Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduced Triglyceride Secretion in Response to an Acute Dietary Fat Challenge in Obese Compared to Lean Mice

Obesity results in abnormally high levels of triglyceride (TG) storage in tissues such as liver, heart, and muscle, which disrupts their normal functions. Recently, we found that lean mice challenged with high levels of dietary fat store TGs in cytoplasmic lipid droplets in the absorptive cells of the intestine, enterocytes, and that this storage increases and then decreases over time after an acute dietary fat challenge. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity on intestinal TG metabolism. More specifically we asked whether TG storage in and secretion from the intestine are altered in obesity. We investigated these questions in diet-induced obese (DIO) and leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice. We found greater levels of TG storage in the intestine of DIO mice compared to lean mice in the fed state, but similar levels of TG storage after a 6-h fast. In addition, we found similar TG storage in the intestine of lean and DIO mice at multiple time points after an acute dietary fat challenge. Surprisingly, we found remarkably lower TG secretion from both DIO and ob/ob mice compared to lean controls in response to an acute dietary fat challenge. Furthermore, we found altered mRNA levels for genes involved in regulation of intestinal TG metabolism in lean and DIO mice at 6 h fasting and in response to an acute dietary fat challenge. More specifically, we found that many of the genes related to TG synthesis, chylomicron synthesis, TG storage, and lipolysis were induced in response to an acute dietary fat challenge in lean mice, but this induction was not observed in DIO mice. In fact, we found a significant decrease in intestinal mRNA levels of genes related to lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation in DIO mice in response to an acute dietary fat challenge. Our findings demonstrate altered TG handling by the small intestine of obese compared to lean mice.
Influence of acoustic masking noise in fMRI of the auditory cortex during phonetic discrimination

The application of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study activation of auditory cortex suffers from one significant confounding factor, namely, that of the acoustic noise generated by the gradient system, which is an integral part of the imaging process. Earlier work has shown that it is indeed possible to distinguish cortical activation resulting from presentation of auditory stimuli despite the presence of background noise from the gradient system. The influence of acoustic noise from the gradient system of the MRI scanner on the blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) response during functional activation of the auditory cortex has been investigated in six healthy subjects with no hearing difficulties. Experiments were performed using gradient‐echo echoplanar imaging (EPI) and a verbal, auditory discrimination paradigm, presented in a block‐wise manner, in which carefully aligned consonant‐vowel syllables were presented at a rate of 1 Hz. For each volunteer the experiment was repeated three times with all parameters fixed, except slice number, which was 4, 16, or 64. The positioning of the central four slices in each experiment was common. Thus, the fraction of TR during which the stimulus is on but no imaging is being performed, varies from almost zero, in the case of 64 slices, to over 8 seconds, in the case of four slices. Only the central four slices were of interest; additional slices simply generated acoustic noise and were discarded. During the four‐slice experiment, all subjects showed a robust BOLD response in the superior temporal gyrus covering the primary and secondary auditory cortex. The spatial extent and the z‐scores of the activated regions decreased with longer duration of gradient noise from the scanner. For a phonetic discrimination task, the results indicate that presentation of the stimulus during periods free from scanner noise leads to a more pronounced BOLD response. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;9:19–25 © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
How Am I Doing? Perceived Financial Well-Being, Its Potential Antecedents, and Its Relation to Overall Well-Being

