Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microwave Imaging via Distorted Iterated Virtual Experiments

The linearity of the scattering phenomenon with respect to primary sources allows to recombine a posteriori the available experiments and build, in a synthetic fashion, new “virtual” experiments. Starting from this circumstance, an iterative procedure is proposed as an effective approach to tackle nonlinear inverse scattering problems. In this procedure, the virtual experiments, the Green’s function, and the corresponding physical inspired field approximations are updated at each iteration. The structure and the complexity of the approach are comparable with those of the widely adopted distorted Born iterative method, but its performances are remarkably better, thanks to extended validity of the exploited field approximation. The overall approach also takes advantage of a compressive sensing inspired regularization scheme to promote sparsity in the search of piecewise constant dielectric profiles and further improve the accuracy of the imaging results. Examples with numerical and experimental data are given to assess the method.
3D Occlusion Management and Causality Visualization

This thesis is split into two parts: one part dealing with the management of occlusion in 3D environments, the other with the visualization of causal relations. Both of these parts fall within the general framework of visualization---the graphical representation of data (abstract or concrete) with the purpose of amplifying cognition---but they do so in different ways. 3D occlusion management, on the one hand, is a basic approach to augmenting three-dimensional visualizations with a set of orthogonal techniques for reducing (or even eliminating) the effect of inter-object occlusion in the environment. We present four different such techniques in the thesis, each utilizing a different solution space to achieve the effect: the image space for dynamic transparency, view space for view projection animation, object space for our interactive 3D distortion technique, and temporal space for our approach to 3D navigation guidance. Each technique is orthogonal to the others, and each has been verified empirically through formal user experiments to promote significantly more efficiency and accuracy for users solving representative visual perception task in 3D environments than standard 3D navigation controls such as flying and walking. Causality visualization, on the other hand, is a specific class of visualization techniques designed to make complex chains of causal dependencies, or cause-and-effect relations, visible and understandable. A core information visualization problem, the techniques described in this part of the thesis are examples of growing geometry, a subset of methods based on mapping the time parameter to the size of geometrical primitives such as squares and polygons. Consequently, the techniques are called Growing Squares and Growing Polygons, respectively, and utilize color, texture, and animation to visualize causality from application areas such as distributed systems, social networks, and mathematics. These, too, have been empirically shown to be superior to traditional time-space diagrams for representing causal relations. The CiteWiz system serves as a concrete example of how to apply causality visualization to a real dataset, in this case scientific citation data.
Ka band substrate integrated waveguide slot array antenna with high efficiency

An efficient Ka band substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) slot array antenna is presented. Proposed antenna consists of an arrangement of linear SIW arrays that are fed with a parallel feeding circuit implemented by using both metallic waveguide and SIW power dividers. By using this hybrid feeding scheme, feed line losses are minimized. Measured antenna parameters such as gain, beam width and side lobe levels are compared with electromagnetic simulations and results are reported.
Rapid and widespread distribution of doxycycline in rat brain: a mass spectrometric imaging study

Abstract 1. The penetration of tetracyclines into the brain has been widely documented. The aim of this work was to develop a matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) method for the molecular histology of doxycycline (DOX) in the healthy rat brain. 2. The time-dependent distribution was investigated after an i.p. dose of 25 mg/kg at 0, 5, 30, 120, 240, 360 and 480 min postdose. LCMS/MS was used to quantify the drug in plasma and brain homogenates and MALDI MSI was used to determine the distribution of the analyte. 3. Within the first-hour postdose, the drug showed slow accumulation into the plasma and brain tissues. DOX brain concentration gradually increased and reached a peak (Cmax) of 1034.9 ng/mL at 240 min postdose, resulting in a brain plasma ratio of 31%. The images acquired by MSI matched the quantification results and clearly showed drug distribution over the entire rat brain coronal section from 5 min and its slow elimination after 360-min postdose. 4. Our findings confirm that MALDI MSI provides an advanced, label-free and faster alternative technique for xenobiotic distribution such as DOX in tissues, making it an essential drug discovery tool for other possible neuroprotective agents.
Decentralized connectivity maintenance for cooperative control of mobile robotic systems

To accomplish cooperative tasks, robotic systems are often required to communicate with each other. Thus, maintaining connectivity of the communication graph is a fundamental issue in the field of multi-robot systems. In this paper we present a completely decentralized control strategy for global connectivity maintenance of the communication graph. Considering the disk communication model, we describe a gradient-based control strategy that exploits decentralized estimation of the algebraic connectivity. Unlike previous approaches available in the literature, the proposed control algorithm solves the global connectivity problem in a decentralized manner providing theoretical guarantees, without requiring maintenance of the local connectivity between robotic systems. Moreover, results obtained with simulations and experiments on real robots are described for demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed algorithm.
NPY Y1 Receptors Are Present in Axonal Processes of DRG Neurons

