Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The obesity epidemic slows among the middle-aged population in Sweden while the socioeconomic gap widens

Background: Obesity prevalence has continuously increased in Northern Sweden as elsewhere. A cohort effect has been shown and an increasing proportion of the middle-aged population is maintaining body weight. Objective: To test the hypothesis that the obesity epidemic continues but at different speeds that are dependent on socioeconomic status. Design: Cross-sectional (103,940 adults) and longitudinal (26,872 adults) data from the Västerbotten Intervention Program 1990–2007 were included. All adults in Västerbotten County are invited to a health examination at the ages of 40, 50, and 60 years. Body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status, assessed by residence location, marital status, and education were evaluated. Results: BMI increased in all groups but was greater among men. During 1990–1995 and 2002–2007, mean BMIs were 25.9 and 26.8 among men and 25.2 and 25.9 among women. The trend of increasing BMI slowed around the year 2000 (p<0.001), but this was only observed among the highly educated adults in the most urbanized area. The difference between educational groups increased throughout the study period (men p=0.014, women p=0.002). Longitudinal data for both sexes showed a twofold higher baseline prevalence of obesity among individuals with basic compared to high education and it nearly doubled in all groups during the 10-year follow-up. Low education, living in a rural environment, and living alone were independent predictors of obesity development. The overall cumulative 10-year incidence was 9.4% in men, 9.1% in women, and twofold higher among those with basic and mid-level education who live in rural areas compared to those with high education who live in cities. Conclusion: The trend of increasing obesity has slowed in this middle-aged Northern Sweden population, but this trend shift occurred primarily among those with high education who live in an urban environment. Greater efforts to combat obesogenic environments are needed and should take socioeconomic and sociocultural aspects into account.
Dobrava-Belgrade Hantavirus from Germany Shows Receptor Usage and Innate Immunity Induction Consistent with the Pathogenicity of the Virus in Humans

Background Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) is a European hantavirus causing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in humans with fatality rates of up to 12%. DOBV-associated clinical cases typically occur also in the northern part of Germany where the virus is carried by the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius). However, the causative agent responsible for human illness has not been previously isolated. Methodology/Principal Findings Here we report on characterization of a novel cell culture isolate from Germany obtained from a lung tissue of “spillover” infected yellow necked mouse (A. flavicollis) trapped near the city of Greifswald. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated close clustering of the new strain, designated Greifswald/Aa (GRW/Aa) with the nucleotide sequence obtained from a northern German HFRS patient. The virus was effectively blocked by specific antibodies directed against β3 integrins and Decay Accelerating Factor (DAF) indicating that the virus uses same receptors as the highly pathogenic Hantaan virus (HTNV). In addition, activation of selected innate immunity markers as interferon β and λ and antiviral protein MxA after viral infection of A549 cells was investigated and showed that the virus modulates the first-line antiviral response in a similar way as HTNV. Conclusions/Significance In summary, our study reveals novel data on DOBV receptor usage and innate immunity induction in relationship to virus pathogenicity and underlines the potency of German DOBV strains to act as human pathogen.
Density-aware hop-count localization (DHL) in wireless sensor networks with variable density

Localization schemes using hop-counts to reference nodes of known positions have been proposed to localize nodes in a sensor network. However, these schemes usually work well only when the networks have uniform and dense node distribution. A novel density-aware hop-count localization (DHL) algorithm is described to improve the accuracy of location estimation when the node distribution is non-uniform. When the density is low, each hop traversed is not necessarily equivalent to the maximum range distance. A range ratio is used to adjust the accumulated hop-count and this effectively reduces distance overestimation. Simulations show that our algorithm improves the localization accuracy compared to the algorithms without density considerations. The overhead incurred by DHL is found to be lower than that incurred by conventional schemes.
Pericardial cardiac troponin I release after coronary artery bypass grafting.

