Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Response in Taste Circuitry is not Modulated by Hunger and Satiety in Women Remitted From Bulimia Nervosa

Individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) engage in episodes of binge eating, marked by loss of control and eating despite fullness. Does altered reward and metabolic state contribute to BN pathophysiology? Normally, hunger increases (and satiety decreases) reward salience to regulate eating. We investigated whether BN is associated with an abnormal response in a neural circuit involved in translating taste signals into motivated behavior, when hungry and fed. Twenty-six women remitted from BN (RBN) and 22 control women (CW) were administered water and sucrose during 2 counterbalanced fMRI visits, following a 16-hr fast or a standardized breakfast. Significant Group × Condition interactions were found in the left putamen, insula, and amygdala. Post hoc analyses revealed CW were significantly more responsive to taste stimuli when hungry versus fed in the left putamen and amygdala. In contrast, RBN response did not differ between conditions. Further, RBN had greater activation in the left amygdala compared with CW when fed. Findings suggest that RBN neural response to rewarding stimuli may not be modulated by metabolic state. Data raise the possibility that disinhibited eating in BN could result from a failure to devalue food reward when fed, resulting in an exaggerated response.
Magnitude and Frequency of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Responses: Identification of Immunodominant Regions of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Subtype C

ABSTRACT A systematic analysis of immune responses on a population level is critical for a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine design. Our studies in Botswana on (i) molecular analysis of the HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1C) epidemic, (ii) frequencies of major histocompatibility complex class I HLA types, and (iii) cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses in the course of natural infection allowed us to address HIV-1C-specific immune responses on a population level. We analyzed the magnitude and frequency of the gamma interferon ELISPOT-based CTL responses and translated them into normalized cumulative CTL responses. The introduction of population-based cumulative CTL responses reflected both (i) essentials of the predominant virus circulating locally in Botswana and (ii) specificities of the genetic background of the Botswana population, and it allowed the identification of immunodominant regions across the entire HIV-1C. The most robust and vigorous immune responses were found within the HIV-1C proteins Gag p24, Vpr, Tat, and Nef. In addition, moderately strong responses were scattered across Gag p24, Pol reverse transcriptase and integrase, Vif, Tat, Env gp120 and gp41, and Nef. Assuming that at least some of the immune responses are protective, these identified immunodominant regions could be utilized in designing an HIV vaccine candidate for the population of southern Africa. Targeting multiple immunodominant regions should improve the overall vaccine immunogenicity in the local population and minimize viral escape from immune recognition. Furthermore, the analysis of HIV-1C-specific immune responses on a population level represents a comprehensive systematic approach in HIV vaccine design and should be considered for other HIV-1 subtypes and/or different geographic areas.
Demanding first-class equality for domain specific aspect languages

Domain specific aspect languages (DSALs) are programming languages that are both domain specific and aspect-oriented. However, DSALs seem to be second-class. On the one hand, language workbenches handle only DSLs that are not aspect-oriented, making it difficult to develop new DSALs. On the other hand, development tools for general purpose aspect-oriented languages do not work with DSALs, making it difficult to use them. In this work we present an approach for building a modular DSAL workbench that produces first-class DSALs. A DSAL is said to be first-class if development tools treat it as a general purpose AOP language. Specifically, this means that first-class DSALs for Java can be used with tools that work with AspectJ. For concreteness, we illustrate the approach by describing our implementation of a DSAL workbench, comprising the Spoofax language workbench and the Awesome composition framework, for programming with first-class DSALs in Java.
Value creation in crowdfunding projects-evidence from an emerging economy

Crowdfunding facilitates resource provision for a project from a large audience where individuals contribute in small amounts. Based on the premises of value co-creation and information asymmetry in reward-based and all-or-nothing crowdfunding models we hypothesize that if a project is successful it creates a value proposition and signals it efficiently. Drawing on a sample of 354 projects hosted by three platforms which operate on reward-based model in Turkey, this paper offers an explanation about what contributes to the success or failure of a project. It suggests that platform reputation, project quality and entrepreneurial capacity of the project owners are associated with the success of a project.JEL Codes: M130, M310, L15, L21, L26
The expression of the secreted aspartyl proteinases Sap4 to Sap6 from Candida albicans in murine macrophages

