Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Body Composition during the First 2 Years of Life: An Updated Reference

Normative body composition during the first 2 y of life was derived from a prospective study of 76 children. We present 1) fat free mass (FFM) and its components, and fat mass (FM), 2) incremental growth rates partitioned into chemical components, and 3) age-specific and gender-specific constants for converting chemical and physical components into FFM for children during the first 2 y of life. A multicomponent model based on measurements of total body water (TBW), total body potassium (TBK) and bone mineral content (BMC) was used to estimate FFM and FM at 0.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 mo of age. TBW was determined by deuterium dilution, TBK by whole body counting, and BMC by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. FFM was higher in boys than girls between 0.5–18 mo of age (p ≤ 0.05). Percent FM increased on average from 13 to 31% between 0.5 and 3–6 mo, and then gradually declined. Percent FM was significantly higher in girls than in boys at 6 and 9 mo of age (p ≤ 0.02). The components of FFM on a percentage basis changed with age (p = 0.001), but not gender. The protein content of FFM increased gradually with age, while TBW declined (p = 0.001). As a percentage of FFM, osseous mineral increased from 2.0 to 3.4% in boys and from 2.1 to 3.3% in girls between 0.5 and 24 mo (p = 0.001). Density and potassium content of FFM increased gradually with age (p = 0.001). These normative body composition data provide an updated reference upon which to assess normal growth and nutritional status of pediatric populations representative of mixed feeding groups during the first 2 y of life.
Open-Circuit Fault Analysis and Diagnosis for Indirect Matrix Converter

Due to the absence of bulky dc-link capacitors, the matrix converter (MC) is a prospective candidate to replace the conventional two-stage ac–ac converter, especially in some applications which require high reliability. In order to enhance the reliability during system operation, this paper investigates an open-circuit fault detection technology for indirect MC. First, combining with the characteristics of the space vector modulation technique, this paper presents analysis work during the appearance of an open-circuit fault. Then, a novel fault diagnosis approach is proposed based on the circuit analysis. The proposed method establishes a unique corresponding relationship between switches and modulation sectors, and the faulty switch can be discriminated exactly by measuring the three-phase output voltages and the dc-link voltage. This method, which can locate the failure that occurs in rectifier stage or inverter stage correctly, offers favorable antidisturbance ability. The experiments are carried out to verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed fault detection method.
Folding-related Dimerization of Human Cystatin C (*)

With the aim to improve our understanding of the structural basis for protein self-association and aggregation, in particular in relationship to protein refolding and amyloid formation, folding-related processes for human cystatin C have been studied. Using NMR spectroscopy together with chromatographic and electrophoretic methods, a self-association process resulting in dimer formation for protein samples treated with denaturing agents as well as for samples subjected to low pH or high temperature conditions could be studied with amino acid resolution. In all three cases, the dimerization involves properly folded molecules and proceeds via the reactive site of the inhibitor, which leads to complete loss of its biological activity. This dimerization process has potential relevance for amyloid formation by the brain hemorrhage-causing Leu-Gln variant of cystatin C. The results also indicate that cystatin C dimerization and inactivation may occur in acidified compartments in vivo, which could be relevant for the physiological regulation of cysteine proteinase activity.
Recovery Effects of Oral Administration of Glucosylceramide and Beet Extract on Skin Barrier Destruction by UVB in Hairless Mice

Purified glucosylceramide from beet extract (beet GlcCer) and beet extract containing an equal amount of GlcCer were administered orally to ultra violet B (UVB)-irradiated mice, and differences in the protective effects against skin barrier dysfunction caused by UVB irradiation were compared. In the beet GlcCer group, epidermal thickening and the decrease in stratum corneum (SC) ceramide content caused by UVB irradiation were reduced. In the group that was orally administered beet extract containing glucosylceramide, effects similar to those in the beet GlcCer group were observed. Oral administration of beet GlcCer had no obvious effects against an increase in TEWL or decrease in SC water content after UVB irradiation, but there was improvement in the beet extract group. Oral administration of beet GlcCer is effective in improving skin barrier function in UVB-irradiated mice. Beet extract contains constituents other than GlcCer that are also effective in improving skin barrier function.
Problems and projects based approach for analog electronic circuits' course

