Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Energy in the Lightweight Cryptographic Profile

NIST’s Lightweight Cryptography Project ties selected cryptographic algorithms to a proﬁle, which captures the physical, performance and security characteristics of the target devices that run these algorithms. This contribution investigates the role of energy in the proﬁle. For many of the important application domains of Lightweight Cryptography, the operation is intermittent, rather than continuous. Examples include devices with a low duty cycle, devices running on an energy-harvested energy source, and RFID. In this context, energy consumption becomes as important as power dissipation. We analyze recently published lightweight cryptographic algorithms from the energy perspective. We highlight a unique opportunity that exists between energy harvesting and cryptography. The bulk of the operations in a cryptographic algorithm, such as the key schedule or key-stream generation, can be completed oﬀ-line when a secure nonvolatile memory is available. This decreases the latency and complexity of the online phase, and it spreads out the energy needs of the algorithm more evenly in time. We describe how such energy-harvesting friendly operation can be captured in the proﬁle of the algorithm, and provide several examples of this concept to symmetric-key and public-key primitives.
Angiotensin II receptor blockers improve endothelial dysfunction associated with sympathetic hyperactivity in metabolic syndrome

Objectives: Renin–angiotensin system inhibitors are preferred for the treatment of hypertension with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Underlying endothelial dysfunction and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation are critically involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in MetS. We investigated whether treatment with angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) improves endothelial and autonomic function in patients with MetS. Methods and results: We conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint trial. Sixty patients with MetS were randomized into three treatment groups: telmisartan, candesartan, or diet therapy (control; n = 20 each), and treated for 6 months. To evaluate the endothelial function of forearm resistance arteries, blood flow and vascular resistance were measured using a strain-gauge plethysmograph during intra-arterial infusion of acetylcholine (ACh) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP). At 6 months, both telmisartan and candesartan comparably decreased blood pressure. Furthermore, ARB treatment ameliorated impaired forearm vasodilation in response to ACh. Telmisartan had a greater effect than candesartan on ACh-induced forearm vasodilation. In contrast, forearm vasodilation in response to SNP was comparable between the telmisartan and candesartan-treated groups. ARB treatment increased high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin levels and baroreflex sensitivity, but telmisartan had a stronger effect than candesartan. In addition, only telmisartan treatment significantly decreased plasma norepinephrine concentrations, blood pressure variability, and heart rate variability based on spectral analysis. Conclusion: These findings indicate that ARBs improve impaired endothelial and baroreflex function, and increase HMW adiponectin levels in patients with MetS. Telmisartan exhibited more beneficial effects than candesartan, and only telmisartan reduced sympathetic hyperactivity, despite similar depressor effects.
Association of AKI With mortality and complications in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and devastating complication in patients with cirrhosis. However, the definitions of AKI employed in studies involving patients with cirrhosis have not been standardized, lack sensitivity, and are often limited to narrow clinical settings. We conducted a multicenter, prospective observational cohort study of patients with cirrhosis and AKI, drawn from multiple hospital wards, utilizing the modern acute kidney injury network (AKIN) definition and assessed the association between AKI severity and progression with in‐hospital mortality. Of the 192 patients who were enrolled and included in the study, 85 (44%) progressed to a higher AKIN stage after initially fulfilling AKI criteria. Patients achieved a peak severity of AKIN stage 1, 26%, stage 2, 24%, and stage 3, 49%. The incidence of mortality, general medical events (bacteremia, pneumonia, urinary tract infection), and cirrhosis‐specific complications (ascites, encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis) increased with severity of AKI. Progression was significantly more common and peak AKI stage higher in nonsurvivors than survivors (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for baseline renal function, demographics, and critical hospital‐ and cirrhosis‐associated variables, progression of AKI was independently associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio = 3.8, 95% confidence interval 1.3‐11.1). Conclusion: AKI, as defined by AKIN criteria, in patients with cirrhosis is frequently progressive and severe and is independently associated with mortality in a stage‐dependent fashion. Methods for earlier diagnosis of AKI and its progression may result in improved outcomes by facilitating targeted and timely treatment of AKI. (HEPATOLOGY 2013)
A Compact and Low-Profile Loop Antenna With Multiband Operation for Ultra-Thin Smartphones

