Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute Effect of High-Fat Meal on Endothelial Function in Moderately Dyslipidemic Subjects

Objective— Hypercholesterolemia markedly impairs endothelial function. Whether this is the case for hypertriglyceridemia is less clear, however, and limited evidence exists on the effect of an acute increase in triglyceridemia caused by a high-fat meal. Methods and Results— In 16 normotensive subjects with an untreated mild hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidemia and in 7 normal controls, we measured radial artery diameter and blood flow by an echo-tracking device (NIUS02). Data were obtained at baseline, at the release of a 4-minute ischemia of the hand, which causes an increase in arterial diameter dependent on nitric oxide (NO) secretion, and at the release of a 12-minute exclusion of the arm by an arm cuff to obtain a larger increase in arterial diameter mainly of nonendothelial nature. Measurements were performed before and 6 hours after a high-fat meal (680 kcal/m2 body surface; 82% lipids). In mild dyslipidemic hypertriglyceridemic subjects, the high-fat meal did not alter baseline blood pressure (beat-to-beat finger measurement), heart rate, radial artery diameter, and blood flow. It also did not alter the increase in blood flow induced by the 4-minute ischemia (+42.7±10.4 and +43.7±10.4 mL/min), whereas it markedly attenuated the concomitant increase in arterial diameter (+0.31±0.06 versus 0.13±0.06 mm; P<0.05). The alteration of the diameter response did not correlate with changes in total cholesterol, but it showed a significant correlation with the increase in serum triglycerides induced by high-fat meal (r=0.49, P<0.05). This attenuation was not seen in control subjects and in subjects in whom measurements were repeated after a 6-hour observation period. It was also not paralleled by an alteration of the endothelially independent response to a 12-minute ischemia whose larger effects on arterial diameter and blood flow were similar before and after the high-fat meal. Conclusions— Endothelial function is markedly impaired by a high-fat meal that causes an acute hypertriglyceridemia. This impairment is evident in dyslipidemic patients with baseline hypertriglyceridemia but not in normotriglyceridemic controls.
Locating the researcher in the research : Personal narrative and reflective practice

This paper illustrates how personal narrative and reflective practice are used as the basis for an ethnographic account that locates the researcher in the research endeavour. It provides an overview of narrative inquiry as a means of reflective practice. Two narrative approaches - life history/autobiographical narrative and autoethnography - are briefly introduced and evidence is presented of the application of these approaches in a number of discipline areas. This serves to highlight the relative dearth of literature reporting the use of autoethnography in particular in the counselling and psychology fields, either in terms of research or practical applications. After outlining the background of the author's doctoral study, the paper illustrates how autoethnography is employed as an example of reflective practice. Concluding remarks address a reflection of the experience of writing the paper, including reference to criteria for evaluating autoethnographic writing.
Three Decades of Research on O-GlcNAcylation – A Major Nutrient Sensor That Regulates Signaling, Transcription and Cellular Metabolism

Even though the dynamic modification of polypeptides by the monosaccharide, O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAcylation) was discovered over 30 years ago, its physiological significance as a major nutrient sensor that regulates myriad cellular processes has only recently been more widely appreciated. O-GlcNAcylation, either on its own or by its interplay with other post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and others, modulates the activities of signaling proteins, regulates most components of the transcription machinery, affects cell cycle progression and regulates the targeting/turnover or functions of myriad other regulatory proteins, in response to nutrients. Acute increases in O-GlcNAcylation protect cells from stress-induced injury, while chronic deregulation of O-GlcNAc cycling contributes to the etiology of major human diseases of aging, such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegeneration. Recent advances in tools to study O-GlcNAcylation at the individual site level and specific inhibitors of O-GlcNAc cycling have allowed more rapid progress toward elucidating the specific functions of O-GlcNAcylation in essential cellular processes.
A hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm for parallel batch processing machines scheduling

The paper studies the scheduling problem of minimizing maximum lateness on parallel identical batch processing machines with dynamic job arrivals and incompatible job families. Each machine can process several jobs simultaneously as a batch and each job is characterized by its release time, processing time, due date and job family. In view of the strongly NP-hard of this problem, heuristics are first proposed to solve the problem in a modest amount of computer time. In general, the quality of the solutions provided by heuristics degrades with the increase of the problem's scale. Combined the global search ability of particle swarm optimization (PSO), we proposed a hybrid PSO to improve the quality of solutions further. Computational results show that the hybrid heuristic combines the advantages of heuristic and genetic algorithm effectively and can provide very good solutions to some laruge problems in a reasonable amount of computer time.
Formative Assessment in Distance Learning Education with Cognitive and Metacognitive Measurements

