Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PHENOTYPIC, GENETIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL MORPHOLOGICAL INTEGRATION IN THE CRANIUM

Modern theories of evolutionary change have stressed the unity of the genotype (Mayr, 1963, 1976; Lewontin, 1974; Wright, 1978, 1980). It is the total phenotype which is selected upon and the total genotype which evolves rather than individual phenotypic characters or genes. Individual phenotypic characters and genes only evolve within the larger context of the organism in which they occur. Therefore, organisms are the integrated functional units which evolve. This outlook on evolutionary change lends itself to a holistic, systems view of an organism (Waddington, 1957; Riedl, 1978; Gould and Lewontin, 1979). Mayr (1976) refers to the unity of the genotype because most phenotypic characters are the result of the collaboration of many structural and regulatory genes. Most traits of evolutionary importance are polygenic (Lewontin, 1974). Also, most genes are pleiotropic, affecting many different aspects of the phenotype (Wright, 1980). Mayr states, "It is no longer possible to regard the phenotype as a mosaic in which each part can be replaced without any effect on neighboring components . (also) the genotype is an organic whole with an internal harmony that, when exposed to a new selection pressure, will change . in a harmonious manner" (1976, p. 49). Both genotype and phenotype are systems composed of interacting components.
Droop regulated VSCs for island operation of future offshore systems

This paper proposes a control strategy for island operation of a future offshore system dominated by large wind turbines with full back to back converters run in parallel with traditional gas/diesel generators. The control strategy aims to a balanced sharing of the power between the generation units with a decentralized architecture based on modified droop regulators whose gains are adapted according to the available power. The control structure requires no intercommunication between the units while the wind turbines can be operated to supply the entire power that is available locally. With this control scheme the gas/diesel generator will produce only a minimum of power. Furthermore the wind turbines will manage the voltage and frequency control also when the gas/diesel generators are disconnected‥ These characteristics produce a very reliable and reconfigurable system with major benefits for an offshore application. The algorithm was validated by numerical simulations on a sample notional system using PSCAD. Island operation, voltage source converters, droop regulator, offshore wind.
Efficacy of Pandesal Baked from Wheat Flour Fortified with Iron and Vitamin A in Improving the Iron and Anthropometric Status of Anemic Schoolchildren in the Philippines

Objective: To determine the efficacy of pandesal baked from wheat flour fortified with iron, with or without vitamin A (VA), in improving anemic schoolchildren's iron and anthropometric status. Methods: Anemic 6- to 12-year-old Filipino children (n = 250) received two 60 g pandesal daily for 8 months. They were randomized into 1 of 4 groups: (1) iron-fortified (with hydrogen-reduced iron at 80 mg/kg, electrolytic iron at 80 mg/kg, or ferrous fumarate at 40 mg/kg), (2) iron and VA-fortified, (3) VA-fortified (at 490 RE/100 g), and (4) nonfortified flour. Hemoglobin (Hb) and zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) concentrations and weight and height were determined before and after intervention. Analyses of variance and chi-square and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results: Mean Hb increased by 1.3 g/dL (p < 0.001) and mean ZnPP decreased by 24.4 µmol/mol (p < 0.001) after 8 months. Anemia decreased to 26% and iron deficiency decreased from 58% to 12%. After controls were applied for baseline concentration, age, and gender, Hb concentration at post intervention was significantly higher in the Iron + VA group than in the nonfortified group (coefficient = 0.37; p = 0.034). The odds of being iron deficient at post intervention were significantly lower in the Iron group than in the nonfortified group after controls were applied for age, gender, and baseline prevalence (coefficient = 0.12; p = 0.006). None of the 3 fortified groups had significantly different weight-for-age z-score, body mass index-for-age z-score, or height-for-age z-score compared with the nonfortified group after controls were applied for baseline z-scores, age, and gender. Conclusions: Our study shows that in a non–malaria-endemic area, iron fortification of flour significantly reduced the prevalence of iron deficiency among anemic schoolchildren, and double fortification with iron and VA significantly improved Hb status.
Pulsed electro-acoustic technique applied to in-situ measurement of charge distribution in electron-irradiated polymers

