Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Public health strategies for obesity treatment and prevention.

OBJECTIVE To review research on public health interventions for obesity. METHODS Describe recent changes in obesity prevalence in the United States and 5 research studies from the University of Minnesota directed at the problem. RESULTS The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the last 15 years. CONCLUSIONS Recent increases in obesity in the United States have been of great concern for public health. Health education approaches to addressing the problem have not been effective. It is suggested that alternative approaches, such as changing the price structure of foods, may be necessary if the problem is to be successfully addressed.
Improving the validation of model-simulated crop yield response to climate change: an application to the EPIC model

: Crop models have been used extensively to simulate yield response to various scenarios of climate change. Such simulations have been inadequately validated, limiting their utility in policy analysis. In this research, it is argued that the performance of crop models during recent years of extreme weather conditions relative to current normals may give a better indication of the validity of model simulations of crop yields in response to climate change than performance during the full range of climate conditions (as is done now). Twenty years of the clunate record (1971-1990) are separated into different growing season temperature and precipitation classes (normal years, hot/cold extremes, wet/dry extremes) for 7 weather stations in eastern Nebraska, USA. The Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC), a crop growth model, is used to simulate crop yields with each of the above weather classes. Statistical comparisons are made between simulated yields, observed yields and observed yields detrended of technology influences. Based on these comparisons, we conclude that EPIC reliably simulates crop yields under temperature extremes, some which approach the types of climate conditions that may become more frequent with climate change. Simulations with precipitation extremes are less reliable than with the temperature extremes but are argued still to be credible. Confidence in crop simulations during years mimicking climate warming scenarios appears warranted. or experi-mentation. of
Characterizing Discourse Among Undergraduate Researchers in an Inquiry‐Based Community of Practice

Engineering education increasingly incorporates pedagogies that promote guided, inquiry‐based, active learning within authentic “communities of practice”. Such pedagogies apply observations made about workplace interaction: that knowledge is distributed across social and physical networks. However, the process through which multiple dimensions of learning occur within a network of distributed cognition—where every person contributes to the learning of every other person—calls for further investigation. The present study, set in an active learning environment, identifies seven speech events that characterize linguistic processes of distributed cognition among undergraduate researchers in the Research Communications Studio (RCS) at the University of South Carolina. Close analysis of a small group session in the RCS revealed that participants enact critique, elicitation of critique, internalization, (direct and indirect) instruction, contextualization, explanation, and collaborative negotiation of knowledge throughout their interactions. Awareness of these speech events, which emerged from the analysis, may better equip engineering educators to optimize interactions in other active group learning environments and to facilitate such activities in more traditional pedagogical settings.
Quadrature Channel Modulation

In this letter, we propose the concept of quadrature channel modulation (QCM) by combining quadrature spatial modulation (QSM) and media-based modulation (MBM) transmission principles. The proposed QCM schemes exploit not only the in-phase and quadrature components of complex data symbols for antenna indexing but also channel states for the transmission of additional information bits through index modulation by employing a single radio frequency (RF) chain. It is shown via numerical studies that the proposed QCM schemes can outperform the existing emerging schemes such as QSM, plain MBM, and spatial modulation-based MBM, which also employ a single RF chain at their transmitters.
A New Diketopiperazine, Cyclo-(4-S-hydroxy-R-proline-R-isoleucine), from an Australian Specimen of the Sponge Stelletta sp. †

While investigating the cytotoxic activity of the methanol extract of an Australian marine sponge Stelletta sp. (Demospongiae), a new diketopiperazine, cyclo-(4-S-hydroxy-R-proline-R-isoleucine) (1), was isolated together with the known bengamides; A (2), F (3), N (4), Y (5), and bengazoles; Z (6), C4 (7) and C6 (8). The isolation and structure elucidation of the diketopiperazine (1), together with the activity of 1–8 against a panel of human and mammalian cell lines are discussed.
Quantitative Genetics in the Postmodern Family of the Donor Sibling Registry

