Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Equivalence of pasteurized and fresh human milk in promoting nitrogen retention by normal full-term infants.

Twenty-nine nitrogen balance studies were performed with 10 normal full-term infants fed fresh human milk either from the breast (eight nitrogen balance studies with four infants) or by bottle. Six of the infants (Group I) were solely breast-fed before and between the metabolic balance periods. Four infants (Group II) were fed pasteurized human milk before and between the metabolic balance periods during which fresh human milk was fed. The mean intake of nitrogen by the infants fed fresh human milk was less than that of previously studied infants who received pasteurized human milk. Reasons for the smaller mean intakes of nitrogen by infants of Group I may have included voluntary decrease in volume of intake on the part of infants because of time unfamiliar environment or because milk was fed from a bottle. An additional factor may have been decreased supply of milk by the mother (and possibly decreased concentration of nitrogen in the milk) because of altered conditions for nursing and multiple trips to the Metabolism Ward. Decreased concentrations of nitrogen in the milk fed to infants of Group II may have resulted from longer duration of lactation of the women providing the milk and greater volume of milk produced. The relation of retention of nitrogen to intake of nitrogen was the same for infants fed fresh human milk as had been found for those fed pasteurized human milk. Four of the infants (Group II) studied while receiving fresh human milk by bottle were also studied while receiving pasteurized human milk. Intakes and retentions of nitrogen were similar with both feedings. The literature concerning nitrogen balance studies of full-term infants was reviewed. Mean intakes and retentions of nitrogen are similar to those of the present study but considerably greater variability was encountered, as might be expected in view of the lack of uniformity of experimental conditions among the different studies. Processing (pasteurization and freezing) of human milk apparently does not alter its nutritional properties in such a way as to affect nitrogen balance of infants. It is concluded that the retentions of nitrogen of the infants fed processed human milk in the previous study may be considered representative of the retentions of nitrogen by normal breast-fed infants.
Enhancement of Transient Stability in A Multi-Machine Power System Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Controller for Facts Devices

Long distance AC transmission is often subject to stability problems, which limits the transmission Capability which limits the transmission capability. Large interconnected power systems often suffer from weakly damped swings between synchronous generators and subsystems. This paper studies the comparative performance of SSSC and UPFC for the improvement of transient stability and damping of power swings of a multi-machine power system using Adaptive neuro-fuzzy controller. Simulation results are carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment for multi-machine power system to analyse the effects of SSSC and UPFC on transient stability performance and damping of power swings
Cyclooxygenase-1 in the Spinal Cord Is Altered after Peripheral Nerve Injury

Background The mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain are incompletely understood and its treatment is often unsatisfactory. Spinal cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is upregulated after peripheral inflammation, associated with spinal prostaglandin production leading to central sensitization, but the role of COX isoenzymes in sensitization after nerve injury is less well characterized. The current study was undertaken to determine whether COX-1 was altered in this model. Methods Male rats underwent partial sciatic nerve transsection (PSNT) or L5–L6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Four weeks after PSNT and 4 h, 4 days, or 2 weeks after SNL, COX-1 immunohistochemistry was performed on the L2–S2 spinal cord. Results COX-1 immunoreactivity (COX-1-IR) was unaffected 4 h after SNL. In contrast, 4 days after SNL, the number of COX-1-IR cells increased in the ipsilateral spinal cord. COX-1-IR increased in cells with glial morphology in the superficial laminae, but decreased in the rest of the ipsilateral spinal cord 4 weeks after PSNT and 2 weeks after SNL. These changes in immunostaining were greatest at the L5 level. Conclusion These data suggest that COX-1 expression in the spinal cord is not static, but changes in a time- and laminar-dependent manner after nerve injury. These anatomic data are consistent with observations by others that spinally administered specific COX-1 inhibitors may be useful to prevent and treat neuropathic pain.
Dexmedetomidine does not modify the neuromuscular blocking action of vecuronium in the anaesthetized rat.

Dexmedetomidine is a new alpha 2 adrenergic agonist anaesthetic adjuvant. In animal studies, dexmedetomidine produced muscle flaccidity and prevented opioid-induced muscle rigidity, apparently via a central mechanism. The effect of dexmedetomidine on the neuromuscular junction or on non-depolarizing neuromuscular block during anaesthesia has not been reported. We have studied in the anaesthesized rat, the effects of dexmedetomidine on vecuronium-induced twitch depression. Wistar rats (n = 35) were anaesthetized and their lungs ventilated to maintain normocapnia. An infusion of vecuronium of 2.3 (SEM 0.1) micrograms kg-1 min-1 produced a stable twitch height (T1) depression of the tibial nerve of 53 (2)% of control in all groups. Rats were allocated randomly to receive either saline or dexmedetomidine 10, 30 or 100 micrograms kg-1 i.v. and T1 height was measured continuously for 60 min. Dexmedetomidine did not significantly affect T1 height during the first 30 min of infusion. At later times there were minor differences between groups. With cessation of the infusion of vecuronium, T1 height recovered rapidly to normal in all groups. These data suggest that the neuromuscular blocking properties of dexmedetomidine are unlikely to be produced by action at the neuromuscular junction.
A Hough transform technique for detection of rotationally invariant surface features

