Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Weight loss is greater with consumption of large morning meals and fat-free mass is preserved with large evening meals in women on a controlled weight reduction regimen.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether meal ingestion pattern [large morning meals (AM) vs. large evening meals (PM)] affects changes in body weight, body composition or energy utilization during weight loss. Ten women completed a metabolic ward study of 3-wk weight stabilization followed by 12 wk of weight loss with a moderately energy restricted diet [mean energy intake +/- SD = 107 +/- 6 kJ/(kg.d)] and regular exercise. The weight loss phase was divided into two 6-wk periods. During period 1, 70% of daily energy intake was taken as two meals in the AM (n = 4) or in the PM (n = 6). Subjects crossed over to the alternate meal time in period 2. Both weight loss and fat-free mass loss were greater with the AM than the PM meal pattern: 3.90 +/- 0.19 vs. 3.27 +/- 0.26 kg/6 wk, P < 0.05, and 1.28 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.25 +/- 0.16 kg/6 wk, P < 0.001, respectively. Change in fat mass and loss of body energy were affected by order of meal pattern ingestion. The PM pattern resulted in greater loss of fat mass in period 1 (P < 0.01) but not in period 2. Likewise, resting mid-afternoon fat oxidation rate was higher with the PM pattern in period 1 (P < 0.05) but not in period 2, corresponding with the fat mass changes. To conclude, ingestion of larger AM meals resulted in slightly greater weight loss, but ingestion of larger PM meals resulted in better maintenance of fat-free mass. Thus, incorporation of larger PM meals in a weight loss regimen may be important in minimizing the loss of fat-free mass.
Glycosaminoglycan Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer of Lumbar Intervertebral Discs in Healthy Volunteers

Study Design. Evaluation of a new quantitative imaging technique in a prospective study design. Objective. To assess glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content of lumbar intervertebral discs (IVDs) in healthy volunteers with chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). Summary of Background Data. Biochemical alterations of lumbar discs are present before the appearance of morphological changes. GAG loss plays a central role in these degenerative processes. Methods. Lumbar intervertebral discs of healthy controls (26 women, 22 men; mean age 31 ± 8 years; range: 21–49 years) without lumbar back pain were examined at a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner in this prospective study. None of the participants were overweight or had previous surgery of the lumbar spine. The MRI protocol included standard morphological, sagittal and transversal T2-weighted (T2w) images to assess Pfirrmann score and to detect disc disorders according to the Combined Task Force classification of five lumbar IVDs (L1 to S1). A prototype glycosaminoglycan chemical exchange saturation transfer (gagCEST) sequence was applied to measure GAG content of the nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) by identifying the magnetization transfer asymmetry ratio (MTRasym) in a region-of-interest analysis. Morphological and biochemical imaging analysis were statistically tested for quantitative differences between different grades of IVD degeneration and disc disorders. Results. gagCEST values of NP demonstrated a significant negative correlation with morphological Pfirrmann score (r = −0.562; P < 0.0001). The MTRasym values were higher in non-degenerative lumbar IVDs (Pfirrmann 1–2) compared with degenerative lumbar discs (Pfirrmann 3–5; 2.92% ± 1.42% vs. 0.78% ± 1.38%; P < 0.0001). The MTRasym values of NP were significantly higher in normal appearing discs compared with herniated IVDs (2.83% ± 1.52% vs. 1.55% ± 1.61%; P < 0.0001). We found a significant negative correlation between gagCEST values and the graduation of disc herniation (r = −0.372; P < 0.0001). Conclusion. Biochemical imaging with gagCEST distinguished morphologically degenerative from non-degenerative lumbar IVDs (in NP and AF) of healthy volunteers at a clinical 3T-MRI system. The depletion of GAG content in degenerative lumbar discs correlated significantly with the morphological disc classification. We could demonstrate that disc disorders, such as protrusion and extrusion, were accompanied by lower GAG content. Level of Evidence: 2
Effects of oregano essential oil on brain TLR4 and TLR2 gene expression and depressive-like behavior in a rat model

