Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Web-based solution for enhancing diabetic well-being

INTRODUCTION In most Western countries, healthcare systems are in economic crisis. It is not possible to increase available resources, but at the same time, there is a growing demand for publicly funded healthcare services, e.g., because the number of aged people is rising. To solve this problem, countries can either increase the effectiveness and efficiency of their present healthcare activities and/or decrease public demand. Public demand can be controlled by raising user charges for publicly funded services, redefining those services, encouraging self-care, and/or subsidizing services that are privately financed. However, so far there are not many countries that encourage self-care in order to control demand, but it is considered one possibility with strong future potential (Moore, 1996). Self-care means shared responsibility in healthcare. The formal system is no longer the only institution that is responsible for individuals’ health status; individuals must also take care of their own health. One of the most widely used methods for encouraging self-care is providing and sharing knowledge (Smee, 1997). One way to enhance knowledge sharing and thus one possible way to increase the efficiency of activities in healthcare is the exploitation of information technology (IT). As Tapscott (1996) has envisioned, healthcare may be one of the primary beneficiaries from the new information technology-based networked economy. However, so far IT has provided only the infrastructure for telemedicine, expert systems, and multimedia, which have supported doctors in making diagnoses, and for databases, which have been efficient platforms for patient records, and thus, IT has mainly supported healthcare personnel and governmental institutions (e.g., Griep et l., 1996; Iakovidis, 1998; Kalra, 1996). Apart from improving the infrastructure enabling the integration of the various stakeholders within healthcare, we need IT-based tools to support and activate the individual patient. These tools
A positioning of AUV with data transmission using SS acoustic signal

In recent years, precious observations by autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) have been performed. Tracking and navigation of AUV are important for precious observations. In Japan agency for Marine-earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) the observations with AUV ldquoURASHIMArdquo have been implemented in deep ocean area. AUV URASHIMA is navigated by an inertial navigation system (INS) mainly. The absolute position of AUV is tracked on the support vessel with super short base-line (SSBL) method of acoustic positioning. And sometime the own position in AUV is updated by the SSBL estimation result to correct the drift error of INS. However the SSBL is not so accurate. So the position correction includes the SSBL error and the position correction is performed drastically. In this paper, a method for accurate tracking of AUV and rapid correction of the INS status is proposed. The tracking is mainly achieved by SSBL on the support vessel. Additionally the INS data is transmitted from AUV including the acoustic positioning signal. The INS output of relative position to past own position is very accurate within short time. The INS data is used for tracking. Furthermore the position result estimated on the vessel is transmitted to AUV with next interrogation signal. And the own position in AUV is rapidly updated with accurate estimation. Some digital data including INS data is modulated with phase shift keying (PSK) method and direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technique for transmission with acoustic positioning signal. The proposed method was considered by simulation. And good results were obtained.
Tracking of objectively measured physical activity from childhood to adolescence: The European youth heart study

A number of studies have investigated tracking of physical activity from childhood to adolescence and, in general, these studies have been based on methods with some degree of subjectivity (e.g., questionnaires). The aim of the present study was to evaluate tracking of physical activity from childhood to adolescence using accelerometry, taking into account major sources of variation in physical activity. Both a crude and an adjusted model was fitted, and, in the adjusted model, analyses were corrected for seasonal variation, within‐week variation, activity registration during night time sleep, within instrumental measurement error, and day‐to‐day variation in physical activity. In all, 208 subjects were included in the crude analyses. Stability coefficients estimated from the crude model were low (i.e., 0.18 and 0.19 for boys and girls, respectively) and only borderline significant. However, in the adjusted model highly significant stability coefficients of 0.53 and 0.48 for boys and girls, respectively, were observed. It was concluded that physical activity behavior tends to track moderately from childhood to adolescence.
Types of trust experienced in a risky medical operation (A case among cosmetic surgeries in Isfahan)

