Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Serum Magnesium, Parathyroid Hormone, and Vascular Calcification in Patients on Dialysis: A Literature Review

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is present in most patients with end-stage renal disease and has been linked to uremic bone disease, vascular calcification, and mortality. Current literature suggests an association between hypomagnesemia and cardiovascular disease in the general population. We reviewed all published studies on the relationship between serum magnesium and parathyroid hormone and the relationship between serum Mg and vascular calcification in dialysis patients. Of these, 10 of 12 studies of patients on hemodialysis and 4 of 5 studies of patients on peritoneal dialysis showed a significant inverse relationship between serum Mg and serum intact parathyroid hormone. Hyperparathyroidism develops in peritoneal dialysis patients dialyzed with a solution containing normal calcium (1.25 mmol/L) and low Mg (0.25 mmol/L), even though serum calcium is maintained at a normal level. Four of the hemodialysis studies and one of the peritoneal dialysis studies indicated that there is an inverse relationship between serum Mg and vascular calcification in these patients. Potential benefits have been attributed to magnesium carbonate as a phosphate binder and it may possibly be an effective, less toxic, less expensive phosphate binder. We believe that the role of Mg in secondary hyperparathyroidism and vascular calcification merits further investigation.
A subjective listening test of six different artificial bandwidth extension approaches in English, Chinese, German, and Korean

In studies on artificial bandwidth extension (ABE), there is a lack of international coordination in subjective tests between multiple methods and languages. Here we present the design of absolute category rating listening tests evaluating 12 ABE variants of six approaches in multiple languages, namely in American English, Chinese, German, and Korean. Since the number of ABE variants caused a higher-than-recommended length of the listening test, ABE variants were distributed into two separate listening tests per language. The paper focuses on the listening test design, which aimed at merging the subjective scores of both tests and thus allows for a joint analysis of all ABE variants under test at once. A language-dependent analysis, evaluating ABE variants in the context of the underlying coded narrowband speech condition showed statistical significant improvement in English, German, and Korean for some ABE solutions.
Statistical Based Slicing Method for Prioritizing Program Fault Relevant Statements

The aim of this paper is to integrate the strong points of statistical debugging and program slicing techniques for efficient program fault localization. The dynamic slices could be inappropriately large including redundant information considering that the statements are not ranked according to their fault relevance in the computed slice. On the other hand, the conventional statistical debugging techniques do not consider the dependence relationships between the faulty code (i.e., the cause) and the erroneous output (i.e., the effect). This information is very useful during the debugging. In this paper, a new method Stat-Slice for locating the latent bugs in programs is presented which could find a wider range of bugs, e.g. the omitted code faults, the header file faults, and etc., comparing with other techniques. Unlike the traditional program slicing techniques, the proposed method computes the backward dynamic slices of several failing and passing runs. Using K-means clustering in addition to a new ranking and pruning technique, we prioritize statements according to their likelihood to be the cause for failure. Our experiments on Siemens, grep, gzip, and flex test suites manifest that ranking statements according to their suspiciousness has considerably reduced the effort for fault localization.
Alternating or continuous exposure to cafeteria diet leads to similar shifts in gut microbiota compared to chow diet

SCOPE Overconsumption of energy-rich food is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic. The eating habits of many people are characterized by the cycling between overconsumption of energy-rich foods and dieting, the effects of which on the microbiota are currently unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We compared the fecal microbiota of rats either continuously fed chow or palatable cafeteria diet to a "cycled" group switched between the two diets (chow for 4, cafeteria for 3 days/wk, n = 12/group) over 16 wk. Enriched bacterial metabolic pathways were predicted, and a range of metabolic parameters was correlated to microbial taxa and pathways. Cycled rats showed large excursions in food intake on each diet switch. When switched from chow to cafeteria, they overconsumed, and when switched back to chow they underconsumed relative to those maintained on the two diets. Metabolic parameters of cycled rats were intermediate between those of the other diet groups (p < 0.05). The microbiota of cycled rats was nearly indistinguishable from rats under constant cafeteria diet, and both groups were significantly different to the chow group. Correlation analyses identified microbial metabolic pathways associated with an obese phenotype. CONCLUSION These data suggest that continuous or intermittent exposure to palatable foods have similar effects on the gut microbiota.
Attitude toward ethical behavior in computer use: a shifting model

