Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of n-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Biomarkers of Kidney Injury in Adults With Diabetes Results of the GO-FISH trial

OBJECTIVE d Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplements (n-3 PUFA) may have renoprotective effects in patients with diabetes, but previous trials have been inconsistent. We performed a randomized controlled trial of n-3 PUFA supplementation on urine albumin excretion and markers of kidney injury in adults with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGNAND METHODS d Weconductedarandomized,placebo-controlled, two-period crossover trial to test the effects of 4 g/day of n-3 PUFA supplementation on markers of glomerular ﬁ ltration and kidney injury in adults with adult-onset diabetes and greater than or equal to trace amounts of proteinuria.Eachperiod lasted6weeks and wasseparatedbya 2-weekwashout. The main outcome was urine albumin excretion and, secondarily, markers of kidney injury (kidney injury molecule-1, N -acetyl b - D -glucosaminidase [NAG], neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL], and liver fatty acid – binding protein [LFABP]), serum markers of kidney function (cystatin C, b 2 -microglobulin, and creatinine), and estimated glomerular ﬁ ltration rate (eGFR). RESULTS d Of the 31 participants, 29 ﬁ nished both periods. A total of 55% were male, and 61% were African American; mean age was 67 years. CONCLUSIONS d These results suggest a potential effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on markers of kidney injury in patients with diabetes and early evidence of kidney disease. In the context of prior studies, these results provide a strong rationale for long-term trials of n-3 PUFA on chronic kidney disease progression.
Edit distance weighting modification using phonetic and typographic letter grouping over homomorphic encrypted data

Edit Distance string matching algorithm gives same weight for every single mismatching character. In fact, mismatching can be caused by phonetic error, mistyping error, or unknown error. An improvement has been made by Editex which modifies that algorithm. However, it tolerates only the phonetic error. In this paper, we increase its performance by proposing new weighting and distance calculation of that algorithm. Here, the source of mismatching is grouped into phonetic and typographic errors. Characters are divided into groups of phoneticity and typography, which have their own weight. By using this letter grouping, our proposed method is also suitable for implementation in homomorphic encrypted data. Experimental results show that this method produces lower false positive rates than the Edit Distance and Editex algorithms. The proposed method generates 2.2 false positives per experiment, while Edit Distance and Editex produce 8.24 and 3.12, respectively. It can be inferred that this proposed method is able to produce a relatively low error rate.
Adaptation à la sécheresse des écotypes locaux de sorghos du Mali

Parmi les agronomes et chercheurs des zones soudano-saheliennes, il existe actuellement un debat sur l’aptitude des varietes locales de sorgho a l’intensification et leur adaptation aux conditions de secheresse qui prevalent dans cette region depuis la fin des annees 60. La question qui se pose est de savoir s’il faut conserver le caractere de photosensibilite dans les nouvelles varietes. Ceci est d’autant plus important que les paysans de cette zone preferent, a present, cultiver leurs varietes locales, ou passer au mais dans certaines conditions. Dans cet article, nous examinons l’adaptation des varietes locales de sorgho du Mali aux nouvelles conditions climatiques. Les moyennes de la pluviometrie annuelle, des dates de debut et de fin de la saison pluvieuse ont ete comparees sur deux periodes de vingt ans situees de part et d’autre de la prospection IBPGR-Orstom de 1978 sur 110 postes pluviometriques. Les caracteristiques phenologiques (photosensibilite et duree du cycle) de 193 ecotypes collectes en 1978 et 129 collectes en 1999 ont egalement ete etudiees pour 5 zones pluviometriques. Les resultats indiquent que malgre la baisse pluviometrique observee au cours des 40 annees d’etudes, il n’y a pas eu de changement significatif dans les dates de debut et de fin de la saison pluvieuse. Il n’y pas eu, non plus, de changements significatifs des caracteristiques phenologiques des ecotypes collectes en 1978 et 1999, ce qui signifie que les varietes locales de sorgho, a cause de leur photoperiodisme, sont bien adaptees aux variations climatiques de leur zone d’origine. Les resultats sont discutes au regard des nouvelles connaissances sur le phenomene de photosensibilite, a savoir son determinisme genetique et sa compatibilite avec les caracteres de productivite (biomasse et grains). De nouveaux axes de recherche sur l’amelioration de la production des varietes locales photoperiodiques de sorgho sont suggeres. Il permettent d’envisager une lutte efficace contre la desertification et l’erosion de la biodiversite.
Imaging coherent transport in graphene (part I): mapping universal conductance fluctuations

