Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does social class predict diet quality ? 1 – 3

A large body of epidemiologic data show that diet quality follows a socioeconomic gradient. Whereas higher-quality diets are associated with greater affluence, energy-dense diets that are nutrient-poor are preferentially consumed by persons of lower socioeconomic status (SES) and of more limited economic means. As this review demonstrates, whole grains, lean meats, fish, low-fat dairy products, and fresh vegetables and fruit are more likely to be consumed by groups of higher SES. In contrast, the consumption of refined grains and added fats has been associated with lower SES. Although micronutrient intake and, hence, diet quality are affected by SES, little evidence indicates that SES affects either total energy intakes or the macronutrient composition of the diet. The observed associations between SES variables and diet-quality measures can be explained by a variety of potentially causal mechanisms. The disparity in energy costs ($/MJ) between energy-dense and nutrient-dense foods is one such mechanism; easy physical access to low-cost energydense foods is another. If higher SES is a causal determinant of diet quality, then the reported associations between diet quality and better health, found in so many epidemiologic studies, may have been confounded by unobserved indexes of social class. Conversely, if limited economic resources are causally linked to low-quality diets, some current strategies for health promotion, based on recommending high-cost foods to low-income people, may prove to be wholly ineffective. Exploring the possible causal relations between SES and diet quality is the purpose of this review. Am J Clin Nutr 2008;
Relay Hybrid Precoding Design in Millimeter-Wave Massive MIMO Systems

This paper investigates the relay hybrid precoding design in millimeter-wave massive multiple-input multiple-output systems. The optimal design of the relay hybrid precoding is highly nonconvex, due to the six-order polynomial objective function, six-order polynomial constraint, and constant-modulus constraints. To efficiently solve this challenging nonconvex problem, we first reformulate it into three quadratic subproblems, where one of the subproblems is convex and the other two are nonconvex. Then, we propose an iterative successive approximation (ISA) algorithm to attain the high-approximate optimal solution to the original problem. Specifically, in the proposed ISA algorithm, we first convert the two nonconvex subproblems to convex ones by the relaxation of the constant-modulus constraints, and then we solve the three corresponding convex subproblems iteratively. We theoretically prove that the ISA algorithm converges to a Karush–Kuhn–Tucker point of the original problem. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed ISA algorithm achieves good performance in terms of achievable rate in both full-connected and subconnected relay hybrid precoding systems.
Speciation in the Deep Sea: Multi-Locus Analysis of Divergence and Gene Flow between Two Hybridizing Species of Hydrothermal Vent Mussels

Background Reconstructing the history of divergence and gene flow between closely-related organisms has long been a difficult task of evolutionary genetics. Recently, new approaches based on the coalescence theory have been developed to test the existence of gene flow during the process of divergence. The deep sea is a motivating place to apply these new approaches. Differentiation by adaptation can be driven by the heterogeneity of the hydrothermal environment while populations should not have been strongly perturbed by climatic oscillations, the main cause of geographic isolation at the surface. Methodology/Principal Finding Samples of DNA sequences were obtained for seven nuclear loci and a mitochondrial locus in order to conduct a multi-locus analysis of divergence and gene flow between two closely related and hybridizing species of hydrothermal vent mussels, Bathymodiolus azoricus and B. puteoserpentis. The analysis revealed that (i) the two species have started to diverge approximately 0.760 million years ago, (ii) the B. azoricus population size was 2 to 5 time greater than the B. puteoserpentis and the ancestral population and (iii) gene flow between the two species occurred over the complete species range and was mainly asymmetric, at least for the chromosomal regions studied. Conclusions/Significance A long history of gene flow has been detected between the two Bathymodiolus species. However, it proved very difficult to conclusively distinguish secondary introgression from ongoing parapatric differentiation. As powerful as coalescence approaches could be, we are left by the fact that natural populations often deviates from standard assumptions of the underlying model. A more direct observation of the history of recombination at one of the seven loci studied suggests an initial period of allopatric differentiation during which recombination was blocked between lineages. Even in the deep sea, geographic isolation may well be a crucial promoter of speciation.
Dynamics of Molecular Evolution and Phylogeography of Barley yellow dwarf virus-PAV

