Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Composition of Plasma and Atheromatous Plaque among Coronary Artery Disease Subjects Consuming Coconut Oil or Sunflower Oil as the Cooking Medium

Objectives: Coconut oil, which is rich in medium-chain saturated fatty acids, is the principal cooking medium of the people of Kerala, India. Replacement of saturated fat with polyunsaturated fat is effective in reducing serum cholesterol levels. However, the effect of substituting coconut oil with sunflower oil on the fatty acid composition of plaque has not been thoroughly investigated. We therefore evaluated and compared the fatty acid composition of plasma and plaque among subjects consuming coconut oil or sunflower oil as the cooking medium. Methods: Endarterectomy samples and plasma samples were obtained from subjects who underwent coronary artery bypass grafts (n = 71). The subjects were grouped based on the type of oil they were using as their cooking medium (coconut oil or sunflower oil). The fatty acid composition in the plaques and the plasma was determined by HPLC and the data were analyzed statistically. Results: Sunflower oil consumers had elevated concentrations of linoleic acid (p = 0.001) in plasma, while coconut oil users had higher myristic acid levels (p = 0.011) in plasma. Medium-chain fatty acids did not differ significantly between the two groups in the plasma. Medium-chain fatty acids were detected in the plaques in both groups of subjects. In contrast to previous reports, long-chain saturated fatty acids dominated the lipid content of plaque in this population, and the fatty acid composition of plaque was not significantly different between the two groups. No correlation between fatty acids of plasma and plaque was observed in either group. Conclusion: A change in cooking medium, although it altered the plasma fatty acid composition, was not reflected in the plaque composition.
Lysozyme synthesis by established human and murine histiocytic lymphoma cell lines

A human cell line established in culture from a histiocytic lymphoma patient synthesizes and secretes the monocyte-granulocyte specific enzyme lysozyme. 18 other human cell lines with characteristics of T- lymphocyte, B-lymphocyte, Burkitt's lymphoma, non-Burkitt's lymphoma, myeloma, and bone marrow epithelial cells were not associated with lysozyme. Among murine cell lines, lysozyme was produced by (a) three histiocytic lymphoma or macrophage lines, which mediate antibody- dependent phagocytosis and cytolysis; (b) myelomonocytic leukemia line which also secretes myeloid colony-stimulating factor; and (c) a spontaneous lymphoma and an Abelson leukemia virus-induced lymphoma. Lysozyme-negative lines include another Abelson lymphoma, myelomas, T lymphomas, and mastocytoma.
Stability of Monosymmetric Beams and Cantilevers

There is a shortage of information on the elastic flexural-torsional buckling of monosymmetric cantilevers, while some differences of opinion exist on the effects of monosymmetry. The buckling of beams and cantilevers is studied in this paper, and theoretical critical loads are tabulated for a wide range of sections. The loadings considered include central concentrated loads on beams, end concentrated loads on cantilevers, and uniformly distributed loads, and these are applied at various distances above or below the shear center axis. It is shown that while the effects of monosymmetry and of height of the point of application of the load above the shear center on the critical loads of simply supported beams are additive, the reverse is true for cantilevers. The differences of opinion as to the effects of monosymmetry are resolved by an experimental investigation, the results of which support the most common expression for the monosymemtry section property.
Anonymous routing protocols: Impact on performance in MANETs

Eavesdropping is an important threat in the context of mobile ad-hoc networks due to the use of open air as the transmission medium. As a consequence, some works trying to prevent this threat have been proposed. Some of these proposals focus on the use of anonymous routing protocols. In this paper we analyze two of the most popular: ANODR and MASK. We evaluate their performance through simulation in terms of throughput and routing overhead in order to measure the cost of providing anonymity. Simulation results show that these anonymous routing protocols reduce performance to inefficient levels.
Gemcitabine in the Second-Line Therapy of Patients with Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site: A Phase II Trial of the Minnie Pearl Cancer Research Network

