Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of energy-restricted diets containing increased protein on weight loss, resting energy expenditure, and the thermic effect of feeding in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of a high-protein (HP) diet compared with a low-protein (LP) diet on weight loss, resting energy expenditure (REE), and the thermic effect of food (TEF) in subjects with type 2 diabetes during moderate energy restriction. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this study, 26 obese subjects with type 2 diabetes consumed a HP (28% protein, 42% carbohydrate) or LP diet (16% protein, 55% carbohydrate) during 8 weeks of energy restriction (1,600 kcal/day) and 4 weeks of energy balance. Body weight and composition and REE were measured, and the TEF in response to a HP or LP meal was determined for 2 h, at weeks 0 and 12. RESULTS The mean weight loss was 4.6 +/- 0.4 kg (P < 0.001), of which 4.5 +/- 0.4 kg was fat (P < 0.001), with no effect of diet (P = 0.6). At both weeks 0 and 12, TEF was greater after the HP than after the LP meal (0.064 vs. 0.050 kcal x kcal(-1) energy consumed x 2 h(-1), respectively; overall diet effect, P = 0.003). REE and TEF were reduced similarly with each of the diets (time effects, P = 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes, a low-fat diet with an increased protein-to-carbohydrate ratio does not significantly increase weight loss or blunt the fall in REE.
Model scenerios of shoreline change at kaanapali beach, maui, hawaii: Seasonal and extreme events

Kaanapali beach is a well-defined littoral cell of carbonate sand extending 2 km south from Black Rock (a basalt headland) to Hanakao'o Point. The beach experiences dynamic seasonal shoreline change forced by longshore transport from two dominant swell regimes. In summer, south swells (Hs = 1-2 m Tp = 14-25 s) drive sand to the north, while in winter, north swells (Hs = 5-8 m Tp = 14-20 s) drive sand to the south where it accumulates on a submerged fossil reef. The Delft3D modeling system accurately predicts directly observed tidal currents and wave heights around West Maui, and is applied to simulate shoreline change. Morphologic simulations qualitatively resolve the observed seasonal behavior.
Dinamika dan Kebijakan Pemasaran Produk Ternak Sapi Potong di Indonesia Timur

Sapi bali adalah jenis sapi yang dominan dikembangkan di berbagai wilayah di Indonesia, terutama di Indonesia Timur, namun perkembangannya dipengaruhi oleh dinamika pemasarannya. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk melihat dinamika pemasaran sapi bali di Indonesia timur berdasarkan data dan informasi yang berasal dari hasil pengamatan penulis langsung di lapangan, berbagai publikasi dan data statistik. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa: (i) Ada hubungan positif antara tingkat pendapatan per kapita dan konsumsi daging sapi per kapita dan jumlah konsumsi; (ii) Preferensi masyarakat konsumen di wilayah Jakarta dan sekitarnya sudah bergeser dari daging sapi lokal (sapi bali, dll) ke daging asal ternak sapi dan daging sapi impor; (iii) Kemampuan wilayah timur Indonesia dalam memasok ternak sapi untuk pemotongan lokal dan perdagangan antar provinsi, sudah menurun, utamanya NTT; (iv) Volume impor sapi bakalan dan daging sapi secara nasional terus meningkat; (v) Ternak sapi di wilayah timur Indonesia dipasarkan secara lokal dan antar pulau antara lain ke Jakarta dan Kalimantan dengan rantai pasok dari peternak hingga konsumen akhir yang tidak terlalu panjang; (vi) Dewasa ini, daerah pemasaran ternak sapi hidup dari wilayah NTT dan NTB diperluas ke Kalimantan karena harga jualnya lebih menarik dibanding ke Jakarta; dan (vii) Permasalahan krusial yang dihadapi antara lain adalah alat angkutan ternak dan pelabuhan bongkar-muat ternak masih belum kondusif, pemotongan ternak sapi betina produktif makin banyak, dan kondisi rumah pemotongan hewan (RPH) jauh dari standar higienis. Disarankan agar pemerintah menyediakan fasilitas pelabuhan bongkar-muat yang lebih kondusif, meningkatkan pengawasan terhadap pemotongan ternak sapi betina produktif, pemberian insentif yang memadai bagi peternak untuk melakukan tunda-jual ternak sapinya yang sedang bunting, dan pengendalian impor ternak sapi bakalan dan daging sampai batas tertentu sehingga harga ternak sapi dalam negeri tidak merugikan peternak.
Connecting the city: A three-dimensional pedestrian network of Hong Kong