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) species PAV occurs frequently in irrigated wheat fields worldwide and can be efficiently transmitted by aphids. Isolates of BYDV-PAV from different countries show great divergence both in genomic sequences and pathogenicity. Despite its economical importance, the genetic structure of natural BYDV-PAV populations, as well as of the mechanisms maintaining its high diversity, remain poorly explored. In this study, we investigate the dynamics of BYDV-PAV genome evolution utilizing time-structured data sets of complete genomic sequences from 58 isolates from different hosts obtained worldwide. First, we observed that BYDV-PAV exhibits a high frequency of homologous recombination. Second, our analysis revealed that BYDV-PAV genome evolves under purifying selection and at a substitution rate similar to other RNA viruses (3.158×10−4 nucleotide substitutions/site/year). Phylogeography analyses show that the diversification of BYDV-PAV can be explained by local geographic adaptation as well as by host-driven adaptation. These results increase our understanding of the diversity, molecular evolutionary characteristics and epidemiological properties of an economically important plant RNA virus.
The Accuracies of Himawari-8 and MTSAT-2 Sea-Surface Temperatures in the Tropical Western Pacific Ocean

Over several decades, improving the accuracy of Sea-Surface Temperatures (SSTs) derived from satellites has been a subject of intense research, and continues to be so. Knowledge of the accuracy of the SSTs is critical for weather and climate predictions, and many research and operational applications. In 2015, the operational Japanese MTSAT-2 geostationary satellite was replaced by the Himawari-8, which has a visible and infrared imager with higher spatial and temporal resolutions than its predecessor. In this study, data from both satellites during a three-month overlap period were compared with subsurface in situ temperature measurements from the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) array and self-recording thermometers at the depths of corals of the Great Barrier Reef. Results show that in general the Himawari-8 provides more accurate SST measurements compared to those from MTSAT-2. At various locations, where in situ measurements were taken, the mean Himawari-8 SST error shows an improvement of ~0.15 K. Sources of the differences between the satellite-derived SST and the in situ temperatures were related to wind speed and diurnal heating.
Amplicon Sequencing Reveals Microbiological Signatures in Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Basins

Water quality is an important determinant for the structural integrity of alloy cladded fuels and assemblies during long-term wet storage. Detailed characterization of a water filled storage basin for spent nuclear reactor fuel was performed following the formation and proliferation of an amorphous white flocculent. White precipitant was sampled throughout the storage basin for chemical and spectroscopic characterization, and environmental DNA was extracted for 454 pyrosequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene diversity. Accordingly, spectroscopic analyses indicated the precipitant to be primarily amorphous to crystalline aluminum (oxy) hydroxides with minor associated elemental components including Fe, Si, Ti, and U. High levels of organic carbon were co-localized with the precipitant relative to bulk dissolved organic concentrations. Bacterial densities were highly variable between sampling locations and with depth within the water filled storage basin; cell numbers ranged from 4 × 103to 4 × 104 cells/mL. Bacterial diversity that was physically associated with the aluminum (oxy) hydroxide complexes exceeded an estimated 4,000 OTUs/amplicon library (3% cutoff) and the majority of sequences were aligned to the families Burkholderiaceae (23%), Nitrospiraceae (23%), Hyphomicrobiaceae (17%), and Comamonadaceae (6%). We surmise that episodic changes in the physical and chemical properties of the basin contribute to the polymerization of aluminum (oxy) hydroxides, which in turn can chemisorb nutrients, carbon ligands and bacterial cells from the surrounding bulk aqueous phase. As such, these precipitants should establish favorable microhabitats for bacterial colonization and growth. Comparative analyses of 16S rRNA gene amplicon libraries across a selection of natural and engineered aquatic ecosystems were performed and microbial community and taxonomic signatures unique to the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) storage basin environment were revealed. These insights could spur the development of tractable bio-indicators that are specific of and diagnostic for water quality at discrete locations and finer scales of resolution, marking an important contribution for improved water quality and management of SNF storage facilities.
Eliminate Gender Differences in Sexuality Women , Men , and the Bedroom : Methodological and Conceptual Insights

Many researchers have elucidated large, well-established, and reliable gender differences in sexuality, but relatively few have empirically examined conditions under which these differences can be eliminated. This article investigates some established sexuality gender differences in greater depth. We demonstrate how creative theoretical and empirical approaches may shed light on prevalent misconceptions concerning sex-related gender differences.
Job autonomy in relation to work engagement and workaholism: Mediation of autonomous and controlled work motivation.

