Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Linearized Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers with Substitution Procedure

We consider the linearly constrained separable convex programming problem whose objective function is separable into m individual convex functions with non-overlapping variables. The alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) has been well studied in the literature for the special case m = 2, but the direct extension of ADMM for the general case m ≥ 2 is not necessarily convergent. In this paper, we propose a new linearized ADMM-based contraction type algorithms for the general case m ≥ 2. For the proposed algorithm, we prove its convergence via the analytic framework of contractive type methods and we derive a worst-case O(1/t) convergence rate in ergodic sense. Finally, numerical results are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Study of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni antioxidant activities and cellular properties

Abstract The aim of our study was to determine the antioxidant activities, cytotoxicity and proliferative properties in Stevia rebaudiana leaves and stems. Leaves extracts exhibited a higher antioxidant activity than stems extract, through oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays. Stevioside and rebaudioside A, the main sweetening metabolites in stevia leaves, exhibited a low ORAC value in comparison with plant extracts, while did not elicit any CAA. Stevia rebaudiana did not exhibit toxicity against HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) human cells. No proliferative nor catalase modulations were observed in cells treated with such extracts. Our findings support the promising role of stevia that, apart from its sweetness, can act as a source of antioxidants, even at the intracellular level. This activity makes S. rebaudiana crude extract an interesting resource of natural sweetness with antioxidant properties which may find numerous applications in foods and nutritional supplements industries.
Genetic Analyses of DNA-Binding Mutants in the Catalytic Core Domain of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Integrase

ABSTRACT The catalytic core domain (CCD) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase (IN) harbors the enzyme active site and binds viral and chromosomal DNA during integration. Thirty-five CCD mutant viruses were constructed, paying particular attention to conserved residues in the Phe139-Gln146 flexible loop and abutting Ser147-Val165 amphipathic alpha helix that were implicated from previous in vitro work as important for DNA binding. Defective viruses were typed as class I mutants (specifically blocked at integration) or pleiotropic class II mutants (additional particle assembly and/or reverse transcription defects). Whereas HIV-1P145A and HIV-1Q146K grew like the wild type, HIV-1N144K and HIV-1Q148L were class I mutants, reinforcing previous results that Gln-148 is important for DNA binding and uncovering for the first time an important role for Asn-144 in integration. HIV-1Q62K, HIV-1H67E, HIV-1N120K, and HIV-1N155K were also class I mutants, supporting findings that Gln-62 and Asn-120 interact with viral and target DNA, respectively, and suggesting similar integration-specific roles for His-67 and Asn-155. Although results from complementation analyses established that IN functions as a multimer, the interplay between active-site and CCD DNA binding functions was unknown. By using Vpr-IN complementation, we determined that the CCD protomer that catalyzes integration also preferentially binds to viral and target DNA. We additionally characterized E138K as an intramolecular suppressor of Gln-62 mutant virus and IN. The results of these analyses highlight conserved CCD residues that are important for HIV-1 replication and integration and define the relationship between DNA binding and catalysis that occurs during integration in vivo.
The human Prp8 protein is a component of both U2- and U12-dependent spliceosomes.

This study reports the cloning, sequencing, and development of antisera against the human U5 snRNP 220-kDa protein or hPrp8p. Prp8p is the most highly conserved large nuclear protein known to date, but it is not related to any other protein. Southern, Northern, and expressed sequence tag analyses indicate that hPrp8p is encoded by a single gene. Prp8p is a core component of U5 snRNP and the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP, and antibodies raised against it immunoprecipitate both the major, U2-dependent and minor, U12-dependent spliceosomes. These spliceosomes, which excise different classes of introns, contain distinct sets of snRNAs overlapping only with U5 snRNA. Other than the core Sm proteins, hPrp8p is the first splicing factor shown to be common to both spliceosomes.
Design of Lateral-Current-Injection-Type Membrane Distributed-Feedback Lasers for On-Chip Optical Interconnections

For application to on-chip optical interconnections, lateral-current-injection (LCI) membrane distributed-feedback (DFB) lasers, which are expected to be potential components for such an application, were investigated from the aspects of low threshold current operation and high-speed direct modulation capability. First, the stripe width dependence of the carrier injection delay time was evaluated from small-signal response measurements of LCI Fabry-Perot lasers prepared on a semi-insulating InP substrate, and it was found that a narrower stripe width was advantageous for shorter carrier injection delay time as well as higher internal quantum efficiency. Second, semiconductor core layer thickness dependences of the lasing properties of LCI-membrane-DFB lasers, such as the threshold current, output power, relaxation oscillation frequency, and a 3-dB bandwidth, were investigated theoretically. A strong optical confinement effect in the semiconductor membrane structure enabled the design of an LCI-membrane-DFB laser with a low threshold current of 0.16 mA, an output power of more than 0.16 mW, and a high relaxation oscillation frequency of 8.9 GHz at a bias current of only 1 mA. From these values, the LCI-membrane-DFB laser can be a good candidate for a low-pulse-energy (<;100 fJ/bit) light source, for high-speed (>10 Gb/s) transmission, and for on-chip optical interconnections.
A Corneal Diffuse Neurofibroma as a Manifestation of von Recklinghausen Disease