Dielectric materials are frequently used in satellite structures for substantial savings in weight. Their dielectric nature and the effect of different forms of radiation encountered in space combine to accumulate electrical charges resulting in the occurrence of electrostatic discharges which cause harmful interference with the electronic parts of the satellite, leading to its malfunction or to a total loss of equipment control. Therefore, the behavior of dielectrics under irradiation must be investigated before being used in space. A pulsed electroacoustic (PEA) device was mounted in an irradiation chamber to monitor the spatial distribution of electrons implanted into polymer films during electronic irradiation. Internal charge accumulation was clearly identified. Penetration depth versus energy was double checked by comparing PEA with surface potential data.
Modeling of Location Estimation for Object Tracking in WSN

Location estimation for object tracking is one of the important topics in the research of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Recently, many location estimation or position schemes in WSN have been proposed. In this paper, we will propose the procedure and modeling of location estimation for object tracking in WSN. The designed modeling is a simple scheme without complex processing. We will use Matlab to conduct the simulation and numerical analyses to find the optimal modeling variables. The analyses with different variables will include object moving model, sensing radius, model weighting value α, and power-level increasing ratio k of neighboring sensor nodes. For practical consideration, we will also carry out the shadowing model for analysis.
Introduction of heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from a patient with NARP into two human rho degrees cell lines is associated either with selection and maintenance of NARP mutant mtDNA or failure to maintain mtDNA.

Mitochondria from a patient heteroplasmic at nucleo-tide position 8993 of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were introduced into two human tumour cell lines lacking mtDNA. The donor mitochondria contained between 85 and 95% 8993G:C mtDNA. All detectable mtDNA in the mitochondrially transformed cells contained the pathological 8993G:C mutation 3 months after transformation. These results suggest that 8993G:C mtDNA had a selective advantage over 8993T:A mtDNA in both lung carcinoma and osteo-sarcoma cell backgrounds. In contrast, two other presumed pathological mtDNA variants were lost in favour of 'wild-type' mtDNA molecules in the same lung carcinoma cell background. Taken together, these findings suggest that the transmission bias of mtDNA variants is dependent upon a combination of nuclear background and mtDNA genotype. A second phenomenon observed was a marked decrease in the growth rate of many putative transformed cell lines after 6 weeks of culturing in selective medium, and in these cell lines mtDNA was not readily detectable by Southern blotting. Restriction endonuclease analysis and sequencing of amplified mtDNA demonstrated that the slow growing cells contained little or no mtDNA. It is concluded that these cells represented transient mitochondrial transformants.
Coping strategies of long‐term cancer survivors

Cancer survival is a stressful experience requiring coping for the maintenance of equilibrium. Lazarus' Theory of Stress and Coping was the framework for this descriptive study of the use and effectiveness of coping strategies as assessed by long-term survivors of cancer. The Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS) and a subject information sheet (SIS) were mailed to 128 potential subjects, identified by the snowball technique, who survived cancer for >5 years, were not currently receiving therapy, and were not in a terminal stage of disease. Fifty-nine subjects with a mean survival of 13.03 years correctly completed and returned the questionnaire and were included in data analysis. Respondents were predominantly white (88.1%), female (83.7%), married (72.8%), employed as professionals (57.8%), 41–65 years of age (59.3%), and diagnosed with breast cancer (50.8%). Subjects rated optimistic, supportive, and confrontive strategies as most often used and effective. Length of survival did not result in different choices of strategies. Statistically significant differences were found in coping styles between elderly and middle-aged survivors. Results of this study increase nurses' awareness of effective coping strategies and the importance of assessment of coping in long-term survivors of cancer. The importance of social support, spirituality, and helping others is emphasized.
In vitro evaluation of marginal adaptation in five ceramic restoration fabricating techniques.