Traditional forms of assessment used in face-to-face and distance learning education are insufficient to ascertain the learning progress of student and therefore do not provide enough information to detect student learning gaps and improve learning. Another point is that traditional assessment ways rarely involve the student in monitoring his or her own learning through his metacognitive abilities. This article presents a model for formative assessment in distance learning education based on cognitive and metacognitive measurements that will make possible the identification of student learning gaps. Moreover, it presents the architecture of a computational environment for student knowledge mapping that will allow identifying more specifically the learning gaps in order to supply the educational system with qualitative information.
Regulating speed in a neuromuscular human running model

Versatile models of human locomotion control can elicit new ideas for the control of legged robots and provide simulation test-beds for walking assistive robots. There exist neural control models that can generate human-like diverse and robust locomotion behaviors. However, most of these behaviors have been generated by extensive search on low-level control parameter sets, which is time consuming and limits the general applicability of the models. Our goal is to identify a hierarchical structure in neuromuscular control that allows to generate a large range of behaviors with a few high-level inputs. In this study, we focus on running. We incorporate a higher-layer speed adaptation policy to a previously proposed neuromuscular human model and find that it enables the model to run at speeds ranging from 2.4 to 4.0 ms-1 by changing only the target velocity. However, the speed changes occur slowly, and we investigate simple strategies that facilitate them. Among the strategies we explore, modulating the trunk lean shows fast and reliable acceleration and deceleration in average of 0.35 and -0.37 ms-2, respectively. The results show that the running speed of the neuromuscular model can be controlled to some extent with a higher-layer speed adaptation policy and a simple speed changing strategy. We plan to extend this framework to generate a larger range of locomotion behaviors with a few high-level commands.
Human Muscle Power Generating Capability During Cycling at Different Pedalling Rates

The effect of different pedalling rates (40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 rev min−1) on power generating capability, oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and blood lactate concentration [La]b during incremental tests was studied in seven subjects. No significant differences in V̇O2,max were found (mean ± S.D., 5.31 ± 0.13 l min−1). The final external power output delivered to the ergometer during incremental tests (PI,max) was not significantly different when cycling at 60, 80 or 100 rev min−1 (366 ± 5 W). A significant decrease in PI,max of ∼60 W was observed at 40 and 120 rev min−1 compared with 60 and 100 rev min−1, respectively (P < 0.01). At 120 rev min−1 there was also a pronounced upward shift of the V̇O2‐power output (V̇O2‐P) relationship. At 50 W δV̇O2 between 80 and 100 rev min−1 amounted to +0.43 l min−1 but to +0.87 l min−1 between 100 and 120 rev min−1. The power output corresponding to 2 and 4 mmol l−1 blood lactate concentration (P[La]2 and P[La]4) was also significantly lower (> 50 W) at 120 rev min−1 (P < 0.01) while pedalling at 40, 60, 80 and 100 rev min−1 showed no significant difference. The maximal peak power output (PM,max) during 10 s sprints increased with pedalling rate up to 100 rev min−1. Our study indicates that with increasing pedalling rate the reserves in power generating capability increase, as illustrated by the PI,max/PM,max ratio (54.8, 44.8, 38.1, 34.6, 29.2%), the P[La]4/PM,max ratio (50.4, 38.9, 31.0, 27.7, 22.9%) and the P[La]2/PM,max ratio (42.8, 33.5, 25.6, 23.1, 15.6%) increases. Taking into consideration the V̇O2,max, the PI,max and the reserve in power generating capability we concluded that choosing a high pedalling rate when performing high intensity cycling exercise may be beneficial since it provides greater reserve in power generating capability and this may be advantageous to the muscle in terms of resisting fatigue. However, beyond 100 rev min−1 there is a decrease in external power that can be delivered for an given V̇O2 with an associated earlier onset of metabolic acidosis and clearly this will be disadvantageous for sustained high intensity exercise.
Geometric Transition versus Cascading Solution

We study Vafa's geometric transition and Klebanov-Strassler solution from various points of view in M-theory. In terms of brane configurations, we show the detailed equivalences between the two models. In some limits, both models have an alternative realization as fourfolds in M-theory with appropriate G-fluxes turned on. We discuss some aspects of the fourfolds including how to see the transition and a possible extension to the non-supersymmetric case.
Photographic paper texture classification using model deviation of local visual descriptors

This paper investigates the classification of photographic paper textures using visual descriptors. Such classification is called fine grain due to the very low inter-class variability. We propose a novel image representation for photographic paper texture categorization, relying on the incorporation of a powerful local descriptor into an efficient higher-order model deviation where texture is represented by computing statistics on the occurrences of specific local visual patterns. We perform an evaluation on two different challenging datasets of photographic paper textures and show such advanced methods indeed outperforms existing descriptors.
Long-Term Use and Perceived Benefits of Goal-Oriented Attentional Self-Regulation Training in Chronic Brain Injury

