Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consuming Beef vs. Soy Protein Has Little Effect on Appetite, Satiety, and Food Intake in Healthy Adults

Abstract Background: Although protein-rich plant foods have recently been touted as an equivalent to animal products, limited data exist regarding the effects of animal vs. plant proteins on appetite, satiety, and subsequent food intake. Objective: The objective was to determine whether a high-protein beef lunch alters the appetitive, hormonal, and neural signals controlling food intake regulation vs. a macronutrient and fiber–matched (MF) or serving size–matched (SS) soy lunch in healthy adults. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, crossover design study was completed in 21 adults (aged 23 ± 1 y; body mass index: 23.8 ± 0.6 kg/m2; mean ± SEM) to compare 400-kcal MF and SS lunches varying in protein quality. The MF lunches contained 24-g beef protein or 24-g soy protein, whereas the SS lunches contained 1 serving of beef (24-g protein/1-g fiber) or soy (14-g protein/5-g fiber). Pre- and postlunch appetite questionnaires and blood sampling were completed over an 8-h period until dinner was voluntarily requested. In addition, pre- and postlunch functional MRI brain scans were completed to assess neural activation in response to food stimuli. Results: On average, dinner was requested at ∼250 ± 20 min postlunch with no differences between beef vs. soy within the MF and SS conditions. Furthermore, no differences in hunger, fullness, peptide YY, or glucagon-like peptide-1 responses were observed after the beef vs. soy lunches within the MF and SS conditions. The SS beef meal led to reductions in anterior cingulate activation (−22 ± 6%) vs. soy (+7 ± 9%;P < 0.01) and greater reductions in insular activation (−30 ± 6%) vs. SS soy (−7 ± 10%;P < 0.01). The participants consumed ∼945 ± 78 kcal after the MF meals and 910 ± 74 kcal after the SS meals with no differences between beef vs. soy. Conclusions: When comparing 2 high-quality protein sources, such as beef and soy, the type of protein consumed within a mixed meal elicited very little effect on appetite, satiety, and food intake in healthy adults. This study was registered atclinicaltrials.gov as NCT02285907.
The Murine Irak2 Gene Encodes Four Alternatively Spliced Isoforms, Two of Which Are Inhibitory*

The interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases (IRAKs) are important downstream signaling components of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). To date, four mammalian IRAKs have been found, namely IRAK-1, IRAK-2, IRAK-4, and IRAK-M. Herein, we show a detailed analysis of the genomic region encompassing the murine Irak2 gene and the molecular cloning of four isoforms of Irak2 (designated Irak2a, Irak2b, Irak2c, and Irak2d) generated by alternative splicing at the 5′-end of the gene. This alternative splicing has direct effects on the expression of the N-terminal death domain and/or inter-domain. No evidence of similar alternative splicing was found for the human IRAK2 gene. When overexpressed, Irak2a and Irak2b potentiated NF-κB activation by lipopolysaccharide. Importantly, Irak2c and Irak2d were inhibitory. The promoter for Irak2c differed from that of the other Irak2 isoforms in that it contained putative NF-κB binding sites. Lipopolysaccharide induced the expression of Irak2c, indicating a possible negative feedback effect on the signaling pathway. Alternative splicing of the Irak2 gene in mice will therefore generate agonistic or antagonistic Irak2 isoforms, which is likely to have consequences for the regulation of TLR signaling. These observations identify another distinguishing feature between mice and humans in the TLR system that is likely to be due to differences in the selective pressure imposed by pathogens on each species during evolution.
Implementing Quality Assurance Features in Component-based Software System

The increasing demand of component-based development approach (CBDA) gives opportunity to the software developers to increase the speed of the software development process and lower its production cost. The software developers have to face many challenges while developing the software and one of the major challenges is to develop the software with an appropriate level of quality. Quality assurance is considered as the most important element as without an appropriate level of quality, the software product will produce ruinous results and it will be of no use. Considering quality in case of CBDA, it is very important to use those components in the development process which will provide us with questionable quality. CBDA offers various advantages including, reducing the complexity of the software by simplifying its design, reducing the production cost and time, as there is no need to start the development process from the scratch, it provides us with the feature of reusability. Important issues which should be properly handled while developing the software are: assuring the quality of each item which is being used, using that component which best suits our requirements. The
In Vivo Characterization of Escherichia coli ftsZ Mutants: Effects on Z-Ring Structure and Function

