Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Whole-body substrate metabolism is associated with disease severity in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Objectives In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic steatosis is intricately linked with a number of metabolic alterations. We studied substrate utilisation in NAFLD during basal, insulin-stimulated and exercise conditions, and correlated these outcomes with disease severity. Methods 20 patients with NAFLD (mean±SD body mass index (BMI) 34.1±6.7 kg/m2) and 15 healthy controls (BMI 23.4±2.7 kg/m2) were assessed. Respiratory quotient (RQ), whole-body fat (Fatox) and carbohydrate (CHOox) oxidation rates were determined by indirect calorimetry in three conditions: basal (resting and fasted), insulin-stimulated (hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp) and exercise (cycling at an intensity to elicit maximal Fatox). Severity of disease and steatosis were determined by liver histology, hepatic Fatox from plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, aerobic fitness expressed as , and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured by computed tomography. Results Within the overweight/obese NAFLD cohort, basal RQ correlated positively with steatosis (r=0.57, p=0.01) and was higher (indicating smaller contribution of Fatox to energy expenditure) in patients with NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥5 vs <5 (p=0.008). Both results were independent of VAT, % body fat and BMI. Compared with the lean control group, patients with NAFLD had lower basal whole-body Fatox (1.2±0.3 vs 1.5±0.4 mg/kgFFM/min, p=0.024) and lower basal hepatic Fatox (ie, β-hydroxybutyrate, p=0.004). During exercise, they achieved lower maximal Fatox (2.5±1.4 vs. 5.8±3.7 mg/kgFFM/min, p=0.002) and lower (p<0.001) than controls. Fatox during exercise was not associated with disease severity (p=0.79). Conclusions Overweight/obese patients with NAFLD had reduced hepatic Fatox and reduced whole-body Fatox under basal and exercise conditions. There was an inverse relationship between ability to oxidise fat in basal conditions and histological features of NAFLD including severity of steatosis and NAS.
Large-Scale Power Combining and Mixed-Signal Linearizing Architectures for Watt-Class mmWave CMOS Power Amplifiers

Millimeter wave (mmWave) CMOS power amplifiers (PAs) have traditionally been limited in output power due to the low breakdown voltage of scaled CMOS technologies and poor quality of on-chip passives. Moreover, high data-rates and efficient spectrum utilization demand highly linear PAs with high efficiency under back-off. A novel linearizing architecture which simultaneously employs large-scale power combining, linearization through dynamic load modulation, and improved efficiency under back-off by supply-switching and load modulation is introduced. A quarter-wave combiner that exploits lumped spiral inductor equivalents of quarter-wave transmission lines with higher characteristic impedance enables one-step, low-loss, eight-way combining with a measured efficiency of 75% at 45 GHz. Eight-way combining of stacked SOI CMOS PAs results in a PA array with watt-class ( 27 dBm) saturated output power (3 × higher than prior art) and ultra-wideband operation (33-46 GHz) in 45 nm SOI CMOS. Another 45 nm SOI CMOS prototype, a three-bit digital to mmWave PA array, utilizing the proposed linearizing architecture achieves 23.3 dBm of saturated output power at 42.5 GHz, PAE -6dB /PAE peak = 67.7% as well as excellent linearity (DNL 0.5 LSB} and INL 1 LSB using end-point fit).
Theory and applications of adaptive second order IIR Volterra filters

An adaptive nonlinear filter based on a second order Volterra series and on an IIR filter structure is presented. This filter is able to model higher than second order nonlinearities for systems where the nonlinearities are harmonically related. This solution represents an alternative to using higher than second order Volterra filters. We present a full derivation of this gradient search based adaptive nonlinear filter and also highlight the various assumptions and simplifications which require to be made in order to produce a practical algorithm. A comparison is made in terms of the performance and computational complexity between an adaptive second order IIR Volterra filter and an adaptive second and third order Volterra filters.
The effect of home-use and in-office bleaching treatments combined with experimental desensitizing agents on enamel and dentin