Purpose. To report a case of a primary corneal diffuse neurofibroma in a patient with von Recklinghausen disease (NF-1). Methods. Case report. A physical examination and histopathology were performed. The immunohistochemical studies were performed using an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue. Histologic sections from corneal tissue were incubated with primary antibodies against vimentin and S-100 protein. A complementary ultrastructural study of the same formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue was made. Results. The ophthalmologic examination revealed a yellowish-white elevated mass that involved the supratemporal cornea but not the limbus. Histologic study showed a tumor of the peripheral nerve sheath, a diffuse neurofibroma in the corneal stroma, and proliferation of spindle cells with markedly elongated nuclei. Cells comprising the tumor reacted with vimentin and S-100 protein, and the ultrastructural studies revealed myelinated nerve fibers confirming the diagnosis. Conclusion. The development of a primary diffuse neurofibroma in the cornea of patients with von Recklinghausen disease is possible. The present case supports the statement that neurofibromas arising from the peripheral nerve sheath may involve any part of the body.
Entity Recommendation Via Integrating Multiple Types of Implicit Feedback in Heterogeneous Information Network

Recently, heterogeneous information network(HIN) analysis has attracted a lot of attentions. One of the HIN application is recommendation. Due to HIN containing multiple different objects and links and rich semantic meanings, it is promising to generate better recommendation. Previous studies on movie recommendation have combined the single implicit feedback information with heterogeneous information network to create an efficient recommendation. In this paper, we combined multiple types of implicit feedback data with heterogeneous information network to achieve better movie recommendation. We propose the latent features of multiple types implicit feedback matrix along different types of meta path to connect users and movies. We define a recommendation model and use Bayesian ranking optimization techniques to estimate the proposed model. Empirical studies on Douban dataset show that our approach can make better recommendation than previous works.
WHY IT IS DIFFICULT TO MODEL SPERM DISPLACEMENT IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER: THE RELATION BETWEEN SPERM TRANSFER AND COPULATION DURATION

Abstract We have investigated the effects of experimental manipulation of copulation duration on sperm displacement in Drosophila melanogaster. Both spermless and normal males were used as second (displacing) males in the experiments. Displacement induced in the absence of sperm, that is, by males that pass accessory gland fluid alone, was a relatively inefficient process and produced much lower levels of displacement than normal males. Therefore, the presence of second-male sperm is necessary (but unlikely sufficient) for the high levels of displacement commonly observed in D. melanogaster. Furthermore, when second matings were interrupted at various times after the initiation of copulation, the distribution of displacement was strongly bimodal. We conclude that sperm transfer is relatively rapid, beginning shortly after the initiation of copulation, and is essentially complete before the midpoint of copulation. Therefore, sperm transfer bears no simple relation to copulation duration. Because it would be difficult to manipulate the numbers of sperm transferred by manipulating copulation duration, methods used to study sperm displacement in other insect species are unlikely to be appropriate for D. melanogaster. We also investigated why males mate for more than twice the duration that appears to be necessary to complete sperm transfer. Experimental interruption of first matings indicated that the extra copulation time serves to delay female remating, rather than to increase that rate at which of offspring are sired before remating. Corresponding Editor: T. Markow
Interaction of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells With Disc Cells: Changes in Extracellular Matrix Biosynthesis

