Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of catechin profiles in human plasma and urine after single dosing and regular intake of green tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) catechin profiles in plasma and urine following single dosing and regular ingestion of green tea are not clear. We performed a placebo-controlled intervention study with sixteen healthy volunteers to determine changes in total and free catechins after a single dose and following 1 week of twice-daily green tea. Blood and urine samples were collected before (fasting) and after (60 and 120 min for blood; 90 and 180 min for urine) drinking 200 ml of 1·5 % (w/v) green tea or water (n 8 each), and fasting samples were again collected after 7 d of 150 ml of 1 % (w/v) supplemental green tea or water twice daily. After a 4-week washout, subjects were crossed onto the other treatment and procedures repeated. Plasma results at 1 h post-ingestion showed elevated (P< 0·05) mean epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG; 310 (sd 117) nmol/l; all in free form), epigallocatechin (EGC; 192 (sd 67) nmol/l; 30 % free) and epicatechin gallate (ECG; 134 (sd 51) nmol/l; 75 % free). Fasting plasma after 7 d of regular intake showed increased (P< 0·05) EGCG (80 v. 15 nmol/l at baseline) and ECG (120 v. 40 nmol/l), with ≥ 90 % of both in their conjugated forms. Total EGC was < 10 nmol/l. Post-ingestion conjugation and renal loss of EGC and epicatechin were rapid and high, but were negligible for EGCG and ECG. In the green tea consumed, the content was EGCG >EGC >ECG, and the acute plasma response mirrored this. However, after chronic consumption there was almost no EGC found in fasting plasma, some EGCG was present, but a rather high level of ECG was maintained.
Security Assessment of Time Synchronization Mechanisms for the Smart Grid

The need to dynamically monitor the modern power grid, react to its disturbances, control, and protect its operations requires the availability of globally synchronized measurement devices. Accurate time synchronization across these devices is as essential as the services they provide. The secure operation of the time supplying mechanisms soar among the main concerns on the path towards the smart grid. In this paper, we overview the mechanisms serving time synchronization for the smart grid. We analyze their security aspects and review their pitfalls. The standardization efforts to meet the grid's timing needs are also presented. Finally, gaps revealed through the analysis are disclosed and mitigation strategies are proposed.
Carbon partitioning in soybean (Glycine max) leaves by combined (11) C and (13) C labeling.

We labeled soybean (Glycine max) leaves with 200 and 600 ppm (13) CO(2) spiked with (11) CO(2) and examined the effects of light intensity and water stress on metabolism by using a combination of direct positron imaging and solid-state (13) C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of the same leaf. We first made 60-min movies of the transport of photosynthetically assimilated (11) C labels. The positron imaging identified zones or patches within which variations in metabolism could be probed later by NMR. At the end of each movie, the labeled leaf was frozen in liquid nitrogen to stop metabolism, the leaf was lyophilized, and solid-state NMR was used either on the whole leaf or on various leaf fragments. The NMR analysis determined total (13) C incorporation into sugars, starch, proteins, and protein precursors. The combination of (11) C and (13) C analytical techniques has led to three major conclusions regarding photosynthetically heterogeneous soybean leaves: transient starch deposition is not the temporary storage of sucrose excluded from a saturated sugar-transport system; peptide synthesis is reduced under high-light, high CO(2) conditions; and all glycine from the photorespiratory pathway is routed to proteins within photosynthetically active zones when the leaf is water stressed and under high-light and low CO(2) conditions.
Citalopram for continuation therapy after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in vascular depression.

OBJECTIVES The authors previously reported that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) produced a response rate of 39.4% among 62 patients with treatment resistant vascular depression. This study was undertaken to assess the outcome of continuation therapy to prevent relapse among these patients during 9 weeks after completion of rTMS. DESIGN Patients were randomly assigned to 18,000 pulses of rTMS given over 3 weeks or sham treatment using double blind methods. After rTMS, all patients were given 20 mg/day of citalopram for 9 weeks and reevaluated at 3, 6, and 9 weeks. SETTING Outpatient continuation treatment trial. PARTICIPANTS Patients with vascular depression (N = 62), as determined by magnetic resonance imaging hyperintensities and three or more clinical risk factors for vascular disease without other major medical illness, were recruited. They had onset of major depression after age 50 and failed at least one trial of antidepressants. INTERVENTION After rTMS or sham treatment, all treatment responders were given citalopram for 9 weeks. RESULTS Among the 33 patients who were given rTMS, 13 responded (i.e., >50% decline in Hamilton Depression Scale score). Of these 13, all completed the 9 weeks of continuation treatment. There were nine patients who continued to be responders and four who had a relapse of depression. CONCLUSION More effective methods are needed to treat elderly patients with treatment resistant vascular depression and to prevent relapse among treatment responders.
Bernstein-Bézier representations for facial surgery simulation

