Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimally invasive insulin delivery in subjects with type 1 diabetes using hollow microneedles.

BACKGROUND Microneedles have previously been used to deliver insulin to animal models, but not in human subjects. This study tested the hypothesis that hollow microneedles can deliver insulin to modulate blood glucose levels in subjects with type 1 diabetes in a minimally invasive manner. METHODS This study was carried out in two adults with type 1 diabetes and evaluated bolus delivery of lispro insulin using a hollow microneedle compared to a catheter infusion set (9 mm). The study first determined the minimum insulin delivery depth by administering insulin from microneedles inserted 1, 3.5, and 5 mm into the skin of fasting subjects and then assessed the efficacy of insulin delivery from microneedles inserted 1 mm into the skin to reduce postprandial glucose levels. Blood samples were periodically assayed for plasma free insulin and plasma glucose levels for up to 3.5 h. RESULTS The first phase of the study indicated that microneedles inserted at the shallowest depth of 1 mm within the skin led to rapid insulin absorption and reduction in glucose levels. Bolus insulin delivery followed by consumption of a standardized meal in the second phase revealed that microneedles were effective in reducing postprandial glucose levels. Subjects reported no pain from microneedle treatments, and there were no adverse events. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first proof of concept that hollow microneedles can effectively deliver bolus insulin to type 1 diabetes subjects in a minimally invasive manner.
Land clearing reduces gene flow in the granite outcrop‐dwelling lizard, Ctenophorus ornatus

An important question for the conservation of species dwelling in fragmented habitats is whether changes to the intervening landscape create a barrier to gene flow. Here, we make use of the spatial distribution of the granite outcrop‐dwelling lizard, Ctenophorus ornatus, to compare inferred levels of gene flow between outcrops in a nature reserve with that between outcrops in the adjacent agricultural land. Genetic variation, relatedness and subdivision were compared within groups of individuals from different outcrops similar in size and distance apart at each site. In the agricultural land, we found significantly lower genetic variation within outcrops and greater genetic differentiation between outcrops than in the reserve. Further, the rate at which genetic divergence between outcrops increased over geographical distance was significantly greater in the agricultural land than in the reserve. We also found that individuals were more closely related within outcrops but more distantly related between outcrops in the cleared land. These effects occur over a small spatial scale with an average distance between outcrops of less than five kilometres. Thus, even though land clearing around the outcrops leaves outcrop size unchanged, it restricts gene flow, reducing genetic variation and increasing population structure, with potentially negative consequences for the long‐term persistence of the lizards on these outcrops.
Flow visualization as a basic tool to investigate the dynamics and topology of jets

Issues and difficulties involved in the practical implementation of flow visualization techniques based on a database generated in numerical simulations of unsteady square jets are addressed. Instantaneous visualizations provide basic information on the topological features of the flow, while animation of these visualizations gives an insight into the detailed dynamics of formation, development, and interaction of the coherent structures controlling the entrainment and mixing processes. <<ETX>>
Learning to Vote: Informing Political Participation Among College Students

To inform universities’ capacity to encourage student political participation, we examine associations between four civic influences — civic instruction, deliberative course-based discussion, community service, and service learning — and youth participation during the 2008 presidential election. These four influences were selected because they are commonly integrated into higher education environments. Using an original survey we employ a broad definition of political behavior to explore ways college students express themselves politically and to examine potential influences on their participation. We hypothesize that students exposed to civic influences are more likely to vote and engage in other participatory activities than those who lack such exposure. Findings reveal that educationally-based civic influences that specifically address political content are more strongly associated with political behavior than is service-based activity. This supports an on-going reform discourse that targets civic education as a promising avenue for increasing youth participation in American elections and suggests a key role that universities can play during election years.
Predicting the Volatility Index Returns Using Machine Learning

Predicting the Volatility Index Returns Using Machine Learning Michael Yu Master of Science Graduate Department of Mathematics University of Toronto 2017 We probe how predictable the short term future behaviour of the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index (ticker symbol VIX) is given past market price data within the constraints of a simple classic machine learning framework. We use past VIX and SPX price time windows as input to predict the movement direction, i.e. sign of the return, of VIX over the next 1 to 6 weekdays. For successful cases of predicting return direction from one particular weekday to another particular future weekday, we have moderately reliable accuracies of between about 55% and 65% depending on the particular time bridge. We find that 1 day returns are difficult to predict except for a few particular cases, and as the prediction window grows we have models that can predict more and more accurately up to a consistent 62% for both 5 days and 6 days in the future.
DNA integral controller learning from biological system