A folded loop antenna having a very compact size of 5 × 8 × 60 mm3 with multiband operation for ultra-thin smartphone applications is proposed. The antenna generates four resonant modes, the traditional 0.5-λ, 1-λ, and 1.5-λ resonant modes and an extra higherorder 2-λ resonant mode, to cover the GSM850, GSM900, DCS1800, PCS1900, UMTS, TD-SCDMA, LTE2300, and WLAN systems. The extra 2-λ resonant mode is generated using a certain distance between the feed point and the shorting point on the ground plane. The antenna is studied using simulation and measurement. To study the antenna in a more realistic situation, a standard metallic USB connector is placed inside the loop radiator. Results show that the USB connector has little effects on the antenna performance.
Comparison of speech and language therapy techniques for speech problems in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND Patients with Parkinson's disease commonly suffer from speech and voice difficulties such as impaired articulation and reduced loudness. Speech and language therapy (SLT) aims to improve the intelligibility of speech with behavioural treatment techniques or instrumental aids. OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy and effectiveness of novel SLT techniques versus a standard SLT approach to treat Parkinsonian speech problems. SEARCH METHODS We identified relevant, published prior to 11(th) April 2011, by electronic searches of numerous literature databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE and CINAHL, as well as handsearching relevant conference abstracts and examining reference lists in identified studies and other reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA Only randomised controlled trials (RCT) of one type of speech and language therapy versus another were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data and resolved differences by discussion. MAIN RESULTS Six trials involving 159 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Data could not be analysed from one trial due to changes in patient numbers and from a second because the data provided were not in a usable format. All trials reported intelligibility measures but a statistically significant result was only reported for the diagnostic rhyme test used in the study of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment -LOUD (LSVT-LOUD) versus a modified version of this therapy (LSVT-ARTIC). In this case a difference of 12.5 points (95% confidence interval (CI) -22.2 to -2.8; P = 0.01) between the mean changes in favour of the LSVT-LOUD group was reported for a speech sample overlaid with Babble noise; this difference was not reproduced for the two additional noise conditions under which the speech samples were assessed. LSVT-LOUD also outperformed LSVT-ARTIC and Respiration therapy (RT) in improving loudness, with a difference in reading a sample text of 5.0 dB (95%CI -8.3 to -1.7; P = 0.003) and 5.5 dB (95% CI 3.4 to 7.7; P < 0.00001) respectively, and a difference in monologue speech of 2.9 dB (95% CI 0.6 to 5.2; P = 0.01) versus RT. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Considering the small patient numbers in these trials, there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the efficacy of any form of SLT over another to treat speech problems in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Heritability and Genetic Correlations of Metabolic Disease–Related Phenotypes in Mexico: Preliminary Report from the GEMM Family Study

ABSTRACT Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality in the Republic of Mexico, and metabolic syndrome, a complex of CVD risk factors, is increasingly prevalent. To date, however, there have been few studies of the genetic epidemiology of metabolic syndrome in Mexico. As a first step in implementing the GEMM Family Study, a large, multicenter collaborative study, we recruited 375 individuals in 21 extended families, without ascertainment on disease, at 9 medical institutions across Mexico. Participants were measured for anthropometric (stature, weight, waist circumference) and hemodynamic (blood pressure, heart rate) phenotypes; glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured in fasting blood. Variance components–based quantitative genetic analyses were performed using SOLAR. All phenotypes except diastolic blood pressure were significantly heritable. Consistent with the definition of metabolic syndrome, many phenotypes exhibited significant environmental correlation, and significant genetic correlations were found between measures of adiposity and fasting glucose and fasting triglyceride levels. These preliminary data represent the first heritability estimates for many of these phenotypes in the Republic of Mexico and indicate that this study design offers excellent power for future gene discovery relative to metabolic disease.
Computational Integrative Physiology: At the Convergence of the Life and Computational Sciences

Summary Objective: In this paper we outline how Computational Integrative Physiology (CIP) can help unravel the mechanisms of normal and pathological biological processes. Our objective is to illustrate how CIP is firmly grounded on the life and computational sciences. Method: After describing a general theoretical framework for CIP, we will center our discussion on cardiac rhythmic disorders with a particular focus on the Long QT syndrome that will serve as a case example. Within this context, we will describe multi-scale processes in biological, medical and in general mathematical terms, starting from the control of gene expression to the electrical activity of the entire heart. We will therefore proceed from the smaller microscopic scales to the larger macroscopic ones. In doing so, we will illustrate, at least in a qualitative sense, how CIP can be accomplished by showing some of the relations that can exist between mathematical variables characterizing models of different space-scales. Conclusion: We will conclude by putting forth how CIP and the related fields of bioinformatics and medical informatics are necessary to derive meaningful knowledge from the huge and exponentially growing biological and medical data.
Initiation of parturition in dairy cows with dexamethasone. I. Cow response and performance.