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of oregano essential oil (OEO) on the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex TLR 2/4 gene expression and depressive like behavior induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Sucrose preference and forced swim tests were adopted to examine the antidepressant effect. Control (CON), OEO, CUS, and CUS + OEO groups were used. The OEO and CUS + OEO groups received OEO (0.2 mL/kg, i.p.), CON and CUS received saline (0.2 mL/kg, i.p.), and the positive drug groups of CUS rats received fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) and diazepam (3 mg/kg) once daily for 14 days. The expression of TLR 2/4 was determined using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction with the SYBR green reporter dye. The compositions of the OEO were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The main constituents were thymol (20.72%), gamma-terpinene (8.83%), borneol (8.72%), cymene (6.83%), carvacrol (6.274%), alfa-terpinene (5.26%), and sabinene (4.92%). Administration of OEO significantly alleviated the depressive symptoms of CUS. A higher level of TLR2/4 mRNA was seen in the brain of CUS group (P < 0.05). The CUS-induced increases in the TLR2/4 levels were not reversed by OEO. According to the present study OEO may have the antidepressant-like activity but have no effect on the stress-induced TLR-2/4 upregulation.
Serpin1 and WSCP differentially regulate the activity of the cysteine protease RD21 during plant development in Arabidopsis thaliana

Significance Nature has evolved highly specific protease inhibitors comprising serpin and Kunitz proteins. In humans, loss- or gain-of-function mutations in many protease inhibitor (PI) genes lead to compromised innate immune responses, dementia, thrombosis, and other diseases. Here, we report how plants make use of serpin and Kunitz PIs to control papain-like cysteine proteases over plant development and exploit them for defense. Proteolytic enzymes (proteases) participate in a vast range of physiological processes, ranging from nutrient digestion to blood coagulation, thrombosis, and beyond. In plants, proteases are implicated in host recognition and pathogen infection, induced defense (immunity), and the deterrence of insect pests. Because proteases irreversibly cleave peptide bonds of protein substrates, their activity must be tightly controlled in time and space. Here, we report an example of how nature evolved alternative mechanisms to fine-tune the activity of a cysteine protease dubbed RD21 (RESPONSIVE TO DESICCATION-21). One mechanism in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana studied here comprises irreversible inhibition of RD21’s activity by Serpin1, whereas the other mechanism is a result of the reversible inhibition of RD21 activity by a Kunitz protease inhibitor named water-soluble chlorophyll-binding protein (WSCP). Activity profiling, complex isolation, and homology modeling data revealed unique interactions of RD21 with Serpin1 and WSCP, respectively. Expression studies identified only partial overlaps in Serpin1 and WSCP accumulation that explain how RD21 contributes to the innate immunity of mature plants and arthropod deterrence of seedlings undergoing skotomorphogenesis and greening.
Occupational and Job Mobility in the US

We propose a new methodology to measure and to study worker mobility across occupations and jobs in US Census data at the monthly frequency. Our approach builds on two main ideas. First, we use the longitudinal dimension of matched monthly CPS files to evaluate each occupational transition in the context of the transitioning worker's employment history over four consecutive months. Second, we rely on the post-1994 Dependent Coding of occupations, and additional filters, to (in) validate potentially suspicious transitions. When we apply our methodology to the 1979-2004 period, we obtain new estimates of the average levels and time series patterns of these labor market transitions. We find that about 3.5% of workers employed in two consecutive months report different 3-digit occupations. This flow is procyclical, mildly rising in the 1980s and falling after 1995, faster after the 2001 recession. Based on the results regarding occupational mobility, we can impute information to the numerous missing answers to the job-to-job (or Employer-to-Employer, EE) survey question. We revise upward current estimates of the average EE rate since 1994, to 3.2% per month. This rate mildly declines in 1994-1997, mildly rises in 1997-2000 and falls significantly and continuously in 2001-2004. This pattern suggests a very persistent negative impact of the latest two recessions on job-to-job mobility.
An Adaptive Learning Based Network Selection Approach for 5G Dynamic Environments †