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the effect of formulations containing Biosilicate to treat enamel and dentin bovine samples exposed to dental bleaching agents. Materials and Methods: On enamel and dentin bleached with commercial gels containing 16% carbamide peroxide (CP) (14 days/4 h) or 35% hydrogen peroxide (single session/45 min), desensitizing dentifrices (Sensodyne ® ; experimental dentifrice of Biosilicate ® ; Odontis RX ® ; Sorriso ® ) were applied along 14 days and desensitizing pastes (Biosilicate ® /water 1:1; Dessensebilize NanoP ® ; Bioglass type 45S5/water 1:1) were applied on days 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14. Distilled water was the control. Microhardness (MH) and roughness measurements were the variables measured on the samples before and after the treatments. Student′s t-test analyzed differences before and after the treatments. Two-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey test analyzed differences among the factors desensitizing, bleaching agents and substrate. Results: Tukey test showed no differences in roughness for both bleaching treatments and among the desensitizing agents (P > 0.05). Differences in MH appeared on enamel treated with in-home bleaching when control group (lower values) was compared with Sensodyne, Biosilicate dentifrice, Biosilicate paste, and Bioglass paste (higher values). Comparisons between desensitizing agents on dentin treated with both bleaching gels showed no statistical differences. Conclusions: The effect of formulations containing Biosilicate (Biosilicate dentifrice and paste) was significant in the MH of enamel bleached with 16% CP.
The random fuse network as a model of rupture in a disordered medium

The rupture problem in a disordered system is investigated through numerical simulations and experiments in a discrete fusewire network. Statistical results on the current distribution and the maximum current as a function of the density of defects in the network are compared with theoretical interpretations. Specific defect interactions (enhancement and screening effects) are emphasized. We discuss the analogies for the rupture problem between resistor networks and mechanical systems Simulations numeriques et resultats experimentaux obtenus sur un reseau discret de fusibles pour illustrer le probleme de la rupture d'un systeme desordonne sous contrainte. Comparaison de la distribution des courants et du courant maximal en fonction de la densite des defauts du reseau avec les estimations theoriques
Laboratory Evaluation of FR10024, a New Cephalosporin Derivative

FR10024 is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. The in vitro antibacterial activity of FR10024 against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis is greater than that of any of the cephalosporins developed to date. Indole-positive Proteus, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter are resistant to FR10024, as is true for the other cephalosporins. However, more than half of the strains of Enterobacter and Citrobacter tested were susceptible to FR10024 at an inoculum of 106 cells/ml. A single subcutaneous injection of FR10024 to mice with peritoneal infections due to S. aureus and several species of gram-negative bacilli gave a protective effect inferior to that of cefazolin but appeared to be superior to that of cephalothin. When given in two divided doses, however, the protective effect of FR10024 was enhanced and almost equaled that of cefazolin. The serum levels and rates of urinary recovery of FR10024 varied in different animal species. The mean peak serum level of FR10024 in humans after a single intramuscular injection of 500 mg was two times higher than that of cephalothin. The serum half-life after intramuscular injections of 250 and 500 mg was slightly shorter than that of cephalothin. After receiving 250 mg of FR10024 intramuscularly the urinary recovery rate was 87.7% in healthy volunteers. The biliary excretion rate of FR10024 was particularly high. The 24-h excretion of FR10024 in rats was 63.3%, this being six to seven times higher than that for cefazolin, which has the highest biliary excretion of the other known cephalosporins. When FR10024 was injected intramuscularly (20 mg/kg), it was found that the hepatic levels of FR10024 in rats were the highest of all the cephalosporins, including cefazolin, but the levels of FR10024 in other tissues were not as high as those of cefazolin.
Structural Insights into Serine-rich Fimbriae from Gram-positive Bacteria