Author(s): Lee, Joseph Christopher | Advisor(s): Risch, Neil | Abstract: Quantitative genetics is primarily concerned with two subjects: the correlation between relatives and the response to selection. The correlation between relatives is used to determine the heritability of a trait — the key quantity that addresses the question of nature vs. nurture. Heritability, in turn, is used to predict the response to selection — the main driver of improvements in crops and livestock. The theory of quantitative genetics has been thoroughly tested and applied in plants and animals, but heritability and selection remain open questions in humans due to limited natural experimental designs. The Donor Sibling Registry (DSR) is an organization that helps individuals conceived as a result of sperm, egg, or embryo donation make contact with genetically related individuals. Families who conceived children via anonymous sperm donation join the DSR and match with other families who used the same donor ID at the same sperm bank. The resulting donor pedigree consists of heterosexual, lesbian, and single mother families who are connected through the common anonymous sperm donor used to conceive their children. Here, we introduce a new quantitative genetic study design based on the unprecedented family relationships found in the donor pedigree. We surveyed 945 individual families constituting 159 donor pedigrees from the Donor Sibling Registry and used their demographic, physical, and behavioral characteristics to conduct a quantitative genetic study of selection and heritability. A direct measurement of phenotypic assortment showed mothers actively selected mates for height, eye color, and religion. Artificial selection for donor height increased mean child height in a manner consistent with the selection differential. Reared-apart donor-conceived paternal half-siblings provided unbiased heritability estimates for traits influenced by maternal and contrast effects. Maternal effects were important in determining the variance of birth weight while eliminating contrast effects revealed sociability to be a highly heritable childhood temperament. Thus, the unprecedented family relationships in the donor pedigree enable a universal model for quantitative genetics.
Selective autophagy mediated by autophagic adapter proteins

Mounting evidence suggests that autophagy is a more selective process than originally anticipated. The discovery and characterization of autophagic adapters, like p62 and NBR1, has provided mechanistic insight into this process. p62 and NBR1 are both selectively degraded by autophagy and able to act as cargo receptors for degradation of ubiquitinated subtstrates. A direct interaction between these autophagic adapters and the autophagosomal marker protein LC3, mediated by a so-called LIR (LC3-interacting region) motif, their inherent ability to polymerize or aggregate as well as their ability to specifically recognize substrates are required for efficient selective autophagy. These three required features of autophagic cargo receptors are evolutionarily conserved and also employed in the yeast cytoplasm-to-vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway and in the degradation of P granules in C. elegans. Here, we review the mechanistic basis of selective autophagy in mammalian cells discussing the degradation of misfolded proteins, p62 bodies, aggresomes, mitochondria and invading bacteria. The emerging picture of selective autophagy affecting the regulation of cell signaling with consequences for oxidative stress responses, tumorigenesis and innate immunity is also addressed.
The identification of circular extrachromosomal DNA in the nuclear genome of Trypanosoma brucei

Nuclear extrachromosomal DNA elements have been identified in several kinetoplastids such as Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi, but never in Trypanosoma brucei. They can occur naturally or arise spontaneously as the result of sublethal drug exposure of parasites. In most cases, they are represented as circular elements and are mitotically unstable. In this study we describe the presence of circular DNA in the nucleus of Trypanosoma brucei. This novel type of DNA was termed NR‐element (NlaIII repeat element). In contrast to drug‐induced episomes in other kinetoplastids, the T. brucei extrachromosomal NR‐element is not generated by drug selection. Furthermore, the element is stable during mitosis over many generations. Restriction analysis of tagged NR‐element DNA, unusual migration patterns during pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and CsCl/ethidium bromide equilibrium centrifugation demonstrates that the NR‐element represents circular DNA. Whereas it has been found in all field isolates of the parasites we analysed, it is not detectable in some laboratory strains notably the genome reference strain 927. The DNA sequence of this element is related to a 29 bp repeat present in the subtelomeric region of VSG‐bearing chromosomes of T. brucei. It has been suggested that this subtelomeric region is part of a transition zone on chromosomes separating the relatively stable telomeric repeats from the recombinationaly active region downstream of VSG genes. Therefore, we discuss a functional connection between the occurrence of this circular DNA and subtelomeric recombination events in T. brucei.
Non-fermi liquid angle resolved photoemission line shapes of li0. 9Mo6O17

A recent letter by Xue et al. (PRL v.83, 1235 ('99)) reports a Fermi-Liquid (FL) angle resolved photoemission (ARPES) lineshape for quasi one-dimensional Li0.9Mo6O17, contradicting our report (PRL v.82, 2540 ('99)) of a non-FL lineshape in this material. Xue et al. attributed the difference to the improved angle resolution. In this comment, we point out that this reasoning is flawed. Rather, we find that their data have fundamental differences from other ARPES results and also band theory.
Exploring the Factors Behind the Resistance to Mobile Banking in Portugal

