Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro Production of IL-6 and IFN-γ is Influenced by Dietary Variables and Predicts Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Incidence and Severity Respectively in Young Adults

Assessment of immune responses in healthy adults following dietary or lifestyle interventions is challenging due to significant inter-individual variability. Thus, gaining a better understanding of host factors that contribute to the heterogeneity in immunity is necessary. To address this question, healthy adults [n = 36, 18–40 years old, body mass index (BMI) 20–35 kg/m2] were recruited. Dietary intake was obtained via 3-day dietary recall records, physical activity level was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood. Expression of activation markers on unstimulated immune subsets was assessed by flow cytometry. T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretion was assessed following in vitro stimulation with anti-CD3 or lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, the incidence and severity of cold or flu symptoms were obtained from self-reported upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) questionnaires. The relationship between activation marker expression on T cells and T-cell effector functions; and in vitro cytokine secretion and URTI was determined by linear or logistic regression. CD69 and CD25 expression on unstimulated T cells was significantly associated with T-cell proliferation and interleukin-2 secretion. Incidence and severity of cold or flu symptoms was significantly associated with in vitro interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma secretion, respectively. Furthermore, host factors (e.g., age, BMI, physical activity, and diet) contributed significantly to the relationship between activation marker expression and T-cell effector function, and cytokine secretion and cold and flu status. In conclusion, these results suggest that lifestyle and dietary factors are important variables that contribute to immune responses and should be included in human clinical trials that assess immune endpoints.
Prognostic implications of glucose transporter protein-1 (glut-1) overexpression in bone and soft-tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND The glucose transporter protein 1 (Glut-1) overexpression is associated with poor overall survival (OS) in various malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate prognostic significance of Glut-1 overexpression in patients with bone and soft-tissue sarcomas. METHODS A total of 67 patients (mean age, 43 years; range, 8-79 years) with bone and soft tissue sarcomas were analyzed. Pathologic confirmation was observed from surgical specimens in all patients. Pathologic variables including tumor differentiation, necrosis, mitotic index, MIB-1 (Ki-67) grade and Glut-1 expression were assessed. Clinical characteristics and pathologic variables were determined by Kaplan-Meyer curve of OS after treatment. RESULTS Glut-1 overexpression was found in 56 patients (83%). The patients with Glut-1 overexpression showed significantly poor OS compared with those without Glut-1 overexpression (P = 0.029). The presence of metastasis, treatment without surgical resection, tumor differentiation, necrosis, mitotic index and MIB-1 grade were also significantly negative prognostic factors. The presence of metastasis was independently associated with poor OS (P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS Assessment of Glut-1 expression prior to treatment has a predictive potential effect in patients with bone and soft-tissue sarcomas.
Data Assimilation in the NCAR Community Atmosphere Model

The Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) has several well known biases that have important dynamical implications for research. Some examples of these biases include a cold temperature bias near the tropopause at high latitudes, systematic biases in the mean zonal wind, and transient momentum fluxes that are too strong. One method for investigating the impacts that these biases have is to use data assimilation techniques to reduce the bias and observe how the system reacts. The cold polar tropopause temperature bias found in CAM is common to climate models. For the Northern Hemisphere, the bias is generally observed in the summer months. By assimilating a July 2003 set of observations in the region of this bias, we observe that reducing this bias forces the zonal jet and storm tracks to shift poleward. This finding mirrors the results of several earlier studies where the height of the polar tropopause influences the location of storm tracks and zonal jets by moving them equatorward as the height decreases, and poleward as the height increases as is predicted to occur with increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gasses. With the recent CHAMP/COSMIC missions, GPS radio occultation observations have become available. These observations have many desirable qualities including their global nature and accuracy in polar regions where quality observations are rare. In this research, we determine how strongly these observations can constrain CAM through data assimilation. We also begin to quantify the process by which these assimilated observations impact the model. We use an ensemble adjustment Kalman filter (EAKF) provided by the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) to assimilate COSMIC data into CAM for January 2007. We compare a case where only COSMIC observations are assimilated into CAM with cases where we assimilate observations from multiple sources. We find that GPS observations do improve our analysis. Further, when taken by themselves, the assimilation of GPS observations is capable of constraining CAM to a substantial degree. However, we find that water vapor, which is has a strong relationship to refractivity is poorly constrained and assimilated, while dynamical quantities are more accurately assimilated. Finally, we take a detailed look into the mechanism by which GPS observations impact the state of CAM’s modeled atmosphere. By linearizing the refractivity forward operator, we use multivariate linear regression to piece apart the components of the operator. Through this process we determine how the assimilation of a GPS observation will influence the state of our system differently depending on its location in Earth’s atmosphere. In particular large cancellations due to correlated temperature and pressure variations in the midtroposphere of the midlatitudes seem to reduce the potential impact of assimilated GPS observations in this location.
Nonparametric estimation of smoothed principal components analysis of sampled noisy functions