Study Design. To evaluate the in vitro interactions between human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and degenerative disc cells. Objectives. To demonstrate the potential of MSCs in regulating the extracellular matrix synthesis of degenerative disc cells. Summary of Background Data. Culture of degenerative disc cells followed by their reinsertion into a disc can retard the degeneration process in an animal model. However, harvesting cells without accelerating degeneration is problematic. Autologous MSCs can be safely harvested from the bone marrow and transplanted into degenerative discs. Methods. Human degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP), anulus fibrosus (AF) cells, and MSCs were cultured as pellets, and coculture pellets were formed by addition of MSCs to disc cells (50:50 ratio). Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and DNA content were measured. Proteoglycan synthesis was analyzed by RT-PCR and western blot. Type II collagen expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results. Coculture pellets formed by the addition of MSCs to AF cells were superior in size to all other pellets. AF/MSC pellets showed higher experimental GAG content than the predicted values represented by the sum of individual control pellets, with 10.2 versus 5.6 &mgr;g/pellet at week 3, respectively. The effect was not observed in the NP/MSC coculture, or when chondrogenic medium was used. Close contact between cells was necessary to obtain this enhancement of GAG content. Proteoglycan and collagen expression in both individual and coculture pellets was confirmed by PCR analysis and western blot. Conclusion. Addition of MSCs to AF cells resulted in an up-regulation of the proteoglycans synthesis. This study provides the rationale for further investigation of the potential of MSC therapy in treating intervertebral disc degeneration.
Frequency scaling for low-power embedded system

In this paper concept for dynamic frequency scaling algorithm implementation for low-power embedded systems is proposed. The algorithm is based on system's power consumption analysis in different operating modes. Depending on clock module settings, parameters for minimal power consumption are found. In this paper concept of a software module that would allow automatic frequency control in order to reduce power consumption and sastisfy timing constraints of program tasks is proposed.
Quantitative whole-body radioluminography-future strategy for balance and tissue distribution studies.

The present routine to conduct balance and/or tissue dissection distribution studies has now and then been questioned, because the way they are generally conducted does not produce information in proportion to the spending of animal and personnel resources. Usually only total radioactivity is measured and due considerations are not always taken to the metabolic fate of the label. In this study a different strategy is presented-integrating quantitative whole-body radioluminography and different chromatographic methods on extracts of tissue pieces punched from the whole-body sections. In addition to the saving in cost and time, the proposed integrated whole-body radioluminographic/metabolic profile protocol will provide (i) a detailed picture of the distribution of radioactivity at selected dose levels and time points in male, female, and pregnant animals; (ii) the time course of radioactivity in blood/plasma and tissues selected from the images (approximate half-life and AUC); (iii) accumulated urinary and fecal excretion of radioactivity and an estimate of the proportion of radioactive metabolites; (iv) tissue information about the proportion of parent drug versus metabolites of pieces punched from the whole-body sections; and (v) indications of possible tissue binding.
The excess in 2-5 mm follicles seen at ovarian ultrasonography is tightly associated to the follicular arrest of the polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND We previously hypothesized that the excess of 2-5 mm follicles seen at ovarian ultrasonography might be involved in the follicular arrest (FA) of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), independently from the main putative contributors of FA, namely hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinism. METHODS A multivariate statistical analysis was applied retrospectively to clinical, biological and ultrasound data that were consecutively collected during 5 years in 457 patients with polycystic ovaries and in 188 age-matched non-hyperandrogenic and regularly cycling controls without PCO at ultrasound. RESULTS Stepwise discriminant analysis indicated that in PCOS the 2-5 mm follicle number (FN) gave the strongest correlation to severity of the FA, followed by age and then by fasting insulin level. The other variables [waist circumference (WC), 6-9 mm FN, serum testosterone, FSH, LH and ovarian area] were rejected by the analysis. Multiple linear regression indicated a significant and independent negative relationship between the 2-5 and 6-9 mm FN in the PCOS (r = - 0.186, P < 0.01) and control groups (r = - 0.281, P < 0.01). In PCOS only, the 6-9 mm FN was negatively and independently related to the WC (r = - 0.108, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The size of the 2-5 mm follicle pool is an independent and important contributor to the FA of PCOS. This result could be explained by an exaggerated physiological inhibitory effect from this pool on the terminal follicle growth. The metabolic derangement of PCOS that also contributes to the FA would act through a different mechanism.
Explosive power and asymmetry in leg muscle function in frequent fallers and non-fallers aged over 65.