UNLABELLED Pericardial fluid can reflect the composition of cardiac interstitium in myocardial ischemia. This study investigated the hypothesis that pericardial cardiac troponin I (CTnI) measurements could be a more accurate marker of perioperative myocardial infarction (MI) than serum CTnI after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Postoperative arterial and pericardial blood samples were taken in 102 subjects undergoing elective CABG allocated to one of three groups according to the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities observed during the first postoperative 24 h: Group 1 = normal ECG; Group 2 = nonspecific ECG abnormalities; and Group 3 = perioperative Q-wave MI. Peak pericardial CTnI concentrations were much higher than peak serum concentrations in all subjects and significantly greater in Group 3 than in Groups 1 and 2 (1,318 +/- 1,810 ng/mL vs 367 +/- 339 ng/mL and 558 +/- 608 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.01). However, no significant difference between groups occurred at any time for pericardial/serum CTnI ratios, indicating that time courses of CTnI were not different in pericardial fluid and serum. A significant correlation was found between serum and pericardial CTnI concentrations (R = 0.70, P < 0.001). Pericardial CTnI was not more accurate than serum CTnI in predicting Q-wave MI as shown by the low value of the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve (= 0.71). Peak and early pericardial CTnI were also not accurate in predicting an increase of serum CTnI greater than a cutoff value of 19 ng/mL. Thus, pericardial CTnI measurements were less useful than serum CTnI measurements in the diagnosis of perioperative MI after CABG. IMPLICATIONS Although cardiac troponin I concentrations were much higher in pericardial fluid than in serum and significantly increased in subjects who experienced perioperative Q-wave myocardial infarction, pericardial cardiac troponin I measurements were of less value than serum cardiac troponin I measurements for the diagnosis of perioperative myocardial infarction after coronary artery bypass grafting and cannot be recommended in routine clinical practice.
Chemical and behavioral analysis of the cuticular hydrocarbons from Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most destructive disease of citrus worldwide. The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is the vector of the phloem‐inhabiting bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which is presumed to cause HLB in Florida citrus. Laboratory and field studies were conducted to examine the behavioral responses of male and female D. citri to their cuticular extracts. In olfactometer assays, more male D. citri were attracted to one, five, or 10 female cuticular extract equivalent units than blank controls. The results were confirmed in field studies in which clear or yellow traps baited with 10 female cuticular extract equivalent units attracted proportionately more males than clear traps baited with male cuticular extract or unbaited traps. Analyses of cuticular constituents of male and female D. citri revealed differences between the sexes in chemical composition of their cuticular extracts. Laboratory bioassays with synthetic chemicals identified from cuticular extracts indicated that dodecanoic acid attracted more males than clean air. Traps baited with dodecanoic acid did not increase total catch of D. citri as compared with blank traps at the dosages tested; however, the sex ratio of psyllid catch was male biased on traps baited with the highest lure loading dosage tested (10.0 mg).
Time-dependent changes in factors involved in the apoptotic process in human ovarian cancer cells as a response to cisplatin.

OBJECTIVES Apoptosis is believed to be a major mechanism of cisplatin-induced cell death. We investigated the kinetics of apoptosis in four human ovarian cancer cell lines treated with cisplatin to obtain insight into the role and the behavior of a variety of factors involved in this process. METHODS The cell lines A2780, H134, and IGROV-1 (all wild-type p53) and OVCAR-3 (mutant p53) were exposed to cisplatin for 1 h and the antiproliferative effects were measured after 96 h. At various time points up to 96 h after the 1-h exposure to the individual 90% growth-inhibiting cisplatin concentrations, FACS analysis and May-Grünwald Giemsa staining were carried out to determine the extent of apoptosis. At the same time points protein expression levels of p53, p21/WAF1, Bax, and Bcl-2 and the activity of caspase-3 were measured. FACS analysis was also carried out to determine changes in cell cycle distribution as a response to cisplatin. RESULTS The four cell lines differed in sensitivity to cisplatin. A2780 was the most sensitive and IGROV-1 was the least sensitive. In contrast, IGROV-1 cells showed the highest percentage of apoptosis (30-40%), while A2780 had the lowest percentage (6-14%) (r = 0.99). The occurrence of apoptosis was not dependent on functional p53. Of interest, caspase-3 activity was in line with the percentage of apoptosis and preceded DNA fragmentation and the visualization of condensed nuclei. Wild-type p53 cells accumulated in the S phase, while OVCAR-3 arrested in the G2/M phase. The protein expression levels of p53, p21/WAF1, Bax, and Bcl-2 varied in time, but were not related to the apoptotic behavior of the cells. Upregulation of p53 was already evident before activation of caspase-3. CONCLUSIONS Time-dependent changes in the various factors involved in the apoptotic process induced by equitoxic doses of cisplatin vary strongly among the cell lines. Caspase-3 activation plays an important role in cisplatin-induced apoptosis and this precedes morphological changes. The ability of cells to enter apoptosis, however, does not seem to predict sensitivity to cisplatin.
A New Class of Two‐Layer Green–Naghdi Systems with Improved Frequency Dispersion

We introduce a new class of Green–Naghdi type models for the propagation of internal waves between two (1 + 1)‐dimensional layers of homogeneous, immiscible, ideal, incompressible, and irrotational fluids, vertically delimited by a flat bottom and a rigid lid. These models are tailored to improve the frequency dispersion of the original bi‐layer Green–Naghdi model, and in particular to manage high‐frequency Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities, while maintaining its precision in the sense of consistency. Our models preserve the Hamiltonian structure, symmetry groups, and conserved quantities of the original model. We provide a rigorous justification of a class of our models thanks to consistency, well‐posedness, and stability results. These results apply in particular to the original Green–Naghdi model as well as to the Saint–Venant (hydrostatic shallow water) system with surface tension.
Fast simulation of turbo codes over AWGN channels

