Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multicellular Zero Forcing Precoding Performance in Rayleigh and Shadow Fading

In this paper we propose an analytical evaluation of the performance of the zero forcing precoding technique in terms of outage probability in a multicellular multiuser context. The channel model includes path loss shadowing and Rayleigh flat fading. Two cases are examined. The first one considers a constant lognormal shadowing. In this case, a closed form expression of the outage probability is derived. In the second case we consider a randomly variable lognormal shadowing and we propose an easily computable expression of the outage probability. Simulation results show the degradation of performance induced by the shadowing.
Dépistage sérologique de la maladie cœliaque chez des patients marocains atteints de diabète type 1

La maladie cœliaque (MC) est l'une des maladies auto-immunes les plus fréquemment associées au diabète de type 1 (DT1). La prévalence de MC dans DT1 varie de 3 à 6%. La présentation clinique de MC dans DT1 est classé comme asymptomatiques dans environ la moitié des cas. L'objectif de notre étude est de déterminer la fréquence des auto-anticorps anti-transglutaminase tissulaire (AtTG) et anti-gliadines (AAG) chez les patients diabétiques de type 1 dans le but de recommander une éventuelle biopsie jéjunale et d'instaurer un régime sans gluten précocement avant l'installation des signes cliniques et des complications de la maladie cœliaque. Les sujets inclus dans cette étude sont des patients atteints de DT1 non traités pour la MC et qui ne présentent pas de signes en faveur de cette pathologie. La détection des AtTG de classe IgG et IgA et AAG classe IgG et IgA a été réalisée par technologie Luminex. Nous avons inclus 31 patients. Il s'agit de 16 hommes et 15 femmes. Les AAG de classe IgA étaient positifs chez 4(13%) patients et chez 7(22,5%) patients pour les IgG. Les AtTG de classe IgA étaient positifs chez 3(10%) patients et chez une patiente (3%) pour les IgG. Dans notre étude l'association du diabète type 1 et des marqueurs biologiques de la MC n'est pas rare d'où l'intérêt de son dépistage systématique chez des diabétiques de type 1. Le diagnostic de cette forme atypique et silencieuse de la MC est important compte tenu du risque de complications sérieuses à type de malabsorption et de cancers digestifs.
Shifting distributions and speciation: species divergence during rapid climate change

Questions about how shifting distributions contribute to species diversification remain virtually without answer, even though rapid climate change during the Pleistocene clearly impacted genetic variation within many species. One factor that has prevented this question from being adequately addressed is the lack of precision associated with estimates of species divergence made from a single genetic locus and without incorporating processes that are biologically important as populations diverge. Analysis of DNA sequences from multiple variable loci in a coalescent framework that (i) corrects for gene divergence pre‐dating speciation, and (ii) derives divergence‐time estimates without making a priori assumptions about the processes underlying patterns of incomplete lineage sorting between species (i.e. allows for the possibility of gene flow during speciation), is critical to overcoming the inherent logistical and analytical difficulties of inferring the timing and mode of speciation during the dynamic Pleistocene. Estimates of species divergence that ignore these processes, use single locus data, or do both can dramatically overestimate species divergence. For example, using a coalescent approach with data from six loci, the divergence between two species of montane Melanoplus grasshoppers is estimated at between 200 000 and 300 000 years before present, far more recently than divergence estimates made using single‐locus data or without the incorporation of population‐level processes. Melanoplus grasshoppers radiated in the sky islands of the Rocky Mountains, and the analysis of divergence between these species suggests that the isolation of populations in multiple glacial refugia was an important factor in promoting speciation. Furthermore, the low estimates of gene flow between the species indicate that reproductive isolation must have evolved rapidly for the incipient species boundaries to be maintained through the subsequent glacial periods and shifts in species distributions.
Hsp70 and HSF-1 expression is altered in the tissues of pigs transported for various periods of times

