Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of an Oral Ghrelin Mimetic on Body Composition and Clinical Outcomes in Healthy Older Adults

What is the problem and what is known about it so far? People who are fortunate enough to avoid serious illness usually decline as they reach advanced age. One wordfrailtysums up this decline. One of the characteristic features of frailty is loss of soft tissue, both fat and muscle. Loss of muscle leads to loss of mobility and balance and, ultimately, loss of independence. The cause of frailty is not yet known, but many factors are probably at work. Among the possible causes is reduced levels of growth hormone in the body. Growth hormone is a protein hormone, secreted by the pituitary gland throughout the day, that stimulates increased muscle mass, decreases fat mass, and affects bone and cartilage. Growth hormone levels are highest during puberty and decline gradually over a lifetime. Giving growth hormone to healthy older adults as an injection increases muscle and decreases fat but does not seem to affect strength; doing so also does not mimic normal growth hormone release patterns. Why did the researchers do this particular study? These investigators tested an experimental oral drug (MK-677) that stimulates normal release of growth hormone to see its effects on fat and muscle, various other body systems, and function. Who was studied? 65 healthy men and women ranging from 60 to 81 years of age. How was the study done? The authors assigned the participants to receive MK-677 or a placebo for 1 year. After 1 year, the volunteers who received placebo started taking MK-677. Those who received MK-677 during the first year were randomly assigned to continue receiving it or to receive placebo instead. What did the researchers find? The new drug increased growth hormone levels to those of healthy young adults. Moreover, the pituitary gland released growth hormone in the normal pulsatile pattern throughout the day. Compared with placebo, MK-677 had several effects. Body weight increased, as did fat-free mass (most of which is muscle), water inside cells, and fat on the arms and legs. Also, the body's sensitivity to insulin decreased, and blood sugar increased. Neither MK-677 nor placebo had an effect on thigh muscle area, muscle strength, or function. The effects of MK-677 were sustained in those who received it for 24 months and went away when people stopped receiving the drug in the second year. Participants who were switched from placebo to MK-677 during the second year had the same effects as those who started the drug in the first year. What are the limitations of the study? The number of participants in the study was too small to evaluate the safety of MK-677 or to be sure of some results. The study did not last long enough to evaluate the long-term effects of increasing growth hormone secretion. What are the implications of the study? This study is an early step in the process of seeing whether stimulating growth hormone secretion helps to overcome the effects of aging on muscle. Much more research is needed to see whether older people will benefit from stimulating their body's ability to secrete growth hormone.
Gauss-Markov Load Model for Application in Risk Evaluation and Production Simulation

Load uncertainty contributes to system operational risk; thus the study of system operating reserve or unit commitment risk requires a load model that includes the uncertainty in load as well as the variation with time. The authors propose a Gauss-Markov load model. This random process model includes both the time variation and the uncertainty in load. This load model is used to predict, conditional on what is known at a previous hour, the mean and the variance of the system hourly load. This mean and variance are required for a system operating reserve study and a broad spectrum of production simulations. The proposed load model is described, the model is justified, and the model is illustrated via an example. >
Diastasis Recti and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An association between abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and abdominal wall hernia has been suggested, possibly reflecting a common collagen disorder. The same mechanism may also cause a greater frequency of diastasis recti among patients at risk of developing AAA. Diastasis recti could be used to identify patients at risk of AAA, with implications for AAA screening. The aim of this study was to determine whether an association between diastasis recti and AAA could be demonstrated. The preoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans of 75 male patients undergoing elective AAA repair were retrospectively examined and linea alba width recorded at supraumbilical and subumbilical levels. Measurements were compared with controls frequency matched for age. Fifty patients with AAA were observed to have supraumbilical diastasis recti on preoperative CT compared with 47 controls. Mean linea alba width was not significantly different between the two groups at either the supraumbilical (19.3 mm vs 20.7 mm, p = .45) or subumbilical (3.6 mm vs 4.3 mm, p = .43) level. The findings do not support the hypothesis that the presence of diastasis recti can serve as an indication to select male patients for screening for AAA.
Robust stability for uncertain discrete-time descriptor Markov jump systems subject to actuator saturation

In this paper, the robust stochastic stability problem for uncertain discrete-time descriptor Markov jump systems with actuator saturation is considered. A sufficient condition which guarantees that the discrete-time descriptor Markov jump systems with actuator saturation is regular, causal and stochastically stable is established. With this condition, the design of robust state feedback controller is developed based on linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
The precedence effect in sound localization.

