Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incorporation of deuterium-labeled fatty acids into human milk, plasma, and lipoprotein phospholipids and cholesteryl esters.

Fatty acid metabolism and the contribution of dietary fatty acids to milk cholesteryl ester (CE) and phospholipid (PL) were investigated in normal lactating mothers. The approach used was to feed mixtures of triglycerides containing deuterium-labeled palmitic acid (16:0-2H2), oleic acid (18:1-2H6), and linoleic acid (18:2-2H4). Milk and plasma samples were collected for 72 hr. Triglyceride (TG), CE, and PL fractions from milk, plasma, and lipoprotein were isolated and analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Data for the milk CE and PL fractions showed a definite selectivity for incorporation of 16:0-2H2 and 18:1-2H6 relative to 18:2-2H4. Based on the ratios of the deuterated fatty acids incorporated into the milk CE and PL samples, their incorporation times and isotopic enrichment data, it appears that these fatty acids are supplied mainly by the TG derived from chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins. Plasma and lipoprotein CE data showed a progressive increase in 18:2-2H4 content, with 16:0-2H2 and 18:1-2H4 remaining relatively constant over the collection period. Plasma and lipoprotein PL data showed a higher rate for incorporation of 18:2-2H4 than 16:0-2H2 and 18:1-2H6 over the course of the sampling period. Comparison to previous data from adult males indicates lactation does not have a major effect on the general metabolism of these fatty acids. An increase with time in the isotopic enrichment of 18:2-2H4 in the plasma and lipoprotein CE and PL samples was observed which is consistent with in vitro selectivities reported for lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase and phosphatidylcholine acyltransferase. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Increased frequency of class I and II anti‐human leukocyte antigen antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma and associated factors: a comparative study

There is significant autoantibody production in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and scleroderma (SSc); microchimerism is also thought to play a role in pathogenesis. We determined the frequency of anti‐HLA antibodies in SLE and SSc patients and evaluated associated clinical factors.
ACTH-stimulated cortisol release from head kidney of rainbow trout is modulated by glucose concentration

SUMMARY To assess the hypothesis that cortisol release in rainbow trout is modulated by glucose levels, we first evaluated cortisol release [basal and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-regulated] by head kidney tissue superfused with medium reflecting hypoglycaemic, normoglycaemic or hyperglycaemic conditions. Next, cortisol release from head kidney fragments in static incubations was assessed in parallel with changes in parameters related to cortisol synthesis (mRNA abundance of StAR, P450scc, 3βHSD and 11βH) and the GK-mediated glucosensing mechanism (levels of glycogen and glucose, activities of GK, GSase and PK, and mRNA levels of GK, GLUT-2, Kir6.x-like and SUR-like). We then evaluated the effects of two inhibitors of glucose transport, cytochalasin B and phlorizin, on cortisol production and glucosensing mechanisms. The ACTH-induced release of cortisol proved to be modulated by glucose concentration such that increased release occurs under high glucose levels, and decreased ACTH-stimulated cortisol release occurs when glucose transport is inhibited by cytochalasin B. The release of cortisol can be associated with increased synthesis as enhanced mRNA abundance of genes related to cortisol synthesis was also noted in high glucose medium. Specific GK immunoreactivity in the cortisol-producing cells (not in chromaffin cells) further substantiates GK-mediated glucosensing in cortisol production. In contrast, no changes compatible with those of glucose levels and cortisol release/synthesis in the presence of ACTH were noted for any other putative glucosensor mechanisms based on LXR, SGLT-1 or Gnat3. These combined results are the first evidence for a mechanism in fish linking the synthesis and release of a non-pancreatic hormone like cortisol with circulating glucose levels. The relationship was evident for the regulated (ACTH-dependent) pathway and this suggests that under acute stress conditions glucose is important for the regulation of cortisol synthesis and release.
Mississippian Discinid Brachiopods Attached to a Soft-Bodied Organism