Though perceived financial well-being is viewed as an important topic of consumer research, the literature contains no accepted definition of this construct. Further, there has been little systematic examination of how perceived financial well-being may affect overall well-being. Using consumer financial narratives, several large-scale surveys, and two experiments, we conceptualize perceived financial well-being as two related but separate constructs: 1) stress related to the management of money today (current money management stress), and 2) a sense of security in one’s financial future (expected future financial security). We develop and validate measures of these constructs (web appendix A) and then demonstrate their relationship to overall well-being, controlling for other life domains and objective measures of the financial domain. Our findings demonstrate that perceived financial well-being is a key predictor of overall well-being and comparable in magnitude to the combined effect of other life domains (job satisfaction, physical health assessment, and relationship support satisfaction). Further, the relative importance of current money management stress to overall well-being varies by income groups and due to the differing antecedents of current money management stress and expected future financial security. Implications for financial well-being and education efforts are offered.
Agonist and antagonist effects of interferon alpha and beta on activation of human macrophages. Two classes of interferon gamma receptors and blockade of the high-affinity sites by interferon alpha or beta

H2O2-releasing capacity and limited antitoxoplasma activity could be induced in human macrophages (derived from monocytes cultured greater than or equal to 5 d) but not in monocytes themselves (cells cultured less than or equal to 4 d) by a further 3-d incubation with pure natural or rIFN-alpha or -beta. More than 3 pM (10 U/ml) of these IFNs was required, with greatest effects at approximately 300 pM (10(3) U/ml). At 300 pM, H2O2-releasing capacity was enhanced 4.4 +/- 1.6-fold over medium control (mean +/- SD for natural INF-alpha, rIFN-alpha A, rIFN-alpha D, and rIFN-beta) compared to an 8.4 +/- 4.8-fold increase with rIFN-gamma (100 pM, 100 U/ml) in the same experiments. Unexpectedly, low concentrations of IFN-alpha or -beta (3 fM-300 pM) blocked induction of H2O2-releasing capacity by rIFN-gamma (10 pM), with a 50% inhibitory dose of approximately 80 fM. However, IFN-alpha or -beta (3 fM-300 pM) could not inhibit the effect of higher concentrations of rIFN-gamma (1 nM). In contrast to results with monocytes or young macrophages, Scatchard plots of binding of 125I-rIFN- gamma to mature macrophages (day 8 of culture) indicated two classes of binding sites: approximately 2,000 high-affinity sites (Kd approximately 0.43 nM) and approximately 23,000 low-affinity sites (Kd approximately 6.4 nM) per cell. Binding of 125I-rIFN-gamma to the high- but not the low-affinity sites was blocked by simultaneously added IFN- alpha or -beta, with a 50% inhibitory dose of approximately 2 U/0.25 ml (approximately 2 pM), or reversed by subsequently added IFN-alpha or - beta. Thus, differentiation of human mononuclear phagocytes in vitro is accompanied by the emergence of (a) an agonist response to submicromolar concentrations of IFN-alpha or -beta, (b) antagonism of the effect of picomolar IFN-gamma by femtomolar IFN-alpha or -beta, (c) two classes of IFN-gamma-Rs, and (d) nonstimulatory binding of IFN- alpha or -beta to the high- but not the low-affinity IFN-gamma-Rs, with higher affinity than rIFN-gamma itself. We speculate that traces of IFN- alpha or -beta derived from stromal cells, parenchymal cells, or resident macrophages may dampen the activation of mature tissue macrophages by the small amounts of IFN-gamma that diffuse from inflammatory sites into normal tissues. Such a mechanism could constrain the potentially destructive phenomenon of macrophage activation to areas where monocytes have recently immigrated and/or the concentration of IFNs is high.
Home treatment teams and facilitated discharge from psychiatric hospital

