Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The use of crowdsourcing for dietary self-monitoring: crowdsourced ratings of food pictures are comparable to ratings by trained observers

OBJECTIVE Crowdsourcing dietary ratings for food photographs, which uses the input of several users to provide feedback, has potential to assist with dietary self-monitoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study assessed how closely crowdsourced ratings of foods and beverages contained in 450 pictures from the Eatery mobile app as rated by peer users (fellow Eatery app users) (n = 5006 peers, mean 18.4 peer ratings/photo) using a simple 'healthiness' scale were related to the ratings of the same pictures by trained observers (raters). In addition, the foods and beverages present in each picture were categorized and the impact on the peer rating scale by food/beverage category was examined. Raters were trained to provide a 'healthiness' score using criteria from the 2010 US Dietary Guidelines. RESULTS The average of all three raters' scores was highly correlated with the peer healthiness score for all photos (r = 0.88, p<0.001). Using a multivariate linear model (R(2) = 0.73) to examine the association of peer healthiness scores with foods and beverages present in photos, peer ratings were in the hypothesized direction for both foods/beverages to increase and ones to limit. Photos with fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, nuts, and seeds (borderline at p = 0.06) were all associated with higher peer healthiness scores, and processed foods (borderline at p = 0.06), food from fast food restaurants, refined grains, red meat, cheese, savory snacks, sweets/desserts, and sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with lower peer healthiness scores. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that crowdsourcing holds potential to provide basic feedback on overall diet quality to users utilizing a low burden approach.
Harnessing Hierarchical Nano‐ and Micro‐Fabrication Technologies for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering

Cells within a tissue are able to perceive, interpret and respond to the biophysical, biomechanical, and biochemical properties of the 3D extracellular matrix environment in which they reside. Such stimuli regulate cell adhesion, metabolic state, proliferation, migration, fate and lineage commitment, and ultimately, tissue morphogenesis and function. Current scaffold fabrication strategies in musculoskeletal tissue engineering seek to mimic the sophistication and comprehensiveness of nature to develop hierarchically assembled 3D implantable devices of different geometric dimensions (nano‐ to macrometric scales) that will offer control over cellular functions and ultimately achieve functional regeneration. Herein, advances and shortfalls of bottom‐up (self‐assembly, freeze‐drying, rapid prototype, electrospinning) and top‐down (imprinting) scaffold fabrication approaches, specific to musculoskeletal tissue engineering, are discussed and critically assessed.
Endocrine disrupters and testicular dysgenesis syndrome.

Over the last couple of generations, we have been exposed to an increasing number of endocrine disrupters in our environment, including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), PCB, certain pesticides, the phthalate DBP, synthetic steroids in meat and many other agents (table 1), which act as agonists or antagonists of sex steroids. Although biologists working with wildlife have been concerned about the possible effects of these chemical agents on animal reproduction, it appears that clinicians have been less concerned about possible health effects in humans. However, the increasing incidence of hormone-dependent cancers, including cancer of the breast, prostate and testis, and signs of an increasing incidence of male reproductive health problems should alert us to the possible association between exposure to endocrine disrupters and the current high frequency of reproductive problems. In Denmark, for example, 5% of all children are now born after assisted reproduction (intracytoplasmic sperm injection, in vitro fertilization, donor insemination and intrauterine insemination) and 1% of all (mostly young) men develop testicular cancer. Evidence exists to support the concept that hypospadias, undescended testis, poor semen quality and testicular cancer are symptoms of an underlying testicular dysgenesis syndrome, which may be becoming increasingly common due to adverse environmental effects. Experimental and epidemiological evidence suggests that testicular dysgenesis syndrome is a result of disruption of foetal programming and gonadal development during foetal life.
The Future of Hotel Electronic Distribution

Hotels traditionally use a variety of different distribution channels, including distributing through other properties within their chain, joining marketing consortia or other types of affiliation organizations, or outsourcing to representation or third-party reservation companies. Most hotels also use intermediaries such as travel agents, tour operators, or incentive houses. Increasingly, hotels are making use of the growing range of electronic-distribution channels, which is this paper’s topic. In all cases, the objectives of using the channel are twofold, namely, to make relevant and timely information conveniently available to the hotel’s potential customer; and to make it easier for guests to book the property in question. A distribution channel is defined as a mechanism that provides “sufficient information to the right people at the right BY PETER O’CONNOR AND ANDREW J. FREW We know that the internet has become a key distribution point for hotels, but that only makes a hotel’s CRS even more important.
Enhanced Functional Activity of the Cannabinoid Type-1 Receptor Mediates Adolescent Behavior

