Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peripheral blood stem cell mobilization by cytokines

Hematopoietic stem cells circulate in the peripheral blood. These cells can be collected by apheresis techniques either in the unperturbed state, after mobilization following the administration of cytokines like G‐CSF or GM‐CSF, or during the phase of early blood count recovery following chemotherapy‐induced myelosuppression. The number of cells collected following mobilization is greater than that obtained after apheresis in the unperturbed state. There are, however, qualitative differences between unperturbed and mobilized cells. Chemotherapy related mobilization can be potentially dangerous in that severe myelosuppression necessary to achieve mobilization can have serious consequences. There are no controlled studies that evaluate the relative merits of each method of collection. Regardless of the techniques employed peripheral blood stem cells can reliably accelerate hematologic recovery after potentially myeloblative therapy and provide an alternative to bone marrow support. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Circular planar coupler for UWB 2-D communication

In this paper we propose a new planar proximity coupler for ultra-wideband (UWB) two-dimensional communication (2DC). In 2DC systems, microwaves are transmitted into and received from a waveguide sheet across the surface by using a dedicated coupler. The coupler, differently from ordinary antennas, transmits microwaves not into the air but into the sheet, and receives them not from the air but from the sheet. The coupler is a circular conductive patch, and an inner smaller circular portion of the patch is removed. The structure is complementary to a circular patch antenna for over-the-air UWB communication. The return loss of a fabricated coupler was less than -5 dB in a frequency range of 3.1-10.6 GHz. The transmittance between two identical couplers laid on a 135 × 68-cm2 anechoic sheet was also evaluated. The measured results indicate that the major signal transmission path was not in the air but through the sheet, as expected.
Increasing convex order on generalized aggregation of SAI random variables with applications

Abstract In this paper we study general aggregation of stochastic arrangement increasing random variables, including both the generalized linear combination and the standard aggregation as special cases. In terms of monotonicity, supermodularity, and convexity of the kernel function, we develop several sufficient conditions for the increasing convex order on the generalized aggregations. Some applications in reliability and risks are also presented.
Tuning the Bandgap of Exfoliated InSe Nanosheets by Quantum Confinement

Strong quantization effects and tuneable near-infrared photoluminescence emission are reported in mechanically exfoliated crystals of γ-rhombohedral semiconducting InSe. The optical properties of InSe nanosheets differ qualitatively from those reported recently for exfoliated transition metal dichalcogenides and indicate a crossover from a direct to an indirect band gap semiconductor when the InSe flake thickness is reduced to a few nanometers.
Variants of N-tropic leukemia virus derived from BALB/c mice

Clonal lines derived from cultures of NIH/3T3 cells infected with N-tropic leukemia virus from BALB/c mice differ in the amount and type of N-tropic virus they produce. Three biologically distinguishable N-tropic viruses were found: the large XC plaque-forming virus of hartley et al. (1969) (LP-N), A SMALL XC plaque-forming virus (sp-n), and a non-plaque-forming virus (NP-N). SP-N and NP-N are less infectious than LP-N. Upon prolonged passage in NIH/3T3 cells NP-N gives rise to highly infectious LP-N.
Focus on Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes: Opportunities and Challenges in Cell-Free Therapy

Mesenchymal stem cells have been at the forefront of regenerative medicine for many years. Exosomes, which are nanovesicles involved in intercellular communication and the transportation of genetic material transportation that can be released by mesenchymal stem cells, have been recently reported to play a role in cell-free therapy of many diseases, including myocardial infarction, drug addiction, and status epilepticus. They are also thought to help ameliorate inflammation-induced preterm brain injury, liver injury, and various types of cancer. This review highlights recent advances in the exploration of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in therapeutic applications. The natural contents, drug delivery potency, modification methods, and drug loading methods of exosomes are also discussed.
Generalization of Clustering Coefficient on Lattice Networks Applied to Criminal Networks

