Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metamaterial absorber integrated microfluidic terahertz sensors

Spatial overlap between the electromagnetic fields and the analytes is a key factor for strong light‐matter interaction leading to high sensitivity for label‐free refractive index sensing. Usually, the overlap and therefore the sensitivity are limited by either the localized near field of plasmonic antennas or the decayed resonant mode outside the cavity applied to monitor the refractive index variation. In this paper, by constructing a metal microstructure array‐dielectric‐metal (MDM) structure, a novel metamaterial absorber integrated microfluidic (MAIM) sensor is proposed and demonstrated in terahertz (THz) range, where the dielectric layer of the MDM structure is hollow and acts as the microfluidic channel. Tuning the electromagnetic parameters of metamaterial absorber, greatly confined electromagnetic fields can be obtained in the channel resulting in significantly enhanced interaction between the analytes and the THz wave. A high sensitivity of 3.5 THz/RIU is predicted. The experimental results of devices working around 1 THz agree with the simulation ones well. The proposed idea to integrate metamaterial and microfluid with a large light‐matter interaction can be extended to other frequency regions and has promising applications in matter detection and biosensing.
Physiological differences associated with genetic differences in egg production. 1. Organ and endocrine gland weights.

Abstract PHYSIOLOGICAL studies indicate that the pituitary hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, control follicle growth and ovulation (Sturkie, 1965). Other hormones and physiological substances affect egg production but their effects are generally through effects on general body metabolism (reviewed by Sturkie, 1965). However, there have been very few studies of the physiological nature of genetic differences (especially those produced by selection) in egg production. This is unfortunate since genetic differences provide ideal material for studies of the physiological bases of differences in productive traits. Genetic differences produced by selection can provide large differences to work with, they can be replicated, and the physiological differences detected are likely to be those of most importance, i.e. they provide the same advantages that mutants provide in molecular biology. As organ and endocrine gland weights are generally believed to be indicators of functional and secretory status they provide an ideal starting point for such…
Evaluation of the role of metabolites in the diagnosis of the brain tumors using the MRS of the intensified nuclear magnet

Nowadays brain tumors remain as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are often treatment refractory. The grading of brain tumor has an important implication in clinical management. Currently, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an important modality in evaluating and grading brain tumors. The aim of this study is evaluation of metabolites in the differentiation of brain tumors and grading of brain gliomas using HMRS (proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy). The studies were performed using single voxel MRS ،3Tesla with pulse of sequence used for MRS was point resolved single volume spectroscopy (PRESS)with repetition time (TR) 1000-6000ms and echo time (TE) 36-136ms and The detected distinguished metabolites was included Choline (Cho), Creatin (Cr), and N-acetyl a aspartate (NAA), 37cases had data which passed quality control. The Patient ages ranged from 7 To 81 years, 17 were male and 20 female.MRS data was processed using SYNGO software to give mean spectra and metabolite concentrations which were compared using min it a band SPSS. To test the primary hypothesis, univariate logistic regression was performed on each individual measured metabolite quantity. Significant differences were found in concentrations of key metabolites and Cho/NAA and Cho/Cr ratios using T-test and significance ( P ≤0.05). In the assessment of age rate and tumor grading, the malignancies of brain tumors did not correlate with patients’ ages as well as sexuality. MRS can detect subtle differences between low grade brain tumors in children and should form part of the clinical assessment of these tumors.
The TORC2-Dependent Signaling Network in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

To grow, eukaryotic cells must expand by inserting glycerolipids, sphingolipids, sterols, and proteins into their plasma membrane, and maintain the proper levels and bilayer distribution. A fungal cell must coordinate growth with enlargement of its cell wall. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a plasma membrane-localized protein kinase complex, Target of Rapamicin (TOR) complex-2 (TORC2) (mammalian ortholog is mTORC2), serves as a sensor and master regulator of these plasma membrane- and cell wall-associated events by directly phosphorylating and thereby stimulating the activity of two types of effector protein kinases: Ypk1 (mammalian ortholog is SGK1), along with a paralog (Ypk2); and, Pkc1 (mammalian ortholog is PKN2/PRK2). Ypk1 is a central regulator of pathways and processes required for plasma membrane lipid and protein homeostasis, and requires phosphorylation on its T-loop by eisosome-associated protein kinase Pkh1 (mammalian ortholog is PDK1) and a paralog (Pkh2). For cell survival under various stresses, Ypk1 function requires TORC2-mediated phosphorylation at multiple sites near its C terminus. Pkc1 controls diverse processes, especially cell wall synthesis and integrity. Pkc1 is also regulated by Pkh1- and TORC2-dependent phosphorylation, but, in addition, by interaction with Rho1-GTP and lipids phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) and diacylglycerol (DAG). We also describe here what is currently known about the downstream substrates modulated by Ypk1-mediated and Pkc1-mediated phosphorylation.
Fatalism, medical mistrust, and pretreatment health‐related quality of life in ethnically diverse prostate cancer patients

