Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FTY720 versus MMF with Cyclosporine in de novo Renal Transplantation: A 1‐Year, Randomized Controlled Trial in Europe and Australasia

FTY720 is a novel immunomodulator investigated in de novo renal transplantation and other therapeutic areas including multiple sclerosis. This 1‐year multicenter, randomized, phase III study in 668 de novo renal transplant patients compared FTY720 2.5 mg plus full‐dose cyclosporine (FDC) or FTY720 5.0 mg plus reduced‐dose cyclosporine (RDC), with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) plus FDC. The primary efficacy endpoint was the composite incidence of first treated biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, death or premature study discontinuation at month 12. Primary efficacy with FTY720 2.5 mg and MMF (32.4% and 30.2%; p = NS), plus mortality and BPAR incidence, were comparable. Patients receiving FTY720 5.0 mg plus RDC were discontinued from treatment due to increased risk of acute rejection (primary endpoint incidence 47.3%). FTY720 was associated with lower creatinine clearance (month 12: 53.1, 56.0 vs. 65.1 mL/min; p < 0.001) and more macular edema cases (2.2% and 1.3% vs. 0%), whereas cytomegalovirus infections were higher with MMF (6.2% and 10.6% vs. 18.1% p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0139, respectively). FTY720 2.5 mg provided comparable rejection prophylaxis over 12 months versus MMF; however, FTY720 5.0 mg did not support a 50% reduction in cyclosporine exposure. The cause of macular edema cases and lower creatinine clearance with FTY720 in de novo transplantation needs further investigation.
On the Road Between Robust Optimization and the Scenario Approach for Chance Constrained Optimization Problems

We propose a new method for solving chance constrained optimization problems that lies between robust optimization and scenario-based methods. Our method does not require prior knowledge of the underlying probability distribution as in robust optimization methods, nor is it based entirely on randomization as in the scenario approach. It instead involves solving a robust optimization problem with bounded uncertainty, where the uncertainty bounds are randomized and are computed using the scenario approach. To guarantee that the resulting robust problem is solvable we impose certain assumptions on the dependency of the constraint functions with respect to the uncertainty and show that tractability is ensured for a wide class of systems. Our results lead immediately to guidelines under which the proposed methodology or the scenario approach is preferable in terms of providing less conservative guarantees or reducing the computational cost.
Worsening of Respiratory Status during Neutropenia Recovery in Noncritically Ill Hematological Patients: Results of a Prospective Multicenter Study

Background: Neutropenia recovery (NR) has been associated with worsening preexisting lung injury in up to 50% of critically ill cancer patients. However, only limited relevant data exist in the general population of hematological patients. Objectives: To assess the incidence of acute respiratory deterioration during NR in patients with hematological malignancies. Methods: Adult patients with neutropenia expected to last more than 7 days were included. Worsening of respiratory status (WRS) was defined as a decrease in oxygen saturation of ≥5%, the need for oxygen therapy for ≥24 h, an increase in oxygen flow of ≥50% in patients previously treated with oxygen, or the need for mechanical ventilation. NR was defined as the 3 days preceding or following a neutrophil count of >0.5 × 109/l. Results: A total of 16 of 50 patients included in this pilot study experienced WRS during NR (32%), and 13 patients had WRS during neutropenia (26%). The incidence density of WRS was 0.53 (±0.79) episodes per 10 days during NR and 0.20 (±0.39) episodes per 10 days during neutropenia (p = 0.004). Sepsis, stem cell transplantation, preexisting pneumonia, or the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor were not associated with WRS during NR. Conclusion: Up to one third of noncritically ill hematological patients with expected neutropenia of more than 7 days experience WRS during NR. Clinical consequences and risk factors for WRS during NR remain to be evaluated.
High Efficient Contact-less Power Transmission System for the High Speed Trains

