Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Setting priorities for conservation at the interface between ocean circulation, connectivity, and population dynamics.

Population persistence in the marine environment is driven by patterns of ocean circulation, larval dispersal, ecological interactions, and demographic rates. For habitat forming organisms in particular, understanding the relationship between larval connectivity and meta-population dynamics aids in planning for marine spatial management. Here, we estimate networks of connectivity between fringing coral reefs in the North West Shelf of Australia by combining a particle tracking model based on shelf circulation with models of sub-population dynamics of individual reefs. Coral cover data were used as a proxy for overall habitat quality, which can change as a result of natural processes, human-driven impacts, and management initiatives. We obtain three major results of conservation significance. First, the dynamics of the ecological network result from the interplay between network connectivity and ecological processes on individual reefs. The maximum coral cover a zone can sustain imposes a significant non-linearity on the role an individual reef plays within the dynamics of the network, and thus on the impact of conservation interventions on specific reefs. Second, the role of an individual reef within these network dynamics changes considerably depending on the overall state of the system: a reef's role in sustaining the system's state can be different from the same reef's role in helping the system recover following major disturbance. Third, patterns of network connectivity change significantly as a function of yearly shelf circulation trends, and non-linearity in network dynamics make mean connectivity a poor representation of yearly variations. From a management perspective, the priority list of reefs that are targets for management interventions depends crucially on what type of stressors (system-wide vs localised) need addressing. This choice also depends not only on the ultimate purpose of management, but also on future oceanographic, climate change and development scenarios that will determine the network connectivity and habitat quality.
Social jetlag is associated with an increased likelihood of having depressive symptoms among the Japanese working population: the Furukawa Nutrition and Health Study

Abstract Study Objectives Social jetlag, a mismatch between biological and social timing, has been reported to be associated with depressive symptoms among general population. However, evidence on this association is lacking among non-shift workers, who are under pressure to adapt themselves to a work schedule. We investigated the cross-sectional association of social jetlag with depressive symptoms among Japanese non-shift workers. Methods This study included 1,404 employees, aged 18–78 years, who completed a study questionnaire at a periodic health checkup. Social jetlag was calculated as the absolute value of the difference in the midpoint of sleep times between weekdays and weekends. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with adjustments for potential confounders including diet and chronotype. Results Of the study participants, 63.5%, 28.4%, and 8.1% had less than 1 hour, 1 to less than 2 hours, and at least 2 hours of social jetlag, respectively. Greater social jetlag was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of having depressive symptoms. The multivariable-adjusted OR (95% confidence interval) were 1.30 (0.95 to 1.78) and 2.14 (1.26–3.62) for 1 to less than 2 hour and at least 2 hours compared to less than 1 hour of social jetlag. The association between social jetlag and depressive symptoms appeared to be linear, according to restricted cubic spline regression. Conclusion Results suggest that greater social jetlag is associated with an increased likelihood of having depressive symptoms among non-shift workers.
Comparison of Rating Scale, Time Tradeoff, and Conjoint Analysis Methods for Assessment of Preferences in Prostate Cancer

Background. Conjoint analysis is widely used in studies of consumer preference but has only recently been applied to measure patient utilities for health outcomes. We compared the reliability, feasibility, and internal and predictive validity of conjoint scaling methods against better established rating scale and time tradeoff methods for assessing prostate cancer utilities in men at risk for prostate cancer. Methods. In total, 194 men who were biopsy negative for prostate cancer were randomly assigned to complete 2 preference assessment modules, either conjoint analysis and a rating scale module or conjoint analysis and a time tradeoff module. Each participant’s most important attribute was identified and evaluated in relation to age group (age <65, age 65 and older), education (high school, some college, college graduate), race/ethnicity (white, black, Latino), and relationship status (in significant relationship v. not). The methods were also evaluated in terms of ease of use and satisfaction. Results. Rating scales were rated as easiest to use and respondents were more satisfied with rating scales and conjoint in comparison to time tradeoffs. Rating scales and conjoint measures demonstrated significantly higher internal validity compared to time tradeoff when evaluated through R2 of the fitted utility function. The 3 methods were similar in terms of predictive validity, but conjoint analysis outperformed the rating scale method when patients were presented with novel combinations of attribute levels (68% correct v. 43%, P = 0.003). Conclusions. Rating scales and conjoint analysis exercises offer greater ease of use and higher satisfaction when measuring patient preferences in men biopsied for prostate cancer in comparison to time tradeoff exercises. Conjoint analysis may be a more robust approach to preference measurement for men at risk for prostate cancer.
Rise and regional disparities in buprenorphine utilization in the United States

Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist used to treat opioid use disorder. While several policy changes have attempted to increase buprenorphine availability, access remains well below optimal levels. This study characterized how buprenorphine utilization in the United States has changed over time and whether there are regional disparities in distribution of the medication.
DESIGNING A NEURAL NETWORK MODEL USING K-MEANS CLUSTERING FOR RISK ANALYSIS OF LUNG CANCER DISEASE

According to the World Health Organization report in 2004, lung cancer belongs to highest mortality rate cancer type compared to others. Genetics and early starting smoke etc. become the basis for lung cancer risk. In recent years, lung cancer cases are increasing with the use of cigarettes at younger ages. One of the most important factor in the treatment of the disease is early diagnosis. Artificial intelligence methods, which have been used in many areas in recent years, are also used for early diagnosis and imaging of diseases. In this study, a hybrid artificial neural network (ANN) model was designed to bring a different perspective to the use of multilayer ANN in the literature for lung cancer risk prediction. Lung cancer risk factors were used as input data in predicting the disease. We tried to estimate the results using clustered data by K-means clustering algorithm and multi-layered ANN method. When the results obtained from the normalized and clustered data set are compared with the results in the literature, the proposed model has a higher accuracy value than the other methods.
Effect of high-fat diet on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and adipose tissue in early stages of diet-induced weight gain

Abstract Subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) play a significant role in obesity-associated systemic low-grade inflammation. High-fat diet (HFD) is known to induce inflammatory changes in both scAT and PBMC. However, the time course of the effect of HFD on these systems is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine the time course of the effect of HFD on PBMC and scAT. New Zealand white rabbits were fed HFD for 5 or 10 weeks (i.e. HFD-5 and HFD-10) or regular chow (i.e. control (CNT)-5 and CNT-10). Thereafter, metabolic and inflammatory parameters of PBMC and scAT were quantified. HFD induced hyperfattyacidaemia in HFD-5 and HFD-10 groups, with the development of insulin resistance in HFD-10, while no changes were observed in scAT lipid metabolism and inflammatory status. HFD activated the inflammatory pathways in PBMC of HFD-5 group and induced modified autophagy in that of HFD-10. The rate of fat oxidation in PBMC was directly associated with the expression of inflammatory markers and tended to inversely associate with autophagosome formation markers in PBMC. HFD affected systemic substrate metabolism, and the metabolic, inflammatory and autophagy pathways in PBMC in the absence of metabolic and inflammatory changes in scAT. Dietary approaches or interventions to avert HFD-induced changes in PBMC could be essential to prevent metabolic and inflammatory complications of obesity and promote healthier living.
Exercise Training Upregulates Nrf2 Protein in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla of Mice with Heart Failure.

CHF is associated with global oxidative stress, which contributes to sympatho-excitation. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain accumulate within neurons and lead to enhanced neuronal excitability. Exercise training (ExT) is associated with a reduction of oxidative stress by upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. The link between ExT and antioxidant enzyme expression in the brain of animals with CHF is not clear. We hypothesized that ExT enhances transcription and translation of the Nuclear Factor (Erythroid derived 2)-Like 2 (Nrf2) gene, a master transcription factor that modulates antioxidant enzyme gene expression, in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) of mice with CHF. Mice were divided into the following groups: Sham sedentary (Sham-Sed), Sham-ExT, CHF-Sed and CHF-ExT. After 8 weeks of ExT, we measured Nrf2 and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1 (NQO-1) message and protein expression along with maximal exercise tolerance and urinary norepinephrine (NE) excretion. We found that Nrf2 and NQO-1 mRNA and protein expression in the RVLM were lower in CHF-Sed mice compared with Sham-Sed. ExT attenuated the CHF-induced reduction of Nrf2 and NQO-1 mRNA and protein expression in the RVLM. NE excretion was higher in CHF-Sed mice compared with Sham-Sed (666.8 ± 79.3 ng/24 h, n=6 versus 397.8 ± 43.7 ng/24 h, p=0.04). CHF-ExT mice exhibited reduced urinary NE excretion compared with CHF-Sed (360.7 ± 41.7 ng, n=4 versus 666.8 ± 79.3 ng, n=6; p=0.03). We conclude that ExT-induced upregulation of Nrf2 in the RVLM contributes to the beneficial effects of ExT on sympathetic function in the heart failure state.
Persistent mediastinal FDG uptake on PET-CT after frontline therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma: biopsy, treat or observe?