Few studies have examined the impact of cultural processes prevalent in minority ethnic groups such as cancer fatalism and medical mistrust on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) following a cancer diagnosis. The present study examined relationships among ethnicity, HRQoL, and two possible cultural vulnerability factors—fatalistic attitudes and medical mistrust—among an ethnically diverse sample of men with prostate cancer (PC) prior to undergoing active treatment.
Everything We Do, You Do: The Licensing Effect of Prosocial Marketing Messages on Consumer Behavior

Do prosocial corporate marketing messages promote consumers' altruistic behaviors, or do they advance self-interested and self-indulgent actions? To answer this question, the current research investigates the impact of different framings of prosocial marketing messages on consumers' behaviors and choices more generally. Results from six laboratory studies and a field experiment demonstrate that exposure to messages that praise customers for good deeds can increase subsequent self-interested and self-indulgent behaviors more than messages that publicize a company's good deeds or thank consumers for their patronage. Our findings demonstrate the possibility that a temporary boost in one's self-concept drives this observed effect. In addition, the recipient's level of support for the issue praised for moderates the effect of customer-praise messages on the recipient's less altruistic behaviors. This paper concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and managerial implications. This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta, marketing.
The association between frequency of blood donation and the occurrence of low birthweight, preterm delivery, and stillbirth: a retrospective cohort study

Women who donate blood on a regular basis are at high risk of becoming iron depleted. Iron deficiency anemia has been shown to increase the risk of low birthweight and possibly preterm birth. Therefore, there is a concern that regular blood donation by female donors might adversely impact the well‐being of their offspring. This retrospective cohort study examined the association between blood donation and the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Dietary Quality and Adherence to Dietary Recommendations in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND The multiple dietary restrictions recommended to hemodialysis patients may be difficult to achieve and, at the same time, may result in nutritional deficiencies rendering a poor dietary quality. We here assess the dietary quality and adherence to renal-specific guideline recommendations among hemodialysis patients from a single center in Canary Islands, Spain. METHODS Cross-sectional study, including 91 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Clinical data and 3-day dietary records were collected. We compared patient's reported nutrients intake with guideline recommendations. We also evaluated their alignment with current American Heart Association dietary guidelines for cardiovascular prevention. RESULTS Seventy-seven percent and 50% of patients consumed less than the recommended daily energy and protein, respectively. Although half of the patients met the recommendations for dietary fat intake, this was accounted by an excess of saturated fat in 92% of them. Only 22% consumed sufficient fiber. A very small proportion of patients (less than 50%) met the requirements for vitamins and other micronutrients. Insufficient dietary intake was observed in most patients for all vitamins except for cobalamin. Similarly, inadequate dietary intake was observed for many minerals, by both excess (phosphorus, calcium, sodium, and potassium) and defect (magnesium). Most patients met the recommendations for iron and zinc in their diets. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of hemodialysis patients at our center did not meet current renal-specific dietary recommendations. The quality of the diet was considered poor and proatherogenic according to American Heart Association guidelines.
Fast Convergence of Best-Reply Dynamics in Aggregative Games

We consider small-influence aggregative games with a large number of players n. For this class of games we present a best-reply dynamic with the following two properties. First, the dynamic reaches Nash approximate equilibria in quasi-linear (in n) number of steps, and the quasi-linear bound is tight. Second, Nash approximate equilibria are played by the dynamic with a limit frequency that is exponentially (in n) close to 1.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors valproate and trichostatin A are toxic to neuroblastoma cells and modulate cytochrome P450 1A1, 1B1 and 3A4 expression in these cells