Historically the contact type power delivery system has been employed for the trains, the advantages of which might be the high reliability and the low cost, however the metal contact essentially results in the abrasion, which in turn inevitable causes the frequent maintenance, the audible noise generation and the contamination to the environment. This paper proposes a contact-less power transmission system with a wide air gap transformer for the high speed trains. We describe the proposed basic concept, problems and our approach for the proposed wire-less system. The magnetic coupling is influenced by the structure of the transformer. Since the wide gap type transformer results in the less coupling between the primary and secondary windings, the analysis on the magnetic coupling and power delivery efficiency are performed based on the magnetic circuit. Then, the best structure is investigated by the magnetic flux computer calculations. The small power experiment verification is performed about in the 40 W power range, in which 75.4% efficiency was demonstrated at 10 kHz frequency. After we analyzed the loss breakdown of the experiments, we made a case study of the possible contact-less power delivery system for the Shinkansen. As a conclusion, it is technically possible that the simple C-core type wide air gap transformer with the proposed special location of the windings wirelessly delivers 1000 kW power with the 1 cm air gap and high efficiency
Neurological manifestations of human parvovirus B19 infection

Since its discovery, human parvovirus B19 has been linked with a broad spectrum of clinical syndromes. An aetiological role for the virus has been confirmed in erythema infectiosum, transient aplastic crisis, persistent infection manifesting as pure red cell aplasia in immunocompromised persons, non‐immune hydrops fetalis and arthritis. Less commonly recognised, but receiving increasing attention recently, are the neurological manifestations, a variety of which have been described in patients with either clinically diagnosed or laboratory confirmed B19 infection. The purpose of this review is to summarise present knowledge of B19, its known and potential pathogenic mechanisms and its association with human diseases, particularly those with neurological manifestations. The outcome of the review supports an aetiological role of the virus in neurological disease. However, the pathogenesis remains unknown and elucidating this is a priority. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled In Situ Gas Reaction Studies of Catalysts at High Temperature and Pressure with Atomic Resolution

In situ reaction studies of catalyst materials using closed-cell environmental specimen holders have been shown to allow atomic resolution to be obtained on e.g. catalyst materials, at elevated temperatures and pressures [1-4]. These holders incorporate MEMS-based devices into the holder tip, which serve to encapsulate a gas layer between a thin film heater device and an ultra-thin amorphous SiN window. With a gas layer of only 5-10 μm, pressures of up to 1 atm and temperatures of 1000°C are routinely employed without significant loss in resolution, especially in scanning transmission mode in a probecorrected microscope [1]. The holder-based approach does not require a dedicated TEM, and most existing microscopes are compatible with current holder designs.
Five Ways to Wellbeing: holistic narratives of public health programme participants

This paper reports on a study which formed part of a qualitative process evaluation of a wellbeing programme in North West England. The study used the biographic narrative interpretive method (BNIM) to undertake and analyse data from interviews with six participants from diverse projects within the programme. This generated rich case studies and spotlighted cross-case commonalities, building understanding of how the programme achieved its effects. We present findings using the Five Ways to Wellbeing framework, presenting one abridged ‘case’ and summarising cross-cutting themes. We explore how BNIM gives insight into the psychosocial complexity of wellbeing, building understanding of its holistic and dynamic nature, and then highlight the flexibility, resonance and widespread appeal of Five Ways to Wellbeing. In concluding, we argue that by enabling participants to tell their own stories of participation in the different projects, we gain a more authentic understanding of the ‘whole’ story of how involvement has affected wellbeing. Such approaches are crucial as wellbeing becomes a central concept in global health policy and promotion.
Radiographic Imaging and Possible Causes of a Carpal Varus Deformity in an Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