A concretion from the lower Mississippian Meadville Shale Member of the Cuyahoga Formation near Lodi, Ohio, preserves a population of Orbiculoidea newberryi Hall in life position, associated with what is interpreted to be an unidentified soft-bodied organism. The brachipods show a diffuse unimodal orientation, parallel to the axis of the "host" organism, in what was probably an upward direction during the life of the group. Re- cruitment to the assemblage apparently was periodic. Two size classes, perhaps rep-resenting yearly recruitment, contain about equal number of individuals. Most indi- viduals were attached to the soft-bodied organism, but six of the nine smaller specimens were attached to adults of the species. The assemblage is similar to recent discinid assemblages from quiet water and suggests a continuity of basic life style throughout a major part of the fossil record.
Principles of Educational Multimedia User Interface Design

This paper discusses principles of educational multimedia user interface design. The purpose of these principles is to maximize the learning effectiveness of multimedia applications. The principles are based on the results of studies in psychology, computer science, instructional design, and graphics design. The principles help user interface designers make decisions about the learning materials, learners, tasks that the learners perform, and tests for measuring learning performance.
MICROWAVE CHARACTERIZATION OF TYPICAL AUSTRALIAN WOOD‐BASED BIOMASS MATERIALS

Many applications of microwave energy to wood‐based materials require a reliable estimation of permittivity, which is the physical parameter of crucial importance in the absorption of electromagnetic energy. Wood‐based materials are of significant importance in a number of application areas particularly in: (i) power generation, (ii) fire safety, and (iii) manufacturing. In the present study, dielectric measurements were carried out for typical Australian wood species such as slash pine (Pinus elliottii, soft wood), and spotted gum (Eucalyptus maculata, hard wood), based on Von Hippel’s transmission line method. The influence of extractive removal is also studied and compared with the virgin wood samples. Measurements were performed at 9.5 GHz for virgin wood samples and extractive‐free wood samples. Experiments were carried out at room temperatures and atmospheric pressure. The dielectric properties of wood species were determined for three principle structural directions (i.e. longitudinal, tangential a.
A Framework to Model Branch Prediction for WCET Analysis

In this paper, we present a framework to model branch prediction for Worst Case Execution Time (WCET) analysis. Our micro-architectural modeling is completely generic, and parameterizable w.r. t. the currently used branch prediction schemes. It automatically derives linear constraints on the total misprediction count from the control flow graph of the program. These constraints can be solved by any integer linear programming (ILP) solver to estimate the WCET.
Generation time, life history and the substitution rate of neutral mutations

Our understanding of molecular evolution is hampered by a lack of quantitative predictions about how life-history (LH) traits should correlate with substitution rates. Comparative studies have shown that neutral substitution rates vary substantially between species, and evidence shows that much of this diversity is associated with variation in LH traits. However, while these studies often agree, some unexplained and contradictory results have emerged. Explaining these results is difficult without a clear theoretical understanding of the problem. In this study, we derive predictions for the relationships between LH traits and substitution rates in iteroparous species by using demographic theory to relate commonly measured life-history traits to genetic generation time, and by implication to neutral substitution rates. This provides some surprisingly simple explanations for otherwise confusing patterns, such as the association between fecundity and substitution rates. The same framework can be applied to more complex life histories if full life-tables are available.
Ultrastructure of a periodic protein layer in the outer membrane of Escherichia coli

