Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Technology-Mediated Behavioral Weight Gain Prevention Intervention for College Students: Controlled, Quasi-Experimental Study

Background Both men and women are vulnerable to weight gain during the college years, and this phenomenon is linked to an increased risk of several chronic diseases and mortality. Technology represents an attractive medium for the delivery of weight control interventions focused on college students, given its reach and appeal among this population. However, few technology-mediated weight gain prevention interventions have been evaluated for college students. Objective This study examined a new technology-based, social media-facilitated weight gain prevention intervention for college students. Methods Undergraduates (n =58) in two sections of a public university course were allocated to either a behavioral weight gain prevention intervention (Healthy Weight, HW; N=29) or a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination awareness intervention (control; N=29). All students were enrolled, regardless of initial body weight or expressed interest in weight management. The interventions delivered 8 lessons via electronic newsletters and Facebook postings over 9 weeks, which were designed to foster social support and introduce relevant educational content. The HW intervention targeted behavioral strategies to prevent weight gain and provided participants with a Wi-Fi-enabled scale and an electronic physical activity tracker to facilitate weight regulation. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to examine within- and between-group differences in measures of self-reported weight control practices and objectively measured weight. Use of each intervention medium and device was objectively tracked, and intervention satisfaction measures were obtained. Results Students remained weight stable (HW: −0.48+1.9 kg; control: −0.45+1.4 kg), with no significant difference between groups over 9 weeks (P =.94). However, HW students reported a significantly greater increase in the number of appropriate weight control strategies than did controls (2.1+4.5 vs −1.1+3.4, respectively; P =.003) and there was no increase in inappropriate weight control behaviors (P =.11). More than 90% of students in the HW arm opened the electronic newsletters each week, and the average number of Facebook interactions (comments and likes) per student each week was 3.3+1.4. Each self-monitoring device was initialized by 90% of HW students. On average, they used their physical activity tracker for 23.7+15.2 days and their Wi-Fi scale for 14.1+13.1 days over the 9 weeks. HW students rated the intervention favorably. Conclusions The short-term effect of this technology-based weight gain prevention intervention for college students is promising and merits evaluation over a longer duration to determine whether engagement and behavioral improvements positively affect weight outcomes and can be maintained.
Heterogeneity of diphtheria toxin gene, tox, and its regulatory element, dtxR, in Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains causing epidemic diphtheria in Russia and Ukraine

Diphtheria toxin (tox) and its regulatory element (dtxR) from 72 Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains isolated in Russia and Ukraine before and during the current diphtheria epidemic were studied by PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (PCR-SSCP). Twelve sets of primers were constructed (eight for tox and four for dtxR), and three regions within tox and all four regions of dtxR showed significant variations in the number and/or sizes of the amplicons. Two to four different SSCP patterns were identified in each of the variable regions; subsequently, tox and dtxR could be classified into 6 and 12 different types, respectively. The great majority of epidemic strains from both Russia and Ukraine had tox types 3 and 4, and only in a single preepidemic strain isolated in Russia were all eight tox regions identical to those of C. diphtheriae Park-Williams No. 8 (tox type 1). Epidemic strains from Ukraine can easily be identified by dtxR type 5, while the majority of the Russian epidemic strains have dtxR of types 2 and 8. No differences in the tox regions between mitis and gravis biotype strains were observed. However, dtxR types 2, 5, and 8 were identified only in the gravis biotype, and dtxR type 1 was characteristic for the mitis biotype strains. PCR-SSCP is a simple and rapid method for the identification of variable tox and dtxR regions that allows for the clear association of tox and dtxR types with strains of distinct temporal and/or geographic origins.
The Role of Pain in the Recovery of Instrumental and Social Functioning After Hip Fracture

Objective: It is critical to identify modifiable factors associated with functional recovery from hip fracture. The authors examined the association between pain intensity and two functional endpoints—instrumental activities of daily living and social activity participation—after hip fracture. Method: A total of 270 cognitively intact, community-dwelling persons older than 65 who underwent surgical hip fracture repair in New Haven, Connecticut, were followed for 12 months. Results: Pain intensity was strongly negatively associated with both instrumental and social functioning (p values < .001). Increases in pain intensity between 6 and 12 months were also associated with concurrent decreases in function (p values < .001). These relationships were partly explained by depressive symptoms and a marker of physical ability—gait speed. Discussion: Interventions to control pain may enhance functional status after hip fracture; however, pain relief must be maintained to sustain recovery. Attention to the complex relationships among pain, depressive symptoms, and physical impairments should inform intervention development.
Protein Turnover and Growth of the Rat Brain from the Foetus to Old Age