—A lattice network is a special type of network in which all nodes have the same number of links, and its boundary conditions are periodic. The most basic lattice network is the ring, a one-dimensional network with periodic border conditions. In contrast, the Cartesian product of d rings forms a d -dimensional lattice network. An analytical expression currently exists for the clustering coefﬁcient in this type of network, but the theoretical value is valid only up to certain connectivity value; in other words, the analytical expression is incomplete. Here we obtain analytically the clustering coefﬁcient expression in d -dimensional lattice networks for any link density. Our analytical results show that the clustering coefﬁcient for a lattice network with density of links that tend to 1 , leads to the value of the clustering coefﬁcient of a fully connected network. We developed a model on criminology in which the generalized clustering coefﬁcient expression is applied. The model states that delinquents learn the know-how of crime business by sharing knowledge, directly or indirectly, with their friends of the gang. This generalization shed light on the network properties, which is important to develop new models in different ﬁelds where network structure plays an important role in the system dynamic, such as criminology, evolutionary game theory, econophysics, among others.
Role of methionine and formylation of initiator tRNA in initiation of protein synthesis in Escherichia coli

We showed recently that a mutant of Escherichia coli initiator tRNA with a CAU-->CUA anticodon sequence change can initiate protein synthesis from UAG by using formylglutamine instead of formylmethionine. We further showed that coupling of the anticodon sequence change to mutations in the acceptor stem that reduced Vmax/Km(app) in formylation of the tRNAs in vitro significantly reduced their activity in initiation in vivo. In this work, we have screened an E. coli genomic DNA library in a multicopy vector carrying one of the mutant tRNA genes and have found that the gene for E. coli methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MetRS) rescues, partially, the initiation defect of the mutant tRNA. For other mutant tRNAs, we have examined the effect of overproduction of MetRS on their activities in initiation and their aminoacylation and formylation in vivo. Some but not all of the tRNA mutants can be rescued. Those that cannot be rescued are extremely poor substrates for MetRS or the formylating enzyme. Overproduction of MetRS also significantly increases the initiation activity of a tRNA mutant which can otherwise be aminoacylated with glutamine and fully formylated in vivo. We interpret these results as follows. (i) Mutant initiator tRNAs that are poor substrates for MetRS are aminoacylated in part with methionine when MetRS is overproduced. (ii) Mutant tRNAs aminoacylated with methionine are better substrates for the formylating enzyme in vivo than mutant tRNAs aminoacylated with glutamine. (iii) Mutant tRNAs carrying formylmethionine are significantly more active in initiation than those carrying formylglutamine. Consequently, a subset of mutant tRNAs which are defective in formylation and therefore inactive in initiation when they are aminoacylated with glutamine become partially active when MetRS is overproduced.
Emotional Regulation Strategies and Negotiation

This study examined the relationship between profit achievement and emotional regulation strategies, using Kelley's Negotiation Game to measure profit achievement. The game involves bargaining for the prices of three products. Emotional Regulation Strategies were measured by The Emotional Regulation Questionnaire. Scores were obtained from 104 lower level managers of a bank in Turkey. Their average age was 32.0 yr. (SD = 3.7), (39 women and 65 men). A correlation of . 65 (p < .01) was obtained between scores on profit achievement with scores on Cognitive Reappraisal strategy and –. 50 (p < .01) with scores on Suppression strategy.
Constraining the internal dynamics of stellar systems using the NMAGIC particle code

Abstract NMAGIC is a parallel implementation of our made-to-measure (χ2M2M) algorithm for constructing N-particle models of stellar systems from observational data, which extends earlier ideas by Syer & Tremaine (1996). The χ2M2M algorithm properly accounts for observational errors, is flexible, and can be applied to various systems and geometries. We show its ability to reproduce the internal dynamics of an oblate isotropic rotator model and report on the modeling of the dark matter (DM) halo of NGC 3379 combining SAURON and PN.S kinematic data. The χ2M2M algorithm is practical, reliable and can be applied to various dynamical systems without symmetry restrictions. We conclude that χ2M2M holds great promise for unraveling the internal dynamics of bulges.
Recovery of corneal innervation following photorefractive keratoablation.

