Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cytokines and hematopoietic stem cell mobilization

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has become the standard of care for the treatment of many hematologic malignancies, chemotherapy sensitive relapsed acute leukemias or lymphomas, multiple myeloma; and for some non‐malignant diseases such as aplastic anemia and immunodeficient states. The hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) resides in the bone marrow (BM). A number of chemokines and cytokines have been shown in vivo and in clinical trials to enhance trafficking of HSC into the peripheral blood. This process, termed stem cell mobilization, results in the collection of HSC via apheresis for both autologous and allogeneic transplantation. Enhanced understanding of HSC biology, processes involved in HSC microenvironmental interactions and the critical ligands, receptors and cellular proteases involved in HSC homing and mobilization, with an emphasis on G‐CSF induced HSC mobilization, form the basis of this review. We will describe the key features and dynamic processes involved in HSC mobilization and focus on the key ligand‐receptor pairs including CXCR4/SDF1, VLA4/VCAM1, CD62L/PSGL, CD44/HA, and Kit/KL. In addition we will describe food and drug administration (FDA) approved and agents currently in clinical development for enhancing HSC mobilization and transplantation outcomes. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 690–705, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The price is right?: economic value of location sharing

The popularity of location-based services such as Foursquare has made location sharing a common practice. Commercial companies can use the shared location for marketing purposes and often motivate users to share using discounts or special offers. We examine the reward users demand in such a scenario to try and estimate the value they ascribe to their own location information. Our user study is conducted using a mobile phone application that randomly offers users hypothetical money coupons in exchange for publishing their location. Responses by 25 participants to 481 such offers show that the willingness to share increases with coupon value, yet varies greatly with the location being shared. We use logistic regression to estimate the value above which most users will share their location and find it to be ∈8/∈5.4 ($10.4/$7) for a user's home and work respectively. This work contributes to the growing body of knowledge about the economic aspects of location-based services.
Impact of Burnout and Psychosocial Work Characteristics on Future Long-Term Sickness Absence. Prospective Results of the Danish PUMA Study Among Human Service Workers

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine if burnout and psychosocial factors predicted long-term sickness absence (>2 weeks) at work unit level. Methods: Data were collected prospectively at 82-work units in human services (PUMA cohort, PUMA: Danish acronym for Burnout, Motivation and Job satisfaction) followed up during the proceeding 18 months regarding onset of long-term sickness absence. Questionnaire data regarding burnout and psychosocial factors were aggregated at work unit level. We used Poisson regression models with psychosocial factors and burnout as predictors of long-term sickness absence for more than 18 months based on data from a national absence register. Results: Long-term sickness absence was predicted by psychosocial factors and by burnout at work unit level. Conclusion: To reduce sickness absence, organizations within human services should improve the psychosocial work environment, and equally important, the organizations should be attentive to employees with symptoms of burnout.
Numerical examination of a new ultra-wideband dual-polarised square horn antenna for pulse radiation and the early-stage breast cancer detection

Since the backscattered cross-polarised signal can be used to detect breast tumours that are located near chest wall and determine the polarisation characteristic of tumours, which is different in benign and malignant ones, in this paper, we try to design an UWB small dual-polarised horn antenna. Effects of different elements of the antenna on its performance are examined using three dimensional finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) methods. Instead of ridges, four curved planes terminated with resistors are incorporated with a horn body. It is shown that the antenna configuration can be set somehow, that antenna exhibits low VSWR, S21 over a wide frequency range from 1 GHz to 11 GHz and high fidelity. The time-domain electric field distribution in E-plane and H-plane and radiation pattern of the antenna are shown. Capability of antenna in producing narrow beam width for hyperthermia treatment is also explained.
Proofread Sentence Generation as Multi-Task Learning with Editing Operation Prediction

This paper explores the idea of robot editors, automated proofreaders that enable journalists to improve the quality of their articles. We propose a novel neural model of multi-task learning that both generates proofread sentences and predicts the editing operations required to rewrite the source sentences and create the proofread ones. The model is trained using logs of the revisions made professional editors revising draft newspaper articles written by journalists. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our multi-task learning approach and the potential value of using revision logs for this task.
Acoustic analyses of infant fricative and trill vocalizations.

