Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early Insulinization to Prevent Diabetes Progression

This article reviews data collected from clinical studies regarding the place of early insulin treatment in preservation of β-cell function in type 2 diabetic patients. It emphasizes the stepwise progression of the data, starting with small uncontrolled studies and progressing to larger-scale controlled studies. It summarizes current knowledge in the field, emphasizing the additional information gained from the Outcome Reduction with Initial Glargine Intervention (ORIGIN) trial (1). ### Effect of glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity on β-cells Glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity have long been recognized as having a deleterious effect on both β-cell function and insulin action (2–4). Glucolipotoxicity refers to the combined deleterious effects of elevated glucose and free fatty acids on β-cell mass and function (5). Significant progress has been made in recent years toward a better understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of glucolipotoxicity (5–7). Insulin protects the β-cell by inducing rapid reversal of glucolipotoxicity and β-cell rest (8,9). The rapid reversal of glucolipotoxicity by insulin therapy is one of the justifications for early insulin treatment (2–10). ### Treat to target or treat to failure? The importance of avoiding prolonged hyperglycemia in patients with short diabetes duration in order to minimize its negative effect on late microvascular and macrovascular complications has been established (11). Hence, present guidelines (12–16) recommend early initiation of life style changes with or without metformin and subsequent addition of 2nd- and 3rd-line therapy when previous treatments fail to achieve or maintain the goal. The goals in the treatment of hyperglycemia in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes are to achieve near-normal glucose control as early as possible in order to preserve β-cell function and maintain long-term normoglycemia. The capacity of antidiabetes medication to maintain prolonged glycemic control (glucose durability) is of great importance. In the ADOPT study, rosiglitazone (17) demonstrated the best “glucose durability” compared with sulfonylurea (SU) and metformin. …
The downregulation of growth-associated proteins in motoneurons at the onset of synapse elimination is controlled by muscle activity and IGF1

Axonal growth during development and regeneration coincides with the expression of growth-associated proteins (GAPs), including GAP-43 and tubulin-alpha 1. Following contact with the target region and synaptogenesis, GAPs are downregulated. However, high levels of GAP-43 are expressed in some neurons in the adult CNS, indicating that its function may not be restricted to axonal growth. To define the type of signals that regulate GAP levels during development, we have determined whether GAP downregulation coincides with a defined phase of synapse development and whether it is controlled by the postsynaptic target. Levels of GAP-43 mRNA in spinal motoneurons and protein at the neuromuscular junction were analyzed in the developing neuromuscular system of chick and rat. In both species, GAP-43 mRNA declined rapidly at a time corresponding to the onset of synapse elimination, and nerve terminal GAP-43 immunoreactivity became undetectable with a delay of 2- 3 d. In rat motoneurons, GAP-43 and tubulin-alpha 1 mRNA levels declined with a similar time course, indicating that at least two GAPs are downregulated at the same time. Blockade of neuromuscular transmission with either a pre- or a postsynaptically acting toxin prevented GAP downregulation, indicating that target activity affects GAP mRNA levels in motoneurons. Finally, counteracting the activity- dependent decline of muscle insulin-like growth factors during synapse elimination by local subcutaneous injections prevented motoneuron GAP downregulation, suggesting that these growth factors may be involved in the regulation of motoneuron GAPs by the muscle. These results demonstrate that motoneurons undergo target-sensitive changes in GAPs at the onset of synapse elimination. In addition, these results raise the possibility that termination of a presynaptic growth mode may be a prerequisite for synapse elimination.
Hybrid DWT-DCT algorithm for biomedical image and video compression applications

Digital image and video in their raw form require an enormous amount of storage capacity. Considering the important role played by digital imaging and video in medical and health science, it is necessary to develop a system that produces high degree of compression while preserving critical image/video information. In this paper, we present a hybrid algorithm that performs the discrete cosine transform on the discrete wavelet transform coefficients. Simulation has been carried out on several medical and endoscopic images and videos. The results show that the proposed hybrid algorithm performs much better in term of peak-signal-to-noise-ratio with a higher compression ratio compared to standalone DCT and DWT algorithms. The scheme is intended to be used as the image/video compressor engine in medical imaging and video applications, such as, telemedicine and wireless capsule endoscopy.
Relationship between Academic Stress, Family and Peer Attachment with Internet Addiction in Adolescents