Purpose – In this study the researchers attempt to identify factors that could influence an individual's attitude toward ethical behavior in the information systems (IS) environment and compare them to the findings of an earlier study to determine any changes.Design/methodology/approach – A sample of university students is used to assess environmental influences (societal, belief system, personal, professional, legal, and business), moral obligation, consequences of the action, and gender, in order to determine what influences an individual's attitude toward a behavior. Discriminant analysis is used to assess the factor influences.Findings – The findings indicate that many factors influence attitude toward ethical decisions and are dependent upon the type of ethical issue involved. Moreover, based on two time periods, the ethical attitude influencers have shifted over time. The gender findings indicate that attitude influencers are also dependent on the sex of the individual.Originality/value – The findin.
Ganglionic transmission in a vasomotor pathway studied in vivo

Intracellular recordings were made in vivo from 40 spontaneously active cells in the third lumbar sympathetic ganglion of urethane‐anaesthetized rats. In 38/40 cells ongoing action potentials showed strong cardiac rhythmicity (93.4 ± 1.9% modulation) indicating high barosensitivity and probable muscle vasoconstrictor (MVC) function. Subthreshold excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) showed the same pattern. The 38 barosensitive neurons fired action potentials at 2.9 ± 0.3 Hz. All action potentials were triggered by EPSPs, most of which were unitary events. Calculations indicated that <5% of action potentials were triggered by summation of otherwise subthreshold EPSPs. ‘Dominant’ synaptic inputs with a high safety factor were identified, confirming previous work. These were active in 24/38 cells and accounted for 32% of all action potentials; other (‘secondary’) inputs drove the remainder. Inputs (21 dominant, 19 secondary) attributed to single preganglionic neurons fired at 1.38 ± 0.16 Hz. An average of two to three preganglionic neurons were estimated to drive each ganglion cell's action potentials. When cells were held hyperpolarized to block spiking, a range of spontaneous EPSP amplitudes was revealed. Threshold equivalent was defined as the membrane potential value that was exceeded by spontaneous EPSPs at the same frequency as the cell's original firing rate. In 10/12 cells examined, a continuum of EPSP amplitudes overlapped threshold equivalent. Small changes in cell excitability could therefore raise or lower the percentage of preganglionic inputs triggering action potentials. The results indicate that vasoconstrictor ganglion cells in vivo mostly behave not as 1:1 relays, but as continuously variable gates.
Chain‐Style Landslide Hazardous Process: Constraints From Seismic Signals Analysis of the 2017 Xinmo Landslide, SW China

Landslides generally involve rapid acceleration and deceleration of huge mass in just several minutes, and their unpredictability have made real‐time detections of their rapid processes difficult. Seismic signals generated by landslides provide an excellent opportunity to obtain the time‐dependent observations on landslide's processes. We invert the force‐time function by fitting long‐period seismic signals generated by Xinmo landslide on 23 June 2017, SW China, and determine three‐stage dynamic processes within 104‐s duration of this event. Constrained by the field observed runout distance, we deduce the landslide's mass of about 9 × 109 kg with corresponding maximum velocity and acceleration of 58.8 m/s and 4.38 m/s2, respectively. Combining dynamic parameters, apparent friction coefficient, and seismic signal features, we depict a dynamic landslide process initiated by high‐position rockslide, traveled by rapid long runout debris, and deposited over an old landslide's deposition fan. The rapid process of the landslide is affected by multiple preconditions such as the structure, topography, and meteorology of the site, which is characteristic of a typical chain‐style landslide hazard and could be helpful to recognize potential slope instabilities.
Evaluating Excessive Burden of Depression on Health Status and Health Care Utilization Among Patients With Hypertension in a Nationally Representative Sample From the Medial Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS 2012)

Abstract Depression and hypertension frequently present together in clinical practice. Evaluating the interaction between depression and hypertension would help stakeholders better understand the value of depression prevention in primary care. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the excessive burden of depression on overall health and on health care utilization expenditure among hypertensive patients. A total of 7019 hypertensive patients (ICD-9-CM: 401) were identified from the 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS 2012) data, of which 936 patients had depression (ICD-9-CM: 311). Hypertension with depression was associated with worse health status (physical component score, −3.97 [17.9% reduction]; mental component score, −9.14 [9% reduction]), higher utilization of health care services (outpatient visits, 6.4 [63.8% higher]; nights of hospitalization, 0.9 [100% higher]; medication prescription, 22.6 [76.8% higher]), and higher health care expenditures (inpatient, $1953.2 [72% higher]; prescription drugs, $1995.5 [82% higher]).
A βPix–Pak2a signaling pathway regulates cerebral vascular stability in zebrafish

