Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Supplementation Affects the Beck Depression Inventory , Insulin Resistance , and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder : A Randomized , Controlled Clinical Trial 1 , 2

Background: Vitamin D may decrease depression symptoms through its beneficial effects on neurotransmitters, metabolic profiles, biomarkers of inflammation, and oxidative stress. Objective: This study was designed to assess whether vitamin D supplementation can reduce symptoms of depression, metabolic profiles, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 40 patients between 18 and 65 y of age with a diagnosis of MDD based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a single capsule of 50 kIU vitamin D/wk (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) for 8 wk. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and postintervention to quantify relevant variables. The primary [Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), which examines depressive symptoms] and secondary (glucose homeostasis variables, lipid profiles, hs-CRP, and biomarkers of oxidative stress) outcomes were assessed. Results: Baseline concentrations of mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were significantly different between the 2 groups (9.2 6 6.0 and 13.6 6 7.9 mg/L in the placebo and control groups, respectively, P = 0.02). After 8 wk of intervention, changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were significantly greater in the vitamin D group (+20.4 mg/L) than in the placebo group (20.9 mg/L, P < 0.001). A trend toward a greater decrease in the BDI was observed in the vitamin D group than in the placebo group (28.0 and 23.3, respectively, P = 0.06). Changes in serum insulin (23.6 compared with +2.9 mIU/mL, P = 0.02), estimated homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (21.0 compared with +0.6, P = 0.01), estimated homeostasis model assessment of b cell function (213.9 compared with +10.3, P = 0.03), plasma total antioxidant capacity (+63.1 compared with223.4 mmol/L, P = 0.04), and glutathione (+170 compared with2213 mmol/L, P = 0.04) in the vitamin D group were significantly different from those in the placebo group. Conclusion: Overall, vitamin D supplementation of patients with MDD for 8 wk had beneficial effects on the BDI, indicators of glucose homeostasis, and oxidative stress. This trial was registered at www.irct. ir as IRCT201412065623N29. J Nutr
Crack-Free Silicon-Nitride-on-Insulator Nonlinear Circuits for Continuum Generation in the ${C}$ -Band

We report on the fabrication and testing of silicon-nitride-on-insulator nonlinear photonic circuits for complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) compatible monolithic co-integration with silicon-based optoelectronics. In particular, a process has been developed to fabricate low-loss crack-free Si3N4 730-nm-thick films for Kerr-based nonlinear functions featuring full process compatibility with existing silicon photonics and front-end Si optoelectronics. Experimental evidence shows that 2.1-cm-long nanowires based on such crack-free silicon nitride films are capable of generating a frequency continuum spanning 1515–1575 nm via self-phase modulation. This work paves the way to time-stable power-efficient Kerr-based broadband sources featuring full process compatibility with Si photonic integrated circuits on CMOS lines.
Feasibility of dual-energy CT in the arterial phase: Imaging after endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate replacing unenhanced and arterial single-energy CT acquisitions after endovascular aneurysm repair with one dual-energy CT arterial acquisition. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Thirty patients underwent arterial dual-energy CT (80 and 140 kVp) and venous single-energy CT (120 kVp) after endovascular aneurysm repair, and the radiation doses were compared with those of a standard triple-phase protocol. Both virtual unenhanced and arterial images were generated with dual-energy CT. Images were reviewed clinically for detection of endoleaks and evaluation of stent and calcium appearance. The aortic luminal attenuation on virtual unenhanced CT images was compared with that on previously acquired true unenhanced images. Virtual unenhanced, arterial, and venous images were compared for thrombus attenuation. Single-energy CT and dual-energy CT images were compared for noise. RESULTS Replacement of two (unenhanced, arterial) of three single-energy CT acquisitions with one dual-energy CT acquisition resulted in 31% radiation dose savings. All images were clinically interpretable. Thoracic (32 +/- 2 vs 35 +/- 4 HU) and abdominal (30 +/- 3 vs 35 +/- 5 HU) aortic attenuation was similar on virtual unenhanced and true unenhanced images. Thrombus attenuation was similar on virtual unenhanced (32 +/- 6 HU), arterial phase (33 +/- 7 HU), and venous phase (34 +/- 6 HU) images. Decreased stent and calcium attenuation was observed at some locations on virtual unenhanced images. Noise in the thoracic (10 +/- 1 HU) and abdominal (12 +/- 2 HU) aorta was lower on virtual unenhanced images than on true unenhanced images (13 +/- 4 HU, 19 +/- 5 HU). Noise was comparable for dual-energy and single-energy CT (thorax, 16 +/- 2 vs 13 +/- 2 HU; abdomen, 21 +/- 3 vs 23 +/- 5 HU). CONCLUSION Virtual unenhanced and arterial phase images derived from dual-energy CT can replace true unenhanced and arterial phase single-energy CT images in follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair (except immediately after the procedure), providing comparable diagnostic information with substantial dose savings.
Video redundancy: a best-effort solution to network data loss