OBJECTIVE To study the morphological recovery of rabbit corneal nerves for up to 12 months after photorefractive keratoablation. METHODS The histochemical acetylcholinesterase reaction was used to demonstrate morphological features in rabbit corneal nerves at 1 hour, at 6 weeks, and at 3, 6, or 12 months after photorefractive keratoablation. RESULTS Photorefractive keratoablation ablated the subepithelial nerve plexus, leaving sharply cut stromal nerves. Epithelial innervation was almost completely restored in 3 months, with innervation proceeding from the epithelial nerve plexuses at the wound margins, but the stromal nerves showed abnormal morphological features throughout the study. Abnormally coiled, regenerating axons emerged from the cut stromal nerves. The first of them were observed to penetrate into the epithelium 3 months postoperatively. The acetylcholinesterase reaction of the epithelial cell membranes was weaker in the wound area, except in the specimens that were observed at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Epithelial innervation was restored relatively quickly; otherwise, neural recovery was slow. The structure and architecture of the stromal nerves was abnormal even in the the specimens that were observed at 12 months. We hypothesize that corneal nerve damage induced by deep photoablations may correlate with the predictability problems and haze.
Non-Linear Inverse Analysis of Transportation Structures Using Neuro-Adaptive Networks with Hybrid Learning Algorithm

The load-bearing capacity of pavement structures is a fundamental structural performance metric of transportation infrastructure networks in the context of safe and efficient movement of people and goods from one place to another. Non-destructive test (NDT) methods are typically employed to routinely evaluate the structural condition of pavement structures, their lifespan and the appropriate maintenance activities to be carried out. This involves computing the Young’s modulus of each layer of the pavement structure through inverse analysis of acquired NDT data. Over the past two decades, soft computing techniques such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Genetic Algorithms (GAs), and Fuzzy Logic Approach (FLA) have been applied in numerous civil engineering fields for pattern recognition, function approximation, etc. This paper proposes the use of an Adaptive-Network-based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) combined with Finite Element Modeling (FEM) for inverse analysis of multi-layered flexible pavement structures subjected to dynamic loading. Using the proposed approach, it will be possible for pavement engineers to characterize the non-linear, stress-dependent modulus of the pavement layers based on the NDT data in real time, identify the pavement defects, and better determine the appropriate rehabilitation strategy. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Gopalakrishnan, K. , Khaitan, S. K. , and Ceylan, H. (2009). “Non-linear Inverse Analysis of Transportation Structures Using Neuro-Adaptive Networks with Hybrid Learning Algorithm ,” ANNIE 2009, ANNs in Engineering, St. Louis, Missouri, November 2-4, pp. 99-106. 2
Nonlinear Multiscale Graph Theory based Segmentation of Color Images

In this paper the issue of image segmentation within the framework of nonlinear multiscale watersheds in combination with graph theory based techniques is addressed. First, a graph is created which decomposes the image in scale and space using the concept of multiscale watersheds. In the subsequent step the obtained graph is partitioned using recursive graph cuts in a coarse to fine manner. In this way, we are able to combine scale and feature measures in a flexible way: the feature-set that is used to measure the dissimilarities may change as we progress in scale. We employ the earth mover's distance on a featureset that combines color, scale and contrast features to measure the dissimilarity between the nodes in the graph. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method for natural scene images
Effect of yogurt with Bifidobacterium DN-173 010 on salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in young adults