The purpose of the paper is to investigate how a three-dimensional pedestrian network reshapes connectivity and helps to integrate the built environment of high-density cities. Using the case of Hong Kong, first, we elaborate how a continuous three-dimensional network constitutes an entirely different urban morphological spatial hierarchy compared to two-dimensional because of the footbridge system, underground connected with metro stations, and paths connected with mall developments. Second, we construct a three-dimensional pedestrian network model classifying segments into 23 categories with multi-height levels (e.g. sidewalk, footbridge, underground, crosswalk, ramp, paths on the building roof). Then we map the three-dimensional network for Hong Kong territory in a geographic information system, finding that the three-dimensional pedestrian network is 2.4 times in length and 8.5 times in link size greater than the road network. Connectivity comparison through a betweenness measure found striking differences between the two networks and indicated that footbridges and underground links could enhance walkability when they are well connected with the ground-level networks. Since road networks are widely used as a proxy for pedestrian analysis, we suggest that active travel optimisation planning, especially in high-density cities, requires a bespoke three-dimensional pedestrian model. The three-dimensional pedestrian network, enabling multi-level city living in a vertical metropolis, is a fundamental consideration in urban planning and design practices for high-density cities.
Proactive inhibition and semantic organization Relationship with verbal memory in patients with schizophrenia

Abstract Compared to other cognitive functions in schizophrenia, evidence suggests that verbal memory is particularly impaired. This study used the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) to examine proactive inhibition (PI) and semantic processing in verbal memory in 29 patients with schizophrenia and 29 healthy controls. Patients showed significantly less PI, but also did not organize (cluster) their recall according to semantic category. Controls and patients demonstrated small retroactive inhibition (RI) effects regardless of semantic content. Although both groups made similar types and numbers of free recall intrusion errors, patients committed more phonemic and nonshared recognition errors. Results suggest that reduced semantic processing prevented build of PI, and contributes to defective memory in schizophrenia. The anatomic-physiologic abnormalities that underlie these findings may be particularly pronounced in prefrontal and temporal-parietal cortical areas. (JINS, 1996, 2, 486–493.)
Integrating high performance computing into a Tanzanian IT engineering curriculum

Integrating high performance computing (HPC) into a Tanzanian computer engineering curriculum poses a number of challenges. Those challenges arise partly from the students' educational background, and the country's educational history. In this research, the challenges of integrating HPC into Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) in Tanzania was studied from an educational point of view, and especially from the viewpoint of the students. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data about students' perceptions of the biggest challenges in learning HPC, and about their improvement suggestions. The results reveal the students' perceptions about the challenges, pinpointing a number of improvement needs in the teaching and learning environment. The most acute improvement needs include improved teaching that is based on project-based and problem-based approaches, and developing teaching of the prerequisite topics required to learn HPC. This study provides important practical suggestions for developing the teaching of HPC in this and other institutions, and points future research directions for improving the teaching of HPC.
Singular Spectrum Analysis: Methodology and Comparison

In recent years Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA), used as a powerful technique in time series analysis, has been developed and applied to many practical problems. In this paper, the performance of the SSA tech- nique has been considered by applying it to a well-known time series data set, namely, monthly accidental deaths in the USA. The results are com- pared with those obtained using Box-Jenkins SARIMA models, the ARAR algorithm and the Holt-Winter algorithm (as described in Brockwell and Davis (2002)). The results show that the SSA technique gives a much more accurate forecast than the other methods indicated above.
Fetal Biophysical Profile Score and the Nonstress Test: A Comparative Trial

