Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Weighted enumeration of spanning subgraphs in locally tree‐like graphs

Using the theory of negative association for measures and the notion of unimodularity for random weak limits of sparse graphs, we establish the validity of the cavity method for counting spanning subgraphs subject to local constraints in asymptotically tree‐like graphs. Specifically, the normalized logarithm of the associated partition function (free energy) is shown to converge along any sequence of graphs whose random weak limit is a tree, and the limit is directly expressed in terms of the unique solution to a limiting cavity equation. On a Galton–Watson tree, the latter simplifies into a recursive distributional equation which can be solved explicitly. As an illustration, we provide a new asymptotic formula for the maximum size of a b‐matching in the Erdős–Rényi random graph with fixed average degree and diverging size, for any \documentclass{article}\usepackage{mathrsfs, amsmath, amssymb}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$b\in\mathbb{N}$\end{document}. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that correlation inequalities and unimodularity are combined together to yield a general proof of uniqueness of Gibbs measures on infinite trees. We believe that a similar argument is applicable to other Gibbs measures than those over spanning subgraphs considered here. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg. , 2013
The evolution of the star formation activity per halo mass up to redshift ~1.6 as seen by Herschel

Aims. Star formation in massive galaxies is quenched at some point during hierarchical mass assembly. To understand where and when the quenching processes takes place, we study the evolution of the total star formation rate per unit total halo mass (Σ(SFR)/M) in three different mass scales: low mass halos (field galaxies), groups, and clusters, up to a redshift z ≈ 1.6. Methods. We use deep far-infrared PACS data at 100 and 160 μm to accurately estimate the total star formation rate of the luminous infrared galaxy population of 9 clusters with mass ~10^(15) M_⊙, and 9 groups/poor clusters with mass ~5 × 10^(13) M_⊙. Estimates of the field Σ(SFR)/M are derived from the literature, by dividing the star formation rate density by the mean comoving matter density of the universe. Results. The field Σ(SFR)/M increases with redshift up to z ~ 1 and it is constant thereafter. The evolution of the Σ(SFR)/M – z relation in galaxy systems is much faster than in the field. Up to redshift z ~ 0.2, the field has a higher Σ(SFR)/M than galaxy groups and galaxy clusters. At higher redshifts, galaxy groups and the field have similar Σ(SFR)/M, while massive clusters have significantly lower Σ(SFR)/M than both groups and the field. There is a hint of a reversal of the SFR activity vs. environment at z ~ 1.6, where the group Σ(SFR)/M lies above the field Σ(SFR)/M − z relation. We discuss possible interpretations of our results in terms of the processes of downsizing, and star-formation quenching.
Skeletal muscle contractions uncoupled from gravitational loading directly increase cortical bone blood flow rates in vivo

The direct and indirect effects of muscle contraction on bone microcirculation and fluid flow are neither well documented nor explained. However, skeletal muscle contractions may affect the acquisition and maintenance of bone via stimulation of bone circulatory and interstitial fluid flow parameters. The purposes of this study were to assess the effects of transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation (TENS)‐induced muscle contractions on cortical bone blood flow and bone mineral content, and to demonstrate that alterations in blood flow could occur independently of mechanical loading and systemic circulatory mechanisms. Bone chamber implants were used in a rabbit model to observe real‐time blood flow rates and TENS‐induced muscle contractions. Video recording of fluorescent microspheres injected into the blood circulation was used to calculate changes in cortical blood flow rates. TENS‐induced repetitive muscle contractions uncoupled from mechanical loading instantaneously increased cortical microcirculatory flow, directly increased bone blood flow rates by 130%, and significantly increased bone mineral content over 7 weeks. Heart rates and blood pressure did not significantly increase due to TENS treatment. Our findings suggest that muscle contraction therapies have potential clinical applications for improving blood flow to cortical bone in the appendicular skeleton. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27: 651–656, 2009
Flexible observation: guidelines versus reality.

