Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upper bounds on empirically optimal quantizers

In designing a vector quantizer using a training sequence (TS), the training algorithm tries to find an empirically optimal quantizer that minimizes the selected distortion criteria using the sequence. In order to evaluate the performance of the trained quantizer, we can use the empirically minimized distortion that we obtain when designing the quantizer. Several upper bounds on the empirically minimized distortions are proposed with numerical results. The bound holds pointwise, i.e., for each distribution with finite second moment in a class. From the pointwise bounds, it is possible to derive the worst case bound, which is better than the current bounds for practical training ratio /spl beta/, the ratio of the TS size to the codebook size. It is shown that the empirically minimized distortion underestimates the true minimum distortion by more than a factor of (1-1/m), where m is the sequence size. Furthermore, through an asymptotic analysis in the codebook size, a multiplication factor [1-(1-e/sup -/spl beta//)//spl beta/]/spl ap/(1-1//spl beta/) for an asymptotic bound is shown. Several asymptotic bounds in terms of the vector dimension and the type of source are also introduced.
JNK1 contributes to metabotropic glutamate receptor‐dependent long‐term depression and short‐term synaptic plasticity in the mice area hippocampal CA1

Several recent reports implicate an important role played by c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNKs) in long‐term potentiation (LTP). However, little is known about how the isoforms of JNKs participate in synaptic plasticity. Here we showed that short‐term synaptic plasticity was impaired in the hippocampal area CA1 of JNK1‐deficient (JNK1–/–) mice; these mice showed normal LTP in response to a strong tetanus and no alteration of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor‐dependent long‐term depression (LTD) in the hippocampus. However, LTD induced either by group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) agonist dihydroxyphenylglycine or by paired‐pulse low‐frequency stimulation was absent in both the JNK1–/– slices and in JNK inhibitor anthrax [1, 9‐cd] pyrazol‐6(2H)‐1 (SP600125)‐pretreated slices. Induction of mGluR‐dependent LTD resulted in an increase in phosphorylation of JNK1 substrates, including p‐c‐Jun and p‐ATF2 in wild‐type (WT) mice, and these increases failed to occur in the JNK1–/– or SP600125‐pretreated mice. These results demonstrated that JNK1 played a crucial role in the short‐term synaptic plasticity and mGluR‐dependent LTD, whereas hippocampus LTP was not affected by JNK1 deficiency.
Polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTTI and GSTP1 and nasopharyngeal cancer in the east of China: a case-control study.

AIM The study was performed to assess the potential role of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms in the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer in Chinese population. METHOD We collected 182 cases undergoing pathologic examination and 366 controls from the affiliated hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University from April 2006 to July 2010. Genotyping was based upon duplex polymerase-chain-reactions with the PCR- CTPP method. RESULTS More smokers were found in NPC patients than controls, and a higher IgA/VCA+. Individuals carrying null GSTM1 and GSTT1 had 1.76 and 2.01 fold risk of NPC when compared with non-null genotypes, respectively. A non-significant increase risk of NPC was found in individuals with 1b/1b genotype when compared with 1a/1a genotype (OR=1.32, 95%CI=0.60-2.94). When compared with non-null GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes, the combination of null/null GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes showed moderate increased risk of NPC (OR=3.03, 95% CI=1.74-5.08). CONCLUSION Our study provides evidence that genetic deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1 may contribute to increased susceptibility to NPC in Chinese population, while GSTP1 may not. Our findings provide information relevant to the prevention of NPC.
Insulin-degrading enzyme is genetically associated with Alzheimer’s disease in the Finnish population

The gene for insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), which is located at chromosome 10q24, has been previously proposed as a candidate gene for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) based on its ability to degrade amyloid β-protein. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IDE gene in Finnish patients with AD and controls revealed SNPs rs4646953 and rs4646955 to be associated with AD, conferring an approximately two-fold increased risk. Single locus findings were corroborated by the results obtained from haplotype analyses. This suggests that genetic alterations in or near the IDE gene may increase the risk for developing AD.
Gene Expression Profiling of Synovial Sarcoma: Distinct Signature of Poorly Differentiated Type