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activity ofsingle-agent gemcitabine in previously treated patients with carcinoma ofunknown primary site. Between January 1997 and October 1998, 39 patients wereenrolled in this multicenter Phase II trial performed in the Minnie PearlCancer Research Network. Twenty-seven patients (69%) had adenocarcinoma orpoorly differentiated adenocarcinoma; 35 patients (90%) had previously receivedtreatment with chemotherapy regimens containing both a platinum agent anda taxane. Only 21% of patients had ever responded to previous therapy. Gemcitabine1000 mg/m2 was administered intravenously on days1, 8, and 15 of each 28-day course. Three of 36 evaluable patients (8%) hadpartial responses, and 9 patients (25%) had minor responses or stable diseasewith improved symptoms. The median time to progression for patients with partialresponses or stable disease/improved symptoms was 5 months. Treatment waswell tolerated, with uncommon grade 3 or 4 toxicity. Gemcitabine produceda low objective response rate in this refractory patient population, althoughapproximately one-third of patients experienced symptomatic improvement. Treatmentwith gemcitabine was well tolerated. Because gemcitabine has activity againsta variety of adenocarcinomas, further evaluation of this agent as part offirst-line therapy for patients with carcinoma of unknown primary site isappropriate.
Abstract—this Paper Presents Investigations into the Development of Input Shaping with Optimal State Feedback for Trajectory Tracking and Vibration Control of a Flexible Joint Manipulator. a Single-link Flexible Joint Manipulator Is

considered and the dynamic model of the system is derived using the Euler-Lagrange formulation. To study the effectiveness of the controllers, a linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) controller is developed for tip angular position control of a flexible joint manipulator. This is then extended to incorporate input shaper control schemes for vibration reduction of the flexible joint system. The positive zero-vibration-derivative-derivative (ZVDD) and new modified specified negative amplitude zero-vibration-derivative-derivative (SNA-ZVDD) input shapers are then designed based on the properties of the system for vibration control. The new SNA-ZVDD is proposed to improve the robustness capability while increasing the speed of the system response. Simulation results of the response of the flexible joint manipulator with the controllers are presented in time and frequency domains. The performances of the LQR with input shaping control schemes are examined in terms of input tracking capability, level of vibration reduction, robustness and time response specifications. A comparative assessment of the positive ZVDD and modified SNA-ZVDD shapers to the hybrid system performance is presented and discussed.
Cortical Potential Imaging of Movement-Related Potentials using Parametric Wiener Filter in Realistic-Shaped Head Model

Suitable spatial filters were explored for inverse estimation of cortical potential imaging from the scalp electroencephalogram. The effects of incorporating signal and noise covariance into inverse procedures were examined by computer simulations and experimental study. The parametric Wiener filter (PWF) was applied to an inhomogeneous three-sphere head model under various signal and noise conditions. We also examined estimation methods for the signal covariance in PWF. The present simulation results suggest that the PWF with modified matrix transformation method has better performance. The proposed methods were applied to self-paced movement-related potentials In order to identify the anatomic substrate locations of neural generators in realistic head model. The proposed methods demonstrated that the contralateral premotor cortex was preponderantly activated In relation to movement performance
Estimation of Carotenoid Contents of Selected Mediterranean Legumes by HPLC

Vegetables, fruits and legumes are important foods for humans and their consumption maintain health and may reduce the risk of diseases. Carotenoids and provitamins A are considered important for human health. Four legumes (faba bean, chickpea, lentil and dry beans) were analyzed for their carotenoid composition and content by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Neoxanthin and violaxanthin were found in all samples except dry beans. Lutein was present in all the legumes studied. With the exception of faba bean for Zeaxanthin, both Zeaxanthin and -Carotene were found in all samples. Faba bean, chickpea, lentil and dry beans contained appreciable amounts of -carotene ( 0.089, 0.077, 0.157 and 0.039 µg g , respectively). Lentil 1 had the highest concentration of lutein (7.348 µg g ). In conclusion, the results revealed from this study agree 1
Antagonistic Effects of Rnd1 and RhoD GTPases Regulate Receptor Activity in Semaphorin 3A-Induced Cytoskeletal Collapse