Aims. There has been little research into the facilitated discharge (FD) function of Home Treatment Teams (HTTs). We aimed to explore and describe the prevalence and associations of FD and to estimate its effects on bed days during the index admission (length of stay corrected for ward leave) and on readmission. Methods. Descriptive and regression analyses of data collected by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust on discharges from its general psychiatric wards, with multiple imputation of missing covariate values. Results. Overall, 29% of our sample of 7891 hospital admissions involved a FD. FD was associated with female gender, diagnosis of a severe mental illness, previous home treatment, having a longer previous admission, neither being discharged to a new address nor to a care home, having no other community team and having HoNOS item scores consistent with an active depressive or psychotic mental illness. In the regression analysis, FD was associated with 4.0 fewer bed days (95% confidence interval −6.7 to −1.3; p = 0.0004). There was no effect on readmission. Conclusions. Our analysis provides some support for the effectiveness of FD in slightly reducing the time spent in hospital and suggests that this may be achieved without increasing the rate of readmission. Further studies in this area are important, especially given existing research that suggests that the introduction of HTTs in England and Wales was associated with little or no change in service utilisation.
Using Approximate Bayesian Computation to Empirically Test Email Malware Propagation Models Relevant to Common Intervention Actions

There are different ways for malware to spread from device to device. Some methods depend on the presence of a vulnerability that can be exploited along with some action taken by a user of the device. Malware propagating through email are one such example. While existing research has explored potential factors and models for simulating this form of propagation, it remains for these potential factors and models to be empirically tested and supported using field collected incident data. We review a common model for simulating the spread of email malware and use simulations to illustrate the potential impacts of connection topologies and different distributions of associated user actions. We use simulations to examine the potential impact of two types of commonly available interventions-patching vulnerable devices and blocking the transmission of infected messages in combination with different connection topologies and different distributions of user actions. Finally, we explore the use of Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) as a method to compare simulation results to empirical data to assess different model features, and to infer corresponding model parameter values from field collected email malware incident data.
Modelling Relational Data using Bayesian Clustered Tensor Factorization

We consider the problem of learning probabilistic models for complex relational structures between various types of objects. A model can help us "understand" a dataset of relational facts in at least two ways, by finding interpretable structure in the data, and by supporting predictions, or inferences about whether particular unobserved relations are likely to be true. Often there is a tradeoff between these two aims: cluster-based models yield more easily interpretable representations, while factorization-based approaches have given better predictive performance on large data sets. We introduce the Bayesian Clustered Tensor Factorization (BCTF) model, which embeds a factorized representation of relations in a nonparametric Bayesian clustering framework. Inference is fully Bayesian but scales well to large data sets. The model simultaneously discovers interpretable clusters and yields predictive performance that matches or beats previous probabilistic models for relational data.
Relating French Immersion Teacher Practices to Better Student Oral Production

This study examined seven Louisiana kindergarten immersion teachers' practices to evaluate students' oral target language production and compare the oral production elicited when different instructional practices were used over a single semester. Three rounds of three 20-minute observations in three different contexts – circle time, direct instruction, and centre time – were conducted in seven kindergarten teachers' classrooms at the beginning, middle, and end of the semester. Using the Association canadienne des professeurs d'immersion (ACPI) accepted language proficiency levels, the researchers focused on students' global capacity to communicate. Findings suggest that teacher practices influenced student oral language production and help identify specific, practical suggestions for improving language immersion teaching practices and immersion teacher training.Cette recherche étudie les pratiques de sept enseignants louisianais de programmes d'immersion à la maternelle afin d'analyser la production orale en langue cible de leurs élèves et comparer, au cours d'un seul semestre, les productions orales requises par différentes stratégies d'instruction. Trois séries de trois observations de vingt minutes en trois contextes différents – rituels, instruction frontale et ateliers – eurent lieu au début, au milieu et à la fin du semestre. À l'aide de l'échelle de niveau de langue adoptée par l'Association canadienne des professionnels de l'immersion (ACPI), les chercheurs se sont concentrés sur la capacité de communication générale des élèves. Les résultats suggèrent que les différentes stratégies des enseignants influencent la production orale de leurs élèves et offrent des suggestions pratiques et spécifiques pour améliorer les méthodes d'instruction en immersion et la formation des enseignants.
Cerebellum and Timing 52

