Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RGS6, a Modulator of Parasympathetic Activation in Heart

Rationale: Parasympathetic regulation of heart rate is mediated by acetylcholine binding to G protein–coupled muscarinic M2 receptors, which activate heterotrimeric Gi/o proteins to promote G protein–coupled inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channel activation. Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins, which function to inactivate G proteins, are indispensable for normal parasympathetic control of the heart. However, it is unclear which of the more than 20 known RGS proteins function to negatively regulate and thereby ensure normal parasympathetic control of the heart. Objective: To examine the specific contribution of RGS6 as an essential regulator of parasympathetic signaling in heart. Methods and Results: We developed RGS6 knockout mice to determine the functional impact of loss of RGS6 on parasympathetic regulation of cardiac automaticity. RGS6 exhibited a uniquely robust expression in the heart, particularly in sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodal regions. Loss of RGS6 provoked dramatically exaggerated bradycardia in response to carbachol in mice and isolated perfused hearts and significantly enhanced the effect of carbachol on inhibition of spontaneous action potential firing in sinoatrial node cells. Consistent with a role of RGS6 in G protein inactivation, RGS6-deficient atrial myocytes exhibited a significant reduction in the time course of acetylcholine-activated potassium current (IKACh) activation and deactivation, as well as the extent of IKACh desensitization. Conclusions: RGS6 is a previously unrecognized, but essential, regulator of parasympathetic activation in heart, functioning to prevent parasympathetic override and severe bradycardia. These effects likely result from actions of RGS6 as a negative regulator of G protein activation of GIRK channels.
Yield prognosis for fab-to-fab product migration

We investigate the utility of correlations between e-test and probe test measurements in predicting yield. Specifically, we first examine whether statistical methods can accurately predict parametric probe test yield as a function of e-test measurements within the same fab. Then, we investigate whether the e-test profile of a destination fab, in conjunction with the e-test and probe test profiles of a source fab, suffice for accurate yield prognosis during fab-to-fab product migration. Results using an industrial dataset of ~3.5M devices from a 65nm Texas Instruments RF transceiver design fabricated in two different fabs reveal that (i) within-fab yield prediction error is in the range of a few tenths of a percentile point, and (ii) fab-to-fab yield prediction error is in the range of half a percentile point.
The TEL‐AML1 real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) might replace the antigen receptor‐based genomic PCR in clinical minimal residual disease studies  in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Summary. Prospective studies in children with B‐precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) have shown that polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) using immunoglobin (Ig) and T‐cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements as targets can be used to identify patients with a high relapse risk. The disadvantage of this approach is that for each patient preferably two different targets have to be identified. The t(12;21)(p13;q22) with the TEL‐AML1 fusion gene is present in approximately 25% of children with B‐precursor ALL. In these patients, sensitive reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR analysis of the TEL‐AML1 fusion transcript might be a more simple and less laborious alternative approach. However, it is unknown how stable the mRNA is and whether the number of transcripts per leukaemic cell remains constant during follow‐up. We investigated whether the MRD results obtained using RT‐PCR of TEL‐AML1 transcripts correlated with the clinically validated genomic PCR for Ig and TCR gene rearrangements. Therefore, we used real‐time quantitative (RQ)‐PCR analysis for both types of targets and assessed the MRD levels in 36 follow‐up bone marrow samples (obtained during the first 1·5 years after diagnosis) from 13 patients with B‐precursor ALL. In 34/36 bone marrow samples the Ig/TCR RQ‐PCR and TEL‐AML1 RQ‐PCR revealed equal levels of MRD and these results had a strong correlation (P < 0·0001, R2 = 0·84). Therefore, we conclude that the TEL‐AML1 RQ‐PCR can, in principle, replace Ig/TCR RQ‐PCR in B‐precursor ALL with t(12;21).
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Circulating S100B Blood Levels in Schizophrenia

