Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Applied nutritional investigation Effects of a nutritional supplement containing Salacia oblonga extract and insulinogenic amino acids on postprandial glycemia, insulinemia, and breath hydrogen responses in healthy adults

Objective: This study evaluated the postprandial glycemic, insulinemic, and breath hydrogen responses to a liquid nutritional product containing Salacia oblonga extract, an herbal -glucosidase inhibitor, and two insulinogenic amino acids. Methods: In a randomized, double-masked, crossover design, 43 healthy subjects were fed the following meals on separate days after overnight fasting: control (C; 480 mL of a study beverage containing 82 g of carbohydrate, 20 g of protein, and 14 g of fat), control plus 3.5 g each of phenylalanine and leucine (AA), control plus 1000 mg of S. oblonga extract (S), and control plus S and AA (SAA). Postprandially, fingerstick capillary plasma glucose and venous serum insulin levels were measured for 180 min, and breath hydrogen excretion was measured for 480 min. Results: The baseline-adjusted peak glucose response was not different across meals. However, changes in plasma glucose areas under the curve (0 to 120 min and 0 to 180 min, respectively) compared with C were 9% and 11% for AA (P 0.05 each), 27% and 24% for S (P 0.035 and 0.137), and 27% and 29% for SAA (P 0.05 each). Changes in insulin areas under the curve were 5% and 5% for AA (P 0.05 each), 35% and 36% for S (P 0.001 each), and 6% and 7% for SAA (P 0.05 each). Breath hydrogen excretion was 60% greater (P 0.001) in the S-containing meals than in the C- and AA-containing meals and was associated with mild flatulence. Conclusions: Salacia oblonga extract is a promising nutraceutical ingredient that decreased glycemia in this study. Supplementation with amino acids had no significant additional effect on glycemia. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Investigation of Multilevel Phase and Amplitude Modulation Formats in Combination With Polarization Multiplexing up to 240 Gb/s

We present experimental investigations of the receiver sensitivity and dispersion tolerance of multilevel optical communication systems with a symbol rate of 40 Gbaud. Four- and eight-level communication is obtained by combining binary amplitude modulation with either binary or quadrature differential phase modulation. We experimentally compare the dispersion tolerance, and show that multilevel modulation formats offer much better dispersion tolerance compared to binary formats. By combining multilevel modulation with polarization multiplexing, bit rates up to 240 Gb/s were obtained. We demonstrate transmission over 50-km fiber span with no power penalty for a pseudorandom binary sequence length of 27-1 bits
The equine intestinal microbiome

Abstract The equine intestinal tract contains a complex microbial population (microbiota) that plays an important role in health and disease. Despite the undeniable importance of a ‘normal’ microbiota, understanding of the composition and function of this population is currently limited. As methods to characterize the microbiota and its genetic makeup (the microbiome) have evolved, the composition and complexity of this population are starting to be revealed. As is befitting a hindgut fermenter, members of the Firmicutes phylum appear to predominate, yet there are significant populations of numerous other phyla. The microbiome appears to be profoundly altered in certain disease states, and better understanding of these alterations may offer hope for novel preventive and therapeutic measures. The development and increasing availability of next generation sequencing and bioinformatics methods offer a revolution in microbiome evaluation and it is likely that significant advances will be made in the near future. Yet, proper use of these methods requires further study of basic aspects such as optimal testing protocols, the relationship of the fecal microbiome to more proximal locations where disease occurs, normal intra- and inter-horse variation, seasonal variation, and similar factors.
Effect of bacterial culture density and acetosyringone concentration on Agrobacterium mediated transformation in wheat.