This paper reports a small-scale pilot study to introduce flexible observation of patients in an acute psychiatric clinical area where nurses have increased autonomy to make such decisions. The Clinical Resource and Audit Group document 'Engaging People: Observation of People with Acute Mental Health Problems: A Good Practice Statement' outlines very clearly the observation levels that should be used in acute psychiatric areas in Scotland. It also states clearly who is responsible for conducting different parts of the observation process and how such observation procedures should be conducted. The available literature recommends three observation levels with engagement and considers that intermittent or time period checks are unsafe. A small-scale action research pilot study was conducted over a period of 6 months with individual incidents (n = 57) of patients requiring increased or decreased observation levels being included in the study. There were no exclusion criteria and this was a total sample in one clinical area. The results were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v.14. 0 using non-parametric statistics and chi square. The results indicated there has been a shift away from doctors deciding on the levels of observation towards multidisciplinary or nursing decisions regarding this aspect of care. During the pilot, there was a gradual shift away from high levels of observation. Those that were placed on increased levels of observation were on them for a much shorter time than previously and staff generally found the new recording system to be more practical. There were a number of 'sub-levels' of general and constant observation in use. Over the years, recording has suffered from incomplete information and this pilot is no different with 56% (n = 34) of the recording sheets had at least one section of clinical information incomplete or not filled in at all. Despite the guidelines and the subsequent training of staff in the clinical area, some nursing staff were not participating as fully as they might in the decision-making process. Fewer patients were being placed on increased observation levels. Those that were placed on observation were on them for a much shorter time than previously and staff generally found the new recording system to be more practical.
Umbilical Cord Mannan‐Binding Lectin and Infections in Early Childhood

To investigate whether mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) in umbilical cord blood (UCB) is associated with the incidence rate of hospitalizations for infections during early childhood. A follow‐up study from birth to 31 months of age, with endpoint data from the Danish National Hospital Discharge Registry. The concentration of MBL and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in UCB was measured in a time‐resolved immunofluorometric assay. Information on possible confounding factors was obtained from questionnaires completed by mothers during their pregnancy, and characteristics of the child at birth were registered by a midwife on a structured coding sheet. A total of 2104 infants born in the period between 1 February 1990 and 25 May 1991 to mothers living in the municipality of Aarhus. Concentration of MBL and IgA in UCB, gestational age, birth weight, number of siblings less than 3 years old, mother's smoking habits, alcohol and coffee consumption, educational and marital status and previous spontaneous abortions and stillbirths. Of 2104 children, 626 were hospitalized at least once, and 346 of these were hospitalized with infection. The hazard ratio (HR) of hospitalization with infections in children with low levels of MBL (<120 ng/ml) was 1.4 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0–1.8), which was similar to our findings on hospitalization because of other diseases. The HR of hospitalization for viral infections was 2.8 (CI, 1.3–5.9). Low levels of MBL in UCB were associated with hospitalization in general and particularly with hospitalization for viral infections.
The Effects of Testosterone and Estradiol on Serum Creatine Kinase Level in Male

Studies show that there is association between serum sex steroid levels and liver, muscle or heart functions. Creatine kinase is also a potent marker of heart and liver function. The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of testosterone or estradiol administration on serum level of creatine kinase in male rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, olive oil receiving, testosterone (50mg/kg/day) receiving and estradiol (2μg/kg/day) receiving groups of 5 rats in each. After a period of 7 weeks, blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture method. Following serum collection, serum creatine kinase levels were measured by spectrophotometry. Data were statistically analyzed and compared between groups using ANOVA. Our findings showed that serum level of creatine kinase was significantly decreased in testosterone or estradiol receiving compared with control animals(p<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum level of creatine kinase level of olive oil receiving rats and control group. Our finding indicates that enhanced serum testosterone or estradiol level can lower the serum creatine kinase level and may lead to plausible changes in heart, kidney or muscle normal function. Keywords— Testosterone, Estradiol, CK.
Protective immunity against murine candidiasis elicited by Candida albicans ribosomal fractions