S100B is a calcium-binding protein secreted in central nervous system from astrocytes and other glia cells. High blood S100B levels have been linked to brain damage and psychiatric disorders. S100B levels have been reported to be higher in schizophrenics than healthy controls. To quantify the relationship between S100B blood levels and schizophrenia a systematic literature review of case-control studies published on this topic within July 3rd 2014 was carried out using three bibliographic databases: Medline, Scopus and Web of Science. Studies reporting mean and standard deviation of S100B blood levels both in cases and controls were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-Mean Ratio (mMR) of S100B blood levels in cases compared to controls was used as a measure of effect along with its 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). 20 studies were included totaling for 994 cases and 785 controls. Schizophrenia patients showed 76% higher S100B blood levels than controls with mMR = 1.76 95% CI: 1.44–2.15. No difference could be found between drug-free patients with mMR = 1.84 95%CI: 1.24–2.74 and patients on antipsychotic medication with mMR = 1.75 95% CI: 1.41–2.16). Similarly, ethnicity and stage of disease didn't affect results. Although S100B could be regarded as a possible biomarker of schizophrenia, limitations should be accounted when interpreting results, especially because of the high heterogeneity that remained >70%, even after carrying out subgroups analyses. These results point out that approaches based on traditional categorical diagnoses may be too restrictive and new approaches based on the characterization of new complex phenotypes should be considered.
Effect of internal limiting membrane abrasion on retinal tissues in macular holes.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify the structural and histological effects of a Tano diamond-dusted membrane scraper (DDMS) on the retinal surface after internal limiting membrane (ILM) abrasion in macular hole surgery. METHODS Institutional experimental study was performed in 11 eyes. All eyes underwent ILM abrasion in the operating room with a DDMS for macular hole repair as an alternative to traditional ILM peeling. Three human donor eyes underwent an identical procedure in the laboratory. Retinal tissues were removed by ILM abrasion with a DDMS during vitrectomy for macular hole repair and retinal tissues remaining in human donor eyes. Main outcome measures were microscopic and immunohistological characteristics of instrument tip tissues and retinal structure after ILM abrasion. RESULTS The tips of the Tano DDMS showed evidence of cellular membranes and ILM removal. The retinas showed distinct areas of lamellar ILM removal without penetration of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). CONCLUSIONS Application of the Tano DDMS instrument is sufficient to remove membranes from the surface of the ILM and layers of the ILM without disruption of the underlying RNFL. Internal limiting membrane abrasion can be a useful and effective alternative to complete ILM removal for macular surgery.
Robustness against unauthorized watermark removal attacks via key-dependent wavelet packet subband structures

We propose the use of random wavelet packet decompositions as a way to increase the security of watermarking systems against unauthorized removal attacks. Experimental attacks based on coefficient quantization show that using a secret key-dependent subband structure to hide the watermarking domain significantly increases the watermark correlation under an attack as compared to a classical pyramidal wavelet watermark.
Automatic Abstraction Refinement for Generalized Symbolic Trajectory Evaluation

In this paper, we present AutoGSTE, a comprehensive approach to automatic abstraction refinement for generalized symbolic trajectory evaluation (GSTE). This approach addresses imprecision of GSTE's quaternary abstraction caused by underconstrained input circuit nodes, quaternary state set unions, and existentially quantified-out symbolic variables. It follows the counterexample-guided abstraction refinement framework and features an algorithm that analyzes counterexamples (symbolic error traces) generated by GSTE to identify causes of imprecision and two complementary algorithms that automate model refinement and specification refinement according to the causes identified. AutoGSTE completely eliminates false negatives due to imprecision of quaternary abstraction. Application of AutoGSTE to benchmark circuits from small to large size has demonstrated that it can quickly converge to an abstraction upon which GSTE can either verify or falsify an assertion graph efficiently.
Effects of different warm-up modalities on power output during the high pull

