Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Chromium and Yeast Supplements on Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism in Diabetic Men

Diabetes mellitus has been shown to develop as a consequence of chromium (Cr) deficiency in experimental animals and in humans sustained by prolonged total parenteral nutrition. Prior limited trials in humans had indicated that Cr supplements, in either inorganic or organic form, may improve carbohydrate utilization. We report here a clinical double-blind, random crossover trial of inorganic Cr trichloride, a brewer's yeast that contained Cr as glucose tolerance factor (GTF), a brewer's yeast extract without GTF, and a placebo. Forty-three outpatient diabetic men received three of these supplements for 4 mo each. Subgroups included 21 ketosis-prone men; 7 ketosis-resistant, nonobese men; and 15 ketosis-resistant obese men. Chromium levels were followed pre- and posttreatment in hair, red blood cells, plasma, and urine. Response of carbohydrate metabolism to treatment was assessed in terms of change in insulin requirements, fasting plasma glucose, plasma cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as change in plasma glucose, glucagon, and insulin or C-peptide levels in response to a standard meal. In some men, these parameters were also measured after i.v. tolbutamide. Both the inorganic and organic oral Cr supplements increased measurable body pools of Cr in hair and red blood cells by about 25%. However, fasting plasma glucose and lipids and the glucose response to either the standard meal or to tolbutamide were not significantly altered by any of the treatments. Despite this lack of effect on carbohydrate levels, the ketosis-resistant subgroups demonstrated a significant increase in postprandial insulin after treatment with the brewer's yeast that contained GTF.
Assessment of EST-SSR Markers for Evaluating Genetic Diversity in Watermelon Accessions from Zimbabwe

Fifteen expressed sequence tag (EST)-derived simple sequence repeats (EST-SSRs) were used to investigate genetic diversity in 139 plants obtained from seeds of 35 watermelon accessions collected from all the geographical provinces of Zimbabwe. In addition, 15 plants representing three commercial varieties developed in the United States (USA) were analyzed for comparison. A total of 65 alleles were detected among all the watermelon accessions. For the 13 polymorphic EST-SSR loci, number of alleles per locus varied from 2 to 13, with an average of 5 alleles per locus. Values for the polymorphic information content increased as the number of alleles increased, and varied from 0.15 to 0.77 with an average of 0.54 suggesting sufficient discriminatory power. Both cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCA) produced two major clusters; one with the 22 cow-melon accessions and the other with the 16 sweet watermelon accessions. Within the sweet watermelon group, two distinct sub-clusters formed, one of which contained only two of the commercial varieties from USA. Partitioning of genetic variation in the Zimbabwean material using analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) revealed that 64% of the total variation resides between the two major forms, i.e. sweet watermelons and cow-melons, 28% between accessions within forms and 8% within accessions. The EST-SSR markers revealed a somewhat higher diversity in sweet watermelon accessions compared to that of cow-melons. This finding is contrary to previous reports using other markers (genomic SSR loci or RAPD) and/or a plant material that is likely to have experienced more stringent selection procedures compared to the landraces analyzed in our study.
I am a warm robot: the effects of temperature in physical human–robot interaction

SUMMARY What factors affect users' perceptions of physical human–robot interactions? To answer this question, this study examined whether the skin temperature of a social robot affected users' perceptions of the robot during physical interaction. Results from a between-subjects experiment (warm, intermediate, cool, or no interaction) with a dinosaur robot demonstrated that skin temperature significantly affects users' perceptions and evaluations of a socially interactive robot. Additionally, this study found that social presence had partial mediating effects on several dependent variables. Important implications and limitations for improving human–robot interactions are discussed here.
Relationships between Infection, Dissemination, and Transmission of West Nile Virus RNA in Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

