Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of sarcopenia and predictors of skeletal muscle mass in nonobese women who are long-term users of estrogen-replacement therapy.

BACKGROUND Sarcopenia refers to the loss of skeletal muscle mass with age. We have found a prevalence of sarcopenia of 22.6% in older postmenopausal women not receiving estrogen. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in a population of older, nonobese, community-dwelling women who had been long-term users of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). METHODS We measured appendicular skeletal muscle mass by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 189 women aged 59 to 78 years old who had been using ERT for at least 2 years (mean +/- SD duration, 12.7 +/- 8.2 years). We defined sarcopenia as an adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) (mass divided by height squared) more than 2 SDs below the mean for a young healthy reference population. Health and menopause history were obtained. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and physical activity and performance were measured using the Physical Activity Scale in the Elderly, the chair rise time, the 6-minute walk, and measures of lower extremity strength and power. Serum estrone, estradiol, testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin were measured. RESULTS The prevalence of sarcopenia in nonobese, community-dwelling women who were long-term ERT users was 23.8%. Skeletal muscle mass correlated significantly with BMI, age at the time of starting ERT, hand grip strength, lower extremity strength and power, and testosterone level, but not with estradiol level. In linear regression analysis, BMI, leg press strength, and testosterone level contributed to adjusted ASM, accounting for 48.7% of the variance (p <.001). CONCLUSIONS Sarcopenia is as common in nonobese women who are long-term ERT users as in community-dwelling women not using ERT, suggesting that ERT does not protect against the muscle loss of aging. BMI, strength, and testosterone level contributed to appendicular skeletal mass in women. These data suggest that interventions to target nutrition, strength training, and testosterone replacement should be further investigated for their role in preventing muscle loss with age.
Using Large-scale Open Source Data to Identify Potential Forced Migration

This paper describes initial efforts to use open-source data to capture knowledge about forced migration in Iraq. Our goal is to understand the connection between open-source data and possible leading indicators of forced migration. For our preliminary analyses, we use a corpus of 2.6 million documents. Here we describe the techniques we used and challenges we faced. We conclude with recommendations for those using open-source data for grand-scale data science challenges.
Parvovirus B19 DNA Is Frequently Present in Recombinant Coagulation Factor VIII Products

For treatment of hemophilia A, recombinant clotting factor VIII expressed by genetically engineered mammalian cells is now available. This technology provides an unlimited source of a non-plasma-derived protein, free of contaminating viruses that may be present in coagula­ tion factor concentrates produced from plasma, undoubtedly being an enormous improvement in substitution therapy. However, to preserve the enzymatic activity of factor VIII, human albumin has to be added as a stabilizer during the preparation and purification procedures. The albumin is inactivated by pasteurization, i. e. 60 °C for 10 h. We investigated a total of 30 lots of recombinant factor VIII prepar­ ations from two manufacturers (4 lots Kogenate® 500,6 lots Kogenate® 1000 (Bayer), and 3 lots Recombinate® 250 ,4 lots Recombinate® 500, 13 lots Recombinate® 1000 (Baxter)) by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for human parvovirus B19 (B19V). B19V DNA was extracted from 1 ml of reconstituted factor VIII product using the protocol and reagents of the NASBA HIV-1 RNA QT Assay (Organon Teknika, The Netherlands), which is based on the method of Boom et al. (1), reliable for purification of DNA and RNA; this method proved to be very effective in our hands. DNA was eluted in 10 to 15 |il, and PCR was carried out with 10 \xl. For the external PCR, primers PI and P6 and for internal PCR primers P2 and P5 (2) were used, amplifying a sequence within the gene for the non-structural B19V protein NS1. The PCR product had an expected length of 103 base pairs. Amplified products were visualized in 1.5% NuSieve GTG (FMC)/0.5% SeaKem LE (FMC) agarose composite minigels stained with ethidium bromide and by Southern blot hybridisation using a digoxigenin-labeled oligo­ nucleotide probe corresponding to nucleotides 1534 to 1553. B19V DNA was detected in 5 of 30 (17%) lots of recombinant factor VIII preparations (three lots were Kogenate® 1000, two lots were Recombinate® 1000). In 4 of these lots, B19V DNA was detectable by direct visualisation in the ethidium bromide gel electrophoresis (3 lots were Kogenate® 1000, one lot was Recombinate® 1000), and in one lot (Recombinate® 1000) B19V DNA was detectable only after hybrid­ ization. Our results do not indicate that infectious virus is present in the factor VIII products. In contrast to pasteurization of other plasmaderived products, e.g. factor VIII, pasteurization of albumin is per­ formed without stabilizer solution, leading to better inactivation (3) and, in general, human albumin is considered as virus-safe. On the other hand, B19V is considered as highly resistant to physical and chemical inactivation procedures and infections are reported after administration of blood-derived clotting factor concentrates dry-heated at 100° C for 30 min (4). Furthermore, infections with B19V are often asymptomatic and uncharacteristic and can be ignored if no specific laboratory diagnostic is performed. Since we detected B19V DNA
3D in Natural Random Refractive Distortions