Closants, or consonantlike sounds in infant vocalizations, were described acoustically using 16-kHz spectrograms and LPC or FFT analyses based on waveforms sampled at 20 or 40 kHz. The two major closant types studied were fricatives and trills. Compared to similar fricative sounds in adult speech, the fricative sounds of the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month-old infants had primary spectral components at higher frequencies, i.e., to and above 14 kHz. Trill rate varied from 16-180 Hz with a mean of about 100, approximately four times the mean trill rate reported for adult talkers. Acoustic features are described for various places of articulation for fricatives and trills. The discussion of the data emphasizes dimensions of acoustic contrast that appear in infant vocalizations during the first year of life, and implications of the spectral data for auditory and motor self-stimulation by normal-hearing and hearing-impaired infants.
A mathematical method for estimating paired testes weight from in situ testicular measurements in three species of hamster

Linear regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between testicular volume (calculated from measurements of length and width) and weights of paired testes. Line equations that can be used to predict weights of paired testes from the volume of one or both testes are given for three species of hamster (Mesocricetus auratus, Mesocricetus brandti, and Phodopus sungorus sungorus). Because these parameters are highly correlated (r ≥ 0.97), the line equations provide a highly reliable means of estimating weights of paired testes from in situ surgical measurements. Weights of testes predicted in this manner are highly correlated with actual weights of paired testes (r ≥ 0.96). The surgical method for measurement of the gonads is also described. This technique for estimating paired testicular weight allows considerable reduction in the number of animals required for longterm experiments and also permits longitudinal studies of individual animals.
Testing Semantics for RTPA

The language RTPA, Real Time Process Algebra, has been created to enable rigorous treatment of knowledge representation and manipulation in terms of to be I to have / to do in a formal and coherent framework. This language has been designed to cope with the three dimensions involved in the problem of software specification: (i) mathematical operations, (ii) event/process timing, and (iii) memory manipulation. In this paper we focus on giving a testing semantics to the second dimension: Process timing dimension. First, we will provide a SOS like operational semantics for the process relations of RTPA. Next, we will define what a test is and we will introduce a relation based on which tests are passed by processes. Finally, we will obtain an operational characterization that can be used as a first step to define a denotational sematics sound and complete with respect the testing semantics.
Electron microscopic studies of the rickettsia Coxiella burneti: entry, lysosomal response, and fate of rickettsial DNA in L-cells.

The rickettsial agent Coxiella burneti was studied in cultured mouse L cells by use of the electron microscope. Rickettsiae gain entry to the host cell in an apparently passive manner through phagocytic activity by L cells. The L cells show a lysosomal response to the presence of rickettsiae, as determined by cytochemical tests for acid phosphatase and 5′-nucleotidase. Further, examination of C. burneti within lysosomes suggests that rickettsiae can be degraded by the host cell. Autoradiographic analyses using tritiated thymidine show that rickettsial DNA is largely restricted to the dense nucleoid region, and when such labeled rickettsiae are used to inoculate L cells, most of the label becomes localized in the host cell nucleus. The above information is discussed in terms of dynamic interactions between C. burneti and infected L cells.
Patterns of bacterial biodiversity in the glacial meltwater streams of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica.

Microbial consortia dominate glacial meltwater streams from polar regions, including the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV), where they thrive under physiologically stressful conditions. In this study, we examined microbial mat types and sediments found in 12 hydrologically diverse streams to describe the community diversity and composition within and across sites. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene from 129 samples revealed ∼24 000 operational taxonomic units (<97% DNA similarity), making streams the most biodiverse habitat in the MDV. Principal coordinate analyses revealed significant but weak clustering by mat type across all streams (ANOSIM R-statistic = 0.28) but stronger clustering within streams (ANOSIM R-statistic from 0.28 to 0.94). Significant relationships (P < 0.05) were found between bacterial diversity and mat ash-free dry mass, suggesting that diversity is related to the hydrologic regimes of the various streams, which are predictive of mat biomass. However, correlations between stream chemistry and community members were weak, possibly reflecting the importance of internal processes and hydrologic conditions. Collectively, these results suggest that localized conditions dictate bacterial community composition of the same mat types and sediments from different streams, and while MDV streams are hotspots of biodiversity in an otherwise depauperate landscape, controls on community structure are complex and site specific.
Biomechanical properties of the rat oesophagus in experimental type‐1 diabetes

Abstract The gastrointestinal tract remodels its morphology and circumferential stress–strain properties in diabetes mellitus. This study adds one more piece of mechanical knowledge, namely the oesophageal shear modulus and its dependence on the circumferential and longitudinal stresses and strains of oesophagus in diabetic rats and control rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg kg−1 body weight). The diabetic rats lived up to 28 days after the induction of diabetes. The oesophagus was studied in vitro using a triaxial machine. Stepwise elongation and inflation plus continuous twist were carried out with measurement of the resultant forces. Circumferential and longitudinal stresses and strains were computed from steady‐state values of longitudinal force, outer diameter and the applied pressure. The shear modulus was computed from the twist angle–torque relationship. The circumferential and longitudinal stress–strain relationships were exponential. The circumferential stiffness increased 1 week after induction of diabetes (P < 0.001). The longitudinal stiffness increased in the 4‐week diabetic rats (P < 0.001). The shear modulus varied as function of longitudinal strain and pressure. The oesophagus became stiffer in shear 4 weeks after the induction of diabetes (P < 0.001).
Geographical differences in first acquisition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis.