Graphene provides a fascinating testbed for new physics and exciting opportunities for future applications based on quantum phenomena. To understand the coherent flow of electrons through a graphene device, we employ a nanoscale probe that can access the relevant length scales—the tip of a liquid-He-cooled scanning probe microscope (SPM) capacitively couples to the graphene device below, creating a movable scatterer for electron waves. At sufficiently low temperatures and small size scales, the diffusive transport of electrons through graphene becomes coherent, leading to universal conductance fluctuations (UCF). By scanning the tip over a device, we map these conductance fluctuations versus scatterer position. We find that the conductance is highly sensitive to the tip position, producing δG ∼ e2/h fluctuations when the tip is displaced by a distance comparable to half the Fermi wavelength. These measurements are in good agreement with detailed quantum simulations of the imaging experiment and demonstrate the value of a cooled SPM for probing coherent transport in graphene.
Ultrasonographic and quantitative histologic assessment of sequelae to testicular biopsy in stallions.

A sample of testicular parenchymal tissue, approximately 2 x 7 x 7 mm, was aseptically removed from 1 testis in each of 9 stallions on day 0. Slight to moderate hemorrhage from the tunica albuginea was observed in 8 stallions, but bleeding from the parenchyma was detected in only 2 stallions. Stallions were castrated 27 days later. Normal development of granulation tissue was evident at the biopsy site, but hematomas were not observed. In situ measurement of the widths of the right and left testes, total scrotal width, and evaluation of testicular echogenicity during ultrasonography were variables used to monitor changes in the testicular parenchyma from 14 days before biopsy through 27 days after biopsy. The control testis was consistently larger than the biopsied testis, except for day 3. Ultrasonography revealed signs of a localized change in the parenchyma of the biopsied testis in 4 stallions, but each lesion decreased in size by day 27. Tissues removed during biopsy enabled an excellent appraisal of spermatogenesis at that time. Detailed examinations of seminiferous tubules in the testes were performed to assess for damage to testicular function. At castration, samples were taken from 6 sites in each testis. Quantitative histologic evaluations of testicular tissues revealed low numbers of spherical spermatids and pachytene spermatocytes in biopsied testes, compared with control testes. It was concluded that there was a transitory increase in degeneration of preleptotene spermatocytes and B spermatogonia at the time of biopsy. A mild inflammatory response at the biopsy site in some testes was evidenced by an increased number of leukocytes at the biopsy site and at a dorsal site. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Molecular biomarkers monitoring human skeletal muscle fibres and microvasculature following long‐term bed rest with and without countermeasures

The cellular mechanisms of human skeletal muscle adaptation to disuse are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological and biochemical changes of the lower limb soleus and vastus lateralis muscles following 60 days of head‐down tilt bed rest in women with and without exercise countermeasure using molecular biomarkers monitoring functional cell compartments. Muscle biopsies were taken before (pre) and after bed rest (post) from a bed rest‐only and a bed rest exercise group (n = 8, each). NOS1 and NOS3/PECAM, markers of myofibre ‘activity’ and capillary density, and MuRF1 (E3 ubiquitin‐ligase), a marker of proteolysis, were documented by confocal immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses. Morphometrical parameters (myofibre cross‐sectional area, type I/II distribution) were largely preserved in muscles from the exercise group with a robust trend for type II hypertrophy in vastus lateralis. In the bed rest‐only group, the relative NOS1 immunostaining intensity was decreased at type I and II myofibre membranes, while the bed rest plus exercise group compensated for this loss particularly in soleus. In the microvascular network, NOS3 expression and the capillary‐to‐fibre ratio were both increased in the exercise group. Elevated MuRF1 immunosignals found in subgroups of atrophic myofibres probably reflected accelerated proteolysis. Immunoblots revealed overexpression of the MuRF1 protein in the soleus of the bed rest‐only group (> 35% vs. pre). We conclude that exercise countermeasure during bed rest affected both NOS/NO signalling and proteolysis in female skeletal muscle. Maintenance of NO signalling mechanisms and normal protein turnover by exercise countermeasure may be crucial steps to attenuate human skeletal muscle atrophy and to maintain cell function following chronic disuse.
Skeletal and dental effects of molar distalization using a modified palatal anchorage plate in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate and compare skeletal effects and the amount of molar distalization in maxilla using modified palatal anchorage plate (MPAP) vs headgear appliances in adolescent patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pre- and posttreatment lateral cephalograms of 45 Class II malocclusion patients were analyzed; 24 were treated with MPAP appliances (age, 12.4 years) and 21 with headgear (age, 12.1 years). Fixed orthodontic treatment started with the distalization process in both groups. Thirty-two variables were measured and compared between both groups using multivariate analysis of covariates. RESULTS There was no significant main effect of the appliance type on the treatment results (P = .063). Also, there was no significant main effect of the appliance type on both pre- and posttreatment comparisons (P = .0198 and .135, respectively). The MPAP and headgear groups showed significant distalization of maxillary first molars (3.06 ± 0.54 mm and 1.8 ± 0.58 mm, respectively; P < .001). Sagittal skeletal maxillomandibular differences were improved after treatment (P < .001), with no significant differences between the two groups. No significant difference in treatment duration was found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS The MPAP showed a significant skeletal effect on the maxilla. Both MPAP and headgear resulted in distalization of maxillary first molars. Therefore, it is recommended that clinicians consider the application of MPAP, especially in noncompliant Class II patients.
Using Serendipity to Advance Knowledge Building Activities