Abstract Parturition was initiated in 25 of 29 Holstein cows given dexamethasone (4.4 mg/100 kg body weight) intramuscularly at day 273 of gestation. Parturition occurred at 45.1 ± 11.1 h after injection. The 29 control cows which were compared to 29 induced cows had an average gestation length of 280 days. Calving difficulty was greater while birth weight of calves was 3.0 kg less for the induced cows compared to control cows. Severity of udder edema did not differ between groups. Average daily milk production for the first 9 wk of lactation was 24.8 kg and 27.8 kg for the induced and control groups. Differences in milk fat or fat-corrected milk were nil. Changes in body weight were similar for all cows. Incidence of retained placental membranes was 76 and 10% for induced and control cows. Average days to first heat, days to first service, days to conception, and services per conception for induced cows were 58.4, 79.9, 117.8, and 2.0 and for control cows were 58.6, 82.3, 105.5, and 1.8. The incidence of milk fever in cows with no previous history was 24 and 10% for induced and control cows. Results of California Mastitis Tests taken at 15 and 30 days post calving were similar. Fat, protein, total solids, and gamma globulin content of the colostrum did not differ between groups.
Oral creatine supplementation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A clinical and 31 P magnetic resonance spectroscopy study

Abstract The decrease in intracellular creatine concentration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy may contribute to the deterioration of intracellular energy homeostasis and may thus be one of the factors aggravating muscle weakness and degeneration. Oral creatine supplementation should have potential in alleviating the clinical symptoms. To test this hypothesis, creatine was orally administered over a period of 155 days to a 9-year-old patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In accordance with previous investigations on normal subjects and trained athletes, the patient experienced improved muscle performance during creatine supplementation. Further evidence supporting this hypothesis derived from plasma creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities and repeated 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the gastrocnemius muscle. These preliminary observations indicate a potential role for creatine supplementation in the symptomatic therapy of patients with muscle disease. [Neurol Res 2000; 22: 145-150]
Prolactin regulates maternal bile secretory function post partum.

The single-pass isolated perfused rat liver was used to assess bile secretory function in pregnancy and the post partum period and to evaluate the regulatory role of prolactin. Nonpregnant controls, post partum rats (48 hr post partum), pregnant rats (19-20 days of pregnancy) and pregnant rats treated with bromocriptine (3 mg/kg/day, s.c.) from day 20 of pregnancy until 48 hr post partum to block prolactin secretion were examined. In a separate set of experiments, ovariectomized rats were implanted with osmotic minipumps containing solvent alone or solvent plus varying concentrations of ovine prolactin (oPRL). Livers were isolated, [3H]taurocholate (TC) was infused at increasing concentrations and bile flow, bile acid secretory rate and hepatic clearance of TC from the perfusate were determined. Maximal bile flow (microliters/min/g liver) in response to infusion of TC was significantly higher in post partum rats (3.4 +/- 0.3) than in pregnant rats (1.4 +/- 0.3) and bromocriptine-treated post partum rats (1.7 +/- 0.3). The maximal bile acid secretory rate (SRm, nmol/min/g liver) in post partum rats was 276 +/- 19 and was significantly greater than SRm in pregnant (103 +/- 26) and bromocriptine-treated post partum rats (142 +/- 25). Hepatic clearance (ml/min) was significantly greater in post partum rats than in pregnant, control and bromocriptine-treated post partum rats at the highest TC concentration. Infusion of oPRL at doses of 100, 250 and 500 micrograms/day significantly increased maximal bile flow and SRm in a dose-dependent manner; these measures were increased to 4.38 +/- 0.21 microliters/min/g liver and 338.2 +/- 16.3 nmol/min/g liver, respectively, in rats treated with 500 micrograms/day oPRL. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of cysteine and antioxidants on the hepatic redox-state, acetaldehyde and triglyceride levels after acute ethanol dosing.

Cysteine and the synthetic antioxidants butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and N,N'-diphenyl-phenylenediamine (DPPD) have been found to protect against the increase in hepatic triglycerides caused by acute ethanol administration (2 g/kg/i.p.) in rats. None of these agents affected the ethanol-induced increase in the hepatic redox-state, measured as lactate/pyruvate and 3-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratios, and there was no influence of any of the compounds on ethanol metabolism. Of the three agents tested, only cysteine was found to lower the liver acetaldehyde concentration after ethanol administration, confirming reports that trapping of acetaldehyde can protect against ethanol hepatotoxicity. The protective action of the anti-oxidants suggests that lipid peroxidation (probably initiated by acetaldehyde) is an important event in the pathogenesis of acute alcoholic fatty liver.
Infection control strategies for preventing the transmission of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in nursing homes for older people.