Probiotic bacteria are thought to reduce the risk of disease. Previous studies have suggested that lactobacilli-derived probiotics in dairy products may affect the oral ecology, but the effect of bifidobacteria has not previously been reported. The aim of the present study was to examine whether or not short-term consumption of yogurt containing bifidobacteria would affect the salivary levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli in young adults. A double-blind, randomized crossover study was performed and 21 healthy subjects were followed over four periods. During periods 2 and 4 (2 weeks each), they ingested 200 g yogurt containing Bifidobacterium DN-173 010 once daily or a control yogurt without viable bacteria. Periods 1 and 3 were run-in and washout periods, respectively. Salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli were enumerated with chair-side kits. A statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) of salivary mutans streptococci was recorded after the probiotic yogurt consumption, which was in contrast to the controls. A similar trend was seen for lactobacilli, but this decrease failed to reach statistical significance. In conclusion, probiotic bifidobacteria in yogurt may reduce the levels of selected caries-associated microorganisms in saliva.
Introduction and expression of the bacterial genes cysE and cysK in eukaryotic cells

The coding sequences of the cysE and cysK genes from Escherichia coli, which encode the enzymes of the cysteine biosynthetic pathway, namely, serine acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.30) and O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase (or cysteine synthase [EC 4.2.99.8]), were modified for expression in eukaryotic cells and introduced into murine L cells. A number of fusion genes comprising the cysE or cysK coding sequences joined to the promoter of the ovine metallothionein-Ia (MT-Ia) gene and various portions of the ovine growth hormone (GH) gene were prepared. Significant differences in the level of transcription were observed, depending on the amount and arrangement of the GH gene sequences used, the highest levels being obtained with the constructs MTCE10 and MTCK7, which contained only the GH 3' untranslated gene sequences. These two constructs were fused to produce the gene MTCEK1. In this single DNA sequence, each bacterial gene is under independent MT-Ia promoter control. Expression of the cysK sequence in this construct (MT-Ia promoter-cysE-3' GH sequence-MT-Ia promoter-cysK-3' GH sequence) was elevated compared with expression of the cysK gene in MTCK7. However, expression of the cysE sequence in MTCEK1 was only 40% of that of the cysE gene cloned into MTCE10. The double-promoter configuration, which enhances the expression of the second gene in MTCEK1, is proposed as a model for the modification of bacterial genes in general.
Molecular Epidemiologic Evaluation of Transmissibility and Virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

ABSTRACT Discovery of genotypic markers associated with increased transmissibility in Mycobacterium tuberculosis would represent an important step in advancing mycobacterial virulence studies. M. tuberculosis strains may be classified into one of three genotypes on the basis of the presence of specific nucleotide substitutions in codon 463 of the katG gene (katG-463) and codon 95 of the gyrA gene (gyrA-95). It has previously been reported that two of these three genotypes are associated with increased IS6110-based clustering, a potential proxy of virulence. We designed a case-control analysis of U.S.-born patients with tuberculosis in San Francisco, Calif. , between 1991 and 1997 to investigate associations between katG-463 andgyrA-95 genotypes and epidemiologically determined measures of strain-specific infectivity and pathogenicity and IS6110-based clustering status. We used a new class of molecular probes called molecular beacons to genotype the isolates rapidly. Infectivity was defined as the propensity of isolates to cause tuberculin skin test conversions among named contacts, and pathogenicity was defined as their propensity to cause active disease among named contacts. The molecular beacon assay was a simple and reproducible method for the detection of known single nucleotide polymorphisms in large numbers of clinical M. tuberculosisisolates. The results showed that no genotype of thekatG-463- and gyrA-95-based classification system was associated with increased infectivity and pathogenicity or with increased IS6110-based clustering in San Francisco during the study period. We speculate that molecular epidemiologic studies investigating clinically relevant outcomes may contribute to the knowledge of the significance of laboratory-derived virulence factors in the propagation of tuberculosis in human communities.
Root Adaptability of Clonal Plant Iris japonica and Its Role in Understory Vegetation Restoration in Chongqing, SW China