Abstract The carpal region of an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) with a clinically obvious varus deformity of the carpus was examined radiographically with a standard portable x-ray unit. Several dorsopalmar radiographs were taken at a short source-to-image distance, moving the beam center along the carpus. To obtain a single image of the carpal region, radiographs were assembled digitally using a composite technique. Radiographs revealed a deviation of the limb's axis of approximately 25° in the region of distal physis of the radius and ulna and a wedge-shaped epiphysis of the ulna. Healed physitis due to trauma and subluxation of the middle carpal joint are discussed as possible causes of the deformity. The radiographic technique described proved to be helpful to evaluate a relatively large anatomic area in the carpal region of an adult Asian elephant with a varus deformity and may be an alternative tool to previously described single image radiography.
Fault tolerant winding technology comparison for Flux Switching Machine

In safety critical aerospace applications, fault tolerant drives can help reach the necessary system reliability levels without replicating the entire drive system and thus minimizing the overall system weight. Machine selection and design for fault tolerance has to be considered at an early stage to ensure optimal performance at system level. Permanent magnet Flux Switching Machines have the distinct property of having a robust rotor construction with the permanent magnets embedded in the stator whilst having their operational characteristics similar to those of synchronous permanent magnet machines. Some slot-pole combinations with particular winding technologies possess natural fault tolerant capability. This paper analyses and compares the fault tolerant properties of permanent magnet flux switching machines of two recently proposed configurations fulfilling the key fault tolerant requirements. The configurations considered are 12 slot 14 pole Double Layer winding with ferromagnetic slot separator and 12 slot 13 pole Single Layer design.
Functional imaging of the vascular bed by dynamic optical tomography

In this report we present a brief outline of our technological approaches to developing a comprehensive imaging platform suitable for the investigation of the dynamics of the hemoglobin signal in large tissue structures using NIRS imaging techniques. Our approach includes a combined hardware and software development effort that provides for i) hardware integration, ii) system calibration, iii) data integrity checks, iv) image recovery, v) image enhancement and vi) signal processing. Presented are representative results obtained from human subjects that explore the sensitivity and other capabilities of the measuring system to detect focal hemodynamic responses in the head, breast and limb of volunteers. Results obtained support the contention that time-series NIRS imaging is a powerful and sensitive technique for exploring the hemodynamics of healthy and diseased tissues.
Incorporating a Software System for Robotics Control and Coordination in Mechatronics Curriculum and Research

The goal of this paper is twofold: to develop a software system using MATLAB to control and coordinate of tasks between mobile robot and robotic arm to solve sophisticated robotics tasks, and to use the software in teaching an undergraduate course in robotics in Mechatronics program at the university. This robotic system will help students to understand the basic and advanced concepts about robotics also will be used in research for graduate students in many application such surveillance applications. The software will be composed of ten modules. The developed software system allows a mobile robot attached with the robotics arm to navigate in an environment autonomously. The mobile robot accepts the commands from the human being (operator) using three different techniques. The mobile robot starts navigating to detect many objects based on color(s) and shapes, and also sends these information back to the operator throughout Graphical User Interface (GUI). With a camera attached to the mobile robot, the software will be able to classify the objects based on color (s) and shape(s), and to determine its/their position. The software will be implemented in MATLAB and in addition, the image and signal processing toolboxes available in MATLAB were used as functions in the software. The co-ordinate position of the object in the image and the actual distance of the object from the camera are to be determined. A camera calibration technique was developed to convert object pixels to real co-ordinations. Finally, the robotics arm attached to the mobile robot picks the object(s) of interest that is/are present in the vicinity. A set of robotics behaviors was developed to help the mobile robot navigate in a crowded environment to avoid detected obstacles. The mobile robot used in this project is Pioneer 3-DX which is a small but very durable and robust robot. Pioneer 3-DX comes with a SICK LMS200 Laser Range Finder installed on top and has a 360 degree sonar transceiver and bumpers array in the middle and bottom, respectively. The demonstrated characteristics of the developed software system indicate an improvement in picking certain objects located on hazard and unsafe environment where it would be too dangerous to send in a human subject. This real world robotic setup would be an excellent teaching and demonstration tool for students in mechatronics and related programs. Specifically, the authors are planning to offer a new introductory course on robotics in which the software will be taught in the lab. This course includes 10 modules in which groups of students will use the developed software to control and navigate two different sets of robots: a mobile robot and a robotic arm. Furthermore, the authors are working on a new advanced course on robotics for graduate level, which will address more advanced topics in industrial robotics application.
Changes in anatomy and root cell ultrastructure of soybean genotypes under manganese stress