The finite element method and its application to the simulation of static linear elasticity has a long research history. The same applies for Bernstein–Bézier representations of curves and surfaces in computer aided geometric design. However, the combination of both to build tetrahedral Bernstein–Bézier finite elements presents an inspiring and fruitful challenge. The theory and implementation of these elements and their application in the context of facial surgery simulation is the main focus of this thesis. Both for patients and surgeons, thorough planning is an absolute prerequisite for successful surgical procedures. Therefore, attention is turning to computer–assisted planning systems. The three–dimensional physically–based simulation of facial surgery is envisioned to replace or complement on current surgical planning techniques. After a short motivation and overview of existing deformable models in computer graphics and surgery simulation, we give an introduction to the finite element method. Its application in the context of static elasticity is one of the main building blocks of the envisioned tissue model for surgery simulation. Besides classical linear elasticity, incompressibility and nonlinear stress–strain relations are taken into account. The representation of surfaces and volumes by means of Bernstein–Bézier patches is revisited. Emphasis is put on barycentric representations and on the construction of smooth patch transitions. Further, multivariate hermite interpolants are investigated and evaluated with respect to their suitability for finite element modeling. The construction of a globally trivariate tetrahedral interpolant based on a multi–dimensional generalization of the well–known Clough–Tocher split is presented. As a next step, Bernstein–Bézier techniques are put into the context of finite element analysis of static elastomechanics. A –continuous tetrahedral finite element is derived from the trivariate Clough–Tocher construction. The complex assembly procedure resulting from the construction is given special emphasis. In a thorough test series, –continuous tetrahedral elements are compared with the Clough–Tocher element. Degree elevation and mesh refinement are opposed to the effect of imposing higher level continuity constraints. The construction scheme is shown to invalidate neither the approximation properties nor the locality of the Bernstein finite element basis. At the same time it preserves the integral nature of the basis and therefore allows for analytical integration. Aiming at the evaluation of the physical tissue model and its finite element solution, we describe the implementation of a highly automatic surgery simulation prototype designed to post–simulate actual surgery. We propose methods and solutions needed in the model build–up and we describe an automatic computation of surgery displacement fields corresponding to real surgical procedures. The presentation of results achieved on the example of a test patient concludes the thesis. C1
Ageing of substantia nigra in humans:  cell loss may be compensated by hypertrophy

In a stereological study of the human substantia nigra (SN), the total number of melanin‐positive and melanin‐negative neurones from 28 male subjects aged 19–92 years was estimated using a uniform sampling design and optical disectors. There was a significant decrease in the total number of melanin‐positive neurones as a function of age (r2=0.18, residual‐CV=0.35, 2P=0.032). Using the rotator method, the size distribution of the melanin‐positive neurones was estimated and showed a significant difference in mean cell volume of melanin‐positive neurones between the seven youngest (21 077 µm3) and the seven oldest individuals (32 011 µm3), 2P=0.022. Using a combination of the total number of melanin‐positive neurones and their size distribution, the total perikaryon volume of melanin‐positive neurones could be estimated and showed no decrease with increasing age (r2=0.01, residual‐CV=0.41, 2P=0.62).
Sam68 functions as a transcriptional coactivator of the p53 tumor suppressor

Sam68 is a known sequence-specific RNA binding protein that regulates alternative splicing events during the cell cycle and apoptosis. Sam68 has also been shown to influence transcription, but the molecular mechanism remains undefined. Herein we identify Sam68 as a transcriptional coactivator of the p53 tumor suppressor in response to DNA damage. Using CRISPR/Cas9 generated isogenic HCT116 Sam68−/− cell lines wild type or deficient for p53, we show that Sam68 is required for the efficient transactivation of p53 target genes. Consistently, Sam68 depletion caused defects in DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis mediated by p53. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that Sam68 physically interacted with p53 in an RNA-dependent manner, and that this interaction was essential for the coactivator function of Sam68. Furthermore, we show that both Sam68 and p53 were recruited to promoters of p53-responsive genes, suggesting interdependence. Finally, Sam68 acted in concert with the p53 long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) target PR-lncRNA-1 for p53 recruitment, implicating a positive-feedback mechanism in which lncRNAs induced by the Sam68/p53 complex can enhance p53 transcriptional activity. These findings define a hitherto novel mechanism of action for Sam68 in governing p53 transcriptional activation, and represent the first report of Sam68 in the regulation of tumor suppressor activities.
Blood pressure variability and cardiovascular autonomic control during hemodialysis in peripheral vascular disease patients