This study deals with the simultaneous nonparametric estimations of n curves or observations of a random process corrupted by noise in which sample paths belong to a finite dimension functional subspace. The estimation, by means of B-splines, leads to a new kind of functional principal components analysis. Asymptotic rates of convergence are given for the mean and the eigenelements of the empirical covariance operator. Heuristic arguments show that a well chosen smoothing parameter may improve the estimation of the subspace which contains the sample path of the process. Finally, simulations suggest that the estimation method studied here is advantageous when there are a small number of design points.
Characteristics of fault-tolerant photodiode and photogate active pixel sensor (APS)

A fault-tolerant APS has been designed by splitting the APS pixel into two halves operating in parallel, where the photo sensing element has been divided in two and the readout transistors have been duplicated while maintaining a common row select transistor. This split design allows for a self correcting pixel scheme such that if one half of the pixel is faulty, the other half can be used to recover the entire output signal. The fault tolerant APS design has been implemented in a 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process for both a photodiode based and photogate based APS. Test results show that the fault tolerant pixels behave as expected where a non-faulty pixel behaves normally, and a half faulty pixel, where one half is either stuck low or high, produces roughly half the sensitivity. Preliminary results indicate that the sensitivity of a redundant pixel is approximately three times that of a traditional pixel for the photodiode APS and approximately twice that for the photogate APS.
Somatostatin receptors subtypes 2 and 5, dopamine receptor type 2 expression and gsp status as predictors of octreotide LAR responsiveness in acromegaly.

UNLABELLED We present two acromegalic patients in which clinical and molecular data are discussed in regard to their ability to predict long term octreotide LAR therapy response. CASE REPORTS Patient 1: female, 36 years old at diagnosis. Basal GH and IGF-I at diagnosis were 133 ng/mL and 181% above the upper limit of reference values (ULRV), respectively. Growth hormone during acute test with subcutaneous octreotide decreased from 133 to 13 ng/mL. Patient started on primary octreotide LAR therapy (20mg q28 days) and achieved biochemical parameters of disease control after 6 months. Molecular analysis of tumor fragments: gsp +; quantitative analysis of SSTR (somatostatin receptor) and DR (dopamine receptor) mRNA - SSTR2 23954; SSTR5 2407; DR2 total 17016 copies. Patient 2: male, 38 years old at diagnosis. Basal GH and IGF-I at diagnosis were 120 ng/mL and 114% ULRV, respectively. Patient underwent non-curative trans-sphenoidal surgery. Post-operative GH and IGF-I were 112 ng/mL and 137% ULRV, respectively. Growth hormone during acute test with subcutaneous octreotide decreased from 112 to 7 ng/mL. Octreotide LAR therapy (20 mg q28 days) was then initiated. After 6 months of treatment, patient did not attain biochemical control of disease and displayed increased tumor volume. Molecular analysis of tumor fragments: gsp not done; quantitative analysis of SSTR and DR mRNA - SSTR2 416; SSTR5 3767; DR2 total 3439 copies. In conclusion, these two cases illustrate how laboratory data can be conflicting as predictors of octreotide LAR responsiveness and how molecular analysis of tumor fragments can help explain different behaviors in clinically similar patients.
SDSS J075101.42+291419.1: A Super-Eddington Accreting Quasar with Extreme X-Ray Variability