Networks will continue to become increasingly heterogeneous as we move toward 5G. Meanwhile, the intelligent programming of the core network makes the available radio resource be more changeable rather than static. In such a dynamic and heterogeneous network environment, how to help terminal users select optimal networks to access is challenging. Prior implementations of network selection are usually applicable for the environment with static radio resources, while they cannot handle the unpredictable dynamics in 5G network environments. To this end, this paper considers both the fluctuation of radio resources and the variation of user demand. We model the access network selection scenario as a multiagent coordination problem, in which a bunch of rationally terminal users compete to maximize their benefits with incomplete information about the environment (no prior knowledge of network resource and other users’ choices). Then, an adaptive learning based strategy is proposed, which enables users to adaptively adjust their selections in response to the gradually or abruptly changing environment. The system is experimentally shown to converge to Nash equilibrium, which also turns out to be both Pareto optimal and socially optimal. Extensive simulation results show that our approach achieves significantly better performance compared with two learning and non-learning based approaches in terms of load balancing, user payoff and the overall bandwidth utilization efficiency. In addition, the system has a good robustness performance under the condition with non-compliant terminal users.
ACOUSTIC EMISSION EXAMINATION OF POLYMER-MATRIX COMPOSITES

This article shall illustrate which general information about initiation and accumulation of damages, critical damage stages and stable macro-crack propagation in polymer-matrix composites arise from conventional AE features and analysis of AE signals. It is referred to currently used methods for classification and identification of AE sources. Studies of stressed specimens cut from laminates with different lay-ups are performed to receive basic information about the AE indication of micro- and macro-failure processes of materials used for the design of composite structures. Micro-failure by inter-fiber fracture indicates a critical stress/strain state, which should not be exceeded for a long life-time. Results of the theoretical analysis of inter-fiber and fiber fracture in laminates under tension are compared with monitored stress dependent AE behavior. Another important damage process that can significantly reduce the residual strength or life-time of composite structures is the macroscopic delamination within weak areas. AE examinations of the static interlaminar fracture behavior of unidirectional, continuous fiber-reinforced laminates under different fracture modes are discussed. AE results from pressure tests of externally non-damaged and damaged filament wound all-composite pressure cylinders are presented and criteria for identification of “heavy” damages such as impacts and flaws are suggested. Finally, particular problems associated with the distortion of stress waves at wave propagation and by the AE transducer are pointed out. The affiliated problems of the identification of AE source mechanisms in polymer-matrix composites using AE signals are discussed.
Dynamic autoregulation of cerebral blood flow measured non-invasively with fast diffuse correlation spectroscopy

Cerebral autoregulation (CA) maintains cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the presence of systemic blood pressure changes. Brain injury can cause loss of CA and resulting dysregulation of CBF, and the degree of CA impairment is a functional indicator of cerebral tissue health. Here, we demonstrate a new approach to noninvasively estimate cerebral autoregulation in healthy adult volunteers. The approach employs pulsatile CBF measurements obtained using high-speed diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). Rapid thigh-cuff deflation initiates a chain of responses that permits estimation of rates of dynamic autoregulation in the cerebral microvasculature. The regulation rate estimated with DCS in the microvasculature (median: 0.26 s−1, inter quartile range: 0.19 s−1) agrees well (R = 0.81, slope = 0.9) with regulation rates measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) in the proximal vasculature (median: 0.28 s−1, inter quartile range: 0.10 s−1). We also obtained an index of systemic autoregulation in concurrently measured scalp microvasculature. Systemic autoregulation begins later than cerebral autoregulation and exhibited a different rate (0.55 s−1, inter quartile range: 0.72 s−1). Our work demonstrates the potential of diffuse correlation spectroscopy for bedside monitoring of cerebral autoregulation in the microvasculature of patients with brain injury.
Awareness and willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: To facilitate provision of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), a better understanding of potential demand and user preferences is required. This review assessed awareness and willingness to use oral PrEP among men who have sex with men (MSM) in LMIC.
Analysis of aerosol transport over southern Poland in August 2015 based on a synergy of remote sensing and backward trajectory techniques