Our research approach builds upon the work of [HSHW95] and combines media specific forward error correction and repetition error concealment to MPEG video. The sender piggy-backs a small, low-quality redundant copy of each primary video frame with the next video frame. If a primary frame is lost, the receiver replaces it with the lowerquality redundant frame from the next packet. If the redundant frame is also lost, the previous frame is repeated for error concealment. Figure 1 depicts our approach, in which the 2nd and 3rd packets are lost.
Photochemistry of a Volcanically Driven Atmosphere on Io

To determine how active volcanism might affect the standard picture of sulfur dioxide photochemistry on Io, we have developed a one-dimensional atmospheric model in which a variety of sulfur-, oxygen-, sodium-, potassium-, and chlorine-bearing volatiles are volcanically outgassed at Io’s surface and then evolve due to photolysis, chemical kinetics, and diffusion. Thermochemical equilibrium calculations in combination with recent observations of gases in the Pele plume are used to help constrain the composition and physical properties of the exsolved volcanic vapors. Both thermochemical equilibrium calculations (Zolotov and Fegley 1999, Icarus 141, 40‐52) and the Pele plume observations of Spencer et al. (2000; Science 288, 1208‐1210) suggest that S2 may be a common gas emitted in volcanic eruptions on Io. If so, our photochemical models indicate that the composition of Io’s atmosphere could differ significantly from the case of an atmosphere in equilibrium with SO2 frost. The major differences as they relate to oxygen and sulfur species are an increased abundance of S, S2 ,S 3 ,S 4, SO, and S2O and a decreased abundance of O and O2 in the Pele-type volcanic models as compared with frost sublimation models. The high observed SO/SO2 ratio on Io might reflect the importance of a contribution from volcanic SO rather than indicate low eddy diffusion coefficients in Io’s atmosphere or low SO “sticking” probabilities at Io’s surface; in that case, the SO/SO2 ratio could be temporally and/or spatially variable as volcanic activity fluctuates. Many of the interesting volcanic species (e.g., S2 ,S 3 ,S 4, and S2O) are short lived and will be rapidly destroyed once the volcanic plumes shut off; condensation of these species near the source vent is also likely. The diffuse red deposits associated with active volcanic centers on Io may be caused by S4 radicals that are created and temporarily preserved when sulfur vapor (predominantly S2) condenses around the volcanic vent. Condensation of SO across the surface and, in particular, in the polar regions might also affect the surface spectral properties. We predict that the S/O ratio in the torus and neutral clouds might be correlated with volcanic activity—during periods when volcanic outgassing of S2 (or other molecular sulfur vapors) is prevalent, we would expect the escape of sulfur to be enhanced relative to that of oxygen, and the S/O ratio in the torus and neutral clouds could be correspondingly increased. c � 2002 Elsevier Science (USA)
Role of Exhaled Breath Biomarkers in Environmental Health Science

As a discipline of public health, environmental health science is the study of the linkage from environmental pollution sources to eventual adverse health outcome. This progression may be divided into two components, (1) “exposure assessment,” which deals with the source terms, environmental transport, human exposure routes, and internal dose, and (2) “health effects,” which deals with metabolism, cell damage, DNA changes, pathology, and onset of disease. The primary goal of understanding the linkage from source to health outcome is to provide the most effective and efficient environmental intervention methods to reduce health risk to the population. Biomarker measurements address an individual response to a common external environmental stressor. Biomarkers are substances within an individual and are subdivided into chemical markers, exogenous metabolites, endogenous response chemicals, and complex adducts (e.g., proteins, DNA). Standard biomarker measurements are performed in blood, urine, or other biological media such as adipose tissue and lavage fluid. In general, sample collection is invasive, requires medical personnel and a controlled environment, and generates infectious waste. Exploiting exhaled breath as an alternative or supplement to established biomarker measurements is attractive primarily because it allows a simpler collection procedure in the field for numerous individuals. Furthermore, because breath is a gas-phase matrix, volatile biomarkers become more readily accessible to analysis. This article describes successful environmental health applications of exhaled breath and proposes future research directions from the perspective of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) human exposure research.
Intraoperative Jugular Desaturation During Surgery for Traumatic Intracranial Hematomas

