Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Health-related quality of life of women with disabilities in relation to their employment status

Aim To compare the health-related quality of life of unemployed and employed women with disabilities and establish factors affecting their life satisfaction. Methods The study included 318 women with disabilities, 160 of whom were employed and 158 unemployed, paired according to age and region of residence. The health-related quality of life was assessed by The World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire, and social demographics and factors affecting life satisfaction were collected by a general questionnaire. The factors affecting life satisfaction were defined according to respondents’ statements. Results Unemployed women with disabilities had a lower mean score (±standard deviation) on all health-related QoL domains: psychological health (14.52 ± 2.80 vs 15.94 ± 2.55), social relationships (15.12 ± 3.08 vs 16.06 ± 2.69), environment (12.80 ± 2.78 vs 13.87 ± 2.49), as well as on a separate item of self-assessed health (3.33 ± 1.16 vs 3.56 ± 0.92) than their employed counterparts (P < 0.01). This disparity was not found only in the domain of physical health. The largest positive impact on life satisfaction in both groups was family. Conclusion As disabled women are a particularly vulnerable population group, stressing the importance of employment and family as factors affecting their quality of life may help equalizing opportunities and upgrading the quality of life of all – particularly unemployed women with disabilities.
Automatic Simultaneous Extrinsic-Odometric Calibration for Camera-Odometry System

This paper focuses on the simultaneous extrinsic-odometric calibration of a mobile robot system equipped with odometric devices and a monocular camera. Most current approaches are based on either optimization or Gaussian filter, which depends on a manually provided initial guess. In this paper, we propose a two-step fully automatic calibration algorithm, which does not require any prior knowledge of the un-calibrated parameters. In the first step, both the odometric parameters and the extrinsic ones are estimated through a non-iterative auto initialization process. In the second step, a joint optimization problem is solved iteratively to obtain a refined calibration result. By exploiting the planar motion constraints of the landmark measurements, our auto initialization method outperforms a comparison approach in robustness against the image noise. Experiments are conducted with data sets collected from both simulation and an autonomous guided vehicle system, which validates the improvement.
Reduction of cosmological data for the detection of time-varying dark energy density

We present a method for reducing cosmological data to constraints on the amplitudes of modes of the dark energy density as a function of redshift. The modes are chosen so that (1) one of them has constant density and (2) the others are non-zero only if there is time-variation in the dark energy density and (3) the amplitude errors for the time-varying modes are uncorrelated with each other. We apply our method to various combinations of three-year WMAP data, baryon acoustic oscillation data, the ‘Gold’ supernova data set, and the Supernova Legacy Survey data set. We find no significant evidence for a time-varying dark energy density or for non-zero mean curvature. Although by some measure the limits on four of the time-varying mode amplitudes are quite tight, they are consistent with the expectation that the dark energy density does not vary on timescales shorter than a Hubble time. Since we do not expect detectable time variation in these modes, our results should be viewed as a systematic error test which the data have passed. We discuss a procedure to identify modes with maximal signal-to-noise ratio.
PAX8, a human paired box gene: isolation and expression in developing thyroid, kidney and Wilms' tumors.

Recent evidence indicates a crucial role for paired box genes in mouse and human embryogenesis. The murine Pax8 gene encodes a sequence-specific transcription factor and is expressed in the developing secretory system as well as in the developing and adult thyroid. This restricted expression pattern suggested involvement of the Pax8 gene in the morphogenesis of the above organs and prompted us to investigate the PAX8 gene in humans. In this report, we describe the isolation and characterization of PAX8 cDNAs from a human adult kidney cDNA library. An open reading frame of 450 amino acids contains the 128 amino acid paired domain at its amino-terminal end. The predicted human and mouse Pax8 proteins show 97.8% conservation and are identical in their paired domains. Two independent cDNA clones reveal differential splicing of the PAX8 transcripts resulting in the removal of a 63 amino acid serine-rich region from the carboxy end of the predicted Pax8 protein. The truncated Pax8 protein becomes more similar to the predicted murine Pax2 protein, that is also expressed during kidney development and lacks the serine rich region. RNAse protection analysis shows the presence of both PAX8 transcripts in human thyroid, kidney and five Wilms' tumors. No truncated Pax8 transcripts could be detected in mouse kidney. In situ hybridization to sections of human embryonic and fetal kidney showed expression of PAX8 in condensed mesenchyme, comma-shaped and S-shaped bodies. In contrast, PAX2 expression was present mainly in the very early stages of differentiation, in the induced, condensing mesenchyme. This restricted expression pattern suggests a specific role for both genes during glomeruli maturation. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infections