Abstract: Growth of the rat brain was studied between 16 days of foetal life and old age (105 weeks). Developmental changes in cerebral RNA, DNA, and protein contents are described. The age‐related decline in brain growth rates correlates with progressive decreases in the fractional rates of protein synthesis (from 58 to 6.8% per day) and break down (from 36.4 to 4.1% per day).
Pupil-centred learning, ICT, and teacher behaviour: observations in educational practice

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is believed to contribute to innovative, pupil-centred learning environments. In these environments, curriculum characteristics fit pupil characteristics better and teachers act as coaches instead of lecturers. This article presents results from a study of teaching–learning characteristics and the role of the teacher in ICT learning environments. Observations were carried out in classrooms of 25 technology-rich primary and secondary schools in five European countries. Qualitative and quantitative results show that in many cases ICT is used to facilitate traditional ways of teaching. Some examples of promising ICT teaching–learning situations are presented. In addition, quantitative results indicate that learning environments are more pupil-centred when there is a higher degree of curriculum differentiation and when teachers act as coaches. However, even if teachers act as coaches, they tend to stay firmly in control of the learning environment.
Kangaroo Care Compared to Incubators in Maintaining Body Warmth in Preterm Infants

Many preterm infants cared for in incubators do not experience Kangaroo Care (KC), skin-to-skin contact with their mothers, due to fear of body heat loss when being held outside the incubator. A randomized clinical trial of 16 KC and 13 control infants using a pretest-test-posttest design of three consecutive interfeeding intervals of 2.5 to 3.0 h duration each was conducted over 1 day. Infant abdominal and toe temperatures were measured in and out of the incubator; maternal breast temperature was measured during KC. Repeated measures ANOVA showed no change in abdominal temperature across all periods and between groups. Toe temperatures were significantly higher during KC than incubator periods, and maternal breast temperature met each infant’s neutral thermal zone requirements within 5 min of onset of KC. Preterm infants similar to those studied here will maintain body warmth with up to 3 h of KC.
Adoption of broadband Internet in Korea: the role of experience in building attitudes

Although many countries are attempting to build an information infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of broadband Internet access technology, the results are not always satisfactory. The focus of earlier research on the diffusion and adoption of broadband Internet access has been primarily on the construction of a national-level infrastructure or on macro-level factors such as government policies, market competition and the density of population. This research highlights the individual-level factors affecting the adoption of broadband access, integrating various views on the adoption and diffusion of technology, including the technology acceptance model, theory of planned behaviour and diffusion of innovation model. An extended technology acceptance model incorporating the notion of perceived resources is proved to be relevant in the adoption of broadband technologies. It was found that innovation attributes, such as compatibility, visibility and result demonstrability, have an impact on constructs in the extended technology acceptance model such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived resources. These results also support the idea that congruent experiences and opportunities in adopting a new technology affect user attitudes through the three extended technology acceptance model constructs above. This research suggests that efforts should be made to expand the compatible experience base of broadband Internet in order to facilitate its adoption and use. This paper also provides an extensive review of the adoption behaviour of individuals by incorporating different views and theories.
Iterative Methods for Blind Carrier Frequency Offset Estimation in OFDMA Uplink

Blind carrier frequency offset (CFO) estimation algorithms in orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems have been discussed in the literature recently. In [1], the blind estimation scheme has drawn a lot of attention, but the computational complexity caused by the MUSIC exhaustive search is high. Therefore, an iterative scheme is proposed in this paper to reduce the computational complexity while maintaining comparable performance. The simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed scheme and that the performance is near to the Cramer-Rao bound (CRB).
Symptom-directed selective endoscopy: long-term efficacy.

