Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discreteness-aware AMP for reconstruction of symmetrically distributed discrete variables

In this paper, we propose a message passing-based algorithm to reconstruct a discrete-valued vector whose elements have a symmetric probability distribution. The proposed algorithm, referred to as discreteness-aware approximate message passing (DAMP), borrows the idea of the approximate message passing (AMP) algorithm for compressed sensing. We analytically evaluate the performance of DAMP via state evolution framework to derive a required number of linear measurements for the exact reconstruction with DAMP. The analysis also provides the optimal parameter minimizing the required number of measurements. Simulation results show that DAMP can reconstruct the discrete-valued vector and its performance agrees well with our theoretical results via the state evolution.
Genomic Analyses of Anaerobically Induced Genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Functional Roles of Rox1 and Other Factors in Mediating the Anoxic Response

ABSTRACT DNA arrays were used to investigate the functional role of Rox1 in mediating acclimatization to anaerobic conditions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Multiple growth conditions for wild-type and rox1 null strains were used to identify open reading frames with a statistically robust response to this repressor. These results were compared to those obtained for a wild-type strain in response to oxygen availability. Transcripts of nearly one-sixth of the genome were differentially expressed (P < 0.05) with respect to oxygen availability, the majority (>65%) being down-regulated under anoxia. Of the anaerobically induced genes, about one-third (106) contain putative Rox1-binding sites in their promoters and were significantly (P < 0.05) up-regulated in the rox1 null strains under aerobiosis. Additional promoter searches revealed that nearly one-third of the anaerobically induced genes contain an AR1 site(s) for the Upc2 transcription factor, suggesting that Upc2 and Rox1 regulate the majority of anaerobically induced genes in S. cerevisiae. Functional analyses indicate that a large fraction of the anaerobically induced genes are involved in cell stress (∼1/3), cell wall maintenance (∼1/8), carbohydrate metabolism (∼1/10), and lipid metabolism (∼1/12), with both Rox1 and Upc2 predominating in the regulation of this latter group and Upc2 predominating in cell wall maintenance. Mapping the changes in expression of functional regulons onto metabolic pathways has provided novel insight into the role of Rox1 and other trans-acting factors in mediating the physiological response of S. cerevisiae to anaerobic conditions.
Neurohumoral mechanism in the natriuretic action of intracerebroventricular administration of renin

Introduction Intracerebroventricular (IVT) administration of renin (R) decreases urinary volume and increases urinary sodium excretion. We investigated whether IVT-R-induced natriuresis could be associated with the release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), its interaction with renal ANP-A receptors (ANPR-A) and the subsequent increase of urinary cyclic 3'-5' guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Methods In IVT cannulated rats, the left carotid artery was catheterised with PE-50 tubing for blood collection, renin was injected IVT and arterial blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 5, 10 and 15 minutes of injection, and urinary sodium and cGMP excretion at 1-, 3- and 6-hour periods of urine collection. Plasma ANP levels and urinary cGMP were determined by radioimmunoassay, and each urine sample was analysed for sodium concentration using a flame photometer. Results Our results demonstrate that IVT-R administration increases plasma ANP levels after two minutes of injection and urinary cGMP concentration at 1-, 3-and 6 hour period of urine collection. The natriuretic action induced by IVT-R was blunted by peripheral administration of anantin, an ANPR-A antagonist. We assessed the role of brain angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1-receptors on the IVT-induced antidiuresis, natriuresis and cGMP urinary excretion, the last as an indirect index of ANP secretion. Blockade of brain Ang II AT 1-receptors with losartan (LOS; 120 µg/3 µl, IVT), inhibited the antidiuretic action and blocked the increased urinary sodium and cGMP excretion induced by IVT-R (7.14 mGU/5 µl). The increase in urinary cGMP was independent of nitric oxide synthase stimulation, since L-NAME pre-treatment did not alter the renal actions induced by IVT-R. Conclusions Our results suggest that there is a link between the brain and the kidney. The activation of brain angiotensinergic neurons and stimulation of AT1 receptors may stimulate the release of ANP to the circulation. The released ANP circulates to the kidneys where it acts through renal ANPR-As and the consequent increase in cGMP to produce natriuresis.
Carbapenems: Past, Present, and Future

ABSTRACT In this review, we summarize the current “state of the art” of carbapenem antibiotics and their role in our antimicrobial armamentarium. Among the β-lactams currently available, carbapenems are unique because they are relatively resistant to hydrolysis by most β-lactamases, in some cases act as “slow substrates” or inhibitors of β-lactamases, and still target penicillin binding proteins. This “value-added feature” of inhibiting β-lactamases serves as a major rationale for expansion of this class of β-lactams. We describe the initial discovery and development of the carbapenem family of β-lactams. Of the early carbapenems evaluated, thienamycin demonstrated the greatest antimicrobial activity and became the parent compound for all subsequent carbapenems. To date, more than 80 compounds with mostly improved antimicrobial properties, compared to those of thienamycin, are described in the literature. We also highlight important features of the carbapenems that are presently in clinical use: imipenem-cilastatin, meropenem, ertapenem, doripenem, panipenem-betamipron, and biapenem. In closing, we emphasize some major challenges and urge the medicinal chemist to continue development of these versatile and potent compounds, as they have served us well for more than 3 decades.
Murine orthotopic corneal transplantation in high-risk eyes. Rejection is dictated primarily by weak rather than strong alloantigens.