The aim of this study was to assess changes of Hsp70 and HSF-1 protein and mRNA expression in stress-sensitive organs of pigs during transportation for various periods of time. Twenty pigs were randomly divided into four groups (0 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h of transportation). A significant increased activity of AST and CK was observed after 1 h and 2 h of transportation. Histopathological changes in the heart, liver, and stomach indicated that these organs sustained different degrees of injury. Hsp70 protein expression in the heart and liver of transported pigs did not change significantly while it increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the stomach. Hsp70 mRNA levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the heart after 4 h of transportation. However, mRNA expression increased significantly in the liver after 1 (p < 0.05) and 4 h (p < 0.01) of transportation, and increased significantly in the stomach of the transported pigs after 1, 4 (p < 0.01), and 2 h (p < 0.05). HSF-1 levels were reduced at 1 and 4 h (p < 0.05) only in the hearts of transported pigs. These results indicate that Hsp70 mediates distinct stress-related functions in different tissues during transportation.
Distribution of entanglement in large-scale quantum networks

The concentration and distribution of quantum entanglement is an essential ingredient in emerging quantum information technologies. Much theoretical and experimental effort has been expended in understanding how to distribute entanglement in one-dimensional networks. However, as experimental techniques in quantum communication develop, protocols for multi-dimensional systems become essential. Here, we focus on recent theoretical developments in protocols for distributing entanglement in regular and complex networks, with particular attention to percolation theory and network-based error correction.
The combinational use of CRISPR/Cas9‐based gene editing and targeted toxin technology enables efficient biallelic knockout of the α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene in porcine embryonic fibroblasts

The recent development of the type II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system has enabled genome editing of mammalian genomes including those of mice and human; however, its applicability and efficiency in the pig have not been studied in depth. Here, using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we aimed to destroy the function of the porcine α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase (α‐GalT) gene (GGTA1) whose product is responsible for the synthesis of the α‐Gal epitope, a causative agent for hyperacute rejection upon pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation.
The Impact of Job Involvement on Emotional Labor to Customer-Oriented Behavior: An Empirical Study of Hospital Nurses

Background: Healthcare is a profession that requires a high level of emotional labor (EL). Nurses provide frontline services in hospitals and thus typically experience high levels of EL. The quality of services that nurses provide impacts on how patients evaluate the service quality of hospitals. Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore the relationships among EL, job involvement (JI), and customer-oriented behavior (COB) in the context of the nursing profession. Methods: The participants in this study were nurses at eight hospitals, all located in Taiwan. This study used a self-reporting questionnaire. Research data were gathered at two discrete periods (A and B). Questionnaire A collected data on EL and JI, and Questionnaire B collected data on COB. Five hundred questionnaires were sent out to qualified participants, and 472 valid questionnaires were returned. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. Results: The expression of positive emotion (EPE) and the suppression of negative emotion (SNE) were found to positively affect the patient-oriented COB. Furthermore, the EPE was found to positively affect the task-oriented COB. In terms of the moderating effect of JI, JI was found to relate positively to the EPE, patient-oriented COB, and task-oriented COB. In addition, higher values of JI were found to weaken the relationship between the SNE and the task-oriented COB. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: It has become an increasingly popular practice for hospital organizations to work to promote the COB of their nursing staffs. The results of this study prove empirically that a relationship exists among EL, COB, and JI in nurses. This study contributes to the related literature, enhances the knowledge of hospital and nursing administrators with regard to EL and COB, and offers a reference for hospital managers who are responsible for designing and executing multidisciplinary programs and for managing hospital-based human resources.
Update on the Role of Actovegin in Musculoskeletal Medicine: A Review of the Past 10 Years.

BACKGROUND Actovegin is a biological drug with a controversial history of use in the treatment of sports injuries during the past 60 years. Particular concerns have been raised about its ergogenic potential to enhance performance, but some of these have been based on little more than anecdote. OBJECTIVES In this article, we review the most recent scientific evidence to determine the clinical efficacy, safety profile, and legal status of Actovegin. METHODS We considered all studies directly commenting on experience with Actovegin use as the primary intervention within the past 10 years. Outcomes included mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy in enhancing muscle repair, any report of safety issues, and any evidence for ergogenic effect. RESULTS Our database search returned 212 articles, abstracts were screened, and after inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, 25 articles were considered: Publications included 11 primary research articles (7 in vitro studies and 4 clinical trials), 8 review articles, 5 editorials, and a single case report. CONCLUSIONS Current literature is still yet to define the active compound(s) of Actovegin, but suggests that it shows antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties, and may also upregulate macrophage responses central to muscle repair. Clinical efficacy was supported by one new original research article, and the use of Actovegin to treat muscle injuries remains safe and supported. Two articles argued the ergogenic effect of Actovegin, but in vitro findings did not to translate to the outcomes of a clinical trial. An adequate and meaningful scientific approach remains difficult in a field where there is immense pressure to deliver cutting-edge therapies.
Evolution of mycoplasmas and genome losses.