Background: In all areas of life including health, choices have widely increased and concerns over getting hold of further choices have made trust a necessary element. This study, taking into consideration the interconnection of three concepts of trust, risk, and body, aims at describing and interpreting different types of trust experienced in a risky medical operation (cosmetic surgery). Materials and Methods: To achieve the given purpose, within interpretative paradigm and employing qualitative method, in-depth phenomenological interviews were conducted with 26 people who volunteered to have a cosmetic surgery. Participants, who have been selected through purposive sampling techniques, were fully aware of their participation in the study and were insured that the data would be confidential and would be used only for the purpose of the study. Data were gathered within a one-year period of the study, from February 20, 2012 to February 20, 2013. Results of three-phase interviews were validated against participatory feedback and researchers’ triangulation and were further analyzed by means of seven-stage Colaizzi method. Findings: Consequently, five main themes, namely, vicarious trust, trust within the reach, institutionalized trust, criterion trust, and wrapped trust were extracted. Conclusion: Apart from existing differences among these five themes (e.g. degree of the subjectivity and objectivity in the patient), they can be regarded comparable in terms of being single-sided (from the patient's side). In other words, in all experiences, participants, having considered “the necessity of gaining trust” as a presupposition, have made a unilateral effort in creating the aforementioned phenomenon.
Prucalopride: the evidence for its use in the treatment of chronic constipation

Introduction: Chronic constipation is a common condition that is difficult to treat. Existing options for the treatment of patients with different subgroups of constipation are limited. A new efficacious and safe drug is needed to limit the frequently observed adverse effects induced by laxatives, to improve general wellbeing and quality of life, and to provide an alternative for enemas or even resectional surgery in patients in whom stimulant laxatives cause disabling adverse effects or fail to increase bowel movement frequency. Aims: The purpose of this article is to assess the current evidence supporting the use of the selective and high affinity serotonin-4 (5-HT4) receptor agonist prucalopride in the management of chronic constipation. Evidence review: There are now convincing data from phase II and multicenter phase III randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials that prucalopride treatment results in a clinically meaningful increase in the number of spontaneous complete bowel movements, a reduction of perceived severity of symptoms and improved disease-related quality of life in a significant proportion of patients. There is a rapid onset of the effect and the improvement is maintained for at least 12 weeks. Prucalopride in a dose of up to 4 mg per day appeared generally well tolerated and devoid of serious cardiac events. Adverse events, most frequently headache and nausea, are usually mild or moderate and occur mainly during the first days of treatment. Prucalopride should be used with prudence and with careful assessment of the benefit-risk ratio until more clinical and electrophysiologic data become available, because relatively few patients have been exposed to the drug for long periods of time. Place in therapy: Prucalopride 1–2 mg once daily may be given to patients suffering from chronic constipation for whom laxatives do not provide adequate relief of their symptoms. Patients with severe constipation and slow transit, who frequently develop tolerance to stimulant laxatives, are also eligible for prucalopride treatment.
UN MODELLO DI DANNO PER LA PREVISIONE DEL CEDIMENTO PER CREEP NEI METALLI

The possibility to predict creep behavior of metals is fundamental for all high temperature applications. Creep modeling and life predictions are usually based on empirical approaches that requires a number of tests and for which extension to complex load hystories is often unfeasible. Continuum damage mechanics showed a great potential in modeling irreversible processes and it can be used to model material creep damage. Most of the CDM model proposed in the literature address creep strain accumulation as a function of stress and time. In this paper, starting from the observation that creep damage is the result of the impossibility of the material microstructure to accommodate diffusive strain and grain boundary sliding, a new strain based CDM creep model has been proposed. Here, creep damage is assumed to be function of the effective accumulated creep strain only. Creep time is accounted by explicit viscous relation in the Bailey-Norton law that provide creep strain evolution with time for the creep regime where no damage process usually occurs, namely early secondary creep stage. The proposed model has been implemented in finite element code and used to predict creep strain and creep life for a IMI 834 titanium alloy at 650°C under different imposed stress levels.
On the nature of the finite-temperature transition in QCD

We investigate the nature of the finite-temperature transition in QCD with Nf massless flavors. Universality arguments show that a continuous phase transition may exist only if there is a stable fixed point in the three-dimensional ? 4 theory characterized by the symmetry-breaking pattern [SU(Nf)L? SU(Nf)R]/(Nf)V? SU(Nf)V/(Nf)V, or [U(Nf)L? U(Nf)R]/U(1)V? U(Nf)V/U(1)V if the U(1)A symmetry is effectively restored at Tc. In order to determine the fixed points of these ? 4 theories, we exploit a three-dimensional perturbative approach in which physical quantities are expanded in powers of renormalized quartic couplings. We compute the perturbative expansion of the ? -functions to six loops and determine their large-order behavior. No stable fixed point is found, except for Nf = 2 corresponding to the symmetry-breaking pattern SO(4)? SO(3). Therefore, the finite-temperature phase transition in QCD is of first order for Nf ? 3. A continuous phase transition is allowed only for Nf = 2. But, since the theory with symmetry-breaking pattern [U(2)L? U(2)R]/U(1)? U(2)V/U(1) does not have stable fixed points, the transition can be continuous only if the effective breaking of the U(1)A symmetry is sufficiently large.
Two New Fern Chloroplasts and Decelerated Evolution Linked to the Long Generation Time in Tree Ferns