We report the discovery of extreme X-ray variability in a type 1 quasar: SDSS J075101.42+291419.1. It has a black hole (BH) mass of 1.6 × 107 M⊙ measured from reverberation mapping, and the BH is accreting with a super-Eddington accretion rate. Its XMM-Newton observation in 2015 May reveals a flux drop by a factor of ∼22 with respect to the Swift observation in 2013 May when it showed a typical level of X-ray emission relative to its UV/optical emission. The lack of correlated UV variability results in a steep X-ray-to-optical power-law slope (αOX) of −1.97 in the low X-ray flux state, corresponding to an X-ray weakness factor of 36.2 at rest-frame 2 keV relative to its UV/optical luminosity. The mild UV/optical continuum and emission-line variability also suggest that the accretion rate did not change significantly. A single power-law model modified by Galactic absorption describes the 0.3–10 keV spectra of the X-ray observations well in general. The spectral fitting reveals steep spectral shapes with Γ ≈ 3. We search for active galactic nuclei (AGNs) with such extreme X-ray variability in the literature and find that most of them are narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxies and quasars with high accretion rates. The fraction of extremely X-ray variable objects among super-Eddington accreting AGNs is estimated to be ≈15%–24%. We discuss two possible scenarios, disk reflection and partial covering absorption, to explain the extreme X-ray variability of SDSS J075101.42+291419.1. We propose a possible origin for the partial covering absorber, which is the thick inner accretion disk and its associated outflow in AGNs with high accretion rates.
Impact of CYP2C19 Genetic Testing on Provider Prescribing Patterns for Antiplatelet Therapy After Acute Coronary Syndromes and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background— Patients treated with clopidogrel who have ≥1 loss of function alleles for CYP2C19 have an increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events. In 2010, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a boxed warning cautioning against the use of clopidogrel in such patients. We sought to assess the impact of CYP2C19 genetic testing on prescribing patterns for antiplatelet therapy among patients with acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods and Results— Patients with recent acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention prescribed clopidogrel were offered CYP2C19 testing. Genotype and phenotype results were provided to patients and their physicians, but no specific treatment recommendations were suggested. Patients were categorized based on their genotype (carriers versus noncarriers) and phenotype (extensive, intermediate, and poor metabolizers). The primary outcome was intensification in antiplatelet therapy defined as either dose escalation of clopidogrel or replacement of clopidogrel with prasugrel. Between July 2010 and April 2012, 6032 patients were identified, and 499 (8.3%) underwent CYP2C19 genotyping, of whom 146 (30%) were found to have ≥1 reduced function allele, including 15 (3%) with 2 reduced function alleles. Although reduced function allele carriers were significantly more likely than noncarriers to have an intensification of their antiplatelet therapy, only 20% of poor metabolizers of clopidogrel had their antiplatelet therapy intensified. Conclusions— Providers were significantly more likely to intensify antiplatelet therapy in CYP2C19 allele carriers, but only 20% of poor metabolizers of clopidogrel had an escalation in the dose of clopidogrel or were switched to prasugrel. These prescribing patterns likely reflect the unclear impact and evolving evidence for clopidogrel pharmacogenomics.
On the nature of the ISO-selected sources in the ELAIS S2 region

We have studied the optical, near-infrared and radio properties of a complete sample of 43 sources detected at 15 mum in one of the deeper ELAIS repeatedly observed regions. The extragalactic objects in this sample have 15-mum flux densities in the range of 0.4-10 mJy, where the source counts start diverging from no evolution models. About 90 per cent of the sources (39 out of 43) have optical counterparts brighter than I = 21 mag. Eight of these 39 sources have been identified with stars on the basis of imaging data; for another 22 sources, we have obtained optical spectroscopy, reaching a high identification percentage (30/43, similar to70 per cent). All but one of the 28 sources with flux density >0.7 mJy are identified. Most of the extragalactic objects are normal spiral or starburst galaxies at moderate redshift (z (med) similar to 0.2); four objects are active galactic nuclei. We have used the 15-mum, Halpha and 1.4-GHz luminosities as indicators of star formation rate and we have compared the results obtained in these three bands. While 1.4-GHz and 15-mum estimates are in good agreement, showing that our galaxies are forming stars at a median rate of similar to40 M-circle dot yr(-1), the raw Halpha-based estimates are a factor of similar to5-10 lower and need a mean correction of similar to2 mag to be brought on the same scale as the other two indicators. A correction of similar to2 mag is consistent with what suggested by the Balmer decrements Halpha/Hbeta and by the optical colours. Moreover, it is intermediate between the correction found locally for normal spirals and the correction needed for high-luminosity 15-mum objects, suggesting that the average extinction suffered by galaxies increases with infrared luminosity.
Homophily and Ethnic Background in the Classroom

The research presents a study of ethnic homophily, i.e. the tendency of agents to be connected to similar others, in the school context. It uses two observations of the complete social network of a cohort of Swedish students (n=115) in a secondary school. The study analyses the scope of the selective attachment and the student’s possible motivations to seek similarity, as well as its interrelation to homophily induced by structural organization or foci. It focuses in the interrelation between the individual motivation to seek similarity and how the context of opportunity is organized. Sociometric data was collected during a school year and the model is based in crosscuts of the friendship network. Homophily in respect to ethnic origin was found in the first time point, with students making connections within the in-group. The effect of ethnic homophily seems to decrease between the time points, with evidence of an effect of structural constraints that gained importance over time. Results suggest that organisational divisions in classrooms play a decisive role in the pattern of friendship connections in the school
Star clusters as simple stellar populations