The serine-rich repeat family of fimbriae play important roles in the pathogenesis of streptococci and staphylococci. Despite recent attention, their finer structural details and precise adhesion mechanisms have yet to be determined. Fap1 (Fimbriae-associated protein 1) is the major structural subunit of serine-rich repeat fimbriae from Streptococcus parasanguinis and plays an essential role in fimbrial biogenesis, adhesion, and the early stages of dental plaque formation. Combining multidisciplinary, high resolution structural studies with biological assays, we provide new structural insight into adhesion by Fap1. We propose a model in which the serine-rich repeats of Fap1 subunits form an extended structure that projects the N-terminal globular domains away from the bacterial surface for adhesion to the salivary pellicle. We also uncover a novel pH-dependent conformational change that modulates adhesion and likely plays a role in survival in acidic environments.
Correlation Analysis of Potential Factors Influencing Graft Maturity After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: Postoperatively, signal changes of the reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images commonly occurs, which may be a cause for concern. The signal intensity changes are usually expressed by signal/noise quotient (SNQ) value, representing graft maturity. To date, little is known about the factors influencing the SNQ value of the reconstructed ACL graft. Purpose: To evaluate ACL graft SNQ value and associated factors after ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Male patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using autograft or allograft tendon from September 2004 to September 2011 were randomly invited to take part in this investigation, including functional scores, physical examination, and MRI scan. The femoral side graft was fixed with Endobutton CL or Rigidfix pins, and the tibial side graft was fixed with a bio-intrafix. SNQ values of each graft were measured on MRI to represent graft maturity. Sagittal ACL angle, ACL–Blumensaat line angle, and medial and lateral posterior tibial slope (PTS) were measured using MRI 3-dimensional dual-echo steady-state images. Potential risk factors, including age, body mass index, postoperative time, Tegner activity scale (TAS), sagittal ACL angle, ACL–Blumensaat line angle, medial PTS, lateral PTS, and primary graft diameter, were tested for their association with the graft SNQ value by multivariate stepwise regression analysis. Results: A total of 104 male subjects (mean follow-up, 30.7 months) were examined, including 62 allograft and 42 autograft reconstructions. There was a significant association between graft SNQ and postoperative time (r = −0.431, P < .001), TAS (r = 0.295, P = .002), and ACL–Blumensaat line angle (r = −0.304, P = .002). Univariate regression analysis showed that TAS (β = 6.15, P < .001) positively correlated, postoperative time (β = −0.26, P < .001) negatively correlated, and ACL–Blumensaat line angle (β = −0.40, P = .038) negatively correlated with graft SNQ. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that TAS, postoperative time, ACL–Blumensaat line angle, and age were significant independent factors associated with graft SNQ. Conclusion: The graft SNQ value had a significant positive correlation with physical activity level and a significant negative correlation with postoperative time in this study. Males with a shorter postoperative time and a higher physical activity level had higher graft signal intensity postoperatively.
The Influence of Different Sitting Positions on Cervical and Lumbar Posture

Study Design. This study used a repeated measures design to assess the effects of multiple sitting postures on various spinal angles. All subjects were tested in slouched, erect, forward inclined, and comfortable postures. Objectives. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the changes in head, cervical, lumbar, and pelvic postures in different sitting positions and also to determine if there is a relation between lumbar posture and cervical posture during sitting. Summary of Background Data. Clinicians commonly assert that head and neck position is strongly influenced by lumbar and pelvic position. A biomechanical model was developed that allowed detailed, quantitative description of head, neck, lumbar, and pelvic postures. This model enabled a distinction to be made between upper and lower cervical motions. Methods. Various spinal angles were measured in 30 healthy subjects in four sitting positions using a three‐dimensional digitizing system. Reliability of the measurement procedure was determined using an intraclass correlation coefficient and the values for most angles was above 0.8. Results. With the exception of head orientation, analysis of variance revealed significant differences in spinal angles between different sitting positions. Head orientation appeared to be maintained by compensatory adjustments in both the upper and lower cervical spine and changes in lumbar posture were associated with compensatory changes in overall cervical position. As the lumbar spine moved toward extension, the cervical spine flexed and as the lumbar spine flexed the cervical spine extended. However, there was variation among subjects as to whether cervical spine adjustments occurred primarily in the upper or lower cervical region. Conclusions. Different sitting postures clearly resulted in changes in cervical spine position. Lumbar and pelvic position should be considered when control of cervical posture is desired.
Dendrites of cat's spinal motoneurones: relationship between stem diameter and predicted input conductance.