M-banking has been highlighted as one of the most promising e-commerce services. However, the adoption of financial mobile services is still far behind market expectations. This study seeks to provide academics and bank managers alike with a better understanding of resistance to m-banking. Based on Ram and Shethâ€™s (1989) Theory of Innovation Resistance, a SEM model was built to describe resistance barriers. A total number of 3,852 observations, of which 2,344 were effective for SEM analysis, were obtained from an Internet survey at a Portuguese bank. The â€œfunctional barriersâ€ revealed more severe barriers than the â€œpsychologicalâ€ ones. Latent scores were used to compare consumersâ€™ perceptions and behaviour. Results indicate a significantly higher resistance among non-users, and demographic and behavioural profiles were established, promoting wider knowledge and possible enhancement of m-banking adoption. Conclusions and managerial implications are provided.
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Age at First Sexual Activity, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collects information on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination history as well as sexual activity. We evaluated data from NHANES to assess report of HPV vaccination with ≥1 dose and 3 doses among females and males aged 11 to 26 years during 2007-2014. We also examined age at first vaccine dose and age at first sexual activity among females aged 14 to 26 years. Vaccination significantly increased in females aged 13 to 26 years, but not among 11- to 12-year-old girls, and remained low for both females and males. In NHANES 2011-2014, among females with known age at first vaccine dose, 43.1% reported having had sex before or in the same year they received their first HPV vaccine, and this varied by race/ethnicity. Clinicians should provide strong recommendations consistent with guidelines, including routine vaccination of girls and boys at age 11 or 12 years.
Flumazenil-Induced Improvement of the Central Dopaminergic System in Rats with Acute Hepatic Failure

Several reports have demonstrated the alleviation of hepatic encephalopathy by flumazenil, an antagonist of benzodiazepine receptors. As changes in central monoaminergic activity are involved in the mechanisms for hepatic encephalopathy, the effects of flumazenil on central monoaminergic activity were evaluated in acute hepatic failure produced by ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Eighteen male Wistar rats were evenly assigned to three groups: sham-operated group given saline, liver-ischemic group given saline, and liver-ischemic group given flumazenil. Flumazenil (1 mg/kg) or saline (10 mL/kg) was intraperitoneally administered three times, at 1, 6, and 24 hours after 90 minutes of liver ischemia produced by occlusion of the left portal vein. The extracellular concentrations of neurotransmitter amino acids, monoamines, and their metabolites were determined in the striatum using a microdialysis procedure. Another set of 12 rats was subjected to liver ischemia, and the effect of flumazenil on spontaneous motor activity was examined after 24 hours. The extracellular concentration of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, a metabolite of dopamine, decreased to 39% of that in sham-operated animals 24 hours after surgery (P < 0.05), although the dopamine level did not change. The treatment with flumazenil completely abolished the decrease in the metabolite (P < 0.05). Although the glutamate level in the injured animals decreased to 42% of that in sham-operated animals (P < 0.05), no remarkable increase in the glutamate level was observed in animals treated with flumazenil. Spontaneous motor activity decreased 24 hours after surgery in animals subjected to liver ischemia. Flumazenil led to improvement of spontaneous motor activity 5 minutes after administration, but this effect was not observed after 30 minutes. The restoration of the central dopaminergic function may be a contributing factor in the improvement of hepatic encephalopathy.
Differentiation of B Cells: Sequential Appearance of Responsiveness to Polyclonal Activators

The responses to the polyclonal B‐cell activators dextran sulphate (DxS), lipo polysaccharide (LPS), and purified protein derivative from tuberculin (PPD) were followed along the differentiation process of fetal liver cells to mature B cells in irradiated hosts It was shown that these cells sequentially gained responsiveness to DxS. LPS, and PPD, in that order. It was also shown that the result of activation depends only on the differentiation degree of the target cells at the turn they are activated. Thus, more primitive cells can only divide, and most of the DxS‐. LPS‐, or PPD‐induced blasts are lg‐negative soon after the cells become responsive to each ligand. The response of more differentiated cells is characterized also by high‐rate antibody synthesis. These results provide a unique possibility of using polyclonal B‐cell activators as well‐defined functional markers for sub‐populations of B cells and shed a new light on the problem of immune B‐cell triggering
Ergebnisse eines Langzeit-Monitorings von Bodenerosion in der Schweiz

In einem Testgebiet im Schweizer Mittelland wurde 10 Jahre lang eine flachendeckende Erosionsschadenskartierung von 210 Ackerparzellen ereignisbezogen durchgefuhrt. Das Langzeit-Monitoring zeigt, dass fur zuverlassige Aussagen uber mittlere Bodenabtrage eines Gebietes Messungen von 10 Jahren oder mehr notig sind. Die jahrliche Variabilitat der Hohe des Bodenabtrages des Gesamtgebietes liegt bei einem Faktor 10. 6 Abtragsereignisse machten 50% des gesamten Abtrages uber 10 Jahre aus.
Bounded Query Classes

Polynomial time machines having restricted access to an NP oracle are investigated. Restricted access means that the number of queries to the oracle is restricted or the way in which the queries are made is restricted (e.g., queries made during truth-table reductions). Very different kinds of such restrictions result in the same or comparable complexity classes. In particular, the class $P^{\text{NP}}[O(\log n)]$ can be characterized in very different ways. Furthermore, the Boolean hierarchy is generalized in such a way that it is possible to characterize $P^{\text{NP}}$ and $P^{\text{NP}}[O(\log n)]$ in terms of the generalization.
Influence of Transfusions on Perioperative and Long-Term Outcome in Patients Following Hepatic Resection for Colorectal Metastases