In this paper, we illustrate the use of importance sampling (IS) for efficient simulation of Turbo Codes over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channels. In particular, we show how to bias the probability density function (pdf) of the AWGN process using the most probable error path (MPEP) method in order to maximize the computational efficiency gain. The new noise pdf is designed based on the optimal biased distribution where zero variance estimator can be achieved. It is demonstrated that the proposed method requires much smaller sample sizes to achieve the same accuracy required by a conventional MC estimator.
Big Data: A Parallel Particle Swarm Optimization-Back-Propagation Neural Network Algorithm Based on MapReduce

A back-propagation (BP) neural network can solve complicated random nonlinear mapping problems; therefore, it can be applied to a wide range of problems. However, as the sample size increases, the time required to train BP neural networks becomes lengthy. Moreover, the classification accuracy decreases as well. To improve the classification accuracy and runtime efficiency of the BP neural network algorithm, we proposed a parallel design and realization method for a particle swarm optimization (PSO)-optimized BP neural network based on MapReduce on the Hadoop platform using both the PSO algorithm and a parallel design. The PSO algorithm was used to optimize the BP neural network’s initial weights and thresholds and improve the accuracy of the classification algorithm. The MapReduce parallel programming model was utilized to achieve parallel processing of the BP algorithm, thereby solving the problems of hardware and communication overhead when the BP neural network addresses big data. Datasets on 5 different scales were constructed using the scene image library from the SUN Database. The classification accuracy of the parallel PSO-BP neural network algorithm is approximately 92%, and the system efficiency is approximately 0.85, which presents obvious advantages when processing big data. The algorithm proposed in this study demonstrated both higher classification accuracy and improved time efficiency, which represents a significant improvement obtained from applying parallel processing to an intelligent algorithm on big data.
Performance of wiretap Rayleigh fading channels under statistical delay constraints

In this paper, we investigate the performance of the wiretap Rayleigh fading channel in the presence of statistical delay constraints. We invoke tools from stochastic network calculus to derive probabilistic bounds on the delay. This method requires a statistical characterization of the wiretap fading service process, which we derive in closed form. We then validate these analytical bounds via simulations. Interestingly, the analysis of the wiretap fading channel reveals close structural similarities with the interference channel in terms of service process characterization, which is derived in our prior work. In our numerical evaluations, we show that the delay performance of the wiretap fading channel is in particular sensitive to bursty arrival processes due to the high variance of the service process.
Effects of calcium supplementation on bone density in healthy children: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract Objectives To assess the effectiveness of calcium supplementation for improving bone mineral density in healthy children and to determine if any effect is modified by other factors and persists after supplementation stops. Design Meta-analysis. Data sources Electronic bibliographic databases, hand searching of conference proceedings, and contacting authors for unpublished data. Review methods We included randomised placebo controlled trials of calcium supplementation in healthy children that lasted at least three months and had bone outcomes measured after at least six months of follow-up. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed quality. Meta-analyses predominantly used fixed effects models with outcomes given as standardised mean differences. Results We included 19 studies involving 2859 children. Calcium supplementation had no effect on bone mineral density at the femoral neck or lumbar spine. There was a small effect on total body bone mineral content (standardised mean difference 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.27) and upper limb bone mineral density (0.14, 0.04 to 0.24). This effect persisted after the end of supplementation only at the upper limb (0.14, 0.01 to 0.28). There was no evidence that sex, baseline calcium intake, pubertal stage, ethnicity, or level of physical activity modified the effect. Conclusions The small effect of calcium supplementation on bone mineral density in the upper limb is unlikely to reduce the risk of fracture, either in childhood or later life, to a degree of major public health importance.
Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills Based on Force and Motion Parameters

Box trainers equipped with sensors may help in acquiring objective information about a trainee's performance while performing training tasks with real instruments. The main aim of this study is to investigate the added value of force parameters with respect to commonly used motion and time parameters such as path length, motion volume, and task time. Two new dynamic bimanual positioning tasks were developed that not only requiring adequate motion control but also appropriate force control successful completion. Force and motion data for these tasks were studied for three groups of participants with different experience levels in laparoscopy (i.e., 11 novices, 19 intermediates, and 12 experts). In total, 10 of the 13 parameters showed a significant difference between groups. When the data from the significant motion, time, and force parameters are used for classification, it is possible to identify the skills level of the participants with 100% accuracy. Furthermore, the force parameters of many individuals in the intermediate group exceeded the maximum values in the novice and expert group. The relatively high forces used by the intermediates argue for the inclusion of training and assessment of force application during tissue handling in future laparoscopic skills training programs.
Efficient Arithmetic on Genus 2 Hyperelliptic Curves over Finite Fields via Explicit Formulae