Medically important yeasts of the genus Candida secrete aspartyl proteinases (Sap), which are of particular interest as virulence factors. Six closely related gene sequences, SAP1 to SAP6, for secreted proteinases are present in Candida albicans. The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris was chosen as an expression system for preparing substantial amounts of each Sap isoenzyme. Interestingly, Sap4, Sap5 and Sap6, which have not yet been detected in C. albicans cultures in vitro, were produced as active recombinant enzymes. Different Sap polyclonal antibodies were raised in rabbits and tested before further application by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against each recombinant Sap. Two antisera recognized only Sap4 to Sap6. Using these antisera, together with sap null mutants obtained by targeted mutagenesis, we could demonstrate a high production of Sap4, Sap5 and Sap6 by C. albicans cells after phagocytosis by murine peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, a Δsap4,5,6 null mutant was killed 53% more effectively after contact with macrophages than the wild‐type strain. These results support a role for Sap4 to Sap6 in pathogenicity.
Duplex Doppler sonographic examinations of the testis in prepubertal boys

This retrospective study of 143 pediatric patients with unilateral acute scrotal disease was done to assess the value of duplex Doppler sonographic examination prior to puberty (110 patients) in comparison to a pubertal group (33 patients) in a pediatric hospital, where the examinations are done by staff radiologists and radiology residents of varying degrees of expertise and experience with Doppler technique. All patients seen during an 18 month period were included. The unaffected side was examined in most patients and served as control. The normal Doppler shift in the center of the prepubertal testis was found to be 0.2 to 0.5 kHz, when using a 5 MHz duplex Doppler probe. With puberty, the Doppler shift increased to 0.5 to 1 kHz. Of 18 patients (10 prepubertal) with testicular torsion, five (three prepubertal) had false‐positive Doppler shift. In four of these five cases, faulty placement of the Doppler sample volume cursor was probably the cause. Using a multi‐way frequency analysis, puberty was found to have no significant influence on results of Doppler signal (chi square = 0.1346; P = 0.7137). Duplex Doppler sonographic examination is as useful to rule out testicular torsion in prepubertal boys as it is after puberty. Meticulous technique is essential. The opposite side should be examined first and serves as control for the affected one. Results showing no flow in the center of the diseased testis with positive flow in the unaffected one should lead to further clinical action (scintigraphy or surgery).
Biochemistry and physiology of n‐3 fatty acids

Considering the n‐3 fatty acids to be partial agonists relative to n‐6 fatty acids helps consolidate into a unified interpretation the many diverse reports and controversies on the actions of these two types of essential fatty acids. Some research reports illustrate the similarities between these two types and some emphasize the differences, leaving readers to evaluate the status of n‐3 fatty acids from a viewpoint that is conceptually similar to regarding a glass of water as half empty or half full. Both n‐3 and n‐6 types of fatty acids must be obtained through the diet because they are not synthesized de novo by vertebrates. Both types can support important physiological and developmental processes, can form eicosanoids (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, lipoxins, etc.), can be esterified to and hydrolyzed from tissue glycerolipids, and can be metabolically elongated and desaturated to a variety of highly unsaturated fatty acids. However, some nonesterified n‐6 acids are vigorously converted to potent n‐6 eicosanoids that exert intense agonist actions at eicosanoid receptors, whereas the n‐3 acids less vigorously form n‐3 eicosanoids that often produce less intense (partial) actions. Because both types owe their presence in vertebrate tissues to dietary intake, important physiological consequences follow the inadvertent selection of different average daily dietary supplies of these two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids. —Lands, W. E. M. Biochemistry and physiology of n‐3 fatty acids. FASEB J. 6: 2530‐2536; 1992.
Quikwriting as a multi-device text entry method

Quikwriting is a previously published technique for entering text into computers using a stylus. We report results of a longitudinal study on user performance with it. In addition to the original stylus-based usage mode we designed modes for joystick and keyboard thus making Quikwriting compatible with a wide range of computing devices. Twelve participants used the stylus and joystick modes in 20 sessions for a total of ten hours. By the end of the experiment their text entry rate was 16 wpm in the stylus mode and 13 wpm in the joystick mode. At the end we conducted a test to verify that Quikwriting skill transfers to the keyboard mode. Text entry rate for the first five minutes of use in the keyboard mode was 6 wpm. In summary, the stylus mode was not particularly fast, but we found Quikwriting suitable for multi-device use.
Thermodynamic dissection of large‐scale domain motions coupled with ligand binding of enzyme I

