Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the complexity of randomized approximations of nonconvex sets

We consider a nonconvex set ϰ ∈ ℝn endowed with a probability measure P, and assume that random samples taken according to this measure are available. For ε ∈ (0; 1), we say that the set A ∈ ℝn is an ε-probabilistic approximation of ϰ if the probability of a point to belong to ϰ and not to A is less than ε. In this paper, we show that a simple randomized algorithm returning with high probability convex ε-approximations of ϰ can be easily devised. In particular, we consider different possible shapes for the set A, namely ellipsoids, hyperrectangles, and parallelotopes, and show how specific approximations based on such shapes can be constructed. Moreover, we derive explicit bounds on the complexity of such approximations, in terms of the number of samples needed in the different cases. It turns out that, while the complexity of ellipsoidal and parallelotopic approximations grow quadratically with respect to the dimension n, in the case of orthotopes one obtains linear dependence. The second part of the paper is devoted to the study of tighter approximations, based on recent results on the connection between chance-constrained problems and scenario problems with discarded constraints. There are numerous applications of this result in systems and control theory; a specific motivation for the research conducted in this paper is the characterization of the reachable sets of nonlinear systems, and the related problem of nonlinear filtering.
The Epac1 Signaling Pathway Regulates Cl− Secretion via Modulation of Apical KCNN4c Channels in Diarrhea*

Background: Apical KCNN4c channel provides driving force for cAMP-induced Cl− secretion. Results: Epac1-Rap1A-RhoA-ROCK signaling affects Cl− secretion via effects on the apical expression of KCNN4c channels. Conclusion: This mechanism couples the surface expression of KCNN4c channels and Cl− secretion in diarrhea. Significance: Apical KCNN4c channels are a new target for adjunct therapy in diarrhea. The apical membrane of intestinal epithelia expresses intermediate conductance K+ channel (KCNN4), which provides the driving force for Cl− secretion. However, its role in diarrhea and regulation by Epac1 is unknown. Previously we have established that Epac1 upon binding of cAMP activates a PKA-independent mechanism of Cl− secretion via stimulation of Rap2-phospholipase Cϵ-[Ca2+]i signaling. Here we report that Epac1 regulates surface expression of KCNN4c channel through its downstream Rap1A-RhoA-Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway for sustained Cl− secretion. Depletion of Epac1 protein and apical addition of TRAM-34, a specific KCNN4 inhibitor, significantly abolished cAMP-stimulated Cl− secretion and apical K+ conductance (IK(ap)) in T84WT cells. The current-voltage relationship of basolaterally permeabilized monolayers treated with Epac1 agonist 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-2′-O- methyladenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate showed the presence of an inwardly rectifying and TRAM-34-sensitive K+ channel in T84WT cells that was absent in Epac1KDT84 cells. Reconstructed confocal images in Epac1KDT84 cells revealed redistribution of KCNN4c proteins into subapical intracellular compartment, and a biotinylation assay showed ∼83% lower surface expression of KCNN4c proteins compared with T84WT cells. Further investigation revealed that an Epac1 agonist activates Rap1 to facilitate IK(ap). Both RhoA inhibitor (GGTI298) and ROCK inhibitor (H1152) significantly reduced cAMP agonist-stimulated IK(ap), whereas the latter additionally reduced colocalization of KCNN4c with the apical membrane marker wheat germ agglutinin in T84WT cells. In vivo mouse ileal loop experiments showed reduced fluid accumulation by TRAM-34, GGTI298, or H1152 when injected together with cholera toxin into the loop. We conclude that Rap1A-dependent signaling of Epac1 involving RhoA-ROCK is an important regulator of intestinal fluid transport via modulation of apical KCNN4c channels, a finding with potential therapeutic value in diarrheal diseases.
Who Gossips and How in Everyday Life?