ABSTRACT Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say fed blood containing 6.8 ± 0.3 logs (mean ± SE) plaque-forming units of West Nile virus (WNV)/ml were maintained at 28°C for incubation periods (IP) of 7, 14, or 21 d. Several attributes of vector competence were determined at each IP using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to estimate plaque forming unit equivalents including: infection rate (WNV-positive abdomens), dissemination rate (WNV-positive legs or thoraces), combined dissemination rate (WNV-positive legs and thoraces), transmission rate (WNV-positive saliva), and WNV titers in abdomens, legs, thoraces, and saliva. Each rate increased or was equivalent with increasing IP. Mosquitoes transmitting WNV in saliva also had significantly higher IP-dependent WNV titers in abdomens, legs, and thoraces. Titers of WNV in abdomens were significantly correlated with titers in legs and thoraces, but the degree of association changed with IP. However, titers of abdomens, legs, and thoraces were not correlated with WNV presence or titer in the saliva. The results show that WNV presence or titer in the saliva of infected Cx. p. quinquefasciatus was not directly influenced by processes involved in WNV replication in other tissues. The processes controlling midgut infection and escape are, in part, independent from the infection processes in other tissues. The relationship between infection, dissemination, and transmission varied over time. The infection and replication of WNV in different tissues is likely influenced by different barriers encountered during the extrinsic incubation period. The significance of these observations for understanding vector competence is discussed.
Vacuum-Assisted Venous Drainage during Fetal Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Fetal bypass presents several perfusion challenges, including the need for high arterial flow rates using flexible arterial and small venous cannulae. We hypothesized that vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD) would improve drainage and allow perfusion at higher flow rates which are thought to prevent placental dysfunction induced by fetal bypass. We conducted bypass for 60 minutes in 14 fetal lambs (90-105 days gestation; ∼1-1.5 kg) using a roller pump and various angled venous cannulae (8–12 Fr). VAVD at –20 mm Hg or –40 mm Hg was compared with gravity drainage. Average flow using gravity drainage was 139 ml/kg/min; after VAVD, we achieved average flows of 285 ml/kg/min (range, 109–481 ml/kg/min). VAVD at –40 mm Hg caused right atrial trauma in four fetuses; no injury was seen at –20 mm Hg. Venous air entrainment during repair of the injuries did not result in any apparent air embolism. Spontaneous pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in two fetuses at the highest flows (≥ 400 ml/kg/min). In all but one case, termination of bypass was followed by placental dysfunction within 120 minutes. VAVD can be safely applied during fetal bypass provided pressures are kept ≤ –20 mm Hg. However, the achieved higher flow rates do not prevent postbypass placental dysfunction and may indeed be detrimental to the fetus.
Scaling of the temperature dependent Hall effect in La2-xSrxCuO4.

A new aspect of the charge dynamics in layered metallic cuprates has been discovered in the study of the in-plane Hall coefficient (${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{H}}$) in ${\mathrm{La}}_{2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Sr}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{\mathit{x}}$ over a wide temeprature (4\char21{}500 K) and composition (0x0.35) range. The strongly temperature dependent ${\mathit{R}}_{\mathit{H}}$, a hallmark of cuprate superconductors, is found to be the low temperature part of a simple functional form f(T/${\mathit{T}}^{\mathrm{*}}$) which becomes constant for Tg${\mathit{T}}^{\mathrm{*}}$. This form, followed for x\ensuremath{\ge}0.15, has a characteristic temperature ${\mathit{T}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ which is high at the optimal composition (x=0.15) and decreases with increasing Sr concentration, similar to a temperature scale deduced from magnetic susceptibility.
Effective training for patients with intermittent claudication

Objective. Current guidelines for treatment of intermittent claudication (IC) do not include a specific recommendation for the intensity of exercise therapy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the relative effectiveness of high versus low intensity exercise for patients with IC, and further to study the effect of such training on blood flow to the legs during exercise. Design. The effect of eight weeks of supervised endurance training was examined in 16 patients with IC. The patients were randomly assigned to training at intensities corresponding to either 60% or 80% of their peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), respectively. Results. VO2peak and time to exhaustion increased significantly (9% and 16%, respectively) more in the high intensity group (p<0.05). Blood flow to the legs did not change after training in any of the groups. Conclusion. High intensity training gave larger improvements in VO2peak and time to exhaustion than low intensity training. As blood flow did not change after the exercise program, it is likely that the observed different increase of VO2peak was due to changed mitochondrial oxidative capacity and/or skeletal muscle diffusive capacity.
Internet Use Among Female and Male College Students