Domain motions are central to the biological functions of many proteins. The energetics of the motions, however, is often difficult to characterize when motions are coupled with the ligand binding. Here, we determined the thermodynamic parameters of individual domain motions and ligand binding of enzyme I (EI) using strategic domain‐deletion mutants that selectively removed particular motions. Upon ligand binding, EI employs two large‐scale domain motions, the hinge motion and the swivel motion, to switch between conformational states of distinct domain−domain orientations. Calorimetric analysis of the EI mutants separated the free energy changes of the binding and motions, demonstrating that the unfavorable hinge motion (ΔG = 1.5 kcal mol−1) was driven by the favorable swivel motion (ΔG = −5.2 kcal mol−1). The large free energy differences could be explained by the physicochemical nature of the domain interfaces associated with the motions; the hinge motion employed much narrower interface than the swivel motion without any hydrogen bonds or salt bridges. The small heat capacity further suggested that the packing of the domain interfaces associated with the hinge motion was less compact than that commonly observed in proteins. Lastly, thermodynamic analysis of phosphorylated EI suggests that the domain motions are regulated by the ligand binding and the phosphorylation states. Taken together, the thermodynamic dissection approach illustrates how multiple motions and ligand binding are energetically connected during the functional cycle of EI.
Electrostatic screening and backbone preferences of amino acid residues in urea‐denatured ubiquitin

Local structures in denatured proteins may be important in guiding a polypeptide chain during the folding and misfolding processes. Existence of local structures in chemically denatured proteins is a highly controversial issue. NMR parameters [coupling constants 3 J(Hα,HN) and chemical shifts] of chemically denatured proteins in general deviate little from their values in small peptides. These peptides were presumed to be completely unstructured; therefore, it was considered that chemically denatured proteins are random coils. But recent experimental studies show that small peptides adopt relatively stable structures in aqueous solutions. Small deviations of the NMR parameters from their values in small peptides may thus actually indicate the existence of local structures in chemically denatured proteins. Using NMR data and theoretical predictions we show here that fluctuating β‐strands exist in urea‐denatured ubiquitin (8 M urea at pH 2). Residues in such β‐strands populate more frequently the left side of the broad β region of Φ–ψ space. Urea‐denatured ubiquitin contains no detectable β‐sheet secondary structures; nevertheless, the fluctuating β‐strands in urea‐denatured ubiquitin coincide to the β‐strands in the native state. Formation of β‐strands is in accord with the electrostatic screening model of unfolded proteins. The free energy of a residue in an unfolded protein is in this model determined by the local backbone electrostatics and its screening by backbone solvation. These energy terms introduce strong electrostatic coupling between neighboring residues, which causes cooperative formation of β‐strands in denatured proteins. We propose that fluctuating β‐strands in denatured proteins may serve as initiation sites to form fibrils.
Methylome sequencing for fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma depicts distinctive features

With the goal of studying epigenetic alterations in fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC) and establish an associated DNA methylation signature, we analyzed LINE-1 methylation in a cohort of FLC and performed next-generation sequencing of DNA methylation in a training set of pure-FLCs and non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinomas (nc-HCC). DNA methylation was correlated with gene expression. Furthermore, we established and validated an epigenetic signature differentiating pure-FLC from other HCCs. LINE-1 methylation correlated with shorter recurrence-free survival and overall survival in resected pure-FLC patients. Unsupervised clustering using CG sites located in islands distinguished pure-FLC from nc-HCC. Major DNA methylation changes occurred outside promoters, mainly in gene bodies and intergenic regions located in the vicinity of liver developmental genes (i.e., SMARCA4 and RXRA). Partially methylated domains were more prone to DNA methylation changes. Furthermore, we identified several putative tumor suppressor genes (e.g., DLEU7) and oncogenes (e.g., DUSP4). While ∼70% of identified gene promoters gaining methylation were marked by bivalent histone marks (H3K4me3/H3K27me3) in embryonic stem cells, ∼70% of those losing methylation were marked by H3K4me3. Finally, we established a pure FLC DNA methylation signature and validated it in an independent dataset. Our analysis reveals a distinct epigenetic signature of pure FLC as compared to nc-HCC, with DNA methylation changes occurring in the vicinity of liver developmental genes. These data suggest new options for targeting FLC based on cancer epigenome aberrations.
Engineering communication (ESL) and logical cohesion in student papers

Professional engineering practice is undergoing profound and exciting changes. These changes are shaped by globalisation, the need for conservation of resources, growing recognition of the social and environmental consequences of engineering projects and the recognition that engineering involves far more than outstanding technical skills. Communication skills are increasingly recognised as vital to good engineering practice and increasingly communication courses are included, often as electives, in engineering degrees. In a few cases such courses are compulsory. This paper argues for the inclusion of communication courses which focus on developing skills in evidence based argument. These skills are seen as fundamental to the academic and professional life of an engineer. Further, it is proposed that the way in which the course focuses on the relationship of engineering to its social, environmental and ethical context promotes the development of holistic engineering practices. In communication, a common area of difficulty for students, which relates strongly to the development of an effective argument, is that of integrating evidence. In the Engineering Communication, English as a Second Language course, a number of strategies are taught to help students integrate their evidence more effectively. One such strategy shows students how to strengthen the internal links in a paragraph. The author will present her preliminary research into language links within paragraphs.
Potential of extracts from Saponaria officinalis and Calendula officinalis to modulate in vitro rumen fermentation with respect to their content in saponins