Advances in implant design, surgical technique, peri-operative antimicrobial prophylaxis and laminar airflow operating room environment have made total joint arthroplasty one of the most successful surgical procedures of all times. Orthopaedic implants, however, remain prone to microbial contamination resulting in persistent risk of implant-associated infection. Treatment of infections associated with orthopaedic devices usually requires appropriate surgical intervention combined with a prolonged antimicrobial therapy. The choice of the best possible treatment regimen depends on duration and pathogenesis of infection, stability of the implant, antimicrobial susceptibility of the pathogen and condition of the surrounding soft tissue. In addition towell known diagnostic procedures new promising tools for rapid and correct microbial diagnosis are being developed as correct diagnosis of the responsible micro-organism and this is paramount for successful treatment of prosthetic joint infection.
Protein kinase R is increased and is functional in hepatitis C virus–related hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE:Protein kinase R (PKR) interacts with dsRNA and phosphorylates eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF2α), which in turn inhibits host translation initiation as well as hepatitis C virus (HCV) translation. Because PKR inhibits host cell growth and proliferation, it has also been proposed to act as a eukaryotic tumor suppressor. To evaluate the role of PKR in HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we compared PKR and related protein expression in paired tumor (T) and surrounding nontumor (NT) tissue.METHODS:Tissue samples were obtained from 12 HCV-infected HCCs. To determine PKR and related protein expression, Western blotting and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction were performed.RESULTS:PKR protein levels were consistently increased in HCV-related HCC compared with NT (p = 0.001); similar increases were seen in total eIF2α and the PKR inhibitor p58IPK in T compared with NT (p = 0.022, p = 0.048, respectively). Relative increases in phosphorylated eIF2α (peIF2α) were also seen, and the ratio of peIF2α/total eIF2α did not change in T compared with NT, suggesting that PKR remains functional within T. Cytoplasmic levels of HCV RNA within T were decreased compared with NT.CONCLUSIONS:These findings indicate that PKR has increased activity in human HCC compared with LC, and suggest that PKR acts as a growth inducer in HCC.
NF-κB-Induced IL-6 Ensures STAT3 Activation and Tumor Aggressiveness in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive, neurologically destructive and deadly tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). In GBM, the transcription factors NF-κB and STAT3 are aberrantly activated and associated with tumor cell proliferation, survival, invasion and chemoresistance. In addition, common activators of NF-κB and STAT3, including TNF-α and IL-6, respectively, are abundantly expressed in GBM tumors. Herein, we sought to elucidate the signaling crosstalk that occurs between the NF-κB and STAT3 pathways in GBM tumors. Using cultured GBM cell lines as well as primary human GBM xenografts, we elucidated the signaling crosstalk between the NF-κB and STAT3 pathways utilizing approaches that either a) reduce NF-κB p65 expression, b) inhibit NF-κB activation, c) interfere with IL-6 signaling, or d) inhibit STAT3 activation. Using the clinically relevant human GBM xenograft model, we assessed the efficacy of inhibiting NF-κB and/or STAT3 alone or in combination in mice bearing intracranial xenograft tumors in vivo. We demonstrate that TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB is sufficient to induce IL-6 expression, activate STAT3, and elevate STAT3 target gene expression in GBM cell lines and human GBM xenografts in vitro. Moreover, the combined inhibition of NF-κB and STAT3 signaling significantly increases survival of mice bearing intracranial tumors. We propose that in GBM, the activation of NF-κB ensures subsequent STAT3 activation through the expression of IL-6. These data verify that pharmacological interventions to effectively inhibit the activity of both NF-κB and STAT3 transcription factors must be used in order to reduce glioma size and aggressiveness.
JAK signaling regulates germline cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation in mice

ABSTRACT In female mammals, primordial follicles consist of two types of cells, namely, oocytes and pregranulosa cells that surround the oocytes. The size of the primordial follicle pool determines the reproductive ability of female mammals. However, the underlying mechanisms controlling primordial follicle assembly remain unclear. In this study, we show that oocyte-derived Janus kinase (JAK) signaling is vital for germline cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation in vitro. JAK2 and JAK3 activity is increased while germline cysts are breaking down. Inhibition of either JAK2 or JAK3 prevents germline cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation. We further show that specific suppression of JAK2 delays germ cell loss through the downregulation of p53, but has no influence on pregranulosa cell proliferation. Alternatively, specific inhibition of JAK3 decreases pregranulosa cell proliferation by downregulating Notch2 signaling, implying that JAK3 acts on pregranulosa cells by controlling the extracellular secretion of oocyte-derived factors. In summary, our results indicate that JAK signaling contributes to germline cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation by regulating oocyte loss and pregranulosa cell proliferation in the fetal mouse ovary. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of mammalian folliculogenesis. Summary: This research clarifies the important and distinct roles of JAK family members in primordial follicle formation of female mammals, and further explore the regulation mechanism of primordial follicle formation.
Blind decision feedback equalization of time-varying channels with DPSK inputs