ObjectiveTo determine if transfusion affected perioperative and long-term outcome in patients undergoing liver resection for metastatic colorectal cancer. Summary Background DataBlood transfusion produces host immunosuppression and has been postulated to result in adverse outcome for patients undergoing surgical resection of malignancies. MethodsBlood transfusion records and clinical outcomes for 1,351 patients undergoing liver resection at a tertiary cancer referral center were analyzed. ResultsBlood transfusion was associated with adverse outcome after liver resection. The greatest effect was in the perioperative course, where transfusion was an independent predictor of operative mortality, complications, major complications, and length of hospital stay. This effect was dose-related. Patients receiving one or two units or more than two units had an operative mortality of 2.5% and 11.1%, respectively, compared to 1.2% for patients not requiring transfusions. Transfusion was also associated with adverse long-term survival by univariate analysis, but this factor was not significant on multivariate analysis. Even patients receiving only one or two units had a more adverse outcome. ConclusionsPerioperative blood transfusion is a risk factor for poor outcome after liver resection. Blood conservation methods should be used to avoid transfusion, especially in patents currently requiring limited amounts of transfused blood products.
NeuralPower: Predict and Deploy Energy-Efficient Convolutional Neural Networks

"How much energy is consumed for an inference made by a convolutional neural network (CNN)? " With the increased popularity of CNNs deployed on the wide-spectrum of platforms (from mobile devices to workstations), the answer to this question has drawn significant attention. From lengthening battery life of mobile devices to reducing the energy bill of a datacenter, it is important to understand the energy efficiency of CNNs during serving for making an inference, before actually training the model. In this work, we propose NeuralPower: a layer-wise predictive framework based on sparse polynomial regression, for predicting the serving energy consumption of a CNN deployed on any GPU platform. Given the architecture of a CNN, NeuralPower provides an accurate prediction and breakdown for power and runtime across all layers in the whole network, helping machine learners quickly identify the power, runtime, or energy bottlenecks. We also propose the "energy-precision ratio" (EPR) metric to guide machine learners in selecting an energy-efficient CNN architecture that better trades off the energy consumption and prediction accuracy. The experimental results show that the prediction accuracy of the proposed NeuralPower outperforms the best published model to date, yielding an improvement in accuracy of up to 68.5%. We also assess the accuracy of predictions at the network level, by predicting the runtime, power, and energy of state-of-the-art CNN architectures, achieving an average accuracy of 88.24% in runtime, 88.34% in power, and 97.21% in energy. We comprehensively corroborate the effectiveness of NeuralPower as a powerful framework for machine learners by testing it on different GPU platforms and Deep Learning software tools.
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial on efficacy and safety of association of simethicone and Bacillus coagulans (Colinox®) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

INTRODUCTION Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that affects 15-20% of the Western population. BACKGROUND There are currently few therapeutic options available for the treatment of IBS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of a medical device containing a combination of Simethicone and Bacillus coagulans in the treatment of IBS. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a monocentric double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group clinical trial. Adult subjects suffering from IBS as defined by Rome III criteria were enrolled. Bloating, discomfort, abdominal pain were assessed as primary end point. Subjects received the active treatment or placebo 3 time a day after each meal for 4 weeks of study period. Subjects were submitted to visit at Day 0 (T1), at Days 14 (T2) and 29 (T3). RESULTS Fifty-two patients were included into the study. Intragroup analysis showed a significant reduction of the bloating, discomfort and pain in Colinox® group (CG) compared to placebo group (PG). Between group analysis confirmed, at T1-T3, significant differences between CG and PG in bloating and discomfort. DISCUSSION Simethicone is an inert antifoaming able to reduce bloating, abdominal discomfort. Literature offers increasing evidence linking alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota and IBS and it is well known that probiotics are important to restore the native gut microbiota. The Colinox medical device is specifically targeted against most intrusive symptom of IBS (bloating) and it is also able to counteract the most accredited ethiopathogenetic factor in IBS (alterations of intestinal microbiota). CONCLUSIONS This is the first randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrating the efficacy and safety of a combination of simethicone and Bacillus coagulans in treatment of IBS.
Prevalence and incidence of depression in residential care homes for older people

There is a large body of published research relating to depression in residential homes for older people (also called long-term-care homes, and including both nursing homes and hostels) (Ames 1990; 1993; Seitz et al., 2010; Snowdon and Purandare, 2010; Snowdon, 2010). However, despite increased detection and more frequent treatment in recent years, depression remains a significant problem for many older people living in such settings. This guest editorial summarizes current knowledge about prevalence, etiology, detection and screening, treatment and outcomes of depression in residential homes and concludes with a summary of key issues requiring urgent future action.