Histone deacetylase inhibitors valproate and trichostatin A are toxic to neuroblastoma cells and modulate cytochrome P450 1A1, 1B1 and 3A4 expression in these cells Histone deacetylase inhibitors such as valproic acid (VPA) and trichostatin A (TSA) were shown to exert antitumor activity. Here, the toxicity of both drugs to human neuroblastoma cell lines was investigated using MTT test, and IC50 values for both compounds were determined. Another target of this work was to evaluate the effects of both drugs on expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1, 1B1 and 3A4 enzymes, which are known to be expressed in neuroblastoma cells. A malignant subset of neuroblastoma cells, so-called N-type cells (UKF-NB-3 cells) and the more benign S-type neuroblastoma cells (UKF-NB-4 and SK-N-AS cell lines) were studied from both two points of view. VPA and TSA inhibited the growth of neuroblastoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. The IC50 values ranging from 1.0 to 2.8 mM and from 69.8 to 129.4 nM were found for VPA and TSA, respectively. Of the neuroblastoma tested here, the N-type UKF-NB-3 cell line was the most sensitive to both drugs. The different effects of VPA and TSA were found on expression of CYP1A1, 1B1 and 3A4 enzymes in individual neuroblastoma cells tested in the study. Protein expression of all these CYP enzymes in the S-type SK-N-AS cell line was not influenced by either of studied drugs. On the contrary, in another S-type cell line, UKF-NB-4, VPA and TSA induced expression of CYP1A1, depressed levels of CYP1B1 and had no effect on expression levels of CYP3A4 enzyme. In the N-type UKF-NB-3 cell line, the expression of CYP1A1 was strongly induced, while that of CYP1B1 depressed by VPA and TSA. VPA also induced the expression of CYP3A4 in this neuroblastoma cell line.
Evaluation of Moisture Content Changes in Taiwan Red Cypress During Drying Using Ultrasonic and Tap-Tone Testing

Moisture content affects most of the important properties of wood, therefore it is important to control during drying and in use. The purpose of this study was to investigate moisture content changes in Taiwan red cypress during drying. Two types of nondestructive testing were used, ultrasonic and tap-tone. The results showed that ultrasonic and tap-tone velocities increased with decreasing moisture content with the major effect below the FSP. A second-order regression relationship was found between ultrasonic and tap-tone velocities with moisture content desorption during drying with a coefficient of determination of 0.77 and 0.88, respectively. Moreover, the effects of moisture content desorption on dynamic moduli, calculated from ultrasonic and tap-tone methods, were demonstrated. Finally, a new parameter (Vi/Vx), the ratio of initial velocity (before drying) to the velocity at any moisture content, was effectively applied to evaluate moisture content changes in wood during drying. The tap-tone method was found to be a reliable tool to measure moisture content changes during the drying of wood.
Association of oral health literacy with oral health behaviors, perception, knowledge, and dental treatment related outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the association of oral health literacy (OHL) with oral health behaviors, perception, knowledge, and dental treatment related outcomes. METHODS Eight electronic databases were searched up until June 2017. Studies regarding the aforementioned outcomes measuring OHL through a validated instrument and in which OHL was an explanatory variable were included. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and analyzed the risk of bias of the studies. Meta-analysis using random effect modeling was undertaken. Pooled estimates were calculated with 95 percent confidence interval (CI) and odds ratios (OR). RESULTS Twenty-five studies were included in the systematic review and three in the meta-analysis. Most studies were cross-sectional (n = 21) and had a high risk of bias (n = 17). The meta-analysis showed no association between OHL and frequency of visit to the dentist for adults, either through bivariate analysis (OR = 1.25; 95 percent CI: 0.95-1.63) or multivariate analysis (OR = 1.90; 95 percent CI: 0.77-4.84). Dental anxiety and night bottle-feeding were associated with low OHL (P < 0.05). Most studies regarding tooth brushing frequency found no association with OHL. Most studies regarding oral health knowledge related outcomes reported an association with higher OHL. The literature was inconclusive regarding the association between OHL and dental treatment outcomes, oral health behaviors, and oral health perception. CONCLUSIONS The current scientific evidence suggests that no association exists between OHL and any of the outcomes investigated. Further prospective studies with a higher methodological quality are necessary to confirm the evidence.
Mathematical modeling and simulation in animal health. Part III: Using nonlinear mixed‐effects to characterize and quantify variability in drug pharmacokinetics

A common feature of human and veterinary pharmacokinetics is the importance of identifying and quantifying the key determinants of between-patient variability in drug disposition and effects. Some of these attributes are already well known to the field of human pharmacology such as bodyweight, age, or sex, while others are more specific to veterinary medicine, such as species, breed, and social behavior. Identification of these attributes has the potential to allow a better and more tailored use of therapeutic drugs both in companion and food-producing animals. Nonlinear mixed effects (NLME) have been purposely designed to characterize the sources of variability in drug disposition and response. The NLME approach can be used to explore the impact of population-associated variables on the relationship between drug administration, systemic exposure, and the levels of drug residues in tissues. The latter, while different from the method used by the US Food and Drug Administration for setting official withdrawal times (WT) can also be beneficial for estimating WT of approved animal drug products when used in an extralabel manner. Finally, NLME can also prove useful to optimize dosing schedules, or to analyze sparse data collected in situations where intensive blood collection is technically challenging, as in small animal species presenting limited blood volume such as poultry and fish.
Optimisation of steam distillation extraction oil from onion by response surface methodology and its chemical composition