We report the chloroplast genomes of a tree fern (Dicksonia squarrosa) and a “fern ally” (Tmesipteris elongata), and show that the phylogeny of early land plants is basically as expected, and the estimates of divergence time are largely unaffected after removing the fastest evolving sites. The tree fern shows the major reduction in the rate of evolution, and there has been a major slowdown in the rate of mutation in both families of tree ferns. We suggest that this is related to a generation time effect; if there is a long time period between generations, then this is probably incompatible with a high mutation rate because otherwise nearly every propagule would probably have several lethal mutations. This effect will be especially strong in organisms that have large numbers of cell divisions between generations. This shows the necessity of going beyond phylogeny and integrating its study with other properties of organisms.
Mapping of Elemental and Phase Composition in Air-Oxidized Ti3SiC2

The oxidation behaviour of Ti3SiC2 in air is not well understood due to mixed results reported in the literature. In this study, the surface composition depth-profiles of air-oxidized Ti3SiC2 have been investigated by synchrotron radiation diffraction (SRD) and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) in the temperature range 500-1300°C. Anatase has been observed to form at ~600°C, rutile at ~750°C and tridymite at ~1100°C. Depth-profiling results by SIMS and SRD have revealed a distinct gradation in element and phase composition respectively within the surface oxide layers.
Operating point estimation for permanent magnet of electric motor under load-condition

This paper proposes an estimating method of both the operating temperature and flux density of the magnet, for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) under the load condition. The method is based on the combination of motor differential equations, thermal equivalent circuit and magnetic equivalent circuit. In this paper, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by comparing calculated result with the finite element analysis (FEA). Also, the effectiveness is confirmed by experimental result.
Quasispecies of dengue virus

Pathogenic viruses have RNA genomes that cause acute and chronic infections. These viruses replicate with high mutation rates and exhibit significant genetic diversity, so-called viral quasispecies. Viral quasispecies play an important role in chronic infectious diseases, but little is known about their involvement in acute infectious diseases such as dengue virus (DENV) infection. DENV, the most important human arbovirus, is a causative agent of dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Accumulating observations suggest that DENV exists as an extremely diverse virus population, but its biological significance is unclear. In other virus diseases, quasispecies affect the therapeutic strategies using drugs and vaccines. Here, I describe the quasispecies of DENV and discuss the possible role of quasispecies in the pathogenesis of and therapeutic strategy against DENV infection in comparison with other viruses such as Hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus type 1, and poliovirus.
Mutations of the Corynebacterium glutamicum NCgl1221 Gene, Encoding a Mechanosensitive Channel Homolog, Induce l-Glutamic Acid Production

ABSTRACT Corynebacterium glutamicum is a biotin auxotroph that secretes l-glutamic acid in response to biotin limitation; this process is employed in industrial l-glutamic acid production. Fatty acid ester surfactants and penicillin also induce l-glutamic acid secretion, even in the presence of biotin. However, the mechanism of l-glutamic acid secretion remains unclear. It was recently reported that disruption of odhA, encoding a subunit of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, resulted in l-glutamic acid secretion without induction. In this study, we analyzed odhA disruptants and found that those which exhibited constitutive l-glutamic acid secretion carried additional mutations in the NCgl1221 gene, which encodes a mechanosensitive channel homolog. These NCgl1221 gene mutations lead to constitutive l-glutamic acid secretion even in the absence of odhA disruption and also render cells resistant to an l-glutamic acid analog, 4-fluoroglutamic acid. Disruption of the NCgl1221 gene essentially abolishes l-glutamic acid secretion, causing an increase in the intracellular l-glutamic acid pool under biotin-limiting conditions, while amplification of the wild-type NCgl1221 gene increased l-glutamate secretion, although only in response to induction. These results suggest that the NCgl1221 gene encodes an l-glutamic acid exporter. We propose that treatments that induce l-glutamic acid secretion alter membrane tension and trigger a structural transformation of the NCgl1221 protein, enabling it to export l-glutamic acid.
Evolution of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype-specific V3 domain is confined to a sequence space with a fixed distance to the subtype consensus