ABSTRACT This study compared the effects of six warm-up modalities on peak power output (PPO) during the high-pull exercise. Nine resistance-trained males completed six trials using different warm-ups: high-pull specific (HPS), cycle, whole body vibration (WBV), cycle+HPS, WBV+HPS and a control. Intramuscular temperature (Tm) was increased by 2°C using WBV or cycling. PPO, Tm and electromyography (EMG) were recorded during each trial. Two high-pulls were performed prior to and 3 min after participants completed the warm-up. The greatest increase in PPO occurred with HPS (232.8 ± 89.7 W, P < 0.001); however, this was not different to combined warm-ups (cycle+HPS 158.6 ± 121.1 W; WBV+HPS 177.3 ± 93.3 W, P = 1.00). These modalities increased PPO to a greater extent than those that did not involve HPS (all P < 0.05). HPS took the shortest time to complete, compared to the other conditions (P < 0.05). EMG did not differ from pre to post warm-up or between modalities in any of the muscles investigated. No change in Tm occurred in warm-ups that did not include cycling or WBV. These results suggest that a movement-specific warm-up improves performance more than temperature-related warm-ups. Therefore, mechanisms other than increased muscle temperature and activation may be important for improving short-term PPO.
Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of hawthorn extract (Crataegus oxyacantha) in broiler chickens

Abstract Background One of the main problems in the poultry industry is excess body fat, and the anti‐fat effect of Cratagus extract has been confirmed in several studies. Objectives The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of hawthorn extract (Crataegus oxyacantha) on growth performance, haematological variables and hepatic gene expression in broiler chickens reared at high altitude (2100 m). Methods A total of 225‐day‐old chicks (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into three treatments. Experimental treatments were prepared by adding 0.0, 0.2 and 0.4 mL of hawthorn extract per litre of consumption of water. Results The results showed that weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly improved and abdominal fat decreased by consumption of two levels of Crateagus extract when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Consumption of hawthorn extract decreased circulatory levels of malondialdehyde, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoproteins cholesterol but increased ferric reducing antioxidant power and high‐density lipoproteins cholesterol (p < 0.05). Hawthorn extract caused an up‐regulation of catalase, superoxide dismutase1, glutathione peroxidase1 and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha but reduced the expression of key lipogenic enzymes (p < 0.05). Conclusions Overall, consumption of 0.4 mL hawthorn extract per litre of drinking water, improved growth performance, suppressed lipogenesis and enhanced antioxidant response.
Remineralization potential of dentifrices with calcium sodium phosphosilicate and functionalized tri‐calcium phosphate in the deeper incipient carious lesions: An in vitro study

Abstract Objectives This study evaluated the remineralization potential of calcium sodium phosphosilicate and functionalized tri‐calcium phosphate (f‐TCP) dentifrices in deeper incipient carious lesions (ICLs). Materials and Methods Artificial ICLs were created by placing premolars into demineralizing solutions. Teeth were randomly assigned into four groups: calcium sodium phosphosilicate (Group 1), f‐TCP (Group 2), 1450 ppm fluoride (Group 3), and distilled water (Group 4), which were subjected to 10‐day pH cycling. Mineral density (MD) was assessed using microcomputed tomography (Micro‐CT), while hardness (H) and elastic modulus (EM) were assessed using nanomechanical testing. Results MD % gain was higher in Groups 1–3 than in Group 4. In addition, Groups 1 and 2 exhibited significantly higher MD % gain than Group 3. Also, Groups 1–3 showed significantly higher EM and H values than Group 4 in the outer enamel area; yet, Groups 1 and 2 displayed significantly higher EM and H values than Groups 3 and 4 in the inner enamel. Conclusions The MD, EM, and H of ICLs significantly increased with the addition of calcium sodium phosphosilicate or f‐TCP to fluoridated dentifrices compared to standard fluoride dentifrices. The added active ingredients remineralized the deeper parts of the ICLs, while remineralization at the lesion surface was similar between tested dentifrices.
Hepatitis B and C infections among Japanese dental health workers: Insights from vaccination rates and screening results in the Oita prefecture