Abstract Residual mediastinal FDG-uptake after frontline therapy for classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) may constitute persistent disease or inflammatory changes. We analyzed practice patterns at two institutions to determine how often a mediastinal biopsy influenced patient management and outcome. Forty-two cases were eligible for review, mostly treated with ABVD. Twenty (group1) underwent a mediastinal biopsy and 22 did not (group2). In group1, 10/20 were positive for cHL and proceeded to salvage therapy (ST); 4/10 biopsy-negative patients were observed, and 6/10 received consolidative radiotherapy. Ten of 22 patients from group 2 were observed, 12/22 received ST. Ten of 14 observed patients remained PET-positive and 8/8 biopsies in these patients showed cHL. Deauville score (DS) 5 was associated with a positive biopsy (10/16). No overall survival difference between groups was observed. We conclude that observation and repeat a FDG-PET is reasonable for DS3-4 while for DS5, ST should be considered pending biopsy confirmation when feasible.
Palmitic acid induces guanylin gene expression through the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor κB pathway in rat macrophages.

Recently, we showed that double-transgenic rats overexpressing guanylin (Gn), a bioactive peptide, and its receptor, guanylyl cyclase-C (GC-C), specifically in macrophages demonstrate an anti-obesity phenotype and low expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the mesenteric fat even when fed a high-fat diet.Here, we examined the levels and mechanism of Gn and GC-C transcription following saturated fatty acid and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an activator of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), exposure by using the NR8383 macrophage cell line. In addition, the levels of guanylin and cGMP were increased by addition of either palmitic acid or LPS.Next, we investigated the interaction of the gene transcription and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) by using an NF-κB inhibitor and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. We showed that palmitic acid induced Gn gene expression via TLR4 and NF-κB. Moreover, we demonstrated that NF-κB binding to the Gn promoter was responsible for the induction of gene transcription by palmitic acid or LPS.Our results indicate that saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acidactivate Gn gene expression via the NF-κB pathway, raising the possibility that the activated Gn-GC-C system may contribute to the inhibition of high-fat diet-induced proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages.
The genetics of interstitial lung diseases

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a set of heterogeneous lung diseases characterised by inflammation and, in some cases, fibrosis. These lung conditions lead to dyspnoea, cough, abnormalities in gas exchange, restrictive physiology (characterised by decreased lung volumes), hypoxaemia and, if progressive, respiratory failure. In some cases, ILDs can be caused by systemic diseases or environmental exposures. The ability to treat or cure these ILDs varies based on the subtype and in many cases lung transplantation remains the only curative therapy. There is a growing body of evidence that both common and rare genetic variants contribute to the development and clinical manifestation of many of the ILDs. Here, we review the current understanding of genetic risk and ILD. Common and rare genetic variants contribute to the development and clinical manifestation of many interstitial lung diseases http://bit.ly/31loHLh
A method to verify sections of arc during intrafraction portal dosimetry for prostate VMAT

This study investigates the use of a running sum of images during segment-resolved intrafraction portal dosimetry for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), so as to alert the operator to an error before it becomes irremediable. At the time of treatment planning, predicted portal images were created for each segment of the VMAT arc, and at the time of delivery, intrafraction monitoring software polled the portal imager to read new images as they became available. The predicted and measured images were compared and displayed on a segment basis. In particular, a running sum of images from ten segments (a ‘section’) was investigated, with mean absolute difference between predicted and measured images being quantified. Images for 13 prostate patients were used to identify appropriate tolerance values for this statistic. Errors in monitor units of 2%–10%, field size of 2–10 mm, field position of 2–10 mm and path length of 10–50 mm were deliberately introduced into the treatment plans and delivered to a water-equivalent phantom and the sensitivity of the method to these errors was investigated. Gross errors were also considered for one case. The patient images show considerable variability from segment to segment, but when using a section of the arc the variability is reduced, so that the maximum value of mean absolute difference between predicted and measured images is reduced to below 12%, after excluding the first 10% of segments. This tolerance level is also found to be applicable for delivery of the plans to a water-equivalent phantom. Using this as a tolerance level for the error plans, a 10% increase in monitor units is detected, 4 mm increase or shift in multileaf collimator settings can be detected, and an air gap of dimensions 40 mm × 50 mm is detected. Gross errors can also be detected instantly after the first 10% of segments. The running difference between predicted and measured images over ten segments is able to identify errors at specific regions of the arc, as well as in the overall treatment.
Statewide traffic safety study phase I : review of current traffic safety research, practice, analytical procedures, and databases [technical summary report].