Abstract. Lufft’s CHM 15k “Nimbus” ceilometer and a collocated Cimel sunphotometer were used, in tandem with satellite data, to observe the transport of atmospheric aerosols over Raciborz, Poland, during an exceptionally warm month of August 2015. Two distinct periods are identified: increased aerosol optical thickness (AOT) values, exceeding 0.65, during August 6 to 13 concurrent with the planetary boundary layer elevated up to ∼2.5 km and thin aerosol layers up to 7 km above ground visible from August 25 to 27. A newly developed scheme for backward air mass trajectory analysis is employed. The scheme utilizes satellite data on thermal anomalies as well as multiangle imaging of aerosol clouds. The obtained retrievals provide evidence that aerosols of biomass burning type were present during the first period, originating from a strong episode of wildfires in Ukraine. Moreover, satellite AOT data from the MODIS instrument show that a significant part of the observed aerosol was accumulated during transport between the region of intense biomass burning and the receptor, Raciborz. The same analysis scheme suggests that a long-range transport of biomass burning products from the United States was a source of the layers observed during the second period.
Short‐term sustained hypoxia induces changes in the coupling of sympathetic and respiratory activities in rats

Hypoxia activates peripheral chemoreceptors producing an increase in breathing and arterial pressure. In conditions of sustained hypoxia, an increase in ventilation and arterial blood pressure is observed that persists after the return to normoxia. We show in rats that sustained hypoxia for 24 h produces glutamate‐dependent changes in the activity of expiratory and sympathetic neurones of the rostral ventrolateral medulla, which are essential for the control of respiratory and sympathetic activities. These neuronal changes induced by sustained hypoxia are critical for the emergence of coupled active expiration and augmented sympathetic activity. These findings contribute to a better understanding of cardiorespiratory adjustments associated with sustained hypoxia in individuals experiencing high altitudes.
Thermodynamic Identification of Buildings using Wireless Sensor Networks

Abstract In this paper we study different strategies for identifying thermodynamic models of buildings using experimental data collected from large scale wireless sensor networks. Wireless sensor networks can easily provide temperature, humidity and solar radiation measurements from tens to hundreds of sensors, thus potentially providing a fine-grained spatial-temporal resolution. In order to cope with such a large number of inputs and outputs, we tested subspace identification algorithms which are suitable for identifying large scale MIMO systems. The identified model can be used to evaluate the thermodynamic efficiency of the building. We also explore different sensor selection strategies in order to choose among all sensors the most informative ones. Using a small set of sensors not only greatly reduces computational burden in the identification algorithms, but can also be used to predict with high accuracy the measurements of the other sensors using Kalman filters. The identification algorithms, the sensor selection strategies, and the Kalman filter adopted have been tested and compared using experimental data collected from 65 sensors deployed in a 80 m 2 − 200 m 3 building over an 11 day period.
Knowledge of Exercise Prescription Guidelines Across One 4-Year Kinesiology Curriculum