Poorly differentiated type synovial sarcoma (PDSS) is a variant of synovial sarcoma characterized by predominantly round or short-spindled cell morphology. Although accumulating evidence from clinicopathologic studies suggests a strong association between this variant of synovial sarcoma and poor prognosis, little has been reported on the molecular basis of PDSS. To gain insights into the mechanism(s) that underlie the emergence of PDSS, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of 34 synovial sarcoma clinical samples, including 5 cases of PDSS, using an oligonucleotide microarray. In an unsupervised analysis, the 34 samples fell into 3 groups that correlate closely with histologic subtypes: monophasic, biphasic, and poorly differentiated types. PDSS was characterized by down-regulation of genes associated with neuronal and skeletal development and cell adhesion. Moreover, upregulation of genes on a specific chromosomal locus, 8q21.11, was identified. This locus-specific transcriptional activation in PDSS was confirmed by reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis of 9 additional synovial sarcoma samples. Our results indicate that PDSS tumors constitute a distinct group based on expression profiles.
The greenhouse effect and the spectral decomposition of the clear-sky terrestrial radiation

In this paper the clear-sky infrared radiation field of the Earth-atmosphere system is characterized by the spectral decomposition of the simulated upward and downward flux density components into three distinct wave number regions. The relative contributions of the far infrared, middle infrared, and windows spectral regions to the total longwave flux densities have been established. The approximate qualitative description of the meridional distributions of the zonal averages gave us a detailed insight into the role of the less explored far infrared spectral region. We demonstrate that on a global scale, the far infrared contribution to the clear-sky normalized greenhouse factor is significantly increasing toward the polar regions. Accurate computation of the transmitted and re-emitted part of the outgoing longwave radiation showed that in the far infrared the normalized upward atmospheric emittance increases poleward. This phenomenon is the direct consequence of the downward shift of the peak of the weighting functions in the strongly absorbing opaque spectral regions. The clear-sky total longwave terrestrial flux transmittance seems to be well correlated with the far infrared flux transmittance, which implies the possibility of inferring total longwave flux densities solely from far infrared observations. The zonal averages of the total normalized atmospheric upward emittances are almost independent of the water vapor column amount, they have no meridional variation, and they are constantly about fifty percent of the surface upward flux density, an indication, that the gray atmosphere in the IR is in radiative equilibrium. The meridional distribution of the greenhouse temperature change and its dependence on the atmospheric water vapor content were also evaluated. Solving the Schwarzschild-Milne equations for the bounded atmosphere the infrared atmospheric transfer and greenhouse functions were derived. The theoretically predicted greenhouse effect in the clear atmosphere are in perfect agreement with simulation results and measurements.
The Effect of Government Purchases on Economic Growth in Japan

We consider whether there is statistical evidence for a causal relationship between government expenditures and real GDP growth in postwar Japan. After studying the time-series properties of these variables, we find that government consumption and government investment both have a positive and causal effect on growth. This suggests that fiscal policy may not have been as ineffective during the last two decades of Japan’s stagnant growth as some have suggested, but may have helped to prevent an even more severe balance-sheet recession after the collapse of the Japanese bubble economy.
Identification of I-plastin, a human fimbrin isoform expressed in intestine and kidney