Abstract Objective This study examined the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rates and vaccination rates for hepatitis B (HB) among dental healthcare workers (DHCWs) in the Oita prefecture, Japan. Methods Hepatitis virus testing was conducted on 1920 participants (486 dentists and 1434 dental staff). Anonymous data on age, gender, occupation, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs), antibodies to HCV (anti‐HCV), history of HB vaccination, and antiviral treatment for individuals with positive anti‐HCV were collected. Results The positivity rates for HBsAg, anti‐HBs, and anti‐HCV were 0.5%, 39.7%, and 0.6%, respectively. Dentists had significantly higher rates of anti‐HBs positivity (53.9% vs. 34.9%; p < .0001) and anti‐HCV positivity (1.4% vs. 0.3%; p = .0080) compared to dental staff. The vaccination and non‐vaccination rates among 1395 with a known HB vaccination history were 59.1% and 40.9%, respectively. Dentists had a significantly higher HB vaccine vaccination rate than the dental staff (73.6% vs. 54.0%; p < .0001). Those in the vaccination group were younger (p < .0001), had a higher proportion of males (p = .0022) and dentists (p < .0001), a lower HBsAg positivity rate (p < .0097), and a higher anti‐HBs positivity rate (p < .0001) compared to those in the non‐vaccination group. The positivity rate of HBsAg and anti‐HBs in the unvaccinated group increased with age, with HBsAg positivity reaching 3.8% in the 70s and anti‐HBs positivity reaching 40.4% in the 70s and 66.7% in the 80s. Conclusions This study highlights the need to raise awareness about hepatitis prevention vaccination, particularly among dental staff, due to differences in HB vaccination rates across occupations. In particular, they indicated that elderly DHCWs may be more vulnerable to HBV infection. Regular monitoring of the vaccination rate and infection risk is crucial.
Genomic Regions Associated with Feed Efficiency Indicator Traits in an Experimental Nellore Cattle Population

The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions and metabolic pathways associated with dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency and residual feed intake in an experimental Nellore cattle population. The high-density SNP chip (Illumina High-Density Bovine BeadChip, 777k) was used to genotype the animals. The SNP markers effects and their variances were estimated using the single-step genome wide association method. The (co)variance components were estimated by Bayesian inference. The chromosome segments that are responsible for more than 1.0% of additive genetic variance were selected to explore and determine possible quantitative trait loci. The bovine genome Map Viewer was used to identify genes. In total, 51 genomic regions were identified for all analyzed traits. The heritability estimated for feed efficiency was low magnitude (0.13±0.06). For average daily gain, dry matter intake and residual feed intake, heritability was moderate to high (0.43±0.05; 0.47±0.05, 0.18±0.05, respectively). A total of 8, 17, 14 and 12 windows that are responsible for more than 1% of the additive genetic variance for dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency and residual feed intake, respectively, were identified. Candidate genes GOLIM4, RFX6, CACNG7, CACNG6, CAPN8, CAPN2, AKT2, GPRC6A, and GPR45 were associated with feed efficiency traits. It was expected that the response to selection would be higher for residual feed intake than for feed efficiency. Genomic regions harboring possible QTL for feed efficiency indicator traits were identified. Candidate genes identified are involved in energy use, metabolism protein, ion transport, transmembrane transport, the olfactory system, the immune system, secretion and cellular activity. The identification of these regions and their respective candidate genes should contribute to the formation of a genetic basis in Nellore cattle for feed efficiency indicator traits, and these results would support the selection for these traits.
Exploring the experiences of mental health nurses in the management of schizophrenia in the Upper East Region of Ghana: a qualitative study