PURPOSE Using a model of orthotopic corneal transplantation in which allografts were placed in normal eyes of mice, the authors previously reported that grafts bearing minor H antigens alone are more likely to be rejected (approximately 50%) than are grafts displaying only major histocompatibility (MHC) alloantigens (20%). These studies have been extended to include corneal grafts placed in neovascularized high-risk eyes of recipient mice. METHODS Neovascularization was induced by placing sutures in the central cornea of one eye of recipient mice. Two weeks later, MHC class I only, class II only, minor H only, or MHC+minor H disparate corneas were grafted into these sutured eyes, and their rejection rates were examined. RESULTS Although MHC+minor H disparate corneal allografts were rejected uniformly in neovascularized graft beds in 12 (100%) of 12, MHC class I only disparate grafts were rejected in 8 (66.7%) of 12 and MHC class II only disparate corneal allografts were rejected in 7 (58.3%) of 12. Surprisingly, the rejection rate of minor H only disparate corneal allografts was 10 (90.9%) of 11. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that for orthotopic corneal allografts placed in high-risk graft beds, minor H antigens offer a more formidable barrier to graft acceptance than do MHC-encoded antigens. The authors speculate that this unexpected outcome may reflect a reduced level of MHC expression on corneal tissue. Moreover, because the cornea as a graft lacks bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, allorecognition by recipient T cells must occur by way of the indirect pathway of alloantigen processing, and in this situation, minor H antigens may compete favorably with MHC antigens for presentation by recipient antigen-presenting cells that infiltrate the graft.
Kruppel-like Factor 4 Abrogates Myocardin-induced Activation of Smooth Muscle Gene Expression*

Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) has been shown to be an extremely potent negative regulator of smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation. Moreover, previous studies have demonstrated that the Kruppel-like transcription factor (KLF) 4 potently represses the expression of multiple SMC genes. However, the mechanisms whereby KLF4 suppresses SMC gene expression are not known, nor is it clear whether KLF4 contributes to PDGF-BB-induced down-regulation of SMC genes. The goals of the present studies were to determine the molecular mechanisms by which KLF4 represses expression of SMC genes and whether it contributes to PDGF-BB-induced suppression of these genes. Results demonstrated that KLF4 markedly repressed both myocardin-induced activation of SMC genes and expression of myocardin. KLF4 was rapidly up-regulated in PDGF-BB-treated, cultured SMC, and a small interfering RNA to KLF4 partially blocked PDGF-BB-induced SMC gene repression. Both PDGF-BB and KLF4 markedly reduced serum response factor binding to CArG containing regions within intact chromatin. Finally, KLF4, which is normally not expressed in differentiated SMC in vivo, was rapidly up-regulated in vivo in response to vascular injury. Taken together, results indicate that KLF4 represses SMC genes by both down-regulating myocardin expression and preventing serum response factor/myocardin from associating with SMC gene promoters, and suggest that KLF4 may be a key effector of PDGF-BB and injury-induced phenotypic switching of SMC.
Being an outpatient with rheumatoid arthritis--a focus group study on patients' self-efficacy and experiences from participation in a short course and one of three different outpatient settings.

BACKGROUND A Danish study compared three different outpatient settings for persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). All participants completed a short course before random allocation to one of three groups. A third of the patients continued with planned medical consultations. A third was allocated to a shared care setting with no planned consultations. The final third was allocated for planned nursing consultations every 3 months. Little knowledge exists of patients' experiences at different outpatient settings. AIMS (1) To explore the patients' experiences of participation in the course and one of the three different outpatient settings and (2) to explore whether some of these experiences can explain possible changes in self-efficacy beliefs. METHOD In total six focus group interviews were carried out with 33 participants from the three settings. The interviews and the analysis were inspired by phenomenological philosophy. RESULTS On the short course the participants felt understood, gained new insights and some changed behaviours after attendance. Important themes in experiences from the three outpatient settings were: (1) continuity and relationships with health professionals, (2) a need for others to take control, and (3) contact with health professionals. SPECIFIC FINDINGS: The nursing consultations were experienced as less factual and less authoritarian than the medical consultations. The participants in the shared care setting had a lack of confidence in the GP's competence to manage their RA. However, they felt responsible for taking action in case of a flare up. The study provided opportunities to enhance the participants' self-efficacy beliefs. CONCLUSION When planning follow-up care, the focus needs to be on continuity, the interpersonal relationship and easy access to health professionals with thorough knowledge of RA. A short course and consultations with nurses and hospital doctors can enhance patients' self-efficacy and thereby strengthen their confidence to assess and manage their own disease.
Recent advances in the genetics of rheumatoid arthritis

