Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Informed dynamic schedules for LDPC decoding using belief propagation

After the publication of the residual belief-propagation (RBP) algorithm, many low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoders using informed dynamic scheduling (IDS) have been investigated. In this paper, we propose the twofold-RBP (T-RBP) decoder that combines two residuals. Using T-RBP, significant improvement can be achieved in both convergence speed and convergence error-rate performance. In addition to T-RBP, the simplified-RBP (S-RBP) decoder is also proposed in order to reduce the complexity. Instead of comparing all the residuals of all edges in the code graph, as with previous IDS decoders, S-RBP only compares the residuals of the edges connected to a single check node, thus dramatically reduces the complexity without any significant degradation in performance. The proposed T-RBP and S-RBP can improve not only the performance of dedicated codes, but also that of punctured codes, especially the convergence speed. The improvement can make punctured LDPC codes more practical and becoming a competitive candidate for the rate compatible applications.
Parkin-Dependent Degradation of the F-Box Protein Fbw7β Promotes Neuronal Survival in Response to Oxidative Stress by Stabilizing Mcl-1

ABSTRACT Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons resulting in motor dysfunction. While most PD is sporadic in nature, a significant subset can be linked to either dominant or recessive germ line mutations. PARK2, encoding the ubiquitin ligase parkin, is the most frequently mutated gene in hereditary Parkinson's disease. Here, we present evidence for a neuronal ubiquitin ligase cascade involving parkin and the multisubunit ubiquitin ligase SCFFbw7β. Specifically, parkin targets the SCF substrate adapter Fbw7β for proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, we show that the physiological role of parkin-mediated regulation of Fbw7β levels is the stabilization of the mitochondrial prosurvival factor Mcl-1, an SCFFbw7β target in neurons. We show that neurons depleted of parkin become acutely sensitive to oxidative stress due to an inability to maintain adequate levels of Mcl-1. Therefore, loss of parkin function through biallelic mutation of PARK2 may lead to death of dopaminergic neurons through unregulated SCFFbw7β-mediated ubiquitylation-dependent proteolysis of Mcl-1.
Insulin resistance of muscle protein metabolism in aging

A reduced response of older skeletal muscle to anabolic stimuli may contribute to the development of sarcopenia. We hypothesized that muscle proteins are resistant to the anabolic action of insulin in the elderly. We examined the effects of hyperinsulinemia on muscle protein metabolism in young (25±2 year) and older (68±1 year) healthy subjects using stable isotope tracer techniques. Leg blood flow was higher in the young at baseline and increased during hyperinsulinemia, whereas it did not change in the elderly. Glucose concentrations and muscle uptake were not different between groups at baseline and during hyperinsulinemia. Leg phenylalanine net balance was not different at baseline and significantly increased in both groups with hyperinsulinemia (P<0.05) but to a greater extent in the young (P<0.05). Muscle protein synthesis increased only in the young during hyperinsulinemia. Muscle protein breakdown did not significantly change in either group, although it tended to decrease in the elderly. Changes in muscle protein synthesis were correlated with changes in leg amino acid delivery (R=0.89; P=0.0001) and blood flow (R=0.90; P<0.0001). In conclusion, skeletal muscle protein synthesis is resistant to the anabolic action of insulin in older subjects, which may be an important contributor to the development of sarcopenia.
Characterisation of pseudorabies virus isolated from wild boar (Sus scrofa)

Seroepidemiological evidence had suggested that pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) virus (PrV) infections occur in the European wild boar population in eastern Germany, although attempts to isolate the causative agent had failed. In 1995 and 1996, five virus isolates were recovered from latently infected wild boar originating from two regions where the disease was endemic. The isolates were identified as PrV by immunofluorescence and neutralisation with specific sera and grouped as PrV type I. Compared with reference strains and PrV isOlates obtained from domestic animals in the same region, considerable differences in the DNA patterns were detected. In particular, two additional larger BamHI-DNA fragments migrating in agarose gel electrophoresis between fragments 3 and 4 were observed, accompanied by the loss of fragments 5, 10 and 12. Southern blot hybridisation with fragment-specific DNA probes identified the larger fragments as fusions of BamHI-fragments 5 and 10, and 5 and 12, respectively, due to a loss of a BamHI-site in the inverted repeat regions. This distinctive fragment pattern has so far not been observed in PrV isolates from domestic pigs in Germany.
Effects of agrochemicals on disease severity of Acanthostomum burminis infections (Digenea: Trematoda) in the Asian common toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus

BackgroundAgrochemicals are widely used in many parts of the world posing direct and indirect threats to organisms. Xenobiotic-related disease susceptibility is a common phenomenon and a proposed cause of amphibian declines and malformations. For example, parasitic infections combined with pesticides generally pose greater risk to both tadpoles and adult frogs than either factor alone. Here, we report on experimental effects of lone and combined exposures to cercariae of the digenetic trematode Acanthostomum burminis and ecologically relevant concentrations of (0.5 ppm) four pesticides (insecticides: chlorpyrifos, dimethoate; herbicides: glyphosate, propanil) on the tadpoles and metamorphs of the Asian common toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus.ResultsAll 48 cercaraie successfully penetrated each host suggesting that the pesticides had no short-term detrimental effect on cercarial penetration abilities. When the two treatments were provided separately, both cercariae and pesticides significantly decreased the survival of tadpoles and metamorphs and induced developmental malformations, such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and skin ulcers. Exposure to cercariae and the two insecticides additively reduced host survival. In contrast, mortality associated with the combination of cercariae and herbicides was less than additive. The effect of cercariae on malformation incidence depended on the pesticide treatment; dimethoate, glyphosate, and propanil reduced the number of cercarial-induced malformations relative to both the control and chlorpyrifos treatments.ConclusionsThese results show that ecologically relevant concentrations of the tested agrochemicals had minimal effects on trematode infections, in contrast to others studies which showed that these same treatments increased the adverse effects of these infections on tadpoles and metamorphs of the Asian common toad. These findings reinforce the importance of elucidating the complex interactions among xenobiotics and pathogens on sentinel organisms that may be indicators of risk to other biota.
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. More patients, same risk.

MORE THAN 80 years after its identification in the lungs of rats by Chagas and Carini, and 50 years after its establishment as the cause of epidemic plasma cell pneumonitis in malnourished or premature infants, 1 Pneumocystis carinii continues to puzzle and surprise. Fundamental debates continue about its taxonomy (fungus or protozoan) and transmissibility. In addition, there is no reliable way to cultivate the organism in vitro. Despite these gaps in basic information, the optimal treatment and prophylaxis of P carinii pneumonia (PCP) are well established. Landmark studies by Hughes et al 2-4 demonstrated the central role of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim in the treatment and prevention of this disease. In the 1980s, the high rates of PCP occurring among persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) largely overshadowed its role as a pathogen among the HIV negative. For example, in 1992, PCP accounted for 42% of all acquired immunodeficiency syndrome—indicator diseases reported
Assessment of the Microbial Ecology of Ruminal Methanogens in Cattle with Different Feed Efficiencies

ABSTRACT Cattle with high feed efficiencies (designated “efficient”) produce less methane gas than those with low feed efficiencies (designated “inefficient”); however, the role of the methane producers in such difference is unknown. This study investigated whether the structures and populations of methanogens in the rumen were associated with differences in cattle feed efficiencies by using culture-independent methods. Two 16S rRNA libraries were constructed using ∼800-bp amplicons generated from pooled total DNA isolated from efficient (n = 29) and inefficient (n = 29) animals. Sequence analysis of up to 490 randomly selected clones from each library showed that the methanogenic composition was variable: less species variation (22 operational taxonomic units [OTUs]) was detected in the rumens of efficient animals, compared to 27 OTUs in inefficient animals. The methanogenic communities in inefficient animals were more diverse than those in efficient ones, as revealed by the diversity indices of 0.84 and 0.42, respectively. Differences at the strain and genotype levels were also observed and found to be associated with feed efficiency in the host. No difference was detected in the total population of methanogens, but the prevalences of Methanosphaera stadtmanae and Methanobrevibacter sp. strain AbM4 were 1.92 (P < 0.05) and 2.26 (P < 0.05) times higher in inefficient animals, while Methanobrevibacter sp. strain AbM4 was reported for the first time to occur in the bovine rumen. Our data indicate that the methanogenic ecology at the species, strain, and/or genotype level in the rumen may play important roles in contributing to the difference in methane gas production between cattle with different feed efficiencies.
Comparison of intranasal dexmedetomidine and dexmedetomidine-ketamine for premedication in pediatrics patients: A randomized double-blind study