Random distortions naturally affect images taken through atmospheric turbulence or wavy water. They pose new 3D recovery problems. Distortions are caused by the volumetric field of turbulent air or the 3D shape of water waves. We show methods that recover these 3D distorting media. Moreover, it is possible to triangulate objects beyond the refracting medium. Applications include sensing and study of random refractive media in nature, and enhanced imaging including possibilities for a virtual periscope.
Selective inhibition of human Molt-4 leukemia type II inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase by the 1,5-diazabicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,4-diones.

Inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in de novo purine biosynthesis. IMPDH activity results from expression of two isoforms. Type I is constitutively expressed and predominates in normal resting cells, while Type II is selectively up-regulated in neoplastic and replicating cells. Inhibitors of IMPDH activity selectively targeting the Type II isoform have great potential as cancer chemotherapeutic agents. For this study, an expression system was developed which yields 35-50 mg of soluble, purified recombinant Type I and II protein from 1 L of bacteria. In addition, three 1,5-diazabicyclo[3.1. 0]hexane-2,4-diones were synthesized and shown to act as specific inhibitors of human recombinant Type II IMPDH. The agents are competitive inhibitors with respect to the endogenous substrate IMP and K(i) values range from 5 to 44 microM but were inactive as inhibitors of the Type I isoform at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 500 microM. IC(50) values for recombinant Type II inhibition were determined and compared to IC(50) values obtained from Molt-4 cell extracts of IMPDH. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that the compounds inhibited Molt-4 leukemia growth with ED(50) values of 3.2-7.6 microM. Computational docking studies predict that the compounds bind to IMPDH in the IMP-binding site, although interactions with residues differ from those previously determined to interact with bound IMP. While all residues predicted to interact directly with the bound compounds are conserved in the Type I and Type II isoforms, sequence divergence within a helix adjacent to the active site may contribute to the observed selectivity for the human Type II isoform. These compounds represent the first class of selective IMPDH Type II inhibitors which may serve as lead compounds for the development of isoform-selective cancer chemotherapy.
Paraoxonase (PON)-1 activity in overweight and obese children and adolescents: association with obesity-related inflammation and oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is a HDL-attached extracellular esterase which is believed to contribute to the anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of HDL. A decrease in PON1 is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has recently been found to be associated with juvenile obesity. The issue of a possible association between enzyme activity and/or its phenotype distribution and obesity-related metabolic abnormalities, inflammation, and oxidative stress has not been addressed yet. OBJECTIVES To evaluate PON1 activity and phenotype distribution with respect to obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders, inflammation and oxidative stress in children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS PON1 arylesterase activity was measured spectrophotometrically in 156 children and adolescents (47 lean, 27 overweight and 82 obese). Enzyme phenotype was determined using dual substrate (phenyl acetate/paraoxon) method. PON1 activity and phenotype distribution were related to the presence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, high blood pressure, low HDL level, impaired fasting glucose and/or glucose tolerance as well as inflammatory and oxidative stress indices. RESULTS PON1 arylesterase activity decreased in general and central obesity, high blood pressure, and hyperinsulinemia conditions and correlated with BMI, CRP, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, free thiols, and HOMA in a gender-dependent manner. PON1 decreases were independently associated with central obesity in girls, explaining 17% in PON1 variability, and with elevated CRP in boys, explaining 12% in its variability. PON1 phenotype was not associated with frequency of metabolic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS PON1 decreases in central obesity, exacerbating obesity-related inflammation and oxidative stress. The enzyme associations are gender-dependent: obesity and oxidative stress affects PON1 in girls whereas inflammation in boys.
Finite element stress analysis of diastema closure with ceramic laminate veneers.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to use finite element stress analysis to examine the relative importance of variables such as porcelain laminate veneer (PLV) extensions, loading angle, and loading level for the case of feldspathic ceramic veneering of teeth to manage diastema. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 3D maxillary central incisor including its internal anatomy and morphology was constructed with ANSYS software for different extensions of PLV. Internal boundaries defining the dentinoenamel junction, the pulp-dentinal junction, the interface between the enamel-luting cement, and the porcelain-luting cement were well defined. The von Mises stresses distribution and stress intensity were analyzed on the free extension of PLV for varying extensions, various angulations (0 degrees , 30 degrees , and 60 degrees ) on the incisal edge, and for different loading levels (50, 150, and 250 N). RESULTS The numerical values of stress were recorded. A significant difference in stress was observed. Increased stresses occurred with increased extensions, angulations, and loading levels. At 0 degrees angulation, compressive stresses were visualized in finite element analysis for various magnitudes of force. Higher stress values of 182 MPa and 211 MPa were obtained for the 2.5-mm extension in the mesial surface and in both proximal surfaces for 0 degrees angulation at 250 N magnitude of force. The stress occurring at 30 degrees and 60 degrees angulations was the combination of compressive and tensile stress. Higher values of 261 MPa and 232 MPa were observed when forces were applied on the mesial extension of the PLV and on both the proximal surfaces for 2.5 mm at 30 degrees , 250 N magnitude of force. A maximum stress value of 507 MPa was observed when PLV were increased in mesial width by 2.5 mm for 60 degrees angulation at 250 N magnitude of force. CONCLUSION The extensions of PLV in diastema closure have more of an esthetic than functional consideration, but critical factors such as angulations and the loading level acting on the free extension of PLV are important.
U.S. Minority Homeless Youth’s Access to and Use of Mobile Phones: Implications for mHealth Intervention Design

