Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Assessment of High Blood Pressure in Children with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objective Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects 9.6% of children and may put these children at elevated risk of high blood pressure and subsequent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for high blood pressure in children with NAFLD. Methods Cohort study performed by the NIDDK NASH Clinical Research Network. There were 484 children with NAFLD ages 2 to 17 at enrollment; 382 children were assessed both at enrollment and 48 weeks afterwards. The main outcomes were high blood pressure at baseline and persistent high blood pressure at both baseline and 48 weeks. Results Prevalence of high blood pressure at baseline was 35.8% and prevalence of persistent high blood pressure was 21.4%. Children with high blood pressure were significantly more likely to have worse steatosis than children without high blood pressure (mild 19.8% vs. 34.2%, moderate 35.0% vs. 30.7%, severe 45.2% vs. 35.1%; P = 0.003). Higher body mass index, low-density lipoprotein, and uric acid were independent risk factors for high blood pressure (Odds Ratios: 1.10 per kg/m2, 1.09 per 10 mg/dL, 1.25 per mg/dL, respectively). Compared to boys, girls with NAFLD were significantly more likely to have persistent high blood pressure (28.4% vs.18.9%; P = 0.05). Conclusions In conclusion, NAFLD is a common clinical problem that places children at substantial risk for high blood pressure, which may often go undiagnosed. Thus blood pressure evaluation, control, and monitoring should be an integral component of the clinical management of children with NAFLD.
Prot-2S: a new python web tool for protein secondary structure studies

Prot-2S is a bioinformatics web application devised to analyse the protein chain secondary structures (2S) (http:/ /www.requimte.pt:8080/Prot-2S/). The tool is built on the RCSB Protein Data Bank PDB and DSSP application/files and includes calculation/graphical display of amino acid propensities in 2S motifs based on any user amino acid classification/code (for any particular protein chain list). The interface can calculate the 2S composition, display the 2S subsequences and search for DSSP non-standard residues and for pairs/triplets/quadruplets (amino acid patterns in 2S motifs). This work presents some Prot-2S applications showing its usefulness in protein research and as an e-learning tool as well.
Comparative strategies of exploiting the 3rd harmonic signal energy in passive RFID tags

In this paper, the harmonic signals coming from the UHF RFID chips are exploited in two different ways. In the first application, the 3rd harmonic signal is combined with an external signal from a Wi-Fi source (at 2.45 GHz) in order to improve the power conversion efficiency of the energy harvester associated to the tag. In the second method, the 3rd harmonic signal is used alone as an energy source to supply a commercial temperature sensor associated with the tag.
Developing Interdisciplinary Environmental Frameworks

Abstract The purpose of this article is to review interdisciplinary systemic frameworks of environmental protection and evaluate their use as tools, educational policymaking and education. We analyze the pressures-state-responses (PSR) framework of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the drivers-pressures-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework developed in the European Environment Agency and a later environmental political dynamics framework developed by Schroll and Stærdahl. We then continue the discussion by introducing a comprehensive model, labeled as the environmental protection process (EPP) framework that can be used to analyze and teach why there are environmental problems, what are their characteristics, and in which ways they can be mitigated. The EPP model is used for classifying measures of coping with environmental problems. Finally, a submodel of individual and societal factors affecting human action is formed. Environmental issues of transport are used as an illustrative example. We hope to contribute a relevant way to outline a wide interdisciplinary picture of environmental problems and solutions.
Modeling control and simulation of two axes gimbal seeker using fuzzy PID controller

The application of the guided missile seeker is to provide stability to the sensor by isolating it from the missile motion and vibration. The aim of this paper is to present the model of two axes gimbal seeker and improve its performance using proposed fuzzy controller. The equations of gimbals motion are derived using Lagrange equation and the stabilization system is constructed considering the missile rates, torque disturbances, and cross coupling between elevation and azimuth channels. The overall control system is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink. This model is evaluated comparing with conventional PI control system. The comparative simulation results in different conditions have shown that the proposed fuzzy PID method offers a better performance than the classical one.
Pharmacologic Therapies on the Horizon for Acute Lung Injury/Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represent a spectrum of diseases that are commonly encountered in the intensive care unit and are associated with high mortality. Although significant advances have been made with respect to the ventilatory management of patients with ALI/ARDS with proven beneficial effects on outcomes, pharmacologic therapies remain nonexistent. Because the cardinal feature of ALI/ARDS is an increase in lung vascular permeability, often precipitated by an exuberant inflammatory response with subsequent endothelial barrier disruption, strategies aimed at promoting endothelial barrier function could serve as novel therapies in this setting. We have identified several promising agonists in this regard including sphingosine 1-phosphate, activated protein C, and statins, a class of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors. These agonists all have in common the ability to directly mediate endothelial cell signaling and induce characteristic actin cytoskeletal rearrangement leading to endothelial cell barrier protection. Our in vitro findings have been extended to animal models of ALI/ARDS and suggest that effective pharmacologic therapies for patients with ALI/ARDS may soon be available.
Viability of Talus Osteochondral Defect Cartilage for Chondrocyte Harvesting