Matrix protein (36,500 daltons), one of the major polypeptides of the Escherichia coli cell envelope, is arranged in a periodic monolayer which covers the outer surface of the peptidoglycan. Although its association with the peptidoglycan layer is probably tight, the periodic structure of the peptidoglycan. Although its association with the peptidoglycan later is probably tight, the periodic structure is maintained in the absence of peptidoglycan, and is therefore based on strong protein-protein interactions. A detailed analysis of the ultrastructure of the matrix protein array by electron microscopy and image processing of specimens prepared by negative staining or by freeze-drying and shadowing shows that the molecules are arranged according to three fold symmetry on a hexagonal lattice whose repeat is 7.7 nm. The most pronounced feature of the unit cell, which probably contains three molecules of matrix protein, is a triplet of indentations, each approx. 2 nm in diameter, with a center-to-center spacing of 3nm. They are readily penetrated by stain and may represent channels which span the protein monolayer.
A genome-wide screen for methyl methanesulfonate-sensitive mutants reveals genes required for S phase progression in the presence of DNA damage

We performed a systematic screen of the set of ≈5,000 viable Saccharomyces cerevisiae haploid gene deletion mutants and have identified 103 genes whose deletion causes sensitivity to the DNA-damaging agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). In total, 40 previously uncharacterized alkylation damage response genes were identified. Comparison with the set of genes known to be transcriptionally induced in response to MMS revealed surprisingly little overlap with those required for MMS resistance, indicating that transcriptional regulation plays little, if any, role in the response to MMS damage. Clustering of the MMS response genes on the basis of their cross-sensitivities to hydroxyurea, UV radiation, and ionizing radiation revealed a DNA damage core of genes required for responses to a broad range of DNA-damaging agents. Of particular significance, we identified a subset of genes that show a specific MMS response, displaying defects in S phase progression only in the presence of MMS. These genes may promote replication fork stability or processivity during encounters between replication forks and DNA damage.
The Potential Conservation Value of Non‐Native Species

Abstract: Non‐native species can cause the loss of biological diversity (i.e., genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity) and threaten the well‐being of humans when they become invasive. In some cases, however, they can also provide conservation benefits. We examined the ways in which non‐native species currently contribute to conservation objectives. These include, for example, providing habitat or food resources to rare species, serving as functional substitutes for extinct taxa, and providing desirable ecosystem functions. We speculate that non‐native species might contribute to achieving conservation goals in the future because they may be more likely than native species to persist and provide ecosystem services in areas where climate and land use are changing rapidly and because they may evolve into new and endemic taxa. The management of non‐native species and their potential integration into conservation plans depends on how conservation goals are set in the future. A fraction of non‐native species will continue to cause biological and economic damage, and substantial uncertainty surrounds the potential future effects of all non‐native species. Nevertheless, we predict the proportion of non‐native species that are viewed as benign or even desirable will slowly increase over time as their potential contributions to society and to achieving conservation objectives become well recognized and realized.
Tissue classification for laparoscopic image understanding based on multispectral texture analysis

Intra-operative tissue classification is one of the prerequisites for providing context-aware visualization in computer-assisted minimally invasive surgeries. As many anatomical structures are difficult to differentiate in conventional RGB medical images, we propose a classification method based on multispectral image patches. In a comprehensive ex vivo study we show (1) that multispectral imaging data is superior to RGB data for organ tissue classification when used in conjunction with widely applied feature descriptors and (2) that combining the tissue texture with the reflectance spectrum improves the classification performance. Multispectral tissue analysis could thus evolve as a key enabling technique in computer-assisted laparoscopy.
Skull Base Tumors

Skull base tumors arise from the cranial base or reach it, either from an intracranial or extracranial origin. A diverse group, these tumors present unique management challenges because of their relative rarity, typically deep location, close proximity to critical neurovascular structures, and extension beyond classically taught anatomic and specialty boundaries. Management outcomes for skull base tumors are maximized when their treatment is approached in a multidisciplinary fashion, utilizing the knowledge base of varied medical, surgical, and radiotherapeutic specialists.
Effect of Milling Time on the Formation of NiAl Nanostructure Intermetallic Produced by the Mechanical Alloying Process