Os efeitos negativos provocados nao apenas pela deficiencia mas tambem pela toxidez de Mn no desenvolvimento das plantas tem sido avaliados considerando-se os aspectos anatomicos, de ultraestrutura e bioquimicos da parte aerea particularmente, onde os sintomas visuais sao manifestados. Entretanto, ha escassez na literatura de informacoes que abordem o sistema radicular. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar os efeitos do fornecimento de doses de Mn (0,5, 2,0 e 200,0 μmol L-1), em solucao nutritiva, na anatomia e ultraestrutura de folhas e de raizes dos cultivares de Glycine max (L.): Santa Rosa, IAC-15 e IAC-Foscarin 31. Os sintomas visuais de deficiencia foram observados primeiramente em Santa Rosa e IAC-15, os unicos a exibirem sintomas de toxidez. As doses de Mn promoveram espessamento do diâmetro radicular somente em IAC-15, porem sem alteracao nas celulas do cortex, da epiderme, exoderme e endoderme. Os cultivares mostraram distintos graus de organizacao dos vasos de xilema, particularmente nos elementos de metaxilema. O numero e a conformacao das celulas dos mesofilos palicadicos foram alterados pelas condicoes de deficiencia e toxidez. Houve reducao na quantidade de cloroplastos, nos tres genotipos, somente na condicao de deficiencia. O genotipo IAC-15 apresentou maiores alteracoes devido ao estresse nutricional, como separacao do protoplasma da parede celular radicular e incremento de celulas vacuoladas na mais alta dose. Os genotipos apresentaram diferentes graus de alteracoes anatomicas e ultraestruturais das folhas e raizes, sugerindo a operacao de mecanismos de tolerância a deficiencia ou a toxidez de intensidade diversa.
Isolation and heteroduplex mapping of a lambda transducing bacteriophage carrying the structural genes for carbamoylphosphate synthase: regulation of enzyme synthesis in Escherichia coli K-12 lysogens

A N-lambda bacteriophage transducing the structural genes for Escherichia coli K-12 carbamoylphosphate synthase (glutamine) (CPSase; EC 2.7.2.9) has been isolated and analyzed both genetically and physically. The whole int-N region is substituted for a short chromosomal segment corresponding almost exactly to the car locus. The study of CPSase, ornithine carbamoyltransferase, and aspartate carbamoyltransferase regulation in carriers of lambdadcar confirms the previously reported participation of the argR gene product in the control of CPSase synthesis and points to the existence of a regulatory molecule involved in the control of both CPSase and aspartate carbamoyltransferase synthesis. The general usefulness of using N- lambda transducing bacteriophages for the recovery of large amounts of gene products is discussed.
Post-Fire Restoration Plan for Sustainable Forest Management in South Korea

This review was to determine a standard post-fire restoration strategy for use in South Korea according to the magnitude of the damage and the condition of the affected site. The government has strongly enforced reforestation in deforested areas as well as fire prevention and suppression since the 1960s. These efforts have successfully recovered dense even-aged forests over the last five decades. However, high fuel loading and the homogeneous structure have made forests vulnerable to large fires. In recent years, large forest fires have occurred in the eastern coastal region of Korea. Forest fires can significantly influence the economic and social activities of the residents of such affected forest regions. Burned areas may require urgent and long-term restoration strategies, depending on the condition of the affected site. Erosion control is the most important component of an urgent restoration and should be completed before a rainy season to prevent secondary damage such as landslides and sediment runoff in burned areas. Long-term restoration is necessary to renew forest functions such as timber production, water conservation, ecosystem conservation, and recreation for residents. Sound restoration for burned areas is critical for restoring healthy ecological functions of forests and providing economic incentives to local residents.
Permanent encephalopathy from toluene inhalation.