Using a sensitive immunohistochemical method, the localization of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor (Y1R) was studied in contralateral and ipsilateral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of rats subjected to different unilateral manipulations with focus on their axonal processes and projection areas. Y1R-like immunoreactivity (LI) was observed in the contralateral sciatic nerve and dorsal roots of lesioned rats, and double staining revealed colocalization with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Y1R-LI was also seen in fibers close to and even within the epidermis. A fairly small number of nerve endings double-labeled for Y1R and CGRP were present in the dorsal horn. After unilateral crush of the sciatic nerve Y1R- and CGRP-LI accumulated in the same axons proximal to the lesion. After dorsal rhizotomy CGRP-LI was strongly reduced in the ipsilateral dorsal horn. No certain change was observed for Y1R- or NPY-LI, but Y1R/CGRP double-labeled nerve endings disappeared after the lesion. These results strongly suggest centrifugal transport of Y1Rs in DRG neurons, mainly to the peripheral sensory branches. To what extent these Y1Rs are functional has not been analyzed here, but a recent study on Y1R null mice provides evidence for involvement of prejunctional Y1Rs in peripheral sensory functions
Combinatorial acyclicity models for potential‐based flows

Potential‐based flows constitute a basic model to represent physical behavior in networks. Under natural assumptions, the flow in such networks must be acyclic. The goal of this article is to exploit this property for the solution of corresponding optimization problems. To this end, we introduce several combinatorial models for acyclic flows, based on binary variables for flow directions. We compare these models and introduce a particular model that tries to capture acyclicity together with the supply/demand behavior. We analyze properties of this model, including variable fixing rules. Our computational results show that the usage of the corresponding constraints speeds up solution times by about a factor of 3 on average and a speed‐up of a factor of almost 5 for the time to prove optimality.
Plasma soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels in systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation. We aimed to characterize plasma suPAR levels in SLE patients. Methods: We measured plasma suPAR, C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in 89 SLE patients and 29 healthy controls. Results: suPAR and ESR values were higher in SLE than in controls, while CRP levels were comparable. ROC analysis of suPAR levels indicated a cut-off value of 5.70 ng/mL to distinguish patients with high disease activity (SLEDAI >8). Conclusion: suPAR might be an objective marker for identifying SLE patients with active disease.
Conjunctival flaps for corneal disease: their usefulness and complications.

ELEVEN YEARS AGO, the senior author described a method of covering the cornea with conjunctiva, which gave a reasonable assurance that the covering might be permanent.1 At that time, 31 operations were reported. It was found especially useful for patients with chronic or severe herpetickeratitis, neuroparalytic keratopathy, uncontrolled relapsing erosions, marginal ulcers, advanced bullous keratopathy, filamentary keratitis, and painful blind eyes. Two years later, the senior author described two types of operations for combining lamellar keratectomy with conjunctival flaps, when bullous keratopathy was the major problem.2 The first, called an "inlay flap," consisted of removing a segment of the cornea adjacent to the limbus and replacing this defect with conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule brought in from the adjacent limbus, and sewing them in place with fine silk sutures. The second type of operation, called "peripheral lamellar keratectomy with permanent conjunctival flap," was also described for use in more severe cases of bullous keratopathy. From 1958 through 1968, we have performed 146 additional operations on 133 patients. The present report summarizes our experiences with a total of 177 operations of this type. As in the two previous reports, the operations were performed for disease that had resisted all conventional forms of treatment, including idoxuridine, cortisone, chemical and thermal cauterization, and sometimes irradiation.
Effects of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and 20-Microgram Oral Contraceptives on Bone Mineral Density

OBJECTIVE: Hormonal contraceptives may adversely affect bone mineral density. However, racial differences and the reversibility of these changes are poorly understood. This study measured bone mineral density changes during hormonal contraceptive use and after discontinuation in a triethnic population. METHODS: Bone mineral density was measured every 6 months for up to 3 years in 703 white, African-American, and Hispanic women using oral contraceptives (OCPs), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), or nonhormonal contraceptives, and in 68 DMPA discontinuers for up to 2 additional years. Mixed-model regression analyses were used to estimate the percentage change in bone mineral density for each contraceptive method. RESULTS: Over 3 years, DMPA and OCP users lost more bone mineral density than did nonhormonal contraceptive users (−3.7% and −0.5% compared with +1.9% at lumbar spine, and −5.2% and −1.3% compared with +0.6% at femoral neck, respectively). No differences were observed by race in bone mineral density changes that resulted from DMPA or OCP use. However, DMPA users aged 16–24 years lost more bone mineral density at the spine (4.2% compared with 3.2%, P=.006) and femoral neck (6.0% compared with 4.2%, P=.001) than those aged 25–33 years. After DMPA discontinuation, women who selected nonhormonal contraceptives gained bone mineral density (+4.9% at spine, +3.2% at femoral neck), whereas those who selected OCP recovered spinal (+2.3%) but not femoral neck bone mineral density (−0.7%). CONCLUSION: Use of very–low-dose OCPs may result in a small amount of bone loss. Use of DMPA results in greater bone loss, but this is largely reversible at the spine. Use of very–low-dose OCPs after DMPA discontinuation may slow bone recovery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Human immunodeficiency virus-infected boy with Stevens-Johnson syndrome caused by nevirapine.