OBJECTIVES This study integrates the Self Determination Theory and the Job Demands-Resource model in explaining motivational antecedents of 2 forms of excessive work: work engagement and workaholism. It specifically examines the relationship between job autonomy, situational work motivation, work engagement, and workaholism. MATERIAL AND METHODS The sample comprised 318 full-time employees of an international outsourcing company located in Poland. The mediation analysis was used for testing hypotheses about the mediation of autonomous and controlled motivation in the relationship between job autonomy, work engagement, and workaholism. RESULTS The results have confirmed that autonomous motivation mediates the relationship between job autonomy and work engagement. The assumption about the mediation role of controlled motivation in the relationship between job autonomy and workaholism has not been confirmed; however, external regulation (i.e., controlled motivation) is a significant predictor of workaholism. CONCLUSIONS Giving employees more job autonomy might increase their intrinsic and identified regulation and may therefore lead to more energetic, enthusiastic, and dedicated engagement with their jobs. Workaholism may be predicted by external regulation, and work characteristics other than job autonomy may play an important role in enhancing this controlled type of motivation. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(4):445-458.
Mn4+-Doped Magnesium Titanate—A Promising Phosphor for Self-Referenced Optical Temperature Sensing

Phosphors based on magnesium titanate activated with Mn4+ ions are of great interest because, when excited with blue light, they display a strong red-emitting luminescence. They are characterized by a luminescence decay which is strongly temperature dependent in the range from −50 ∘C to 150 ∘C, making these materials very promising for temperature sensing in the biochemical field. In this work, the optical and thermal properties of the luminescence of Mg2TiO4 are investigated for different Mn4+ doping concentrations. The potential of this material for temperature sensing is demonstrated by fabricating a fiber optic temperature microsensor and by comparing its performance against a standard resistance thermometer. The response of the fiber optic sensor is exceptionally fast, with a response time below 1 s in the liquid phase and below 1.1 s in the gas phase.
Optimal distributed generation placement using hybrid technique

Incorporation of distributed generation (DG) units energized by renewable energy resources (especially wind and solar) at distribution level have generated a greater interest in the recent years. Power loss reduction and voltage profile improvement are the main concern for distributed generator integration. Most of the methods for optimal generation placement using analytical and particle swarm optimization (PSO), computes the active power injection such that the objective function is obtained. In this paper, a new hybrid technique has been proposed for placing distributed generation with optimal power injections on power distribution systems for loss reduction. The active power injection from distributed generator is obtained using particle swarm optimization and reactive power injection is obtained by summing up the reactive loads and losses of all the branches fed by the distributed generator. This hybrid technique has been tested on IEEE 33 bus system and results are presented.
A presumed antagonistic LPS identifies distinct functional organization of TLR4 in mouse microglia

Microglia as principle innate immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) are the first line of defense against invading pathogens. They are capable of sensing infections through diverse receptors, such as Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). This receptor is best known for its ability to recognize bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a causative agent of gram‐negative sepsis and septic shock. A putative, naturally occurring antagonist of TLR4 derives from the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. However, the antagonistic potential of R. sphaeroides LPS (Rs‐LPS) is no universal feature, since several studies suggested agonistic rather than antagonistic actions of this molecule depending on the investigated mammalian species. Here we show the agonistic versus antagonistic potential of Rs‐LPS in primary mouse microglia. We demonstrate that Rs‐LPS efficiently induces the release of cytokines and chemokines, which depends on TLR4, MyD88, and TRIF, but not CD14. Furthermore, Rs‐LPS is able to regulate the phagocytic capacity of microglia as agonist, while it antagonizes Re‐LPS‐induced MHC I expression. Finally, to our knowledge, we are the first to provide in vivo evidence for an agonistic potential of Rs‐LPS, as it efficiently triggers the recruitment of peripheral immune cells to the endotoxin‐challenged CNS. Together, our results argue for a versatile and complex organization of the microglial TLR4 system, which specifically translates exogenous signals into cellular functions. Importantly, as demonstrated here for microglia, the antagonistic potential of Rs‐LPS needs to be considered with caution, as reactions to Rs‐LPS not only differ by cell type, but even by function within one cell type.
Model multilayer toughened thermosetting advanced composites

A model multilayer toughened high-performance thermosetting matrix composite was developed and the interlaminar fracture toughness was measured in modes I and II. Processing was accomplished using two impregnation steps followed by an autoclave curing process to consolidate the final laminate. The final multilayer laminate structure contained layers of matrix resin with reinforcing carbon fibers separated by thin layers of matrix resin with modifier particles. Characterization of the processing was examined in terms of impregnation and final laminate morphologies. Structure-property relationships were evaluated by measuring the mode-I and -II interlaminar fracture toughness of the multilayer structure in comparison to the fracture toughness of a conventional composite with the same resin content but without the interlayer structure. The mode-II fracture toughness increased from 530 to 1135 J/m{sup 2}. No changes were observed in the mode-I fracture toughness. 20 refs., 9 figs.
Peer Victimization in Adolescents With Severe Obesity: The Roles of Self-Worth and Social Support in Associations With Psychosocial Adjustment