The vasculature tailors to the needs of different tissues and organs. Molecular, structural, and functional specializations are observed in different vascular beds, but few genetic models give insight into how these differences arise. We identify a unique cerebrovascular mutation in the zebrafish affecting the integrity of blood vessels supplying the brain. The zebrafish bubblehead (bbh) mutant exhibits hydrocephalus and severe cranial hemorrhage during early embryogenesis, whereas blood vessels in other regions of the embryo appear intact. Here we show that hemorrhages are associated with poor cerebral endothelial–mesenchymal contacts and an immature vascular pattern in the head. Positional cloning of bbh reveals a hypomorphic mutation in βPix, a binding partner for the p21-activated kinase (Pak) and a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rac and Cdc42. βPix is broadly expressed during embryonic development and is enriched in the brain and in large blood vessels. By knockdown of specific βPix splice variants, we show that they play unique roles in embryonic vascular stabilization or hydrocephalus. Finally, we show that Pak2a signaling is downstream of βPix. These data identify an essential in vivo role for βPix and Pak2a during embryonic development and illuminate a previously unrecognized pathway specifically involved in cerebrovascular stabilization.
High-resolution DNA melting analysis for simultaneous mutation scanning and genotyping in solution.

BACKGROUND High-resolution DNA melting analysis with saturation dyes for either mutation scanning of PCR products or genotyping with unlabeled probes has been reported. However, simultaneous PCR product scanning and probe genotyping in the same reaction has not been described. METHODS Asymmetric PCR was performed in the presence of unlabeled oligonucleotide probes and a saturating fluorescent DNA dye. High-resolution melting curves for samples in either capillaries (0.3 degrees C/s) or microtiter format (0.1 degrees C/s) were generated in the same containers used for amplification. Melting curves of the factor V Leiden single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and several mutations in exons 10 and 11 of the cystic fibrosis transconductance regulator gene were analyzed for both PCR product and probe melting transitions. RESULTS Independent verification of genotype for simple SNPs was achieved by either PCR product or probe melting transitions. Two unlabeled probes in one reaction could genotype many sequence variants with simultaneous scanning of the entire PCR product. For example, analysis of both product and probe melting transitions genotyped DeltaF508, DeltaI507, Q493X, I506V, and F508C variants in exon 10 and G551D, G542X, and R553X variants in exon 11. Unbiased hierarchal clustering of the melting transitions identified the specific sequence variants. CONCLUSIONS When DNA melting is performed rapidly and observed at high resolution with saturating DNA dyes, it is possible to scan for mutations and genotype at the same time within a few minutes after amplification. The method is no more complex than PCR and may reduce the need for resequencing.
Dynamic Analyses for Passenger Volume of Domestic Airline and High Speed Rail

Discrete choice model is the most used methodology for studying traveler’s mode choice and demand. How ever, to calibrate the discrete choice model needs to have plenty of q uestionnaire survey. In this study, an aggregative model is prop osed. The historical data of passenger volumes for high speed rail and d omestic civil aviation are employed to calibrate and validate the model. In this study, different models are compared so as to propose the best one. From the results, systematic equations forecast better than single equation do. Models with the external variable, which is oil pri ce, are better than models based on closed system assumption. Keywords—forecasting, passenger volume, dynamic competition model, external variable, oil price
The DBP gene is expressed according to a circadian rhythm in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and influences circadian behavior

DBP, a PAR leucine zipper transcription factor, accumulates according to a robust circadian rhythm in liver and several other tissues of mouse and rat. Here we report that DBP mRNA levels also oscillate strongly in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, believed to harbor the central mammalian pacemaker. However, peak and minimum levels of DBP mRNA are reached about 4 h earlier in the SCN than in liver, suggesting that circadian DBP expression is controlled by different mechanisms in SCN and in peripheral tissues. Mice homozygous for a DBP‐null allele display less locomotor activity and free‐run with a shorter period than otherwise isogenic wild‐type animals. The altered locomotor activity in DBP mutant mice and the highly rhythmic expression of the DBP gene in SCN neurons suggest that DBP is involved in controlling circadian behavior. However, since DBP−/− mice are still rhythmic and since DBP protein is not required for the circadian expression of its own gene, dbp is more likely to be a component of the circadian output pathway than a master gene of the clock.
Glyburide or insulin for metabolic control in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. A randomized, double-blind study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare the relative efficacy, risks, and benefits of insulin with glyburide in achieving normoglycemia in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a 9-month treatment period. SETTING University hospital. PATIENTS Thirty-one patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who did not have normal glucose control with diet alone. INTERVENTIONS Once-per-day NPH insulin and placebo glyburide, or glyburide and once-per-day placebo insulin injection. Active drug and placebo adjusted in parallel to achieve fasting plasma glucose level less than 6.4 mmol/L (115 mg/dL) without hypoglycemia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Insulin and glyburide produced similar improvement in fasting blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1c concentrations, similar frequencies of mild symptomatic hypoglycemia, and similar weight gain despite dietary reinforcement. Triglyceride and cholesterol levels decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and ratios of high-density lipoprotein to total cholesterol increased in both groups, with a significantly greater improvement in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and ratio of high-density lipoprotein total cholesterol in patients treated with insulin. CONCLUSIONS Therapy with glyburide or once-per-day NPH insulin provides a similar degree of glucose control in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Insulin may have a relative advantage in that it is associated with higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a higher ratio of high-density lipoprotein to total cholesterol.
Systemic AA amyloidosis: epidemiology, diagnosis, and management