The Hough transform is a relatively simple and robust method for detection of economically parameterized geometric features via accumulators in the discretized parameter space. Several methods for detecting circular structure have been proposed, with centers of circles often detected as intersections of normals to the tangents of curves. We modify the transform to detect general rotationally invariant, continuously-valued image features, based on gradient measurements independent of radii. This method is robust to uncertainties in surfaces which are poorly modeled by standard stochastic models. Examples of application of the transform are from paleontological classification of digitized fossil molar surfaces. <<ETX>>
An iterative method for tomographic x-ray perfusion estimation in a decomposition model-based approach.

PURPOSE X-ray based tomographic blood perfusion imaging requires recovery of contrast time-attenuation-curves from dynamic projection data. When using slowly rotating imaging systems, this task is challenging due to nonsimultaneous projection acquisition. A dynamic reconstruction method is proposed that aims at compensating the lack of simultaneously acquired information by incorporating prior knowledge about the expected temporal contrast dynamics. METHODS A decomposition model using temporal basis functions to approximate time-attenuation-curves is integrated into an iterative tomographic reconstruction method. The computationally efficient implementation of the proposed approach makes use of standard forward-projections and backprojections, as well as scalar products in image space. The critical issue of projection noise propagation is tackled by the application of regularization which is realized by the early stopping of iteration cycles and by the proper selection of smooth temporal basis functions. The performance of the proposed dynamic reconstruction approach is evaluated in a simulation study concerning various aspects: Noise propagation and regularization, specification of the temporal model, and type of acquisition mode. RESULTS The evaluation based on dynamic phantom data indicates that tomographic recovery of contrast time-attenuation-curves in tissue can be achieved with an average range of accuracy of approximately 2% (with respect to dynamic peak attenuation) under ideal noise-free conditions. The relative estimation error for arterial time-attenuation-curves is in the range of 8%, which is due to faster contrast dynamics in the artery. In general, performance depends on the level of acquired information contained in the projection data, which is mainly influenced by the type of rotational acquisition mode; restrictions in angular range and speed can lead to limited accuracy. The analysis of propagated projection noise in a statistical bias-variance framework reveals relative noise levels in estimated time-attenuation-curves of 3%-4% in tissue regions and below 1% in vessels when using optimized settings for regularization. Here, the effect of noise suppression depends on the interrelation between the number of iteration cycles and the constraints imposed by the temporal decomposition model. CONCLUSIONS For usage with slowly rotating imaging systems, the presented model-based iterative dynamic reconstruction method is capable of recovering contrast time-attenuation-curves related to tissue perfusion. The proposed regularization framework is an effective means to limit the impact of projection noise, which is a factor dominating estimation accuracy in tissue regions.
Living race together: the role of partner's race in racial/ethnic differences in smoking

ABSTRACT Objective: Crossing racial lines provides a unique context for understanding racial patterns in smoking. This research explores whether adults whose unions cross racial lines behave more similarly to their own group or their partner's Design: Using a sample of respondents from the National Health Interview Survey (2001–2011), we compare the likelihood of current smoking and quitting smoking among adults in mixed-race unions to adults in same-race unions. Results: Adults with different-race partners generally mirror their partner's group; people of color with White partners have a higher likelihood of being current smokers, similar to Whites, while Whites partnered with Asians and Latina/os are, like other Asians and Latino/as, less likely to smoke. There are fewer differences in the likelihood of quitting smoking.
Improved EKF-based direct torque control at the start-up using constant switching frequency

A sensorless extended Kalman filter (EKF) based direct torque control (DTC) with the use of a constant switching frequency control (CSFC) of induction machine is proposed in this research work. This paper is meant to investigate the dynamic performance for DTC-CSFC and DTC with a hysteresis torque controller by applying different speed step changes from three different low speed operations. The dynamic performance results show that the sensorless EKF-based DTC-CSFC is superior to the conventional EKF-based DTC when reference speed change is applied from 0 to 59 rad/s. Additionally, improvement in the reduction of torque ripples is achieved for all step changes of speed. The effectiveness of the proposed EKF-based DTC-CSFC is confirmed by experimental validation.
Integration of Estrogen and Wnt Signaling Circuits by the Polycomb Group Protein EZH2 in Breast Cancer Cells