In the present study high efficiency Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation system of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Inqilab-91 was developed by exploiting bacterial culture density and acetosyringone concentration. Agrobacterium strain EHA101 harboring binary vector pIG121Hm, containing gene for GUS activity and hygromycin resistance was used in transformation experiments. Different optical densities (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0) of bacterial suspension and different concentrations (0, 50, 100μM) of acetosyringone were evaluated in transformation studies. Maximum transformation efficiency (4.16%) was obtained with bacterial suspension of O.D. 600nm = 0.5. Contamination could not be controlled when O.D. 600nm = 0.75 and 1 was used. In case of concentration of acetosyringone, 100μM was found to be better for transformation where transformation efficiency was 15.62%. Transformation results were confirmed with GUS analysis.
miR‐210: More than a silent player in hypoxia

Multiple studies have consistently established that miR (microRNA)‐210 induction is a feature of the hypoxic response in both normal and transformed cells. Here, we discuss the emerging biochemical functions of this miRNA and anticipate potential clinical applications. miR‐210 is a robust target of hypoxia‐inducible factor, and its overexpression has been detected in a variety of cardiovascular diseases and solid tumors. High levels of miR‐210 have been linked to an in vivo hypoxic signature and associated with adverse prognosis in cancer patients. A wide spectrum of miR‐210 targets have been identified, with roles in mitochondrial metabolism, angiogenesis, DNA repair, and cell survival. Such targets may broadly affect the evolution of tumors and other pathological settings, such as ischemic disorders. Harnessing the knowledge of miR‐210's actions may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(2): 94–100, 2011
A SIMPLIFIED VARIABLE ADMITTANCE CONTROLLER BASED ON A VIRTUAL AGONIST-ANTAGONIST MECHANISM FOR ROBOT JOINT CONTROL

In this paper, we propose a simplied variable admittance controller applied to robot joint control. It is based on a virtual agonist-antagonist mechanism (VAAM) consisting of contractile and parallel elements (CEs and PEs). "Virtual" here means that every joint physically actuated by a standard servo motor can produce variably compliant motions as if it were driven by a pair of agonist and antagonist muscles. This makes it dierent from variable stiness actuators (VSAs) with mechanically bulky and complex mechanisms. Moreover, the controller diers from other conventional PID admittance and variable admittance controllers since it only relies on force sensing at the end eector of robot rather than complex force/torque sensing of every joint. We have successfully implemented the controller on our hexapod robot which enables it to perform variable compliant behaviors, thereby reducing contact force and preventing leg damages when it is imposed with static or dynamical perturbation.
Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in trisomy 13: how does the mix work?

BACKGROUND Trisomy 13 and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) are both well-recognized multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndromes. CASE In this report we describe a male newborn with trisomy 13 who also has features of SLOS, such as 2/3 toe syndactyly and a shawl-like scrotum. Biochemical analysis was consistent with SLOS, and limited molecular analysis revealed 1 mutation in the DHCR7 gene. CONCLUSIONS The challenges in establishing the diagnosis of SLOS in this patient are presented and the unique coexistence of the 2 major malformation syndromes is discussed. Given the overlapping phenotype of the 2 syndromes, our report should encourage further research on cholesterol biosynthesis in patients with trisomy 13.
Self-organizing neural grove and its applications

Recently, multiple classifier systems (MCS) have been used for practical applications to improve classification accuracy. Self-generating neural networks (SGNN) are one of the suitable base-classifiers for MCS because of their simple setting and fast learning. However, the computation cost of the MCS increases in proportion to the number of SGNN. In this paper, we propose a novel pruning method for efficient classification and we call this model as self-organizing neural grove (SONG). Experiments have been conducted to compare the pruned MCS with an unpruned MCS, the MCS based on C4.5, and k-nearest neighbor method. The results show that the pruned MCS can improve its classification accuracy as well as reducing the computation cost.
Regulation of Fatty Acid Synthesis by Farnesyl Pyrophosphate*