OBJECTIVE To compare in vitro the marginal adaptation of crowns manufactured using ceramic restoration fabricating techniques. METHOD AND MATERIALS Fifty standardized master steel dies simulating molars were produced and divided into five groups, each containing 10 specimens. Test specimens were fabricated with CAD/CAM, heat-press, glass-infiltration, and conventional lost-wax techniques according to manufacturer instructions. Marginal adaptation of the test specimens was measured vertically before and after cementation using SEM. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD tests (a = .05). RESULTS Marginal adaptation of ceramic crowns was affected by fabrication technique and cementation process (P < .001). The lowest marginal opening values were obtained with Cerec-3 crowns before and after cementation (P < .001). The highest marginal discrepancy values were obtained with PFM crowns before and after cementation. CONCLUSION Marginal adaptation values obtained in the compared systems were within clinically acceptable limits. Cementation causes a significant increase in the vertical marginal discrepancies of the test specimens.
Fe-based amorphous soft-magnetic powder produced by spinning water atomization process (SWAP)

Fe-based amorphous powder was produced by a new atomization process "Spinning Water Atomization Process (SWAP)", having both high quenching rate and mass production potential. The composition of the alloys was Fe/sub 73/Si/sub 10/B/sub 15/C/sub 2/ and (Fe/sub 0.97/Cr/sub 0.03/)/sub 76/(Si/sub 0.5/B/sub 0.5/)/sub 22/C/sub 2/. The powders were in the amorphous state at particle size up to 300 /spl mu/m and exhibited good magnetic softness. The coercive force of powders was about 0.2-0.4 Oe. In addition, in spite of the water quenching, the oxygen content was at a fairly low level of about 100-200 ppm. The shapes of powders were spherical for finer particles and rather flat with round edges for larger ones, suitable for forming consolidated powder cores with high density. Furthermore, consolidated amorphous powder cores were also fabricated by hot-pressing techniques.
Fekete Potentials and Polynomials for Continua

For planar continua, upper and lower bounds are given for the growth of the associated Fekete potentials, polynomials and energies. The main result is that for continua K of capacity 1 whose outer boundary is an analytic Jordan curve, the family of Fekete polynomials is bounded on K. Our work makes use of precise results of Pommerenke on the growth of the discriminant and on the distribution of the Fekete points. We also use potential theory, including the exterior Green function with pole at infinity. The Lipschitz character of this function determines the separation of the Fekete points.
Heat‐killed body of lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 ameliorates intestinal injury in a murine model of colitis by enhancing the intestinal barrier function