In the present study, NiAl nanostructure intermetallic produced by mechanical alloying process was investigated. Pure Al and Ni powders with the ratio of 50 at. % were mixed and milled in a planetary ball mill for different milling times in the range of 8 to 128 hours. The milled powder particles were investigated by XRD technique and scanning electron microscope. Williamson-Hall equation was employed to calculate lattice strains and crystallite sizes. The results showed that NiAl intermetallic formed after some milling times. The observation of flame or explosion in the vial just after the uncovering of it, in some cases, showed intense interaction between Al and Ni atoms after homogenization during milling. After longer milling time no flame and explosion was observed while NiAl intermetallics had been formed. Therefore, NiAl intermetallics were formed under different conditions with different structures and properties. The crystal sizes of obtained NiAl particles were less than 10 nm. The hardness changes in particles and also their internal strains were affected by milling operation at early stages of milling but they were mainly affected by transformation process of (Ni,Al) solid solution into intermetallic NiAl at longer milling times.
Tēzaurs.lv: the Largest Open Lexical Database for Latvian

We describe an extensive and versatile lexical resource for Latvian, an under-resourced Indo-European language, which we call Tezaurs (Latvian for ‘thesaurus’). It comprises a large explanatory dictionary of more than 250,000 entries that are derived from more than 280 external sources. The dictionary is enriched with phonetic, morphological, semantic and other annotations, as well as augmented by various language processing tools allowing for the generation of inflectional forms and pronunciation, for on-the-fly selection of corpus examples, for suggesting synonyms, etc. Tezaurs is available as a public and widely used web application for end-users, as an open data set for the use in language technology (LT), and as an API ― a set of web services for the integration into third-party applications. The ultimate goal of Tezaurs is to be the central computational lexicon for Latvian, bringing together all Latvian words and frequently used multi-word units and allowing for the integration of other LT resources and tools.
Triacylglycerol Fatty Acid Composition in Diet-Induced Weight Loss in Subjects with Abnormal Glucose Metabolism – the GENOBIN Study

Background The effect of weight loss on different plasma lipid subclasses at the molecular level is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine whether a diet-induced weight reduction result in changes in the extended plasma lipid profiles (lipidome) in subjects with features of metabolic syndrome in a 33-week intervention. Methodology/Principal Findings Plasma samples of 9 subjects in the weight reduction group and 10 subjects in the control group were analyzed using mass spectrometry based lipidomic and fatty acid analyses. Body weight decreased in the weight reduction group by 7.8±2.9% (p<0.01). Most of the serum triacylglycerols and phosphatidylcholines were reduced. The decrease in triacylglycerols affected predominantly the saturated short chain fatty acids. This decrease of saturated short chain fatty acid containing triacylglycerols correlated with the increase of insulin sensitivity. However, levels of several longer chain fatty acids, including arachidonic and docosahexanoic acid, were not affected by weight loss. Levels of other lipids known to be associated with obesity such as sphingolipids and lysophosphatidylcholines were not altered by weight reduction. Conclusions/Significance Diet-induced weight loss caused significant changes in global lipid profiles in subjects with abnormal glucose metabolism. The observed changes may affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in these subjects. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00621205
Unconditionally Secure Quantum Key Distribution In Higher Dimensions

In search of a quantum key distribution scheme that could stand up for more drastic eavesdropping attack, I discover a prepare-and-measure scheme using $N$-dimensional quantum particles as information carriers where $N$ is a prime power. Using the Shor-Preskill-type argument, I prove that this scheme is unconditional secure against all attacks allowed by the laws of quantum physics. Incidentally, for $N = 2^n > 2$, each information carrier can be replaced by $n$ entangled qubits. And in this case, I discover an eavesdropping attack on which no unentangled-qubit-based prepare-and-measure quantum key distribution scheme known to date can generate a provably secure key. In contrast, this entangled-qubit-based scheme produces a provably secure key under the same eavesdropping attack whenever $N \geq 16$. This demonstrates the advantage of using entangled particles as information carriers to combat certain eavesdropping strategies.
Detection of Mutations Associated with Isoniazid Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates from China