ABSTRACT We have characterized the in vivo phenotypes of 17 mutations of Escherichia coli ftsZ. In particular, we determined whether these mutations can complement a null ftsZ phenotype, and we demonstrated that two noncomplementing mutations show partial dominant-negative behavior. We performed immunofluorescence microscopy to determine whether these mutants could assemble into normal or abnormal structures in vivo. The mutants separated into four classes—those that complemented the null and formed normal FtsZ rings, those that complemented the null but formed aberrant FtsZ structures, those that formed aberrant FtsZ structures and did not complement, and those that were unable to form any FtsZ structures. We did not find any mutations that produced nonfunctional Z rings of normal appearance. Surprisingly, some mutants that produced extensively spiraled Z-ring structures divided and grew with a normal doubling time. The analysis was carried out using a complementation system based on an ftsZ deletion strain, a temperature-sensitive rescue plasmid, and a complementation vector that placed mutated ftsZ alleles under the control of the pBAD promoter, which offered several advantages over previous systems.
Morphologic choroidal and scleral changes at the macula in tilted disc syndrome with staphyloma using optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE To evaluate the macular choroidal and scleral changes in tilted disc syndrome (TDS) with staphyloma using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to determine the mechanism of serous retinal detachment (SRD) formation. METHODS All eyes underwent fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in this retrospective, observational study. Enhanced-depth imaging (EDI) OCT and prototype high-penetration (HP) OCT were used to examine the choroid and sclera, respectively, at the upper and lower optical areas and the subfovea on vertical OCT sections. RESULTS Twenty-four eyes with TDS with inferior staphyloma were included. FA showed the macular area with the superior edge of staphyloma had a granular hyperfluorescent pattern and ICGA showed belt-like hypofluorescence. OCT showed SRDs in seven eyes. The mean EDI-OCT choroidal thicknesses in 19 eyes were: upper area, 211 ± 79 μm; subfovea, 153 ± 70 μm; and lower area, 158 ± 42 μm. The mean subfoveal and lower choroid were significantly (P < 0.01 for both) thinner than the upper area. The mean HP-OCT scleral thicknesses in 14 eyes were: upper area, 414 ± 36 μm; subfovea, 493 ± 40 μm; and lower area, 398 ± 83 μm. The subfoveal sclera was significantly (P < 0.01) thicker than the others. CONCLUSIONS The subfoveal choroid was relatively thin and the subfoveal sclera thickened in TDS with a staphyloma edge at the macula. The area with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) atrophy was hyperfluorescent on FA; choriocapillaris occlusion was hypofluorescent on ICGA. Characteristic anatomic subfoveal scleral alterations might lead to a thinner choroid and inhibit chorioscleral outflow; a secondary RPE disorder subsequently could cause SRDs.
Web didáctica para la aproximación de funciones mediante redes neuronales

In this article we presents a project [1] developed to demonstrate the capability that Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLP) have to approximate non-linear functions [2]. The simulation has been implemented in Java to be used in all the computers by Internet [3], with a simple operation and pleasant interface. The power of the simulations is in the possibility of the user of seeing the evolutions of the approaches, the contribution of each neuron, the control of the different parameters, etc. In addition, to guide the user during the simulation, an online help has been implemented.
Ingested RNA interference for managing the populations of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata.

BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) is a breakthrough technology for conducting functional genomics studies and also as a potential tool for crop protection against insect pests. The major challenge for efficient pest control using RNAi in the field is the development of efficient and reliable methods for production and delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). In this paper, the potential of feeding dsRNA expressed in bacteria or synthesized in vitro to manage populations of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (CPB), was investigated. RESULTS Feeding RNAi successfully triggered the silencing of all five target genes tested and caused significant mortality and reduced body weight gain in the treated beetles. This study provides the first example of an effective RNAi response in insects after feeding dsRNA produced in bacteria. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the efficient induction of RNAi using bacteria to deliver dsRNA is a possible method for management of CPB. This could be also a promising bioassay approach for genome-wide screens to identify effective target genes for use as novel RNAi-based insecticides.
Error catch and analysis for semiconductor memories using March tests

We present an error catch and analysis (ECA) system for semiconductor memories. The system consists of a test algorithm generator called TAGS, a fault simulator called RAMSES, and an error analyzer (ERA). We use TAGS to generate a set of test algorithms of different lengths and diagnostic resolutions for the memory under test, and use RAMSES to generate the March dictionary for each test algorithm. With the March dictionaries, ERA is able to support March algorithms for easy diagnosis of faulty RAMs. Legacy test algorithms also can be reused. When integrated with a RAM tester, our ECA system can generate RAM bitmaps that are similar to the RAM layout. The bitmaps provide detail information about the error locations and faults causing the errors. Based on the information, diagnosis of the RAM chips for yield and reliability improvement can be done more easily.
Reasoning With Conditional Ceteris Paribus Preference Statements