Fatty acid biosynthesis is transcriptionally regulated by liver X receptor (LXR) and its gene target, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). LXR activation is induced by oxysterol end products of the mevalonate pathway and is inhibited by the upstream non-sterol isoprenoid, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). Whether isoprenoids play a role in regulating the transcription of genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis is unknown. In CaCo-2 colon epithelial cells, depletion of mevalonate and its derivatives, including oxysterol ligands for LXR, increased fatty acid synthesis. Addition of mevalonate or its isoprenoid derivative, farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), prevented this increase. The effects of FPP were likely due to itself or its degradation products, because none of its downstream derivatives, GGPP, ubiquinone, or cholesterol, were effective. Moreover, the effects of FPP could not be accounted for by protein prenylation, because inhibition of farnesylation did not alter fatty acid synthesis in mevalonate-depleted cells incubated with the isoprenoid. Neither was fatty acid synthesis in these cells altered by inhibition of β-oxidation. Mevalonate depletion increased fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA by transcriptional mechanisms, without increasing gene expression of other enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis or of SREBP-1c. The abundance of mature SREBP-2 but not SREBP-1 was increased following mevalonate depletion. FPP prevented the increase in FAS mRNA in mevalonate-depleted cells without altering SREBP-2 activation. Thus, FPP regulates fatty acid synthesis by a mechanism that is likely independent of the SREBP pathway.
Videostreaming, HorizonLive, and Tablet PCs for Teaching Information Systems Courses: Revisited

The authors describe integration of multiple technologies to enhance student learning. These technologies are used in business telecommunications, database, and introductory MIS courses by different instructors. Tablet PCs are used because of their ease of use and ability to rapidly generate digital graphics from ideas. They support creativity and idea generation in real time. Video streaming is used to provide reinforcement presentation of material that is organized in advance. Finally the technologies are combined to enhance learning and student perceptions are captured.
Transmission/disequilibrium test when neither parent is available in some families: a non-iterative approach.

BACKGROUND The transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) is a simple method of detecting linkage between a marker locus and a disease-susceptibility locus. The test requires genotype data from the affected individuals (the probands) and their parents, the 'case-parents triads'. However, missing data from parents often complicate the situations. Several non-iterative methods, such as the sibling-based TDT, the reconstruction-combined TDT, and the 1-TDT have been proposed to deal with the problem. But when the father, the mother, and other non-proband siblings in a family are all unavailable for study, that family has to be excluded from analysis by any of the above methods. METHODS The author proposes a new non-iterative method to deal with the situation when the data contain some 'orphaned' probands. The method utilises the complete data from case-parents triads to infer probabilistically the missing parental genotypes, under the assumption that the missingness is independent of genotype and ethnic origin. The methods can be tailored to specific genetic models, such as the gene-dose, dominance, and recessive alternatives. RESULTS Simulation analysis shows that, under the null hypothesis of no linkage, the proposed method is not prone to produce an excess of false positive results, even in complex situations such as population stratification or assortive mating. Under the linkage alternative, the new method recaptures much of the information that would be lost by discarding the orphaned probands. DISCUSSION The method provides a way for dealing with the situation where neither parents nor siblings are available in a TDT study.
Some Lessons from an Exercise in Specification (Abstract Only)

Throughout the history of human-computer interface development one aspect has remained constant: output from computers has been almost entirely visual. A continued and increasing reliance on visual communication has had a disadvantageous effect on users who have visual disabilities. A visual interface is of no use to a user who is completely blind: communication must use one of the other senses, and hearing is an obvious candidate.A number of human-computer interfaces have been developed and adapted into an auditory form based on the use of synthetic speech. However, for modern interfaces which use more complex displays, synthetic speech is not sufficient. One attemptt o adapt such a mouse-based interface into an auditory form based on musical tones and synthetic speech is described. This project involved the development of a word processor called Soundtrack with an auditory interface. Evaluation of this application suggests that the approach is viable, but that it was difficult to use, and there are significant research questions still to be addressed.
Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase is Involved in Vascular Hyporeactivity and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Associated with Hemorrhagic Shock