To the Editors: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious systemic disorder with the potential for severe morbidity and even death. The etiology of SJS can be infectious, drug-induced, malignancy-related, or idiopathic. To date, nevirapine-based highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen has been used widely among children. Although rash is common, we have not found a case report of nevirapine-related SJS in children; all case reports have come from the adult population. A previously healthy 9-year-old HIV-positive boy was admitted with a 2-day history of high fever (38.8°C), accompanied by skin and mucous membrane lesions. He had been started on HAART 13 days before admission. His CD4 cell count before admission was 137 cells/mm (11% CD4). His HAART regimen consisted of GPOvir-Z (coformulated zidovudine 250 mg, lamivudine 150 mg, and nevirapine 200 mg). At the first 2 weeks of HAART, he had a leading regimen, consisting of 1/2 GPOvir-Z tablet at 0700, and 1 1/2 zidovudine (100 mg) tablets and 1/2 lamivudine (150 mg) tablet at 1900. The patient was receiving no other medications and had no history of illness related to his HIV infection. He appeared sick and cachetic with oral and nasal mucosal erythema, marked conjunctival injection of both eyes, and diffuse erythematous papules, vesicles, and petechiae. His penis had petechiae and pseudomembranous plaques. Approximately 60% of his body surface area was involved. Admission laboratory data showed a white blood cell count 3600/mm with 28% neutrophils, 39% lymphocytes, 19% eosinophils, 3% monocytes, hemoglobin 8.7 g/dL, and hematocrit 27.7%. No organisms were identified from fluid in a vesicle by Tzanck’s smear or Gram stain. Blood culture showed no growth. Liver function tests, electrolyes BUN, and creatinine were within normal limits. The patient received supportive and symptomatic treatments. Nevirapine was discontinued, but other antiretroviral drugs were continued. During admission he developed high fever, worsening oral ulceration, and additional bullous lesions. Corticosteroids were administered. Subsequently the patient had defervescence. The patient was discharged 21 days after admission and during a follow-up visit a few weeks later efavirenz was started. The patient has continued to do well clinically. Physicians should be aware of this rare adverse effect that could occur during the initiation of HAART. It is important to stop nevirapine while continuing the other HAART medications (in this patient zidovudine and lamivudine) to avoid nevirapine monotherapy and prevent the development of resistance. Treatment includes supportive care and immediate discontinuation of the most likely offending drug, especially those with a long half-life, such as nevirapine.
Elevation of the cortisol-dehydroepiandrosterone ratio in drug-free depressed patients.

OBJECTIVE Elevated basal cortisol levels are a feature of depressive illness and cause deficits in learning and memory. The adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has antiglucocorticoid properties that may offer protection against the deleterious effects of cortisol. The authors examined the ratio of cortisol to DHEA in drug-free depressed patients and a matched comparison group. METHOD Cortisol and DHEA were measured in saliva samples from 39 patients with unipolar depression who had been medication free for at least 6 weeks and 41 healthy comparison subjects. RESULTS The molar cortisol-DHEA ratio was significantly higher in the depressed patients than in the healthy comparison subjects. Cortisol-DHEA ratios from saliva samples taken at 8:00 p.m. correlated positively with length of current depressive episode. CONCLUSIONS Elevated cortisol-DHEA ratios may be a state marker of depressive illness and may contribute to the associated deficits in learning and memory. Administration of DHEA or other antiglucocorticoid treatments may reduce neurocognitive deficits in major depression.
Identification of upstream transcription factors (TFs) for expression signature genes in breast cancer