Primary Objective. To investigate the long-term use and perceived benefit(s) of strategies included in Goal-Oriented Attentional Self-Regulation (GOALS) training (Novakovic-Agopian et al., 2011) by individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) and chronic executive dysfunction. Research Design. Longitudinal follow-up of training. Methods and Procedures. Sixteen participants with chronic ABI participated in structured telephone interviews 20 months (range 11 to 31 months) following completion of GOALS training. Participants responded to questions regarding the range of strategies they continued to utilize, perceived benefit(s) of strategy use, situations in which strategy use was found helpful, and functional changes attributed to training. Results. Nearly all participants (94%) reported continued use of at least one trained strategy in their daily lives, with 75% of participants also reporting improved functioning resulting from training. However, there was considerable variability with respect to the specific strategies individuals found helpful as well as the perceived impact of training on overall functioning. Conclusions. GOALS training shows promising long-term benefits for individuals in the chronic phase of brain injury. Identifying individual- and injury-level factors that account for variability in continued strategy use and the perceived long-term benefits of training will help with ongoing intervention development.
FACTORS AFFECTING CONSTRUCTION ORGANIZATION QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN MALAYSIA CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The main focus of the construction industry is to ensure that projects are successfully completed within the constraints of best quality, stated period and at minimum cost possible. The implementation of QMS in Construction Industry is meant to assist the industry to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization management system in ensuring successful objectives of company. In the era of globalization where economic competition is intensifying, the implementation of QMS will improve the overall construction process and subsequently lead to the formulization of successful business strategies to meet international requirements. This study is carried out to analyze the scenario of QMS application, to identify factors affecting the construction organization and to issue recommendations on how to improve the implementation of ISO 9001:2000 QMS in Construction Industry. The data will be gathered via questionnaires distributed to the construction organizations at every level of management. Statistical analysis software SPSS 13.0 will be used to analyze the data. Factors affecting the successful implementation of QMS in Malaysia Construction Industry will be identified and recommendations will be suggested on ways to mitigate the problems.
Formation control over delayed communication networks

In this paper we address the problem of formation control of a group of robots that exchange information over a delayed communication network. We consider the Virtual Body Artificial Potential approach for stabilizing a group of robots at a desired formation. We show that it is possible to model the controlled system as a set of elements exchanging energy along a power preserving interconnection structure. We exploit the scattering framework to stabilize the robots in the desired formation independently of any delay in the communication of the information.
High incidence of thyroid dysfunction despite prophylaxis with potassium iodide during 131I‐meta‐iodobenzylguanidine treatment in children with neuroblastoma

Treatment modalities like targeted radiotherapy with 131I‐meta‐iodobenzylguanidine (131I‐MIBG) improve survival rates after neuroblastoma (NB). Radiation to the thyroid gland can lead to hypothyroidism and even malignancy. Because hypothyroidism after 131I‐MIBG treatment was reported, the current KI prophylaxis against thyroidal radiation damage was evaluated.
Factors affecting circulating levels of peptide YY in humans: a comprehensive review

As obesity continues to be a global epidemic, research into the mechanisms of hunger and satiety and how those signals act to regulate energy homeostasis persists. Peptide YY (PYY) is an acute satiety signal released upon nutrient ingestion and has been shown to decrease food intake when administered exogenously. More recently, investigators have studied how different factors influence PYY release and circulating levels in humans. Some of these factors include exercise, macronutrient composition of the diet, body-weight status, adiposity levels, sex, race and ageing. The present article provides a succinct and comprehensive review of the recent literature published on the different factors that influence PYY release and circulating levels in humans. Where human data are insufficient, evidence in animal or cell models is summarised. Additionally, the present review explores the recent findings on PYY responses to different dietary fatty acids and how this new line of research will make an impact on future studies on PYY. Human demographics, such as sex and age, do not appear to influence PYY levels. Conversely, adiposity or BMI, race and acute exercise all influence circulating PYY levels. Both dietary fat and protein strongly stimulate PYY release. Furthermore, MUFA appear to result in a smaller PYY response compared with SFA and PUFA. PYY levels appear to be affected by acute exercise, macronutrient composition, adiposity, race and the composition of fatty acids from dietary fat.
Receptor Activity-Modifying Protein-1 Augments Cerebrovascular Responses to Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Inhibits Angiotensin II-Induced Vascular Dysfunction