New educational methods and approaches are recently introduced and implemented at several North American and European universities using Problems and Projects Based Approach (PPBA). The PPBA employs a teaching technique based mostly on competences/skills rather than only on knowledge. This method has been implemented and proven by several pedagogical instructors and authors at several educational institutions. This approach is used at different disciplines such as medicine, biology, engineering and many others. It has the advantage to improve the student’s skills and the knowledge retention rate, and reflects the 21 st century industrial/company needs and demands. Before implementing this approach to a course, a good resources preparation and planning is needed upfront by the responsible or instructor of the course to achieve the course and students related objectives. This paper presents the preparation, the generated documentation and the implementation of a pilot project utilizing PPBA education for a second year undergraduate electronic course over a complete semester, and for two different class groups (morning and evening groups). The outcome of this project (achieved goals, observed difficulties and lessons learned) is presented based on different tools such as students ‘in class’ communication and feedback, different course evaluation forms and the professor/instructor feedback. Resources, challenges, difficulties and recommendations are also assessed and presented. The impact, the effect and the results (during and at the end of the academic fall session) of the PPBA on students and instructor are discussed, validated, managed and communicated to help other instructor in taking appropriate approach decisions with respect to this new educational approach compared to the classical one.
THE FIFTH DISCIPLINE

Learning is now widely accepted as the currency of survival in an era of constant change. Many businesses, however, are struggling to learn how to learn. The cultural and structural issues they need to confront in order to acquire the flexibility and responsiveness to learn were articulated in 1990 in The Fifth Discipline by Peter M Senge of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Measuring Business Excellence revisits this now landmark work to review its continuing relevance to the aspirant learning organization.
Fluorescence lifetime imaging in scanning microscopes: acquisition speed, photon economy and lifetime resolution

In this paper a detailed discussion is presented of the factors that affect the fluorescence lifetime imaging performance of a scanning microscope equipped with a single photon counting based, two‐ to eight‐channel, time‐gated detection system. In particular we discuss the sensitivity, lifetime resolution, acquisition speed, and the shortest lifetimes that can be measured. Detection systems equipped with four to eight time‐gates are significantly more sensitive than the two time‐gate system. Only minor sensitivity differences were found between systems with four or more time‐gates. Experiments confirm that the lifetime resolution is dominated by photon statistics. The time response of the detector determines the shortest lifetimes that can be resolved; about 25 ps for fast MCP‐PMTs and 300–400 ps for other detectors. The maximum count rate of fast MCP‐PMTs, however, is 10–100 times lower than that of fast PMTs. Therefore, the acquisition speed with MCP‐PMT based systems is limited. With a fast PMT operated close to its maximum count rate we were able to record a fluorescence lifetime image of a beating myocyte in less than one second.
Increased Pension Savings: Blessing or Curse? Social Security Reform in a Two-Sector Growth Model

This paper analyses the consequences of a switch to a more funded pension scheme for economic growth in an economy that consists of a capital-intensive commodity sector with endogenous growth and a labour-intensive services sector. The increased savings cause long-run growth to be higher in a closed economy, provided capital and labour are not strong substitutes. The reverse holds for a small open economy. More funding can therefore turn out to be a curse instead of a blessing for future generations, unless countries implement their reforms simultaneously or impose a tax on labour-intensive services.
Improved enzyme annotation with EC-specific cutoffs using DETECT v2

Summary We present DETECT v2-an enzyme annotation tool which considers the effect of sequence diversity when assigning enzymatic function [as an Enzyme Commission (EC) number] to a protein sequence. In addition to capturing more enzyme classes than the previous version, we now provide EC-specific cutoffs that greatly increase precision and recall of assignments and show its performance in the context of pathways. Availability and implementation https://github.com/ParkinsonLab/DETECT-v2. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Modeling the Zone of Proximal Development with a Computational Approach

In this paper, we propose a computational approach to modeling the Zone of Proximal Development of students who learn using a natural-language tutoring system for physics. We employ a student model to predict students’ performance based on their prior knowledge and activity when using a dialogue tutor to practice with conceptual, reflection questions about high-school level physics. Furthermore, we introduce the concept of the “Grey Area”, the area in which the student model cannot predict with acceptable accuracy whether a student has mastered the knowledge components or skills present in a particular step.
La Vigilanza Sul Sistema Finanziario: Obiettivi, Assetti E Approcci (Supervision of the Financial System: Objectives, Structures and Approaches)