INHALATION of glue vapors in an attempt to induce euphoria has recently become quite popular, particularly among teen-agers. The desired effects are probably produced by toluene, the major component of the vapors.1 The acute Central-nervous-system symptoms after toluene inhalation are transient euphoria, exhilaration and excitement, but in high doses confusion, headache, nausea, tinnitus, ataxia, tremors and fasciculations often occur. Acute, reversible hepatic decompensation and bone-marrow suppression are also prominent effects of exposure to high concentrations of toluene.2 3 4 The severity of the acute symptoms correlates well with the concentration of toluene vapor, and specific safeguards have been established for industrial workers .
Nuclear import of HIV‐1 intracellular reverse transcription complexes is mediated by importin 7

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1), like other lentiviruses, can infect non‐dividing cells. This property depends on the active nuclear import of its intracellular reverse transcription complex (RTC). We have studied nuclear import of purified HIV‐1 RTCs in primary macrophages and found that importin 7, an import receptor for ribosomal proteins and histone H1, is involved in the process. Nuclear import of RTCs requires, in addition, energy and the com ponents of the Ran system. Depletion of importin 7 from cultured cells by small interfering RNA inhibits HIV‐1 infection. These results provide a new insight into the molecular mechanism for HIV‐1 nuclear import and reveal potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Increased Life Span in a Polyphenic Butterfly Artificially Selected for Starvation Resistance*

Starvation resistance is closely associated with fitness in natural populations of many organisms. It often co‐varies with longevity and is a relevant target for understanding the evolution of aging. We selected for increased starvation resistance in the seasonally polyphenic butterfly Bicyclus anynana in a warm, wet‐seasonal environment over 17 generations. We measured the response to selection for two selected lines compared to that of an unselected stock. Results show an increase in survival under adult starvation of 50%–100%. In addition, selection lines showed an increase in life span under normal adult feeding of 30%–50%. Female reproduction was changed toward laying fewer but larger eggs. The results indicate a sex‐specific response to selection: females reallocated resources toward a more durable body, whereas males appeared to increase starvation resistance through changed metabolic rate. The phenotype produced by artificial selection resembles the form that occurs in the cool, dry‐season environment, which suggests that selection has targeted the regulatory mechanisms for survival that are also involved in the suite of traits (including starvation resistance) central to the adaptive plastic response of this butterfly to seasonal conditions. In general, these results imply that the regulation of life span involves mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity.
Platelet-derived growth factor receptors regulate mesenchymal stem cell fate: implications for neovascularization

Importance of the field: Regulating stem cell contributions to vascularization is a challenging goal, but a fundamental aspect of regenerative medicine. Human mesenchymal stem cells retain considerable potential for adult vascular repair and regeneration therapies. They are readily obtained, rapidly proliferate in culture, display a capacity to differentiate towards endothelial or vascular smooth muscle cells, and play an important role in postnatal neovascularization in various tissue contexts. To therapeutically enhance neovascularization during ischemic disease, or inhibit neovascularization during tumorigenesis, an essential prerequisite is to determine the mechanisms which control the recruitment and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells towards vascular cells. Areas covered in this review: In this review, we describe the current understanding of how PDGF receptors contribute prominently to neovascularization, and play a decisive role in modulating mesenchymal stem cell recruitment and differentiation towards vascular cells. We discuss PDGF receptor-based therapeutic strategies to exploit mesenchymal stem cells during vascular repair and regeneration, and to control pathological neovascularization. Take home message: PDGF receptor signaling is emerging as a critical regulatory mechanism and important therapeutic target, that critically directs the fate of mesenchymal stem cells during postnatal neovascularization.