Realization of a feedback controller on artificial molecular circuits is one of the important tasks in the field of molecular robotics. In particular, a regulator that keeps the operation of a biological actuator constant is needed in a variety of practical applications. Importantly, such a regulator must be designed using biochemical reaction networks to function normally in a reaction field. In this paper, we propose an integral controller for a molecular robot. Our controller is inspired by an integral control system existing in an intracellular signal transduction pathway, and is realized on DNA strand displacement reactions.
Discovery and characterization of a conserved pigment dispersing factor‐like neuropeptide pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans

The neuropeptides pigment dispersing factor (PDF) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are known as key players in the circadian clock system of insects and mammals, respectively. In this study, we report the discovery and characterization of a widely conserved PDF‐like neuropeptide precursor pathway in nematodes. Using a combinatorial approach of biochemistry and peptidomics, we have biochemically isolated, identified and characterized three PDF‐like neuropeptides in the free‐living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The two PDF encoding genes, which were designated pdf‐1 and pdf‐2, display a very strong conservation within the phylum of nematodes. Many of the PDF expressing cells in C. elegans play a role in the control of locomotion and the integration of environmental stimuli, among which light. Our real‐time PCR analysis indicates that both PDF genes are consistently expressed during the day and do not affect each other’s expression. The transcription of both PDF genes seems to be regulated by atf‐2 and ces‐2, which encode bZIP transcription factors homologous to Drosophila vrille and par domain protein 1 (Pdp1ε), respectively. Together, our data suggest that the PDF neuropeptide pathway, which seems to be conserved throughout the protostomian evolutionary lineage, might be more complex than previously assumed.
Velocity structure functions, scaling, and transitions in high-Reynolds-number Couette-Taylor flow.

Flow between concentric cylinders with a rotating inner cylinder is studied for Reynolds numbers in the range 2x10(3)<R<10(6) (Taylor Reynolds numbers, 10 < R(lambda)< 290) for a system with radius ratio eta=0.724. Even at the highest Reynolds number studied, the energy spectra do not show power law scaling (i.e., there is no inertial range), and the dissipation length scale is surprisingly large. Nevertheless, the velocity structure functions calculated using extended self-similarity exhibit clear power-law scaling. The structure function exponents zeta(p) fit Kolmogorov's log-normal model within the experimental uncertainty, zeta(p)=(p/3) [1+(mu/6)(3-p)] (for p < or =10) with mu=0.27. These zeta(p) values are close to those found in other flows. Measurements of torque scaling are presented that are an order of magnitude more accurate than those previously reported [Lathrop et al., Phys Rev. A 46, 6390 (1992)]. Measurements of velocity in the fluid core reveal the presence of azimuthal traveling waves up to the highest Reynolds numbers examined. These waves show evidence of a transition at R(T)=1.3 x 10(4); this transition was observed previously in measurements of torque, but our wave velocity and wall shear stress measurements provide the first evidence from local quantities of the transition at R(T). Velocity measurements indicate that at R(T) there is a change in the coherent structures of the core flow; this is consistent with our analyses of the scaling of the torque. Our measurements were made at two aspect ratios, and no significant dependence on aspect ratio was observable for R > R(T).
Chaperone signalling complexes in Alzheimer's disease

• Introduction ‐ Chaperones: the basics ‐ Hsp90, Hsp70 and CHIP ‐ Substrate processing ‐ Client degradation versus folding ‐ Chaperone expression ‐ Small Hsps • Chaperone regulation in Alzheimer's disease ‐ Chaperone involvement in APP, presenilins and amyloid processing ‐ Chaperone regulation of the MAPT • Conclusions
Hormonal and photoperiod-induced changes in testicular interleukin-1-like factor in bank voles, Clethrionomys glareolus.

Testicular interleukin-1-like factor (tIL-1) is a cytokine secreted presumably by Sertoli cells in several mammalian species. The function of this cytokine is unknown: tIL-1 may control meiosis, act as a mitogen for spermatogonia or have both of these functions. The present investigation was conducted to assess tIL-1 activity and its hormonal control in a seasonally breeding photoperiodic mammal during testicular maturation and photoperiod-induced regression. Testicular maturation in long photoperiod (20 h light:4 h dark) was accompanied by the appearance of tIL-1 activity at the age of 32-39 days which increased as full sexual maturity was reached. No significant tIL-1 activity was detected when pubertal development was inhibited or testicular regression induced by subjecting juvenile and adult bank voles to a short photoperiod (6 h light: 18 h dark) for 6 to 8 weeks. Administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG; 60 IU kg-1) increased tIL-1 activity in sexually mature as well as regressed testes. In the photoregressed voles FSH (1.2 U kg-1) administration, which induced a three-fold increase in testicular weight and stimulated spermatogenesis, did not induce detectable concentrations of tIL-1. Administration of FSH followed by hCG increased tIL-1 activity significantly in the atrophic testis, but this was probably due to hCG, since FSH treatment alone was without effect. In conclusion, in accordance with the proposed role of tIL-1 as a germ-cell mitogen and a meiosis-promoting factor, tIL-1 activity correlated positively with spermatogenic activity during testicular maturation and photoperiod-induced regression. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Growth Hormone Levels in Diabetes: Correlation with the Clinical Control of the Disease