The complete cDNA sequence of human intestine-specific plastin (I-plastin) was determined from a clone derived by PCR. It consists of a 97-bp 5' untranslated region, a 1,887-bp coding region, and a 1,655-bp 3' untranslated region. The coding region predicts a 629-residue polypeptide whose sequence displays 86, 75, and 73% identities with chicken intestine fimbrin, human T-plastin, and human L-plastin, respectively. Recombinant I-plastin cross-linked actin filaments into bundles in the absence but not in the presence of calcium. The I-plastin gene was mapped by PCR to human chromosome 3; the L- and T-plastin genes were previously mapped to chromosomes 13 and X, respectively. I-plastin mRNA was detected in the small intestine, colon, and kidneys; relatively lower levels of expression were detected in the lungs and stomach. In contrast, L-plastin expression was restricted to the spleen and other lymph node-containing organs, while T-plastin was expressed in a variety of organs, including muscle, brain, uterus, and esophagus. In contrast to the situation for the intestine, high levels of L- and T-plastin mRNAs were detected in Caco-2, a human colon-derived cell line. Immunofluorescence microscopy detected I-plastin in the brush border of the small intestine and colon. These results identify I-plastin as the human homolog of chicken intestine fimbrin and as a third plastin isoform in humans.
Transcription Factors STAT6 and KLF4 Implement Macrophage Polarization via the Dual Catalytic Powers of MCPIP

Macrophage polarization plays a critical role in tissue homeostasis, disease pathogenesis, and inflammation and its resolution. IL-4–induced macrophage polarization involves induction of STAT6 and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), which induce each other and promote M2 polarization. However, how these transcription factors implement M2 polarization is not understood. We report that in murine macrophages MCP-1–induced protein (MCPIP), induced by KLF4, inhibits M1 polarization by inhibiting NF-κB activation and implements M2 polarization using both its deubiquitinase and RNase activities that cause sequential induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and autophagy required for M2 polarization. MCPIP also induces C/EBPβ and PPARγ, which promote M2 polarization. Macrophages from mice with myeloid-targeted overexpression of MCPIP show elevated expression of M2 markers and reduced response to LPS, whereas macrophages from mice with myeloid-specific deletion of MCPIP manifest elevated M1 polarization with enhanced phagocytic activity. Thus, both in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that the transcription factors STAT6 and KLF4 implement IL-4–induced M2 polarization via the dual catalytic activities of MCPIP.
Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of N-acetylcysteine in human plasma using an isotope-labeled internal standard.

A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to determine total N-acetylcysteine in human plasma. Mass spectrometric detection was achieved in positive electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring mode. The mass transition pairs of N-acetylcysteine and the isotope-labeled internal standard d3-N-acetylcysteine were 164 → 122 and 167 → 123, respectively. The method was linear over the range of 10-5000 ng/mL in human plasma. The adoption of trichloroacetic acid significantly enhanced the extraction recovery. The blank matrix was screened to minimize the influence of endogenous N-acetylcysteine. After being fully validated, the method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic and bioequivalent study of N-acetylcysteine after oral administration of 600 mg tablets to 24 healthy Chinese volunteers.
Effectiveness of Problem‐based Learning Curricula: Research and Theory

Purpose This article provides a critical overview of problem-based learning (PBL), its effectiveness for knowledge acquisition and clinical performance, and the underlying educational theory. The focus of the paper is on (1) the credibility of claims (both empirical and theoretical) about the ties between PBL and educational outcomes and (2) the magnitude of the effects. Method The author reviewed the medical education literature, starting with three reviews published in 1993 and moving on to research published from 1992 through 1998 in the primary sources for research in medical education. For each study the author wrote a summary, which included study design, outcome measures, effect sizes, and any other information relevant to the research conclusion. Results and Conclusion The review of the literature revealed no convincing evidence that PBL improves knowledge base and clinical performance, at least not of the magnitude that would be expected given the resources required for a PBL curriculum. The results were considered in light of the educational theory that underlies PBL and its basic research. The author concludes that the ties between educational theory and research (both basic and applied) are loose at best.
Synaptic patterns in the visual cortex of the cat and monkey. Electron microscopy of Golgi Preparations