We extend the explicit formulae for arithmetic on genus two curves of [13, 21] to fields of even characteristic and to arbitrary equation of the curve. These formulae can be evaluated faster than the more general Cantor algorithm and allow to obtain faster arithmetic on a hyperelliptic genus 2 curve than on elliptic curves. We give timings for implementations using various libraries for the field arithmetic.
ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE3 Is a Senescence-Associated Gene That Accelerates Age-Dependent Leaf Senescence by Directly Repressing miR164 Transcription in Arabidopsis[C][W]

This work demonstrates that EIN3 is a functional senescence-associated gene and defines a continuation of the signaling pathway involving EIN2-EIN3-miR164-NAC2 in regulating leaf senescence. The findings provide a mechanistic insight into how ethylene promotes the progression of leaf senescence in Arabidopsis. Numerous endogenous and environmental signals regulate the intricate and highly orchestrated process of plant senescence. Ethylene is a well-known inducer of senescence, including fruit ripening and flower and leaf senescence. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of ethylene-induced leaf senescence remains to be elucidated. Here, we examine ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3), a key transcription factor in ethylene signaling, and find that EIN3 is a functional senescence-associated gene. Constitutive overexpression or temporary activation of EIN3 is sufficient to accelerate leaf senescence symptoms. Conversely, loss of EIN3 and EIN3-Like1 (its close homolog) function leads to a delay in age-dependent and ethylene-, jasmonic acid-, or dark-induced leaf senescence. We further found that EIN3 acts downstream of ORESARA2 (ORE2)/ORE3/EIN2 to repress miR164 transcription and upregulate the transcript levels of ORE1/NAC2, a target gene of miR164. EIN3 directly binds to the promoters of microRNA164 (miR164), and this binding activity progressively increases during leaf ageing. Genetic analysis revealed that overexpression of miR164 or knockout of ORE1/NAC2 represses EIN3-induced early-senescence phenotypes. Collectively, our study defines a continuation of the signaling pathway involving EIN2-EIN3-miR164-NAC2 in regulating leaf senescence and provides a mechanistic insight into how ethylene promotes the progression of leaf senescence in Arabidopsis thaliana.
An experimental investigation on water penetration in the process of water assisted injection molding of polypropylene

The water penetration phenomenon in the process of water assisted injection molding (WAIM) of a semi-crystalline polymer i.e. polypropylene (PP) was investigated. WAIM has been developed for production of hollow plastic elements and for parts having separate internal void spaces or channels. It offers a cost-effective means of producing the large elements having a good surface finish, reduced weight, and relatively short cycle time. In this study three processing parameters were investigated, namely, water injection delay time, holding time and mold temperature. Their effects on water penetration length, part hollow core characteristic (e.g. wall thickness, core diameter) and shrinkage were explored. The mold cavity shaped a branched pipe (two-head) to be cored out via water penetration. The results indicated that an optimum product, namely, having longer water penetration, lower wall thickness difference, more uniform pipe diameter and low shrinkage could be produced at a higher holding time, a higher mold temperature and at an optimum delay time.
Speech Bandwidth Extension: Extrapolations of Spectral Envelop and Harmonicity Quality of Excitation

This paper presents a method for restoration of the missing bandwidth of narrowband speech signals. Speech is decomposed into a linear prediction (LP) model of the spectral envelop and a harmonic plus noise model (HNM) of speech excitation. The LP spectral envelope and HNM excitation parameters of the narrowband speech are extrapolated using codebooks trained on narrowband and wideband speech. A novel contribution of this paper is the introduction of a parametric measure of the harmonicity of excitation in harmonically-spaced sub-bands. The wideband LSF parameters and the degree of harmonicity of missing excitation are estimated from those of the narrowband speech via codebook mapping. The method is successful in restoring the harmonicity of speech and converts telephone quality speech to perceptually high quality wideband speech
Neurophysiological Effects of Meditation Based on Evoked and Event Related Potential Recordings

Evoked potentials (EPs) are a relatively noninvasive method to assess the integrity of sensory pathways. As the neural generators for most of the components are relatively well worked out, EPs have been used to understand the changes occurring during meditation. Event-related potentials (ERPs) yield useful information about the response to tasks, usually assessing attention. A brief review of the literature yielded eleven studies on EPs and seventeen on ERPs from 1978 to 2014. The EP studies covered short, mid, and long latency EPs, using both auditory and visual modalities. ERP studies reported the effects of meditation on tasks such as the auditory oddball paradigm, the attentional blink task, mismatched negativity, and affective picture viewing among others. Both EP and ERPs were recorded in several meditations detailed in the review. Maximum changes occurred in mid latency (auditory) EPs suggesting that maximum changes occur in the corresponding neural generators in the thalamus, thalamic radiations, and primary auditory cortical areas. ERP studies showed meditation can increase attention and enhance efficiency of brain resource allocation with greater emotional control.