A functional characterization of the cerebellum centers on the hypothesis that this structure is essential for the representation of temporal relationships in the subsecond range. This hypothesis is supported by evidence involving a wide range of methods, including lesion studies, neuroimaging, and, to a limited extent, stimulation studies with transcranial magnetic stimulation. The extent of the cerebellar timing domain is not limited to tasks involving sensorimotor control but also extends to perceptual tasks that require the precise timing of salient events. Moreover, the timing hypothesis provides a parsimonious account of the cerebellar contribution to sensorimotor learning. This review presents a summary of this literature as well as highlights some of the limitations of cerebellar timing.
Characterization of Hard Piezoelectric Lead-Free Ceramics

K4CuNb8O23 doped K0.45Na0. 55NbO3 (KNN-KCN) ferroelectric ceramics were found to exhibit asymmetrical polarization hysteresis loops, related to the development of an internal bias field. The internal bias field is believed to be the result of defect dipoles of acceptor ions and oxygen vacancies, which lead to piezoelectric "hardening" effect, by stabilizing and pinning of the domain wall motion. The dielectric loss for the hard lead-free piezoelectric ceramic was found to be 0.6%, with mechanical quality factors Q on the order of >1500. Furthermore, the piezoelectric properties were found to decrease and the coercive field increased, when compared with the undoped material, exhibiting a typical characteristic of "hard" behavior. The temperature usage range was limited by the polymorphic phase transition temperature, being 188degC. The full set of material constants was determined for the KNN-KCN materials. Compared with conventional hard PZT ceramics, the lead-free possessed lower dielectric and piezoelectric properties; however, comparable values of mechanical Q, dielectric loss, and coercive fields were obtained, making acceptor modified KNN based lead-free piezoelectric material promising for high-power applications, where leadfree materials are desirable.
Triality, Exceptional Lie Algebras and Deligne Dimension Formulas☆

Abstract We give a computer-free proof of the Deligne, Cohen and de Man formulas for the dimensions of the irreducible g -modules appearing in g ⊗k, k⩽4, where g ranges over the exceptional complex simple Lie algebras. We give additional dimension formulas for the exceptional series, as well as uniform dimension formulas for other representations distinguished by Freudenthal along the rows of his magic chart. Our proofs use the triality model of the magic square, which we review and present a simplified proof of its validity. We conclude with some general remarks about obtaining “series” of Lie algebras in the spirit of Deligne and Vogel.
Prevalence of Campylobacter species in milk and milk products, their virulence gene profile and anti-bio gram

Aim: During the last decades, number of food poisoning cases due to Campylobacter occurred, immensely. After poultry, raw milk acts as a second main source of Campylobacter. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to detect the prevalence of Campylobacters in milk and milk products and to know the antibiotic sensitivity and virulence gene profile of Campylobacter spp. in Anand city, Gujarat, India. Material and Methods: A total of 240 samples (85 buffalo milk, 65 cow milk, 30 cheese, 30 ice-cream and 30 paneer) were collected from the different collection points in Anand city. The samples were processed by microbiological culture method, and presumptive isolates were further confirmed by genus and species-specific polymerase chain reaction using previously reported primer. The isolates were further subjected to antibiotic susceptibility assay and virulence gene detection. Result: Campylobacter species were detected in 7 (2.91%) raw milk samples whereas none of the milk product was positive. All the isolate identified were Campylobacter jejuni. Most of the isolates showed resistance against nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, and tetracyclin. All the isolates have three virulence genes cadF, cdtB and flgR whereas only one isolate was positive for iamA gene and 6 isolates were positive for fla gene. Conclusion: The presence of Campylobacter in raw milk indicates that raw milk consumption is hazardous for human being and proper pasteurization of milk and adaptation of hygienic condition will be necessary to protect the consumer from this zoonotic pathogen.
Evaluation of Bent Trees in Juvenile Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) Plantations in Costa Rica: Effects on Tree Morphology and Wood Properties