Biological, psychological and social changes make adolescents at risk of various health problems in the community. The ease of internet access nowadays makes adolescent more vulnerable to internet addiction. In Indonesia, many studies examine the relationship between internal factors such as low self-esteem, loneliness and the type of personality with internet addiction. Further research is still needed that focuses on external factors such as academic stress, family and peer attachment. This study aimed to examine the relationship of academic stress, family and peer attachment with internet addiction in high school adolescents in Andir District, Bandung City. The study used a quantitative correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. The population was high school adolescents. A total sample of 367 adolescents was determined using the slovin formula with alpha Cronbach 0.05. Respondents were recruited using random cluster sampling. Data were analyzed using Rank Spearman and Logistic Regression. Statistical tests of academic stress variables showed, family and peer attachments were significantly related with internet addiction in adolescents (p = 0.000); family attachment variable was significantly related to internet addiction in adolescents (p = 0.000), and peer attachment was significantly related with internet addiction in adolescents (p = 0.000). Logistic regression tests showed the family attachment variable had a significant influence on internet addiction in high school adolescents. In conclusion, there are correlations between academic stress, family and peer attachment to internet addiction. The family attachment has the most significant influence with internet addiction in high school adolescents. It is essential for community mental health nurses to conduct health education to families related to the result of this study
A Hubble Space Telescope Census of Nuclear Star Clusters in Late-Type Spiral Galaxies. I. Observations and Image Analysis

We present new Hubble Space Telescope I-band images of a sample of 77 nearby late-type spiral galaxies with low inclination. The main purpose of this catalog is to study the frequency and properties of nuclear star clusters. In 59 galaxies of our sample, we have identified a distinct, compact (but resolved), and dominant source at or very close to the photocenter. In many cases, these clusters are the only prominent source within a few kiloparsecs from the galaxy nucleus. We present surface brightness profiles, derived from elliptical isophote fits, of all galaxies for which the fit was successful. We use the fitted isophotes at radii larger than 2″ to check whether the location of the cluster coincides with the photocenter of the galaxy and confirm that in nearly all cases, we are truly dealing with "nuclear" star clusters. From analytical fits to the surface brightness profiles, we derive the cluster luminosities after subtraction of the light contribution from the underlying galaxy disk and/or bulge.
Too good to be true: when overwhelming evidence fails to convince

Is it possible for a large sequence of measurements or observations, which support a hypothesis, to counterintuitively decrease our confidence? Can unanimous support be too good to be true? The assumption of independence is often made in good faith; however, rarely is consideration given to whether a systemic failure has occurred. Taking this into account can cause certainty in a hypothesis to decrease as the evidence for it becomes apparently stronger. We perform a probabilistic Bayesian analysis of this effect with examples based on (i) archaeological evidence, (ii) weighing of legal evidence and (iii) cryptographic primality testing. In this paper, we investigate the effects of small error rates in a set of measurements or observations. We find that even with very low systemic failure rates, high confidence is surprisingly difficult to achieve; in particular, we find that certain analyses of cryptographically important numerical tests are highly optimistic, underestimating their false-negative rate by as much as a factor of 280.
Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infections in male urethritis and its complications.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of M. hominis and U. urealyticum infections among men with urethritis and its complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS Material for analysis were urethral swabs and EPS. Mycoplasma IST 2 kit was applied to diagnose mycoplasmal infections. All patients were additionaly tested for C. trachomatis, C. albicans and T. vaginalis and Gram stain specimens were obtained to identify the presence of PMN. RESULTS U. urealyticum was detected in 57/390 (14.6%), and M. hominis in 4/390 (1%) men. Exclusive U. urealyticum infection was found in 45 (11.5%) men, and only 2 patients had exclusive M. hominis infection. U. urealyticum infection the most frequently coexisted with C. trachomatis--5 (8.8%), next with C. albicans--4 (7%) and M. hominis--2 (3.5%) infections. Mycoplasmal infections were the most frequently found in patients aged 30 to 39 (35.1%) diagnosed with epididymitis (29.2%). The most commonly reported symptom was dysuria. CONCLUSIONS U. urealyticum is the common pathogen among men with urethritis and its complications. The most common symptoms in U urealyticum patients were: dysuria, hypogastric pains and urethrorrhoea, however, clinical symptoms are not frequently observed.
Clothing Involvement Profiles of African-American Students for Marketing Strategies

Successful marketing strategies for clothing business are strongly dependent on understanding the way in which consumers become involved with clothing product before making a purchasing decision. This study revealed that African-American college students have higher mean scores of clothing involvement than the other ethnic consumers have, which is caused by the highly skewed distribution pattern of clothing involvement. 240 completed data were analyzed to explain such unique characteristics of African-American students’ consumption behavior using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). As a result, many of African-American college students think it is very important to choose clothing that makes them look good with the fit and style. In particular, the high-involvement groups tend to follow the latest fashion trends and dynamic clothing styles in order to create their better personal image with best-fitting clothing. Fashion magazine is one of the most important information sources to them because it usually deals with lots of the current fashion issues for young consumers compared to other information sources.
Farnesoid X Receptor Induces Murine Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I via Intron Binding