In this prospective blind study, 735 patients with high-risk pregnancies referred for antepartum testing of fetal well-being were randomly assigned to either a fetal biophysical profile scoring (375 patients) or a nonstress testing scheme (360 patients). Management was based on the results of antepartum tests, but the method of testing used was not disclosed. Fetal biophysical profile scoring resulted in a significantly higher positive predictive value in regards to low Apgar scores. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, although higher with fetal biophysical profile scoring, did not demonstrate significant differences when compared with the nonstress test. The negative predictive value between the two methods was similar. All major anomalies were detected during ultrasound scanning, whereas none of these anomalies were detected by heart rate testing alone.
Determination of fusarium mycotoxins in wheat, maize and animal feed using on-line clean-up with high resolution mass spectrometry

An automated method involving on-line clean-up and analytical separation in a single run using TurboFlow™ reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled to a high resolution mass spectrometer has been developed for the simultaneous determination of deoxynivalenol, T2 toxin, HT2 toxin, zearalenone and fumonisins B1 and B2 in maize, wheat and animal feed. Detection was performed in full scan mode at a resolution of R = 100,000 full width at half maximum with high energy collision cell dissociation for the determination of fragment ions with a mass accuracy below 5 ppm. The extract from homogenised samples, after blending with a 0.1% aqueous mixture of 0.1% formic acid/acetonitrile (43:57) for 45 min, was injected directly onto the TurboFlow™ (TLX) column for automated on-line clean-up followed by analytical separation and accurate mass detection. The TurboFlow™ column enabled specific binding of target mycotoxins, whereas higher molecular weight compounds, like fats, proteins and other interferences with different chemical properties, were removed to waste. Single laboratory method validation was performed by spiking blank materials with mycotoxin standards. The recovery and repeatability was determined by spiking at three concentration levels (50, 100 and 200% of legislative limits) with six replicates. Average recovery, relative standard deviation and intermediate precision values were 71 to 120%, 1 to 19% and 4 to 19%, respectively. The method accuracy was confirmed with certified reference materials and participation in proficiency testing.
The Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAD9Checkpoint Reduces the DNA Damage-Associated Stimulation of Directed Translocations

ABSTRACT Genetic instability in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae rad9 mutant correlates with failure to arrest the cell cycle in response to DNA damage. We quantitated the DNA damage-associated stimulation of directed translocations in RAD9+ and rad9 mutants. Directed translocations were generated by selecting for His+ prototrophs that result from homologous, mitotic recombination between two truncated his3 genes,GAL1::his3-Δ5′ andtrp1::his3-Δ3′::HOcs. Compared toRAD9+ strains, the rad9 mutant exhibits a 5-fold higher rate of spontaneous, mitotic recombination and a greater than 10-fold increase in the number of UV- and X-ray-stimulated His+ recombinants that contain translocations. The higher level of recombination in rad9mutants correlated with the appearance of nonreciprocal translocations and additional karyotypic changes, indicating that genomic instability also occurred among non-his3 sequences. Both enhanced spontaneous recombination and DNA damage-associated recombination are dependent on RAD1, a gene involved in DNA excision repair. The hyperrecombinational phenotype of the rad9 mutant was correlated with a deficiency in cell cycle arrest at the G2-M checkpoint by demonstrating that if rad9mutants were arrested in G2 before irradiation, the numbers both of UV- and γ-ray-stimulated recombinants were reduced. The importance of G2 arrest in DNA damage-induced sister chromatid exchange (SCE) was evident by a 10-fold reduction in HO endonuclease-induced SCE and no detectable X-ray stimulation of SCE in a rad9 mutant. We suggest that one mechanism by which theRAD9-mediated G2-M checkpoint may reduce the frequency of DNA damage-induced translocations is by channeling the repair of double-strand breaks into SCE.
The effect of ageing and immobilization on structure and function of human skeletal muscle fibres.