Serendipity has been shown throughout history to contribute towards creative advancements, scientific discovery and the generation of new knowledge. However, because most literature does not consider serendipitous information encounters to be typically goal-oriented, research on the use of serendipity as a recognized method of information acquisition is lacking. Building upon a review of current literature, this paper posits that the deep knowledge work and the strong social networks inherent in knowledge building environments would provide the ideal platform for fostering serendipitous insights. It is further suggested that tools to deliver potentially serendipitous content would be of value to knowledge building activities by encouraging active and creative connections to content, identifying and overcoming knowledge-gaps during moments of idleness, as well as making users more perceptive to future information encounters. Possibilities for the integration of such tools into existing knowledge building environments are then presented.
Music Therapy in Palliative Care for Hospitalized Children and Adolescents

Music therapy provided in a children's hospital is a systematic process of intervention in which the therapist uses music in the context of a relationship with the patient to promote his or her well-being. This intervention may include work within a family-centred model of care. Music therapy interventions support and assist the child in any or all of the following: to promote adaptive coping, to reduce pain or distress, and to increase and promote cognitive and/or physical development (1). The registered music therapist, a trained and qualified professional, works in a multidisciplinary team devising and evaluating both individual and group programs. Any member of clinical hospital staff, primary caregivers, or adult family members may refer a child to music therapy. Patients may also self-refer. A music therapy referral may occur prior to the patient entering the palliative stages of life, while the patient is experiencing the initial stages of palliation, or while the patient is experiencing the final stages of palliation. Referrals for patients receiving palliative care include patients diagnosed with cancer, cystic fibrosis, and chronic degenerative diseases. Patients who experience trauma as a result of an injury and are suddenly hospitalized before commencing palliative care may also be referred. The time of referral influences the type of music therapy program developed and implemented. For example, in the case of a referral received for an oncology patient admitted suddenly to an intensive care unit, the therapist develops and implements a program to assist the patient during this acute time. However, when an oncology patient is referred during initial stages of diagnosis, the therapist has a greater amount of time to develop a rapport with the patient, family members, and significant other persons in the support network, and this has an influence on the type of program developed. A music therapy referral usually occurs when staff observe that the patient is presenting with needs that Can be addressed through music therapy. Music therapy is unique in its reliance on music as the medium to address areas of need. Music therapy with children and adolescents in hospital aims to maximize patients' available resources in coping with their illness/injury, hospitalization, and treatment. Music therapy literature derived from work in the hospital context describes the use of music therapy to address health objectives, rehabilitative goals, and developmental and psychosocial needs. Health objectives include management of pain and levels of anxiety (2-11). Rehabilitative goals include increasing the range of motion and improving speech and language skills (12-16). Developmental goals are numerous and may include using parody to develop expressive language (17). And psychosocial goals aim to enhance relationships and provide opportunities for self-expression (5,18-24).
A framework for predicting underwater object recognition performance with fluorescence LIDAR

Detecting and recognizing underwater objects is a topic of great interest in many maritime applications, such as harbor security, safe navigation of autonomous underwater vehicles, and safety of the littoral zone [1]. Fluorescence Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) systems play an important role in this context. In this work, a framework for predicting the performance of underwater object recognition by means of fluorescence LIDAR is proposed with the aim of assisting the user during operations such as mission planning and LIDAR system design. Experimental results obtained within a Monte Carlo simulation framework reveal the potential of the proposed framework.
Quantitative study of changes in oxidative metabolism during visual stimulation using absolute relaxation rates