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor and a key regulator of liver cholesterol and triglyceride homeostasis. Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) is critical for reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) by transporting high-density lipoprotein (HDL) into liver. FXR induces SR-BI, however, the underlying molecular mechanism of this induction is not known. The current study confirmed induction of SR-BI mRNA by activated FXR in mouse livers, a human hepatoma cell line, and primary human hepatocytes. Genome-wide FXR binding analysis in mouse livers identified 4 putative FXR response elements in the form of inverse repeat separated by one nucleotide (IR1) at the first intron and 1 IR1 at the downstream of the mouse Sr-bi gene. ChIP-qPCR analysis revealed FXR binding to only the intronic IR1s, but not the downstream one. Luciferase assays and site-directed mutagenesis further showed that 3 out of 4 IR1s were able to activate gene transcription. A 16-week high-fat diet (HFD) feeding in mice increased hepatic Sr-bi gene expression in a FXR-dependent manner. In addition, FXR bound to the 3 bona fide IR1s in vivo, which was increased following HFD feeding. Serum total and HDL cholesterol levels were increased in FXR knockout mice fed the HFD, compared to wild-type mice. In conclusion, the Sr-bi/SR-BI gene is confirmed as a FXR target gene in both mice and humans, and at least in mice, induction of Sr-bi by FXR is via binding to intronic IR1s. This study suggests that FXR may serve as a promising molecular target for increasing reverse cholesterol transport.
Edge segmentation by Alternating Vector Field Convolution Snakes

Summary Active contours or snakes represent widely used methods in edge segmentation. Different, closed snake approaches have been proposed in the past but commonly lack of adequate capture ability and quality, noise robustness and convergence speed. In this paper a new closed approach namely “Alternating Vector Field Convolution (AVFC)” as well as a new force called “Yukawa Alternating Vector Field Convolution (YAVFC)” are proposed which minimize specific snake problems and enhance convergence speed. The comparison of both Gradient Vector Flow and Vector Field Convolution snakes with AVFC and YAVFC snakes determines the advantages of the new closed approaches.
Simultaneous Gate Sizing and Skew Scheduling to Statistical Yield Improvement

It has been shown that several process parameters encounter variation in the DSM era. Consequently, several techniques, such as statistical gate sizing and clock skew scheduling, have been proposed to enhance yield loss. In this work, we propose an integrated statistical framework for gate sizing and skew scheduling in order to minimize yield loss and area cost. While traditional separate methods lead to very sub-optimal solutions in some cases, this paper shows that by considering the two problems in one stage, less yield loss and smaller area is achievable Experiments demonstrate that on average 25% area cost reduction can be obtained by the unified combinational-sequential optimization compared to the conventional one.
Complicating Choice

A great deal of research in consumer decision making and social cognition has explored consumers’ attempts to simplify choices by bolstering their tentative choice candidate and/or denigrating the other alternatives. The current research investigates a diametrically opposed process, whereby consumers complicate their decisions. The authors demonstrate that to complicate their choices, consumers increase choice conflict by overweighting small disadvantages of superior alternatives, converging overall evaluations of alternatives, reversing preference ordering, and even choosing less preferred alternatives. Furthermore, the results from five studies support a unifying theoretical framework: the effort–compatibility principle. Specifically, the authors argue that consumers strive for compatibility between the effort they anticipate and the effort that they actually exert. When a decision seems more difficult than initially expected, a simplifying process ensues. However, when the decision seems easier to resolve than anticipated (e.g., when consumers face an important yet easy choice), consumers artificially increase their effort.
Surface lymphotoxin alpha/beta complex is required for the development of peripheral lymphoid organs

For more than a decade, the biological roles and the apparent redundancy of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and lymphotoxin (LT) have been debated. LT alpha exists in its soluble form as a homotrimer, which like TNF only binds the TNF receptors, TNF-R55 or TNF- R75. The cell surface form of LT exists as a heteromer of LT alpha and LT beta subunits and this complex specifically binds the LT beta receptor (LT beta-R). To discriminate the functions of the LT and TNF systems, soluble LT beta-R-immunoglobulin (Ig) or TNF-R-Ig fusion proteins were introduced into embryonic circulation by injecting pregnant mice. Exposure to LT beta-R-Ig during gestation disrupted lymph node development and splenic architecture in the progeny indicating that both effects are mediated by the surface LT alpha/beta complex. These data are the first to identify a cell surface ligand involved in immune organ morphogenesis. Moreover, they unambiguously discriminate the functions of the various TNF/LT ligands, provide a unique model to study compartmentalization of immune responses and illustrate the generic utility of receptor-Ig fusion proteins for dissecting/ordering ontogenetic events in the absence of genetic modifications.
Socially inspired data dissemination for vehicular ad hoc networks

