Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NDRG4 in gastric cancer determines tumor cell proliferation and clinical outcome

As a novel candidate tumor suppressor, NDRG4 is largely unstudied in human malignancies. In this study, we investigated the protein expression level of NDRG4 in gastric cancer and its association with outcome of patients. In the present study, we recruited 286 patients with gastric cancer and investigated the protein and mRNA expression of NDRG4 in cancer and adjacent normal specimens by immunohistochemistry assay and real‐time PCR. The association of NDRG4 level with clinicopathological characteristics was investigated by appropriate statistical analysis. NDRG4 overexpression and knockdown cell lines were established in order to detect its impact on proliferation and apoptosis. Significant decreased protein and mRNA expression of NDRG4 was found in gastric cancer, compared with adjacent normal specimens. Besides, it was found that NDRG4 protein expression in gastric cancer was significantly associated with tumor differentiation, invasion, metastasis, and stage. Patients with tumors of decreased NDRG4 level were more likely to have unfavorable disease‐free and overall survival, in both univariate and multivariate analysis. In addition, overexpression of NDRG4 suppressed cell proliferation of gastric cancer cells in vitro; conversely, the proliferation of gastric cancer cells were enhanced by knockdown of NDRG4. These results proved for the first time that NDRG4 could be a potential tumor suppressor and prognostic marker of gastric cancer.
Ultra-obligatory running among ultramarathon runners

ABSTRACT Participants in the Ultrarunners Longitudinal TRAcking (ULTRA) Study were asked to answer “yes” or “no” to the question “If you were to learn, with absolute certainty, that ultramarathon running is bad for your health, would you stop your ultramarathon training and participation? ” Among the 1349 runners, 74.1% answered “no”. Compared with those answering “yes”, they were younger (p < 0.0001), less likely to be married (p = 0.019), had less children (p = 0.0095), had a lower health orientation (p < 0.0001) though still high, and higher personal goal achievement (p = 0.0066), psychological coping (p < 0.0001) and life meaning (p = 0.0002) scores on the Motivations of Marathoners Scales. Despite a high health orientation, most ultramarathon runners would not stop running if they learned it was bad for their health as it appears to serve their psychological and personal achievement motivations and their task orientation such that they must perceive enhanced benefits that are worth retaining at the risk of their health.
Evidence for Viral Interference and Cross-reactive Protective Immunity Between Influenza B Virus Lineages

Background Two influenza B virus lineages, B/Victoria and B/Yamagata, cocirculate in the human population. While the lineages are serologically distinct, cross-reactive responses to both lineages have been detected. Viral interference describes the situation whereby infection with one virus limits infection and replication of a second virus. We investigated the potential for viral interference between the influenza B virus lineages. Methods Ferrets were infected and then challenged 3, 10, or 28 days later with pairs of influenza B/Victoria and B/Yamagata viruses. Results Viral interference occurred at challenge intervals of 3 and 10 days and occasionally at 28 days. At the longer interval, shedding of challenge virus was reduced, and this correlated with cross-reactive interferon γ responses from lymph nodes from virus-infected animals. Viruses from both lineages could prevent or significantly limit subsequent infection with a virus from the other lineage. Coinfections were rare, indicating the potential for reassortment between lineages is limited. Conclusions These data suggest that innate and cross-reactive immunity mediate viral interference and that this may contribute to the dominance of a specific influenza B virus lineage in any given influenza season. Furthermore, infection with one influenza B virus lineage may be beneficial in protecting against subsequent infection with either influenza B virus lineage.
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Motivation: Efficient models for genetic linkage disequilibrium are needed to enable appropriate statistical analysis of the dense, genome wide single nucleotide polymorphism assays currently available. Results: Estimation of graphical models for linkage disequilibrium within a restricted class of decomposable models is shown to be possible using computer time and storage that scale linearly with the number of loci. Programs for estimation and for simulating from these models on a whole genome basis are described and provided. Availability: Java classes and source code for IntervalLD and GeneDrops are freely available over the internet at http://bioinformatics.med.utah.edu/∼alun. Contact: alun@genepi.med.utah.edu
Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Symbiotic Specificity in Legume-Rhizobium Interactions

Legumes are able to form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria called rhizobia. The result of this symbiosis is to form nodules on the plant root, within which the bacteria can convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia that can be used by the plant. Establishment of a successful symbiosis requires the two symbiotic partners to be compatible with each other throughout the process of symbiotic development. However, incompatibility frequently occurs, such that a bacterial strain is unable to nodulate a particular host plant or forms nodules that are incapable of fixing nitrogen. Genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate symbiotic specificity are diverse, involving a wide range of host and bacterial genes/signals with various modes of action. In this review, we will provide an update on our current knowledge of how the recognition specificity has evolved in the context of symbiosis signaling and plant immunity.
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes Development and Validation of an Eating Disorders Symptom Impact Scale (edsis) for Carers of People with Eating Disorders