The scandals that have tarnished the reputation of Wall Street and in Italy have damaged those who have invested their savings in Parmalat or Cirio corporate bonds or in Argentinean Government securities justify revisiting the objectives to be achieved by regulation and supervision of the financial sector. Stability is still regarded as paramount for banking, to be secured through an appropriate capital cushion, extensive supervisory arrangements, and market discipline, as agreed by Basel 2. Other financial intermediaries need to conduct their business with great transparency, openness and respect of the rules. However, an ever expanding and innovative financial sector, the blurring of traditional segmentations and globalisation make the task of regulating and supervising the financial sector more difficult and challenging, thus requiring new frameworks, for instance a single agency, in various jurisdictions and more international co-ordination and co-operation among regulating and supervising agencies. Up to now, the approach followed by the latter has been microeconomic, but the growing financial instability and the greater relevance of systemic risk may ask for a macroeconomic management of prudential regulation and supervision, thus complementing monetary policy in securing financial stability.
Hindlimb response to tactile stimulation of the pastern and coronet.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Lightweight tactile stimulators attached to the hind pasterns increase the height of the hind hoof flight arc but details of the induced changes in swing phase kinematics and kinetics have not been investigated. HYPOTHESES Stimulators on the hind pasterns are associated with increased hindlimb joint flexions and increased positive work performed by the hip and tarsal musculature. MATERIALS AND METHODS Nine nonlame horses trotted 4 times with and without 55 g tactile stimulators loosely attached around the hind pasterns. Height of the flight arc and peak flexion angles of the hindlimb joints were measured and net positive and negative work performed across each joint during the swing phase were calculated using inverse dynamics analysis and compared across paired conditions. RESULTS Speed and stride duration did not change but stimulators were associated with a reduction in hind stance duration. The flight arc was higher with stimulators due to increased flexions of the stifle, tarsal, metatarsophalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints. Positive work increased in the tarsal musculature, but not in the hip musculature, and negative work increased across the stifle, metatarsophalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE The effects of tactile stimulation of the hind pasterns on joint motion and muscle activation may be used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation to restore or increase flexion of the hindlimb joints with the exception of the hip joint. The ability to stimulate concentric activity of the tarsal musculature may have therapeutic applications in conditions such as toe dragging.
Neuromuscular performance limitations in cold

This review will focus on the effects of cooling on muscular performance and its variables, functional properties of the muscles and some neural aspects of muscle function. The changes are described in terms of different cold exposures with varying intensity, therefore also looking at the dose dependent relationship between cooling and performance decrement. In addition, relationship between rewarming exercise and performance enhancement is described. Future research needs are addressed.
Completion Rate and Safety of Tuberculosis Infection Treatment With Shorter Regimens

We have found that shorter regimens for TB infection (3HP or 4R) are safe and have higher completion rates than 9H. BACKGROUND: The traditional treatment of tuberculosis (TB) infection (9 months of daily isoniazid [9H]) is safe but completion rates of <50% are reported. Shorter regimens (3 months of once-weekly isoniazid and rifapentine [3HP] or 4 months of daily rifampin [4R]) are associated with improved adherence in adults. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study (2014–2017) of children (0–18 years old) seen at a children’s TB clinic in a low-incidence nation. We compared the frequency of completion and adverse events (AEs) in children receiving 3HP, 4R, and 9H; the latter 2 regimens could be administered by families (termed self-administered therapy [SAT]) or as directly observed preventive therapy (DOPT); 3HP was always administered under DOPT. RESULTS: TB infection treatment was started in 667 children: 283 (42.4%) 3HP, 252 (37.8%) 9H, and 132 (19.8%) 4R. Only 52% of children receiving 9H via SAT completed therapy. Children receiving 3HP were more likely to complete therapy than the 9H (SAT) group (odds ratio [OR] 27.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.8–63.7). Multivariate analyses found receipt of medication under DOPT (OR: 5.72, 95% CI: 3.47–9.43), increasing age (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.17), and the absence of any AE (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 0.26–0.60) to be associated with completing therapy. AEs were more common in the 9H group (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.48–4.32). Two (0.9%) children receiving 9H developed hepatotoxicity; no child receiving 3HP or 4R developed hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Shorter regimens are associated with increased completion rates and fewer AEs than 9H.
Marketing a tourism industry in late stage decline: The case of the Isle of Man

