Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pioglitazone Attenuates Palmitate-Induced Inflammation and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Pancreatic β-Cells

Background The nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activator gamma (PPARγ) is a useful therapeutic target for obesity and diabetes, but its role in protecting β-cell function and viability is unclear. Methods To identify the potential functions of PPARγ in β-cells, we treated mouse insulinoma 6 (MIN6) cells with the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone in conditions of lipotoxicity, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inflammation. Results Palmitate-treated cells incubated with pioglitazone exhibited significant improvements in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and the repression of apoptosis, as shown by decreased caspase-3 cleavage and poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) polymerase activity. Pioglitazone also reversed the palmitate-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6 [IL-6], and IL-1β) and ER stress markers (phosphor-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α, glucose-regulated protein 78 [GRP78], cleaved-activating transcription factor 6 [ATF6], and C/EBP homologous protein [CHOP]), and pioglitazone significantly attenuated inflammation and ER stress in lipopolysaccharide- or tunicamycin-treated MIN6 cells. The protective effect of pioglitazone was also tested in pancreatic islets from high-fat-fed KK-Ay mice administered 0.02% (wt/wt) pioglitazone or vehicle for 6 weeks. Pioglitazone remarkably reduced the expression of ATF6α, GRP78, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, prevented α-cell infiltration into the pancreatic islets, and upregulated glucose transporter 2 (Glut2) expression in β-cells. Moreover, the preservation of β-cells by pioglitazone was accompanied by a significant reduction of blood glucose levels. Conclusion Altogether, these results support the proposal that PPARγ agonists not only suppress insulin resistance, but also prevent β-cell impairment via protection against ER stress and inflammation. The activation of PPARγ might be a new therapeutic approach for improving β-cell survival and insulin secretion in patients with diabetes mellitus
Interlaminar fracture toughness of flax-epoxy composites

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of fibre architectures on the interlaminar fracture toughness and tensile toughness of flax fibre epoxy composites. The fracture toughness was investigated for both Mode I (GIC) and Mode II (GIIC) for seven flax-epoxy architectures: one plain weave, two twill 2 × 2 weaves, a quasi-unidirectional and a unidirectional architecture, the UD’s being tested in both [0,90] and [90,0] composite lay-ups. The results of the Mode I and Mode II showed promising results of the flax-epoxy composite performance. The addition of flax fibre increases the GIC and GIIC of the composites over that of the unreinforced brittle polymer by at least two to three times. Further improvements are made with the use of woven textiles. The tensile toughness was found to be a good indicator of the capacity of a material to sustain perforation or non-perforation impact.
How does high DHA fish oil affect health? A systematic review of evidence

ABSTRACT The health benefits of fish oil, and its omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid content, have attracted much scientific attention in the last four decades. Fish oils that contain higher amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) than docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3), in a distinctive ratio of 18/12, are typically the most abundantly available and are commonly studied. Although the two fatty acids have traditionally been considered together, as though they were one entity, different physiological effects of EPA and DHA have recently been reported. New oils containing a higher quantity of DHA compared with EPA, such as fractionated and concentrated fish oil, tuna oil, calamari oil and microalgae oil, are increasingly becoming available on the market, and other oils, including those extracted from genetically modified oilseed crops, soon to come. This systematic review focuses on the effects of high DHA fish oils on various human health conditions, such as the heart and cardiovascular system, the brain and visual function, inflammation and immune function and growth/Body Mass Index. Although inconclusive results were reported in several instances, and inconsistent outcomes observed in others, current data provides substantiated evidence in support of DHA being a beneficial bioactive compound for heart, cardiovascular and brain function, with different, and at times complementary, effects compared with EPA. DHA has also been reported to be effective in slowing the rate of cognitive decline, while its possible effects on depression disorders are still unclear. Interestingly, gender- and age- specific divergent roles for DHA have also been reported. This review provides a comprehensive collection of evidence and a critical summary of the documented physiological effects of high DHA fish oils for human health.
On Network Throughput Variability in Microsoft Azure Cloud