Background: Family members of relatives with eating disorders experience high levels of distress due to the difficulties in their care giving role. However no measures have been developed to measure the specific impact that an individual with an eating disorder has on family life. The aim of this study was to develop a measure to assess the specific caregiving burden of both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. A secondary aim was to examine whether this measure was sensitive to change.
Finite element modeling of micro-milling: Numerical simulation and experimental validation

ABSTRACT In this study, micro-milling of Inconel 718 was investigated. For this purpose, cutting tests were conducted by using uncoated tools and taking four different feed rates (1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 µm/flute) and a constant cutting velocity (48 m/min) into account. In numerical modeling, thermomechanical behavior was modeled using the modified Johnson–Cook material model. Analyses were also conducted for different cutting tool edge angles (+8°, 0, and −8°). In the numerical analyses, cutting force, tool stress, and cutting temperature values were estimated depending on tool rotation and cutting tool edge type and compared with experimental results. When the results obtained from the study are considered, it is seen that the experimental cutting force and temperature values are in harmony with the numerical results. Moreover, it is seen that there is an increase in cutting force, cutting temperature, and stress values depending on the feed rate. In addition, in the numerical analyses for different cutting tool edge geometries it was observed that cutting force temperature and tool stress values varied depending on the edge geometries.
The diet of adolescents can be improved by school intervention

Abstract Objective To decrease the intake of sucrose, increase the intake of fibre and the consumption of fruit and vegetables among secondary-school pupils. Design Intervention study among eighth grade pupils during one school year. Data were collected by questionnaires and from a subgroup of pupils by 48 h dietary recall at baseline in spring 2007 and after the intervention in 2008. Setting Twelve secondary schools were randomly allocated to intervention (IS) and control schools (CS) within three cities. Intervention included nutrition education and improvement of the food environment focusing particularly on the quality of snacks at school. Subjects A total of 659 pupils completed the questionnaires and the dietary recall was obtained from 287 pupils both at baseline and follow-up. Results The frequency of consumption of rye bread increased (P = 0·03) and that of sweets decreased (P = 0·006) among girls in the IS. The intake of sucrose fell among IS pupils, from 12·8 % to 10·5 % of the total energy intake (P = 0·01). Intake of fruit (g/MJ) remained the same in IS, whereas it decreased in CS (P = 0·04). Conclusions Sugar intake can be lowered by improving the quality of snacks, but it is more difficult to increase fibre intake and fruit and vegetable consumption unless the content of school lunches can be modified. It is the responsibility of the adults working in schools to create a healthy environment and to make healthy choices easy for pupils.
Preparation and characterization of polystyrene/starch blends for packaging applications

Polystyrene/thermoplastic starch blends from 90/10 to 50/50 (w/w) were prepared by melt blending. Blends were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (morphology); thermogravimetric analysis (thermal stability and weight content of each component); Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (identification of functional groups); differential scanning calorimetry (thermal properties); tensile tests (strength, modulus, elongation at break and tenacity) and biodegradation in soil (biodegradability). The biodegradation process was also followed by thermogravimetric analysis calculating the loss of each component after removing the samples from soil at different time intervals. Scanning electron microscopy results showed good starch dispersion in the blend. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested that only physical interaction took place between the polystyrene and the thermoplastic starch. The tensile tests revealed a considerable decrease in the mechanical properties of the polystyrene-thermoplastic starch blends as a function of the thermoplastic starch content. The 50/50 blend showed decreases of 48% in the Young’s modulus, 62% in the tensile strength and increases of 62% in the elongation at break, in comparison to neat polystyrene. The biodegradability tests showed that the greater the thermoplastic starch concentration in the blend, the faster the mass loss, which was also confirmed by the thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis.
Numerical modeling of cellular/dendritic array growth: Spacing and undercooling predictions

A numerical model of cellular and dendritic growth has been developed which can predict cellular and dendritic spacing, undercoolings and the transition between structures. Fully self consistent solutions are produced for axisymmetric interface shapes. An important feature of the model is that the spacing selection mechanism has been treated. A small stable range of spacings is predicted both for cells and dendrites and these agree well with experiment both at low and at high velocities. By suitable non-dimensionalization relatively simple analytic expressions can be used to fit the numerical results.
The role of intersection and street design on severity of bicycle-motor vehicle crashes