Objective To examine the associations of peer victimization with internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, social competence, and academic performance in a clinical sample of adolescents with severe obesity, and whether self-worth and social support affect these associations. Methods Multisite cross-sectional data from 139 adolescents before weight loss surgery ( M age = 16.9; 79.9% female, 66.2% White; M Body Mass Index [BMI] = 51.5 kg/m 2 ) and 83 nonsurgical comparisons ( M age = 16.1; 81.9% female, 54.2% White; M BMI = 46.9 kg/m 2 ) were collected using self-reports with standardized measures. Results As a group, participants did not report high levels of victimization. Self-worth mediated the effects of victimization on a majority of measures of adjustment, and further analyses provided evidence of the buffering effect of social support for some mediational models. Conclusions Self-worth and social support are important targets for prevention and intervention for both victimization and poor adjustment in adolescent severe obesity.
An overview of resistance profiles ESKAPE pathogens from 2010-2015 in a tertiary respiratory center in Romania.

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) is an umbrella term that covers a wide spectrum of diseases, comprising mild and severe, acute and chronic conditions. A wide spectrum of pathogens can be implicated, from viruses to pyogenic and atypical bacteria. A special place should be reserved for slow growing bacteria (Mycobacteria spp., Nocardia spp.) and parasites (i.e., hydatic cysts caused by Echinococcus granulosus). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to observe, analyze and establish the drug susceptibility patterns for Enterococcus spp. , Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella spp. , Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp. (the ESKAPE pathogens) in the "Marius Nasta" Institute for Pulmonary Medicine (MNIPM), Bucharest, Romania. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective healthcare record based study was undertaken to establish the drug susceptibility patterns. We assessed all antibiograms of the ESKAPE pathogens isolated from respiratory samples from adult inpatients hospitalized between 2010-2015 at the MNIPM. RESULTS We analyzed 2859 isolates (61% of the 4683 ESKAPE isolates). P. aeruginosa was the most frequent pathogen, while Enterococcus spp. and Enterobacter spp. were practically non-present. The antibiotic profile of P. aeruginosa isolates presented more resistance in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)÷Surgery wards, probably resulting from antibiotic pressure. The other non-fermenter, A. baumannii, while less frequent (and the only pathogen more frequent in the surgery department) had an even more resistant profile, to almost all antibiotics, with the exception of Colistin. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) accounted for about 60% of all isolates, more in the ICU÷Surgery ward. K. pneumoniae presents a less resistance and shows more stability when analyzing the antibiogram pattern in the Medical wards. DISCUSSION For methodological or procedural reasons, Enterococcus spp. and Enterobacter spp. were underrepresented in the study. Interventional programs comprising antibiotic stewardship and active surveillance need to be implemented to alleviate the antibiotic profile. Further research needs to focus on more detailed characterization of the molecular mechanisms leading to the high resistance detailed herein. CONCLUSIONS This study adds to the body of literature reporting the antibiotic resistance landscape in Romania, for these highly resistant pathogens.
THE CHEMICAL EVOLUTION OF THE BOÖTES I ULTRA-FAINT DWARF GALAXY

We present chemical abundance measurements of two metal-poor red giant stars in the ultra-faint dwarf galaxy Boötes I, based on Magellan/MIKE high-resolution spectra. For Boo-980, with , we present the first elemental abundance measurements, while Boo-127, with , shows abundances in good agreement with previous measurements. Light and iron-peak element abundance ratios in the two Boötes I stars, as well as those of most other Boötes I members, collected from the literature, closely resemble those of regular metal-poor halo stars. Neutron-capture element abundances Sr and Ba are systematically lower than the main halo trend and also show a significant abundance spread. Overall, this is similar to what has been found for other ultra-faint dwarf galaxies. We apply corrections to the carbon abundances (commensurate with stellar evolutionary status) of the entire sample and find 21% of stars to be carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars, compared to 13% without using the carbon correction. We reassess the metallicity distribution functions for the CEMP stars and non-CEMP stars, and confirm earlier claims that CEMP stars might belong to a different, earlier population. Applying a set of abundance criteria to test to what extent Boötes I could be a surviving first galaxy suggests that it is one of the earliest assembled systems that perhaps received gas from accretion from other clouds in the system, or from swallowing a first galaxy or building block type object. This resulted in the two stellar populations observable today.