The semaphorins are a large protein family that is involved in the patterning of neuronal connections in the developing nervous system of both vertebrates and invertebrates. The chemorepulsive axon guidance signal Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) induces the depolymerization of actin filaments and the collapse of sensory growth cones by activating a receptor complex that contains a plexin as the signal-transducing subunit. Here we show that, of a large number of GTPases tested, only Rnd1 and RhoD bind the cytoplasmic domain of Plexin-A1. Recruitment of active Rnd1 is sufficient to trigger signaling by Plexin-A1, even in the absence of Sema3A, and initiates cytoskeletal collapse by activating its cytoplasmic domain. RhoD, in contrast, blocks Plexin-A1 activation by Rnd1 and repulsion of sympathetic axons by Sema3A. Thus, the antagonism of two GTPases regulates the activity of the Sema3A receptor, and activation by Rnd1 appears to be an essential step in signaling by Plexin-A1.
Modeling high-frequency noise in SiGe HBTs using delayed minority charge

Based on delayed minority charge high frequency correlated noise in silicon germanium heterojunction bipolar transistor is modeled. Following system theory, the formulated model equations are accurately implemented in Verilog-A using four extra nodes. Results show excellent agreement with numerically simulated data. Simplified model versions are also implemented and tested. Relation between high-frequency correlated noise and non-quasi-static effect is identified through delayed minority charge.
Revista6Vol89ingles_Layout 1

The selection of instruments that will be used to collect data is a crucial step in the research process. Validity and reliability of the collected data and, above all, their potential comparability with data from previous investigations must be prioritized during this phase. We present a decision tree, which is intended to guide the selection of the instruments employed in research projects. Studies conducted along these lines have greater potential to broaden the knowledge on the studied subject and contribute to addressing truly socially relevant needs.
PARTIAL PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AN AMINOPEPTIDASE FROM EIMERIA TENELLA

Our previous investigation demonstrated the expression in Eimeria tenella sporulated oocysts of an aminopeptidase (AP) with strong homology to AP N. To further understand the role of proteases during development, we investigated the molecular and biochemical properties of E. tenella AP. Greater than 95% AP activity was present in a soluble extract during sporulation of oocysts with highest activity in fully sporulated oocysts. The AP activity was inhibited by the AP inhibitors bestatin and 1,6-phenanthroline, but not by serine protease inhibitors. The AP had specificity for synthetic endopeptidase substrates that contain arginine, alanine, or glycine at the N terminus. Partial purification of the enzyme yielded a major protein band with an Mr of about 106 kDa and an isoelectric point (Ip) of 5.1. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction indicated that the gene for AP is expressed during sporulation, but expression is absent or greatly reduced in the sporozoites and merozoites. On the basis of the deduced gene structure, the predicted Mr is 110 kDa with a pI of 5.59. Database search indicates that the E. tenella AP shares significant homology with the AP from Apicomplexan taxa: Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Cryptosporidium hominis. Together, these results confirm the presence of a cytosolic AP related to AP N, which is expressed and active during sporulation of E. tenella oocysts.
Lack of detection of negative-strand hepatitis C virus RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and other extrahepatic tissues by the highly strand-specific rTth reverse transcriptase PCR

To further explore the controversial potential for extrahepatic replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV), the highly strand-specific rTth method of reverse transcriptase PCR was used to examine sera, liver, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and other extrahepatic tissues from HCV-infected chimpanzees and humans. Positive-strand HCV RNA was present in the liver at approximately 10-fold-higher levels than negative-strand HCV RNA. No negative-strand RNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or other extrahepatic tissues despite the presence of abundant positive-strand RNA. These data demonstrate that within the limits of sensitivity of this highly strand-specific reverse transcriptase PCR method, no extrahepatic replication of HCV was detected.
Family planning in sub-Saharan Africa: progress or stagnation?