Candida albicans ribosomes were prepared from mechanically disrupted cells through differential centrifugation and purification in a sucrose-ammonium sulfate solution. The ribosomes were analyzed chemically and physically and exhibited characteristics of eucaryotic ribosomes (78S). ICR female mice were immunized with two subcutaneous inoculations, 2 weeks apart, of 100 microgram of ribosomes (expressed as ribosomal protein). Immunized mice were challenged either intraperitoneally or intravenously with a lethal dose of live C. albicans cells. The 31-day survival rate of immunized mice challenged intraperitoneally was 64% (mean value) versus 27% in controls; in intravenously challenged mice the survival rate of the immunized animals was about 60%, with no survivors among the controls. In intravenously challenged mice, incomplete Freund adjuvant enhanced the protection elicited by the ribosomes. Protection by ribosomal immunization was obtained against challenge doses causing chronic and acute infection.
Long-term results of parathyroidectomy for hypercalcemic crisis.

HYPOTHESIS Hypercalcemic crisis is a rare complication of severe calcium intoxication usually caused by sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism that requires prompt diagnosis and definitive surgical treatment. Parathyroidectomy is essential for long-term successful treatment of hypercalcemic crisis. DESIGN Retrospective case series. SETTING Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Forty-three patients treated for hypercalcemic crisis during a 35-year period who had signs and symptoms of acute calcium intoxication and serum calcium levels of 15 mg/dL (3.75 mmol/L) or greater. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Operative success, operative failure, and disease recurrence after surgery. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate long-term survival after parathyroidectomy. RESULTS Forty-two (98%) of 43 patients were eucalcemic after initial parathyroidectomy. There was 1 postoperative death. Of 27 patients with postoperative calcium data available for 6 months or longer, operative success was achieved in 26 (96%). There was 1 operative failure in a patient with multiglandular disease requiring reoperation. There were 3 recurrences (7%) at 7, 58, and 265 months. Overall median survival after parathyroidectomy was 11.7 years (95% confidence interval, 9.2-NE [not estimable]). The mean +/- SD serum calcium level of this group at a median follow-up of 4 years after surgery was 9.1 +/- 0.9 mg/dL (2.28 +/- 0.23 mmol/L). CONCLUSION Hypercalcemic crisis can be successfully treated by parathyroidectomy with continued normal parathyroid function and excellent long-term survival.
Career Choices: A Comparison of Two Occupational Therapy Practice Groups

The increasing number of elderly people in the population and their greater use of the health care system require an increasing number of health care providers to work with older adults. A shortage of health care professionals to provide this care, as well as a reluctance to provide such care have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate how occupational therapists decide to work with older adults. Using a comparative approach, 40 occupational therapists were interviewed, 20 working in gerontology and 20 working in paediatrics. The findings indicate that social characteristics and experiences of the individual, as well as the context of work are important influences for practice choice decisions. Mapping of career paths led to the development of a typology to further describe the different influences involved in the career choices of these occupational therapists. Recommendations related to education and practice provide practical means by which to implement change.
Epitope-Specific CD 8 T Cells Play a Differential Pathogenic Role in the Development of a Viral Disease Model for Multiple Sclerosis