BACKGROUND although low strength is a risk factor for falls, lower limb explosive power is more predictive of functional difficulties than strength. Power may be more predictive of a future fall than strength per se. OBJECTIVE to compare leg muscle strength and explosive power and asymmetry of leg strength and power of women aged 65 or over living at home, with and without a history of falls. DESIGN a case controlled study of self-reported 'fallers' versus 'non-fallers'. SUBJECTS twenty women, aged 65 or over, with a history of at least three falls in the previous year were age matched with 15 women with no history of falls in the previous year. METHODS lower limb explosive power, isometric strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings, isokinetic concentric strength (100 degrees/sec) of the quadriceps, hamstrings, ankle plantar- and dorsi-flexors and quadriceps eccentric strength (100 degrees/sec). Habitual physical activity was assessed using the self-completed Habitual Activity Profile Questionnaire. RESULTS the women with a history of falls were less active but were not significantly weaker in any of the strength measurements, apart from ankle dorsiflexion adjusted for body weight. Both groups had significant asymmetry in all the leg muscles for both strength and power. Although both groups were asymmetrical in their lower limb power, the fallers demonstrated a significantly greater asymmetry. When the least powerful legs were compared, the women with a history of falls were 24% less powerful for their weight than those who did not fall (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS weakness and asymmetry is prevalent in women aged 65 and over, with and without a history of falls. Poor lower limb explosive power combined with asymmetry between limbs may be more predictive of future falls than more traditional measurements of strength in older women who live independently.
Heterozygous inactivation of Gnas in adipose‐derived mesenchymal progenitor cells enhances osteoblast differentiation and promotes heterotopic ossification

Human genetic disorders sharing the common feature of subcutaneous heterotopic ossification (HO) are caused by heterozygous inactivating mutations in GNAS, a gene encoding multiple transcripts including two stimulatory G proteins, the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα) of adenylyl cyclase, and the extralong form of Gsα, XLαs. In one such disorder, progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH), bone formation initiates within subcutaneous fat before progressing to deeper tissues, suggesting that osteogenesis may involve abnormal differentiation of mesenchymal precursors that are present in adipose tissues. We determined by immunohistochemical analysis that GNAS protein expression is limited to Gsα in bone‐lining cells and to Gsα and XLαs in osteocytes. By contrast, the GNAS proteins Gsα, XLαs, and NESP55 are detected in adipocytes and in adipose stroma. Although Gnas transcripts, as assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR, show no significant changes on osteoblast differentiation of bone‐derived precursor cells, the abundance of these transcripts is enhanced by osteoblast differentiation of adipose‐derived mesenchymal progenitors. Using a mouse knockout model, we determined that heterozygous inactivation of Gnas (by disruption of the Gsα‐specific exon 1) abrogates upregulation of multiple Gnas transcripts that normally occurs with osteoblast differentiation in wild‐type adipose stromal cells. These transcriptional changes in Gnas+/− mice are accompanied by accelerated osteoblast differentiation of adipose stromal cells in vitro. In vivo, altered osteoblast differentiation in Gnas+/− mice manifests as subcutaneous HO by an intramembranous process. Taken together, these data suggest that Gnas is a key regulator of fate decisions in adipose‐derived mesenchymal progenitor cells, specifically those which are involved in bone formation. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Health Promotion in Small Business: A Systematic Review of Factors Influencing Adoption and Effectiveness of Worksite Wellness Programs

Objective: To assess the evidence regarding the adoption and efficacy of worksite health promotion programs (WHPPs) in small businesses. Methods: Peer-reviewed research articles were identified from a database search. Included articles were published before July 2013, described a study that used an experimental or quasiexperimental design and either assessed adoption of WHPPs or conducted interventions in businesses with fewer than 500 employees. A review team scored the study's rigor using the WHO-adapted GRADEprofiler “quality of evidence” criteria. Results: Of the 84 retrieved articles, 19 met study inclusion criteria. Of these, only two met criteria for high rigor. Conclusions: Fewer small businesses adopt WHPPs compared with large businesses. Two high-rigor studies found that employees were healthier postintervention. Higher quality research is needed to better understand why small businesses rarely adopt wellness programs and to demonstrate the value of such programs.
Gene therapy using SV40‐derived vectors: What does the future hold?

Effective genetic therapy requires both a fragment of genetic material to be used therapeutically and a means to deliver it. We began to study simian virus‐40 (SV40) as a vector for gene transfer because available gene delivery vehicles did not provide for the full range of therapeutic uses. Other vectors are variably limited by immunogenicity, difficulties in production, restricted specificity, low titers, poor transduction efficiency, etc. In theory recombinant viral vectors based on SV40 (rSV40) should not, on the other hand, be similarly constrained. rSV40 vectors are easily manipulated and produced at very high titer, stable, lacking in immunogenicity, and capable of providing sustained high levels of transgene expression in both resting and dividing cells. The principle limitation of SV40‐derived vectors is the size of the packageable insert (≤5 kb). The rationale for developing SV40 as a gene therapy vector is reviewed. Our studies with rSV40 gene transfer have focused mostly on hematopoietic progenitor cells (CD34+) and their derivatives, and on gene delivery to the liver. In both settings, in vitro and in vivo, SV40 has proven to be very effective. It is thus a promising gene delivery vehicle that can complement others currently in use or under development. J. Cell. Physiol. 181:375–384, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.