn from ZnMET was 117% (P less than .05) in the AA diet and 177% (P less than .01) in the soy isolate diet. The ZnMET was also compared to ZnSO4.H2O in a C-SBM diet containing 117 mg of Zn/kg. When high levels of Zn were added to this diet (0, 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of supplemental Zn), consistent tissue Zn responses did not occur beyond the first increment. Addition of lower levels of supplemental Zn (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg) to a Zn-unsupplemented C-SBM basal diet (45 mg/kg of Zn), however, resulted in a broken-line, two-slope response in tibia Zn for both ZnMET and ZnSO4.H2O. Inflection points occurred at 60 and 54 mg of Zn/kg of diet for ZnSO4.H2O and ZnMET, respectively. The ratio of slopes (ZnMET:ZnSO4.H2O) below the inflection points was 206% (P less than .01), indicating that Zn was considerably more bioavailable in ZnMET than in ZnSO4.H2O for chicks consuming C-SBM diets. When feed-grade ZnO was compared to feed-grade ZnSO4.H2O in chicks consuming C-SBM diets, bone Zn slopes below the respective inflection points indicated that Zn was 61% bioavailable in ZnO relative to ZnSO4.H2O.
PID tuning for improved performance

In this paper, a simple PID controller design method that achieves high performance for a wide range of linear self-regulating processes is proposed. Satisfactory responses can be expected for processes with various dynamics, including those with low- and high-order, small and large dead time, and monotonic and oscillatory responses. The method is developed based on a second-order plus dead time modeling technique and a closed-loop pole allocation strategy through the use of root-locus. Simulation examples and real-time experiments are given to show the effectiveness and flexibility of the controller in handling processes of different characteristics.
Institutional Repository Towards modelling language innovation acceptance in online social networks

Language change and innovation is constant in online and offline communication, and has led to new words entering people’s lexicon and even entering modern day dictionaries, with recent additions of ‘e-cig’ and ‘vape’. However the manual work required to identify these ‘innovations’ is both time consuming and subjective. In this work we demonstrate how such innovations in language can be identified across two different OSN’s (Online Social Networks) through the operationalisation of known language acceptance models that incorporate relatively simple statistical tests. From grounding our work in language theory, we identified three statistical tests that can be applied variation in; frequency, form and meaning. Each show different success rates across the two networks (Geo-bound Twitter sample and a sample of Reddit). These tests were also applied to different community levels within the two networks allowing for different innovations to be identified across different community structures over the two networks, for instance: identifying regional variation across Twitter, and variation across groupings of Subreddits, where identified example innovations included ‘casualidad’ and ‘cym’.
Plasmodium–Host Interactions Directly Influence the Threshold of Memory CD8 T Cells Required for Protective Immunity

Plasmodium infections are responsible for millions of cases of malaria and ∼1 million deaths annually. Recently, we showed that sterile protection (95%) in BALB/c mice required Plasmodium berghei circumsporozoite protein (CS252–260)-specific memory CD8 T cells exceeding a threshold of 1% of all PBLs. Importantly, it is not known if Plasmodium species affect the threshold of CS-specific memory CD8 T cells required for protection. Furthermore, C57BL/6 mice immunized with radiation-attenuated parasites are more difficult to protect against Plasmodium sporozoite challenge than similarly immunized BALB/c mice; however, it is not known whether this is the result of different CD8 T cell specificity, functional attributes of CD8 T cells, or mouse strain-specific factors expressed in nonhematopoietic cells. In this article, we show that more CS-specific memory CD8 T cells are required for protection against P. yoelii sporozoite challenge than for protection against P. berghei sporozoite challenge. Furthermore, P. berghei CS252-specific CD8 T cells exhibit reduced protection against P. berghei sporozoite challenge in the context of C57BL/6 and C57BL/10 non-MHC-linked genes in CB6F1 and B10.D2 mice, respectively. Generation and immunization of reciprocal chimeric mice between BALB/c and B10.D2 strains revealed that B10 background factors expressed by nonhematopoietic cells increased the threshold required for protection through a CD8 T cell-extrinsic mechanism. Finally, reduced CS-specific memory CD8 T cell protection in P. yoelii-infected BALB/c or P. berghei-infected B10.D2 mice correlated with increased rates of Plasmodium amplification in the liver. Thus, both Plasmodium species and strain-specific background genes in nonhematopoietic cells determine the threshold of memory CD8 T cells required for protection.
Extended storage of granulocyte concentrates mobilized by G‐CSF with/without dexamethasone and collected by bag separation method