ABSTRACT Essential for embryonic development, the polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is overexpressed in breast and prostate cancers and is implicated in the growth and aggression of the tumors. The tumorigenic mechanism underlying EZH2 overexpression is largely unknown. It is believed that EZH2 exerts its biological activity as a transcription repressor. However, we report here that EZH2 functions in gene transcriptional activation in breast cancer cells. We show that EZH2 transactivates genes that are commonly targeted by estrogen and Wnt signaling pathways. We demonstrated that EZH2 physically interacts directly with estrogen receptor α and β-catenin, thus connecting the estrogen and Wnt signaling circuitries, functionally enhances gene transactivation by estrogen and Wnt pathways, and phenotypically promotes cell cycle progression. In addition, we identified the transactivation activity of EZH2 in its two N-terminal domains and demonstrated that these structures serve as platforms to connect transcription factors and the Mediator complex. Our experiments indicated that EZH2 is a dual function transcription regulator with a dynamic activity, and we provide a mechanism for EZH2 in tumorigenesis.
3D ultrasound palm vein recognition through the centroid method for biometric purposes

In this work, a new method for extracting palm vein pattern is proposed. The procedure uses as input the 3D ultrasound images of a portion of the hand volume acquired with a fast and reliable system recently proposed. The method detects low brightness areas in B-mode images and then selects the vectors that specify the centers of mass of these dark regions (centroids). Vein patterns are defined whenever centroids are found in the surrounding of the same coordinates for a certain number of consecutive B-mode images. A first validation of the method was achieved by extracting a single vein pattern for several samples and performing verification experiments with two different matching approaches.
A case report of Gilbert Syndrome.

Gilbert syndrome is benign, often familial condition characterized by recurrent but asymptomatic mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in the absence of haemolysis or underlying liver disease. If, it becomes apparent, it is not until adolescence and then usually in association with stress such as intercurrent illness, fasting or strenuous exercise. Virtually all patients have decreased level of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase, but there also is evidence for a defect in hepatic uptake of bilirubin as well. This case is reported due to its rarity. The prevalence of Gilbert syndrome in U.S is 3-7% of the population.
Reconstructive Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer Patients

The field of head and neck surgery has gone through numerous changes in the past two decades. Microvascular free flap reconstructions largely replaced other techniques. More importantly, there has been a paradigm shift toward seeking not only to achieve reliable wound closure to protect vital structures, but also to reestablish normal function and appearance. The present paper will present an algorithmic approach to head and neck reconstruction of various subsites, using an evidence-based approach wherever possible.
The Active Metabolite of Vitamin D3 as a Potential Immunomodulator

In the past, vitamin D was known for its classical, skeletal action as a regulator of calcium and bone homoeostasis. Currently, vitamin D was found to have a role in numerous physiological processes in the human body; thus, vitamin D has pleiotropic activity. The studies carried out in the past two decades showed the role of vitamin D in the regulation of immune system functions. Basically, these effects may be mediated not only via endocrine mechanism of circulating calcitriol but also via paracrine one (based on cell–cell communication that leads to production of signal inducing the changes in nearby/adjacent cells and modulating their differentiation or behaviour) and intracrine mechanism (the action of vitamin D inside a cell) of 1,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3) synthetized from its precursor 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3). Both vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 1‐α‐hydroxylase (CYP27B1) are expressed in several types of immune cells (i.e. antigen presenting cells, T and B cells), and thus, they are able to synthetize the bioactive form of vitamin D that modulates both the innate and adaptive immune system. This review discusses the role of vitamin D as regulator of immune system, and our understanding of how vitamin D regulates both adaptive and innate immunity as well as inflammatory cascade on the cellular level.
Synchronic Filter Based on Switched Capacitor Filters for High Stability Phase-Detectors Systems

This paper presents a new filter topology for analog signals processing in phase detector and decoder systems. This procedure takes advantages of switched-capacitor filter to guarantee high stability of filter parameters, avoiding any kind of drifts and shifts of central frequency of band pass stages. So, it is possible to hold the value of additional phase introduced in the signal paths reducing uncertainty of measurement caused by both, temperature and long term drifts. In this paper, a discussion of proposed topology is presented, including several experimental results to demonstrate the right operation of system and its independence on temperature and time
Sensory system for the sleep disorders detection in the geriatric population

