Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prolonged Exposure to Lopinavir Impairs Endothelium-dependent Hyperpolarization-mediated Relaxation in Rat Mesenteric Arteries

Abstract: Protease inhibitors (PIs) and non–nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are effective antiretroviral drugs, but their use is associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease. As vascular dysfunction precedes cardiovascular events, this study aimed to examine the vascular effects of clinically used PIs (indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and tipranavir) and non–nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (efavirenz and nevirapine). Rat mesenteric arteries were suspended in conventional organ chambers for isometric tension recording. Efavirenz, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and tipranavir, but not saquinavir and nevirapine, caused endothelium-independent relaxations. Lopinavir induced both endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxations; the former was inhibited by nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor. Incubation with lopinavir for 24 hours reduced relaxations attributable to endothelium-derived hyperpolarization. Relaxations to the adenosine triphosphate–sensitive potassium (KATP) channel opener, levcromakalim, but not those to the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, were also inhibited. Western blotting indicated that the protein expressions of intermediate (IKCa) and small (SKCa) conductance calcium-activated potassium channels and KATP channel were reduced in mesenteric arteries incubated with lopinavir for 24 hours. In conclusion, lopinavir differs from other PIs in that it acutely induces endothelium-derived NO-mediated relaxation. However, prolonged exposure to lopinavir impairs relaxations, likely by reducing the expressions of IKCa, SKCa, and KATP channels.
Automatic generation of algorithms for the binary knapsack problem

Because it is classified as NP-hard, the binary knapsack problem is a good example of a combinatorial optimization problem that still presents increased difficulty when attempting to determine the optimal solution for any instance. Although exact and heuristic methods have been developed in an attempt to solve the problem, such methods have been unable to solve even small instances of the problem. In this paper, new algorithms for this problem are automatically generated by means of genetic programming from sets of training instances of different sizes and are then evaluated against other larger sized sets of instances, thereby detecting the robustness of the algorithms for larger instances. Overall, the produced algorithms are able to identify up to 52% of the optimal solutions for the biggest instances used.
Statistical inference for the lifetime performance index based on generalised order statistics from exponential distribution

In manufacturing industries, the lifetime of an item is usually characterised by a random variable X and considered to be satisfactory if X exceeds a given lower lifetime limit L. The probability of a satisfactory item is then ηL := P(X ≥ L), called conforming rate. In industrial companies, however, the lifetime performance index, proposed by Montgomery and denoted by CL, is widely used as a process capability index instead of the conforming rate. Assuming a parametric model for the random variable X, we show that there is a connection between the conforming rate and the lifetime performance index. Consequently, the statistical inferences about ηL and CL are equivalent. Hence, we restrict ourselves to statistical inference for CL based on generalised order statistics, which contains several ordered data models such as usual order statistics, progressively Type-II censored data and records. Various point and interval estimators for the parameter CL are obtained and optimal critical regions for the hypothesis testing problems concerning CL are proposed. Finally, two real data-sets on the lifetimes of insulating fluid and ball bearings, due to Nelson (1982) and Caroni (2002), respectively, and a simulated sample are analysed.
What information do parents want from the antenatal consultation?

OBJECTIVE To explore whether the information content, process and social interaction of the antenatal consultation satisfies the informational needs of women admitted to hospital in preterm and threatened preterm labour. METHODS Fifty women with pregnancies of gestational ages of between 25 and 32 weeks were admitted to a tertiary care perinatal referral centre and provided with an antenatal consultation about the medical risks and treatments relative to their potentially premature infant. Within 48 h following the consultation, patients were asked to respond to a questionnaire to assess their recall of the information provided, their information expectations and their anxiety level. RESULTS The majority of respondents (92%) thought that the antenatal consultation increased their knowledge and understanding of what might happen if their infant was born preterm. Although the mean state anxiety score was high, 78% agreed that the consultation relieved some of their worry and anxiety about their baby. In rank order, respondents wanted information about chances of survival, likely medical problems and the risk for disability, followed by medical treatments and breastfeeding. They consistently recalled receiving information about chances of survival, likely medical problems and medical treatments. CONCLUSION Following the antenatal consultation, respondents were generally satisfied with the information provided but remained highly anxious. Recall of the discussion about disability was inconsistent. They reported needing an opportunity to express their feelings, and to talk about their baby and their anticipated interaction with their baby. Recognizing these aspects can help to improve physician-patient communication.
Extracellular Matrix-regulated Gene Expression Requires Cooperation of SWI/SNF and Transcription Factors*