The fact that sounds are localized in reverberant surroundings points up a critical problem which has not been explored sufficiently. A brief description will be given of experiments we have done which demonstrate that there is a precedence effect, whereby the first in line of a series of closely spaced sounds is the one which determines the place where the sound is heard. This demonstration of the importance of first arrival makes clear how we are able to discount the ambiguous clues from the reflected sounds of an ordinary hard‐walled room. More extended measurements of the precedence effect have been made by synthesizing a sound out of four clicks arranged to give first one pair to the two ears representing one location, then a second pair to the ears representing a different location. Two parameters have been studied systematically, the interval between first pair and second pair, and the temporal disparity of the second pair. All measurements were made by varying the disparity of the first pair until.
Efficient three‐party password‐based key exchange scheme

In three‐party password‐based key exchange protocol, a client is allowed to share a human‐memorable password with a trusted server such that two clients can negotiate a session key to communicate with each other secretly. Recently, many three‐party password‐based key exchange protocols have been developed. However, these proposed schemes cannot simultaneously achieve security and efficiency. Based on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), this paper will propose a new simple three‐party password‐based authenticated key exchange scheme. The proposed method not only reduces computation cost for remote users and a trusted server but also is more efficient than previously proposed schemes. It is better suited for resource constrained devices, such as smart cards or mobile units. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultraviolet Light Exposure Suppresses Contact Hypersensitivity by Abrogating Endothelial Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 Up-Regulation at the Elicitation Site 1

Hapten sensitization through UV-exposed skin induces systemic immune suppression, which is experimentally demonstrated by inhibition of contact hypersensitivity (CHS). Although this UV-induced effect has been shown to be mediated by inhibition of the afferent phase of the CHS, the UV effects on the efferent (elicitation) phase remain unknown. In this study, UV effects on endothelial ICAM-1 expression at elicitation sites were first examined. Mice were sensitized by hapten application onto UV-exposed back skin, and ears were challenged 5 days later. ICAM-1 up-regulation at nonirradiated elicitation sites following hapten challenge was eliminated by UV exposure on sensitization sites distant from elicitation sites. To assess whether loss of the ICAM-1 up-regulation at elicitation sites contributed to UV-induced immunosuppression, we examined CHS responses in UV-exposed ICAM-1-deficient (ICAM-1−/−) mice that genetically lacked the ICAM-1 up-regulation. ICAM-1−/− mice exhibited reduced CHS responses without UV exposure, but UV exposure did not further reduce CHS responses in ICAM-1−/− mice. Furthermore, ICAM-1 deficiency did not affect the afferent limb, because ICAM-1−/− mice had normal generation of hapten-specific suppressor and effector T cells. This UV-induced immunosuppression was associated with a lack of TNF-α production after Ag challenge at elicitation sites. Local TNF-α injection before elicitation abrogated the UV-induced CHS inhibition with increased endothelial ICAM-1 expression. TNF-α production at elicitation sites was down-regulated by IL-10, a possible mediator produced by hapten-specific suppressor T cells that are generated by UV exposure. These results indicate that UV exposure inhibits CHS by abrogating up-regulation of endothelial ICAM-1 expression after Ag challenge at elicitation sites.
Resource Allocation for D2D Communication Underlaid Cellular Networks Using Graph-Based Approach

In this paper, we study the non-orthogonal dynamic spectrum sharing for device-to-device (D2D) communications in the D2D underlaid cellular network. Our design aims to maximize the weighted system sum-rate under the constraints that: 1) each cellular or active D2D link is assigned one subband and 2) the required minimum rates for cellular and active D2D links are guaranteed. To solve this problem, we first characterize the optimal power allocation solution for a given subband assignment. Based on this result, we formulate the subband assignment problem by using the graph-based approach, in which each link corresponds to a vertex and each subband assignment is represented by a hyper-edge. We then propose an iterative rounding algorithm and an optimal branch-and-bound (BnB) algorithm to solve the resulting graph-based problem. We prove that the iterative rounding algorithm achieves at least 1/2 of the optimal weighted sum-rate. Extensive numerical studies illustrate that the proposed iterative rounding algorithm significantly outperforms the conventional spectrum sharing algorithms and attains almost the same system sum-rate as the optimal BnB algorithm.
Consistent and Variable Practice Conditions: Effects on Relative and Absolute Timing

Abstract The authors conducted the present experiments to resolve the discrepancy between studies in which relative-timing learning has been found to be enhanced by consistent practice conditions and contextual interference experiments in which relative-timing learning has been found to be enhanced more by random practice than by blocked practice. There were 40 participants in Experiment 1 and 48 in Experiment 2. The results of Experiment 1 extended previous findings: The learning of the relative-timing pattern was systematically enhanced by the degree to which the practice conditions promoted movement consistency (constant > blocked > serial > random). Experiment 2 provided evidence that the discrepancy between the relative-timing effects in the 2 groups of studies was a product of the way in which relative-timing goals and feedback were presented. When the feedback was presented as segment times, random practice resulted in generally more stable relative-timing patterns during acquisition than blocked practice did. Thus, in both experiments, the learning of the relative-timing pattern was enhanced by more stable relative-timing conditions during acquisition. Absolute-timing learning, as indexed by the transfer tests, was enhanced by serial or random practice as compared with constant or blocked practice, and was relatively unaffected by feedback conditions directed at the relative-timing pattern. In terms of motor programming theory, those findings are taken as additional evidence for the disassociation of memories supporting generalized motor program (GMP) performance, as indexed by relative timing, and parameter performance, as indexed by absolute timing.
Allergie Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: A Review