This paper presents a new method to the blind equalization of a class of linear time-varying mobile channels for differentially encoded channel input signals. Through re-parameterization, the discrete system can be modeled equivalently as a single input multiple output system. Unlike some existing methods, this new algorithm does not require prior knowledge on the cyclic frequency of the channel response. The algorithm is simple and relies only on a decision feedback structure and the differential encoding nature of the channel input signals. The convergence analysis of the decision feedback system is presented along with simulation examples.
A new heuristic diffraction coefficient for lossy dielectric wedges at normal incidence

A new heuristic diffraction coefficient is proposed for dielectric wedges with losses. This new diffraction coefficient, based on the uniform theory of diffraction (UTD), is valid for incidence orthogonal to the edge and when losses are such that the field transmitted through the wedge can be neglected. This applicability range fits typical scenarios for urban propagation models. Our results are compared to those predicted by using the diffraction coefficients of R.J. Luebbers (see IEEE Trans. Antennas Propagat., vol.AP-32, p.70-76, 1984) and P.D. Holm (see IEEE Trans. Antennas Propagat., vol.48, p.1211-19, 2000), and the rigorous diffraction coefficient (RDC) of G.D. Maliuzhinets (see Sov. Phys. Dokl., vol.3, no.4, p.752-5, 1958). Comparisons with a diffraction coefficient derived from the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations are also presented for right angle wedges. Parallel and perpendicular field polarizations are tested. The new heuristic diffraction coefficient shows clear improvement in agreement with the RDC and the FDTD results. Moreover, the proposed diffraction coefficient is as simple to compute as Luebbers' and Holm's coefficients.
Using deformations for browsing volumetric data

Many traditional techniques for "looking inside" volumetric data involve removing portions of the data, for example using various cutting tools, to reveal the interior. This allows the user to see hidden parts of the data, but has the disadvantage of removing potentially important surrounding contextual information. We explore an alternate strategy for browsing that uses deformations, where the user can cut into and open up, spread apart, or peel away parts of the volume in real time, making the interior visible while still retaining surrounding context. We consider various deformation strategies and present a number of interaction techniques based on different metaphors. Our designs pay special attention to the semantic layers that might compose a volume (e.g. the skin, muscle, bone in a scan of a human). Users can apply deformations to only selected layers, or apply a given deformation to a different degree to each layer, making browsing more flexible and facilitating the visualization of relationships between layers. Our interaction techniques are controlled with direct, "in place" manipulation, using pop-up menus and 3D widgets, to avoid the divided attention and awkwardness that would come with panels of traditional widgets. Initial user feedback indicates that our techniques are valuable, especially for showing portions of the data spatially situated in context with surrounding data.
Proceedings: Prophylactic trials for stroke in stroke-prone SHR: effect of sex hormones.

generations, the development of stroke (cerebral hemorrhage and softening) was apparently delayed in females so that the life span in females was significantly (1.5 times) longer than in males. These findings are essentially consistent with the statistics of stroke in man. Strokes in females are less before the climacteric period than in males, and the incidence in the former increases in the senescence. As these data indicate that the internal milieu determined by sex hormones might influence the development of stroke, sex difference in cerebrovascular lesions, renal vascular damages, etc was statistically-analyzed in more than 2,000 SHRSP which were histopathologically examined after autopsy. Moreover, the effect of gonadectomy or the chronic administration of androgen or estrogen on the incidence of stroke was experimentally observed in male and female SHRSP in order to determine the involvement of male and female hormones in the development of stroke, and the hormonal influence on the mechanisms of stroke was analyzed from the viewpoint of vascular protein synthesis.
Optimal Trade-Off Between Speed and Acuity When Searching for a Small Object

A Searcher seeks to find a stationary Hider located at some point H not necessarily a node on a given network Q. The Searcher can move along the network from a given starting point at unit speed, but to actually find the Hider she must pass it while moving at a fixed slower speed which may depend on the arc. In this "bimodal search game," the payoff is the first time the Searcher passes the Hider while moving at her slow speed. This game models the search for a small or well hidden object e.g., a contact lens, improvised explosive device, predator search for camouflaged prey. We define a bimodal Chinese postman tour as a tour of minimum time I´ which traverses every point of every arc at least once in the slow mode. For trees and weakly Eulerian networks networks containing a number of disjoint Eulerian cycles connected in a tree-like fashion the value of the bimodal search game is I´/2. For trees, the optimal Hider strategy has full support on the network. This differs from traditional search games, where it is optimal for him to hide only at leaf nodes. We then consider the notion of a lucky Searcher who can also detect the Hider with a positive probability q even when passing him at her fast speed. This paper has particular importance for demining problems.
Factors of interpersonal communication and behavioral health on medication self-efficacy and medication adherence