A review of the recent literature concerning Internet usage among Americans reveals that the once stark gender gap is closing rapidly, but disparities remain in the purposes for which males and females use the Internet. Almost all of this research, however, is based on cross sections of American adults. Much less Internet research has focused on the college student population and, in particular, on female students; the few published studies show that female college students use the Internet less than males. However, even these recent studies may already be dated. This study, based on a large survey of college students from institutions of higher learning in Georgia, Hawaii, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, considers these questions: (1) Has the gender gap in Internet use narrowed among college students to the same extent as it has in the general adult population? (2) Do female students differ from males in how they spend their time on the Internet? (3) Does family income, parental education or.
Effects of Using High-Density Rain Gauge Networks and Weather Radar Data on Urban Hydrological Analyses

Flood prediction is difficult in urban areas because only sparse gauge data and radar data of low accuracy are usually used to analyze flooding and inundation. Sub-basins of urban areas are extremely small, so rainfall data of high spatial resolution are required for analyzing complex drainage systems with high spatial variability. This study aimed to produce three types of quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) products using rainfall data that was derived from 190 gauges, including the new high-density rain-gauge network operated by the SK Planet company, and the automated weather stations of the Korea Meteorological Administration, along with weather radar data. This study also simulated urban runoff for the Gangnam District of Seoul, South Korea, using the obtained QPE products to evaluate hydraulic and hydrologic impacts according to three rainfall fields. The accuracy of this approach was assessed in terms of the amount and spatial distribution of rainfall in an urban area. The QPE products provided highly accurate results and simulations of peak runoff and overflow phenomena. They also accurately described the spatial variability of the rainfall fields. Overall, the integration of high-density gauge data with radar data proved beneficial for quantitative rainfall estimation.
Link Bundling in MPLS Traffic Engineering (TE)

For the purpose of Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) signaling, in certain cases a combination of is not sufficient to unambiguously identify the appropriate resource used by a Label Switched Path (LSP). Such cases are handled by using the link bundling construct, which is described in this document. This document updates the interface identification TLVs, which are defined in the GMPLS Signaling Functional Description. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Stem cell plasticity: Learning from hepatogenic differentiation strategies

Many studies on stem cell plasticity are challenging the concept that stem cells contain an intrinsically predefined, unidirectional differentiation program. This means that the developmental fate of a stem cell is dependent on the general potential of the cell (pre‐determined stem cell fate) as well as on microenvironmental cues, such as stimuli from growth factors (stem cell niche). Here, we reviewed reports that examined the hepatocyte differentiation ability of stem cells from two different sources: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. All of those stem cells revealed the ability to give rise to hepatocyte‐like cells using different induction strategies. However, it is still not clear which of those stem cells would be the best source for hepatocyte replacement or which would be the best protocol. We herein present the current knowledge regarding available protocols and factors used in order to obtain functional hepatocytes from stem cells. Developmental Dynamics 236:3228–3241, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hot entanglement in a simple dynamical model

Abstract How mixed can one component of a bi-partite system be initially and still become entangled through interaction with a thermalized partner? We address this question here. In particular, we consider the question of how mixed a two-level system and a field mode may be such that free entanglement arises in the course of the time evolution according to a Jaynes-Cummings type interaction. We investigate the situation for which the two-level system is initially in a mixed state taken from a one-parameter set, whereas the field has been prepared in an arbitrary thermal state. Depending on the particular choice for the initial state and the initial temperature of the quantized field mode, three cases can be distinguished: (i) free entanglement will be created immediately, (ii) free entanglement will be generated, but only at a later time different from zero, (iii) the partial transpose of the joint state remains positive at all times. It will be demonstrated that increasing the initial temperature of the field mode may cause the joint state to become distillable during the time evolution, in contrast to a non-distillable state at lower initial temperatures. We further assess the generated entanglement quantitatively, by evaluating the logarithmic negativity numerically, and by providing an analytical upper bound.
Procedurally Transparent Design Science Research: A Design Process Model

