Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical body composition of 20 Thoroughbred foals at 160 days of age, and preliminary investigation of techniques used to predict body fatness

Abstract AIMS: To determine the chemical body composition of Thoroughbred foals born in two consecutive years, and to investigate several techniques used to predict body composition in foals born in the second year, with particular reference to fat. METHODS: The chemical composition of 20 foals at around 160 days of age, born in two years, was determined. In vivo techniques to predict body composition were assessed in 23 foals born in Year 2, before and after euthanasia; 10 of these foals were used for chemical body composition analysis. Techniques to assess body composition in vivo included liveweight (LW), overall and regional condition scores, ultrasonic fat thickness measurements over the ribs and rump, linear measurements and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Correlations were determined between ultrasonic fat thickness, and bioelectrical impedance analysis, before and after euthanasia. Stepwise regression analysis was used to determine the relationships between in vivo techniques used to assess body composition and the chemical body composition of 10 animals. RESULTS: Foals used for analysis of chemical composition weighed between 220.5 and 260.0 kg before euthanasia. Fat content ranged from 5.5-13.0% of the partial empty body-weight (LW less head, gastrointestinal contents, distal limbs and skin). Fillies had significantly more fat mass and percentage fat than colts (p=0.031 for both measurements). The mean chemical composition of the fat-free partial empty body was 73.2% (SD 0.6) water, 22.7% (SD 0.9) protein and 4.1% (SD 0.4) ash. Most of the variation in the concentration of empty body water was associated with variation in the concentration of fat (p<0.001). The live animal overall condition scores were correlated with fat mass and concentration (p=0.006 and p=0.013, respectively; n=10). Condition score over the rib region was highly correlated with fat mass and fat concentration (p=0.004 and p<0.001; n=10). Ultrasound measurements taken 10 cm cranial to the tailhead and 4 cm from midline, used to assess the thickness of rump fat, were correlated with condition score (p=0.001), and explained 71% of the variation in body fat mass (p=0.002; n=10). Nearly 50% of the variation in fat-free mass and partial empty body water mass were associated with variation in the impedance indices calculated from length and bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements (p=0.023 and p=0.026, respectively; n=10). CONCLUSIONS: At around 42% of expected mature weight, fillies were significantly more fat than colts. Condition scores were correlated with partial empty body fat mass, and there was a trend for higher scores in fillies compared to colts. Much of the variation in water or protein mass of the partial empty body could be explained by variations in LW. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Measurements of LW, rump fat and condition score are useful predictors of the chemical composition of foals at 5 months of age.
Psychometric Properties of the Greek Version of the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile Questionnaire

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile questionnaire. The factor structure, internal consistency, temporal stability, concurrent and criterion-related validity, and social desirability effect were examined. Results from the confirmatory factor analyzes supported the six-factor solution and the hypothesized hierarchical structure of these factors. Internal consistency and temporal stability were adequate and no social desirability effect was emerged. Moreover, the concurrent and the criterion validity of the questionnaire were supported. In particular, questionnaire subscales were correlated in expected ways with corresponding subscales of the Harter’s Self-Perception Profile for Children as well as with students’ scores in shuttle run test and the participation time in sport. Overall, the results showed that the Greek version of the scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to examine Greek children’s and youth’s self-perceptions.
Interspecific hybridization and apomixis between Phytophthora capsici and Phytophthora tropicalis