Objective Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, of which the diagnosis and management require comprehensive care. The role mental health nurses play in this management cannot be overemphasised. In an effort to give their best, several challenges confront them which need to be sought and addressed. This study aimed to explore the factors that influence the management of schizophrenia by mental health nurses in the Upper East Region. Design and participants A descriptive phenomenology design was used in this study. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted among 18 purposively sampled mental health nurses using a semistructured interview guide. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using Colaizzi’s approach. Setting The study was conducted in five primary and secondary-level health facilities in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Findings Five themes were deduced from the theoretical framework, which were as follows: individual factors, interpersonal factors, organisational factors, community-level factors, and policy-level factors. At the individual level, factors such as the condition of the patient at presentation, medication side effects, inadequate knowledge, and poor adherence were identified. Interpersonal factors identified were poor communication, lack of mutual respect, and poor communication, while organisational factors such as inadequate staff, inadequate infrastructure and logistics, and unavailability of antipsychotics were reported. Moreover, the study identified community-level factors such as stigma and cultural beliefs, while policy-level factors such as laws regarding suicide, patient rights, and non-inclusion of mental health services into the National Health Insurance Scheme were reported as factors influencing the management of schizophrenia by mental health nurses. Conclusions Addressing these factors is essential to ensure sustainable improvements and the effective management of schizophrenia. It is imperative to consider these factors when designing interventions and policies to optimise the management of schizophrenia by mental health nurses in Ghana.
Novel Roles of GATA1 in Regulation of Angiogenic Factor AGGF1 and Endothelial Cell Function*

AGGF1 is an angiogenic factor, and its deregulation is associated with a vascular malformation consistent with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS). This study defines the molecular mechanism for transcriptional regulation of AGGF1 expression. Transcription of AGGF1 starts at two nearby sites, −367 and −364 bp upstream of the translation start site. Analyses of 5′- and 3′-serial promoter deletions defined the core promoter/regulatory elements, including two repressor sites (from −1971 to −3990 and from −7521 to −8391, respectively) and two activator sites (a GATA1 consensus binding site from −295 to −300 and a second activator site from −129 to −159). Both the GATA1 site and the second activator site are essential for AGGF1 expression. A similar expression profile was found for GATA1 and AGGF1 in cells (including various endothelial cells) and tissues. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that GATA1 was able to bind to the AGGF1 DNA in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of GATA1 increased expression of AGGF1. We identified one rare polymorphism −294C>T in a sporadic KTS patient, which is located in the GATA1 site, disrupts binding of GATA1 to DNA, and abolishes the GATA1 stimulatory effect on transcription of AGGF1. Knockdown of GATA1 expression by siRNA reduced expression of AGGF1, and resulted in endothelial cell apoptosis and inhibition of endothelial capillary vessel formation and cell migration, which was rescued by purified recombinant human AGGF1 protein. These results demonstrate that GATA1 regulates expression of AGGF1 and reveal a novel role for GATA1 in endothelial cell biology and angiogenesis.
Microbiological, coliphages and physico-chemical assessments of the Umgeni River, South Africa

The water quality of Umgeni River in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) was investigated from April 2011 to January 2012. Indicator bacterial populations, physico-chemical properties, heavy metal contaminants and the presence of coliphages were determined according to standard protocols. The results showed that all sampling points failed to comply with the set guidelines for turbidity, total coliform, faecal coliform and total heterotrophic counts. Salmonella spp. , Shigella spp. and Vibrio cholerae were also detected in all the water samples. The somatic coliphages and F-RNA coliphages were detected more frequently in the lower reaches of the river during summer. Temperature, electrical conductivity and pH were found to have positive relationships with the microbial communities especially in the lower catchment area during spring and summer indicating the impacts of various anthropogenic activities in the surrounding areas.
A Model Driven Approach for Cardiac Pacemaker Design Using a PRET Processor

Implantable medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers have been recalled frequently with safety related issues. This paper proposes a model driven approach for pacemaker design by combining the strengths of two well-known philosophies for safety critical systems. First, we adopt the SCCharts synchronous language for pacemaker specification. Second, we adopt a PRET architecture for the underlying processor which has been modified to include reactive semantics. PRET processors offer an ideal platform for providing timing guarantees. We use automatic code generation combined with static timing analysis during the design phase. Also, we use an existing emulation model of the human heart using a 33-node conduction network for closed loop validation of the designed pacemaker.