Although laypeople often view gossipers as immoral, uneducated, typically female, and of lower social class, no systematic observation has empirically revealed the characteristics of those who gossip more than others nor examined the characteristics of gossip across everyday contexts. We used data from five naturalistic observation studies (N = 467) to examine who gossips and how. All participants wore the Electronically Activated Recorder (EAR), which acoustically sampled 5–12% over 2–5 days, and completed demographics and personality questionnaires. Sound files were coded for gossip, valence (positive, negative, and neutral), subject (acquaintance and celebrity), and topic (social information, physical appearance, and achievement). Frequent gossipers tended to be more extraverted. Women engaged in more neutral gossip than men, and younger people tended to negatively gossip more than older people. Gossip tended to be neutral, rather than positive or negative, and about social information. These naturalistic observation findings dispel some stereotypes about this prevalent yet misunderstood behavior.
Dehydroepiandrosterone in systemic lupus erythematosus: relationship between dosage, serum levels, and clinical response.

OBJECTIVE To examine in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who participated in a clinical trial the relationship between daily dose of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), serum levels of DHEA and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), clinical effectiveness, and side effects. METHODS Twenty-three women with mild to moderate SLE were treated with DHEA for a 6 month period. The starting dose was 50 mg/day, and monthly stepwise increases were allowed. Subjects were assessed monthly by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM), Health Assessment Questionnaire, and other outcomes. Serum testosterone, DHEA, and DHEAS levels were obtained and side effects noted monthly. RESULTS Statistically significant improvements were found in all lupus outcomes over 6 months. Serum DHEA and DHEAS levels correlated with the dose of DHEA. Serum DHEA and DHEAS correlated negatively with SLAM score. A second order regression analysis of serum DHEAS level versus SLAM score suggested that the optimal serum level of DHEAS was 1000 microg/dl. The most common side effect was acne. CONCLUSION The clinical response to DHEA was not clearly dose dependent. Serum levels of DHEA and DHEAS correlated only weakly with lupus outcomes, but suggested an optimum serum DHEAS of 1000 microg/dl. Monitoring these serum levels appears to have limited clinical utility.
Multifaceted Recognition of Vertebrate Rev1 by Translesion Polymerases ζ and κ*

Background: Translesion synthesis requires the scaffolding function of the Rev1 CTD. Results: We determined the structures of the Rev1 CTD and its complex with Pol κ and mapped its Rev7-binding surface. Conclusion: Distinct surfaces of the Rev1 CTD separately mediate the assembly of extension and insertion translesion polymerase complexes. Significance: Cancer therapeutics could be developed by inhibiting Rev1 CTD-mediated translesion synthesis. Translesion synthesis is a fundamental biological process that enables DNA replication across lesion sites to ensure timely duplication of genetic information at the cost of replication fidelity, and it is implicated in development of cancer drug resistance after chemotherapy. The eukaryotic Y-family polymerase Rev1 is an essential scaffolding protein in translesion synthesis. Its C-terminal domain (CTD), which interacts with translesion polymerase ζ through the Rev7 subunit and with polymerases κ, ι, and η in vertebrates through the Rev1-interacting region (RIR), is absolutely required for function. We report the first solution structures of the mouse Rev1 CTD and its complex with the Pol κ RIR, revealing an atypical four-helix bundle. Using yeast two-hybrid assays, we have identified a Rev7-binding surface centered at the α2-α3 loop and N-terminal half of α3 of the Rev1 CTD. Binding of the mouse Pol κ RIR to the Rev1 CTD induces folding of the disordered RIR peptide into a three-turn α-helix, with the helix stabilized by an N-terminal cap. RIR binding also induces folding of a disordered N-terminal loop of the Rev1 CTD into a β-hairpin that projects over the shallow α1-α2 surface and creates a deep hydrophobic cavity to interact with the essential FF residues juxtaposed on the same side of the RIR helix. Our combined structural and biochemical studies reveal two distinct surfaces of the Rev1 CTD that separately mediate the assembly of extension and insertion translesion polymerase complexes and provide a molecular framework for developing novel cancer therapeutics to inhibit translesion synthesis.
Galactography in Patients with Nipple Discharge