Traumatic intracranial hematomas which are present on hospital admission or which develop during the hospital course are associated with a worse neurological outcome than diffuse injuries.The purpose of this study was to monitor jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjVO2) during surgery for evacuation of traumatic intracranial mass lesions, to determine the incidence and the causes of jugular venous desaturation, and to assess the usefulness of SjVO2 monitoring in this setting. Twenty-five severely head injured patients were monitored during 27 surgical procedures. At the start of the surgical procedure, the median SjVO2 was 47% (range 25%-89%). Seventeen (63%) of the patients had a SjVO2 less than 50%. Five patients had extremely low SjVO2 values (<or=to30%). Upon evacuation of the intracranial hematoma, there was a significant (P < 0.001) increase in the median SjVO2 to 65% (range 50%-88%). Intracranial hypertension was the primary cause of the low SjVO2, as confirmed by the response to surgical evacuation. Hypotension (mean arterial pressure <80 mm Hg) was a contributing factor in seven of the cases of jugular desaturation. The definitive treatment of a traumatic intracranial hematoma is surgical evacuation. However, during the period prior to evacuation of the hematoma, jugular venous desaturation was common, suggesting that monitoring SjVO2 might provide useful information about the adequacy of cerebral perfusion. (Anesth Analg 1996;83:1014-21)
Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents

Background: Juvenile obesity is associated with multiple cardiometabolic comorbidities, which may culminate in the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: Based on a narrative review, the current knowledge of prevalence and the underlying metabolic principles regarding juvenile obesity and MetS are summarized to compile up-to-date information. In addition, the role of lifestyle as well as positive and negative influencing factors are focused on. Results: The prevalence of MetS occurs between 1 and up to 23% in the total pediatric population and in up to 60% amongst the obese and overweight. It can be considered as the consequence of multiple processes in terms of lifestyle, perinatal programming, and (epi-)genetic pathways; however, the complex underlying mechanisms and their interplay are not completely understood. Conclusion: Besides preventive approaches, the growing number of obese children and youth as well as its consequences call for effective and lasting therapeutic measures.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME STRAINS OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS ISOLATED IN PROVINCE OF VOJVODINA, REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

Five strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were obtained from poultry in Vojvodina, Serbia during the outbreaks in 2006 and 2007. These isolates were confirmed and genotypically characterized by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with primer specific to the viral fusion (F) protein (572bp), and by sequencing of partial F gene for phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all five isolated strains of Newcastle disease virus belong to genotype VII. At the same time, all five isolates were clustered in NDV subtype VIId. The examined NDV isolates express high similarity to each other (99.7-100%) and group together with the strains of Newcastle disease virus isolated previously from wild birds in Serbia during the same 2006 - 2007 outbreak. The analysis of the isolates F gene cleavage sites has shown that all five isolated strains of Newcastle disease virus had a cleavage site motif 112R–R–Q–K–R–F-117 characteristic for highly virulent, velogenic strains.
Lumbar Plexus Blockade Reduces Pain After Hip Arthroscopy: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND:Hip arthroscopy causes moderate to severe postoperative pain. We hypothesized that performance of a lumbar plexus block (LPB) would reduce postoperative pain in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for patients discharged home on the day of surgery. METHODS:Patients received a combined spinal epidural with IV sedation, ondansetron, and ketorolac. Half of the patients (n = 42) also underwent a single-injection bupivacaine LPB. Postoperative analgesia (PACU and after discharge) was provided with oral hydrocodone/acetaminophen (5/500 mg) and an oral nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug. IV hydromorphone was given as needed in the PACU. RESULTS:The LPB reduced pain at rest in the PACU (GEE: &bgr; estimate of the mean on a 0 to 10 scale = −0.9; 95% confidence interval = −1.7 to −0.1; P = 0.037). Mean PACU pain scores at rest were reduced by the LPB from 4.2 to 3.3 (P = 0.048, 95% confidence interval for difference = 0.007–1.8; uncorrected for multiple values per patient, using independent samples t test for preliminary evaluation comparing pain between the groups). There were no statistically significant differences in PACU analgesic usage, PACU pain with movement, and patient satisfaction. No permanent adverse events occurred, but 2 LPB patients fell in the PACU bathroom, without injury. Three unplanned admissions occurred; one LPB patient was admitted for epidural spread and urinary retention. Two control patients were admitted, one for oxygen desaturation and one for pain and nausea. CONCLUSION:LPB resulted in statistically significant reductions in PACU resting pain after hip arthroscopy, but the absence of improvement in most secondary outcomes suggests that assessment of risks and benefits of LPB should be individualized.
HDL Implementation from Petri Nets Description

236 Abstract — This paper describes the digital systems synthesis based on direct mapping of Petri nets model into FPGA circuit. A design flow that includes the specification of the system using Synchronous Petri Nets, verification of the behavioral properties of the model, generation of the mathematical model of Hard Petri Nets (HPN), used for automatic generation of the AHDL code is described. The direct mapping approach avoids algorithmic complexity inherent in logic synthesis based on state encoding and substantially reduces the design time and cost. The method used for modeling and implementation of the digital systems was validated using MAX+PLUS II design environment.
The Role of Tobacco Aquaporin1 in Improving Water Use Efficiency, Hydraulic Conductivity, and Yield Production Under Salt Stress1[C][W][OA]