ABSTRACT Severe hemorrhage can lead to global ischemia and hemorrhagic shock (HS), resulting in multiple organ failure (MOF) and death. Restoration of blood flow and re-oxygenation is associated with an exacerbation of tissue injury and inflammatory response. The neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) has been implicated in vascular collapse and systemic inflammation of septic shock; however, the role of nNOS in HS is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of nNOS in the MOF associated with HS. Rats were subjected to HS under anesthesia. Mean arterial pressure was reduced to 30 mmHg for 90 min, followed by resuscitation with shed blood. Rats were randomly treated with two chemically distinct nNOS inhibitors [ARL 17477 (1 mg/kg) and 7-nitroindazol (5 mg/kg)] or vehicle upon resuscitation. Four hours later, parameters of organ injury and dysfunction were assessed. HS was associated with MOF development. Inhibition of nNOS activity at resuscitation protected rats against the MOF and vascular dysfunction. In addition, treatment of HS rats with nNOS inhibitors attenuated neutrophil infiltration into target organs and decreased the activation of NF-&kgr;B, iNOS expression, NO production, and nitrosylation of proteins. Furthermore, nNOS inhibition also reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-&agr; and IL-6 in HS rats. In conclusion, two distinct inhibitors of nNOS activity reduced the MOF, vascular dysfunction, and the systemic inflammation associated with HS. Thus, nNOS inhibitors may be useful as an adjunct therapy before fluids and blood administration in HS patients to avoid the MOF associated with reperfusion injury during resuscitation.
Microsatellite variability and heterozygote deficiency in the arctic-alpine Alaskan wheatgrass (Elymus alaskanus) complex.

Genetic variation in the allotetraploid grass Elymus alaskanus complex was assessed using microsatellites in seven populations from Canada, Greenland, and the U.S.A. Microsatellite variation was compared with allozyme and RAPD variation. Our results indicated that E. alaskanus was highly homozygous but also highly variable. The polymorphic loci ranged from 50 to 100% with a mean of 78.6%, and the mean number of allele per locus was 3.14. Average expected heterozygosity value (HE, gene diversity) varied across populations and ranged from 0.244 to 0.651 with mean of 0.414. The mean value of HE across Canadian populations (0.517) was significantly higher than that across populations in Greenland (0.367). The correlation between allozyme and microsatellite gene diversity value (HE) showed a high positive correlation (r = 0.68), but between RAPD and microsatellite showed a low positive correlation (r = 0.08). Populations were highly differentiated, with 38% of variation among populations. Interpopulation genetic distance showed no association with geographic distance between the population sites of origin. A Hardy-Weinberg exact test for all loci and all populations reveals a significant heterozygote deficiency. Possible explanations for heterozygote deficiency are discussed.
Pyrimethamine-clindamycin vs. pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine as acute and long-term therapy for toxoplasmic encephalitis in patients with AIDS.

This European multicenter study compares the efficacy and tolerance of the combination of pyrimethamine-clindamycin (Pyr-Cm) with the standard therapy pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine (Pyr-Sdz) for the treatment of toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) in patients with AIDS. Two hundred ninety-nine human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with TE were randomly assigned to receive 50 mg of pyrimethamine daily combined with either 2,400 mg of clindamycin or 4 g of sulfadiazine for 6 weeks followed by maintenance therapy with 25 mg of pyrimethamine daily with either 1,200 mg of clindamycin or 2 g of sulfadiazine. An intent-to-treat analysis showed that Pyr-Cm was less effective than Pyr-Sdz; the overall risk of progression of TE was 1.84 times higher for patients receiving Pyr-Cm therapy. There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy during acute therapy, although the rate of crossover motivated by a lack of response was higher among Pyr-Cm recipients. The difference in efficacy was evidenced during the maintenance phase of treatment; the relapse rate was twice as high among patients in the Pyr-Cm group (P = .02). The rate of side effects due to both regimens was similar, although the toxic effects of Pyr-Cm led to fewer discontinuations of therapy than did those of Pyr-Sdz (11% vs. 30%, respectively; P = .001). Pyr-Sdz appears to be the most effective treatment of TE. Pyr-Cm is a valuable alternative but is less effective for long-term prevention of relapses.
Arithmetical interpretations of dynamic logic