Phytophthora capsici and the closely related Phytophthora tropicalis infect different hosts that have documented overlapping geographical distributions. Phytophthora capsici attacks annual vegetable hosts whereas P. tropicalis has been recovered from woody perennial hosts. Our objective was to test whether interspecific hybridization is possible and to characterize the resulting progeny. Crosses were made between P. capsici (LT263) from pumpkin to P. tropicalis from rhododendron (LT232) and to P. tropicalis from Theobroma cacao (LT12). The wild type isolates were analyzed for mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence diversity and progeny were tested for mating type (MT), AFLP marker profiles and mitochondrial DNA haplotype (mtDNA type). All oospore progeny from LT263 × LT12 were identical to LT263 whereas progeny from LT263 × LT232 were parental as well as hybrid. Hybrid progeny had either one or the other parent mtDNA type and there was no correlation between MT and mtDNA type. Attempts to generate an F2 population from the hybrids proved unsuccessful while a backcross to the P. capsici parent produced hybrid progeny. These results demonstrate that apomixis might play a significant role in species separation and that hybridization between P. capsici and P. tropicalis is possible beyond the F1 generation.
Declining β-Cell Function Relative to Insulin Sensitivity With Escalating OGTT 2-h Glucose Concentrations in the Nondiabetic Through the Diabetic Range in Overweight Youth

OBJECTIVE Overweight in youth is associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We hypothesized that β-cell function relative to insulin sensitivity decreases with increasing 2-h glucose levels based on an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in overweight youth. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 147 overweight (BMI ≥85th percentile for age and sex) youth, aged 8 to <20 years, undertook three tests: 1) a 3-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp; 2) a 2-h hyperglycemic clamp; and 3) a 2-h OGTT. Participants were categorically assigned to five groups according to their OGTT 2-h plasma glucose level, ranging from <120 to ≥200 mg/dL. β-Cell function relative to insulin sensitivity, assessed by clamp disposition index (DI) and oral disposition index (DIO), were compared among groups. RESULTS Insulin sensitivity, first-phase insulin, and DI declined significantly as 2-h glucose concentrations increased. The highest DI was found in youth with 2-h plasma glucose concentrations <120 mg/dL, with a significant decline of ~40% in those with glucose concentrations between 120 and <140 mg/dL, and an ~75% decline, the lowest DI, in youth with glucose concentrations ≥200 mg/dL. Data were similar with regard to the OGTT DIO. CONCLUSIONS These data in overweight youth demonstrate that impairment in insulin secretion relative to insulin sensitivity is apparent even with normal glucose tolerance. Below the current cutoff of 140 mg/dL for impaired glucose tolerance, there is a >30% decline in β-cell function relative to insulin sensitivity. Against this back drop of metabolically heightened risk for type 2 diabetes, preventive measures should target the β-cell alongside insulin sensitization.
Biochemical Characterization of a Recombinant TRIM5α Protein That Restricts Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication

ABSTRACT The rhesus monkey intrinsic immunity factor TRIM5αrh recognizes incoming capsids from a variety of retroviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), and inhibits the accumulation of viral reverse transcripts. However, direct interactions between restricting TRIM5α proteins and retroviral capsids have not previously been demonstrated using pure recombinant proteins. To facilitate structural and mechanistic studies of retroviral restriction, we have developed methods for expressing and purifying an active chimeric TRIM5αrh protein containing the RING domain from the related human TRIM21 protein. This recombinant TRIM5-21R protein was expressed in SF-21 insect cells and purified through three chromatographic steps. Two distinct TRIM5-21R species were purified and shown to correspond to monomers and dimers, as analyzed by analytical ultracentrifugation. Chemically cross-linked recombinant TRIM5-21R dimers and mammalian-expressed TRIM5-21R and TRIM5α proteins exhibited similar sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis mobilities, indicating that mammalian TRIM5α proteins are predominantly dimeric. Purified TRIM5-21R had ubiquitin ligase activity and could autoubquitylate with different E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzymes in vitro. TRIM5-21R bound directly to synthetic capsids composed of recombinant HIV-1 CA-NC proteins and to authentic EIAV core particles. HIV-1 CA-NC assemblies bound dimeric TRIM5-21R better than either monomeric TRIM5-21R or TRIM5-21R constructs that lacked the SPRY domain or its V1 loop. Thus, our studies indicate that TRIM5α proteins are dimeric ubiquitin E3 ligases that recognize retroviral capsids through direct interactions mediated by the SPRY domain and demonstrate that these activities can be recapitulated in vitro using pure recombinant proteins.
Designing redox potential‐controlled protein switches based on mutually exclusive proteins