BACKGROUND Nursing homes for older people provide an environment likely to promote the acquisition and spread of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), putting residents at increased risk of colonisation and infection. It is recognised that infection prevention and control strategies are important in preventing and controlling MRSA transmission. OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of infection prevention and control strategies for preventing the transmission of MRSA in nursing homes for older people. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 2), the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (searched May 27th, 2011). We also searched Ovid MEDLINE (from 1950 to April Week 2 2011), OVID MEDLINE (In-process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, April 26th 2011) Ovid EMBASE (1980 to 2011 Week 16), EBSCO CINAHL (1982 to April 21st 2011), DARE (1992 to 2011, week 16), Web of Science (1981 to May 2011), and the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) website (1988 to May 2011). Research in progress was sought through Current Clinical Trials (www.controlled-trials.com), Medical Research Council Research portfolio, and HSRPRoj (current USA projects). SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised and controlled clinical trials, controlled before and after studies and interrupted time series studies of infection prevention and control interventions in nursing homes for older people were eligible for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently reviewed the results of the searches. Another review author appraised identified papers and undertook data extraction which was checked by a second review author. MAIN RESULTS For this second update only one study was identified, therefore it was not possible to undertake a meta-analysis. A cluster randomised controlled trial in 32 nursing homes evaluated the effect of an infection control education and training programme on MRSA prevalence. The primary outcome was MRSA prevalence in residents and staff, and a change in infection control audit scores which measured adherence to infection control standards. At the end of the 12 month study, there was no change in MRSA prevalence between intervention and control sites, while mean infection control audit scores were significantly higher in the intervention homes compared with control homes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of research evaluating the effects on MRSA transmission of infection prevention and control strategies in nursing homes. Rigorous studies should be conducted in nursing homes, to test interventions that have been specifically designed for this unique environment.
Comparison of two nonlinear control strategies for a hybrid source system using an isolated three-port bidirectional DC-DC converter

This paper compares two nonlinear control strategies for a hybrid source system using an isolated three-port bidirectional full-bridge DC-DC converter. The system uses a fuel cell (FC) as a main energy source, a supercapacitor bank (SC) as an auxiliary source and a load. The first control strategy includes nonlinear and PI controller for which the dynamic response depends on the operating point. The second control strategy is based on the flatness controller which is independent from the operating point. The two control strategies allow taking into account practical constraints of the sources. Through experimental results, the proposed controllers are validated.
Previous Sport Activity During Childhood and Adolescence Is Associated With Increased Cortical Bone Size in Young Adult Men

Physical activity during growth has been associated with altered cortical bone geometry, but it remains uncertain if the physical activity–induced increments in cortical bone size remain when the level of physical activity is diminished or ceased. The aim of this study was to investigate if physical activity during growth is associated with cortical bone geometry in currently inactive young men. In this study, 1068 men (18.9 ± 0.6 [SD] yr) were included. Cortical bone geometry at the tibia and radius were measured using pQCT. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information about current and previous sport activity. Subjects who continued to be active (n = 678) and who had been previously active (n = 285) in sports had a wider cortical bone (periosteal circumference [PC], 4.5% and 3.2%, respectively) with increased cross‐sectional area (CSA; 12.5% and 6.9%) of the tibia than the always inactive subjects (n = 82). In the currently inactive men (n = 367), regression analysis (including covariates age, height, weight, calcium intake, smoking, and duration of inactivity) showed that previous sport activity was independently associated with cortical bone size of the tibia (CSA and PC). Amount of previous sport activity explained 7.3% of the total variation in cortical CSA. Subjects, who ceased their sport activity for up to 6.5 yr previously, still had greater cortical PC and CSA of the tibia than always inactive subjects. The results from this study indicate that sport activity during growth confers positive effects on bone geometry even though sport activity is ceased.
Formulation Development and Evaluation of Orodispersible Tablets of Quetiapine Fumarate by Sublimation Method

The objective of present study was to formulate directly compressible orodispersible tablets of quetiapine fumarate by sublimation method with a view to enhance patient compliance. A full 32 factorial design was used to investigate the effect of two variables viz., concentration of Indion 414 and camphor. Indion 414 (3-5 % w/w) was used as superdisintegrant and camphor (5-15 % w/w) as subliming agent. The tablets were evaluated for thickness, weight variation, hardness, friability, content uniformity, wetting time, porosity, in vitro disintegration time and in vitro drug release. In vitro dissolution profile revealed faster and maximum drug from formulation F3. SEM study show formation of pores on tablet surface after sublimation of the sublimating agent, thus providing a sufficiently porous structure. This permitted the selection of a batch of tablets with desired disintegration time and improved dissolution rate after oral administration. The F3 batch containing the Indion 414 (5%) and Camphor (5%) w/w of total formulation weight had shown good the disintegration time of 18.66 seconds and with improved dissolution rate and desirable friability. Further studies will be required to evaluate the performance of dosage form in vivo and In Vitro In vivo Correlation. Keywords : Orodispersible tablet, factorial design, Indion 414, sublimation, quetiapine fumarate