OBJECTIVE To review progress towards adoption of contraception among married or cohabiting women in western and eastern Africa between 1991 and 2004 by examining subjective need, approval, access and use. METHODS Indicators of attitudes towards and use of contraception were derived from Demographic and Health Surveys, which are nationally representative and yield internationally comparable data. Trends were examined for 24 countries that had conducted at least two surveys between 1986 and 2007. FINDINGS In western Africa, the subjective need for contraception remained unchanged; about 46% of married or cohabiting women reported a desire to stop and/or postpone childbearing for at least two years. The percentage of women who approved of contraception rose from 32 to 39 and the percentage with access to contraceptive methods rose from 8 to 29. The proportion of women who were using a modern method when interviewed increased from 7 to 15% (equivalent to an average annual increase of 0.6 percentage points). In eastern African countries, trends were much more favourable, with contraceptive use showing an average annual increase of 1.4 percentage points (from 16% in 1986 to 33% in 2007). CONCLUSION In western Africa, progress towards adoption of contraception has been dismally slow. Attitudinal resistance remains a barrier and access to contraceptives, though improving, is still shockingly limited. If this situation does not change radically in the short run, the United Nations population projections for this subregion are likely to be exceeded. In eastern Africa, the prospects for a future decline in fertility are much more positive.
Activation of a cryptic crystal protein gene of Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies kurstaki by gene fusion and determination of the crystal protein insecticidal specificity

DNA hybridization with the insecticidal crystal protein gene cryIIA (formerly cryBI) of Bacillus thuringiensis supspecies kurstaki has shown that subspecies kurstaki contains a cryIIA‐related sequence in addition to the cryIIA gene (Donovan et al., 1988a). We have cloned the cryIIA‐related sequence and have determined that the sequence, which has been designated cryIIB, is 89% identical to the cryIIA gene. Recombinant B. thuringiensis cells harbouring the cloned cryIIB gene produced very little CryIIB protein. A high level of production of the CryIIB protein was achieved by fusing the regulatory region of the cryIIIA crystal protein gene to the cryIIB gene. The CryIIB protein was found to be highly toxic to Lymantria dispar, Heliothis virescens and Trichoplusia ni, and was not toxic to Aedes aegypti.
Policy Recommendations

The recommendations below are based on this book’s research findings and are subdivided into four categories. To start with, they will pinpoint the way ahead with regard to implementation issues of the arbitration award on the Croatian–Slovenian border. Implementation not only depends on the political will of both parties, but also on the ability to amend existing agreements in the Northern Adriatic involving Italy as a third party. Secondly, the recommendations touch on the area of strengthening dispute settlement processes, both in an EU context and with regard to reform of international arbitration. There are a few lessons to be learnt from the Croatia–Slovenia case which must be translated into a more robust dispute resolution infrastructure, both internally within the EU and in view of future arbitration procedures. Third, the recommendations address outstanding bilateral issues relevant to the EU enlargement process in the post-Yugoslav space. Proposals will be outlined as to how to tackle them to steer clear of the risk of Candidate Countries being vetoed by Member States. Lastly, EU accession negotiations must become more credible and predictable, including the operational level. Member States will need to become more responsive by implementing positive and negative rewards based on clear conditionality. Interviewees include Damir Arnaut, Jean Asselborn, Vladimir-Đuro Degan, Tanja Fajon, Dejan Jović, Tanja Miščević, and Aleksandra Tomanić.
Person authentication by voice: a need for caution