ABSTRACT Nine structural genes (furA, katG, inhA, kasA, Rv0340, iniB, iniA, iniC, and efpA) and two regulatory regions (the oxyR-ahpC intergenic region and the promoter of mabA-inhA) in 87 isoniazid (INH)-monoresistant and 50 INH-susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates collected from five provinces of China were analyzed by sequencing. Eighty-two (94.3%) INH-resistant isolates had mutations in the katG gene, with the katG Ser315Thr mutation predominant (55.2%). No mutation at codon 463 of katG was detected among the 50 INH-susceptible isolates with different IS6110 fingerprints. In addition, there were 35 (40.2%) INH-resistant isolates that had a mutation at codon 463 of katG. Of the INH-resistant strains, 20 (23.0%) isolates harbored double mutations at two separate loci of katG. Mutations in the inhA promoter region occurred in 13 (14.9%) isolates; 4.6% of the isolates had inhA structural gene mutations, and 11.5% harbored mutations in the oxyR-ahpC intergenic region. Drug resistance-associated mutations were detected in the iniBAC region and efpA.
Silicon radiative cooler and optical amplifier by light down conversion

Primary challenges in Si science and technology are centered on active device engineering issues with the impact made at their photonic characteristics and applications. Low cost and mature Si technology is driving force toward making optoelectronic devices like LEDs, lasers, modulator, wavelength converter, to name a few. However, to fully exploit tremendous potential of these Si-based devices, which are not as efficient as their III-V-based counterparts, external cooling units are required. In this work, we present a first step towards experimental realizing radiative cooling in Si. The fundamentals behind this approach are in the light down-conversion process through thermal emission that releases the energy from the cooling element in the form of multiple intraband red-shifted photons when it is pumped with interband incoherent light. We demonstrate that a large-area Si wafer kept in an evacuated chamber becomes net cooled by >3.0 K starting from 470 K or demonstrates power conversion efficiency of >100% when pumped with 1.06-μm light. One of other attractive attributes of the device is that it can be easy integrated with other silicon photonic components. We also discuss the way toward further improvement of the performance of these devices.
Acupuncture treatment for pain: systematic review of randomised clinical trials with acupuncture, placebo acupuncture, and no acupuncture groups

Objectives To study the analgesic effect of acupuncture and placebo acupuncture and to explore whether the type of the placebo acupuncture is associated with the estimated effect of acupuncture. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of three armed randomised clinical trials. Data sources Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, Biological Abstracts, and PsycLIT. Data extraction and analysis Standardised mean differences from each trial were used to estimate the effect of acupuncture and placebo acupuncture. The different types of placebo acupuncture were ranked from 1 to 5 according to assessment of the possibility of a physiological effect, and this ranking was meta-regressed with the effect of acupuncture. Data synthesis Thirteen trials (3025 patients) involving a variety of pain conditions were eligible. The allocation of patients was adequately concealed in eight trials. The clinicians managing the acupuncture and placebo acupuncture treatments were not blinded in any of the trials. One clearly outlying trial (70 patients) was excluded. A small difference was found between acupuncture and placebo acupuncture: standardised mean difference −0.17 (95% confidence interval −0.26 to −0.08), corresponding to 4 mm (2 mm to 6 mm) on a 100 mm visual analogue scale. No statistically significant heterogeneity was present (P=0.10, I2=36%). A moderate difference was found between placebo acupuncture and no acupuncture: standardised mean difference −0.42 (−0.60 to −0.23). However, considerable heterogeneity (P<0.001, I2=66%) was also found, as large trials reported both small and large effects of placebo. No association was detected between the type of placebo acupuncture and the effect of acupuncture (P=0.60). Conclusions A small analgesic effect of acupuncture was found, which seems to lack clinical relevance and cannot be clearly distinguished from bias. Whether needling at acupuncture points, or at any site, reduces pain independently of the psychological impact of the treatment ritual is unclear.