RATIONALE Risk of infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis (CF) may be associated with environmental factors. OBJECTIVES To determine whether residential location is associated with risk of first acquisition of P. aeruginosa. METHODS We performed bronchoalveolar lavage and upper airway cultures in children newly diagnosed with CF to identify infection with P. aeruginosa during infancy and early childhood. Children were assessed according to their residence in a regional or metropolitan area. Multilocus sequence typing was used to determine P. aeruginosa genotype. An environmental questionnaire was also administered. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 105 of 120 (87.5%) infants diagnosed with CF were included in this study. Diagnosis in 65 infants (61.9%) followed newborn screening at mean age of 4.6 weeks. Sixty subjects (57.1%) were homozygous ΔF508, and 47 (44.8%) were female. Fifty-five (52.3%) infants were regional, of whom 26 (47.3%), compared with 9 of 50 (18.0%) metropolitan children, acquired infection with P. aeruginosa (odds ratio, 4.084; 95% confidence interval, 1.55-11.30). Age at acquisition was similar (regional: median, 2.31 yr; range, 0.27-5.96 yr; metropolitan: median, 3.10 yr, range, 0.89-3.70 yr). Strain typing identified P. aeruginosa genotypes often encountered in different ecological settings and little evidence of cross-infection. Ninety questionnaires (85.7%) were completed. Those who acquired P. aeruginosa were more likely to be living in a household that used water sprinkler systems (P = 0.032), but no differences were identified to explain increased risk of acquisition of P. aeruginosa in regional children. CONCLUSIONS Geographical difference in residence of children with CF was associated with increased risk of first acquisition of P. aeruginosa, usually with strains associated with the environment rather than with cross-infection.
An approach for real-time motion planning of an inchworm robot in complex steel bridge environments

SUMMARY Path planning can be difficult and time consuming for inchworm robots especially when operating in complex 3D environments such as steel bridges. Confined areas may prevent a robot from extensively searching the environment by limiting its mobility. An approach for real-time path planning is presented. This approach first uses the concept of line-of-sight (LoS) to find waypoints from the start pose to the end node. It then plans smooth, collision-free motion for a robot to move between waypoints using a 3D-F2 algorithm. Extensive simulations and experiments are conducted in 2D and 3D scenarios to verify the approach.
The stability and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins from blueberry.

Anthocyanins from highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) have tremendous potential as natural colorants and functional food with pharmaceutical purposes in food applications. To exploit the potential for food applications, the stability and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins present in blueberries have been studied. The results indicate that anthocyanins from blueberry were stable against the low pH (£5.0), NaCl (0.125–0.500 mol/L), sucrose (0.584–2.336 mol/L) and preservative (sodium benzoate, 0.035–0.140 mol/L), but were sensitive to alkaline conditions (37.0), high temperature (380 °C), light (natural light), oxidizing agent (H2O2, 0.5–2.0 %) and reducing agent (Na2SO3, 0.005–0.040 mol/L). At concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/mL, anthocyanins from blueberry could protect ECV-304 cells against oxidative damage induced by H2O2. These results suggest that anthocyanins from blueberry can be regarded as a potential colorant for some acidic (pH£5.0) food products and could be used as health food to prevent diseases arising from oxidative processes.
Image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery for cranial lesions: large margins compensate for reduced image guidance frequency.

BACKGROUND We investigated patient positioning during radiosurgery of cranial lesions, and calculated clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margins using a modified common margin recipe. We simulated CTV-to-PTV margins for reduced image guidance, and repositioning for the first table angle only. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were immobilized with a thermoplastic mask. Positioning was verified and corrected using the ExacTrac/Novalis Body. Each patient was repositioned before each beam. A common margin recipe was adapted for estimation of CTV-to-PTV margins. Necessary margins were estimated to correct positioning for the initial table angle only in comparison. RESULTS In total, 269 radiosurgery treatments with 967 different-angle setups (mean 3.6 different angles) were performed on 190 patients. Residual translational errors were (one standard deviation) 0.3 mm in left-right (LR), superior-inferior (SI), and anterior-posterior (AP) directions, with a mean three-dimensional vector of 0.5 mm. Margins for residual errors after correction were calculated in LR, SI, and AP directions as 0.8 mm. For simulated reduced frequency setup correction, we calculated CTV-to-PTV margins as 1.9, 1.9, and 1.6 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The ExacTrac/Novalis Body system allows for accurate positioning of the patient with a residual error comparable to invasive mask fixation. If verification is only performed after initial positioning, adaption of CTV-to-PTV margins should be considered.
Designing Privacy Indicators for Smartphone App Markets: A New Perspective on the Nature of Privacy Risks of Apps