Because of recent events and as members of the scientific community working in the field of speech processing, we feel compelled to publicize our views concerning the possibility of identifying or authenticating a person from his or her voice. The need for a clear and common message was indeed shown by the diversity of information that has been circulating on this matter in the media and general public over the past year. In a press release initiated by the AFCP and further elaborated in collaboration with the SpLC ISCA-SIG, the two groups herein discuss and present a summary of the current state of scientific knowledge and technological development in the field of speaker recognition, in accessible wording for nonspecialists. Our main conclusion is that, despite the existence of technological solutions to some constrained applications, at the present time, there is no scientific process that enables one to uniquely characterize a person’s voice or to identify with absolute certainty an individual from his or her voice.
Basal Body Positioning Is Controlled by Flagellum Formation in Trypanosoma brucei

To perform their multiple functions, cilia and flagella are precisely positioned at the cell surface by mechanisms that remain poorly understood. The protist Trypanosoma brucei possesses a single flagellum that adheres to the cell body where a specific cytoskeletal structure is localised, the flagellum attachment zone (FAZ). Trypanosomes build a new flagellum whose distal tip is connected to the side of the old flagellum by a discrete structure, the flagella connector. During this process, the basal body of the new flagellum migrates towards the posterior end of the cell. We show that separate inhibition of flagellum assembly, base-to-tip motility or flagella connection leads to reduced basal body migration, demonstrating that the flagellum contributes to its own positioning. We propose a model where pressure applied by movements of the growing new flagellum on the flagella connector leads to a reacting force that in turn contributes to migration of the basal body at the proximal end of the flagellum.
Verifying Concurrent Data Structures Using Data-Expansion Technical Report

We present the first thread modular proof of a highly concurrent binary search tree. This proof tackles the problem of reasoning about complicated thread interferences using only thread modular invariants. The key tool in this proof is the Data-Expansion Lemma, a novel lemma that allows us to reason about search operations in any given state. We highlight the power of this lemma when combined with our generalized version of the classical Hindsight Lemma, which enables us to prove linearizability by reasoning about the temporal properties of the operations instead of reasoning about the linearizability points directly. The Data-Expansion Lemma provides an interesting solution to the proof blowup problem when reasoning about concurrent data structures by separating the verification of effectful and effectless operations. We show that our proof methodology is widely applicable to several published algorithms and argue that many advanced highly concurrent data structures can be surprisingly easy to verify using thread-modular arguments. ∗École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, tong.che@epfl.ch †École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, rachid.guerraoui@epfl.ch
Vaginal Delivery vs. Cesarean Section: A Focused Ethnographic Study of Women’s Perceptions in The North of Iran

Background: Cesarean section (C-section) in the North of Iran accounts for 70% of childbirths, which is higher than the national average of 55%. Understanding women’s perceptions towards modes of delivery in different cultures can pave the way for promoting programs and policies in support of vaginal delivery. We aimed to investigate women’s perceptions towards modes of delivery in the North of Iran. Methods: Using a focused ethnographic approach and purposive sampling, 12 pregnant women, 10 women with childbirth experience, nine non-pregnant women, seven midwives, and seven gynecologists were selected from hospitals, healthcare centers, and clinics of Tonekabon and Chaloos, Mazandaran, Iran, during 2012-2014. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observation. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis using MAXqda software. Results: Two major themes emerged from the data including: “vaginal delivery, a facilitator of women’s physical and mental health promotion”, and “C-section, a surgical intervention associated with decreased labor pain”. Six sub-themes subsumed within these major themes were: vaginal delivery as a safe mode of delivery, fullfilment of maternal instinct, a natural process with a pleasant ending, and C-section as a procedure associated with future complications, a surgical intervention and sometimes a life saving procedure, and a painless mode of delivery. Conclusion: In the North of Iran, women’s justified cultural beliefs overshadow their micsconceptions, so it is hopped that through implementing appropriate training programs for raising awarness and correcting miscomceptions, vaginal delivery could be promoted even in regions with high rates of cesarean section.