Purpose: Knowledge of evidence-based exercise prescription guidelines is considered a cornerstone of responsible professional practice. While many academics insist that a university degree in kinesiology or a related field should be required for all exercise professionals, the learning of exercise prescription guidelines that takes place during the course of a university degree program has not been investigated. Method: An 11-question knowledge quiz about the frequency, duration, and intensity of cardiovascular exercise recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (Garber et al., 2011) was administered to 683 undergraduate students majoring in kinesiology and 89 certified exercise professionals. Results: Knowledge scores improved significantly, F(4, 764) = 16.69, p < . 001, η2 = . 08, from the freshmen, who scored 24.30%, to the seniors, who scored 36.25%. Seniors did not differ significantly from the professionals, who scored 40.65%, despite the fact that 58.14% of professionals had graduate degrees and 44.95% had multiple certifications. However, 82.77% of seniors perceived that their knowledge of the guidelines (rated 5.48 out of 10) was lower than that required “to be able to function as an exercise professional safely and effectively” (rated 8.17). Conclusion: These data suggest that although significant learning of the guidelines occurs in a typical kinesiology curriculum, there is considerable room for improvement.
Appropriate antivenom doses for six types of envenomations caused by snakes in taiwan

Six of the 15 species of venomous snakes found in Taiwan are responsible for most of the clinically significant envenomations in the country. These species are: Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus, Trimeresurus stejnegeri, Naja atra, Bungarus multicinctus, Deinagkistrodon acutus and Daboia russelii siamensis, which together can be subdivided into three groups based on their venom effects. Primary treatment consists of rapid administration of appropriate antivenoms. The present study aimed to identify a proper dose of antivenom for each snake group as well as to describe hemorrhagic, neurotoxic, and mixed effects of their venoms. A retrospective chart review identified 72 snakebite cases referred to an emergency department. Data on epidemiology, examination findings, snake identification, treatment, antivenom dose and complications were collected. After excluding 14 patients, data from 58 victims were analyzed. Most studied cases were male (86%). Significantly higher doses of antivenom were administered against neurotoxic envenomations (mean dose: three vials) compared with the other two (p < 0.05). Moreover, patients affected by neurotoxic bites were more likely to develop blurred vision and other complications (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that neurotoxic envenomation was a risk factor for complications (OR: 8.84, 95% CI: 1.06-73.73). Neurotoxic envenomations and complication occurrence were positively correlated with antivenom dosage. In conclusion, patients affected by neurotoxic envenomations received higher doses of antivenom than others whereas incidence of complications was associated with higher antivenom doses.
Bulk density of biomass and particle density of their briquettes.

The direct burning of agricultural residues in domestic as well as industrial applications is found to be very inefficient. Moreover, some of the drawbacks like transportation, storage and handling problems are also associated with its use. One of the approaches, which are being actively pursued worldwide towards improved and efficient utilization of agricultural and other biomass residues, is their densification in order to produce pellets or briquettes. Bulk density is a major physical property in designing the logistic system for biomass handling. The size, shape, moisture content, particle density, and surface characteristics are the factors affecting the bulk density. Bulk density is an important characteristic of biomass that influences directly the cost of feedstock delivered to a bio-refinery and storage cost. Present study deals with the determination of gives the density of the powdered biomass such as Cotton Stalk(CS), Pigeon Pea Stalk(PPS), Cumbu Napier Grass(CNG), Ground Nut Shell(GNS) and Sunflower Stalk(SS) besides their various briquettes diameter. Among the biomass combu napier grass found higher bulk density and among the biomass briquettes Cotton Stalk briquettes has the highest and Pigeon Pea Stalk briquettes has the lowest value besides their diameter size of 40, 50 and 60 mm diameter.
A Multigroup Structural Equation Approach: A Demonstration by Testing Variation of Firm Profitability Across EU Samples

We extend standard methodology for multigroup mean and covariance structure (MACS) analysis to the case where assessment of across-group variation of model parameters is the focus of the study and the data deviate from standard assumptions. The proposed methods are applied to analyze an accounting profitability database covering more than 100,000 firms in the 15 European Union (EU) countries in the period 1999 to 2003. A multivariate model with permanent and dynamic latent components of profitability is used to assess across-country variation of firm level profitability and persistence. We show that there are substantial differences among these countries, despite the partial integration of their economies. Estimation of supplementary parameters are proposed as a way to characterize persistence in each country, as well as across-group variation of model parameters. This methodology is more widely applicable in international organizational research.