Extracellular cues play crucial roles in the transcriptional regulation of tissue-specific genes, but whether and how these signals lead to chromatin remodeling is not understood and subject to debate. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and mammary-specific genes as models, we show here that extracellular matrix molecules and prolactin cooperate to induce histone acetylation and binding of transcription factors and the SWI/SNF complex to the β- and γ-casein promoters. Introduction of a dominant negative Brg1, an ATPase subunit of SWI/SNF complex, significantly reduced both β- and γ-casein expression, suggesting that SWI/SNF-dependent chromatin remodeling is required for transcription of mammary-specific genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated that the ATPase activity of SWI/SNF is necessary for recruitment of RNA transcriptional machinery, but not for binding of transcription factors or for histone acetylation. Co-immunoprecipitation analyses showed that the SWI/SNF complex is associated with STAT5, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β, and glucocorticoid receptor. Thus, extracellular matrix- and prolactin-regulated transcription of the mammary-specific casein genes requires the concerted action of chromatin remodeling enzymes and transcription factors.
Non-Meckel’s Ileal Diverticulitis with Perforation: a Rare Cause of Acute Right Lower Quadrant Pain

Abstract A man, aged 74, presented with a rare clinical entity of an acute surgical abdomen similar to acute appendicitis. This case showed a non-Meckel’s ileal diverticulitis that was complicated with a diverticular perforation and associated peritonitis. This is a very rare but potential life-threatening surgical emergency, mimicking the clinical presentation of acute appendicitis. The subject of small bowel non-Meckel’s diverticulitis is reviewed because of the rarity of this condition and the diagnostic challenges it poses.
Multi-Agent Approach for Controlling Robots Marching in a File - A Simulation

It is a fundamental concern for multi-robot system research community how to explore unknown environments. This paper presents an approach for controlling cooperative multiple robots exploration in an unknown environment. The approach we are proposing aims to minimizing the overall exploration cost for multiple robots that march in procession. In order to achieve the goal, the file of multiple robots must be able to effectively come out of dead-ends while exploring a maze-like environment. The proposed approach employs multiple mobile software agents that can migrate from a robot to another robot freely to bring certain role and ability to a robot. In particular, the mobile software agent brings the role of leader to an arbitrary robot in a file, so that the migrated robot becomes the leader of a subgroup of the robots that can march in a file into a part of environment. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, we have built a simulator, and partially constructed a real multi-robot system.
No Link Left Behind

transport is a transport-level solution that makes it possible for end hosts to use multiple access networks simultaneously. This dissertation analyzes the feasibility of using multipath transport in mobile networks. Prior studies suggest that a protocol for multipath transport requires user need, that the protocol is superior to existing solutions, and that the network has capacity. This dissertation shows use cases and demand, analyzes achievable performance, and verifies that mobile networks have the capacity and diversity for multipath communication. Finally, the dissertation quantifies the benefits of using multipath transport. A ato-D D 2 5 /2 16
Prognosis of Furcation Involved Teeth: Cost-Effectiveness over Implant Placement