Abstract Qualitative interviews in the Isle of Man uncovered local perceptions of a tourism industry in late stage decline. Social impacts of decline are pronounced including facilities loss, cultural changes and a heightening of perceived peripherality: which taken together undermine local identity. Tourists are welcomed as they help to affirm the pride residents have in their island in creating a more active atmosphere, to provide social interaction opportunities and to combat negative stereotyping. Thus, findings emphasise the diverse, unique and persistent benefits of tourism in the Isle of Man, despite its decline. Destination marketing recommendations are therefore made to better address the experiences and desires of communities experiencing decline.
Analysis of verbal fluency in amnestic and non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Background: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is defined as significant memory impairment that lies somewhere on the spectrum between normal, healthy aging and dementia. Tests of verbal fluency are simple and efficient tools that have shown to be sensitive enough to discriminate between healthy aging and early cognitive decline. The purpose of this study was to investigate letter and category verbal fluency abilities in two subtypes of MCI: amnestic and non-amnestic, and two domains of amnestic MCI: single and multiple. Methods: Participants were 25 persons with single domain amnestic MCI, 49 with multiple domain amnestic MCI, 16 with non-amnestic MCI, and 90 cognitively healthy older adults. Participants were asked to generate as many words as possible belonging to a category “animal” or beginning with a specific letter “f”. Verbal fluency performance on the letter and category fluency subtests were analyzed across 30-second intervals and according to the clustering and switching scoring paradigm developed by Troyer et al., 1998. Results: Single domain amnestic MCI was found to be the least impaired of our MCI groups, performing comparably to the control group on each dependent measure across both fluency tasks. The Multiple domain amnestic MCI group showed equal impairment in word and switch generation on both fluency tasks while the non-amnestic MCI group performed more poorly, in terms of word and switch production, on the letter fluency task compared to the category fluency task. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that verbal fluency performance is sensitive enough to discriminate between MCI groups. Results from the study also lend evidence to the understanding of the functional brain areas that are compromised at the MCI stage of impairment.
Introduction of DPR, an Enterostatin Fragment Peptide, into Soybean β-Conglycinin α′ Subunit by Site-directed Mutagenesis

DPR, a fragment peptide of enterostatin (VPDPR) having hypocholesterolemic activity, was introduced into the three homologous sites, EPR, DYR, and DPI, in the soybean β-conglycinin α′ subunit by site-directed mutagenesis. The modified β-conglycinin was expressed in Escherichia coli and recovered in the soluble fraction. After purification on ion-exchange HPLC, the modified β-conglycinin was digested by trypsin to release integrated DPR. The yield of DPR from 1 mole of the modified β-conglycinin was 1.2 mole.
Shifting Paradigms: Redesigning a Principal Preparation Program's Curriculum

The purpose of this paper is to describe Auburn University's story of developing an innovative field-based master's level principal preparation program. Our goal was to align the program's curriculum and internship experiences with state and other accrediting agency standards, current leadership preparation research, and local educational agency (LEA) partner input and support. As a faculty, we decided to model best practices throughout the redesign and approached the curriculum development project using a variety of data collection processes. What emerged was a creative Instructional Leadership Program (ILP) curriculum, involving multiple partnerships, best practices research, and an understanding that it was a living, breathing document which would change as implementation occurred and data were collected to suggest needed changes. As the program is constantly evaluated and the university revisits with LEA partners, 2008 educational leadership cohort students, other stakeholders and researchers are beginning to see richer results than originally anticipated. Similar to Murphy's (2002) “New Blueprints” discussion of new educational leadership foundations, several important paradigms are emerging from the program: leadership based on school improvement and student achievement, and creating schools as socially just, democratic learning communities (Furman & Shields, 2005; Green, 1999; Smylie, Bennett, Konkol, & Fendt, 2005; Strike, 1999).
Molecular basis for Ca2+ channel diversity.

Neurotransmitter release, neurosecretion, neuronal excitation, survival of neurons, and many other neuronal functions are controlled by the cellular calcium concentration. Calcium entry across the plasma membrane in response to membrane depolarization or activation of neurotransmitter receptors repre­ sents a major pathway for the cellular control of calcium. The voltage-depen­ dent calcium channels, activated and inactivated at a low or high membrane potential, are the best characterized plasmalemmal calcium entry pathway, primarily because powerful and specific channel blocking agents are available. The T (tiny)-type calcium channel is activated and inactivated at a low membrane potential and is present in a wide variety of excitable and non-excitable cells. T -type calcium channels are not considered in detail because the lack of specific blockers renders identification of cloned and expressed channels as T -type channels difficult. [n contrast, the high voltage activated and inactivated calcium channels have been subdivided into four distinct classes, using the organic calcium channel blockers (CaCB) (originally introduced by Fleckenstein and col­ leagues 1967) and several neurotoxins. They have been separated into the B (B stands for brain; B channels may include T-type channels)-, L (long lasting)-, N (neither L nor T channel)-, and P (Purkinje)-type calcium channels (Table I). B-, L-, Nand P-type calcium channels are activated at a high membrane potential (around -30 mY), inactivate slowly (long lasting), and are expressed in neuronal and non neuronal cells (Tsien et al 1991, Bertolini & Llinas 1992). Nand P-type calcium channels are blocked specifically by