Background: Large talar cartilage defects can be treated with either autologous chondrocyte implantation or matrix autologous chondrocyte implantation. Both techniques depend on successful harvesting of the chondrocytes. In the past, they have come from the ipsilateral knee, which has been associated with donor site morbidity. We hypothesized that damaged cartilage from the talus can be used as a reliable source for chondrocyte cell harvesting in preparation for possible matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI). Methods: Chondrocytes were harvested from the injured talar cartilage during ankle arthroscopy and sent to a cell laboratory, measured for initial biopsy weight, cultured for 4 to 6 weeks, and then analyzed for viability. A total of 151 patients were analyzed. Results: The average biopsy initial weight was 187.1 mg. The average number of cells was 3.13 × 105. The viability of the chondrocytes provided by the manufacturer averaged 92.3% (range, 33%-100%). Conclusions: Chondrocytes harvested from the damaged talar articular cartilage were functional and proliferated with an average viability of 92%. Clinical Relevance: This technique may provide a useful source of chondrocytes if needed for a future cell-based regenerative procedure such as MACI while eliminating the need to harvest chondrocytes from the knee or other intact areas of cartilage on the talus. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Intensity of cross-peaks in hyscore spectra of S = 1/2, I = 1/2 spin systems.

The cross-peak intensity for a S = 1/2, I = 1/2 spin system in two-dimensional HYSCORE spectra of single-crystals and powders is analyzed. There is a fundamental difference between these two cases. For single crystals, the cross-peak intensity is distributed between the two (+, +) and (+, -) quadrants of the hyperfine sublevel correlation (HYSCORE) spectrum by the ratio c(2):s(2) (C. Gemperle, G. Aebli, A. Schweiger, and R. R. Ernst, J. Magn. Reson. 88, 241 (1990)). However, for powder spectra another factor becomes dominant and governs cross-peak intensities in the two quadrants. This factor is the phase interference between modulation from different orientations of the paramagnetic species. This can lead to essentially complete disappearance of the cross-peak in one of the two (+, +) or (+, -) quadrants. In the (+, +) quadrant, cross-peaks oriented parallel to the main (positive) diagonal of the HYSCORE spectrum are suppressed, while the opposite is true in the (+, -) quadrant where cross-peaks nearly perpendicular to the main (negative) diagonal of HYSCORE spectra are suppressed. Analytical expressions are derived for the cross-peak intensity profiles in powder HYSCORE spectra for both axial and nonaxial hyperfine interactions (HFI). The intensity is a product of two terms, one depending only on experimental parameter (tau) and the other only on the spin Hamiltonian. This separation provides a rapid way to choose tau for maximum cross-peak intensity in a region of interest in the spectrum. For axial HFI, the Hamiltonian-dependent term has only one maximum and decreases to zero at the canonical orientations. For nonaxial HFI, this term produces three separate ridges which outline the whole powder lineshape. These three ridges have the majority of the intensity in the HYSCORE spectrum. The intensity profile of each ridge resembles that observed for axial HFI. Each ridge defines two principal values of the HFI similar to the ridges from an axial HFI.
FGF and stress regulate CREB and ATF‐1 via a pathway involving p38 MAP kinase and MAPKAP kinase‐2.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) activates a protein kinase cascade in SK‐N‐MC cells that regulates gene expression at a cyclic‐AMP response element (CRE) by stimulating the transcriptional activity of CREB. The activation of CREB is prevented by a dominant negative mutant of Ras and triggered via the same site (Ser133) that becomes phosphorylated in response to cyclic AMP and Ca2+. However, the effect of FGF is not mediated by cyclic AMP‐dependent protein kinase, TPA‐sensitive isoforms of protein kinase‐C, p70S6K or p90rsk (all of which phosphorylate CREB at Ser133 in vitro). Instead, we identify the FGF‐stimulated CREB kinase as MAP kinase‐activated protein (MAPKAP) kinase‐2, an enzyme that lies immediately downstream of p38 MAP kinase, in a pathway that is also stimulated by cellular stresses. We show that MAPKAP kinase‐2 phosphorylates CREB at Ser133 in vitro, that the FGF‐ or stress‐induced activation of MAPKAP kinase‐2 and phosphorylation of CREB and ATF‐1 are prevented by similar concentrations of the specific p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB 203580, and that MAPKAP kinase‐2 is the only detectable SB 203580‐sensitive CREB kinase in SK‐N‐MC cell extracts. We also show that transfection of RK/p38 MAP kinase in SK‐N‐MC cells, but not transfection of p44 MAP kinase, activates Gal4‐CREB‐dependent transcription via Ser133. These findings identify a new growth factor and stress‐activated signaling pathway that regulates gene expression at the CRE.
Reproductive health: knowledge and opinions of university students in Erzurum, Turkey