We carried out contemporaneous daytime blood sugar and growth hormone (HGH) determinations in eight juvenile and six middle-aged diabetics under both poor and good metabolic control. A continuous blood sampling technic was used. The following results were obtained: 1. HGH values in poorly controlled diabetics were higher and more fluctuating than in normals of a corresponding age. 2. After good control was reached, a significant HGH decrease was observed in all patients but one. In this condition HGH levels were normalized in middle-aged diabetics but not in juvenile ones. In the latter group HGH values, even if decreased, were persistently higher than in controls of the same age. 3. No difference was observed between newly diagnosed diabetics and patients known to have had diabetes for some years. Our data support the suggestion that HGH abnormalities in diabetes are a consequence of the metabolic disturbance.
An Investigation on Dynamic Human Body Communication Channel Characteristics at 45 MHz in Different Surrounding Environments

This letter investigated characteristics of human body as a communication channel at 45 MHz, in different surrounding environments, taking into account parameter changes arising from body activities. A large amount of measurement data has been collected in five real environments for random body motions: in a conference hall, laboratory, grove, playground, and an anechoic chamber. The received power for nine human body communication (HBC) channels was acquired, with more than 2 700 000 data snapshots in total. Environmentally independent analysis of the mean and standard deviations of the received power was performed. The results of applying the Nakagami function were satisfying for the conference hall; the results of applying Lognormal function showed that it was a suitable model for the rest of the investigated environments. Lognormal and Weibull functions served well for level crossing rate (LCR) and average fade duration (AFD) in all environments. In our research, we observed lower values of LCR and AFD in HBC, compared to their usual values for ISM-band communication.
High-performance liquid chromatographic assay of the diadenosine polyphosphates in human platelets.

Diadenosine pentaphosphate (Ap5A) and diadenosine hexaphosphate (Ap6A) were recently identified in human platelets and were shown to be important modulators of cardiovascular function. Here we describe an HPLC assay for quantitating Ap3A, Ap4A, Ap5A, and Ap6A contents in human platelets simultaneously. Di(1,N6-ethenoadenosine) hexaphosphate was used as internal standard. The extraction procedure consists of (a) deproteinization, (b) selective concentration of the diadenosine polyphosphates with a boronate affinity chromatography, and (c) desalting prior to the HPLC analysis. The assay was validated by PSD-MALDI-mass spectrometry and by addition of authentic diadenosine polyphosphate to platelet samples. The assay was carried out by an ion-pair reversed-phase perfusion chromatography. In platelets from human blood the following amounts of diadenosine polyphosphates were determined: Ap3A, 192.5 +/- 151.0 nM; Ap4A, 223.8 +/- 172.3 nM; Ap5A, 100.2 +/- 81.1 nM; Ap6A, 32.0 +/- 19.6 nM (mean +/- SD, n = 105). The described assay can be used with less than 20 ml blood and allows quantitation of the diadenosine polyphosphates in the picomole range.
Replication Defect of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus with a Mutant Reverse Transcriptase That Can Incorporate Ribonucleotides and Deoxyribonucleotides

ABSTRACT Reverse transcriptase (RT) plays a critical role in retrovirus replication, directing the synthesis of a double- stranded DNA copy of the viral RNA genome. We have previously described a mutant RT of the Moloney murine leukemia virus in which F155 was replaced by valine, and we demonstrated that this substitution allowed the enzyme to incorporate ribonucleotides to form RNA while still retaining its normal ability to incorporate deoxyribonucleotides to form DNA. When introduced into the viral genome, this mutation rendered the virus incapable of replication. Characterization of the mutant virus revealed that the enzyme was still active and able to synthesize minus-strand strong stop DNA and some longer products but failed to make full-length minus-strand DNA. We propose that the failure of the enzyme to complete DNA synthesis in vivo resulted from its ability to incorporate ribonucleotides into the products, which served as inhibitors for DNA synthesis. We also tested seven other amino acid residues for their abilities to substitute for F155 in virus replication; of these, only tyrosine could support virus replication. In an attempt to select for second-site suppressor mutations, the F155V mutant was subjected to random mutagenesis and was used as a parent for the isolation of revertant viruses. Two independent revertants were found to have changed the valine residue at position 155 back to the wild- type phenylalanine. These results suggest that an aromatic ring at this position is important for virus replication.
Coupled electromagnetic and thermal analysis of an axial flux PM machine