Streptococci and acholeplasmas have a close evolutionary relationship. We examined their genomes to determine what chromosomal losses occurred to produce the smaller acholeplasma genomes and found by RNA-DNA hybridization that Streptococcus cremoris and S. lactis possess at least five or at least six ribosomal RNA gene sets, respectively, while acholeplasmas have only two rRNA gene sets. Other important deficiencies identified in mycoplasmas are associated with envelope or RNA genes, and analysis of these chromosomal deletions may lead to an understanding of how mycoplasmas evolved from walled bacteria. ImagesFIG. 1FIG. 2
Impact of Concurrent Medication Use on Pancreatic Cancer Survival—SEER-Medicare Analysis

Objectives: Preclinical studies have suggested that non-antineoplastic medication use may impact pancreatic cancer biology. We examined the association of several medication classes on pancreatic cancer survival in a large medical claims database. Materials and Methods: Histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma diagnosed between 2006 and 2009 were analyzed from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database with available part D data. Drug use was defined as having 2 prescriptions filled within 12 months of pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The following medication classes/combinations were analyzed: &bgr;-blocker, statin, insulin, metformin, thiazolidinedione, warfarin, heparin, &bgr;-blocker/statin, metformin/statin, and &bgr;-blocker/metformin. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for age, sex, race, stage at diagnosis, site of cancer, and Charlson comorbidity index were constructed to test the association between medication classes and overall survival. Results: A total of 13,702 patients were included in the study; median age 76 years, 42.5% males, 77.1% white. The most common anatomic site and stage at diagnosis were head of the pancreas (49.9%) and stage 4 (49.6%), respectively. Ninety-four percent of patients died in the follow-up period (median overall survival 5.3 mo). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that use of &bgr;-blockers, heparin, insulin, and warfarin were significantly associated with improved survival (P<0.05 for each one), whereas metformin, thiazolidinedione, statin, and combination therapies were not. Conclusions: In this study, use of &bgr;-blockers, heparin, insulin, and warfarin were associated with improved survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. Additional studies are needed to validate these findings in the clinical setting.
Genomic and proteinic characterization of strain S, a rickettsia isolated from Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks in Armenia

Strain S, a spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsia isolated from Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks collected in Armenia, was identified. Microimmunofluorescence, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel protein electrophoresis and Western immunoblotting, PCR and then restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to compare strain S with reference isolates. Strain S was found to possess proteinic, antigenic, and genomic patterns which were unique among SFG rickettsiae. Strain S is characterized by its high degree of pathogenicity for experimental animals, but its role as a potential human pathogen should be determined. The role of R. sanguineus ticks in the epidemiology of SFG rickettsiae is discussed.
Parents' Decision-Making in Newborn Screening: Opinions, Choices, and Information Needs

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe how parents consider disease and test characteristics when making decisions about newborn screening. METHODS: We conducted focus groups with parents from primary care clinics and interviews of parents from a genetics clinic (total of 45 participants). Participants discussed 7 vignettes about newborn screening that we developed and refined with the assistance of an expert panel. Two coders coded the data independently, compared coding, and resolved disagreements through discussion. Using framework analysis, we analyzed the data and identified how parents' preferences varied according to disease characteristics, test characteristics, and perceptions of the associated risks and benefits. RESULTS: Study participants strongly supported population-wide screening for disorders with well-defined, effective treatments, even if the treatment (eg, a bone marrow transplant) had significant morbidity. However, particularly among primary care clinic participants, there were more-varied preferences and greater difficulty making decisions about disorders associated with older age at onset, less-accurate screening tests, or less-effective treatment. In those cases, many participants suggested optional screening. For all disorders, participants expressed a desire for more information to facilitate decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: Participants supported newborn screening for treatable disorders but suggested optional screening for other disorders. The variable influences on parents' decision-making suggest that parents with diverse experiences, if they were included in decision-making regarding screening policies, could provide critical perspectives and help screening programs address parents' preferences and meet parents' information needs.
Incidence of E. coli in raw milk and its products