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains can be separated into genetic subtypes based on phylogenetic analysis of the envelope gene. Once it had been shown that population-wide intrasubtype genetic variation of HIV-1 strains increases in the course of the AIDS epidemic, it remained uncertain whether HIV-1 subtypes are phenotypic entities spreading as distinct virus populations. To examine this, we applied Eigen's concepts of sequence geometry and fitness topography to the analysis of intrasubtype evolution of the gp120 V3 domain of HIV-1 subtypes A, B, C, and D in the course of the global AIDS epidemic. We observed that despite the high evolution rate of HIV-1, the nonsynonymous distances to the subtype consensus of sequences obtained early in the epidemic are similar to those obtained more than 10 years later, in contrast to the synonymous distances, which increased steadily over time. For HIV-1 subtype B, we observed that the evolution rate of the individual sequences is independent of their distance from the subtype B consensus, but for the individual sequences most distant from the consensus evolution away from the consensus is constrained. As a result, individual HIV-1 genomes fluctuate within a sequence space with fixed distance to the subtype consensus. Our findings suggest that the evolution of the V3 domain of HIV-1 subtypes A, B, C, and D is confined to an area in sequence space within a fixed distance to the consensus of a respective subtype. This in turn indicates that each HIV-1 subtype is a distinct viral quasispecies that is well adapted to the present environment, able to maintain its identity in the V3 region over time, and unlikely to merge during progression of the AIDS epidemic.
Personalized Approaches to Clopidogrel Therapy: Are We There Yet?

Clopidogrel is one of the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide. Recent advisories from the US Food and Drug Administration have drawn attention to the possibility of personalized decision-making for people who are candidates for clopidogrel. As is the case with antihypertensives, statins, and warfarin, common genetic sequence variants can influence clopidogrel metabolism and its effect on platelet activity. These genetic variants have, in multiple studies, been associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Concurrent medication use also influences how the body handles clopidogrel. Proton pump inhibitors, widely prescribed in conjunction with clopidogrel, may blunt its effectiveness. We address implications for bedside decision-making in light of accumulated data and current Food and Drug Administration advisories and conclude that genetic testing for CYP2C19 genotype and limitation of proton pump inhibitor interactions do not yet appear to offer an opportunity to optimize treatment given the current state of knowledge.
Analysis and realization of a novel repetitive controller in active power filter system

The repetitive control has been widely used in grid connected voltage source converters, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), photovoltaic inverter (PV) and active power filter (APF). This paper introduces a new repetitive control strategy in the APF system; the proposed control strategy has a forgetting factor (FF), which could improve control system robustness. Control system stability and convergence analysis points out that control system characteristics depend on characteristic expression, which is essential for controller design. Appropriate design of this characteristic expression could make control system have good stability and fast convergence rate. Combination of industrial application, this paper presents a controller analysis and design methods, at last, simulations and experiment results demonstrate the validity of proposed repetitive control strategy.
Cd26/Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV in Context

CD26, the T cell activation molecule, is a 110-kD glycoprotein that is also present on epithelial cells of various tissues, including the liver, kidney, and intestine. CD26 possesses a known dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)IV activity in its extracellular domain ([1][1]). A paper by Wesley et al. in this
Acetaldehyde and the genome: Beyond nuclear DNA adducts and carcinogenesis

The designation of acetaldehyde associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages as “carcinogenic to humans” (Group 1) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has brought renewed attention to the biological effects of acetaldehyde, as the primary oxidative metabolite of alcohol. Therefore, the overall focus of this review is on acetaldehyde and its direct and indirect effects on the nuclear and mitochondrial genome. We first consider different acetaldehyde‐DNA adducts, including a critical assessment of the evidence supporting a role for acetaldehyde‐DNA adducts in alcohol related carcinogenesis, and consideration of additional data needed to make a conclusion. We also review recent data on the role of the Fanconi anemia DNA repair pathway in protecting against acetaldehyde genotoxicity and carcinogenicity, as well as teratogenicity. We also review evidence from the older literature that acetaldehyde may impact the genome indirectly, via the formation of adducts with proteins that are themselves critically involved in the maintenance of genetic and epigenetic stability. Finally, we note the lack of information regarding acetaldehyde effects on the mitochondrial genome, which is notable since aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), the primary acetaldehyde metabolic enzyme, is located in the mitochondrion, and roughly 30% of East Asian individuals are deficient in ALDH2 activity due to a genetic variant in the ALDH2 gene. In summary, a comprehensive understanding of all of the mechanisms by which acetaldehyde impacts the function of the genome has implications not only for alcohol and cancer, but types of alcohol related pathologies as well. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:77–91, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.