Introduction Aspergillus, generally of the species fumigatus, can cause a number of lung diseases. A fumigatus spores can act as triggers for asthma in sensitized atopic individuals, inhalation of high concentrations of A. clavatus can lead to allergic alveolitis, people with pre-existing lung damage are susceptible to colonization of cavities with fungal balls (aspergillomas) or to a chronic necrotizing pneumonia usually affecting the upper lobes. Immunocompromised individuals are at risk of developing invasive, systemic aspergillosis. One of the commoner syndromes associated with aspergillus is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) characterized by asthma, pulmonary eosinophilia, and an allergic type immune response in the bronchi and proximal bronchiectasis. Although A. fumigatus is by far the commonest cause ofABPA other Aspergillus species such as A. niger, A flavus andA terreus can lead to an identical disease as can other fungi"2. In this paper, our current understanding of the clinical aspects and pathogenesis of ABPA will be reviewed, in particular focusing on how the immune response in ABPA compares with that in uncomplicated asthma in the light of recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma.
A novel bi-directional DC-DC converter for distributed energy storage device

This paper presents a high efficiency, low-cost bidirectional isolated dc-dc converter for distributed energy storage device (DESD). Derived from dual active bridge (DAB), the proposed converter consists of a half-bridge circuit at high voltage side and a push-pull circuit with active clamp at low voltage side. The proposed topology is attractive in low voltage and high current applications and it also reduces the number of switching transistors such that the cost and complexity are considerably reduced. With single phase-shift control strategy, all the switches operate in zero-voltage switching (ZVS) condition without increasing circuit complexity. Besides, planar transformer is implemented where the low voltage windings consist of PCB trace and external copper foils. A 380V to 12V DC, 500W DESD hardware prototype has been designed, fabricated, and tested. Experimental results verify the validity of the proposed bi-directional converter, which has 97.3% peak efficiency and maintains greater than 92% efficiency over a load range between 100W and 600W.
Similar pattern of diastolic function adaptation of both ventricles to programmed atrioventricular interval modification in patients with DDD pacing.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate both left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) diastolic performance adaptation to variable atrioventricular interval (AVI), in patients with DDD pacing for complete heart block and to investigate a possible interaction between LV and RV in this specific cohort of patients. METHODS We studied 22 consecutive patients (mean age 65.2 +/- 14.3 years) who underwent DDD pacemaker implantation following admission for complete heart block. One day following implantation, patients were paced at 3 different pacing modes, under the same programmed heart rate and a different AVI (100, 150 and 200 ms respectively). Standard Doppler echocardiography of mitral and tricuspid valve inflow was performed to evaluate LV and RV diastolic function, during each pacing mode. RESULTS Left ventricular and RV diastolic performance adaptation to variable AVI modifications was similar, showing a progressive increase of late diastolic filling velocities and a subsequent decrease of E/A wave ratios following AVI prolongation. A short AVI of 100 or 150 ms was associated with improved LV and RV diastolic filling dynamics. CONCLUSIONS In elderly patients with complete heart block and unimpaired systolic function undergoing DDD pacemaker implantation, both ventricles share a similar pattern of diastolic function adaptation to AVI modifications and that might be the reflection of ventricular interaction under this specific pacing mode.
The mechanism of inhibitory actions of propofol on rat supraoptic neurons.