Theiler’s virus-induced demyelinating disease has been extensively investigated as a model for persistent viral infection and multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the role of CD8 T cells in the development of disease remains unclear. To assess the role of virusspecific CD8 T cells in the pathogenesis of demyelinating disease, a single amino acid substitution was introduced into the predominant viral epitope (VP3 from residues 159 to 166 [VP3159-166]) and/or a subdominant viral epitope (VP3173-181) of susceptible SJL/J mice by site-directed mutagenesis. The resulting variant viruses (N160V, P179A, and N160V/P179A) failed to induce CD8 T cell responses to the respective epitopes. Surprisingly, mice infected with N160V or N160V/P179A virus, which lacks CD8 T cells against VP3159-166, did not develop demyelinating disease, in contrast to wild-type virus or P179A virus lacking VP3173-181-specific CD8 T cells. Our findings clearly show that the presence of VP3159-166-specific CD8 T cells, rather than viral persistence itself, is strongly correlated with disease development. VP3173-181-specific CD8 T cells in the central nervous system (CNS) of these virus-infected mice expressed higher levels of transforming growth factor , forkhead box P3, interleukin-22 (IL-22), and IL-17 mRNA but caused minimal cytotoxicity compared to that caused by VP3159-166-specific CD8 T cells. VP3159-166-specific CD8 T cells exhibited high functional avidity for gamma interferon production, whereas VP3173-181-specific CD8 T cells showed low avidity. To our knowledge, this is the first report indicating that the induction of the IL-17-producing CD8 T cell type is largely epitope specific and that this specificity apparently plays a differential role in the pathogenicity of virus-induced demyelinating disease. These results strongly advocate for the careful consideration of CD8 T cell-mediated intervention of virus-induced inflammatory diseases.
The ClpP serine protease is essential for the intracellular parasitism and virulence of Listeria monocytogenes

We identified the stress‐induced ClpP of Listeria monocytogenes and demonstrated its crucial role in intracellular survival of this pathogen. ClpP is a 21.6 kDa protein belonging to a family of proteases highly conserved in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. A clpP‐deleted mutant enabled us to demonstrate that ClpP is involved in proteolysis and is required for growth under stress conditions. Intramacrophage survival of this mutant was strongly restricted, thus resulting in loss of virulence for the mouse. The activity of listeriolysin O, a major virulence factor implicated in bacterial escape from phagosomes of macrophages, was much reduced in the clpP mutant under stress conditions. Direct evidence for the role of ClpP in the intracellular parasitism was obtained by showing that virulence and haemolytic activity were fully restored by complementation of the mutant. These results suggest that ClpP is involved in the rapid adaptive response of intracellular pathogens during the infectious process.
Primary IgA nephropathy is more severe in TGF-beta1 high secretor patients.

BACKGROUND IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and is characterized by extremely variable clinical and morphological features and outcome. TGF-beta1 has a key role in fibrogenesis and the progression of renal damage. Its production is under genetic control. METHODS We recruited 105 Italian biopsy-proven IgAN patients for genotyping for the TGF-beta1 C-509T, T869C (COD 10) and G915C (COD 25) polymorphisms; 200 healthy blood donors were used as normal controls. Glomerular and interstitial mRNA levels of TGF-beta1 were assessed by real-time PCR in 34 patients to seek relationships with clinical, renal histopathological features and outcome. RESULTS The genotype distributions in the IgAN population were not statistically different from the controls. The COD 10 TT genotype was associated with more severe histological damage as assessed by Lee's classification (CC 50%, CT 39.6% and TT 17.2% were graded as mild; CC 35.7%, CT 43.7% and TT 44.8% as moderate, and CC 14.3%, CT 16.7% and TT 37.9% as severe [p=0.0049]) and with severe interstitial infiltrates (CC 10.4%, CT 35.2% and TT 54.2% [p=0.03]). A higher interstitial immunodeposition was observed for TGF-beta1, collagen IV and alpha-SMA in patients with the COD 10 T allele (p=0.045, p=0.049, p=0.032, respectively). The T allele was associated with significantly higher TGF-beta1 mRNA levels in the interstitium (TT+CT vs. CC: 0.52 +/- 0.16 vs. 0.18 +/- 0.10 copies/mL, respectively; p=0.000). The T allele was also associated with higher mRNA levels in glomeruli, though the difference was not statistically significant. Finally, the T allele was significantly associated with a worse prognosis, the end points being reached by 40% of TT+CT and 32% of CC patients (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS In primary IgA nephropathy, the T allele of the TGF-beta1 COD 10 C/T polymorphism seems to be associated with more severe histological lesions, higher renal TGF-beta1 mRNA levels and a worse prognosis. This polymorphism seems to be functionally relevant and to have a prognostic impact.
The Molecular Basis for the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Curcumin and Its Metabolites in Relation to Cancer