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of E. coli in raw milk, kariesh cheese and cream.In addition, serological identification of the isolated strains of pathogenic E. coli was performed. A totalof 120 random samples of raw milk, kariesh cheese and cream (40 each) were collected from differentlocalities in El Menofiya Governorate. Samples were analyzed for total bacterial count (TBC), totalcoliforms and E. coli. The incidences of E. coli in the examined samples were 55%, 50%and 47.5%,respectively. Serological identification of isolated pathogenic strains of E . coli were: O114:H21,O111:H4, O26 & O127:H6 in raw milk, and were O114:H21, O111:H4, O26, O127:H6, O119:H6 &O55:H7 for kariesh cheese and were O114:H21, O111:H4, O26, O127:H6, O119:H6, O55:H7 and O124for cream. High microbial counts of the examined samples may constitute a public health hazard to theconsumers and emphasizes the need for improved hygienic standards.
Pseudogaps in the t-J model: An extended dynamical mean-field theory study

We investigate the highly incoherent regime of hole-doped two-dimensional Mott-Hubbard insulators at moderately small doping $\ensuremath{\delta}$ and temperatures $\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.1J,$ where J is the exchange coupling. Within an extended dynamical mean-field theory of the $t\ensuremath{-}J$ model and a generalized noncrossing approximation we calculate the single-particle spectral function, the dynamical susceptibility, and thermodynamic and transport quantities. Short-ranged antiferromagnetic fluctuations lead to strongly incoherent single-particle dynamics, large entropy, and large electrical resistivity. At low doping a pseudogap is found to open up in both the single-particle and spin excitation spectra, leading to a decrease in entropy and resistivity. The Hall coefficient changes sign to positive values upon lowering the doping level and increases inversely proportional to $\ensuremath{\delta}. $
Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Biomarkers of Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Guidelines recommend exercise for cardiovascular health, although evidence from trials linking exercise to cardiovascular health through intermediate biomarkers remains inconsistent. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to quantify the impact of exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness and a variety of conventional and novel cardiometabolic biomarkers in adults without cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results Two researchers selected 160 randomized controlled trials (7487 participants) based on literature searches of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central (January 1965 to March 2014). Data were extracted using a standardized protocol. A random-effects meta-analysis and systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of exercise interventions on cardiorespiratory fitness and circulating biomarkers. Exercise significantly raised absolute and relative cardiorespiratory fitness. Lipid profiles were improved in exercise groups, with lower levels of triglycerides and higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1. Lower levels of fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance, and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c were found in exercise groups. Compared with controls, exercise groups had higher levels of interleukin-18 and lower levels of leptin, fibrinogen, and angiotensin II. In addition, we found that the exercise effects were modified by age, sex, and health status such that people aged <50 years, men, and people with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or metabolic syndrome appeared to benefit more. Conclusions This meta-analysis showed that exercise significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness and some cardiometabolic biomarkers. The effects of exercise were modified by age, sex, and health status. Findings from this study have significant implications for future design of targeted lifestyle interventions.
Abnormal Default-Mode Network Homogeneity in First-Episode, Drug-Naive Major Depressive Disorder

Background Default mode network (DMN) is one of the most commonly recognized resting-state networks in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the homogeneity of this network in MDD is poorly understood. As such, this study was conducted to determine whether or not an abnormal network homogeneity (NH) of DMN is observed in patients with first-episode and drug-naive MDD. Methods Twenty-four first-episode drug-naive patients with MDD and twenty-four healthy control subjects participated in the study. NH and independent component analysis (ICA) methods were used to analyze data. Results Depressed patients exhibited a significantly increased NH in the left dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and decreased NH in the right inferior temporal gyrus (ITG) compared with the healthy control subjects. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were analyzed and results revealed that the NH values of MPFC and ITG could be applied as candidate markers with relatively high sensitivity and specificity to distinguish patients from healthy control subjects. No correlation was observed between the NH values of the two regions and clinical variables. Conclusions Our findings suggested that an abnormal DMN homogeneity could be observed in MDD, which highlight the importance of the DMN in the pathophysiology of MDD.