BACKGROUND Synchronous primary neoplasms have been encountered in some patients with mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Routine panendoscopy along with various radiological tests have been advocated to identify these potential tumors. In 1993, we originally described symptom-directed, selective endoscopy as an efficient and cost-effective means to evaluate patients to identify synchronous primary neoplasms. OBJECTIVE To review the ultimate success rate of symptom-directed, selective endoscopy in that initial cohort of patients and the success of the program longitudinally in clinical practice over the intervening 6 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS The status of the original 100 patients who participated in the selective endoscopy study were reviewed at least 6 months after the original procedure. A statistically significant random sample of 101 subsequent patients who had at least 6 months' follow-up or until their death were reviewed. RESULTS No additional primary, mucosal head and neck, esophageal, or pulmonary cancers were identified in the surviving original cohort of patients suggesting that the selective endoscopy identified all synchronous tumors. Sixteen metachronous primary cancers were identified between 12 and 70 months after the initial evaluation. Eight synchronous primary cancers were identified in the new cohort using symptom-directed evaluation, direct laryngopharyngoscopy, and chest x-ray films. No additional tumors were detected within 6 months. CONCLUSION Symptom-directed, selective endoscopy seems to be an effective alternative to routine panendoscopy in identifying synchronous primary cancers.
Are Self-Management Interventions Suitable for All? Comparing Obese Versus Nonobese Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Objective. The aim of the current study was to compare obese and nonobese type 2 diabetes patients at baseline and after participating in an existing self-management intervention (i.e., Beyond Good Intentions) on cognitive, self-care, and behavioral measures to examine whether both groups are equally prepared and able to adopt self-management approaches. Methods. A total of 94 type 2 diabetes patients were included, of whom 64 (59% male) completed the study. The final sample consisted of 27 obese (33% male) and 37 nonobese (78% male) patients. The intervention comprised one individual and four group sessions and aimed to improve self-management behavior by enhancing proactive coping skills (i.e., setting concrete goals, identifying barriers, coping with difficult situations, action planning, and progress evaluation). Cognitive (i.e., proactive coping, self-control, self-efficacy), self-care (i.e., adherence to lifestyle recommendations), and behavioral (i.e., diet, exercise) measures were assessed at baseline and after completing the intervention. Results. At baseline, obese patients reported to possess lower cognitive skills and lower adherence to lifestyle recommendations compared with nonobese patients. The intervention was effective in improving cognitive skills, self-care activities, as well as dietary and exercise behaviors. Improvements were equal for obese and nonobese patients. However, obese patients were more likely to drop out. Conclusions. Although obese type 2 diabetes patients were found to possess limited skills at baseline compared with nonobese patients, the self-management course proved to be equally effective for both groups.
Urinary extracellular microvesicles: Isolation methods and prospects for urinary proteome

Extracellular microvesicles (EVs) are membranous vesicles, which are released from diverse cells. These EVs have also been found in a wide range of body fluids. The cargo of EVs, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, can be stably preserved in EVs. Researchers have found that EVs can mediate intercellular communication by shuttling the cargo components. Therefore, EVs can be used for the identification of disease‐specific biomarkers. As one class of EVs, urinary exosomes can reflect the status of the renal system. Moreover, urinary exosome analysis can minimize the interference of high abundant proteins in the whole urine sample. Therefore, urinary exosomes have gained much attention in recent years. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of urinary exosome studies in recent years, including collection, storage, and isolation methods. The normal and disease proteomic analyses of urinary exosomes are also presented. Thus, this review may provide a valuable reference for future research.
Distinguishing sources of HIV transmission from the distribution of newly acquired HIV infections: why is it important for HIV prevention planning?

Objective The term ‘source of HIV infections’ has been referred to as the source of HIV transmission. It has also been interpreted as the distribution of newly acquired HIV infections across subgroups. We illustrate the importance of distinguishing the two interpretations for HIV prevention planning. Methods We used a dynamical model of heterosexual HIV transmission to simulate three HIV epidemics, and estimated the sources of HIV transmission (cumulative population attributable fraction) and the single-year distribution of new HIV infections. We focused an intervention guided by the largest transmission source versus the largest single-year distribution of new HIV infections, and compared the fraction of discounted HIV infections averted over 30 years. Results The single-year distribution of newly acquired HIV infections underestimated the source of HIV transmission in the long term, when the source was unprotected sex in high-risk groups. Under equivalent and finite resources, an intervention strategy directed by the long-term transmission source was shown to achieve a greater impact than a distribution-directed strategy, particularly in the long term. Conclusions Impact of HIV prevention strategies may vary depending on whether they are directed by the long-term transmission source or by the distribution of new HIV infections. Caution is required when interpreting the ‘source of HIV infections’ to avoid misusing the distribution of new HIV infections in HIV prevention planning.
Cellular La Protein Shields Nonsegmented Negative-Strand RNA Viral Leader RNA from RIG-I and Enhances Virus Growth by Diverse Mechanisms

ABSTRACT The La antigen (SS-B) associates with a wide variety of cellular and viral RNAs to affect gene expression in multiple systems. We show that La is the major cellular protein found to be associated with the abundant 44-nucleotide viral leader RNA (leRNA) early after infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA virus. Consistent with this, La redistributes from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in RSV-infected cells. Upon RNA interference knockdown of La, leRNA is redirected to associate with the RNA-binding protein RIG-I, a known activator of interferon (IFN) gene expression, and this is accompanied by the early induction of IFN mRNA. These results suggest that La shields leRNA from RIG-I, abrogating the early viral activation of type I IFN. We mapped the leRNA binding function to RNA recognition motif 1 of La and showed that while wild-type La greatly enhanced RSV growth, a La mutant defective in RSV leRNA binding also did not support RSV growth. Comparative studies of RSV and Sendai virus and the use of IFN-negative Vero cells indicated that La supports the growth of nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses by both IFN suppression and a potentially novel IFN-independent mechanism.
Improved Liquid Phase Chromatography Separation using Sub-micron Micromachining Technology