Background and Purpose— Receptors for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are composed of the calcitonin-like receptor in association with receptor activity-modifying protein-1 (RAMP1). CGRP is an extremely potent vasodilator and may protect against vascular disease through other mechanisms. Methods— We tested the hypothesis that overexpression of RAMP1 enhances vascular effects of CGRP using transgenic mice with ubiquitous expression of human RAMP1. Because angiotensin II (Ang II) is a key mediator of vascular disease, we also tested the hypothesis that RAMP1 protects against Ang II-induced vascular dysfunction. Results— Responses to CGRP in carotid and basilar arteries in vitro as well as cerebral arterioles in vivo were selectively enhanced in human RAMP1 transgenic mice compared to littermate controls (P<0.05), and this effect was prevented by a CGRP receptor antagonist (P<0.05). Thus, vascular responses to CGRP are normally RAMP1-limited. Responses of carotid arteries were examined in vitro after overnight incubation with vehicle or Ang II. In arteries from control mice, Ang II selectively impaired responses to the endothelium-dependent agonist acetylcholine by ≈50% (P<0.05) via a superoxide-mediated mechanism. In contrast, Ang II did not impair responses to acetylcholine in human RAMP1 transgenic mice. Conclusions— RAMP1 overexpression increases CGRP-induced vasodilation and protects against Ang II-induced endothelial dysfunction. These findings suggest that RAMP1 may be a new therapeutic target to regulate CGRP-mediated effects during disease including pathophysiological states in which Ang II plays a major role.
Host–symbiont recombination versus natural selection in the response of coral–dinoflagellate symbioses to environmental disturbance

Mutualisms between reef-building corals and endosymbiotic dinoflagellates are particularly sensitive to environmental stress, yet the ecosystems they construct have endured major oscillations in global climate. During the winter of 2008, an extreme cold-water event occurred in the Gulf of California that bleached corals in the genus Pocillopora harbouring a thermally ‘sensitive’ symbiont, designated Symbiodinium C1b-c, while colonies possessing Symbiodinium D1 were mostly unaffected. Certain bleached colonies recovered quickly while others suffered partial or complete mortality. In most colonies, no appreciable change was observed in the identity of the original symbiont, indicating that these partnerships are stable. During the initial phases of recovery, a third species of symbiont B1Aiptasia, genetically identical to that harboured by the invasive anemone, Aiptasia sp. , grew opportunistically and was visible as light-yellow patches on the branch tips of several colonies. However, this symbiont did not persist and was displaced in all cases by C1b-c several months later. Colonies with D1 were abundant at inshore habitats along the continental eastern Pacific, where seasonal turbidity is high relative to offshore islands. Environmental conditions of the central and southern coasts of Mexico were not sufficient to explain the exclusivity of D1 Pocillopora in these regions. It is possible that mass mortalities associated with major thermal disturbances during the 1997–1998 El Niño Southern Oscillation eliminated C1b-c holobionts from these locations. The differential loss of Pocillopora holobionts in response to thermal stress suggests that natural selection on existing variation can cause rapid and significant shifts in the frequency of particular coral–algal partnerships. However, coral populations may take decades to recover following episodes of severe selection, thereby raising considerable uncertainty about the long-term viability of these communities.
Irony Illustrated : A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Situational Irony in China and the United States

The purpose of the series is to make available to specialists and the interested public the results of research that, because of its unconventional or controversial nature, might otherwise go unpublished. The editor actively encourages younger, not yet well established, scholars and independent authors to submit manuscripts for consideration. Contributions in any of the major scholarly languages of the world, including Romanized Modern Standard Mandarin (MSM) and Japanese, are acceptable. In special circumstances, papers written in one of the Sinitic topolects (fangyan) may be considered for publication. Although the chief focus of Sino-Platonic Papers is on the intercultural relations of China with other peoples, challenging and creative studies on a wide variety of philological subjects will be entertained. This series is not the place for safe, sober, and stodgy presentations. Sino-Platonic Papers prefers lively work that, while taking reasonable risks to advance the field, capitalizes on brilliant new insights into the development of civilization. The only style-sheet we honor is that of consistency. Where possible, we prefer the usages of the Journal of Asian Studies. Sinographs (hanzi, also called tetragraphs [fangkuaizi]) and other unusual symbols should be kept to an absolute minimum. Sino-Platonic Papers emphasizes substance over form. Submissions are regularly sent out to be refereed and extensive editorial suggestions for revision may be offered. Manuscripts should be double-spaced with wide margins and submitted in duplicate. A set of "Instructions for Authors" may be obtained by contacting the editor. Ideally, the final draft should be a neat, clear camera-ready copy with high black-and-white contrast. Please note: When the editor goes on an expedition or research trip, all operations (including filling orders) may temporarily cease for up to two or three months at a time. In such circumstances, those who wish to purchase various issues of SPP are requested to wait patiently until he returns. If issues are urgently needed while the editor is away, they may be requested through Interlibrary Loan. N.B.: Beginning with issue no. 171, Sino-Platonic Papers has been published electronically on the Web. Issues from no. 1 to no. 170, however, will continue to be sold as paper copies until our stock runs out, after which they too will be made available on the Web at www.sino-platonic.org. ii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This paper would not have become reality without the guidance and mentoring provided by my faculty advisors. Thank you, Dr. Mair, for your endless support and timely resource …