In this paper, I review to what extent we can understand the photometric properties of star clusters, and of low-mass, unresolved galaxies, in terms of population-synthesis models designed to describe ‘simple stellar populations’ (SSPs), i.e. groups of stars born at the same time, in the same volume of space and from a gas cloud of homogeneous chemical composition. The photometric properties predicted by these models do not readily match the observations of most star clusters, unless we properly take into account the expected variation in the number of stars occupying sparsely populated evolutionary stages, owing to stochastic fluctuations in the stellar initial mass function. In this case, population-synthesis models reproduce remarkably well the full ranges of observed integrated colours and absolute magnitudes of star clusters of various ages and metallicities. The disagreement between the model predictions and observations of cluster colours and magnitudes may indicate problems with or deficiencies in the modelling, and does not necessarily tell us that star clusters do not behave like SSPs. Matching the photometric properties of star clusters using SSP models is a necessary (but not sufficient) condition for clusters to be considered SSPs. Composite models, characterized by complex star-formation histories, also match the observed cluster colours.
Preventing unintentional injuries to children under 15 years in the outdoors: a systematic review of the effectiveness of educational programs

Introduction Unintentional injuries to children in the outdoors have a significant impact on child mortality, development and healthcare costs. This paper presents the findings of a systematic review about the effectiveness of programs that provided information, advice or education about the prevention of unintentional injuries to children under 15 years during outdoor play and leisure. Methods A structured search strategy was conducted in a range of databases. All report titles and abstracts were screened using pre-defined criteria. Included reports were quality appraised using a modified Graphical Appraisal Tool for Epidemiological studies (GATE) tool. All quality appraisals and data extraction were checked by a second reviewer. If not provided in the original reports, ORs and mean differences were calculated, where sufficient data were available. Results Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. There was a paucity of robust study designs. The majority of studies only reported a short-term follow-up of intermediate outcome measures. Only two studies measured injury rates; both reported a reduction, but both studies also had considerable methodological weaknesses. The five studies that measured the use of protective equipment reported mixed results, although there is some evidence that suggests that more extensive educational programs (such as health fairs and media campaigns) increase their use. The 20 studies that measured behaviour, attitude or knowledge outcomes reported highly mixed results. Discussion Methodological weaknesses of the included studies limit support for a particular course of action. To better inform policy and practice, future research should (1) use robust study designs and (2) not rely on short-term proxy outcome measures.
Drone-Based Assessment of Canopy Cover for Analyzing Tree Mortality in an Oil Palm Agroforest

Oil palm monocultures are highly productive, but there are widespread negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Some of these negative impacts might be mitigated by mixed-species tree interplanting to create agroforestry systems, but there is little experience with the performance of trees planted in oil palm plantations. We studied a biodiversity enrichment experiment in the lowlands of Sumatra that was established in a six to twelve year-old oil palm plantation by planting six tree species in different mixtures on 48 plots. Three years after tree planting, canopy cover was assessed by drone-based photogrammetry using the structure-from-motion technique. Drone-derived canopy cover estimates were highly correlated with traditional ground-based hemispherical photography along the equality line, indicating the usefulness and comparability of the approach. Canopy cover was further partitioned between oil palm and tree canopies. Thinning of oil palms before tree planting created a more open and heterogeneous canopy cover. Oil palm canopy cover was then extracted at the level of oil palms and individual trees and combined with ground-based mortality assessment for all 3819 planted trees. For three tree species (Archidendron pauciflorum, Durio zibethinus, Shorea leprosula), the probability of mortality during the year of the study was dependent on the amount of oil palm canopy cover. We regard the drone-based method for deriving and partitioning spatially explicit information as a promising way for many questions addressing canopy cover in ecological applications and the management of agroforestry systems.
Ovarian age-related responsiveness to human chorionic gonadotropin.

Human fertility starts to decline after the age of 30 yr, but the change in ovarian endocrine function, i.e. estrogen biosynthesis, with advancing age is not well understood. To study age-related changes in androgen secretion and ovarian capacity to synthesize/release androgens in response to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation, 44 healthy women (aged 20-44 yr) were investigated. Just before a single im injection of 5000 IU hCG, blood samples for LH, FSH, inhibin B, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E(2)) assays were collected. Further samples were taken at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. The responses of 17-OHP, A, and T to hCG, i.e. areas under the curves (AUC; 96 h), correlated negatively with age (17-OHP: r = -0.427; P = 0.004; A: r = -0.266; P = 0.081; T: r = -0.354; P = 0.018). Despite a decreasing capacity of the ovaries to secrete these estrogen precursors, the basal serum levels of E(2) remained unchanged. This may be due to the rise in serum FSH levels observed as early as after the age of 25 yr [</=25 yr: FSH, 5.1 +/- 0.5 (+/-SE) U/liter; >25 yr: FSH, 7.7 +/- 0.9 U/liter; P = 0.01]. No correlation was found between age and serum inhibin B levels. In conclusion, ovarian androgen secretion capacity starts to decline as early as before the age of 30 yr. Despite that, circulating E(2) levels remain normal for years, possibly due to compensatory mechanisms, reflected by the gradual rise in serum FSH levels.