Background: Goal of premedication in pediatric anesthesia are relieving pre and postoperative anxiety, good parental separation, and smooth induction of anesthesia. Anxiety can produce aggressive reactions, increased distress, increased postoperative pain and postoperative agitation. The benzodiazepine, midazolam, is the most frequently used premedication in pediatric anesthesia. Midazolam has a number of beneficial effects when used as premedication in children: Sedation, fast onset, and limited duration of action. Though midazolam has a number of beneficial effects, it is far from an ideal premedicant having untoward side effects such as paradoxical reaction, respiratory depression, cognitive impairment, amnesia, and restlessness. Dexmedetomidine is a newer α-2-agonist, which can be used as premedicant. Aims: To compare the level of sedation, parental separation, mask acceptance, postoperative recovery of intranasal premedication with dexmedetomidine and dexmedetomidine-ketamine combination in pediatric patients. Settings and Design: Prospective randomized double-blind study. Subjects and Methods: After written informed consent from the patient's parents or legal guardian, 54 children of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, aged between 1 and 6 years, scheduled to undergo elective minor surgery were enrolled. In group D patient received 1 μ g/kg dexmedetomidine intranasally and in group DK received 1 μ g/kg dexmedetomidine and 2 mg/kg ketamine intranasally. Patients were assessed every 10 min for the level of sedation, parenteral separation, heart rate, and oxygen saturation by an independent observer. Mask acceptance and postoperative agitation were noted using an appropriate scale. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson Chi-square analysis to determine differences between two groups with respect to separation anxiety and acceptance of the anesthesia mask. Percentages used to represent frequencies. The level of significance was set at P< 0.05. Results: Acceptable parenteral separation was achieved in 90% of patients 30 min after premedication. Sedation was acceptable in 80% of patients at induction. Good mask acceptance was seen in 60% of patients. The incidence of emergence agitation (EA) was 2%. None of the above parameters was statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine, as premedicant in children provides acceptable parenteral separation. However, mask acceptance in operation room is poor. Combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine does not increase the success of premedication. Use of dexmedetomidine is associated with decreased EA.
Flaxseed Response To N, P, and K Fertilization in South Central Chile

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a minor crop in Chile. There is interest to increase the number of crops on the current rotation in South Central Chile and also to increase oilseed feedstocks for salmon feed. There is little information published about seed yield and oil content response to N, P, and K fertilizers on flaxseed in Chile. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of N, P, and K fertilization on flaxseed yield, oil content, and composition. The study was conducted at two locations during two growing seasons (environments), in Chillan 2004-2005, 2005-2006, and in Osorno 2004-2005, 2006-2007. Treatments were four levels of N (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg N ha-1), three levels of P (0, 100, and 200 kg P2O5 ha-1), and two levels of K (0 and 150 kg K2O ha-1). The design was a randomized complete block with a factorial arrangement of three factors (N, P, and K) and four replicates. According to the results, flaxseed yield improved as N rates increased. Physical optimum rate (rate at which maximum seed yield is obtained) was different depending on the location and year. Nitrogen rate increased oil content and yield up to 200 kg N ha-1. Oil composition was not affected by N, P, and K rates, or their interactions. The P and K nutrients did not have an effect on seed yield, oil content, oil yield, and oil composition.
Analysis of dorsal pitting in the os publis in an extensive sample of modern American females.

Pubic bones from 486 modern American females between the ages of 13 and 99 were studied in an attempt to explore the relationship between the degree of dorsal pitting and the following variables: (1) number of full term pregnancies, (2) inteval since last pregnancy, (3) age of decedent.A statistical association was found between the number of full term pregnancies and the degree of dorsal pitting. However, the correlation is not strong; 17 females reported as being nulliparous have "medium to large" dorsal changes whereas 22 females having from one to five full term pregnancies have an absence of dorsal changes. Females who had their last child 15 or more years prior to death are more apt to have "medium to large" dorsal changes than are females who have more recently given birth. This effect appears to be independent of the number of full term pregnancies, but is probably related to age. When the data are analyzed by multiple regression analaysis, it is found that age and number of pregnancies are most important in predicting the degree of pitting and the effect of the interval on pitting is not significant. Age is found to be an important variable independent of the number of full term pregnancies. In nulliparas, an absence of dorsal pitting is far more frequently found in females younger than 30 than in those over 30.
Client and Therapist Attachment Styles and Working Alliance.

UNLABELLED Working alliance has been shown to be important in influencing the outcome of therapy. Research evidence suggests that characteristics of both clients and therapists impact on the development of the working alliance. Although attachment theory is well researched, there is relatively limited research on the relationship between both therapist and client attachment style and the working alliance; traditionally, research has placed greater emphasis on client characteristics. The current study examines the extent to which both client and therapist self-reported attachment styles are related to the working alliance. Thirty clients and 42 therapists were recruited from primary care psychology services. Thirty client-therapist dyads were examined. Participants completed self-report measures of anxiety and depression, attachment style and working alliance at a single time point. Client and therapist attachment security were not independently related to working alliance. However, there was a significant association between therapist insecure attachment and alliance in more symptomatic clients. There was also some evidence that therapists and clients with oppositional attachment styles reported more favourable alliances. The study suggests that the relationship between therapist attachment style and alliance is not straightforward. It is likely that the complexity of clients' presenting problems, coupled with interaction between client-therapist attachment styles, influences the therapeutic alliance. KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE Therapist insecure attachment may negatively affect the therapeutic alliance in more symptomatic clients. It is important to consider the interaction between client and therapist attachment and how these interactions influence the therapeutic alliance. Therapists should be aware of their own personal attachment style and reflect on how this might manifest during the therapeutic process.
Adaptive FE-BE coupling for strongly nonlinear transmission problems with friction II