Synthetic/artificial protein switches provide an efficient means of controlling protein functions using chemical signals and stimuli. Mutually exclusive proteins, in which only the host or guest domain can remain folded at a given time owing to conformational strain, have been used to engineer novel protein switches that can switch enzymatic functions on and off in response to ligand binding. To further explore the potential of mutually exclusive proteins as protein switches and sensors, we report here a new redox‐based approach to engineer a mutually exclusive folding‐based protein switch. By introducing a disulfide bond into the host domain of a mutually exclusive protein, we demonstrate that it is feasible to use redox potential to switch the host domain between its folded and unfolded conformations via the mutually exclusive folding mechanism, and thus switching the functionality of the host domain on and off. Our study opens a new and potentially general avenue that uses mutually exclusive proteins to design novel switches able to control the function of a variety of proteins.
Survival experience in the breast cancer detection demonstration project

Very high survival rates have been observed in four through 11 years of follow‐up in 4,240 women with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer in the Breast Cancer Detection Demonstration Project (BCDDP). The relative five, eight, and 10‐year survival rates were 88, 83, and 79 percent, respectively.
Efficacy and safety of combination of extended release niacin and atorvastatin in patients with low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol.

OBJECTIVE We investigated the safety and efficacy of combination therapy of extended release (ER) niacin and atorvastatin in patients with low HDL-C and compared the results with atorvastatin monotherapy. METHODS This open label study recruited consecutive men and women who had coronary artery disease with HDL-C levels <35 mg/dL. These patients were already on atorvastatin therapy targeted to lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), for a minimum period of 6 months. Group 1, n = 104 (mean age 52.7 years) received ER niacin in addition to atorvastatin and group 2 (n = 106) continued on atorvastatin (mean age 52.3 years). ER niacin dose was built up to a maximum of 1.5 g and atorvastatin dose titrated according to LDL levels in both the groups. The lipoprotein levels at baseline were similar (p = NS). RESULTS At 9 +/- 1.8 months of follow-up, the mean dose of ER niacin was 1.3 g and atorvastatin 13.2 mg in group 1. In comparison, group 2 patients had mean atorvastatin dose of 15.9 mg. Patients in group 1 had significant elevation in HDL-C cholesterol (39.5 +/- 5.5 vs 35.7 +/- 4.5 mg/dL), reduction in total cholesterol (156.4 +/- 31 vs 164.5 +/- 39.3 mg/dL) and also LDL-C (88.9 +/- 28.3 vs 99.8 +/- 35.4 mg/dL) compared to group 2 (all p < 0.05). The magnitude of reduction in triglyceride levels was not significant between the groups (140.1 +/- 40.4 vs 145.2 +/- 46.5 mg/dL) (p = NS). No major adverse events or clinical myopathy occurred in either groups. Four patients (4%) discontinued ER niacin (2 due to gastro-intestinal symptoms and 2 due to worsening of diabetes). Flushing occurred in 3% patients, but none felt it to be troublesome. CONCLUSION Adding ER niacin to atorvastatin exhibited beneficial effects on lipid profile with significant elevation of HDL-C cholesterol and further lowering of LDL-C compared to monotherapy. This treatment offered better targeted therapy and was well tolerated with proper monitoring in Indian patients.
Design of Contingent Capital with a Stock Price Trigger for Mandatory Conversion

The proposal for banks to issue contingent capital that must convert into common equity when the banks' stock price falls below a specified threshold, or "trigger," does not in general lead to a unique equilibrium in equity and contingent capital prices. Multiple or no equilibrium arises because both equity and contingent capital are claims on the assets of the issuing bank. For a security to be robust to price manipulation, it must have a unique equilibrium. For a unique equilibrium to exist, mandatory conversion cannot result in any value transfers between equity holders and contingent capital investors. The necessary condition for unique equilibrium is usually not satisfied by contingent capital with a fixed coupon rate; however, contingent capital with a floating coupon rate is shown to have a unique equilibrium if the coupon rate is set equal to the risk-free rate. This structure of contingent capital anchors its value to par throughout the time before conversion, making it implementable in practice. Although contingent capital with a unique equilibrium is robust to price manipulation, the no-value-transfer condition may preclude it from generating the desired incentives for bank managers and demand from investors.
Client characteristics as moderators of the relation between the therapeutic alliance and outcome in cognitive therapy for depression.