Prognosis of Furcation Involved Teeth: Cost-Effectiveness over Implant Placement The severe intrusion of dental implants in everyday clinical practice tends to replace conservative therapeutic approaches of maintaining teeth with dubious prognosis. Furcation-involved (FI) molars pose a great dilemma to the clinician, as in most cases their treatment requires significant effort using surgical interventions as well. Prognosis for multi-rooted is usually worse than single-rooted teeth and additionally, furcation degree III is associated with signiﬁcantly increased rates of tooth loss. However, clinical studies have shown that retention of teeth with poor prognosis have little effect on the proximal bone loss around adjacent teeth and possibly can be maintained over 10 years in patients who receive regular supportive periodontal treatment. The decision to retain furcation involved teeth is complex and based on multiple aspects such as the extent of dental caries, the remaining tooth structure, the extent of previous reconstructions, post and core build-ups, the extent of periodontal destruction, and the risks associated with endodontic therapy. On the other hand, implant therapy is not panacea. Implants which have been place in periodontal patients are possible to develop peri-implantitis after 5 years of function, with multiple factors to be asociated with the prevalence of disease. The purpose of the current review is to determine the cost-effectiveness of furcation involved molars replacement with dental implants. Many studies, which have been carried out recent years, indicated that maintenance of a furcated-molar with severe bone loss and the patient’s obliance to the supportive periodontal treatment is of paramount importance in order to establish their retention in patient’s dentition. Recent studies have been shown that maintenance of molars with FI is less costly than their replacement with implants and the treatment they might later require, regardless patient’s risk profile. When periimplantitis occurs, initial and follow-up therapies generate further and high costs. Therefore, dentists should reconsider the benefits regarding effortless extractions and implant replacements and measures in order to preserve the permanent dentition.
Short-term effect of ammonium chloride on nitrogen fixation by Azotobacter vinelandii and by bacteroids of Rhizobium leguminosarum.

1 Evidence is presented that the direct depressing effect of ammonium chloride on nitrogen fixation by Azotobacter vinelandii is due to inhibition of the electron transport system to nitrogenase. Furthermore, we were able to confirm the observation [Houwaard, F. (1979) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. in the press] that ammonium chloride has no short-term effect on nitrogen fixation by isolated bacteroids of Rhizobium leguminosarum. 2 By means of the flow dialysis technique it could be demonstrated that in A. vinelandii ammonium is taken up as a cation in response to the ΔΨ and that uptake of ammonium specifically inhibits the flow of reducing equivalents to nitrogenase by lowering the ΔΨ across the cytoplasmic membrane. In A. vinelandii, like in bacteroids, the generation of reducing equivalents at a potential low enough to reduce nitrogenase was found to be extremely sensitive towards changes in ΔΨ. At ΔΨ values less than 80 mV, interior negative, no such reducing equivalents are generated, while at a ΔΨ value of 110 mV nitrogenase is supplied optimally with reducing equivalents. The nature of the ammonium transport system in A. vinelandii and its significance as a regulator for the rapid ‘switch off/switch on’ of nitrogenase activity is discussed. 3 Bacteroids of R. leguminosarum did not accumulate ammonium and no effect of ammonium on ΔΨ was observed. On the contrary, it could be demonstrated that bacteroids excrete ammonium in response to the ΔpH.
High potency inhibition of hERG potassium channels by the sodium–calcium exchange inhibitor KB‐R7943

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE KB‐R7943 is an isothiourea derivative that is used widely as a pharmacological inhibitor of sodium–calcium exchange (NCX) in experiments on cardiac and other tissue types. This study investigated KB‐R7943 inhibition of hERG (human ether‐à‐go‐go‐related gene) K+ channels that underpin the cardiac rapid delayed rectifier potassium current, IKr.
Lightning Stroke Shielding of Electric Railway Overhead Catenary Feeding Systems

This paper describes shielding of overhead power feeding systems for electric railway. Some additional shield wires are determined to prevent lightning flashes from terminating on phase conductors. The electro-geometric model is employed in order to find the perfect shielding angle where the location of the shield wires is optimized according to the guide of IEEE T&D committee. A typical double-track railway overhead catenary feeding system is examined.
Midterm Outcomes of Reverse (Anteverting) Periacetabular Osteotomy in Patients With Hip Impingement Secondary to Acetabular Retroversion