Few interventions for homeless youth have leveraged the potential of mHealth technologies, in part because of the limited data on phone behaviors, perceptions, and intervention preferences among youth experiencing homelessness. We conducted 9 focus groups (n = 52 homeless youth) and 41 individual structured interviews also with homeless youth in underserved communities in Baltimore and Washington, DC, to ascertain how youth perceived their mobile phone, acquired and maintained mobile services over time, and thought mHealth programs for this population should be designed. We also measured phone use, functionality, source, duration of ownership, and reasons for changing phones or numbers. Results showed that mobile coverage was high, as most youth self-purchased phones or received gift payments from others. Maintaining mobile connectivity was often challenging because of financial constraints and interpersonal conflict. Youth valued phones to access social support but used several tactics to avoid perceived negative consequences of phone ownership, such as harassment, theft, or relational disputes. Youth most preferred mHealth content relating to sexual, reproductive, and mental health provided that mobile communication was confidential, empowering, and integrated with other digital media. Integrating hidden phones, financial support, and safety management may improve homeless youth’s access to and engagement with mHealth strategies over time.
Aquarius Scatterometer Calibration

In this paper, we discuss the Aquarius scatterometer calibration, starting with the instrument calibration. We examine the stability of Aquarius as quantified using the loop-back power and estimated receiver gain to shown Aquarius has been extremely stable to order 0.1 dB since mission start. We show the temperatures of scatterometer components not contained in the loop-back path have been controlled precisely to 0.5°C to minimize any temperature-dependent losses. Combined, these results show Aquarius produces accurate sigma0 over the mission lifetime. In the next section, we discuss the stability as quantified using external models and again show stability to order 0.1 dB in very good agreement with instrument-only methods. Then, we discuss the methods used to absolutely calibrate Aquarius sigma0 with respect to previous L-band radar systems. We show that Aquarius is relatively calibrated to order 0.1 dB for copolarization channels and better than 0.2 dB for cross-polarization channels. Finally, we discuss the calibration of the Aquarius wind speed product. We compare the Aquarius wind speed with radiometer wind speed products, other radar scatterometers, and numerical weather products. We show that the Aquarius wind speed product is on par with previous scatterometers in data quality.
How Should Dysphagia Care of Older Adults Differ? Establishing Optimal Practice Patterns

An unprecedented demographic transformation is occurring as our population ages. Those older than age 65 represent the fastest growing segment of the population. Within this older group, approximately 10% to 30% of adults are estimated to have dysphagia, but true incidence and prevalence are unknown. They make up a heterogeneous mix of both healthy and disabled individuals that reside across a spectrum of living settings. As clinicians approach older adults with dysphagia, general geriatric principles should be followed to optimize care for this diverse group. Likewise, practitioners need to appreciate the physiology that distinguishes a healthy old swallow from dysphagia and acknowledge the wide array of causes that contribute to dysphagia in older people. Clinicians need to recognize the heterogeneity in health, functional abilities, social supports, and resources among the elderly and understand how these factors may influence approaches to dysphagia in different care settings. Standard outcome measures of pneumonia, malnutrition, and mortality must be blended with other quality of life indices. Advanced directives are essential in caring for elderly patients with dysphagia irrespective of their health acuity or care setting. Ultimately, patient and family preferences should dictate the swallowing and feeding interventions offered.
Study of misalignment for On Road Charging