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum; C3) plants increase their water use efficiency (WUE) under abiotic stress and are suggested to show characteristics of C4 photosynthesis in stems, petioles, and transmitting tract cells. The tobacco stress-induced Aquaporin1 (NtAQP1) functions as both water and CO2 channel. In tobacco plants, overexpression of NtAQP1 increases leaf net photosynthesis (AN), mesophyll CO2 conductance, and stomatal conductance, whereas its silencing reduces root hydraulic conductivity (Lp). Nevertheless, interaction between NtAQP1 leaf and root activities and its impact on plant WUE and productivity under normal and stress conditions have never been suggested. Thus, the aim of this study was to suggest a role for NtAQP1 in plant WUE, stress resistance, and productivity. Expressing NtAQP1 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants (TOM-NtAQP1) resulted in higher stomatal conductance, whole-plant transpiration, and AN under all conditions tested. In contrast to controls, where, under salt stress, Lp decreased more than 3-fold, TOM-NtAQP1 plants, similar to maize (Zea mays; C4) plants, did not reduce Lp dramatically (only by approximately 40%). Reciprocal grafting provided novel evidence for NtAQP1's role in preventing hydraulic failure and maintaining the whole-plant transpiration rate. Our results revealed independent, albeit closely related, NtAQP1 activities in roots and leaves. This dual activity, which increases the plant's water use and AN under optimal and stress conditions, resulted in improved WUE. Consequently, it contributed to the plant's stress resistance in terms of yield production under all tested conditions, as demonstrated in both tomato and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants constitutively expressing NtAQP1. The putative involvement of NtAQP1 in tobacco's C4-like photosynthesis characteristics is discussed.
A tunable liquid lens with extended depth of focus

A liquid tunable lens with extended depth of focus (DOF) is presented. By integrating a rotational symmetric quartic function (QF) phase plate into the liquid lens' cavity, the lens can achieve higher tolerance to the defocus aberration. The liquid lens was fabricated through a convenient and low-cost process that combined single-point diamond turning (SPDT) with soft lithography using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Experimental and theoretical results are in good agreement. Both focal length tunability and extended DOF have been demonstrated with the proposed liquid lens.
2D Wavelet-Based Compression of 3D Animation Sequences with Fixed Connectivity

A lot of applications need that an animated 3D object is compressed for transmission over the net while preserving its topology. In this paper we present a compression algorithm for 3D animation sequences with fixed connectivity based on 2D wavelet transform. The compression process is controlled by vertex trajectory matrix to wavelet transform only groups of trajectories with maximum similarity of vertex behavior. As a result we obtain a compressed 3D animation sequence with competitive ratio of compression rate/quality which is suitable in the field of interactive 3D computer graphics. We are providing results on some benchmark animation sequences that are compared with another approaches.
Neutron-induced soft errors in advanced flash memories

Atmospheric neutrons are a known source of Soft Errors (SE), in static and dynamic CMOS memories. This paper shows for the first time that atmospheric neutrons are able to induce SE in Flash memories as well. Detailed experimental results provide an explanation linking the Floating Gate (FG) cell SE rate to the physics of the neutron-matter interaction. The neutron sensitivity is expected to increase with the number of bits per cell and the reduction of the feature size, but the SE issue is within the limit of current ECC capabilities and will remain so in the foreseeable future.
Efficacy and safety of a feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine

Abstract Fel-O-Vax FIV is an inactivated virus vaccine designed as an aid in the prevention of infection of cats, 8 weeks or older, by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). It contains two genetically distinct FIV strains. The efficacy of this vaccine was demonstrated in a vaccination–challenge study designed to meet various regulatory requirements for registering the vaccine. Eight-week-old kittens were vaccinated with an immunogenicity vaccine which contained minimal release levels of FIV antigens formulated with a proprietary adjuvant system. Twelve months later, all vaccinates and controls were challenged with a heterologous FIV strain. Following the vigorous challenge exposure, cats were monitored for FIV viremia. It was found that 16% of the vaccinated cats developed viremia while 90% of the controls became persistently infected with FIV, which demonstrated that the vaccine was efficacious and the protective immunity lasted for at least 12 months. The safety of the vaccine was demonstrated by a field safety trial in which only 22 mild reactions of short duration were observed following administering 2051 doses of two pre-licensing serials of Fel-O-Vax FIV to cats of various breeds, ages and vaccination histories. Thus, Fel-O-Vax FIV is safe and efficacious for the prevention of FIV infection in cats.