Hemodialysis (HD) patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) are at higher risk of mortality. The main objectives of this work were to investigate the hypothesis of an association between the PVD and an altered control system on peripheral resistance in response to volume depletion induced by HD treatment; and to investigate whether HD induced increase of pulse pressure (PP) is associated with PVD. Continuous blood pressure (BP) was recorded during HD treatment at the beginning and at the end of HD. The overhydration condition was evaluated by means of whole body bioimpedance spectroscopy, measured before each HD treatment. BP variability, heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity were then analyzed. Patients affected by PVD reported a prevalence of peripheral local control as shown by higher values of very low frequency in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) variability and a reduced cardiac baroreflex with respect to patients not affected by this pathology. HD treatment induced a significant increase of PP and LF% in DBP series in PVD patients only. Our results suggested that differences in BP variability and PP changes could be related not only to an underlying vascular disease, but also to an alteration in autonomic control.
Analysis of Post-transcriptional Regulation Operating on Transcription Products of the Tandemly Linked Leishmania infantum hsp70 Genes*

The genomic organization and expression of the hsp70 genes of Leishmania infantum were examined. In the cluster there are at least six copies of the hsp70 genes arranged in a head-to-tail tandem of 3.8-kilobase repetition units. The hsp70 gene copy (gene 6) located at the 3′ end of the tandem has a 3′-untranslated region highly divergent in sequence relative to the 3′-untranslated region of the rest of hsp70 gene copies (genes 1-5). Nuclease S1 protection assays indicated that the steady-state level of the mRNAs derived from gene 6 is about 50-fold more abundant than the transcript level derived from genes 1-5. Nuclear run-on assays showed, however, that all hsp70 genes are transcribed at similar rates. Thus, it is likely that the differences in the steady-state levels of the transcripts from the hsp70 genes should be associated with variations in their processing or maturation rates. While the abundance of the mRNAs derived from hsp70 genes 1-5 is increased by heat shock, the hsp70 gene 6 mRNA level remains unaffected. Our data showed that ongoing protein synthesis is required for the maintenance of the heat inducement, depicting, thus, a post-transcriptional mechanism of positive regulation involving a labile protein factor that would be either induced or activated during heat shock.
Efficient production of superior dumbbell-shaped DNA minimal vectors for small hairpin RNA expression

Genetic therapy holds great promise for the treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases; however, its breakthrough is hampered by the lack of suitable gene delivery systems. Dumbbell-shaped DNA minimal vectors represent an attractive, safe alternative to the commonly used viral vectors which are fraught with risk, but dumbbell generation appears to be costly and time-consuming. We developed a new PCR-based method for dumbbell production which comprises only two steps. First, PCR amplification of the therapeutic expression cassette using chemically modified primers to form a ready-to-ligate DNA structure; and second, a highly efficient intramolecular ligation reaction. Compared with conventional strategies, the new method produces dumbbell vectors more rapidly, with higher yields and purity, and at lower costs. In addition, such produced small hairpin RNA expressing dumbbells triggered superior target gene knockdown compared with conventionally produced dumbbells or plasmids. Our novel method is suitable for large-scale dumbbell production and can facilitate clinical applications of this vector system.
How Work-Related and Personal Motivated Information Needs Shape Trust Towards Government-Sponsored Medical Information Sources?

Government regulation of the clinical practice is a characteristic aspect of the medical profession. Regardless of whether this regulation derives from government sourced guidelines or materials from government-sponsored institutions, it results to a high production of information resources (institutional information resources) which are disseminated to the clinical stuff in order to ensure compliance. In that case the issue of credibility of this information resources might arise since medical practice is characterized by a high frequency of change. The later involves continuous effort by the clinical staff which is motivated by work related factors (e.g. need of compliance) or personal motivation (need for self-improvement). In this study we consider a simple trust model for an information resource where we assume that perceived trust is a direct antecedent of perceived credibility. We evaluate whether work-related or personal motivated factors influence the relation between perceived credibility and trust towards institutional information sources and how the effect of each factor affects this relation. Findings suggest that work-related factors have higher impact on the relation between credibility and trust than personal motivation factors while at the same time are stressing the important role of hospital libraries as a dissemination point for government-sponsored information resources.
Strategies for Assignment of HIV-HCV Genotype-1-Coinfected Patients to Either Dual-Therapy or Direct-Acting Antiviral Agent-Based Triple-Therapy