OBJECTIVE Little is known about the variability of the alliance-outcome correlation across identifiable client subsets. This question was explored in a sample of 60 clients receiving cognitive therapy for depression, from which an overall correlation of . 23 was observed between alliance ratings and subsequent symptom change. METHOD We examined interactions between the observer-rated version of the Working Alliance Inventory-Short Observer-Rated version (WAI-O; Tracey & Kokotovic, 1989) and client demographics, features of depression, personality, and other clinical features in predicting subsequent symptom change. RESULTS After correcting for multiple comparisons, interactions between the WAI-O and the number of prior depressive episodes, as well as the severity of baseline anxiety symptoms, were significant predictors of symptom change. When both interactions were controlled for, number of prior depressive episodes emerged as a statistically significant moderator. The alliance predicted outcome in the subgroup of clients with 0-2 prior episodes (r = .52), but not in those with 3 or more prior episodes (r = -.02). These findings were obtained despite similar univariate distributions on the alliance and symptom change in the 2 subgroups. DISCUSSION Differences that were observed in the predictive relation of alliance to outcome as a function of number of prior episodes suggest that different therapy processes may account for change in these subgroups. If the pattern observed in the present study is replicated, it would suggest that the alliance-outcome association has been both under- and overestimated.
Geological mapping, petrological study and structural analysis of precambrian basement complex rocks in part of Ago-Iwoye Southwestern Nigeria

Geological map is a veritable planning tool for economic development of any nation. This map contains the distribution of various types of bedrock in the area. Geological map of Nigeria geographic landmass has been produced since 1964 with the recent update being in 2009. This map largely omits some local geology of interest, possibly owning to its large area coverage. Thus, local geologic mapping must be encouraged to bridge this lacuna; the focus of this study. Four different rocktypes were identified: porphyroblastic (augen) gneiss, hornblende-biotite gneiss, banded gneiss and quartz schist with mineralogical assemblages ranging from quartz, micas (biotite and muscovite), hornblende, feldspars (plagioclase and microcline) feldspars to accessory and opaque minerals (iron oxide). Deformational tectonic events that accompanied Pan African orogeny were mapped out in the area resulting to the development of structural elements such as mineral lineation, foliation, jointing and veins. Faulting and folding were absent which suggest possible low-intensity deformation. This was further corroborated in the development of sericite (porphyroblast) clast which is an intermediate clay mineral between micas and feldspar. Measured structural parameters were integrally statistically processed. The result reveals NW-SE trending of foliations and mineral lineation, which conforms with the direction of stream flow as an indication of the streams being structurally controlled.
Loss of RAGE Defense: A Cause of Charcot Neuroarthropathy?

OBJECTIVE This study investigated the relationship between circulating soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) and parameters of bone health in patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy (CNA). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Eighty men (aged 55.3 ± 9.0 years), including 30 healthy control subjects, 30 type 2 diabetic patients without Charcot, and 20 type 2 diabetic patients with stage 2 (nonacute) CNA, underwent evaluations of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, nerve conduction, markers of bone turnover, bone mineral density, and bone stiffness of the calcaneus. RESULTS CNA patients had worse peripheral and autonomic neuropathy and a lower bone stiffness index than diabetic or control individuals (77.1, 103.3, and 105.1, respectively; P < 0.05), but no difference in bone mineral density (P > 0.05). CNA subjects also had lower sRAGE levels than control (162 vs. 1,140 pg/mL; P < 0.01) and diabetic (162 vs. 522 pg/mL; P < 0.05) subjects, and higher circulating osteocalcin levels. CONCLUSIONS CNA patients had significantly lower circulating sRAGE, with an accompanying increase in serum markers of bone turnover, and reduced bone stiffness in the calcaneus not accompanied by reductions in bone mineral density. These data suggest a failure of RAGE defense mechanisms against oxidative stress in diabetes. Future studies should determine if medications that increase sRAGE activity could be useful in mitigating progression to CNA.
A Range-Only Multiple Target Particle Filter Tracker