Background: Probiotics have been clinically administered to improve intestinal damage in some intestinal inflammations. However, probiotic treatments are not always effective for these intestinal disorders because live bacteria must colonize and maintain their activity under unfavorable conditions in the intestinal lumen when displaying their functions. This study investigated the physiological functions of a heat‐killed body of a novel probiotic, Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803, on the protection of intestinal tissues, the regulation of cytokine production, the improvement of intestinal injury, and the survival rate of mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis. Methods: Heat shock protein (Hsp) induction and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in intestinal epithelia by heat‐killed L. brevis SBC8803 were examined by Western blotting. The barrier function of intestinal epithelia was measured with [3H]‐mannitol flux in the small intestine under oxidant stress. The effects of the bacteria on improving epithelial injury and cumulative survival rate were investigated with a DSS colitis model. Results: Heat‐killed L. brevis SBC8803 induced Hsps, phosphorylated p38 MAPK, regulated the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐&agr;), interleukin (IL)‐1&bgr; and IL‐12, and improved the barrier function of intestinal epithelia under oxidant stress. The induction of Hsp and the protective effect were negated by p38 MAPK inhibitor. These functions relieve intestinal impairments and improve the survival rate in mice with lethal colitis. Conclusions: The administration of heat‐killed L. brevis SBC8803 helps to successfully maintain intestinal homeostasis, while also curing intestinal inflammation. A therapeutic strategy using heat‐killed bacteria is expected to be beneficial for human health even in conditions unsuitable for live probiotics because the heat‐killed body is able to exhibit its effects without the requirement of colonization. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011;)
Varenicline, an alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, vs sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking cessation: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT The alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are linked to the reinforcing effects of nicotine and maintaining smoking behavior. Varenicline, a novel alpha4beta2 nAChR partial agonist, may be beneficial for smoking cessation. OBJECTIVE To assess efficacy and safety of varenicline for smoking cessation compared with sustained-release bupropion (bupropion SR) and placebo. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo- and active-treatment-controlled, phase 3 clinical trial conducted at 19 US centers from June 19, 2003, to April 22, 2005. Participants were 1025 generally healthy smokers (> or =10 cigarettes/d) with fewer than 3 months of smoking abstinence in the past year, 18 to 75 years old, recruited via advertising. INTERVENTION Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive brief counseling and varenicline titrated to 1 mg twice per day (n = 352), bupropion SR titrated to 150 mg twice per day (n = 329), or placebo (n = 344) orally for 12 weeks, with 40 weeks of nondrug follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was the exhaled carbon monoxide-confirmed 4-week rate of continuous abstinence from smoking for weeks 9 through 12. A secondary outcome was the continuous abstinence rate for weeks 9 through 24 and weeks 9 through 52. RESULTS For weeks 9 through 12, the 4-week continuous abstinence rates were 44.0% for varenicline vs 17.7% for placebo (odds ratio [OR], 3.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.70-5.50; P<.001) and vs 29.5% for bupropion SR (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.40-2.68; P<.001). Bupropion SR was also significantly more efficacious than placebo (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.38-2.89; P<.001). For weeks 9 through 52, the continuous abstinence rates were 21.9% for varenicline vs 8.4% for placebo (OR, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.95-4.91; P<.001) and vs 16.1% for bupropion SR (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.99-2.17; P = .057). Varenicline reduced craving and withdrawal and, for those who smoked while receiving study drug, smoking satisfaction. No sex differences in efficacy for varenicline were observed. Varenicline was safe and generally well tolerated, with study drug discontinuation rates similar to those for placebo. The most common adverse events for participants receiving active-drug treatment were nausea (98 participants receiving varenicline [28.1%]) and insomnia (72 receiving bupropion SR [21.9%]). CONCLUSION Varenicline was significantly more efficacious than placebo for smoking cessation at all time points and significantly more efficacious than bupropion SR at the end of 12 weeks of drug treatment and at 24 weeks. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00141206.
Immunologic Aspects of Bovine Injectable Collagen in Humans

This article is also accessible online at: http://BioMedNet.com/karger Collagen-based products have been used for decades in medicine, primarily as resorbable sutures and hemostatic agents. More recently, an injectable collagen, commonly used for soft-tissue augmentation in dermatology, has been applied for the treatment of glottic insufficiency [1, 2], gastroesophageal reflux [3], vesicoureteral reflux [4] and urinary incontinence [5, 6] (table 1). Despite the widespread use of collagen-based devices in medicine, concerns still arise over the possible immunologic sequelae of their use. It is our purpose to provide a review of the literature data regarding this basic aspect of bovine collagen use.
Concept design and In Vitro evaluation of a novel dynamic displacement Ventricular Assist Device

Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) are mechanical pumps used to off-load a deceased heart, primarily in late stage congestive heart failure patients. VAD employment may facilitate cardiac recovery, but most often provides time before a suitable heart transplant can be found. Lately, long term use VAD systems have been introduced as an alternative to a heart transplant. Traditionally, design of VADs has employed either displacement based pump technologies or radial-flow pumps, also known as rotodynamic pumps. A displacement pump induces a mechanical force on a fluid contained within a defined space, hence giving it motion. Radial-flow pumps impart momentum to a fluid, most often by placing a rotating device in the fluid. This thesis introduces a novel pumping concept, combining features from both displacement and radial-flow pumps. A first prototype, the VivicorTM pump, has been designed, fabricated and evaluated In Vitro, the results reported in this thesis. The In Vitro evaluation of the VivicorTM pump provides evidence of a pump with mechanical self-regulation based on pump pre-load level, much like a displacement pump. The VivicorTM pump also displays pulsating outflow in combination with an inflow both during pump systole and diastole. The latter provides potential advantages over traditional displacement pumps as smaller cannulae or catheters can be used, facilitating miniaturization. Continuos filling throughout the pumping cycle also require less pressure to be exerted on the fluid, compared to displacement pumps, limiting the risk of mechanical damage to the pumped fluid. The In Vitro evaluation has also provided further insights on necessary design modifications in the second-generation VivicorTM prototype, currently planned. The VivicorTM pumping technology is highly interesting for further development and evaluation for use in ventricular assist applications.
Simulated games activity versus continuous running exercise: a novel comparison of the glycaemic and metabolic responses in T1DM patients