&#61472;A clonal herb species, Iris japonica, is used for constructing understory horticultural landscape, and it has high adaptability in understory condition. Root characteristics differences between I. japonica and other herb species in two typical natural habitats, Open area at forest edge (OAFE) and Bamboo forest (BF) were carried out on Jinyun Mountain, Chongqing, China, and a reciprocal transplant-replant experiment was conducted to investigate root production and adaptability of above two populations. The results were as follows: Root length density, surface area density, volume density, biomass density and below-ground biomass ratio of I. japonica were significantly higher than those of total other herbs in two habitats (p<0.05). Root characteristics (length density, surface area density and volume density) of both I. japonica and total other herbs in BF were significantly higher than those in OAFE (p<0.05). Root characteristics of coarse root (D > 2 mm), fine root (D < 2 mm) and all 7 root diameter classes of I. japonica were significantly higher in BF than those in OAFE (p<0.05). Root length (density or ratio), surface area (density or ratio) and volume (density or ratio) were significantly higher in fine root than in coarse root, whether OAFE or BF habitats. Root characteristics and root biomass density of BN and BS were significantly higher than those of ON and OS (p<0.05). Even root system of ON and OS were well-developed. Origin types had significant effect on coarse root (length, surface area, volume and RLD), both Origin and Growth habitat had effect on all features of fine root. Therefore, I. japonica can develop dominant root system, and it has the high root adaptability through its clonality in different habitats, which indicate that clonality well-developed population may play significant role in understory vegetation restoration (with moderate shading) for improvement soil space by large root system.
Mechanics of Sn-4Ag-0.5Cu solder joints in a ball grid array assembly during reflow and temperature cycles

A thorough understanding of the mechanics of lead-free solder joint in a ball grid array (BGA) assembly under expected operating conditions is essential in developing reliable life prediction models. In this respect, accurate deformation response of Sn-4Ag-0.5Cu (SAC405) solder under varying temperature cycles and straining rates is established using unified inelastic strain theory. The mechanics of the solder joint is then quantified through finite element modeling of a typical BGA assembly. The 3D quarter-model of the test assembly consists of silicon die, FR-4 substrate and printed circuit board (PCB), copper traces, intermetallics layer (IMC) and SAC405 solder joints in an area array. Reflow temperature profile consists of cooling from the assumed stress-free temperature of 220 to 25°C. Temperature cycles in the range between 125 and -40°C with dwell time at peak temperature levels are simulated. Results show that residual von Mises stress of 48.7 MPa and the corresponding inelastic strain of 0.031 are predicted in the critical solder joint at 25°C following solder reflow cooling. Additional inelastic strains accumulates continuously in the solder throughout the temperature cycles. Solder stress relaxation with accompanying inelastic strain occurs during dwell-time periods at both -40 and 125°C due viscoplastic and creep effects, respectively. In the critical solder joint, both high stress and strain gradients are localized in a small edge region at the solder-IMC interface near the component (SMD) side of the assembly. A new fatigue life model with unified inelastic strain theory defined for SAC405 solder joints is proposed based on accumulated inelastic strains and plastic work density of the critical solder joint.
Terpenoids Isolated From the Shoot of Plectranthus hadiensis Induces Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer Cells Via the Mitochondria-Dependent Pathway

The plant Plectranthus hadiensis is a rich source of many bioactive phytochemicals, especially terpenoids. The terpenoid fraction was isolated and phytochemical characterization was done using GC-MS. The aim of the present study was to find out the antiproliferative activity and the mechanism of cell death induction by the terpenoid fraction on human colon cancer cells (HCT-15). MTT assay was performed with different concentrations of the fraction (10, 20, and 50 µg/mL) to obtain IC50 value for 24 h to induce cell death. The induction of apoptosis were studied by Hoechst staining, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, Comet assay, DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activity assays. The mechanism of apoptosis induction was studied by expression analysis of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and proapoptotic Bax using RT-PCR and also by Western blot analysis of proteins involved in the apoptotic pathway. The terpenoid fraction induced significant morphological changes and DNA fragmentation in the cells. Positive Hoechst staining and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining indicated apoptosis induction by the fraction. DNA fragmentation, which is a characteristic feature of apoptosis, was also observed. Upregulation of caspase-3 activity and proapoptotic Bax, and the downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and COX-2 confirmed that the apoptosis induction was via the mitochondria-dependent pathway.