The dependence of the industry on cloud-based infrastructures has grown much faster than our understanding of the performance limits and dynamics of these environments. An aspect only marginally analyzed in the past is related to the performance of the intra-cloud network connecting the virtual machines (VMs) deployed in the same data center. The few available works either do not exhaustively describe the adopted methodology or employed different approaches causing the analyses to be hard to replicate, and the results to be hard to compare. In addition, cloud customers can today highly customize their cloud environments while previous works considered only a few of the scenarios in which a customer may operate. In this paper, we provide an intra-cloud network performance characterization of Microsoft (MS) Azure, a leading provider only preliminary investigated from this angle. We first propose and thoroughly detail a methodology to carry out similar analyses, thus encouraging its replication also in other contexts; then we apply this methodology to characterize the intra-cloud network performance in terms of maximum network throughput. More specifically, we investigate whether and how the achievable throughput between two VMs varies (i) over time; (ii) when the customer operates different decisions on VM size, network configuration, geographic region, and transport protocol; and (iii) when the customer operates the same decisions on these factors. Our analysis aims at addressing the gap existing in the literature by providing the most exhaustive and detailed results about the intra-cloud network performance for MS Azure today available.
Results From the NACC Uniform Data Set Neuropsychological Battery Crosswalk Study

Introduction:Four new nonproprietary tests were recommended for use in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center’s Uniform Data Set Neuropsychological Battery. These tests are similar to previous tests but also allow for continuity of longitudinal data collection and wide dissemination among research collaborators. Methods:A Crosswalk Study was conducted in early 2014 to assess the correlation between each set of new and previous tests. Tests with good correlation were equated using equipercentile equating. The resulting conversion tables allow scores on the new tests to be converted to equivalent scores on the previous tests. Results:All pairs of tests had good correlation (&rgr;=0.68 to 0.78). Learning effects were detected for Logical Memory only. Confidence intervals were narrow at each point estimate, and prediction accuracy was high. Discussion:The recommended new tests are well correlated with the previous tests. The equipercentile equating method produced conversion tables that provide a useful reference for clinicians and researchers.
Measurement of Cycle-to-Cycle Variations of Emissions on a Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine with Miller Timing

The aim of this thesis is to investigate cycle to cycle variations in the combustion process of diesel engines and quantify their effect on engine emissions. Additionally, the effect of cycle to cycle emission variations on the total amount of emissions produced has been shown. It is understood from theory that cycle to cycle pressure fluctuations in the combustion chamber produce "ringing" cycles with an oscillatory pressure trace, affecting the combustion process and the associated emissions on a cycle to cycle basis. In order to create enhanced cycle to cycle variations and experimentally measure the thermodynamic engine parameters and the emissions produced, a specifically designed experimental engine has been employed. This engine is able to achieve extreme Miller conditions, where the intake valve closes before bottom dead centre (BDC), and therefore results in an decrease in end of compression temperatures. The end of compression temperature is further decreased by decreasing the cylinder intake temperature through use of a charge air cooler. This decreased temperature increases further the fluctuation intensities in the cylinder and allows for measurement of emissions under strongly fluctuating conditions. The strongly fluctuating conditions showed a higher nitrogen oxide emissions (NO) in the context of this work, adversely affecting the total average tailpipe emissions. This is understood to happen due to the higher pressures and temperatures of highly fluctuating cycles, which created much more NO emissions than regular nonfluctuating cycles. Furthermore, since the NO creation reactions are exponentially dependent on the in-cylinder temperature, the contribution of high fluctuating cycles to the total measure NO amount is significant. Additionally, an effort has been made to simultaneously quantify soot emissions and relate them to cycle to cycle variations as well. However, even though the experimental capabilities have been developed, inconclusive measurement data has been obtained. Therefore, the influence of fluctuation intensity on soot emission is still unclear, with only some indications on possible effects, as expected from theory. Finally, the results of this thesis suggest that without considering the emission contribution of highly fluctuating cycles, the average emission values would be wrongly estimated.
Effects of Eggshell Pigmentation and Egg Size on the Spectral Properties and Characteristics of Eggshell of Meat and Layer Breeder Eggs