Background: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge of reproductive health and the opinions of university students towards reproductive health education and family planning services. Methods: A questionnaire about reproductive health knowledge and the opinions of students was submitted to 673 systematically and randomly selected students at Ataturk University. A set of 39 questions was used to determine the level of knowledge of reproductive health. Results: The level of reproductive health knowledge was below the theoretical mean value. An association was found between gender, residential area, parents' education and sibling number with the reproductive health knowledge score. Most of the students approved of formal reproductive health education (88.4%). Approval of family planning services was lower than that of reproductive health education (71.6%). The percentage of men who support family planning services and reproductive health education was lower than that of women. Students who had graduated from Islamic religious schools had more negative opinions towards family planning services. Conclusions: University students lack knowledge about reproductive health and most of them agree that reproductive health education should be given in schools. Knowledge about reproductive health differs significantly depending on some sociodemographic variables. Some students have negative opinions towards family planning services and reproductive health education.
Analysis of factors predicting the success of the bone conduction device headband trial in patients with single-sided deafness.

OBJECTIVE To determine factors predicting whether patients with single-sided deafness (SSD) opt for a bone conduction device (BCD) for the contralateral routing of sound (CROS) after a regular trial with a BCD on a headband. DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. SETTING Nijmegen, the Netherlands. PATIENTS Thirty consecutive patients with SSD. INTERVENTIONS Patients received a trial with a BCD headband as part of the regular workup for SSD. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their decision to opt for a BCD (BCD+) or not (BCD-). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patients completed a questionnaire on satisfaction with the BCD headband, patient- and BCD-related factors, and benefit in listening situations. RESULTS Fourteen patients (47%) chose a percutaneous BCD application after the BCD headband trial. Hearing loss of the contralateral ear at 4.0 kHz was significantly larger in the BCD+ group for bone and air conduction (P = .05 and P = .02, respectively). Patients in the BCD+ group experienced more problems in several listening situations and used the BCD headband more frequently than patients did in the BCD- group. CONCLUSIONS Several individual factors influence the decision of patients with SSD to opt for a BCD. Hearing loss in the contralateral ear at high frequencies seems to be a relevant factor to predict the success of the BCD headband trial. It is advisable to offer all patients with SSD the option to participate in the BCD headband trial for at least 1 week and create a realistic expectation for patients based on their unaided subjective hearing handicaps.
Achievable Rates of Buffer-Aided Full-Duplex Gaussian Relay Channels

We derive closed-form expressions for the achievable rates of a buffer-aided full-duplex (FD) multiple-input multiple-output Gaussian relay channel. The FD relay still suffers from residual self-interference (RSI) after the application of self-interference mitigation techniques. We investigate both cases of a slow-RSI channel where the RSI is fixed over the entire codeword, and a fast-RSI channel where the RSI changes from one symbol duration to another within the codeword. We show that the RSI can be completely eliminated in the slow-RSI case when the FD relay is equipped with a buffer while the fast RSI cannot be eliminated. For the fixed-rate data transmission scenario, we derive the optimal transmission strategy that should be adopted by the source node and relay node to maximize the system throughput. We verify our analytical findings through simulations.
Transplantation of Myocyte Precursors Derived from Embryonic Stem Cells Transfected with IGFII Gene in a Mouse Model of Muscle Injury

Background. Reconstruction of skeletal muscle tissue is hampered by the lack of availability of functional substitution of the tissue. Methods. Embryonic stem (ES) cells were transfected with the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) II gene and were selected with G418. The resultant cell clones were analyzed regarding their myogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Results. The cells expressed early and late myogenic differentiation markers, including myoD, myogenin, and dystrophin in vitro. They had phosphorylated Akt within the cells, suggesting their activation by the secreted IGFII. Transplantation of the cells to injured anterior tibial muscle of mice significantly improved their motor functions compared to injured mice transplanted with undifferentiated ES cells and injured mice given vehicle alone. The transfected cells adapted to the injured muscle, formed myofibers positive for dystrophin and negative for MyoD and myogenin. Trichrome staining and toluidine blue staining support myofiber formation in vivo. The enzymatic activity of acetylcholine esterase suggested the functional activity of the regenerated motor units. The evoked electromyogram of anterior tibial muscle transplanted with the transfected cells showed significantly higher potentials compared to that transplanted with undifferentiated ES cells and that injected with phosphate-buffered saline (control injury). Electron microscopic examination confirmed the myofiber formation in the cells in vivo. Conclusions. Transfection of IGFII gene into ES cells may be applicable for transplantation therapy of muscle damage due to injury and myopathies.
Differential Activities of Protein Phosphatase Types 1 and 2A in Cytosolic and Participate Fractions from Rat Forebrain