This paper presents a process model for Information Systems (IS) scholars conducting Design Science Research (DSR). The paper argues that the impact of DSR on the IS discipline has been inhibited by perceived limitations in the rigor of DSR studies, and that such perceptions are often due to a lack of procedural transparency surrounding the development process in DSR studies. To help address this issue, the paper presents the Process Model for increased Procedural Transparency (PMPT). A range of design literature is analyzed to identify and characterize the distinct stages of design-oriented research. These stages are laid out in a process model, which is then bound in a recursive instantiation, and demonstrated through an application. The paper concludes with a discussion of the contribution of PMPT, as well as opportunities for future research.
Softcore Vector Processor for Biosequence Applications

In this paper we describe the SVP, a Softcore Vector Processor targeted toward Computational Biology and streaming applications. The SVP is a software programmable architecture constructed from predefined hardware building blocks. We leverage the flexibility and power of an FPGA to enhance a streaming vector processor design. Each functional unit includes an instruction controller, parallel processing elements with shared registers, and a memory unit which provides access to both local and streaming data. We target the Smith-Waterman sequence alignment algorithm and report estimated performance numbers based on a Virtex-4 FPGA implementation.
Prognosis of Mucosal, Uveal, Acral, Nonacral Cutaneous, and Unknown Primary Melanoma From the Time of First Metastasis.

BACKGROUND Subtypes of melanoma, such as mucosal, uveal, and acral, are believed to result in worse prognoses than nonacral cutaneous melanoma. After a diagnosis of distant metastatic disease, however, the overall survival of patients with mucosal, uveal, acral, nonacral cutaneous, and unknown primary melanoma has not been directly compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a single-center, retrospective analysis of 3,454 patients with melanoma diagnosed with distant metastases from 2000 to 2013, identified from a prospectively maintained database. We examined melanoma subtype, date of diagnosis of distant metastases, age at diagnosis of metastasis, gender, and site of melanoma metastases. RESULTS Of the 3,454 patients (237 with mucosal, 286 with uveal, 2,292 with nonacral cutaneous, 105 with acral cutaneous, and 534 with unknown primary melanoma), 2,594 died. The median follow-up was 46.1 months. The median overall survival for those with mucosal, uveal, acral, nonacral cutaneous, and unknown primary melanoma was 9.1, 13.4, 11.4, 11.7, and 10.4 months, respectively. Patients with uveal melanoma, cutaneous melanoma (acral and nonacral), and unknown primary melanoma had similar survival, but patients with mucosal melanoma had worse survival. Patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in 2006-2010 and 2011-2013 had better overall survival than patients diagnosed in 2000-2005. In a multivariate model, patients with mucosal melanoma had inferior overall survival compared with patients with the other four subtypes. CONCLUSION Additional research and advocacy are needed for patients with mucosal melanoma because of their shorter overall survival in the metastatic setting. Despite distinct tumor biology, the survival was similar for those with metastatic uveal melanoma, acral, nonacral cutaneous, and unknown primary melanoma. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Uveal, acral, and mucosal melanoma are assumed to result in a worse prognosis than nonacral cutaneous melanoma or unknown primary melanoma. No studies, however, have been conducted assessing the overall survival of patients with these melanoma subtypes starting at the time of distant metastatic disease. The present study found that patients with uveal, acral, nonacral cutaneous, and unknown primary melanoma have similar overall survival after distant metastases have been diagnosed. These findings provide information for oncologists to reconsider previously held assumptions and appropriately counsel patients. Patients with mucosal melanoma have worse overall survival and are thus a group in need of specific research and advocacy.
A randomized comparison study regarding the impact of short-duration, high-intensity exercise and traditional exercise on anthropometric and body composition measurement changes in post-menopausal women – A pilot study