In many domains it is desirable to assess the preferences of users in a qualitative rather than quantitative way. Such representations of qualitative preference orderings form an important component of automated decision tools. We propose a graphical representation of preferences that reflects conditional dependence and independence of preference statements under a ceteris paribus (ali else being equal) interpretation. such a representation is often compact and arguably natural. We describe several search algorithms for dominance testing based on this representation; these algorithms are quite effective, especially in specific network topologies, such as chain- and treestructured networks, as well as polytrees.
Simultaneous high crystallinity and sub-bandgap optical absorptance in hyperdoped black silicon using nanosecond laser annealing

Hyperdoped black silicon fabricated with femtosecond laser irradiation has attracted interest for applications in infrared photodetectors and intermediate band photovoltaics due to its sub-bandgap optical absorptance and light-trapping surface. However, hyperdoped black silicon typically has an amorphous and polyphasic polycrystalline surface that can interfere with carrier transport, electrical rectification, and intermediate band formation. Past studies have used thermal annealing to obtain high crystallinity in hyperdoped black silicon, but thermal annealing causes a deactivation of the sub-bandgap optical absorptance. In this study, nanosecond laser annealing is used to obtain high crystallinity and remove pressure-induced phases in hyperdoped black silicon while maintaining high sub-bandgap optical absorptance and a light-trapping surface morphology. Furthermore, it is shown that nanosecond laser annealing reactivates the sub-bandgap optical absorptance of hyperdoped black silicon after deactivation .
Mindfulness and dynamic functional neural connectivity in children and adolescents

Background Mindfulness is a non-judgmental, present-centered awareness and acceptance of one’s thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Interventions that promote mindfulness consistently show salutatory effects on cognition and psychological wellbeing in adults, and more recently, in children. Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying mindfulness in children may allow for more judicious application of these techniques in clinical and educational settings. Methods Using multi-echo/multi-band fMRI, we measured resting-state connectivity and tested the hypothesis that the association between mindfulness and anxiety in children (N=42) will relate to static and dynamic interactions between large-scale neural networks considered central to neurocognitive functioning and implicated in mindfulness in adults (default mode [DMN], salience and emotion [SEN], and central executive networks [CEN]). Results Mindfulness was related to dynamic but not static connectivity in children. Specifically, more mindful children transitioned more between brain states over the course of the scan, spent overall less time in a certain connectivity state (state 2), and showed a state-specific reduction in SEN-right CEN connectivity (state 4). Results of a separate measure of present-focused thought during the resting-state were consistent with these results, suggesting state-trait convergence. Finally, the number of state transitions mediated the link between higher mindfulness and lower anxiety, suggesting that flexibility in transitioning between neural states may bridge the well-established link between mindfulness and anxiety in children. Conclusions Results provide new insights into neural mechanisms underlying benefits of mindfulness on psychological health in children, and suggest that mindfulness relates to functional neural dynamics and interactions between neurocognitive networks, over time.
Parenting behavior at 2 years predicts school-age performance at 7 years in very preterm children.

BACKGROUND Parenting influences child development, but it is unclear whether early parenting behavior can influence school-age outcomes in very preterm (VPT) children, and/or if certain groups of VPT children may be more affected by early parenting behavior. These research questions were examined. METHODS Participants were 147 children born <30 weeks' gestation or birth weight <1250 g and their primary caregiver. At term corrected age (CA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to determine presence and severity of brain abnormality and medical data collected. High medical risk was defined as the presence of at least one of sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, moderate to severe white matter abnormality on MRI, or postnatal corticosteroids. At 2 years CA, parent-child interaction was assessed, and at 7 years CA, general intelligence (IQ), language, executive function, academic skills, and social-emotional functioning were assessed. RESULTS Higher levels of parent-child synchrony, and parent facilitation, sensitivity and positive affect at 2 years were associated with better child outcomes at 7 years, while higher levels of intrusiveness and negative affect were associated with poorer outcomes. Many of these relationships remained after controlling for early child cognitive development. Interactions between child medical risk (higher/lower) and parenting were limited to child reading, math, and executive functioning outcomes, with stronger relationships for lower medical risk children. CONCLUSIONS The contribution of early parenting to VPT children's school-age performance is significant, with stronger effects for lower medical risk children in some outcomes. These findings support the premise that parenting strategies should be included in the NICU and early interventions programs for VPT infants.
Analysis of deformational transformations with spatio-temporal continuous wavelet transforms