Nipple discharge is a common presenting symptom of underlying breast pathology. This study examined the impact of galactography on the evaluation of abnormal nipple discharge. Thirty-five women with spontaneous, unilateral nipple discharge who underwent galactography from 1995 to 1997 were retrospectively studied. Their presenting signs as well as mammographic, galactographic, and pathology findings were evaluated. Nipple discharge was bloody (n = 24), clear (n = 7), or serous (n = 4). A palpable mass was found in 5 patients, and discharge was spontaneous in 29 patients (83%). Mammography was normal in 25 patients (71%). Thirty patients (86%) had an abnormal ductogram that was characterized as a filling defect (n = 20), cutoff sign (n = 5), or ductal dilatation (n = 5). The ductogram demonstrated the location and depth of the lesion in 29 patients (97%). Excision was performed in 27 of 30 patients with an abnormal ductogram: 14 received complete subareolar duct excisions; 12, focused excisions; and 1, excision with a vacuum-assisted biopsy device. Pathology included intraductal papilloma (n = 20) and ductal ectasia (n = 7). Follow-up was completed in 24 patients, including 2 postoperative patients who had persistent discharge on manipulation. In conclusion, galactography is accurate in identifying the location of the ductal abnormality. It allows a focused surgical approach to the pathologic lesion in these patients.
European Welfare State in a Historical Perspective. A Critical Review

This paper provides an analysis of the historical evolution of the European welfare state, especially after the second half of the nineteenth century. Even if one considers that social protection systems have their origins in the period of German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, various social problems have been treated in European countries before the Bismarck’s social legislation, beginning with the sixteenth century. In this article we presented mainly (i) the origins of social policy systems in Europe, as shown in the literature covered, (ii) the conceptual evolution of the so-called “welfare state” and (iii) the development of social security schemes based on International Labour Organization typology.
Comparison of measured sleeping metabolic rate and predicted basal metabolic rate in the first year of life

In infants, sleeping metabolic rate (SMR) is used as a proxy for basal metabolic rate (BMR). BMR can be predicted from anthropometry using published equations. Our study was intended to evaluate the ability of these equations to predict measured SMR in infants aged 6 weeks to 12 months. SMR was measured in a mixed longitudinal study using the Douglas bag technique (n= 105). Measured SMR values were compared with BMR predicted from weight (BMR‐1) or weight and length (BMR‐2). These equations were not successful in predicting SMR in this age group. Percentage error of predicted BMR was related to infant weight (BMR‐1: r = 0.26; p < 0.005; BMR‐2: r= 0.18; p < 0.06). Alternative logarithmic equations were derived from this study (R = 0.84‐0.87; SEE = 0.159‐0.168). We conclude that the new equations, relating to contemporary infants, are more suitable but actual measurements remain preferred.
Identification of a chromosomal locus for expression of lipopolysaccharide epitopes in Haemophilus influenzae