BACKGROUND In the perioperative period, plasma osmotic pressure, systemic blood pressure, and blood volume often change dramatically. Arginine vasopressin is a key factor in the regulation of these parameters. This study was performed to evaluate the direct and the mechanism of the actions of propofol on arginine vasopressin release from magnocellular neurosecretory neurons in the rat supraoptic nucleus. METHODS Somatodendritic arginine vasopressin release from supraoptic nucleus slice preparations was measured by radioimmunoassay. Ionic currents were measured using the whole-cell mode of the patch-clamp technique in supraoptic nucleus slice preparations or in single dissociated supraoptic nucleus neurons of the rat. RESULTS Propofol at concentrations greater than 10(-5) M inhibited the arginine vasopressin release stimulated by potassium chloride (50 mM). This inhibition by propofol was not reversed by picrotoxin, a gamma-aminobutyric acid(A)(GABA(A)) receptor antagonist, whereas arginine vasopressin release induced by glutamate (10(-3) M) was also inhibited by propofol at a clinically relevant concentration (10(-6) M). The latter effect was reversed by picrotoxin. Propofol evoked Cl- currents at concentrations ranging 10(-6) to 10(-4) M. Propofol (10(-6) M) enhanced the GABA (10(-6) M)-induced current synergistically. Moreover, propofol (10(-6) M) prolonged the time constant of spontaneous GABA-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents. Furthermore, propofol (10(-5) M and 10(-4) M) reversibly inhibited voltage-gated Ca2+ currents, whereas it did not affect currents induced by glutamate (10(-3) M). CONCLUSIONS Propofol inhibits somatodendritic arginine vasopressin release from the supraoptic nucleus, and the enhancement of GABAergic inhibitory synaptic inputs and the inhibition of voltage-gated Ca2+ entry are involved in the inhibition of arginine vasopressin release.
Protein kinase‐A affects sorting and conformation of the sodium‐dependent glucose co‐transporter SGLT1

In Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing rabbit sodium‐dependent glucose transporter (rbSGLT1) protein kinase A (PKA) activators (forskolin and 8‐Br‐cAMP) stimulated α‐methyl D‐glucopyranoside uptake. Kinetic analysis revealed an increase in both Vmax and affinity of the transport. Immunohistochemistry and biotinylation experiments showed that this stimulation was accompanied by an increased amount of SGLT1 localized into the plasma membrane, which explains the higher Vmax of the transport. Cytochalasin D only partly attenuated the effect of forskolin as did deletion of the PKA phosphorylation site of SGLT1 in transient transfection studies. Experiments using an anti‐phosphopeptide antibody revealed that forskolin also increased the extent of phosphorylation of SGLT1 in the membrane fraction. These results suggested that regulation of SGLT1 mediated glucose transport involves an additional direct effect on SGLT1 by phosphorylation. To evaluate this assumption further, phosphorylation studies of recombinant human SGLT1 (hSGLT1) in vitro were performed. In the presence of the catalytic subunit PKA and [32P] ATP 1.05 mol of phosphate were incorporated/mol of hSGLT1. Additionally, phosphorylated hSGLT1 demonstrated a reduction in tryptophan fluorescence intensity and a higher quenching by the hydrophilic Trp quencher acrylamide, particularly in the presence of D‐glucose. These results indicate that PKA‐mediated phosphorylation of SGLT1 changes the conformation of the empty carrier and the glucose carrier complex, probably causing the increase in transport affinity. Thus, PKA‐mediated phosphorylation of the transporter represents a further mechanism in the regulation of SGLT1‐mediated glucose transport in epithelial cells, in addition to a change in surface membrane expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 444–452, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Budgeting in Authoritarian and Democratic Regimes

We compare patterns of change in budgetary commitments by countries during periods of democracy and authoritarianism. Previous scholarship has focused almost exclusively on democratic governments, finding evidence of punctuated equilibria. Authoritarian regimes may behave differently, both because they may operate with fewer institutional barriers to choice and because they have fewer incentives to gather and respond to policy-relevant information coming from civil society. By analyzing public budgeting in Brazil, Turkey, Malta, and Russia before and after their transitions from or to democracy, we can test punctuated equilibrium theory under a variety of governing conditions. Our goal is to advance the understanding of the causes of budgetary instability by leveraging natural experiments to push the theory beyond democracies and assess its broader applicability. Presented at the Comparative Agendas Project conference in Lisbon, June 2015 * Political Science Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford ** Department of Political Science, University of Missouri in Columbia † Department of Political Science, Syracuse University ***University of Malta
Caustic Waste-Soil Weathering Reactions and Their Impacts on Trace Contaminant Migration and Sequestration

Waste produced during the production and purification of weapons-grade nuclear material is stored in underground tanks at the Hanford site in Washington state. Since their burial, many of the storage tanks have leaked caustic nuclear waste contaminated with radioactive Cs-137, Sr- 90, and I-129 into the surrounding soils. The effects on the natural soils of these particular radionuclides in a highly caustic solution are largely unknown, as are the transport properties. Recent work has shown that zeolite-type aluminosilicate phases form in clay mineral systems weathered under near-field exposure to Hanford-type nuclear waste. The transport and sequestration of Cs-137, Sr-90, and I-129 in the sediments is partially controlled by the cation adsorption-exchange properties of the parent clay minerals and these zeolitic neophases. This project seeks to isolate the effects of these new phases on contaminant adsorption by identifying the contaminant binding structures, assisting in the identification of neoformed phases, probing the kinetics of phase formation and contaminant uptake, and investigating the mobility of these specific radionuclides in silicon-induced precipitates from synthetic tank waste representative of that at the Hanford site. In work at Penn State University, these objectives are being accomplished through the use of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.