In the context of quantitative functional MRI (fMRI), deoxyhemoglobin (dHb) content is the essential physiological parameter for calibrating the blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signal. In studies on humans, the baseline dHb content or its equivalent has been evaluated indirectly by means of carbon dioxide breathing as a physiological reference condition. In this study with normal volunteers, quantitative mapping of baseline dHb content was performed in a direct manner by measuring the reversible contribution of the effective transverse relaxation rate. The BOLD signal change in the visual cortex during 8 Hz flicker visual stimulation was calibrated based on the quantitative map of baseline dHb content. The calibrated relaxation rate change that represents the stimulation‐induced fractional change of dHb content decreased by 14% within the activated visual cortex. Simultaneous measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF) with BOLD showed an increase of 59%. From the calibrated relaxation rate and CBF changes, the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) was calculated to increase by 19–28% within the activated visual cortex. The ratio of the CBF increase to the CMRO2 increase was 2–3:1, which agreed well with results of similar quantitative fMRI studies for humans. The method proposed here for quantitative evaluation of the BOLD signal may be applicable not only to fMRI for normal human subjects, but also to physiologically altered or diseased states, because it requires no physiological perturbation. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships between acceleration, agility, and jumping ability in female volleyball players

The aim of this study was to determine the relationships between acceleration, agility, and jumping ability in female volleyball players. A total of 12 female collegiate volleyball players were examined. The mean (SD) age was 20,10±1,197 years, height was 1,74±0,057 m, and weight was 61,30±4,244 kg for the 12 volleyball players. In this study, the T test for agility, acceleration test, and vertical jump test were used. A significant negative correlation existed between vertical jump with acceleration and agility (P<0.01). Vertical jump was highly correlated with acceleration and agility (r = - 0.799, -0.777, respectively). In conclusion, the present research showed vertical jump performance for collegiate female volleyball players that positively affected acceleration and agility. Also, relationship between jump performance and acceleration, agility in volleyball is very important to produce high force and rapid stretch shortening cycle movements and high-speed whole body movements. Vertical jump performance, working with volleyball teams, need to be able to administer efficient, but relationship between vertical jump and acceleration, agility needs to be determined in longitudinal training investigations. Vertical jump and agility, acceleration development program can be designed with minimal cost and equipment. The results of this investigation show that coaches can utilize agility and acceleration training for vertical jump development.
Central line-associated bloodstream infection in hospitalized children with peripherally inserted central venous catheters: extending risk analyses outside the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND Increasingly, peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are placed for prolonged intravenous access. Few data exist regarding risk factors for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) complicating PICCs in hospitalized children, especially children hospitalized outside the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS We identified all children with a PICC inserted at The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD) from 1 January 2003 through 31 December 2009 and used Poisson regression models to identify risk factors for PICC-associated CLABSIs. RESULTS A total of 2592 PICCs were placed in 1819 children. One hundred sixteen CLABSIs occurred over 44,972 catheter-days (incidence rate [IR], 2.58 cases per 1000 catheter-days; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.07-3.00 cases per 1000 catheter-days). Independent predictors of CLABSI in the entire cohort included PICC dwell time of > 21 days (IR ratio [IRR], 1.53; 95% CI, 1.05-2.26), parenteral nutrition as indication for insertion (IRR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.31-3.84), prior PICC-associated CLABSI (IRR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.18-5.25), underlying metabolic condition (IRR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.14-3.74), and pediatric ICU exposure during hospitalization (IRR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.18-2.75). Risk factors for CLABSI in children without PICU exposure included younger age, underlying malignancy and metabolic conditions, PICCs inserted in the lower extremity, and a prior PICC-associated CLABSI. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged catheter dwell time, pediatric ICU exposure, and administration of parenteral nutrition as the indication for PICC insertion are important predictors of PICC-associated CLABSI in hospitalized children. A careful assessment of these risk factors may be important for future success in preventing CLABSIs in hospitalized children with PICCs.
Plasmidic versus Insertional Cloning of Heterologous Genes in Mycobacterium bovis BCG: Impact on In Vivo Antigen Persistence and Immune Responses

ABSTRACT Bivalent recombinant strains of Mycobacterium bovis BCG (rBCG) expressing the early regulatory nef and the structural gag(p26) genes from the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) SIVmac251 were engineered so that both genes were cotranscribed from a synthetic operon. The expression cassette was cloned into a multicopy-replicating vector, and the expression levels of both nef and gag in the bivalent rBCG(nef-gag) strain were found to be comparable to those of monovalent rBCG(nef) or rBCG(gag) strains. However, extrachromosomal cloning of the nef-gag operon into a replicative plasmid resulted in strains of low genetic stability that rapidly lost the plasmid in vivo. Thus, the nef-gag operon was inserted site specifically into the BCG chromosome by means of mycobacteriophage Ms6-derived vectors. The resulting integrative rBCG(nef-gag) strains showed very high genetic stability both in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo expression of the heterologous genes was much longer lived when the expression cassette was inserted into the BCG chromosome. In one of the strains obtained, integrative cloning did not reduce the expression levels of the genes even though a single copy was present. Accordingly, this strain induced cellular immune responses of the same magnitude as that of the replicative rBCG strain containing several copies of the genes.