Abstract Breast cancer is a common malignancy among women with a rising incidence. Our intention was to detect transcription factors (TFs) for deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of breast cancer. Integrated analysis of gene expression datasets of breast cancer was performed. Then, functional annotation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was conducted, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. Furthermore, TFs were identified and a global transcriptional regulatory network was constructed. Seven publically available GEO datasets were obtained, and a set of 1196 DEGs were identified (460 up-regulated and 736 down-regulated). Functional annotation results showed that cell cycle was the most significantly enriched pathway, which was consistent with the fact that cell cycle is closely related to various tumors. Fifty-three differentially expressed TFs were identified, and the regulatory networks consisted of 817 TF-target interactions between 46 TFs and 602 DEGs in the context of breast cancer. Top 10 TFs covering the most downstream DEGs were SOX10, NFATC2, ZNF354C, ARID3A, BRCA1, FOXO3, GATA3, ZEB1, HOXA5 and EGR1. The transcriptional regulatory networks could enable a better understanding of regulatory mechanisms of breast cancer pathology and provide an opportunity for the development of potential therapy.
Microglial Inhibition Influences XCL1/XCR1 Expression and Causes Analgesic Effects in a Mouse Model of Diabetic Neuropathy

Background:Recent studies indicated the involvement of some chemokines in the development of diabetic neuropathy; however, participation of the chemokine-C-motif ligand (XCL) subfamily remains unknown. The goal of this study was to examine how microglial inhibition by minocycline hydrochloride (MC) influences chemokine-C-motif ligand 1 (XCL1)–chemokine-C-motif receptor 1 (XCR1)/G protein–coupled receptor 5 expression and the development of allodynia/hyperalgesia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy. Methods:The studies were performed on streptozotocin (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally)-induced mouse diabetic neuropathic pain model and primary glial cell cultures. The MC (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was injected two times daily until day 21. XCL1 and its neutralizing antibody were injected intrathecally, and behavior was evaluated with von Frey and cold plate tests. Quantitative analysis of protein expression of glial markers, XCL1, and/or XCR1 was performed by Western blot and visualized by immunofluorescence. Results:MC treatment diminished allodynia (0.9 ± 0.1 g; n = 7 vs. 3.8 ± 0.7 g; n = 7) and hyperalgesia (6.5 ± 0.6 s; n = 7 vs. 16.5 ± 1 s; n = 7) in the streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Repeated MC administration prevented microglial activation and inhibited the up-regulation of the XCL1/XCR1 levels. XCL1 administration (10 to 500 ng/5 &mgr;l; n = 9) in naive mice enhanced nociceptive transmission, and injections of neutralizing XCL1 (4 to 8 &mgr;g/5 &mgr;l; n = 10) antibody into the mice with diabetic neuropathic pain diminished allodynia/hyperalgesia. Microglia activation evoked in primary microglial cell cultures resulted in enhanced XCL1 release and XCR1 expression. Additionally, double immunofluorescence indicated the widespread coexpression of XCR1-expressing cells with spinal neurons. Conclusions:In diabetic neuropathy, declining levels of XCL1 evoked by microglia inhibition result in the cause of analgesia. The putative mechanism corroborating this finding can be related to lower spinal expression of XCR1 together with the lack of stimulation of these XCR1 receptors, which are localized on neurons.
KHA‐CARI Guideline: Use of iron in chronic kidney disease patients

a. That therapeutic iron be used to correct diagnosed iron deficiency (1D). b. Parenteral iron (intravenous) is administered in preference to oral iron to correct iron deficiency. As it is more likely to: • achieve target haemoglobin (Hb) levels (1B), • maintain ferritin and transferrin saturation (%TSAT) at target ranges (1C), • reduce erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) dose requirements (1C) and • have fewer adverse reactions (1C).
Impact of primary care funding on secondary care utilisation and patient outcomes: a retrospective cross-sectional study of English general practice.

BACKGROUND In international studies, greater investment in primary health care is associated with improved population health outcomes. AIM To determine whether investment in general practice is associated with secondary care utilisation, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. DESIGN AND SETTING Retrospective cross-sectional study of general practices in England, 2014-2015. METHOD Practice-level data were stratified into three groups according to GP contract type: national General Medical Services (GMS) contracts, with or without the capitation supplement (mean practice income guarantee), or local Personal Medical Services (PMS) contracts. Regression models were used to explore associations between practice funding (capitation payments and capitation supplements) and secondary care usage, patient satisfaction (general practice patient survey scores), and clinical outcomes (Quality and Outcomes Framework [QOF] scores). The authors conducted financial modelling to predict secondary care cost savings associated with notional changes in primary care funding. RESULTS Mean capitation payments per patient were £69.82 in GMS practices in receipt of capitation supplements (n = 2784), £78.79 in GMS practices without capitation supplements (n = 1672), and £84.43 in PMS practices (n = 3022). The mean capitation supplement was £5.72 per patient. Financial modelling demonstrated little or no relationship between capitation payments and secondary care costs. In contrast, notional investment in capitation supplements was associated with modelled savings in secondary care costs. The relationship between funding and patient satisfaction was inconsistent. QOF performance was not associated with funding in any practice type. CONCLUSION Capitation payments appear to be broadly aligned to patient need in terms of secondary care usage. Supplements to the current capitation formula are associated with reduced secondary care costs.