Background: There is a paucity of data on the results of reverse (anteverting) periacetabular osteotomy (RPAO) for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) secondary to acetabular retroversion. Purpose: To evaluate the midterm outcomes of RPAO for FAI secondary to acetabular retroversion in those with and without hip dysplasia. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review identified RPAOs performed on patients with acetabular retroversion in isolation or in the setting of dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle [LCEA] ≤19°). Acetabular retroversion with FAI was diagnosed clinically and radiographically, with a positive crossover and posterior wall signs on pelvic radiographs. Twenty-three patients (30 hips) met the inclusion criteria; 20 hips with isolated retroversion and 10 hips with retroversion and hip dysplasia. The average age at the time of the procedure was 26 years (range, 13-45 years). The average length of follow-up was 5 years (range, 2-19 years). Harris Hip Score (HHS) and radiographs were evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up. Results: The mean preoperative LCEA was 31° (range, 22°-49°) in the isolated retroversion group and 9° (range, –4° to 17°) in the dysplastic group. Postoperatively, the LCEA in the dysplastic group increased to 35° (range, 15°-46°) (P = .0001). The crossover sign corrected in 55% (11/20) of the isolated retroversion group and 80% (8/10) of the dysplastic group. The acetabular index (mean ± SD) improved from 1.3 ± 0.3 to 1.7 ± 0.6 (P = .0001), indicating improved anteversion. At the latest follow-up, the average HHS in the isolated retroversion group increased from 58 preoperatively (range, 23-77) to 93 (range, 68-100) (P = .0001); the HHS in the dysplastic group improved from 49 (range, 20-74) to 92 (range, 77-100) (P < .0001). Complication rates were similar in both groups. Excluding hardware removal, additional surgeries were performed in 13% (4/30). Conclusion: RPAO performed for FAI in the young patient with isolated acetabular retroversion or retroversion in the setting of dysplasia successfully improved clinical and radiographic results at mid- to long-term follow-up.
Dysmotility Disturbances of the Biliary Tract: Classification, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Delivery of bile into the duodenum involves a series of complex interrelationships between hepatic secretion of bile and pressure differentials generated within the gallbladder, cystic duct, and sphincter of Oddi. Theoretically, functional disorders of bile flow may arise from a disturbance of any one of these factors. Such speculation, in fact, dates back to the late 19th century. A brief review of our present knowledge of the physiology of bile flow, the mechanisms of biliary pain, and the spectrum of functional biliary tract disorders is necessary to explain possible factors that may be involved in biliary tract dysmotility disturbances.
Role of the Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor EDG-1 in PDGF-Induced Cell Motility

EDG-1 is a heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) for sphingosine-1-phosphate (SPP). Cell migration toward platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which stimulates sphingosine kinase and increases intracellular SPP, was dependent on expression of EDG-1. Deletion of edg-1 or inhibition of sphingosine kinase suppressed chemotaxis toward PDGF and also activation of the small guanosine triphosphatase Rac, which is essential for protrusion of lamellipodia and forward movement. Moreover, PDGF activated EDG-1, as measured by translocation of β-arrestin and phosphorylation of EDG-1. Our results reveal a role for receptor cross-communication in which activation of a GPCR by a receptor tyrosine kinase is critical for cell motility.
Traitement automatique des entités nommées en arabe: détection et traduction [Automatic processing of Arabic named entities: detection and translation]

RESUME. La detection des Entites Nommees (EN) en langue arabe est un pretraitement potentiellement utile pour de nombreuses applications du traitement des langues, en particulier pour la traduction automatique. Cette tâche represente toutefois un serieux defi, compte tenu des specificites de l’arabe. Dans cet article, nous presentons une etude detaillee des entites nommees en arabe dans le cadre d’une application de traduction automatique statistique. Nous presentons le systeme de detection des EN en arabe que nous avons developpe (NERAr), dans sa configuration de base, puis dans ses diverses evolutions. Dans notre architecture, NERAr est utilise comme un pretraitement, qui permet d’apporter des connaissances externes (ici des dictionnaires bilingues d’EN) au systeme de traduction. Plusieurs strategies d’integration de ces dictionnaires sont considerees; dans la configuration la plus favorable, une evaluation automatique, corroboree par des analyses manuelles, permet d’observer une legere amelioration de la traduction des EN, ainsi qu’une reduction des erreurs induites par les mots inconnus.
Preferred Temperature Correlates with Evaporative Water Loss in Hylid Frogs from Northern Australia