This report synthesized the research findings of Phase I of the Statewide Traffic Study of Louisiana, sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The objective of Phase I was to provide a comprehensive review of the state of the art in highway traffic safety, both within the U.S. and abroad, including studies on factors influencing road safety, available databases, safety legislation, safety initiatives and programs, and safety-related funding, at both state and federal levels. Research on crash-related contributing factors, including human, roadway environment, and vehicle factors were reviewed in depth. The impact of intelligent transportation systems on traffic safety was also reviewed. Traffic safety laws, both at federal and state levels, were investigated to provide an overview of existing legislation. A variety of safety-related programs that have been implemented throughout the states were explored. These programs included aggressive driver programs, automated enforcement programs, cell phone enforcement programs, alcohol and drug impaired driving programs, occupant protection programs, helmet law enforcement programs, and older driver laws. Analytical tools and procedures commonly used in traffic safety analysis were also reviewed. These included statistical methods widely used in current practice and major ongoing initiatives [such as CHSIM, Interactive Highway Safety Design Model (IHSDM), and Highway Safety Manual], new tools [such as SafetyAnalyst, Road Safety Audits, American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO) Implementation Guides, etc.], and software packages [such as Critical Analysis Reporting Environment (CARE)]. Louisiana's safety-related funding in recent years was reviewed and the trend examined. Finally, a crash-related database inventory was conducted. This produced a list of federal and Louisiana databases that are of potential importance in the next phase of the study. The review revealed that road safety is indeed a problem in Louisiana. The crash rate in Louisiana is consistently among the ten highest state rates, alcohol-related accidents are among the highest in the nation, and car insurance rates have grown more rapidly in Louisiana in the last several years than any other state in the union. The review has provided the background from which a research program can be designed. The research program will identify the factors contributing to the high crash rate in Louisiana and recommend countermeasures that will improve the situation.
p53 pulse modulation differentially regulates target gene promoters to regulate cell fate decisions

The p53 tumor suppressor regulates distinct responses to cellular stresses. Although different stresses generate different p53 dynamics, the mechanisms by which cells decode p53 dynamics to differentially regulate target genes are not well understood. Here, we determined in individual cells how canonical p53 target gene promoters vary in responsiveness to features of p53 dynamics. Employing a chemical perturbation approach, we independently modulated p53 pulse amplitude, duration, or frequency, and we then monitored p53 levels and target promoter activation in individual cells. We identified distinct signal processing features—thresholding in response to amplitude modulation, a refractory period in response to duration modulation, and dynamic filtering in response to frequency modulation. We then showed that the signal processing features not only affect p53 target promoter activation, they also affect p53 regulation and downstream cellular functions. Our study shows how different promoters can differentially decode features of p53 dynamics to generate distinct responses, providing insight into how perturbing p53 dynamics can be used to generate distinct cell fates.
Evaluation of Patched-1 Protein Expression Level in Low Risk and High Risk Basal Cell Carcinoma Subtypes

Objective: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy in humans and represents a growing public health care problem. The major etiological factors contributing to BCC development are exposure to ultraviolet radiation and genetic alterations. BCC is primarily caused by dysregulation of sonic Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway in basal cells of the skin. BCC can be classified into low risk non-aggressive and high risk aggressive subtypes. BCC subtypes differentiation is essential for prognosis and for better disease management and treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between PTCH1 protein expression level and the aggressiveness of BCC histopathology. Methods: Archival paraffin embedded blocks containing BCC were retrieved from a cohort of 101 patients. Immunohistochemistry staining was performed to assess the expression level of PTCH1 which is a key component of Hedgehog pathway. Results: 101 paraffin embedded samples were evaluated and classified as high risk and low risk BCC subtypes by histopathological finding. High risk BCC subtypes were found in 40 samples (39.6%) and low risk subtypes were identified in 61 samples (60.4%). Nodular was the most frequent subtype which was found in (56/ 101), followed by infiltrative (22/101) and micronodular (14/ 101) subtypes. Positive PTCH1 expression was found highest in nodular subtypes (46.5%). Conclusion: In this study, the correlation between low risk or high risk BCC subtypes and PTCH1 expression level was not statistically significant (p>0.05), but the frequency of positive PTCH1 expression was found to be higher in low risk subtypes than high risk BCC subtypes.
Mortality Salience and the Effects of Autonomy on Death Anxiety

The present research built on prior work suggesting that mortality salience (MS) can undermine psychological well-being and explored the previously-untested hypothesis that autonomy can mitigate that effect. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of primed autonomy on measured death anxiety following a reminder of mortality. Participants (n = 119) were randomly assigned to either an MS or control condition and then, following a delay, were primed with the concept of either autonomy or being controlled. Death anxiety was then measured. Results found that MS increased death anxiety among those in the controlled prime condition, but not among those in the autonomous/self-determined prime condition. These findings suggest that autonomy serves an important terror management function that can mitigate the effect of deathrelated thoughts on well-being. Importantly, the results also highlight the potential intersection between existential defense and growth.