1. The electroanatomy of motoneuronal dendrites was analysed using data from fifty‐two dendritic trees of four completely reconstructed cat spinal motoneurones that had been labelled with intracellularly injected horseradish peroxidase. The cells belonged to m. triceps surae, and their physiological properties covered much of the known range for this muscle. 2. For each dendritic tree, the input conductance, as seen from the soma, was calculated by the method of Rall (1959), using anatomical measurements of the length and diameter of all branches and different assumed values for dendritic membrane resistivity. 3. There was a strong positive correlation between dendritic stem diameter and the calculated dendritic input conductance. Dendritic input conductance was approximately equal to a constant x (stem diameter)3/2 x (dendritic membrane resistivity)‐0.76. 4. The relationship between dendritic stem diameter and computed input conductance was equal to that of Rall's equivalent‐cylinder model of a dendritic tree. However, from a number of other points of view, the properties of the reconstructed dendrites differed from those of the model: (a) at branch points, the sum sigma(daughter diameters 3/2) was, on average, 19% greater than the 3/2 power of the parent diameter; (b) dendritic branches often showed a significant amount of tapering, and the mean overall degree of diameter decrease per branch was about 12%; (c) the termination of dendritic branches occurred at widely different distances from the soma within single dendritic trees (true for anatomical as well as for computed electrotonic distances). 5. When used in conjunction with previously published measurements of motoneuronal input resistance and proximal anatomy (Kernell & Zwaagstra, 1981), the present results gave further support to the conclusion that differences in membrane resistivity are of great importance for differences in motoneuronal input resistance. Furthermore, this conclusion was also confirmed by direct observation of the properties of the present four motoneurones: irrespective of the assumed ratio between somatic and dendritic membrane resistivity, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the measured neuronal input resistance and the required membrane resistivity of soma and dendrites.
Sorghum yield and water use under Phosphorus fertilization applications in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria

Low soil fertility and water shortage are major constraints to food production and food security in semi-arid environments. Field experiments were conducted during two growing seasons (2014 and 2015) in two locations in Sudan savanna zone of Nigeria. The studyexaminedthe effects of Phosphorus (P) applications oncrop evapotranspiration (ETc) water use efficiency (WUE)and agronomy phosphorus use efficiency (APUE)and sorghum productivity. The experiments were arranged in split plot design with five (5) P-fertilizerlevels(0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg P205ha-1) as the main plot and threevarieties (CSR01, ICSV400 and local) as sub-plot in four replications.Results showed significant differences (P<0.05) amongthe P levels and sorghum varieties for grain yield in both locations and seasons. P increased grain yield by 19-39% over control treatment.The highest mean yield of 3156 kg ha-1 at Minjibir and 2929 kg ha-1 at BUK indicate optimum yield was recorded at the 45 kgP205ha-1 application rate and significantly higher than P rates at 0, 15 and 30kgha-1 respectively.Grain yield WUE washighly significantamongP-fertilizer levels and varieties, however, no significant differences between P-fertilizer rates for biomass WUE.P-application increased grain WUE of sorghum by 20-39%, the ICSV400 estimated the mean highest value of 9.3 and 8.6 kg ha-1mm-1 over CSR-01 and local at both locations.The study observed that the application of P could be an effective fertilization strategy to enhance sorghum yield and water use in low-rainfall cropping system and drought prone environment.
Using ghost lineages to identify diversification events in the fossil record