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major virulence determinant of Haemophilus influenzae. The organism is able to display an extensive repertoire of different LPS structures through the loss and acquisition of multiple oligosaccharide epitopes in various combinations. This marked heterogeneity of LPS molecules has complicated the analysis of the structure of LPS and its role in pathogenesis. A genomic library was screened for the ability to transform H. influenzae to express novel LPS epitopes defined by reactivity with oligosaccharide specific monoclonal antibodies. A chromosomal locus, lic-1, involved in expression of at least three different epitopes (recognized by monoclonal antibodies 4C4, 12D9, and 6A2), was identified on a 5.6-kilobase restriction endonuclease fragment. Transformation of H. influenzae with subclones from within lic-1 was used to generate a series of isogenic and phenotypic variants. All transformants displayed phase variation for their newly acquired epitopes. Altered binding specificities of LPS with monoclonal antibodies correlated with changes in sugar compositional analysis. The expression of two epitopes was eliminated by introduction of site-specific mutations in lic-1, confirming the role of lic-1 in oligosaccharide biosynthesis.
The effects of cost-sharing on essential drug prescriptions, utilization of medical care and outcomes after acute myocardial infarction in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND After a change in Quebec's policy on drug coverage in August 1996, elderly patients' copayments for prescription drugs increased. We assessed the impact of this drug policy reform on prescribing patterns for essential cardiac medications, utilization of medical care and related health outcomes after acute myocardial infarction. METHODS Patients at least 65 years of age who experienced acute myocardial infarction between 1994 and 1998 were identified through the Quebec discharge summary database. Drug claims databases were analyzed to determine rates of prescription of essential cardiac medications for cohorts of patients admitted before and after the policy reform. The impact on readmissions for cardiac-related complications, outpatient visits to physicians and emergency departments, and mortality rate was also assessed. RESULTS The proportion of patients who received prescriptions for beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and lipid-lowering drugs increased over time and, more specifically, did not appear to decline with the change in the drug policy. In addition, the policy reform did not appear to affect persistence of drug therapy (the proportion of time for which patients were covered by prescriptions over the year after discharge). There was no within-class shift from more to less expensive drugs. Use of cardiac procedures increased over time, but this increase was unrelated to the date of the policy reform. Finally, rates of readmission for complications, visits to individual physicians and to emergency departments, and mortality rate were unchanged. The findings did not vary with sex or socioeconomic status. INTERPRETATION Prescriptions for essential cardiac medications and care related to acute myocardial infarction in elderly patients did not change with increases in out-of-pocket copayment, regardless of sex or socioeconomic status.
Ten-year outcome of early childhood traumatic brain injury: Diffusion tensor imaging of the ventral striatum in relation to executive functioning

Abstract Primary objective: The long-term effects of TBI on verbal fluency and related structures, as well as the relation between cognition and structural integrity, were evaluated. It was hypothesized that the group with TBI would evidence poorer performance on cognitive measures and a decrease in structural integrity. Research design: Between a paediatric group with TBI and a group of typically-developing children, the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury were investigated in relation to both structural integrity and cognition. Common metrics for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) were used as indicators of white matter integrity. Methods and procedures: Using DTI, this study examined ventral striatum (VS) integrity in 21 patients aged 10–18 years sustaining moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) 5–15 years earlier and 16 demographically comparable subjects. All participants completed Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System (D-KEFS) sub-tests. Main outcomes and results: The group with TBI exhibited lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and executive functioning performance and higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). DTI metrics correlated with D-KEFS performance (right VS FA with Inhibition errors, right VS ADC with Letter Fluency, left VS FA and ADC with Category Switching). Conclusions: TBI affects VS integrity, even in a chronic phase, and may contribute to executive functioning deficits.
The Different Effects of Online Consumer Reviews on Consumers' Purchase Intentions Depending on Trust in Online Shopping Mall: An Advertising Perspective

Purpose – With the increasing influence of online consumer reviews (OCRs) on a consumer's decision making, online sellers have begun to embed the OCRs in their advertisements (OEAs). This study has the following two research objectives: first, to investigate the effects of two types of (OCRs vs OEAs) on consumers' purchase intention from an informational influence perspective; second, to investigate the effects of OCRs from a credibility perspective.Design/methodology/approach – The data for this study are obtained from a two‐way factorial experimental research design. The factors included are the type of OCRs and the trust level of online shopping malls. In addition, PLS test is used to understand the underlying effects of trust in online shopping malls, credibility of OCRs/OEAs, and consumers' purchase intentions.Findings – The results show that OCRs are more influenced by trust in online shopping malls than OEAs. The greater the perceived credibility of OCRs among potential consumers, the higher is the.
Fasting-induced differential stress sensitization in cancer treatment

Abstract Most tumors are generated and evolve under high-nutrient conditions, yet therapy does not include dietary changes generating a hostile environment for cancer cells. Because fasting promotes the most drastic change in the levels of plasma macro- and micro-nutrients, and consequently in glucose and growth factors, it has the potential to maximize cancer cell sensitization.
Wideband Rapid Interferer Detector Exploiting Compressed Sampling With a Quadrature Analog-to-Information Converter