This paper introduces the proposal of a remote sensory system for the detection of sleep disorders in geriatric outpatients. Although the most accurate solution would be an in-depth study in a sleep clinic, it is not a realistic environment for the elderly. The objective is that the patient stays at home, and without changing their daily routines, the clinicians get objective information in order to make a correct diagnosis of the sleep disorders. As a first step towards achieving a home remote monitory system, this work introduces a Body Sensor Network (BSN) to monitor various vital signals as Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Electromyogram (EMG) in order to collect enough information for sleep disorder diagnosis, focusing on the detection of obstructive sleep apnea. This work proposes an algorithm to infer obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on power spectral analysis of ECG signals from a single-lead electrocardiogram, demonstrating the feasibility of BSN to detect OSA with around 85% sensitivity.
Degradation and metabolism of synthetic plastics and associated products by Pseudomonas sp.: capabilities and challenges

Synthetic plastics, which are widely present in materials of everyday use, are ubiquitous and slowly‐degrading polymers in environmental wastes. Of special interest are the capabilities of microorganisms to accelerate their degradation. Members of the metabolically diverse genus Pseudomonas are of particular interest due to their capabilities to degrade and metabolize synthetic plastics. Pseudomonas species isolated from environmental matrices have been identified to degrade polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene succinate, polyethylene glycol and polyvinyl alcohol at varying degrees of efficiency. Here, we present a review of the current knowledge on the factors that control the ability of Pseudomonas sp. to process these different plastic polymers and their by‐products. These factors include cell surface attachment within biofilms, catalytic enzymes involved in oxidation or hydrolysis of the plastic polymer, metabolic pathways responsible for uptake and assimilation of plastic fragments and chemical factors that are advantageous or inhibitory to the biodegradation process. We also highlight future research directions required in order to harness fully the capabilities of Pseudomonas sp. in bioremediation strategies towards eliminating plastic wastes.
Cloning of DGAT2, a Second Mammalian Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase, and Related Family Members*

Studies involving the cloning and disruption of the gene for acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) have shown that alternative mechanisms exist for triglyceride synthesis. In this study, we cloned and characterized a second mammalian DGAT, DGAT2, which was identified by its homology to a DGAT in the fungus Mortierella rammaniana. DGAT2 is a member of a gene family that has no homology with DGAT1 and includes several mouse and human homologues that are candidates for additional DGAT genes. The expression of DGAT2 in insect cells stimulated triglyceride synthesis 6-fold in assays with cellular membranes, and DGAT2 activity was dependent on the presence of fatty acyl-CoA and diacylglycerol, indicating that this protein is a DGAT. Activity was not observed for acyl acceptors other than diacylglycerol. DGAT2 activity was inhibited by a high concentration (100 mm) of MgCl2 in anin vitro assay, a characteristic that distinguishes DGAT2 from DGAT1. DGAT2 is expressed in many tissues with high expression levels in the liver and white adipose tissue, suggesting that it may play a significant role in mammalian triglyceride metabolism.
Calcium level affects the efficacy of supplemental microbial phytase in corn-soybean meal diets of weanling pigs.

A 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experiment was conducted with 64 pigs (4 wk old, 8.04 +/- .50 kg BW) to determine the effect of various dietary concentrations of Ca, vitamin D, and microbial phytase (Aspergillus niger) on phytate-P utilization. A low-P, corn-soybean meal diet was supplemented with two levels of phytase (unit/gram), 750 (suboptimal) and 1,200 (optimal); of vitamin D (international unit/kilogram), 660 (normal) and 6,660 (high); and of Ca (percentage), . 4 (low) and . 8 (normal). Pen feed consumption and individual pig weights, plasma inorganic P and Ca concentrations, and plasma alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity were measured at d 10, 20, and 30. The normal dietary Ca concentration had an adverse effect (P < .05) on all the response measures. The depressive effect of the normal dietary Ca on performance was greater (P < .05) at the normal vitamin D level or at the optimal phytase level than at the other levels of these two factors. The elevation in plasma AP activity in pigs fed the normal dietary Ca was greater (P < .05) at the suboptimal than at the optimal phytase level. The decreases in plasma inorganic P concentration and increases in plasma Ca concentration associated with the normal dietary Ca were substantial. In conclusion, the normal level of Ca in the diet greatly reduced the efficacy of supplemental phytase. Raising vitamin D in the diet partially offset this adverse effect but did not produce further improvement when the Ca level was low.
Sampled-Data Control of Switched Linear Systems With Application to an F-18 Aircraft

This paper is concerned with sampled-data control of switched linear systems with average dwell time switching under variable sampling. Since the subsystem switching could occur during the sampling intervals while the associated controller does not switch, the asynchronous switching phenomenon arises. A new class of functionals consisting of multiple Lyapunov functions and looped functionals is developed to present sufficient conditions on the exponential stabilization for such systems with sampled-data state feedback. The obtained results are verified by an F-18 aircraft.