People have routines and their mobility patterns vary during the day, which have a direct impact on vehicular mobility. Therefore, proto- cols and applications designed for Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks need to adapt to these routines in order to provide better services. With this issue in mind, in this work, we propose a data dissemination solution for these networks that considers the daily road traffic variation of large cities and the relationship among vehicles. The focus of our approach is to select the best vehicles to rebroadcast data messages according to social metrics, in particular, the clustering coefficient and the node degree. Moreover, our solution is designed in such a way that it is completely independent of the perceived road traffic density. Simulation results show that, when compared to related protocols, our proposal provides better delivery guarantees, reduces the network overhead and possesses an acceptable delay.
The Oxford companion to the body

OVER 1000 ENTRIES, FROM ADDICTION AND ADAM'S RIB TO WITCHCRAFT AND X-RAYS ALPHABETICALLY ARRRANGED ENTRIES WITH FULL CROSS-REFERENCING, COMPREHENSIVE INDEXING, AND SUGGESTED FURTHER READING
Facility optimization to improve activation rate distributions during IVNAA

Currently, determination of body composition is the most useful method for distinguishing between certain diseases. The prompt-gamma in vivo neutron activation analysis (IVNAA) facility for non-destructive elemental analysis of the human body is the gold standard method for this type of analysis. In order to obtain accurate measurements using the IVNAA system, the activation probability in the body must be uniform. This can be difficult to achieve, as body shape and body composition affect the rate of activation. The aim of this study was to determine the optimum pre-moderator, in terms of material for attaining uniform activation probability with a CV value of about 10% and changing the collimator role to increase activation rate within the body. Such uniformity was obtained with a high thickness of paraffin pre-moderator, however, because of increasing secondary photon flux received by the detectors it was not an appropriate choice. Our final calculations indicated that using two paraffin slabs with a thickness of 3 cm as a pre-moderator, in the presence of 2 cm Bi on the collimator, achieves a satisfactory distribution of activation rate in the body.
The Relationship between Religious Attitude and Domestic Violence against Women of Reproductive Age

Background & aim: Domestic violence is a socio-cultural problem. According to the literature, it has been concluded that various economic, educational, and professional issues have an impact on the severity of the violence against women. The question is whether religious tendencies can correlate with the severity and duration of violence. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between religious attitudes and domestic violence against women. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 210 women of reproductive age in Shiraz urban health centers during 2014 to 2015, who included in the study through multistage sampling. To collect data the Religious Attitude Scale developed by Khodayari-Fard as well as a self-structured questionnaire about the type and duration of violence were used in. The data were analyzed using chi-square test. Results: Based on the results of the present study it was revealed that 62.9% (n=132), 35.2% (n=74), and 1.9% (n=4) of the participants had different levels of moderate, high, and low levels of religious attitudes, respectively. Also, 38.1% (n=80) of the subjects underwent one of the different types of violence and 61.9% (n=130) of them experienced no violence. A significant relationship was seen between religious attitudes with the type (P=0.004) and duration of violence (P=0.019). Conclusion: Religious attitude had a significant relationship with the type and duration of domestic violence against women. It is recommended that future studies be conducted regarding other cultural context and different religions
Isolation, Characterization, Kinetics, and Enzymatic and Nonenzymatic Microbicidal Activities of a Novel c-Type Lysozyme from Plasma of Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

A protein, designated as Sgl, showing a muramidase lytic activity to the cell wall of the Gram-positive bacterium Micrococcus lysodeikticus was isolated for the first time from plasma of Escherichia coli-immunized fifth instar Schistocerca gregaria. The isolated Sgl was detected as a single protein band, on both native- and SDS-PAGE, has a molecular weight of ∼15.7 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of ca 9.3 and its antiserum has specifically recognized its isolated form. Fifty-nine percentage of Sgl lytic activity was recovered in the isolated fractions and yielded ca 126-fold increase in specific activity than that of the crude. The partial N-terminal amino acid sequence of the Sgl has 55 and 40% maximum identity with Bombyx mori and Gallus gallus c-type lysozymes, respectively. The antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive and the Gram-negative bacteria were comparatively stronger than that of the hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL). The detected Sgl poration to the inner membrane that reach a maximum ability after 3 h was suggested to operate as a nonenzymatic mechanism for Gram-negative bacterial cell lysis, as tested in a permease-deficient E. coli, ML-35 strain. Sgl showed a maximal muramidase activity at pH 6.2, 30–50°C, and 0.05 M Ca2+ or Mg2+; and has a Km of 0.5 μg/ml and a Vmax of 0.518 with M. lysodeikticus as a substrate. The Sgl displayed a chitinase activity against chitin with a Km of 0.93 mg/ml and a Vmax of 1.63.