We measured temperature preferences of 12 species of hylid frogs (Litoria and Cyclorana) from northern Australia in a laboratory thermal gradient. These species represented a range of ecological habitat use (aquatic, terrestrial, arboreal), adult body size (0.5–60 g), and cutaneous resistance to water loss (Rc = 0.6–63.1 s cm-1). We found significant differences among species in selected skin temperature and gradient temperature but not in the variances of these measures (an index of precision of temperature selection). The species’ differences correlated significantly with cutaneous resistance to water loss, with more‐resistant frogs selecting higher skin and substrate temperatures in the thermal gradient, even after phylogenetic relationships are taken into account. Because cutaneous resistance to water loss also correlates with ecological habit (arboreal > terrestrial > aquatic), we suggest that their higher resistance to water loss allows arboreal and terrestrial species better ability to tolerate high temperatures, where growth or locomotory speed may be higher, without the associated risk of desiccation.
Immigration and Economic Growth

Immigration is sometimes claimed to be a key contributor to economic growth. Few academic studies, however, examine the direct link between immigration and growth. And the evidence on the outcomes that the literature does examine (such as the impact on wages or government receipts and expenditures) is far too mixed to allow unequivocal inferences. This paper surveys what we know about the relationship between immigration and growth. The canonical Solow model implies that a one-time supply shock will not have any impact on steady-state per-capita income, while a continuous supply shock will permanently reduce per-capita income. The observed relationship between immigration and growth obviously depends on many variables, including the skill composition of immigrants, the rate of assimilation, the distributional labor market consequences, the size of the immigration surplus, the potential human capital externalities, and the long-term fiscal impact. Despite the methodological disagreements about how to measure all of these effects, there is a consensus on one important point: Immigration has a more beneficial impact on growth when the immigrant flow is composed of high-skill workers.
Technical Note - Nonlinear Pricing Competition with Private Capacity Information

We analyze the equilibrium of an incomplete information game consisting of two capacity-constrained suppliers and a single retailer. The capacity of each supplier is her private information. Conditioned on their capacities, the suppliers simultaneously and noncooperatively offer quantity-price schedules to the retailer. Then, the retailer decides on the quantities to purchase from each supplier to maximize his own utility. We prove the existence of a (pure strategy) Nash equilibrium for this game. We show that at the equilibrium each (infinitesimal) unit of the supply is assigned a marginal price that is independent of the capacities and depends only on the valuation function of the retailer and the distribution of the capacities. In addition, the supplier with the larger capacity sells all her supply.
Activation of diacetyldapsone and a preliminary evaluation of a cyclodextrin–diacetyldapsone complex in cultured lung cells

A diacetyldapsone–2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin complex (DADDS–CD) was evaluated with regard to the ability of cultured lung cells to activate DADDS to the active metabolite dapsone. The same system was used to assess the effect of the complex on cell growth. The complex was incubated with cells for periods of 24 to 72 h, followed by extraction of metabolites from the incubation medium and analysis by HPLC. In addition, the Trypan Blue exclusion technique was used to assess cell viability during this time period. Results indicated that lung cells could activate DADDS to dapsone and that, while the complex appeared to delay cell growth in the first 24 h period, no significant difference was seen between cells incubated in the presence and absence of the complex at 72 h. These results indicate that DADDS–CD has significant potential as a drug‐delivery system for DADDS in the lung based upon the ability of the cells to activate DADDS. The mixed effects of the complex on cell growth may have important implications when considering the frequency of administration of the complex to the lung.