Bent trees have been observed during the early years in juvenile plantations (less than 5 years-old) of Tectona grandis in Costa Rica. The relationship between bending and the morphological characteristics of the trees was explored. An evaluation of bent trees was conducted in six juvenile plantations (8, 17, 27, 28, 31, and 54 months old) of Tectona grandis. Site 1 with 8-month-old plantations did not display any relationship with any tree morphological variable (diameter, height, and crown weight of tree), whereas for the sites 2, 3, and 4 with 17-, 27-, and 28-month-old plantations, respectively, all the tree morphological variables were statistically correlated with the bent trees. A multiple regression analysis showed that the most influential variables were height to crown base, crown weight, diameter, and total height of the tree. An evaluation of the bending risk factor (RF) was correlated with the height to crown base, crown weight, and form factor. The modulus of elasticity and chemical compositions of bent trees differed from those of straight trees. The causes of tree bending are complex, involving, among other factors, the morphology of the trees, plantation conditions, and other factors specific to the xylem, such as the specific gravity, modulus of elasticity, and presence of calcium and magnesium in the wood.
Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the pedunculopontine nucleus

The pedunculopontine nucleus is composed of cholinergic and non‐cholinergic neurones and is located in the caudal pontomesencephalic tegmentum. Evidence suggests that the nucleus plays a role in the production and control of movement. The nucleus has dense interconnections with the basal ganglia, as well as with other areas of the brain associated with motor control. Electrical stimulation of the pedunculopontine nucleus in the decerebrate cat or rat produces organized locomotor movements. Physiological studies show that the pedunculopontine nucleus modulates its activity in response to locomotion, as well as voluntary arm and eye movements. Degeneration of the pedunculopontine nucleus is seen in post‐mortem brains in humans with Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonian syndromes. In animal models of Parkinson's disease, metabolic changes are seen in the pedunculopontine nucleus, and chemical inhibition or mechanical disruption of the nucleus can produce an akinetic state in animals and man. In this paper we review the literature in support of the suggestion that some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are caused by dysfunction of the pedunculopontine nucleus. In accordance with this view, direct stimulation of the nucleus can ameliorate some symptoms of the disease, as demonstrated in both experimental animals and man. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Evidence-based review of the management of early gastric cancer

Although standard gastrectomy remains the most definitive locoregional treatment for early gastric cancer, it carries signiﬁcant perioperative morbidities. Surgical gastrectomy for resection of lymph nodes is not always required and endoscopic resection may be a treatment option for patients at negligible risk of lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, the criteria for endoscopic resection are expanding, along with the development of new technology, in both Eastern and western countries with high prevalence of early gastric cancer, where studies for endoscopic treatment modalities have been conducted. Within such a trend, however, it should be emphasized that early gastric cancer needs to be treated cautiously, especially in western countries, as several studies suggest that there may be differences in tumor biology and aggressiveness between Asian and non-Asian populations.
A globally optimal k-anonymity method for the de-identification of health data.

BACKGROUND Explicit patient consent requirements in privacy laws can have a negative impact on health research, leading to selection bias and reduced recruitment. Often legislative requirements to obtain consent are waived if the information collected or disclosed is de-identified. OBJECTIVE The authors developed and empirically evaluated a new globally optimal de-identification algorithm that satisfies the k-anonymity criterion and that is suitable for health datasets. DESIGN Authors compared OLA (Optimal Lattice Anonymization) empirically to three existing k-anonymity algorithms, Datafly, Samarati, and Incognito, on six public, hospital, and registry datasets for different values of k and suppression limits. Measurement Three information loss metrics were used for the comparison: precision, discernability metric, and non-uniform entropy. Each algorithm's performance speed was also evaluated. RESULTS The Datafly and Samarati algorithms had higher information loss than OLA and Incognito; OLA was consistently faster than Incognito in finding the globally optimal de-identification solution. CONCLUSIONS For the de-identification of health datasets, OLA is an improvement on existing k-anonymity algorithms in terms of information loss and performance.