In this paper we propose and explore the k-Nearest Neighbour UCB algorithm for multiarmed bandits with covariates. We focus on a setting where the covariates are supported on a metric space of low intrinsic dimension, such as a manifold embedded within a high dimensional ambient feature space. The algorithm is conceptually simple and straightforward to implement. The k-Nearest Neighbour UCB alg...

BACKGROUND Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) plays a protective role in coronary artery disease. Red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are inflammatory biomarkers and higher levels are related to atherosclerosis and adverse cardiovascular events. AIM We aimed to investigate the relation between UCB levels and RDW, NLR, PLR in...

OBJECTIVES Umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UCB-MSCs) are ideally suited for use in various cell-based therapies. We investigated a novel induction protocol (NIP) to improve the neuronal differentiation of human UCB-MSCs under appropriate conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS This experimental study was performed in Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO), Tehran, Ira...

Introduction Brain distribution of synaptic vesicle protein 2A was measured with fluorine-18 UCB-H ([18F]UCB-H) and positron emission tomography (PET). Methods Images of synaptic density were acquired in healthy volunteers (two young participants and two seniors). Input function was measured by arterial blood sampling (arterial input function) and derived from PET images using carotid activit...

We consider the sequential Bayesian op-timization problem with bandit feedback,adopting a formulation that allows for the re-ward function to vary with time. We modelthe reward function using a Gaussian pro-cess whose evolution obeys a simple Markovmodel. We introduce two natural extensionsof the classical Gaussian process upper confi-dence bound (GP-UCB) algorit...

Objective To study the safety and effect of the umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on apoptosis of human cardiomyocytes (HCM). Methods UCB was collected at the time of delivery with informed consent obtained from 10 donors. The UCB-derived MSCs were treated with 5-azaserube (5-AZA) and were further induced to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Telomerase activity, ...

BACKGROUND Lower incidence and severity of acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) has been observed in leukemia patients receiving HLA-mismatched umbilical cord (UCB) transplants. However, despite the increased use of UCB in stem cell transplantation, the mechanisms underlying these favorable outcomes are not well delineated. METHODS We analyzed antigen specific lymphocyte responses after tra...

Results of previous studies have suggested that UCB (unconjugated bilirubin) may be transported by MRP1/Mrp1 (multidrug-resistance-associated protein 1). To test this hypothesis directly, [3H]UCB transport was assessed in plasma-membrane vesicles from MDCKII cells (Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells) stably transfected with human MRP1 or MRP2; wild-type MDCKII cells served as controls. As revea...

In neonatal jaundice, high levels of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) may induce neurological dysfunction (BIND). Recently, it was observed that UCB induces alterations on brain microvasculature, which may facilitate its entrance into the brain, but little is known about the steps involved. To evaluate if UCB damages the integrity of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), we used 50 ...

Vacuolar myelinopathy (VM) is a neurologic disease primarily found in birds that occurs when wildlife ingest submerged aquatic vegetation colonized by an uncharacterized toxin-producing cyanobacterium (hereafter "UCB" for "uncharacterized cyanobacterium"). Turtles are among the closest extant relatives of birds and many species directly and/or indirectly consume aquatic vegetation. However, it ...