A major problem concerning On Road Charging of Electric Vehicles via Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) links is the large variation in power transfer and efficiency due to displacement of the secondary from the primary. This paper looks into this problem referred to as misalignment, both laterally and longitudinally. For lateral misalignment, experimental results were obtained by considering horizontal and vertical coils separately. The technique of combining the quadrature coils to form the quadrature pickup so as to obtain a flatter mutual inductance profile is suggested by directly combining the individual secondary coils. Longitudinal misalignment is particularly of interest when sectional primaries are to be constructed. In case of longitudinal misalignment, unsymmetrical mutual inductance profile at the extremes of the primary was observed experimentally. The concept of “Edge Effect” was introduced to explain the same. A solution to this problem is suggested and the concept of Best Efficiency Point (BEP) introduced. Theoretical efficiencies were obtained to select the best configuration of the primary for power transfer.
Antiretroviral nucleosides, deoxynucleotide carrier and mitochondrial DNA: evidence supporting the DNA pol γ hypothesis

Design:Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) exhibit mitochondrial toxicity. The mitochondrial deoxynucleotide carrier (DNC) transports nucleotide precursors (or phosphorylated NRTIs) into mitochondria for mitochondrial (mt)DNA replication or inhibition of mtDNA replication by NRTIs. Transgenic mice (TG) expressing human DNC targeted to murine myocardium served to define mitochondrial events from NRTIs in vivo and findings were corroborated by biochemical events in vitro. Methods:Zidovudine (3′-azido-2′,3′-deoxythymidine; ZDV), stavudine (2′, 3′-didehydro-2′, 3′-deoxythymidine; d4T), or lamivudine ((−)-2′-deoxy-3′-thiacytidine; 3TC) were administered individually to TGs and wild-type (WT) littermates (35 days) at human doses with drug-free vehicle as control. Left ventricle (LV) mass was defined echocardiographically, mitochondrial ultrastructural defects were identified by electron microscopy, the abundance of cardiac mtDNA was quantified by real time polymerase chain reaction, and mtDNA-encoded polypeptides were quantified. Results:Untreated TGs exhibited normal LV mass with minor mitochondrial damage. NRTI monotherapy (either d4T or ZDV) increased LV mass in TGs and caused significant mitochondrial destruction. Cardiac mtDNA was depleted in ZDV and d4T-treated TG hearts and mtDNA-encoded polypeptides decreased. Changes were absent in 3TC-treated cohorts. In supportive structural observations from molecular modeling, ZDV demonstrated close contacts with K947 and Y951 in the DNA pol γ active site that were absent in the HIV reverse transcriptase active site. Conclusions:NRTIs deplete mtDNA and polypeptides, cause mitochondrial structural and functional defects in vivo, follow inhibition kinetics with DNA pol γ in vitro, and are corroborated by molecular models. Disrupted pools of nucleotide precursors and inhibition of DNA pol γ by specific NRTIs are mechanistically important in mitochondrial toxicity.
Collaborative behaviour amongst LIS students - A study of attitudes and practices at Loughborough University

This article reports on a piece of research conducted as part of an undergraduate dissertation, to identify student opinions on collaboration and perceived advantages, disadvantages and barriers to knowledge sharing. Collaborative behaviour is investigated and analysed, including the use of two specific online tools. Research is conducted through an online questionnaire and three focus groups. The research finds a positive attitude towards collaboration, with friendship, community and knowledge sharing being seen as principal benefits. Plagiarism and loss of originality are identified as disadvantages, with time, motivation, trust and confidence being shown to be the most significant barriers to knowledge sharing. The research concludes that there is a strong case for universities to become more involved in the active encouragement and facilitation of collaboration, and that further research would be worthwhile.
Metabolic activation of sodium nitroprusside to nitric oxide in vascular smooth muscle.

Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is thought to exert its vasodilating activity, at least in part, by vascular activation to nitric oxide (NO), but the activation mechanism has not been delineated. This study has examined the potential for vascular metabolism of SNP to NO in bovine coronary arterial smooth muscle subcellular fractions using a sensitive and specific redox-chemiluminescence assay for NO. SNP was readily metabolized to NO in subcellular fractions, and the dominant site of metabolism appeared to be located in the membrane fractions. NO-generating activity was significantly enhanced by, but did not absolutely require, the addition of a NADPH-regenerating system, NADPH per se, NADH or cysteine. A correlation analysis of NO-generating activity (in the presence of a NADPH-regenerating system) with marker enzyme activities indicated that the SNP-directed NO-generating activity was primarily membrane-associated. Radiation inactivation target-size analysis revealed that the microsomal SNP-directed NO-generating activity was relatively insensitive to inactivation by radiation exposure, suggesting that the functioning catalytic unit might be quite small. A molecular weight of 5 to 11 kDa was estimated. NO-generating activity could be solubilized from the crude microsomes with 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)- dimethylammonio]-1-propane sulfonate, and the solubilized extract was subjected to gel filtration chromatography. NO-generating activity was eluted in two peaks: one peak corresponding to an approximate molecular weight of 4 kDa, thus confirming the existence of a small molecular weight NO-generating activity, and a second activity peak corresponding to a molecular weight of 112 to 169 kDa, the functional significance of which is unclear at present. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)