Empiric analytical expressions based on CFD are used in this work to define the convective heat coefficient in different parts of an axial flux permanent magnet machine having yokeless and segmented armature topology. Thermal simulations are carried out for the stator and rotor individually, where only a segment needs to be modelled due to thermal periodicity. Electromagnetic simulations using a multilayer 2D model are used to evaluate the electromagnetic losses in the machine. The accuracy of the coupled modelling technique was validated on a preliminary prototype.
Critical Overview of Agency Theory

Agency theory is an important, yet controversial, theory. This paper reviews agency theory and its contributions to organization theory. Assessment is done in comparison to stewardship theory. The intent is to clarify some of the confusions surrounding agency theory and to alert organizational scholars when using agency theory. Agency theory is confirmed as useful addition to organizational theory, but the paper offers alternative propositions based on a relaxing of agency theory’s assumptions.
Comparison of the effectiveness of music and progressive muscle relaxation for anxiety in COPD—A randomized controlled pilot study

Acute effects of music and relaxation have not been evaluated in hospitalized subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aims to evaluate the acute effects of music and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) in hospitalized COPD subjects after a recent episode of exacerbation. A Randomized controlled study was performed of pre-test post-test design after recruiting 82 COPD subjects from K.M. C hospitals. All patients were admitted for acute exacerbation and were medically stabilized. After being screened for the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 72 subjects were selected for the study. Demographic and baseline data was taken on the day subjects were screened. Music group listened to a self selected music of 60-80 beats per minute for 30 minutes. PMR group practiced relaxation through a pre-recorded audio of instructions of 16 muscle groups. Outcome variables were Spielberger’s state anxiety inventory (SSAI), Spielberger’s trait anxiety inventory (STAI), dyspnea, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate (PR) and respiratory rate (RR). There was statistically significant main effect across the sessions for state anxiety (F = 62.621, p = 0.000), trait anxiety (F = 19.528, p = 0.000), dyspnea (F = 122.227, p = 0.000), SBP (F = 63.885, p = 0.000), PR (F = 115.780, p = 0.000) and RR (F = 202.977, p = 0.000). There was statistically significant interaction effect between the two groups for state anxiety (F = 6.024, p = 0.003), trait anxiety (F = 8.222, p = 0.000), dyspnea (F = 10.659, p = 0.000), SBP (F = 12.889, p = 0.000), PR (F = 4.746, p = 0.008) and RR (F = 12.078, p = 0.000). There were greater changes observed after the second session in both groups however, change in DBP was not significant in either group. Music and PMR are effective in reducing anxiety and dyspnoea along with physiologic measures such as SBP, PR and RR in two sessions in COPD patients hospitalized with exacerbation. However, reductions in the music group were greater compared to the PMR group.
Detection and classification of place and manner of articulation for Bengali continuous speech

In this paper the place and manner of articulation based phonological features are detected and classified. Deep Neural Network based model has been used for detection and classification task. The deep structured model is pre-trained by stacked denoising autoencoder. The system obtained 89.17% overall accuracy in detection task. In case of classification task, 50.2% of classification accuracy is observed for classifying the place of articulation based features. The manner of articulation is divided into 15 groups based on some manner based knowledge combination and classification task is performed to achieve 98.9% of classification accuracy.
Alterations in 5-HT1B Receptor Function by p11 in Depression-Like States

The pathophysiology of depression remains enigmatic, although abnormalities in serotonin signaling have been implicated. We have found that the serotonin 1B receptor [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1B) receptor] interacts with p11. p11 increases localization of 5-HT1B receptors at the cell surface. p11 is increased in rodent brains by antidepressants or electroconvulsive therapy, but decreased in an animal model of depression and in brain tissue from depressed patients. Overexpression of p11 increases 5-HT1B receptor function in cells and recapitulates certain behaviors seen after antidepressant treatment in mice. p11 knockout mice exhibit a depression-like phenotype and have reduced responsiveness to 5-HT1B receptor agonists and reduced behavioral reactions to an antidepressant.
A Novel Quasi-3D Interface-Trapped-Charge-Degraded Threshold Voltage Model for Omega-Gate  $(\Omega{G})$ MOSFETs

With the effects of equivalent oxide charges on the flat-band voltage, we report a novel quasi-3D interface-trapped-charge-degraded threshold voltage model for omega-gate (ΩG) MOSFETs based on the quasi-3D scaling equation, including the equivalent number of gates. It is found that a thin gate oxide is required to reduce threshold voltage degradation by the trapped charges. For the positive/negative trapped charges, the damaged device with a thick/thin silicon film suffers from small/large threshold voltage degradation. In addition, a large/ small oxide-to-gate underlap coverage factor can be adjusted to improve the threshold voltage degradation by the positive/negative trapped charges. For the short-channel behavior, a damaged device with the negative trapped charges is better than the one with the positive trapped charges. The model can be used to explore the hot-carrier-induced threshold voltage degradation of the ΩG MOSFET for its memory cell application.