AIM: To compare the glycaemic and metabolic responses to simulated intermittent games activity and continuous running exercise in T1DM. METHODS: Nine patients (7 male, 2 female; 35  4 years; HbA1c 8.1  0.2% / 65  2 mmol.mol -1 ) treated on a basal-bolus regimen completed two main trials, a continuous treadmill run ( CON ) or an intermittent running protocol ( INT ). Patients arrived to the laboratory fasted at ~08:00 h, replicating their usual pre-exercise meal and administering a 50% reduced dose of rapid-acting insulin before exercising. Blood glucose (BG), K + , Na ++ , pH, triglycerides, serum cortisol and NEFA were measured at baseline and for 60 minutes post-exercise. Interstitial glucose was measured for a further 23 hours under free-living conditions. RESULTS: Following exercise, BG declined under both conditions but was less under INT ( INT -1.1±1.4 vs. CON -5.3±0.4 mmol.l -1 , p =0.037) meaning more patients experienced hypoglycaemia (BG≤3.5mmol.l -1 ; CON n=3 vs. INT n=2) but less hyperglycaemia (BG≥10.9 mmol.l -1 ; CON n=0 vs. INT n=6) under CON . Blood lactate was significantly greater, and pH lower, with a temporal delay in K + under INT ( p <0.05). No conditional differences were observed in other measures during this time, or in interstitial glucose concentrations during the remaining 23 hours after exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Simulated games activity carries a lower risk of early, but not late-onset hypoglycaemia than continuous running exercise in T1DM.
Phase II study of everolimus and letrozole in patients with recurrent endometrial carcinoma.

PURPOSE The phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) pathway is frequently dysregulated in endometrial cancer (EC). Hormonal manipulation leads to response in some patients with EC, but resistance derived from PI3K pathway activation has been documented. Targeting mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) may overcome endocrine resistance. We conducted a two-institution phase II trial of everolimus and letrozole in women with recurrent EC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were considered incurable, had measurable disease, and were treated with up to two prior cytotoxic regimens. Everolimus was administered orally at 10 mg daily and letrozole was administered orally at 2.5 mg daily. Each cycle consisted of 4 weeks of therapy. Patients were treated until progression, toxicity, or complete response (CR). The primary end point was the clinical benefit rate (CBR), which was defined as CR, partial response, or stable disease (≥ 16 weeks) by RECIST 1.0 criteria. Translational studies were performed to correlate biomarkers with response. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients were enrolled (median age, 62 years; range, 24 to 82 years). Thirty-five patients were evaluable for response. The CBR was 40% (14 of 35 patients); the median number of cycles among responders was 15 (range, seven to 29 cycles). The confirmed objective response rate (RR) was 32% (11 of 35 patients; nine CRs and two partial responses; median, 15 cycles; range, eight to 29 cycles). Twenty percent of patients (seven of 35 patients) were taken off treatment after a prolonged CR and at the discretion of the treating clinician. None of the patients discontinued treatment as a result of toxicity. Serous histology was the best predictor of lack of response. Patients with endometrioid histology and CTNNB1 mutations responded well to everolimus and letrozole. CONCLUSION Everolimus plus letrozole results in a high CBR and RR in patients with recurrent EC. Further development of this combination in recurrent endometrioid EC is under way.