This article discusses the well-posedness and error analysis of the coupling of finite and boundary elements for transmission or contact problems in nonlinear elasticity. It concerns W^{1,p}-monotone Hencky materials with an unbounded stress-strain relation, as they arise in the modelling of ice sheets, non-Newtonian fluids or porous media. For 1<p<2 the bilinear form of the boundary element method fails to be continuous in natural function spaces associated to the nonlinear operator. We propose a functional analytic framework for the numerical analysis and obtain a priori and a posteriori error estimates for Galerkin approximations to the resulting boundary/domain variational inequality. The a posteriori estimate complements recent estimates obtained for mixed finite element formulations of friction problems in linear elasticity.
Trajectory of body shape across the lifespan and cancer risk

The influence of adiposity over life course on cancer risk remains poorly understood. We assessed trajectories of body shape from age 5 up to 60 using a group‐based modeling approach among 73,581 women from the Nurses' Health Study and 32,632 men from the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study. After a median of approximately 10 years of follow‐up, we compared incidence of total and obesity‐related cancers (cancers of the esophagus [adenocarcinoma only], colorectum, pancreas, breast [after menopause], endometrium, ovaries, prostate [advanced only], kidney, liver and gallbladder) between these trajectories. We identified five distinct trajectories of body shape: lean‐stable, lean‐moderate increase, lean‐marked increase, medium‐stable, and heavy‐stable/increase. Compared with women in the lean‐stable trajectory, those in the lean‐marked increase and heavy‐stable/increase trajectories had a higher cancer risk in the colorectum, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, and endometrium (relative risk [RR] ranged from 1.22 to 2.56). Early life adiposity was inversely while late life adiposity was positively associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk. In men, increased body fatness at any life period was associated with a higher risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma and colorectal cancer (RR ranged from 1.23 to 3.01), and the heavy‐stable/increase trajectory was associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, but lower risk of advanced prostate cancer. The trajectory‐cancer associations were generally stronger for non‐smokers and women who did not use menopausal hormone therapy. In conclusion, trajectories of body shape throughout life were related to cancer risk with varied patterns by sex and organ, indicating a role for lifetime adiposity in carcinogenesis.
High frequency of active HCV infection among seropositive cases in west Africa and evidence for multiple transmission pathways.

BACKGROUND Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has one of the highest global hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence estimates. However, reports that suggest high rates of serologic false positives and low levels of viremia have led to uncertainty regarding the burden of active infection in this region. Additionally, little is known about the predominant transmission risk factors in SSA. METHODS We prospectively recalled 363 past blood donors (180 who were rapid screen assay [RSA] positive and 183 who were RSA negative at time of donation) to identify the level of active infection and risk factors for infection at a teaching hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Participants had repeat blood testing and were administered a questionnaire on risk factors. RESULTS The frequency of HCV active infection ranged from 74.4% to 88% depending on the criteria used to define serologically positive cases. Individuals with active disease had biochemical evidence of liver inflammation and median viral loads of 5.7 log copies/mL. Individuals from the northern and upper regions of Ghana had greater risks of infection compared with participants from other areas. Additional risk factors included traditional circumcision, home birth, tribal scarring, and hepatitis B virus coinfection. CONCLUSIONS Viremic infection was common among serologically confirmed cases. Attention to testing algorithms is needed in order to define the true HCV burden in SSA. These data also suggest that several transmission modes are likely contributing to the current HCV epidemic in Ghana and that the distribution of these practices may result in substantial regional variation in prevalence.
Assessing environmental performance in the construction industry

Environmental Management System (EMS) has recently been advocated for most economic sectors. Construction, one of the pollution generators creating destruction to the environment, is by no means exempted from EMS. However, in implementing EMS, the greatest obstacle found is the lack of objective performance evaluation criteria. To overcome this, Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) is introduced to assess environmental performance, which however is not popularly adopted in the construction industry. This paper attempts to develop a series of input (EOIs) and output (EPIs) indicators for EPA and measure their relations by using robust fitting and spectral methods based on survey and interview results undertaken in Hong Kong and Australia. The results show that the proposed EOIs correlate strongly with EPIs. Therefore, EPA can help improving and predicting environmental performance of an organization.
Back to the Future: Trusting Birth

Research over the past 30 years provides support for once again trusting birth. This is a paradigm shift in thinking about birth and requires a dramatic change in the practice of nursing. Confidence in a woman's ability to give birth, the freedom to find comfort in response to pain, and the support of family, friends, and professionals facilitate normal, natural birth. Hospital policies and routine care practices that decrease confidence, restrict freedom and support, and separate mothers from their infants sabotage natural birth and breastfeeding. The goal of the perinatal nurse is to promote, protect, and support women's efforts to give birth naturally and breastfeed their children.