Biopsy samples were taken from vastus lateralis muscle of seven young (YO, age 30.2 +/- 2.2 years), and seven elderly (EL, age 72.7 +/- 2.3 years) subjects and two elderly subjects whose right leg had been immobilized for 3.5 months (EL-IMM, ages 70 and 75). The following main parameters were studied: (1) myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform distribution of the samples, determined by SDS-PAGE; (2) cross-sectional area (CSA), specific force (Po/CSA) and maximum shortening velocity (Vo) of a large population (n = 593) of single skinned muscle fibres, classified on the basis of MHC isoform composition determined by SDS-PAGE; (3) actin sliding velocity (Vf) on pure myosin isoforms determined by in vitro motility assays; (4) myosin concentration in single fibres determined by quantitative SDS-PAGE. MHC isoform distribution was shifted towards fast isoforms in EL and to a larger extent in EL-IMM. In EL and, more consistently, in EL-IMM we observed a higher percentage of hybrid fibres than in YO, and noted the presence of MHC-neonatal and of unusual hybrid fibres containing more than two MHC isoforms. Po/CSA significantly decreased in type 1 and 2A fibres in the order YO EL EL-IMM. Vo of type 1 and 2A fibres was significantly lower in EL and higher in EL-IMM than in YO, i.e. immobilization more than counteracted the age-dependent decrease in Vo. The latter phenomenon was not observed for Vf. Vf on myosin 1 was lower in both EL and EL-IMM than in YO. Vf on myosin 2X was lower in EL than in YO, and a similar trend was observed for myosin 2A. Myosin concentration decreased in type 1 and 2A fibres in the order YO EL EL-IMM and was linearly related to the Po/CSA values of corresponding fibre types from the same subjects. The experiments suggest that (1) myosin concentration is a major determinant of the lower Po/CSA of single fibres in ageing and especially following immobilization and (2) ageing is associated with lower Vo of single fibres due to changes in the properties of myosin itself, whereas immobilization is associated with higher Vo in the absence of a change in myosin function.
Distinction between fetal growth restriction and small for gestational age newborn weight enhances the prognostic value of low PAPP‐A in the first trimester

Several studies have tested the hypothesis that low maternal serum levels of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) may predict adverse pregnancy outcomes other than Down syndrome in first trimester (Dugoff et al., 2004; Krantz et al., 2004; Smith et al., 2006; Barrett et al., 2008; Spencer et al., 2008a,b). Low levels of PAPP-A in maternal blood could become an early marker of obstetrical complications associated with poor placental function, that is small babies, gestational hypertension (GH), pre-eclampsia (PE), stillbirth and even premature delivery. However, contradictory results had been observed in different cohorts (Kavak et al., 2006; Spencer et al., 2008a,b). These findings could result as a consequence of non-homogeneous criteria in the definition of different abnormal obstetrical outcomes. Recently, Poon et al. (2010) showed that low PAPP-A is significantly associated with early PE but not with late PE. This confirmed the need to distinguish among abnormal obstetrical outcomes those based on similar placental damage. Moreover, when considering poor obstetrical outcomes, other environmental factors have to be taken into account. Among these, maternal smoking has been largely studied while it is associated with impaired fetal growth. Therefore, this factor could interfere when evaluating the predictive value of PAPP-A. The aim of this article was to sort out among abnormal obstetrical outcomes those consistently related to an abnormal placental vascular function and to evaluate their association with low levels of maternal serum PAPP-A in early pregnancy.
Volume‐Pressure Relationships during Development of Mineralocorticoid Hypertension in Man