ABSTRACT Despite devastating effects on health outcomes and disease progression, many people living with HIV (PLWH) are non-adherent to their medications. Medication self-efficacy is a pivotal factor in medication adherence, yet its formation and relationship with other factors are understudied. This study examines a model that considers the role of three communicative factors (patient–provider communication, social support, and social undermining) and two behavioral health factors (depression and alcohol abuse) and medication self-efficacy impacting medication adherence. Methods included a cross-sectional design using a survey questionnaire of 344 PLWH. Findings indicated that 25% of variance in medication adherence can be explained by a mediation model where depression (B = −.18) and provider–patient communication (B = .21) affect medication self-efficacy, which in turn impacts medication adherence (B = .64). Other variables, including demographics, did not add any explanatory power. These findings demonstrate the complex nature of medication adherence and the formation of medication self-efficacy.
A Fixed-Point Approach to Stable Matchings and Some Applications

We describe a fixed-point based approach to the theory of bipartite stable matchings. By this, we provide a common framework that links together seemingly distant results, like the stable marriage theorem of Gale and Shapley, the Mendelsohn-Dulmage theorem, the Kundu-Lawler theorem, Tarski's fixed-point theorem, the Cantor-Bernstein theorem, Pym's linking theorem, or the monochromatic path theorem of Sands et al. In this framework, we formulate a matroid-generalization of the stable marriage theorem and study the lattice structure of generalized stable matchings. Based on the theory of lattice polyhedra and blocking polyhedra, we extend results of Vande Vate and Rothblum on the bipartite stable matching polytope.
Migration from Ukraine: Brawn or Brain? New Survey Evidence

We study selection and labour market outcomes among Ukrainian migrants using unique data from a survey conducted in Ukraine in August – October 2011. We find that migrants are positively selected in terms of age and education. Yet, this is not associated, as might be expected, with their labour market outcomes. Notably, around half of the migrants are employed in occupations for which they are over-qualified. We conjecture that this downshifting in occupation can partly be explained by the absence of the conventional link between education and skills in Ukraine. To circumvent this problem, we compare pre- and post-migration labour market outcomes and find that the probability of downshifting decreases with the duration of stay in a foreign country and knowledge of the local language or English. Significantly, someone who downshifted prior to migration in the home country was more likely to downshift abroad. Further, we find that migrants to the EU are more likely to downshift when compared to other destinations.
Whole-Brain Monosynaptic Afferent Inputs to Basal Forebrain Cholinergic System

The basal forebrain cholinergic system (BFCS) robustly modulates many important behaviors, such as arousal, attention, learning and memory, through heavy projections to cortex and hippocampus. However, the presynaptic partners governing BFCS activity still remain poorly understood. Here, we utilized a recently developed rabies virus-based cell-type-specific retrograde tracing system to map the whole-brain afferent inputs of the BFCS. We found that the BFCS receives inputs from multiple cortical areas, such as orbital frontal cortex, motor cortex, and insular cortex, and that the BFCS also receives dense inputs from several subcortical nuclei related to motivation and stress, including lateral septum, central amygdala, paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus, dorsal raphe, and parabrachial nucleus. Interestingly, we found that the BFCS receives inputs from the olfactory areas and the entorhinal–hippocampal system. These results greatly expand our knowledge about the connectivity of the mouse BFCS and provided important preliminary indications for future exploration of circuit function.
Senescence gives insights into the morphogenetic evolution of anamniotes

ABSTRACT Senescence represents a mechanism to avoid undesired cell proliferation that plays a role in tumor suppression, wound healing and embryonic development. In order to gain insight on the evolution of senescence, we looked at its presence in developing axolotls (urodele amphibians) and in zebrafish (teleost fish), which are both anamniotes. Our data indicate that cellular senescence is present in various developing structures in axolotls (pronephros, olfactory epithelium of nerve fascicles, lateral organs, gums) and in zebrafish (epithelium of the yolk sac and in the lower part of the gut). Senescence was particularly associated with transient structures (pronephros in axolotls and yolk sac in zebrafish) suggesting that it may play a role in the elimination of these tissues. Our data supports the notion that cellular senescence evolved early in vertebrate evolution to influence embryonic development. Summary: We report the presence of senescent cells in several transient structures in developing amphibian and teleost fish, suggesting novel mechanisms of morphogenesis that appeared early in vertebrate evolution.