summary The aim of this study was to examine the extended storage of granulocyte concentrates mobilized by granulocyte‐colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) with/without dexamethasone (DEX) and collected by a bag separation method. Ten healthy adult volunteers donated blood three times: twice after granulocyte mobilization by (1) injecting G‐CSF at 3 μg kg−1 subcutaneously (s.c.) and (2) injecting G‐CSF at 3 μg kg−1 s.c. + DEX at 8 mg per oral and once (3) for a baseline control without any forms of mobilization. Granulocytes were collected by a bag separation method. The functions (phagocytosis and oxidative killing levels), viability and levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐α of granulocytes were measured. The average numbers of granulocytes collected from 200‐mL samples of whole blood from the G‐CSF and G‐CSF + DEX groups were 35·1 × 108 and 49·4 × 108, respectively. Phagocytosis level, oxidative killing level and the viability of the granulocytes mobilized by G‐CSF with/without DEX were well maintained for up to 72 h of storage after collection. The levels of the cytokines increased in a time‐dependent manner. The in vitro phagocytosis level, oxidative killing level and the viability of granulocytes mobilized by G‐CSF with/without DEX and collected by bag separation method can be maintained for as long as 72 h after collection.
Sutureless Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Severe Bacterial Keratitis

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of early sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation in the management of severe bacterial keratitis to reduce pain, inflammation, and haze, and to promote healing. Method: A noncomparative case series including 3 eyes of 3 consecutive patients with severe bacterial keratitis exhibiting persistent epithelial defect/ulcer, more than 5 mm in diameter, located within 3mm from the visual axis with infiltration occupying more than 50% of the corneal thickness. They were retrospectively reviewed following early (ie, within 96 hours) sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation via ProKera together with selective topical antibiotics and preservative-free steroid. Pain relief, inflammation, haze, and corneal epithelial healing were monitored. Results: ProKera was inserted once in 1 eye and twice in the other 2 eyes. Pain was significantly relieved and inflammation was markedly reduced in all cases. The corneal epithelial defect and stromal ulceration rapidly healed while visual acuity improved in 2 of the 3 eyes. Conclusion: Temporary sutureless amniotic membrane transplantation via ProKera allows easy insertion and replacement of the membrane in the office, as well as early intervention to promote epithelialization, reduce pain, haze and inflammation in cases with severe bacterial keratitis. This result justifies large series controlled studies in the future.
Hexagonal fast Fourier transform with rectangular output

Hexagonal sampling is the most efficient sampling pattern for a two-dimensional circularly bandlimited function. A separable fast discrete Fourier transform (DFT) algorithm for hexagonally sampled data that directly computes output points on a rectangular lattice is reported. No interpolation is required. The algorithm has computational complexity comparable to that of standard two-dimensional fast Fourier transforms. >
Analysis of enterprise resources diffused effect in the parent-subsidiary corporation's network system

In order to improve the value creativity of parent-subsidiary management, this paper first discusses and defines the nature of enterprise resource relationships and parent-subsidiary corporation. Based on enterprise resources relationships, characteristics of parent-subsidiary corporation are analyzed in detail. Through analyzing the mechanism of resources diffuse, such conclusions can be achieved as follows: the improvement of resource matching and differences between parent and subsidiary, the enhancement of information integrity on resources diffuseness and the development of resources diffused system are benefit for increasing the diffused value of resources between parent and subsidiary, and improving the value creativity of parent-subsidiary management.
Potential Roles of Angiotensin Receptor-Activating Autoantibody in the Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia affects ≈7% of first pregnancies and is one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity in the United States and the world.1–3 The clinical hallmarks of the disorder include hypertension, proteinuria, hypercoagulability, edema, and placental abnormalities. In advanced stages, clinical symptoms include cerebral edema, renal failure, and the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. The clinical management of preeclampsia is hampered by the lack of reliable diagnostic tests and effective therapy for the disorder. In some cases, termination of pregnancy is the only available option to prevent further deterioration of the fetus and mother. Fifteen percent of all preterm births are indicated early deliveries for preeclampsia.3 The resulting preterm births and the associated increased infant morbidity and mortality are especially disheartening consequences of preeclampsia. Despite being one of the leading causes of maternal death and a major contributor to maternal and perinatal morbidity, the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of preeclampsia are poorly understood. Roberts and colleagues4,5 were among the first to propose that alterations in endothelial cell function by activating agents produced by the placenta initiate the clinical syndromes of preeclampsia. Circulating factors, such as inflammatory cytokines, endothelin, and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor termed soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), are elevated in preeclamptic women and are proposed to be important links between placental ischemia and endothelial dysfunction.5–9 In particular, recent studies have shown that preeclampsia is associated with the presence of maternal autoantibodies capable of binding to and activating the angiotensin (Ang) receptor type-1 (AT1). 10–15 AT1 receptor agonistic antibodies, herein termed AT1-AA, are rarely seen in normotensive pregnant women.10,11 Since the initial discovery of these autoantibodies, considerable evidence supporting a pathophysiological role of AT1-AA in preeclampsia has …