Abstract An arithmetical interpretation of dynamic propositional logic (DPL) is a mapping ƒ satisfying the following: (1) ƒ associates with each formula A of DPL a sentence ƒ(A) of Peano arithmetic (PA) and with each program α a formula ƒ(α) of PA with one free variable describing formally a supertheory of PA; (2) ƒ commutes with logical connectives; (3) ƒ([α]A) is the sentence saying that ƒ(A) is provable in the theory ƒ(α); (4) for each axiom A of DPL, ƒ(A) is provable in PA (and consequently, for each A provable in DPL, ƒ(A) is provable in PA). The arithmetical completeness theorem is proved saying that a formula A of DPL is provable in DPL iff for each arithmetical interpretation ƒ, ƒ(A) is provable in PA. Various modifications of this result are considered.
Effect of overexpressing GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 on insulin- and contraction-stimulated glucose transport in muscle.

To examine the effects of GLUT-1 on GLUT-4-dependent, insulin-stimulated, and contraction-stimulated 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) transport, we overexpressed GLUT-1 in metabolically heterogeneous skeletal muscles [red and white tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL)] via 7 days of chronic electrical stimulation. GLUT-1 was increased 1.6- to 16.4-fold (P < 0.05). Basal 2-DG transport was increased 1.7- to 3.0-fold (P < 0.05) and was equal to (red TA and EDL; P > 0.05) or exceeded insulin-stimulated 2-DG transport by 50% (white TA; P < 0.05) in the control muscles. GLUT-4 was concomitantly overexpressed (2.1- to 4.4-fold; P < 0.05). Insulin-stimulated 2-DG transport was increased 1.6- to 2.5-fold (P < 0.05). During muscle contractions, 2-DG transport increased 9- to 12-fold (P < 0.05) in control muscles, but this was reduced by approximately 25% (P < 0.05) in muscles overexpressing GLUT-1 and GLUT-4 (red TA and EDL). In contrast, in the experiment, white TA contraction-stimulated 2-DG transport was increased 1.7-fold (P < 0.05). Therefore, overexpression of GLUT-1, when GLUT-4 is also overexpressed, does not impair insulin-stimulated 2-DG transport, although contraction-stimulated transport may be reduced in some muscles.
Assignment of the human aggrecan gene (AGC1) to 15q26 using fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis.

The large aggregating proteoglycan aggrecan is a major structural component of the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage. Recent cDNA cloning of the human aggrecan gene (AGC1) reveals a core protein of at least 2316 amino acids characterized by several distinct structural domains. Two globular domains, termed G1 and G2, are present at the amino terminus of the molecule and a third, termed G3, is present at the carboxy terminus. The G1 domain is homologous in structure to the cartilage link protein and accounts for the aggregating potential of aggrecan through its ability to interact with hyaluronic acid. The aggrecan gene is known to consist of 15 exons, with each exon encoding a distinct functional region of the mature protein. However, while the link protein gene is known to reside on chromosome 5 in the human, the location of the aggrecan gene is currently undetermined in any species. The probe (pAGG2) for the aggrecan gene was mapped on chromosome band 15q26, most likely in the subregion of 15q26.1, using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Clear signals were noted on both chromatids of chromosome band 15q26 in over 80% of the 300 metaphase cells examined in three independent experiments using pAGG2. No othermore » sites of hybridization were noted on both chromatids of any other chromosome band. The precise band location was identified by using chromsomes of about 650 bands and employing fluorescence reverse banding with chromomycin A3 and distamycin. 14 refs., 1 fig.« less
Nursing: human science and human care. A theory of nursing.

This classic book by renowned nurse theorist Jean Watson discusses the balance between science and caring that is the basis of the nursing profession. Watson's Theory of Human Care draws from the works of Western and Eastern philosophers, approaching the human care relationship as a moral idea that includes concepts such as phenomenal field, actual caring occasion, and transpersonal caring. Inherent in this theory are concepts of health and illness, the environment, and the universe.