Abstract: The activities and concentrations of protein phosphates type 1 (PP1) and type 2A (PP2A) were compared in cytosol and particulate fractions of rat forebrain. Although the activity of PP2A was highest in the cytosol, immunoblot analysis with a PP2A‐specific antibody showed that there were significant levels of the enzyme in the particulate fraction. There was no significant difference between the concentration of PP2A in the cytosol and particulate fractions such that the low activity of PP2A in the particulate fraction represents an inactivation of this form of the enzyme. Similar analysis in skeletal muscle, heart, and liver showed this finding was unique to the brain. Similarly, the majority of PP1 activity was recovered in the cytosol, but most PP1 enzyme was associated with the particulate fraction. Comparison with other tissues showed that the activities of PP1 in the particulate fractions were similar but that the forebrain contained significantly more enzyme than the other tissues. Thus, like PP2A it appears that the specific activity of PP1 in the particulate fraction of rat forebrain is much lower than that of the cytosol and of the particulate fractions of other tissues. Elution of PP1 and PP2A from membranes with 0.5 M NaCl plus 0.3% Triton X‐100 resulted in severalfold activation of both enzymes. That the majority of PP1 and PP2A in rat forebrain are associated with membrane structures but in a low activity state suggests that novel regulatory mechanisms exist that have considerable and unique potential for activation of protein dephosphorylation.
Indications and limitations of the use of subjective global assessment in clinical practice: an update

Purpose of reviewSubjective global assessment is a clinical tool for assessing nutritional status that merges alterations in body composition and physiological function. Although it was first described almost two decades ago, many studies using this method have been published during the past few years. This review describes recent findings from such studies. Recent findingsSubjective global assessment has proved to be a good nutritional assessment and prognostic indicator in several clinical situations. Agreement between subjective global assessment and newer screening methods is not always acceptable, and it has not been validated with respect to clinical outcome. Some modifications have been suggested that may increase the sensitivity of subjective global assessment as a screening tool. A scored version of subjective global assessment for cancer patients is now being validated for use in other patient groups. This could increase its utility in nutritional intervention studies if it can be demonstrated that subtle changes in nutritional status are reflected by numerical scores in patient-generated subjective global assessment. SummarySubjective global assessment represents a good option for assessing nutritional status in various clinical situations. As a screening tool, it better identifies established malnutrition than nutritional risk but its sensitivity is suboptimal. The scored version of subjective global assessment may have advantages and extend the usefulness of this tool even further.
Small Community Transportation Security: Security Assessment and Practices Pilot Project

Today’s small-community security professionals operate in an era shaped by the ever-present specter of domestic and international terrorism, increasingly interdependent webs of interaction across public and private sectors, and rapidly advancing technological innovation. In such a complex and interconnected world, there can be little doubt that the need for awareness, coordination and strategic vision on matters of transportation security is critical, even for small communities. This report is a pilot study of transportation security initiatives and activities that are underway in Stutsman County, North Dakota. The goal of this pilot study is to better understand the kinds of challenges that face security professionals in small communities and the kinds of innovative solutions that can be found. Drawing on the experiences from Stutsman County, which is wrestling with security related to multimodal transportation systems, this report will identify and share some best practices. The goal of this report is that other small communities will be able to enhance both their security preparedness and transportation system resilience by applying the most relevant lessons in their own localities.
The Long-Term Distribution of Expected Inflation in the Euro Area: What has Changed Since the Great Recession?

This paper analyses the distribution of long-term inflation expectations in the euro area using individual density forecasts from the ECB Survey of Professional Forecasters. We exploit the panel dimension in this dataset to examine whether this distribution became less stable following the Great Recession, subsequent sovereign debt crisis and period when the lower bound on nominal interest rates became binding. Our results suggest that the distribution did change along several dimensions. We document a small downward shift in mean long-run expectations toward the end of our sample although they remain aligned with the ECB definition of price stability. More notably, however, we identify a trend toward a more uncertain and negatively skewed distribution with higher tail risk. Another main finding is that key features of the distribution are influenced by macroeconomic news, including the ex post historical track record of the central bank. JEL Classification: E31, E58