Background Safety concerns are a major barrier to cycling. Intersection and street design variables such as intersection angles and street width might contribute to the severity of crashes and the safety concerns. In this study we examined whether these design variables were associated with bicycle-motor vehicle crashes (BMVC) severity. Methods Using the geographical information system and latitudes/longitudes recorded by the police using a global positioning device, we extracted intersection angles, street width, bicycle facilities, posted speed limits and annual average daily traffic from 3266 BMVC data from New York City police records. Additional variables about BMVC, including age and sex of the bicyclist, time of the day, road surface conditions, road character, vehicle type and injury severity, were obtained from police reports. Injury severity was classified as severe (incapacitating or killed) or non-severe (non-incapacitating, possible injury). The associations between injury severity and environment design variables were examined using multivariate log-binomial regression model. Findings Compared with crashes at orthogonal intersections, crashes at non-orthogonal intersections had 1.37 times (95% CI 1.05 to 1.80) and non-intersection street segments had 1.31 times (95% CI 1.01 to 1.70) higher risk of a severe injury. Crashes that involved a truck or a bus were twice as likely to result in a severe injury outcome; street width was not significantly associated with injury severity. Conclusion Crashes at non-orthogonal intersections and non-intersection segments are more likely to result in higher injury severity. The findings can be used to improve road design and develop effective safety interventions.
Waves in Turbulent Stably-Stratified Shear Flow

Two approaches for the identification of internal gravity waves in sheared and unsheared homogeneous stratified turbulence are investigated. First, the phase angle between the vertical velocity and density fluctuations is considered. It was found, however, that a continuous distribution of the phase angle is present in weakly and strongly stratified flow. Second, a projection onto the solution of the linearized inviscid equations of motion of unsheared stratified flow is investigated. It was found that a solution of the fully nonlinear viscous Navier-Stokes equations can be represented by the linearized inviscid solution. The projection yields a decomposition into vertical wave modes and horizontal vortical modes.
Sr-Nd isotope composition of the Bay of Bengal sediments : Impact of climate on erosion in the Himalaya

A temporal high-resolution analysis of Sr‐Nd isotopic composition, Fe, Al and V concentration and magnetic susceptibility (MS) has been carried out in a sediment core from the western Bay of Bengal to trace sediment sources. Significant variations in the Sr and Nd isotopic composition and corresponding MS and elemental Fe/Al and V/Al ratios are observed in the sediment core with depth (time) indicating variable contributions from sources. The observed changes in the sediment provenance correlate well with the climatic record of the region, highlighting the important influence of climate over erosion. Relatively lower 87 Sr/ 86 Sr and higher eNd corresponding to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) suggests proportionally reduced sediment contribution from the Himalaya. Erosion rate over the Himalaya decreased during LGM due to combined influence of reduced intensity of the southwest monsoon and larger extent of glaciations over the Higher Himalaya, the main source of sediments to the Bay of Bengal.
Orthogonal 19 F-Labeling for Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy Reveals the Conformation and Orientation of Short Peptaibols in Membranes.

Peptaibols are promising drug candidates in view of their interference with cellular membranes. Knowledge of their lipid interactions and membrane-bound structure is needed to understand their activity and should be, in principle, accessible by solid-state NMR spectroscopy. However, their unusual amino acid composition and noncanonical conformations make it very challenging to find suitable labels for NMR spectroscopy. Particularly in the case of short sequences, new strategies are required to maximize the structural information that can be obtained from each label. Herein, l-3-(trifluoromethyl)bicyclopent[1.1. 1]-1-ylglycine, (R)- and (S)-trifluoromethylalanine, and 15 N-backbone labels, each probing a different direction in the molecule, have been combined to elucidate the conformation and membrane alignment of harzianin HK-VI. For the short sequence of 11 amino acids, 12 orientational constraints have been obtained by using 19 F and 15 N NMR spectroscopy. This strategy revealed a β-bend ribbon structure, which becomes realigned in the membrane from a surface-parallel state towards a membrane-spanning state, with increasing positive spontaneous curvature of the lipids.
Clinician-initiated research on treating the host response to pandemic influenza