Primary visual cortex (area 17) from macaque monkeys, cats and kittens was stained by a rapid Golgi method modified to give optimal preservation of fine structure. Single impregnated neurons were identified in the light microscope, and then cut in serial thin sections for electron microscopy. As in conventional E.M. material, synapses in the Golgi preparations could be classified into types 1 and 2: type 1 synapses possessed round vesicles in the axon and a pronounced postsynaptic opacity; type 2 synapses had smaller, flattened vesicles in the axon and a slight postsynaptic opacity. Synapses onto impregnated cells were identified by the presynaptic opacities (dense projections), and classified as type 1 or 2 according to the shape and size of the vesicles.
Indicated Mean Effective Pressure Oscillations in a Natural Gas Combustion Engine

Fluctuations in a combustion process of natural gas in the internal spark ignition engine have been investigated. We measured pressure of the cyclic combustion and expressed its cyclic oscillations in terms of indicated mean effective pressure per cycle. By applying the statistical and multifractal analysis to the corresponding time series we show the considerable changes in engine dynamics for a different equivalence ratio decreases from 0.781 to very lean conditions.
Methodological considerations for blood flow restricted resistance exercise

“KAATSU Training”, was first made available for public use in Japan.1 Since then, numerous studies have examined the effects of BFR resistance exercise on skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength gains, as well as on neural, endocrine, and cardiovascular responses. The novelty of BFR resistance exercise is that relatively low exercise intensities (e.g. 20% of one-repetition maximum, 1-RM) can be utilized to elicit skeletal muscle hypertrophy and increase muscular strength. Even low-intensity aerobic exercise (e.g. walking, cycling), when combined with blood flow restriction, may be effective for increasing strength and hypertrophy.2 Thus, BFR exercise has a wide range of practical applications, from performance enhancement in athletes to combating muscle atrophy in clinical populations. To restrict blood flow during resistance exercise, a restrictive cuff or band (typically a pneumatic cuff) is placed on the most proximal portion of the exercising limb which reduces arterial blood inflow to the working muscle and occludes venous return resulting in the pooling of venous blood around the exercising muscle. Although there are likely many mechanisms involved in the adaptations to BFR exercise, optimizing muscle fiber recruitment appears to be critical. Thus, low-load BFR resistance exercise serves as an effective way to reach the same endpoint as reached with other forms of resistance exercise. However, BFR resistance training introduces more variables than standard training. Individual differences (e.g. limb size) as well as methodological differences (e.g. restrictive cuff size and pressure and resistance exercise protocol) are variables that must be considered with BFR resistance exercise. Manipulation of these variables will affect the degree to which blood flow is restricted during exercise. This may affect the acute responses and ultimately training adaptations to this type of exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to summarize the different methodologies used in BFR resistance training studies to provide a resource for individuals who may be interested in utilizing this training technique and for researchers who are interested in studying the acute and chronic effects of BFR resistance exercise.
Prevalence of Fc‐gammaR chain expression in CD4+ T cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective: To determine the upregulation of transcript and protein levels of the T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3‐Fc‐gammaR chain in CD4+ T cells of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with different clinical disease activity scored on the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scale. Methods: CD4+ cells were isolated by the positive biomagnetic separation technique. Quantitative analysis of Fc‐gammaR cDNA was carried out by using the real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ‐PCR) SYBR Green I system. Protein levels of Fc‐gammaR in CD4+ T cells were determined by Western blotting analysis. Results: We observed significantly higher transcript and protein levels of the Fc‐gammaR chain in CD4+ T cells of SLE patients (n = 45) than in healthy individuals (n = 26). The increase in Fc‐gammaR expression was observed in 97.8% of SLE patients. Spearman statistical analysis suggests that the protein level of Fc‐gammaR in CD4+ T cells may correlate with SLE activity scored by the SLEDAI scale (R = 0.556, p<0.00006, respectively). Conclusion: The high prevalence of the Fc‐gammaR chain in CD4+ T cells of SLE patients may indicate an important role for this molecule in the pathogenesis of SLE.
Indications for a brain‐hair follicle axis: inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation and up‐regulation of keratinocyte apoptosis in telogen hair follicles by stress and substance P