Abstract Oil extraction from onion was performed by steam distillation. Response surface methodology was applied to evaluate the effects of ratio of water to raw material, extraction time, zymolysis temperature and distillation times on yield of onion oil. The maximum extraction yield (1.779‰) was obtained as following conditions: ratio of water to raw material was 1, extraction time was 2.5 h, zymolysis temperature was 36° and distillation time was 2.6 h. The experimental values agreed well with those predicted by regression model. The chemical composition of extracted onion oil under the optimum conditions was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technology. The results showed that sulphur compounds, like alkanes, sulphide, alkenes, ester and alcohol, were the major components of onion oil.
The Risk Factors for the Wearing-off Phenomenon in Parkinson's Disease in Japan: A Cross-sectional, Multicenter Study

Objective Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder. With progression of PD, the wearing-off phenomenon occurs more frequently as a motor complication, decreasing the patient's quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for the wearing-off phenomenon in Japanese PD patients. Methods All of the study participants were clinically diagnosed as having PD. Each patient was assessed for the wearing-off phenomenon based on the findings of clinical assessments and interviews that were conducted during a single visit. The risk factors for wearing-off were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Wearing-off was observed in 101 of the 180 (56.1%) patients who were enrolled in this study. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the onset of PD at ≥69 years of age (odds ratio [OR], 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.88; p=0.032), female sex (OR, 6.49; 95% CI, 2.34-17.99; p<0.001), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor treatment (OR, 19.59; 95% CI, 3.55-108.11; p<0.001) and a high daily levodopa dosage (≥600 mg/day) (OR, 7.69; 95% CI, 1.41-41.84; p=0.018) were independent predictive factors for wearing-off in Japanese PD patients. Conclusion Age at the symptomatic disease onset, female sex, COMT inhibitor treatment, and a high daily levodopa dose were associated with the occurrence of wearing-off in Japanese PD patients. Physicians need to consider the risk factors and carefully choose medications for PD patients to postpone the occurrence of this phenomenon for as long as possible.
Modeling Others using Oneself in Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning

We consider the multi-agent reinforcement learning setting with imperfect information in which each agent is trying to maximize its own utility. The reward function depends on the hidden state (or goal) of both agents, so the agents must infer the other players' hidden goals from their observed behavior in order to solve the tasks. We propose a new approach for learning in these domains: Self Other-Modeling (SOM), in which an agent uses its own policy to predict the other agent's actions and update its belief of their hidden state in an online manner. We evaluate this approach on three different tasks and show that the agents are able to learn better policies using their estimate of the other players' hidden states, in both cooperative and adversarial settings.
Living in stable social groups is associated with reduced brain size in woodpeckers (Picidae)

Group size predicts brain size in primates and some other mammal groups, but no such relationship has been found in birds. Instead, stable pair-bonding and bi-parental care have been identified as correlates of larger brains in birds. We investigated the relationship between brain size and social system within the family Picidae, using phylogenetically controlled regression analysis. We found no specific effect of duration or strength of pair-bonds, but brain sizes were systematically smaller in species living in long-lasting social groups of larger sizes. Group-living may only present a cognitive challenge in groups in which members have individually competitive relationships; we therefore propose that groups functioning for cooperative benefit may allow disinvestment in expensive brain tissue.
Vaccination against Foot-And-Mouth Disease: Do Initial Conditions Affect Its Benefit?

When facing incursion of a major livestock infectious disease, the decision to implement a vaccination programme is made at the national level. To make this decision, governments must consider whether the benefits of vaccination are sufficient to outweigh potential additional costs, including further trade restrictions that may be imposed due to the implementation of vaccination. However, little consensus exists on the factors triggering its implementation on the field. This work explores the effect of several triggers in the implementation of a reactive vaccination-to-live policy when facing epidemics of foot-and-mouth disease. In particular, we tested whether changes in the location of the incursion and the delay of implementation would affect the epidemiological benefit of such a policy in the context of Scotland. To reach this goal, we used a spatial, premises-based model that has been extensively used to investigate the effectiveness of mitigation procedures in Great Britain. The results show that the decision to vaccinate, or not, is not straightforward and strongly depends on the underlying local structure of the population-at-risk. With regards to disease incursion preparedness, simply identifying areas of highest population density may not capture all complexities that may influence the spread of disease as well as the benefit of implementing vaccination. However, if a decision to vaccinate is made, we show that delaying its implementation in the field may markedly reduce its benefit. This work provides guidelines to support policy makers in their decision to implement, or not, a vaccination-to-live policy when facing epidemics of infectious livestock disease.