We propose a particle filter tracker to track multiple maneuvering targets using a batch of range measurements. The state update is formulated through a locally linear motion model and the observability of the state vector is proved using geometrical arguments. The data likelihood treats the range observations as an image using template models derived from the state update equation, and incorporates the possibility of missing data as well as spurious range observations. The particle filter handles multiple targets, using a partitioned state-vector approach. The filter proposal function uses a Gaussian approximation of the full-posterior to cope with target maneuvers for improved efficiency. By treating the range measurements as images and using smoothness constraints, the particle filter is able to avoid the data association problems. Computer simulations demonstrate the performance of the tracking algorithm
Quantifying instruction criticality

Information about instruction criticality can be used to control the application of microarchitectural resources efficiently. To this end, several groups have proposed methods to predict critical instructions. This paper presents a framework that allows us to directly measure the criticality of individual dynamic instructions. This allows us to (1) measure the accuracy of proposed critical path predictors, (2) quantify the amount of slack present in noncritical instructions, and (3) provide a new metric, called tautness, which ranks critical instructions by their dominance on the critical path. This research investigates methods for improving critical path predictor accuracy, and studies the distribution of slack and tautness in programs. It shows that instruction criticality changes dynamically, and that criticality history patterns can be used to significantly improve predictor accuracy.
Effects of longitudinal vibration on tensile properties of weldments

This paper presents the effect of longitudinal vibration, frequency and amplitude on yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, breaking strength and percentage of elongation on weldments prepared by the shielded metal arc process. The frequency range selected was 0 to 400 Hz, and the amplitude range was 0 to 40 [mu]m. It was found that the tensile properties of the weldments improved when compared with the static welded test specimens, but there was a reduction in the percentage of elongation for specimens prepared under vibratory conditions. Increased frequency resulted in better tensile properties, but the percentage of elongation was reduced with an increase in frequency. Frequency in the range of 0 to 400 Hz and amplitude from 5 to 30 [mu]m gave good results.
The NFL Combine: Does It Predict Performance in the National Football League?

Kuzmits, FE and Adams, AJ. The NFL combine: does it predict performance in the National Football League? J Strength Cond Res 22(6): 1721-1727, 2008-The authors investigate the correlation between National Football League (NFL) combine test results and NFL success for players drafted at three different offensive positions (quarterback, running back, and wide receiver) during a recent 6-year period, 1999-2004. The combine consists of series of drills, exercises, interviews, aptitude tests, and physical exams designed to assess the skills of promising college football players and to predict their performance in the NFL. Combine measures examined in this study include 10-, 20-, and 40-yard dashes, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, 20- and 60-yard shuttles, three-cone drill, and the Wonderlic Personnel Test. Performance criteria include 10 variables: draft order; 3 years each of salary received and games played; and position-specific data. Using correlation analysis, we find no consistent statistical relationship between combine tests and professional football performance, with the notable exception of sprint tests for running backs. We put forth possible explanations for the general lack of statistical relations detected, and, consequently, we question the overall usefulness of the combine. We also offer suggestions for improving the prediction of success in the NFL, primarily the use of more rigorous psychological tests and the examination of collegiate performance as a job sample test. Finally, from a practical standpoint, the results of the study should encourage NFL team personnel to reevaluate the usefulness of the combine's physical tests and exercises as predictors of player performance. This study should encourage team personnel to consider the weighting and importance of various combine measures and the potential benefits of overhauling the combine process, with the goal of creating a more valid system for predicting player success.