Purpose of reviewTo review the recently discovered genetic risk loci in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the pathways they implicate, and the genetic architecture of RA. Recent findingsSince 2008 investigators have identified many common genetic variants that confer disease risk through single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping studies; the list of variants will no doubt continue to expand at a rapid rate as genotyping technologies evolve and case–control sample collections continue to grow. In aggregate, these variants implicate pathways leading to NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) activation, the interluekin-2 signaling pathway, and T-cell activation. SummaryAlthough the effect of any individual variant is modest and even in aggregate considerably less than that of the major histocompatability complex, discovery of recent risk variants suggests immunological processes that are involved in disease pathogenesis.
Association of adverse childhood experiences, age of menarche, and adult reproductive behavior: Does the androgen receptor gene play a role?

Previous research has reported associations between adverse childhood experiences, early menarche, and early sexual activity. One hypothesis to account for these findings is that an X‐linked androgen receptor GGC‐repeat polymorphism predisposes fathers to behaviors which include family abandonment and their daughters to earlier menarche and sexual activity and less stable relationships. Retrospective data relevant to this theory were examined from a community survey involving 3,702 women in the age groups 20–24, 40–44, and 60–64 years, and another involving 908 women aged 18–79 years. Earlier age of menarche was found to be associated with adverse childhood experiences and earlier sexual activity. However, the androgen receptor gene polymorphism was unrelated to adverse fathering behavior or to marital breakdown. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three-year follow-up after implantation of metallic coronary-artery stents.

BACKGROUND Coronary-artery stents are known to reduce rates of restenosis after coronary angioplasty, but it is uncertain how long this benefit is maintained. METHODS We evaluated clinical and angiographic follow-up information for up to three years after the implantation of Palmaz-Schatz metallic coronary-artery stents in 143 patients with 147 lesions of native coronary arteries. RESULTS The rate of survival free of myocardial infarction, bypass surgery, and repeated coronary angioplasty for stented lesions was 74.6 percent at three years. After 14 months, revascularization of the stented lesion was necessary in only three patients (2.1 percent). In contrast, coronary angioplasty for a new lesion was required in 11 patients (7.7 percent). Follow-up coronary angiography of 137 lesions at six months, 114 lesions at one year, and 72 lesions at three years revealed a decrease in minimal luminal diameter from 2.54 +/- 0.44 mm immediately after stent implantation to 1.87 +/- 0.56 mm at six months, but no further decrease in diameter at one year (in patients with paired angiograms, 1.95 +/- 0.49 mm at both six months and one year). Significant late improvement in luminal diameter was observed at three years (in patients with paired angiograms, 1.94 +/- 0.48 mm at six months and 2.09 +/- 0.48 mm at three years; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Clinical and angiographic outcomes up to three years after coronary-artery stenting were favorable, with a low rate of revascularization of the stented lesions. Late improvement in luminal diameter appears to occur between six months and three years.
Design and analysis of a haptic master manipulator for minimally invasive surgery

Robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery has gained popularity in recent years, such as Zeus, da-Vinci and MicroHand A, which can provide surgeons with enhanced visual feedback and dexterity of instruments. Master manipulator is an important component of the surgical robot system, whose posture recognition accuracy, operation dexterity and force feedback feature will have profound influence to the surgeons' user experience and affect the quality of the surgery. At present, different robotic surgery systems have their own master manipulators, but the force feedback feature is missing. This paper proposes a 8-DOF (degree of freedom) master manipulator with force feedback function. It consists of three parts: arm mechanism, wrist mechanism and clamp mechanism. The arm mechanism is driven by cables for better backdrivability, wrist mechanism consists of four joints with axes intersected at one point. The configuration and link length for arm mechanism has been optimized based on kinematic analysis, the detailed design for the whole master manipulator is described, and the force feedback algorithm is also detailed in this paper.
Anatomical variations of the cords of brachial plexus and the median nerve