The term “amyloidosis” encompasses the heterogeneous group of diseases caused by the extracellular deposition of autologous fibrillar proteins. The global incidence of amyloidosis is estimated at five to nine cases per million patient-years. While amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is more frequent in developed countries, amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is more common in some European regions and in developing countries. The spectrum of AA amyloidosis has changed in recent decades owing to: an increase in the median age at diagnosis; a percent increase in the frequency of primary AL amyloidosis with respect to the AA type; and a substantial change in the epidemiology of the underlying diseases. Diagnosis of amyloidosis is based on clinical organ involvement and histological evidence of amyloid deposits. Among the many tinctorial characteristics of amyloid deposits, avidity for Congo red and metachromatic birefringence under unidirectional polarized light remain the gold standard. Once the initial diagnosis has been made, the amyloid subtype must be identified and systemic organ involvement evaluated. In this sense, the 123I-labeled serum amyloid P component scintigraphy is a safe and noninvasive technique that has revolutionized the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment in systemic amyloidosis. It can successfully identify anatomical patterns of amyloid deposition throughout the body and enables not only an initial estimation of prognosis, but also the monitoring of the course of the disease and the response to treatment. Given the etiologic diversity of AA amyloidosis, common therapeutic strategies are scarce. All treatment options should be based upon a greater control of the underlying disease, adequate organ support, and treatment of symptoms. Nevertheless, novel therapeutic strategies targeting the formation of amyloid fibrils and amyloid deposition may generate new expectations for patients with AA amyloidosis.
"Now you need to laugh!": investigating fun in games with children

Up to now interaction in desktop games is mostly limited to keyboard and mouse input. This paper describes a desktop game, which uses emotional facial expressions as an additional input channel for creating a virtual flower in a digital universe. The game is being developed for children between 8 and 14 years old and was evaluated in a three-day field study with almost 300 children in the context of a shopping mall. The results show that more than two-thirds of the participants had fun playing the game. This was also confirmed by the high willingness to replay the game. Moreover, the study showed that the game provides the right amount of challenge to the players; it is approximately equally difficult for younger and older children.
Species Differences in the Response of Liver Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes to (S)-4-O-Tolylsulfanyl-2-(4-trifluormethyl-phenoxy)-butyric Acid (EMD 392949) in Vivo and in Vitro

Induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) is highly species-specific and can lead to drug-drug interaction and toxicities. In this series of studies we tested the species specificity of the antidiabetic drug development candidate and mixed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α/γ agonist (S)-4-O-tolylsulfanyl-2-(4-trifluormethyl-phenoxy)-butyric acid (EMD 392949, EMD) with regard to the induction of gene expression and activities of DMEs, their regulators, and typical PPAR target genes. EMD clearly induced PPARα target genes in rats in vivo and in rat hepatocytes but lacked significant induction of DMEs, except for cytochrome P450 (P450) 4A. CYP2C and CYP3A were consistently induced in livers of EMD-treated monkeys. Interestingly, classic rodent peroxisomal proliferation markers were induced in monkeys after 17 weeks but not after a 4-week treatment, a fact also observed in human hepatocytes after 72 h but not 24 h of EMD treatment. In human hepatocyte cultures, EMD showed similar gene expression profiles and induction of P450 activities as in monkeys, indicating that the monkey is predictive for human P450 induction by EMD. In addition, EMD induced a similar gene expression pattern as the PPARα agonist fenofibrate in primary rat and human hepatocyte cultures. In conclusion, these data showed an excellent correlation of in vivo data on DME gene expression and activity levels with results generated in hepatocyte monolayer cultures, enabling a solid estimation of human P450 induction. This study also clearly highlighted major differences between primates and rodents in the regulation of major inducible P450s, with evidence of CYP3A and CYP2C inducibility by PPARα agonists in monkeys and humans.