Saponins have the potential to favorably modulate rumen fermentation, but there is generally a lack of the chemical structures associated with the described effects. The activity of extracts from Calendula officinalis and Saponaria officinalis in the rumen was evaluated in vitro. The S. officinalis root extract, reduced CH4 production by 8.5% and increased total VFA concentration by 25.2%. C. officinalis and S. officinalis root extracts and the S. officinalis aerial part extract decreased the acetate to propionate ratio from 8.6 to 17.4%, according to the extract. An HPLC-ELSD analysis indicated that the saponin content ranged from 43.6 to 57.6 mg/g of dry matter (DM) in the C. officinalis extracts and from 224.0 to 693.8 mg/g of DM in the S. officinalis extracts, expressed as the hederacoside C equivalent. Identification of the saponin compounds present in the extracts by HPLC–MSn suggested that the saponin profile modulated the biological activities, showing the importance of determining the structure of saponins when evaluating extracts.
Altered mesocorticolimbic functional connectivity in psychotic disorder: an analysis of proxy genetic and environmental effects

Background Altered dopaminergic neurotransmission in the mesocorticolimbic (MCL) system may mediate psychotic symptoms. In addition, pharmacological dopaminergic manipulation may coincide with altered functional connectivity (fc) ‘in rest’. We set out to test whether MCL-fc is conditional on (familial risk for) psychotic disorder and/or interactions with environmental exposures. Method Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained from 63 patients with psychotic disorder, 73 non-psychotic siblings of patients with psychotic disorder and 59 healthy controls. With the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) as seed region, fc within the MCL system was estimated. Regression analyses adjusting for a priori hypothesized confounders were used to assess group differences in MCL connectivity as well as gene (group) × environmental exposure interactions (G × E) (i.e. to cannabis, developmental trauma and urbanicity). Results Compared with controls, patients and siblings had decreased fc between the right NAcc seed and the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) as well as the left middle cingulate cortex (MCC). Siblings showed decreased connectivity between the NAcc seed and lentiform nucleus compared with patients and controls. In addition, patients had decreased left NAcc connectivity compared with siblings in the left middle frontal gyrus. There was no evidence for a significant interaction between group and the three environmental exposures in the model of MCL-fc. Conclusions Reduced NAcc–OFC/MCC connectivity was seen in patients and siblings, suggesting that altered OFC connectivity and MCC connectivity are vulnerability markers for psychotic disorder. Differential exposure to environmental risk factors did not make an impact on the association between familial risk and MCL connectivity.
Eddy-Current Loss Modeling for a Form-Wound Induction Motor Using Circuit Model

Eddy-current losses in a form-wound stator winding of a 1250-kW cage induction motor was modeled using time-discretized finite- element analysis (FEA). A simpler and faster model, typically a circuit model, is needed to include these losses in the loss control algorithms of a frequency converter. The conventional T-equivalent circuit was augmented by an additional branch both in the stator and rotor to model the eddy-current effects. The parameters of the refined circuit were estimated using the voltages and currents from the FEA simulations. The circuit model was verified by comparing the calculated losses and torque with those obtained from the FEA.
Evaluation of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS2) in Finnish patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Finnish version of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales (AIMS2) in Finnish patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: The reliability of the Finnish AIMS2 (Finn‐AIMS2) questionnaire was assessed by test–retest procedure and internal consistency of health‐status scales. Construct validity was assessed by factor analysis, and convergent validity by correlation coefficients, with several disease activity and functional status variables. Results: Internal consistency was 0.79–0.89 and test–retest reliability 0.72–0.97. Factor analysis identified three factors: physical, psychosocial, and pain. There were strong correlations between the Finn‐AIMS2 health‐status scales and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Conclusion: The Finn‐AIMS2 questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring health status in middle‐aged Finnish patients with RA. The results also support the applicability of AIMS2 in comparisons in multinational studies.
On the importance of the Estonian constitutional typing system for sports anthropology

In sports anthropology, two main international schools of constitutional typing are used: on the one hand the Anglo-American tradition of somato typing, but in the German-speaking world, on the other hand, the checkerboardtype constitution type system (Conrad) has dominated. A unique innovative approach to determining the individual constitutional type was achieved by Helje Kaarma: the Estonian constitutional typing system, con sisting of the 5 height-weight class system (small, medium, large, pyknomorphic and leptomorphic). In a series of follow-up studies, Kaarma and her daughter R. Stamm succeeded in establishing this system in sports anthropology. Furthermore, Papers on Anthropology is an important scientific platform for international sports anthropological research.