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate strategies for assignment of HIV–HCV genotype-1-coinfected patients (HIV–HCV-GT1) to either dual-therapy or direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA)-based triple-therapy. Methods A total of 148 treatment-naive HIV–HCV-GT1 who received antiviral therapy with pegylated interferon/ ribavirin were included in this multinational, retrospective analysis. Patients with rapid virological response (RVR) were treated for 48 weeks, while patients without RVR received either 48 or 72 weeks of treatment. IL28B rs12979860 (IL28B) non-C/C, advanced liver fibrosis and high HCV RNA were considered as established risk factors for treatment failure. Results A trend toward higher sustained virological response (SVR) rates in patients with IL28B C/C (65% [37/57] versus 51% [40/79]; P=0.097) was observed. Higher SVR rates were observed in patients without advanced liver fibrosis (61% [47/77] versus 42% [22/52]); P=0.036) and without high HCV RNA (73% [35/48] versus 49% [49/100]; P=0.006), as well as in patients with RVR (90% [35/39] versus 45% [49/109]; P<0.001). SVR rates varied statistically significantly between the risk factors for treatment failure subgroups (86% [6/7] versus 69% [34/49] versus 48% [21/44] versus 20% [4/20] for zero, one, two and three risk factors, respectively; P<0.001). In patients without RVR, higher rates of SVR were observed in those treated for 72 weeks (62% [23/37]), when compared to patients treated for 48 weeks (36% [26/72]; P=0.01). Conclusions RVR had an excellent positive predictive value for the response to dual-therapy in HIV–HCV-GT1, emphasizing the utility of a lead-in phase for assigning these patients to dual-therapy or DAA-based triple-therapy. The use of an IL28B-guided approach was suboptimal, while a combination of established baseline predictors may provide guidance for individual treatment decisions prior to the initiation of antiviral therapy. However, the extension of treatment duration to 72 weeks in HIV–HCV-GT1 without RVR should be strongly considered if triple-therapy is not available.
The treatment with an anti-glycosaminoglycan antibody reduces aortic oxidative stress in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis

Abstract Retained low-density lipoproteins (LDL) by arterial glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are more susceptible to reactive oxygen species-mediated oxidation, contributing to oxidative stress and atherosclerosis. Recently, we reported the properties of the chimeric mouse/human monoclonal antibody chP3R99-LALA to bind sulfated GAG, to inhibit LDL-chondroitin sulfate binding, and to avoid LDL oxidation in vitro. Here, we hypothesized that chP3R99-LALA treatment might reduce aortic oxidative stress in a therapeutic setting. Redox biomarkers and serum lipids were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Subcutaneous administration of five doses (100 μg) of chP3R99-LALA, after Lipofundin administration (2 mL/kg/day, i.v.) during 8 days, reduced atherosclerotic lesion development, which was not associated with a serum lipid modulation. In contrast, the treatment with chP3R99-LALA reduced (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde and protein oxidation, induced a restoration of reduced glutathione level, of the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and of endothelial nitric oxide level. Thus, the antiatherogenic effect of chP3R99-LALA treatment seems to be associated with a reduction of aortic oxidative stress. These results contribute in understanding the molecular mechanisms associated with chP3R99-LALA atheroprotection and support the use of anti-GAG antibody-based immunotherapy as a potential tool to treat the atherosclerosis.
Impact of correlated primary transmissions on the design of a cognitive radio inference engine

We consider sensing for cognitive network users, in particular focusing on a scenario where a primary user (PU) and a secondary user (SU) operate on the same frequency band. The SU is interested in identifying transmission opportunities when the PU is silent. We investigate how this sensing performed by the SU can be improved through modeling the PU transmission pattern with increasing accuracy. In particular, we are interested in evaluating the impact of correlation in PU's transmissions. Therefore, we assume that the real behavior of the PU follows a Markov chain, used to model correlation in its activity, and we discuss how the maximum likelihood estimation of the SU can be subsequently improved by adding more information about this underlying process. In this way, the estimate can evolve into a maximum a-posteriori criterion, and furthermore knowledge about the whole Markov chain can be exploited. Also, we investigate the practical setup of training periods of variable length used to estimate the PU's parameters.
A flexible delegation-type interface enhances system performance in human supervision of multiple robots: empirical studies with RoboFlag

Three experiments and a computational analysis were conducted to investigate the effects of a delegation-type interface on human supervision of simulated multiple unmanned vehicles. Participants supervised up to eight robots using automated behaviors ("plays"), manual (waypoint) control, or both to capture the flag of an opponent with an equal number of robots, using a simple form of a delegation-type interface, Playbook. Experiment 1 showed that the delegation interface increased mission success rate and reduced mission completion time when the opponent "posture" was unpredictably offensive or defensive. Experiment 2 showed that performance was superior when operators could flexibly use both automated behaviors and manual control, although there was a small increase in subjective workload. Experiment 3 investigated additional dimensions of flexibility by comparing delegation interfaces to restricted interfaces. Eight interfaces were tested, varying in the level of abstraction at which robot behavior could be tasked and the level of aggregation (single or multiple robots) to which plays could be assigned. Performance was superior with flexible interfaces for four robots, but this benefit was eliminated when eight robots had to be supervised. Finally, a computational analysis using task-network modeling and Monte Carlo simulation gave results that closely paralleled the empirical data on changes in workload across interface type. The results provide initial empirical evidence for the efficacy of delegation-type interfaces in human supervision of a team of multiple autonomous robots.