Observed rises in taxic diversity could reflect bias of the fossil record or a genuine diversification. Here we outline a new method that attempts to differentiate between these two possible explanations. The method is based on the calculations of average ghost lineage duration through successive intervals of time. Biases due to variation in preservational conditions affect taxa independently from their position in the tree of life. A genuine radiation event will affect some parts of the tree of life more than others. During periods of rapid diversification, there will be a high proportion of new taxa showing short ghost lineages and therefore the average ghost lineage duration will drop as diversity rises, allowing us to distinguish such events from preservational bias during which ghost lineage duration remains unchanged. We test the method on Aptian–Maastrichtian (Cretaceous) ray-finned fish diversity. The result shows that a peak of diversity in the Cenomanian is associated with a drop in average ghost lineage duration, indicating that a genuine biological radiation occurred at that time.
Optimal cut-off value for cardiac troponin I in ruling out Type 5 myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES The clinical classification of myocardial infarction (MI) into five types was introduced in 2007 as a component of the universal definition. A Type 5 MI was defined as a MI related to coronary artery bypass surgery. In a setting of patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting, we set out (i) to describe the pattern of multiple serial cardiac troponin I (cTnI) measurements within 72 h postoperatively and (ii) to determine the optimal cardiac troponin I cut-off value in ruling in or ruling out a Type 5 MI. METHODS In 2011-2012, patients with two- and three-vessel disease scheduled for elective on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were considered. Samples for cTnI were drawn before and 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery. Analysis for cardiac troponin I was performed by use of the Abbott Architect c16000 system with an upper reference limit (URL) of 30 ng/l. The diagnosis of a Type 5 MI was prospectively made by a consultant cardiologist and was based on clinical, electrocardiographic and imaging data together with routine sampling and measurements of cTnI, but without knowledge of the results of serial study cTnI measurements. RESULTS Of the 141 eligible patients, 99 (70%) qualified for final enrollment. In 8 patients (8%), the clinical diagnosis of a Type 5 MI was made. Patients without Type 5 MI (n = 91) had a median cTnI peak value of 7675 ng/l compared with 20 500 ng/l in Type 5 MI patients (P = 0.01). By use of receiver operating characteristic curves, optimal cut-off values for identifying Type 5 MI were defined as 7970 ng/l (corresponding to 266 times the URL) 12 h postoperatively and 9950 ng/l (corresponding to 331 times the URL) 24 h postoperatively. These cut-off values resulted in negative predictive values of 0.99 (12 h) and 0.99 (24 h). Positive predictive values were 0.23 (12 h) and 0.35 (24 h). CONCLUSIONS In clinically stable patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting, measurements of cTnI are useful in ruling out a Type 5 MI.
Proceedings of the 2001 Winter Simulation Conference

This paper describes a process, implemented using two simulation engines that adopt, respectively, the event scheduling paradigm and the activity scanning paradigm. The process being modeled is design development in an unpredictable environment. Unpredictability means that criteria are prone to change during design, thereby interrupting ongoing work and causing design iteration. Probability density curves, input to the simulation, capture uncertainties regarding design criteria during the development of R&D semiconductor fabrication facilities. The simulation of process changes calls for preempting tasks or events, and scheduling new tasks or events. The implementations in alternative modeling paradigms illustrates the use of a top-down vs. a bottom-up approach in process modeling. The two engines that were used, SIGMA and STROBOSCOPE, both are programmable so that the model could be implemented without difficulty in either one.
Unfolded protein stress in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria: a role in neurodegeneration

Protein-folding occurs in several intracellular locations including the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. In normal conditions there is a balance between the levels of unfolded proteins and protein folding machinery. Disruption of homeostasis and an accumulation of unfolded proteins trigger stress responses, or unfolded protein responses (UPR), in these organelles. These pathways signal to increase the folding capacity, inhibit protein import or expression, increase protein degradation, and potentially trigger cell death. Many aging-related neurodegenerative diseases involve the accumulation of misfolded proteins in both the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The exact participation of the UPRs in the onset of neurodegeneration is unclear, but there is significant evidence for the alteration of these pathways in the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. Here we will discuss the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress and the possible contributions of the UPR in these organelles to the development of two neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).