The effects of eggshell pigmentation and egg size (medium and large) on the spectral properties and characteristics of eggshells were examined in eggs from two genetic groups of breeder flocks. Birds from meat (Hybro, pigmented eggshell, PES) and layer (Leghorn, non-pigmented eggshell, NPES) at 40 and 46 weeks of age, respectively, were used. Measurements of per cent shell (PS), shell thickness (ST), shell volume (SV), shell density (SD), egg shell conductance (EC) and physical dimensions of eggs were made. The spectral properties of eggshells were measured over the wavelength (WL) range of 200 to 1,100 nm. Eggshell absorbed approximately 99.8 percent of the light and transmitted only about 0.12 percent with a maximum light transmission at the near-infra-red region of about 1075 nm. It attenuated shorter WL and transmitted longer WL. Eggshell pigmentation and egg size influenced light transmission into the egg. The NPES had higher EC and transmission of light and lower PS and SD than those of the PES. Large size eggs had higher EC, SD, SV, transmission of light and egg physical dimensions than those of medium size eggs. It is concluded that genetic make up of birds and egg size influenced eggshell characteristics including EC and that, as a consequence, the difference in the spectral properties of eggshells. The pigmentation of eggshell influenced the amount and WL transmitted into the egg. The size and EC of eggs influenced the amount of light transmitted through the eggshell. EC is a good indicator for the ability of eggshell to transmit light.
Cells navigate with a local-excitation, global-inhibition-biased excitable network

Cells have an internal compass that enables them to move along shallow chemical gradients. As amoeboid cells migrate, signaling events such as Ras and PI3K activation occur spontaneously on pseudopodia. Uniform stimuli trigger a symmetric response, whereupon cells stop and round up; then localized patches of activity appear as cells spread. Finally cells adapt and resume random migration. In contrast, chemotactic gradients continuously direct signaling events to the front of the cell. Local-excitation, global-inhibition (LEGI) and reaction–diffusion models have captured some of these features of chemotaxing cells, but no system has explained the complex response kinetics, sensitivity to shallow gradients, or the role of recently observed propagating waves within the actin cytoskeleton. We report here that Ras and PI3K activation move in phase with the cytoskeleton events and, drawing on all of these observations, propose the LEGI-biased excitable network hypothesis. We formulate a model that simulates most of the behaviors of chemotactic cells: In the absence of stimulation, there are spontaneous spots of activity. Stimulus increments trigger an initial burst of patches followed by localized secondary events. After a few minutes, the system adapts, again displaying random activity. In gradients, the activity patches are directed continuously and selectively toward the chemoattractant, providing an extraordinary degree of amplification. Importantly, by perturbing model parameters, we generate distinct behaviors consistent with known classes of mutants. Our study brings together heretofore diverse observations on spontaneous cytoskeletal activity, signaling responses to temporal stimuli, and spatial gradient sensing into a unified scheme.
CMOS SPAD Based on Photo-Carrier Diffusion Achieving PDP >40% From 440 to 580 nm at 4 V Excess Bias

A wide spectral response standard CMOS single-photon avalanche diode enabling simplified circuit interface for large array realization is reported. In this letter, the conventional p+ -nwell junction photon detection probability (PDP) profile is enhanced utilizing photo-carrier diffusion processes, resulting in a considerable expansion of the sensitivity spectrum of more than 30%. The proposed device achieves PDP greater than 40% from 440 to 580 nm at a low excess bias, while the dark count rate is 16 Hz/μm2 and timing jitter (full-width at half-maximum) is 95 ps when using a 405-nm laser.
A Critical Examination of the Evidence Relating High Fructose Corn Syrup and Weight Gain