The variations in formation, location, and courses of the cords of brachial plexus and the median nerve were studied in both axillae of 172 cadavers. The total prevalence of variation was 12.8% (CI, 7.6–17.4) and it was found in 13.2% (CI, 7.5–18) of male and in 10.7% (CI, −0.6–19.6) of female cadavers. These variations were divided into three groups. The first group was abnormal location of the cords, which was either posterolateral or anteromedial in relation to the axillary artery in 2.3% (CI, 0.1–4.5) cadavers. The lateral cord and the medial root of the median nerve had received communicating branches from the posterior cord in most of the cases of this group. The second group was absence of the posterior cord in 3.5% (CI, 0.7–6.1) of cadavers. The lateral and medial cords of this group were connected with the communicating branches, which had a course in front of the axillary artery. The third group was abnormal formation and course of the median nerve in 7% (CI, 3.1–10.6) of cadavers. In all cases of this group the medial root received communicating branch/branches either from the lateral or posterior cord. In eight (4.7%) cadavers, both roots of the median nerve were joined on medial side of the axillary artery to form a median nerve, which traveled medial to the artery. In four (2.3%) cadavers the roots of the median nerve did not join and both traveled separately anteromedial to the axillary and brachial arteries. This study indicates that all three cords and median nerve vary considerably in levels of origin, location and course in relation to the axillary artery and these variable cases were joined with the communicating branch/branches. The observed variations are of anatomical and clinical interest. These kinds of variations are more prone to injury in radical neck dissection and in other surgical operation of the axilla. Clin. Anat. 20:150–156, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Economic Value of Social and Emotional Learning

There is a growing body of research emphasizing the advantages of teaching students social and emotional (SE) skills in school. Here we examine the economic value of these skills within a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) framework. Our examination has three parts. First, we describe how the current method of BCA must be expanded to adequately evaluate SE skills, and we identify important decisions analysts must make. Second, we review the evidence on the benefits of SE skills, again noting key methodological issues with respect to shadow pricing. Finally, we perform BCA of four selected social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions: 4Rs; Second Step, Life Skills Training; and Responsive Classroom. These analyses illustrate both methodological and empirical challenges in estimating net present values for these interventions. Even with these challenges, we find that the benefits of these interventions substantially outweigh the costs. We highlight promising areas of research for improving the application of BCA to SEL.
Association between perceived present working conditions and demands versus attitude to early retirement among construction workers.

BACKGROUND Early retirement is an increasing problem in the construction industry. There is limited information about causes leading employees to leave working life early. We have compared construction workers present situation with their perception of future demands at work to avoid early retirement. METHODS All 87 employees in a medium-sized Norwegian construction company participated in the study. All were men and answered questionnaires on health and pain, work ability, mechanical exposure, psychosocial conditions, and demands regarding future working conditions. RESULTS Most workers showed good work ability, irrespective of age. Many reported high levels of mechanical exposure at work. The level of musculoskeletal pain was higher in the middle-aged (30-50 year old) age groups and seniors aged over 50 years than among the youngest workers less than 30 years of age. All workers reported that good health was important for continued working. Most workers stated that future work must not be too physically demanding. Many workers reported relatively low job satisfaction; consequently an interesting job was rated as important for continuing work. Good social conditions were a high priority. CONCLUSIONS According to the examined construction workers, good health and reduced levels of mechanical exposure at work are essential to avoid early retirement.
Bound Analysis of Physical Layer Network Coding in Interference-Limited Two-Way Relaying System

In this paper, performance of three-time slot (3TS) physical layer network coding (PNC) is investigated in interference-limited two-way relaying system. Effective lower and upper bounds are derived for important performance metrics like outage probability and average bit error rate (BER) with different modulation modes. Asymptotic behavior is also proposed to intuitively exhibit the trend of performance in high signal-to-interference and noise ratio (SINR) regime. We differentiate practical applications with different relay power for the bounds. A particular scenario with positional grid structure of sources, relay and co-channel interferers is established for numerical analysis, and the effects of some critical parameters, such as relay's location, forwarding capability and power allocation factor, are compared and discussed. The theoretic solutions are finally verified by simulation results.
Sucrose-induced analgesia in mice: Role of nitric oxide and opioid receptor-mediated system

Background: The mechanism of action of sweet substance-induced analgesia is thought to involve activation of the endogenous opioid system. The nitric oxide (NO) pathway has a pivotal role in pain modulation of analgesic compounds such as opioids. Objectives: We investigated the role of NO and the opioid receptor-mediated system in the analgesic effect of sucrose ingestion in mice. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the effect of intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg of NO synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and 20 mg/kg of opioid receptor antagonist, naltrexone on the tail flick response in sucrose ingesting mice. Results: Sucrose ingestion for 12 days induced a statistically significant increase in the latency of tail flick response which was unmodified by L-NAME, but partially inhibited by naltrexone administration. Conclusions: Sucrose-induced nociception may be explained by facilitating the release of endogenous opioid peptides. Contrary to some previously studied pain models, the NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway had no role in thermal hyperalgesia in our study. We recommend further studies on the involvement of NO in other animals and pain models.