This review addresses the oncopharmacological properties of curcumin at the molecular level. First, the interactions between curcumin and its molecular targets are addressed on the basis of curcumin’s distinct chemical properties, which include H-bond donating and accepting capacity of the β-dicarbonyl moiety and the phenylic hydroxyl groups, H-bond accepting capacity of the methoxy ethers, multivalent metal and nonmetal cation binding properties, high partition coefficient, rotamerization around multiple C–C bonds, and the ability to act as a Michael acceptor. Next, the in vitro chemical stability of curcumin is elaborated in the context of its susceptibility to photochemical and chemical modification and degradation (e.g., alkaline hydrolysis). Specific modification and degradatory pathways are provided, which mainly entail radical-based intermediates, and the in vitro catabolites are identified. The implications of curcumin’s (photo)chemical instability are addressed in light of pharmaceutical curcumin preparations, the use of curcumin analogues, and implementation of nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetics of curcumin and its most important degradation products are detailed in light of curcumin’s poor bioavailability. Particular emphasis is placed on xenobiotic phase I and II metabolism as well as excretion of curcumin in the intestines (first pass), the liver (second pass), and other organs in addition to the pharmacokinetics of curcumin metabolites and their systemic clearance. Lastly, a summary is provided of the clinical pharmacodynamics of curcumin followed by a detailed account of curcumin’s direct molecular targets, whereby the phenotypical/biological changes induced in cancer cells upon completion of the curcumin-triggered signaling cascade(s) are addressed in the framework of the hallmarks of cancer. The direct molecular targets include the ErbB family of receptors, protein kinase C, enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis, vitamin D receptor, and DNA.
Dielectric permittivity and scattering measurements of Greenland firn at 26.5-40 GHz

Three blocks of snow approximately 33 cm on each side were harvested from the Greenland ice sheet at depths ranging from 0.3 to 2.7 m below the surface and brought back to the lab. A step frequency radar operated from 26.5 to 40.0 GHz was used to measure the wave velocity through the snow in three orthogonal directions. From these measurements, the relative permittivity was calculated; it varied with density from 1.69 to 1.91 and agreed well with other measurements on terrestrial snow. It was also found that the permittivity of the two deeper firn blocks was anisotropic by 4-7%. This anisotropy is explained by the elongation of the snow grains in the vertical direction. Extinction losses of about 5 dB/m were estimated by measuring the change in amplitude of signals propagating through the blocks. Although the estimated losses were highly variable, a minimum penetration depth of 87 cm into the firn was computed. >
Language-related brain function during word repetition in post-stroke aphasics

We compared fMRI findings (using SPM99) obtained with repetition task in normal subjects with those of two patients with Broca's and Wernicke's aphasia who received speech therapy and showed complete recovery. Both aphasic patients with left hemisphere damage who showed complete recovery exhibited activation of only the compensatory area in the right hemisphere during the repetition task. Recovery from Broca's aphasia involves reorganization and neuromodulation between the external temporopolar area and the anterior superior temporal area of the superior temporal gyrus, putamen and the inferior frontal gyrus, while that from Wernicke's aphasia involves reorganization and neuromodulation between the superior temporal gyrus of the temporal region, the posterior supramarginal gyrus and inferior parietal lobule of the parietal region.
TIN WHISKERS: ATTRIBUTES AND MITIGATION

The movement to eliminate lead (Pb), especially active in Japan and the European Union, has resulted in an increasing use of pure tin (Sn) coatings on leads and other external and internal surfaces of capacitors, resistors, and other passive components. This paper discusses the issues of tin whisker growth with respect to passive components. It also presents both a critical analysis of existing published documents on tin whisker nucleation and growth and a summary of very recent experiments that provide further understanding of the potential means of whisker formation mitigation. Many of the proposed mechanisms for mitigation, including control of the immediate underplating material, use of conformal coating, regulating the thickness of the tin coating, use of matte tin electroplating, and annealing or fusing of the tin layer, are inadequate. They likely reduce the incidence of nucleation or growth but do not provide an absolute guarantee of lack of whisker formation.