The use of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has increased over the past several decades in the United States while overweight and obesity rates have risen dramatically. Some scientists hypothesize that HFCS consumption has uniquely contributed to the increasing mean body mass index (BMI) of the U.S. population. The Center for Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture Policy convened an expert panel to discuss the published scientific literature examining the relationship between consumption of HFCS or “soft drinks” (proxy for HFCS) and weight gain. The authors conducted original analysis to address certain gaps in the literature. Evidence from ecological studies linking HFCS consumption with rising BMI rates is unreliable. Evidence from epidemiologic studies and randomized controlled trials is inconclusive. Studies analyzing the differences between HFCS and sucrose consumption and their contributions to weight gain do not exist. HFCS and sucrose have similar monosaccharide compositions and sweetness values. The fructose:glucose (F:G) ratio in the U.S. food supply has not appreciably changed since the introduction of HFCS in the 1960s. It is unclear why HFCS would affect satiety or absorption and metabolism of fructose any differently than would sucrose. Based on the currently available evidence, the expert panel concluded that HFCS does not appear to contribute to overweight and obesity any differently than do other energy sources. Research recommendations were made to improve our understanding of the association of HFCS and weight gain.
Slicing COSMOS with SC4K: the evolution of typical Ly α emitters and the Ly α escape fraction from z ∼ 2 to 6

We present and explore deep narrow- and medium-band data obtained with the Subaru and the Isaac Newton telescopes in the ~2 deg$^2$ COSMOS field. We use these data as an extremely wide, low-resolution (R~20-80) IFU survey to slice through the COSMOS field and obtain a large sample of ~4000 Lyman-$\alpha$ (Lya) emitters from z~2 to z~6 in 16 redshift slices (SC4K). We present new Lya luminosity functions (LFs) covering a co-moving volume of ~10$^8$Mpc$^3$. SC4K extensively complements ultra-deep surveys, jointly covering over 4 dex in Lya luminosity and revealing a global (2.5z 3.5, likely linked with the evolution of the AGN population. The Lya luminosity density rises by a factor ~2 from z~2 to z~3 but is then found to be roughly constant (~$1.1\times10^{40}$ erg s$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-3}$) to z~6, despite the ~0.7 dex drop in UV luminosity density. The Lya/UV luminosity density ratio rises from $4\pm1$% to $30\pm6$% from z~2.2 to z~6. Our results imply a rise of a factor of ~2 in the global ionisation efficiency ($\xi_{\rm ion}$) and a factor ~$4\pm1$ in the Lya escape fraction from z~2 to z~6, hinting for evolution in both the typical burstiness/stellar populations and even more so in the typical ISM conditions allowing Ly$\alpha$ photons to escape.
Nitrate leaching from Kentucky bluegrass soil columns predicted with anion exchange membranes

Ideal nitrogen (N) management for turfgrass supplies sufficient N for high-quality turf without increasing N leaching losses. A greenhouse study was conducted during two 27-wk periods to determine if in situ anion exchange membranes (AEMs) could predict nitrate (NO 3 -N) leaching from a Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) turf grown on intact soil columns. Treatments consisted of 16 rates of N fertilization, from 0 to 98 kg N ha -1 mo -1 . Percolate water was collected weekly and analyzed for NO 3 -N. Mean flow-weighted NO 3 -N concentration and cumulative mass in percolate were exponentially related (pseudc-R 2 = 0.995 and 0.994, respectively) to AEM desorbed soil NO 3 -N, with a percolate concentration below 10 mg NO 3 -N L -1 corresponding to an AEM soil NO 3 -N value of 2.9 μg cm -2 d -1 . Apparent N recovery by turf ranged from 28 to 40% of applied N, with a maximum corresponding to 4.7 μg cm -2 d -1 AEM soil NO 3 -N. Turf color, growth, and chlorophyll index increased with increasing AEM soil NO 3 -N, but these increases occurred at the expense of increases in NO 3 -N leaching losses. These results suggest that AEMs might serve as a tool for predicting NO 3 -N leaching losses from turf.
How Do Perceived Descriptive Norms Influence Indoor Tanning Intentions? An Application of the Theory of Normative Social Behavior