This paper deals with the estimation of deformational parameters in discrete spatio-temporal signals. The parameters of concern correspond to time-varying scales. As such they can be the coefficients of either a Taylor expansion of the scale or a given deformational transformation. At first sight there are just a few deformational transformations that provide continuous wavelet transforms. The approach presented in this paper associates deformational transformations to motion transformations taking place in higher dimensional spaces and projected on the sensor plane. Then finding continuous wavelet transforms becomes much easier since numerous continuous wavelet transforms have already been defined for motion analysis. It is also known that spatio-temporal continuous wavelet transforms provide minimum-mean-squared-error estimates of motion parameters. Any deformational transformation of features embedded in a spatio-temporal signal may always be related to the projection on the sensor plane of the motion of a rigid object taking place in a higher dimensional space. This reasoning applies conversely. The associated rigid motion may be actual or virtual may take place either on a flat space or on a curved space immersed in higher dimensions. Continuous wavelet transforms for the estimation of deformational parameters may be then deduced from those already existing in motion analysis.
Validation of risk assessment scales and predictors of intentions to quit smoking in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: a cross-sectional survey protocol

Introduction Tobacco smoking is a very significant behavioural risk factor for the health of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and is embedded as a social norm. With a focus on women of childbearing age, and men of similar age, this project aims to determine how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander smokers assess smoking risks and how these assessments contribute to their intentions to quit. The findings from this pragmatic study should contribute to developing culturally targeted interventions. Methods and analysis A cross-sectional study using quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 120 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members aged 18–45 years will be recruited at community events and through an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHS). Participants will be interviewed using a tablet computer or paper survey. The survey instrument uses modified risk behaviour scales, that is, the Risk Behaviour Diagnosis (RBD) scale and the Smoking Risk Assessment Target (SRAT) (adapted from the Risk Acceptance Ladder) to determine whether attitudes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander smokers to health risk messages are predictors of intentions to quit smoking. The questionnaire will be assessed for face and content validity with a panel of Indigenous community members. The internal consistency of the RBD subscales and their patterns of correlation will be explored. Multivariate analyses will examine predictors of intentions to quit. This will include demographics such as age, gender, nicotine dependence, household smoking rules and perceived threat from smoking and efficacy for quitting. The two risk-assessment scales will be examined to see whether participant responses are correlated. Ethics and dissemination The Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council Ethics Committee and university ethics committees approved the study. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and a community report will be disseminated by the ACCHS, and at community forums. Note about terminology We use the term Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, except where previous research has reported findings from only one group for example, Aboriginal people. Indigenous is used here to refer to Indigenous peoples in the international context, and issues, policies or systems, for example, Indigenous health, Indigenous tobacco control.
Putting static analysis to work for verification: A case study

A method for finding bugs in code is presented. For given small numbers j and k, the code of a procedure is translated into a rela-tional formula whose models represent all execution traces that involve at most j heap cells and k loop iterations. This formula is conjoined with the negation of the procedure's specification. The models of the resulting formula, obtained using a constraint solver, are counterexamples: executions of the code that violate the specification. The method can analyze millions of executions in seconds, and thus rapidly expose quite subtle flaws. It can accommodate calls to procedures for which specifications but no code is avail-able. A range of standard properties (such as absence of null pointer dereferences) can also be easily checked, using prede-fined specifications.
Relation of nebulin and connectin (titin) to dynamics of actin in nascent myofibrils of cultured skeletal muscle cells.

Cultured embryonic chicken skeletal muscle cells microinjected with rhodamine (rh)-labeled actin were stained with antibodies against nebulin and connectin (titin). In premyofibril areas, nebulin was observed as dotted structures, many of which were arranged in a linear fashion. These structures were associated with injected rh-actin. Among these linearly arranged dots of nebulin and rh-actin, numerous small nebulin dots without rh-actin incorporation were scattered. It is probable that the dots of nebulin and/or its associated protein(s) represent a preformed scaffold upon which actin monomers accumulate; exogenously introduced actin associates initially with small nebulin dots, which in turn coalesce to form rh-actin dots and are arranged linearly. In developing myofibrils, two patterns of nebulin distribution were found: "singlets" and "doublets. " Recovery of rh-actin's fluorescence after photobleaching was slowest in the nonstriated dotted portions, followed by the striated myofibrillar portions with nebulin singlets and those with doublets, in that order. Thus, the distribution patterns of nebulin seem to be related to the accessibility/exchangeability of actin into nascent myofibrils. It is possible that early nebulin filaments exhibiting singlets are not tightly associated with actin filaments and that this loose association allows myofibrils to exchange nonadult isoforms of actin and other proteins into adult types. Connectin formed a striated pattern before the formation of rh-actin/nebulin striations. It appears that connectin does not have any significant role in the accessibility of actin into nascent myofibrils.