We introduce a rapid interferer detector that uses compressed sampling (CS) with a quadrature analog-to-information converter (QAIC). By exploiting bandpass CS, a blind sub-Nyquist sampling approach, the QAIC offers an energy efficient and rapid interferer detection over a wide instantaneous bandwidth. The QAIC front end is implemented in 65 nm CMOS in 0.43 mm 2 and consumes 81 mW from a 1.1 V supply. It senses a frequency span of 1 GHz ranging from 2.7 to 3.7 GHz (PCAST Band) with a resolution bandwidth of 20 MHz in 4.4 μs, 50 times faster than traditional sweeping spectrum scanners. Rapid interferer detector with the bandpass QAIC is two orders of magnitude more energy efficient than traditional Nyquist-rate architectures and one order of magnitude more energy efficient than existing low-pass CS methods. Thanks to CS, the aggregate sampling rate of the QAIC interferer detector is compressed by 6.3 × compared to traditional Nyquist-rate architectures for the same instantaneous bandwidth.
Thermal resistance evaluation of high-speed VCSELs: an isothermal optical transient technique

A new method for the estimation of the overall thermal resistance of high-speed vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) is presented. The method is based on an isothermal optical transient (IOT) approach heavily relying on the following two basic features: 1) the high-speed VCSELs have an optical-electrical transient response much faster than their thermal response, and 2) each operating point, defined by the driving current, the emitted optical power, and the internal temperature of the VCSEL is unique. As a proof of concept, the IOT procedure has been simulated using accurate VCSEL models. These simulations have clearly demonstrated the potential of the IOT method to achieve accurate estimates of the overall thermal resistance of VCSELs.
Serum dickkopf-1 as a clinical and prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer patients with bone metastases

Background The study was designed to evaluate the association between serum dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) bone metastases. Materials and Methods Serum DKK1 levels were quantified in 470 NSCLC patients, 140 with osseous metastases, 178 with extraosseous metastases, and 152 with early stage in complete remission. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve enabled us to identify a threshold value to distinguish patients with bone metastases. Results Serum DKK1 levels in patients with osseous metastases were significantly higher than in the other 2 groups (P < 0.001). ROC curves showed that the optimum cutoff was 311.8 pg/ml (area under curve 0.791, 95% confidence interval 0.739–0.843, sensitivity 77.1% and specificity 71.4%). Of interest, serum DKK1 correlated with the number of bone lesions (P = 0.042) and associated with the poor survival in NSCLC patients with osseous metastases (P = 0.029). Conclusions Our data shows that serum DKK1 can be used for the detection of NSCLC bone metastases. More importantly this is the first report to show that serum DKK1 is a good predictor of poor prognosis in NSCLC patients with bone metastases.
4-Nitrophenol removal from aqueous solutions by emulsion liquid membranes using type I facilitation

Nitrophenols are common organic pollutants that enter the environment during the manufacture and processing of a variety of industrial products. The removal of 4-nitrophenol (4NP) from aqueous solutions by emulsion liquid membranes using the type I facilitated transport mechanism is investigated in this paper. The liquid membrane consisted of kerosene as the organic diluent, sorbitan monooleate as the emulsifying agent and sodium hydroxide as the stripping agent. The most important operational variables governing the emulsion stability and the 4NP removal process – such as the stripper agent and surfactant concentrations, the volume ratios of membrane phase/internal phase and emulsion phase/feed phase and stirring speed – were studied and the optimal conditions of the removal process were experimentally determined. Apparent initial permeabilities of the transport process in the different operational conditions were also obtained. Ninety-eight per cent of 4NP was removed in 10 minutes and an apparent initial permeability of 1.2986 min−1 was obtained in those optimal conditions.
Towards the Optimal Management of the Northeast Arctic Cod Fishery

The objectives pursued by governments managing fisheries may include maximizing profits, minimizing the impact on the marine ecosystem, or securing employment, which all require adjusting the composition of the fishing fleet. We develop a management plan that can be adapted to those objectives and allows the regulator to compare the long-run profits between the various management options. We apply the model to the case of Northeast Arctic cod, and estimate the cost and harvesting functions of various vessel types, the demand function, and a biological model to provide key insights regarding the optimal management of this valuable fish species.