ABSTRACT Indoor tanning bed use is highly influenced by perceived norms about a tanned appearance. The theory of normative social behavior (TNSB) details the many ways in which norms can impact intentions and behavior, but has never been assessed in the context of indoor tanning. Considering this, we conducted a survey among female university students (N = 274) to determine the extent to which the TNSB predicted intentions to use indoor tanning beds. Overall, the path model predicted about 46% of the variance in intentions, and the majority of significant indirect effects were witnessed through the outcome expectation variables included in the TNSB, suggesting that these may be the most salient mechanisms—as predicted by the TNSB—through which norms can impact tanning intentions. In light of these results, theoretical and practical implications are discussed, and specific recommendations are given to extend the predictive utility of the TNSB in the context of indoor tanning.
Association of Maternal Body Mass Index, Excessive Weight Gain, and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus With Large-for-Gestational-Age Births

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the percentage of large-for-gestational age (LGA) neonates associated with maternal overweight and obesity, excessive gestational weight gain, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)—both individually and in combination—by race or ethnicity. METHODS: We analyzed 2004–2008 linked birth certificate and maternal hospital discharge data of live, singleton deliveries in Florida. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the independent contributions of mother's prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain, and GDM status on LGA (birth weight-for-gestational age 90th percentile or greater) risk by race and ethnicity while controlling for maternal age, nativity, and parity. We then calculated the adjusted population-attributable fraction of LGA neonates to each of these exposures. RESULTS: Large-for-gestational age prevalence was 5.7% among normal-weight women with adequate gestational weight gain and no GDM and 12.6%, 13.5% and 17.3% among women with BMIs of 25 or higher, excess gestational weight gain, and GDM, respectively. A reduction ranging between 46.8% in Asian and Pacific Islanders and 61.0% in non-Hispanic black women in LGA prevalence might result if women had none of the three exposures. For all race or ethnic groups, GDM contributed the least (2.0–8.0%), whereas excessive gestational weight gain contributed the most (33.3–37.7%) to LGA. CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity, excessive gestational weight gain, and GDM all are associated with LGA; however, preventing excessive gestational weight gain has the greatest potential to reduce LGA risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III
Spatiotemporal Variability and Sound Characterization in Silver Croaker Plagioscion squamosissimus (Sciaenidae) in the Central Amazon

Background The fish family Sciaenidae has numerous species that produce sounds with superfast muscles that vibrate the swimbladder. These muscles form post embryonically and undergo seasonal hypertrophy-atrophy cycles. The family has been the focus of numerous passive acoustic studies to localize spatial and temporal occurrence of spawning aggregations. Fishes produce disturbance calls when hand-held, and males form aggregations in late afternoon and produce advertisement calls to attract females for mating. Previous studies on five continents have been confined to temperate species. Here we examine the calls of the silver croaker Plagioscion squamosissimus, a freshwater equatorial species, which experiences constant photoperiod, minimal temperature variation but seasonal changes in water depth and color, pH and conductivity. Methods and Principal Findings Dissections indicate that sonic muscles are present exclusively in males and that muscles are thicker and redder during the mating season. Disturbance calls were recorded in hand-held fish during the low-water mating season and high-water period outside of the mating season. Advertisement calls were recorded from wild fish that formed aggregations in both periods but only during the mating season from fish in large cages. Disturbance calls consist of a series of short individual pulses in mature males. Advertisement calls start with single and paired pulses followed by greater amplitude multi-pulse bursts with higher peak frequencies than in disturbance calls. Advertisement-like calls also occur in aggregations during the off season, but bursts are shorter with fewer pulses. Conclusions and Significance Silver croaker produce complex advertisement calls that vary in amplitude, number of cycles per burst and burst duration of their calls. Unlike temperate sciaenids, which only call during the spawning season, silver croaker produce advertisement calls in both seasons. Sonic muscles are thinner, and bursts are shorter than at the spawning peak, but males still produce complex calls outside of the mating season.