Smartphone apps became indispensable for many individuals. They offer utility in various ways such as personalization or context-sensitivity. Often, utility is enabled by smartphone platforms’ capability to provide apps with automated access to a multiplicity of private resources such as the users’ current location, contacts, or device sensors. While access to these resources is privacy-affecting by nature, users are often not informed appropriately about the privacy-related properties of individual apps before installing them. Existing privacy indicators in app markets have been shown to be ineffective regarding privacy risk communication. Based on warning design theory, we present and experimentally test a new design for privacy indicators for apps in app markets. The ultimate goal is to effectively communicate privacy properties of individual apps and consequently help users in making informed decisions regarding app selection. Our results suggest that the new design promotes safe behavior and successfully communicates privacy properties of apps.
Detection of RAG Protein-V(D)J Recombination Signal Interactions Near the Site of DNA Cleavage by UV Cross-Linking

ABSTRACT V(D)J recombination is initiated by double-strand cleavage at recombination signal sequences (RSSs). DNA cleavage is mediated by the RAG1 and RAG2 proteins. Recent experiments describing RAG protein-RSS complexes, while defining the interaction of RAG1 with the nonamer, have not assigned contacts immediately adjacent to the site of DNA cleavage to either RAG polypeptide. Here we use UV cross-linking to define sequence- and site-specific interactions between RAG1 protein and both the heptamer element of the RSS and the coding flank DNA. Hence, RAG1-DNA contacts span the site of cleavage. We also detect cross-linking of RAG2 protein to some of the same nucleotides that cross-link to RAG1, indicating that, in the binding complex, both RAG proteins are in close proximity to the site of cleavage. These results suggest how the heptamer element, the recognition surface essential for DNA cleavage, is recognized by the RAG proteins and have implications for the stoichiometry and active site organization of the RAG1-RAG2-RSS complex.
An analysis of 1505 consecutive patients receiving continuous interscalene analgesia at home: a multicentre prospective safety study

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block has been shown to be the most effective analgesic technique following shoulder surgery; however, its use is uncommon due to logistical and safety concerns related to ambulatory administration. We prospectively studied 1505 consecutive patients undergoing shoulder surgery who received continuous interscalene analgesia at home. Catheter removal was by the patient between postoperative days two and five. There were no major complications although 27% of patients reported mild dyspnoea, 13% hoarseness and 7% dysphagia. Twelve percent sought medical advice and 2% reported technical issues with the pump or tubing. Complications and technical issues were associated with patient age; weight; use of ultrasound or concomitant nerve stimulation as the endpoint for final needle tip position; local anaesthetic placement via the catheter or needle; whether a catheter‐related intervention for pain relief was required in the recovery area; and the type of ambulatory pump. We conclude that this study supports the safety of this underused analgesic technique.
Between Testing and Verification : Software Model Checking via Systematic Testing

Dynamic software model checking consists of adapting model checking into a form of systematic testing that is applicable to industrialsize software. Over the last two decades, dozens of tools following this paradigm have been developed for checking concurrent and data-driven software. Compared to traditional software testing, dynamic software model checking provides better coverage, but is more computationally expensive. Compared to more general forms of program verification like interactive theorem proving, this approach provides more limited verification guarantees, but is cheaper due to its higher level of automation. Dynamic software model checking thus offers an attractive practical trade-off between testing and formal verification. This talk will review 20 years of research on dynamic software model checking. It will highlight some key milestones, applications, and successes. It will also discuss limitations, disappointments, and future work.
Equilibrium with Benchmarking Institutions ∗

In this paper we develop an asset pricing model with heterogeneous institutional investors, and we provide a comprehensive analysis of the effects of benchmark heterogeneity on equilibrium prices and portfolio allocations. We find that an institution’s holdings are higher for those assets that are exclusively part of its benchmark, and that are financed by taking short positions in the assets that are in the other institution’s benchmark, while keeping a zero cash balances at all times. This result implies that correlation across benchmarks is negative. We define a measure of asymmetry between benchmarks and show how it effects asset prices and portfolio allocations. Institutions revert their holdings to their benchmarks when fundamental volatility is high – flight to benchmark – thus creating a demand pressure on the overlapping part of benchmarks, which in turn pushes prices up and Sharpe ratios down even further. Our model also addresses the twin stocks discrepancy, the low volatility puzzle and the asset class effect. We conclude our analysis by characterizing an endogenous choice of benchmark, and show that institutions optimally select the same fully diversified index. ∗Email: idanh@bu.edu. I thank Andrea Buffa, Jérôme Detemple, Rodolfo Prieto, Marcel Rindisbacher and Yuliy Sannikov for invaluable support and feedback. I also thank Rui Albuquerque, Ron Kaniel, Ali Lazrak, Gustavo Schwenkler and the Brownbag seminar participants at Boston University, as well as the Continuous-Time Methods in Economics and Finance class participants at Harvard University.