While liquid phase chromatography is using macroscopic columns filled with micron scale particles, a major separation enhancement is expected when using perfectly ordered (sub-) micron structures. Therefore an on-wafer chromatograph was fabricated using advanced micromachining technology. The first characterization results are presented and compared to the performance of state-of-the-art macroscopic devices.
Removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Present in Tyre Pyrolytic Oil Using Low Cost Natural Adsorbents

Abstract—Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed during the pyrolysis of scrap tyres to produce tyre pyrolytic oil (TPO). Due to carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic properties PAHs are priority pollutants. Hence it is essential to remove PAHs from TPO before utilising TPO as a petroleum fuel alternative (to run the engine). Agricultural wastes have promising future to be utilized as biosorbent due to their cost effectiveness, abundant availability, high biosorption capacity and renewability. Various low cost adsorbents were prepared from natural sources. Uptake of PAHs present in tyre pyrolytic oil was investigated using various low-cost adsorbents of natural origin including sawdust (shisham), coconut fiber, neem bark, chitin, activated charcoal. Adsorption experiments of different PAHs viz. naphthalene, acenaphthalene, biphenyl and anthracene have been carried out at ambient temperature (25°C) and at pH 7. It was observed that for any given PAH, the adsorption capacity increases with the lignin content. Freundlich constant Kf and 1/n have been evaluated and it was found that the adsorption isotherms of PAHs were in agreement with a Freundlich model, while the uptake capacity of PAHs followed the order: activated charcoal> saw dust (shisham) > coconut fiber > chitin. The partition coefficients in acetone-water, and the adsorption constants at equilibrium, could be linearly correlated with octanol–water partition coefficients. It is observed that natural adsorbents are good alternative for PAHs removal. Sawdust of Dalbergia sissoo, a by-product of sawmills was found to be a promising adsorbent for the removal of PAHs present in TPO. It is observed that adsorbents studied were comparable to those of some conventional adsorbents.
An interactive environment for supporting the transition from simulation to optimization

Numerical simulation is a powerful tool in science and engineering, and it is also used for optimizing the design of products and experiments rather than only for reproducing the behavior of scientific and engineering systems. In order to reduce the number of simulation runs, the traditional "trial and error" approach for finding near-to-optimum design parameters is more and more replaced with efficient numerical optimization algorithms. Done by hand, the coupling of simulation and optimization software is tedious and error-prone. In this note we introduce a software environment called EFCOSS (Environment For Combining Optimization and Simulation Software) that facilitates and speeds up this task by doing much of the required work automatically. Our framework includes support for automatic differentiation providing the derivatives required by many optimization algorithms. We describe the process of integrating the widely used computational fluid dynamics package FLUENT and a MINPACK-1 least squares optimizer into EFCOSS and follow a sample session solving a data assimilation problem.
Experimental evolution for generalists and specialists reveals multivariate genetic constraints on thermal reaction norms

Theory predicts the emergence of generalists in variable environments and antagonistic pleiotropy to favour specialists in constant environments, but empirical data seldom support such generalist–specialist trade‐offs. We selected for generalists and specialists in the dung fly Sepsis punctum (Diptera: Sepsidae) under conditions that we predicted would reveal antagonistic pleiotropy and multivariate trade‐offs underlying thermal reaction norms for juvenile development. We performed replicated laboratory evolution using four treatments: adaptation at a hot (31 °C) or a cold (15 °C) temperature, or under regimes fluctuating between these temperatures, either within or between generations. After 20 generations, we assessed parental effects and genetic responses of thermal reaction norms for three correlated life‐history traits: size at maturity, juvenile growth rate and juvenile survival. We find evidence for antagonistic pleiotropy for performance at hot and cold temperatures, and a temperature‐mediated trade‐off between juvenile survival and size at maturity, suggesting that trade‐offs associated with environmental tolerance can arise via intensified evolutionary compromises between genetically correlated traits. However, despite this antagonistic pleiotropy, we found no support for the evolution of increased thermal tolerance breadth at the expense of reduced maximal performance, suggesting low genetic variance in the generalist–specialist dimension.