ABSTRACT To prepare for the next influenza pandemic and other emerging virus diseases, scientists and health officials are focused on developing new vaccines and treatments that target these viruses. Ideally, these interventions could be highly effective, but for many practical reasons these “top down” efforts are unlikely to provide clinicians with what they will need to manage their patients. As a “bottom up” alternative, combinations of generic drugs like statins and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) might be used to treat the host response to infection. These drugs counteract endothelial dysfunction, a central abnormality in these diseases. Observational studies in patients with influenza, pneumonia, sepsis and Ebola suggest they might work. During the 1918 influenza pandemic, children were infected more frequently than adults, but their mortality rate was much lower. Their survival was probably due to better tolerance (reduced pathogen damage), not greater resistance (reduced pathogen burden). The same pattern of susceptibility characterizes other infectious diseases, and it probably reflects the heritage of human evolution. Drugs like statins and ARBs can metabolically reprogram the host response and improve tolerance to infection. Treating the host response is not on the research agendas of international agencies responsible for pandemic preparedness. Consequently, clinicians might have to undertake clinical trials in patients hospitalised with seasonal influenza, pneumonia and sepsis in order to show convincingly whether treating the host response would work. Most candidate generic drugs are inexpensive, widely available, known to be safe and used by clinicians every day. Demonstrating their efficacy would mean that patients in all countries would have access to treatment on the first pandemic or epidemic day.
Salivary glycopatterns as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is still an extremely severe health issue with high mortality due to the lacking of effective biomarkers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the alterations of salivary protein glycosylation related to GC and assess the possibility of salivary glycopatterns as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of GC. Firstly, 94 patients with GC (n = 64) and atrophic gastritis (AG) (n = 30), as well as 30 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (HV) were enrolled in the test group to probe the difference of salivary glycopatterns using lectin microarrays, the results were validated by saliva microarrays and lectin blotting analysis. Then, the diagnostic model of GC (Model GC) and AG (Model AG) were constructed based on 15 candidate lectins which exhibited significant alterations of salivary glycopattern by logistic stepwise regression. Finally, two diagnostic models were assessed in the validation group including HV (n = 30) and patients with GC (n = 23) and AG (n = 24) and achieved high diagnostic power (Model GC (AUC: 0.89, sensitivity: 0.96 and specificity: 0.80), Model AG (AUC: 0.83, sensitivity: 0.92 and specificity: 0.72)). This study provides pivotal information to distinguish HV, AG and GC based on precise alterations in salivary glycopatterns, which have great potential to be biomarkers for diagnosis of GC.
Brazilian Multicentre Study on Preterm Birth (EMIP): Prevalence and Factors Associated with Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Background Preterm birth rate is increasing and is currently a worldwide concern. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of preterm birth in a sample of health facilities in Brazil and to identify the main risk factors associated with spontaneous preterm births. Methods and Findings This was a multicentre cross sectional study on preterm births in 20 referral obstetric hospitals with a case-control component to identify factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth. Surveillance was implemented at all centres to identify preterm births. For eligible consenting women, data were collected through a post-delivery questionnaire completed with information from all mother-newborn medical records until death or discharge or at a maximum of 60 days post-delivery, whichever came first. The risk of spontaneous preterm birth was estimated with OR and 95%CI for several predictors. A non-conditional logistic regression analysis was then performed to identify independently associated factors. The overall prevalence of preterm birth was 12.3%. Among them, 64.6% were spontaneous and 35.4% therapeutic. In the case-control component, 2,682 spontaneous preterm births were compared to a sample of 1,146 term births. Multivariate analyses identified the following as risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth among women with at least one previous birth: a previous preterm birth (ORadj = 3.19, 2.30–4.43), multiple pregnancy (ORadj = 29.06, 8.43–100.2), cervical insufficiency (ORadj = 2.93, 1.07–8.05), foetal malformation (ORadj = 2.63, 1.43–4.85), polyhydramnios (ORadj = 2.30, 1.17–4.54), vaginal bleeding (ORadj = 2.16, 1.50–3.11), and previous abortion (ORadj = 1.39, 1.08–1.78). High BMI (ORadj = 0.94, 0.91–0.97) and weight gain during gestation (ORadj = 0.92, 0.89–0.95) were found to be protective factors. Conclusions The preterm birth rate in these health facilities in Brazil is high and spontaneous preterm births account for two thirds of them. A better understanding of the factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth is of utmost importance for planning effective measures to reduce the burden of its increasing rates.
Comparison of Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network in Predicting the Microwave-Assisted Extraction Procedure to Determine Zinc in Fish Muscles

In this paper, the estimation capacities of the response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN), in a microwave-assisted extraction method to determine the amount of zinc in fish samples were investigated. The experiments were carried out based on a 3-level, 4-variable Box–Behnken design. The amount of zinc was considered as a function of four independent variables, namely irradiation power, irradiation time, nitric acid concentration, and temperature. The RSM results showed the quadratic polynomial model can be used to describe the relationship between the various factors and the response. Using the ANN analysis, the optimal configuration of the ANN model was found to be 4-10-1. After predicting the model using RSM and ANN, two methodologies were then compared for their predictive capabilities. The results showed that the ANN model is much more accurate in prediction as compared to the RSM.