Background The mode and duration of exercise necessary to change body composition and reduce weight remains debatable. Menopause results in hormonal changes that preclude weight loss. This randomized pilot study compared the effects of short-duration, high-intensity interval training and traditional exercise on anthropometric and body composition measurement changes in post-menopausal women. Objective To compare the effects of short-duration, high-intensity interval training and traditional methods of exercise (walking) on anthropometric, body composition and body weight change over a 12-week period. Main outcome measures Subjects (N = 18) were post-menopausal, sedentary female volunteers, randomly assigned into one of two exercise groups. Both groups exercised five out of seven days for 12 weeks. The resistance group (n = 8) (54.3 ± 7.3 years; BMI = 28.0 ± 2.1 kg/m2; mean ± SD) exercised for 15.0 ± 3.5 min, which consisted of five different exercise routines including upper and lower extremity, a cardio segment, yoga and abdominal exercises. The walkers (n = 10) (56.6 ± 5.2 years; BMI = 29.2 ± 2.6 kg/m2; mean ± SD) exercised for 40.0 ± 5.0 min at 65% of their age-predicted maximum heart rate. Relative (%) body fat was measured via DEXA scan, along with five anthropometric measurements, all of which were taken prior to and after 12 weeks. Independent sample t-tests were probed for differences, p ≤ 0.05. Results No statistically significant changes were determined between the groups for pre-and post-measurements. Conclusions The outcomes of this study provide a foundation for future comparisons of short-duration high-intensity interval training exercise and traditional exercise, or walking, on anthropometric and body composition measurement changes in sedentary, overweight, post-menopausal females over a 12-week period.
A small molecule CFTR inhibitor produces cystic fibrosis‐like submucosal gland fluid secretions in normal airways

Airway submucosal glands have been proposed as a primary site for initiating and sustaining airway disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). However, it has been difficult to define the role of CFTR in gland fluid secretion because of concerns in interpreting experiments on diseased CF human airways subjected to chronic infection and inflammation. Here, we test the role of CFTR in gland fluid secretion by using a selective CFTR inhibitor (CFTRinh‐172) in pig and human airways. Measurements of single‐gland fluid secretion rates showed inhibition of both cholinergic and cAMP‐stimulated fluid secretion by CFTRinh‐172. Secreted fluid [Na+] and [Cl–] measured by fluorescence ratio imaging were 101 and 116 mM, respectively, and not significantly altered by secretory agonists or CFTR inhibition. Gland fluid pH was 7.1 and reduced by 0.4 units after CFTR inhibition. Gland fluid viscosity, determined by photobleaching of FITC‐dextran, was threefold increased in pilocarpine‐stimulated gland fluid after CFTR inhibition, and protein concentration was increased from 12 to 20 mg/ml. Our data provide strong evidence that gland fluid secretion is CFTR‐dependent. The relatively hyper‐viscous and acidic fluid secretions produced by acute CFTR inhibition support a role for defective gland function in CF lung disease and provide a rational basis for pharmacological creation of a large animal model of CF.
ifferential spontaneous folding of mycolic acids from ycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycolic acids are structural components of the mycobacterial cell wall that have been implicated in the pathogenicity and drug resistance of certain mycobacterial species. They also offer potential in areas such as rapid serodiagnosis of human and animal tuberculosis. It is increasingly recognized that conformational behavior of mycolic acids is very important in understanding all aspects of their function. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, in vacuo, of stereochemically defined Mycobacterium tuber-
Inpatient violence and the schizophrenic patient

ABSTRACT ‐ A correlational analysis of Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) ratings and measures of inpatient violence in 207 schizophrenic patients is presented. Significant correlations were found between BPRS measures of schizophrenic symptomatology and several measures of inpatient violence including assault. BPRS subscales which related to paranoid symptoms were also significantly correlated with inpatient danger‐related measures; however, to a lesser degree.