Serial measurements of urinary sodium excretion, sodium space, plasma volume, and plasma renin concentration were made during the development of hypertension in patients who were exposed to an excess of endogenous or exogenous mineralocorticoid activity. Five patients with primary aldosteron-ism due to adenoma were followed during spironolactone treatment, for 35-55 days after the drug had been stopped, and finally, after surgery. Blood pressure rose continuously after stopping spironolactone. Sodium balance, however, showed an initial phase of sodium gain, followed by a phase of gradual sodium loss. Sodium space and exchangeable sodium rose by 5.0 ± 0.48 liters/ 1.73 m2 of body surface area (BSA) (P <0.005) and by 865 ± 97 mEq/1.73 m2 BSA (P <0.005), respectively; the values were maximal after 10-15 days, declined afterward, but remained higher than during spironolactone treatment. Plasma and blood volumes rose by 624 ± 90 ml/1.73 m2 BSA (P <0.005) and by 327 ± 74 ml/1.73 m2 BSA (P <0.01), respectively; they were maximal after 20-25 days, and then returned to their initial values. Exchangeable sodium, during the phase of sodium loss, was inversely correlated with the rise in blood pressure (P <0.01). Renin fell during the phase of sodium gain, and remained low afterwards. Blood pressure and sodium space declined after surgery, but plasma volume showed no change. The postsurgery values of these parameters were not significantly different from those measured during spironolactone treatment. Two subjects with adrenocortical insufficiency, who were followed for 45-60 days during treatment with dexamethasone and 9a-fluorocortisol acetate, also showed a transient rise in sodium space and plasma volume. The results suggest a redistribution of body fluids during development of hypertension. They also suggest that the tendency of body fluid volumes to return to normal is pressure-dependent. The long-term effects of mineralocorticoid excess on the interrelations between pressure, volume, and renin bear some resemblance to the pattern observed in patients with established essential hypertension, i.e., pressure remains elevated despite a decrease of volume, and renin is "inappropriately" suppressed in relation to the sodium and volume status.
Invasive Fungal Infections in Children With Hematologic and Malignant Diseases

Background: To evaluate the clinical feature and outcome of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in children with hematologic and malign diseases. Patients and Methods: The medical records of children with hematologic and malignant diseases, who were hospitalized at our hospital between January 2010 and December 2011, were reviewed. Proven, probable, and possible IFIs were diagnosed according to the revised definitions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycosis Study Group. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of the patients who met the study criteria were evaluated. Results: IFI was diagnosed in 67 (7.2%) febrile episodes of 56 patients, of which 10 (1.2%) were proven, 20 (2%) probable, and 37 (4%) possible IFI. Blood culture of 10 cases with proven IFI yielded yeast and the most common isolated agent was Candida parapsilosis. Seventy percent of cases with fungemia had central venous catheter (CVC). Twenty cases with probable IFI had invasive mold infection. The cases with mold infection had higher median C-reactive protein values, lower neutrophil counts, and longer duration of neutropenia compared with the cases with yeast infection. A total of 14 patients (20.9%) died. Presence of CVC, bone marrow transplantation, total parenteral nutrition, prolonged fever, and proven/probable IFI were detected more often in patients who died, compared with patients who survived. Conclusions: IFIs are important causes of death in children with hematologic and malignant diseases. Mold infections are seen more frequently in cases with prolonged and profound neutropenia, and invasive yeast infections, especially with non-albicans Candida species, in cases with CVC. Early and effective treatment considering these findings will help to decrease the mortality.
Profiling MOOC Course Returners: How Does Student Behavior Change Between Two Course Enrollments?

Massive Open Online Courses represent a fertile ground for examining student behavior. However, due to their openness MOOC attract a diverse body of students, for the most part, unknown to the course instructors. However, a certain number of students enroll in the same course multiple times, and there are records of their previous learning activities which might provide some useful information to course organizers before the start of the course. In this study, we examined how student behavior changes between subsequent course offerings. We identified profiles of returning students and also interesting changes in their behavior between two enrollments to the same course. Results and their implications are further discussed.
Treatment of inclusion‐body myositis with high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin

We report the treatment of four patients with inclusion-body myositis (IBM) and severe slowly progressive weakness using high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). After two monthly infusions, the strength of the proximal and less atrophic muscle groups improved or normalized in three of the four patients. The improvement lasted from 2 to 4 months. Intravenous immunoglobulin is the first treatment modality to improve the strength of some muscles in patients with this disabling inflammatory myopathy. In view of the high cost of IVIg, the unexpected but encouraging results from this pilot study warrant a controlled trial.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF MONOCYTES IN THE RAT

In the rat, labeled transfused monocytes initially leave the circulation with a halftime of 0.2 hr. They first collect on the walls of small vessels then migrate outward until equilibrium is established between the circulating pool and a large extravascular pool which contains about twenty‐five times as many monocytes as the circulating blood. From this pool they leave randomly and irreversibly with a halftime of 14 hr. The spleen and lungs make up a large part of the pool and splenectomy reduces the size of the extravascular compartment and slows the rate of sequestration.