It has long been suspected that stress can cause hair loss, although convincing evidence of this has been unavailable. Here, we show that in mice sonic stress significantly increased the number of hair follicles containing apoptotic cells and inhibited intrafollicular keratinocyte proliferation in situ. Sonic stress also significantly increased the number of activated perifollicular macrophage clusters and the number of degranulated mast cells, whereas it down‐regulated the number of intraepithelial γδ T lymphocytes. These stress‐induced immune changes could be mimicked by injection of the neuropeptide substance P in nonstressed mice and were abrogated by a selective substance P receptor antagonist in stressed mice. We conclude that stress can indeed inhibit hair growth in vivo, probably via a substance P‐dependent activation of macrophages and/or mast cells in the context of a brain‐hair follicle axis.
Physico-chemical characteristics of Longissimus lumborum muscle in goats subjected to halal slaughter and anesthesia (halothane) pre-slaughter.

This study assessed the effect of halal slaughter and anesthesia pre-slaughter followed by bleeding on meat quality characteristics of goats. Eleven male Boer cross goats were divided into two groups and subjected to either halal slaughter (HS) or anesthesia with halothane and propofol pre-slaughter (AS). At pre-rigor, HS had significantly lower (P < 0.05) muscle pH and glycogen than AS. However, no significant difference was observed in the pH and glycogen content between the treatments on 1, 3 and 7 days post mortem. The drip loss of HS was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of AS at all aging periods. Treatment had no effect on sarcomere length, myofibrillar fragmentation index and shear force values, loss of thiol groups and degradation of major myofibrillar proteins. It can be concluded that HS did not have deleterious effect on meat quality traits of goat when compared to AS.
Comparison of liver progenitor cells in human atypical ductular reactions with those seen in experimental models of liver injury

The ultrastructural characteristics of liver progenitor cell types of human atypical ductular reactions seen in chronic cholestasis, in regenerating human liver after submassive necrosis, in alcoholic liver disease, and in focal nodular hyperplasia are compared with liver progenitor cell types seen during experimental cholangiocarcinogenesis in hamsters; during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats; and in response to periportal liver injury induced by allyl alcohol in rats. Three types of progenitor cells have been identified in human atypical ductular reactions: type I: primitive, has an oval shape, marginal chromatin, few cellular organelles, rare tonofilaments, and forms desmosomal junctions with adjacent liver cells; type II: bile duct–like, is located within ducts, has few organelles, and forms lateral membrane interdigitations with other duct‐like cells; and type III: hepatocyte‐like, is located in hepatic cords, forms a bile canaliculus, has tight junctions with other hepatocyte‐like cells, prominent mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and some have lysosomes and a poorly developed Golgi apparatus. Each type is seen during cholangiocarcinogenesis in hamsters, but the most prominent cell type is type II, duct‐like. A more primitive cell type (“type 0 cell”), as well as type I cells, are seen in the intraportal zone of the liver within 1 to 2 days after carcinogen exposure or periportal injury in the rat, but both type II and type III are seen later as the progenitor cells expand into the liver lobule. After allyl alcohol injury, type 0 cells precede the appearance of type I and type III cells, but most of the cells that span the periportal necrotic zone are type III hepatocyte‐like cells showing different degrees of hepatocytic differentiation. Some type II cells are also seen, but these are essentially limited to ducts. It is concluded that there is a primitive stem cell type in the liver (type 0) that may differentiate directly into type I and then into type II, duct‐like or or type III hepatocyte‐like cells. The terms oval cell, transitional hepatocyte, biliary hepatocyte, hepatocyte‐like cell, atypical ductular cell, neocholangiole, etc., are used to describe these cells. Although these terms are useful as general descriptive terms for liver precursor cells at the light microscopic level, the cells included in these descriptive categories may be very different from one another biologically and ultrastructurally.