Adolescence is characterized by drastic behavioral adaptations and comprises a particularly vulnerable period for the emergence of various psychiatric disorders. Growing evidence reveals that the pathophysiology of these disorders might derive from aberrations of normal neurodevelopmental changes in the adolescent brain. Understanding the molecular underpinnings of adolescent behavior is therefore critical for understanding the origin of psychopathology, but the molecular mechanisms that trigger adolescent behavior are unknown. Here, we hypothesize that the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) may play a critical role in mediating adolescent behavior because enhanced endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling has been suggested to occur transiently during adolescence. To study enhanced CB1R signaling, we introduced a missense mutation (F238L) into the rat Cnr1 gene that encodes for the CB1R. According to our hypothesis, rats with the F238L mutation (Cnr1F238L) should sustain features of adolescent behavior into adulthood. Gain of function of the mutated receptor was demonstrated by in silico modeling and was verified functionally in a series of biochemical and electrophysiological experiments. Mutant rats exhibit an adolescent-like phenotype during adulthood compared with wild-type littermates, with typical high risk/novelty seeking, increased peer interaction, enhanced impulsivity, and augmented reward sensitivity for drug and nondrug reward. Partial inhibition of CB1R activity in Cnr1F238L mutant rats normalized behavior and led to a wild-type phenotype. We conclude that the activity state and functionality of the CB1R is critical for mediating adolescent behavior. These findings implicate the eCB system as an important research target for the neuropathology of adolescent-onset mental health disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We present the first rodent model with a gain-of-function mutation in the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R). Adult mutant rats exhibit an adolescent-like phenotype with typical high risk seeking, impulsivity, and augmented drug and nondrug reward sensitivity. Adolescence is a critical period for suboptimal behavioral choices and the emergence of neuropsychiatric disorders. Understanding the basis of these disorders therefore requires a comprehensive knowledge of how adolescent neurodevelopment triggers behavioral reactions. Our behavioral observations in adult mutant rats, together with reports on enhanced adolescent CB1R signaling, suggest a pivotal role for the CB1R in an adolescent brain as an important molecular mediator of adolescent behavior. These findings implicate the endocannabinoid system as a notable research target for adolescent-onset mental health disorders.
STAT6-Dependent Differentiation and Production of IL-5 and IL-13 in Murine NK2 Cells1

NK cells differentiate into either NK1 or NK2 cells that produce IFN-γ or IL-5 and IL-13, respectively. Little is known, however, about the molecular mechanisms that control NK1 and NK2 cell differentiation. To address these questions, we established an in vitro mouse NK1/NK2 cell differentiation culture system. For NK1/NK2 cell differentiation, initial stimulation with PMA and ionomycin was required. The in vitro differentiated NK2 cells produced IL-5 and IL-13, but the levels were 20 times lower than those of Th2 or T cytotoxic (Tc)2 cells. No detectable IL-4 was produced. Freshly prepared NK cells express IL-2Rβ, IL-2RγC, and IL-4Rα. After stimulation with PMA and ionomycin, NK cells expressed IL-2Rα. NK1 cells displayed higher cytotoxic activity against Yac-1 target cells. The levels of GATA3 protein in developing NK2 cells were approximately one-sixth of those in Th2 cells. Both NK1 and NK2 cells expressed large amounts of repressor of GATA, the levels of which were equivalent to CD8 Tc1 and Tc2 cells and significantly higher than those in Th2 cells. The levels of histone hyperacetylation of the IL-4 and IL-13 gene loci in NK2 cells were very low and equivalent to those in naive CD4 T cells. The production of IL-5 and IL-13 in NK2 cells was found to be STAT6 dependent. Thus, similar to Th2 cells, NK2 cell development is dependent on STAT6, and the low level expression of GATA3 and the high level expression of repressor of GATA may influence the unique type 2 cytokine production profiles of NK2 cells.
Frequency modulation between low- and high-frequency components of the heart rate variability spectrum

Abstract Interactions among physiological mechanisms are abundant in biomedical signals, and they may exist to maintain efficient homeostasis. For example, sympathetic and parasympathetic neural activities interact to either elevate or depress the heart rate to maintain homeostasis. There has been considerable effort devoted to developing algorithms that can detect interactions between various physiological mechanisms. However, methods used to detect the presence of interactions between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, to take one example, have had limited success. This may be because interactions in physiological systems are non-linear and non-stationary. The goal of this work was to identify non-linear interactions between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in the form of frequency and amplitude modulations in human heart-rate data (n=6). To this end, wavelet analysis was performed, followed by frequency analysis of the resultant wavelet decomposed signals in several frequency brackets we define as: very low frequency (f<0.04 Hz), low frequency (0.04–0.15 Hz) and high frequency (0.15–0.4 Hz). Our analysis suggests that the high-frequency bracket is modulated by the low-frequency bracket in the heart rate data obtained in both upright and sitting positions. However, there was no evidence of amplitude modulation among these frequencies.
Development of a high temperature transducer backing element with porous ceramics

In this study, porous ceramics are introduced as a backing element suitable for high temperature transducers. Acoustic impedance and attenuation can be regulated through control of the porosity and pore size, using scattering from micropores as the attenuation mechanism. Porosity is induced by mixing the ceramic powder with polyethylene particles. The polymer component burns during the sintering process and leaves behind spherical voids. Porosity and pore size are controlled through the polymer-to-ceramic weight ratio and poltyethylene particle size, respectively. In this manner, a porous mullite material is designed and manufactured to act as the binding agent for a gallium phosphate (GaPO4) piezocrystal; this yields our goal of a wide-band signal with center frequency of 2.8 MHz and operating temperature up to 700 - 800 °C. The design and fabrication process can be employed in manufacturing backing elements for a variety of transducers with specified center frequency and signal bandwidth.
New concepts in the regulation of an ancient reaction: transposition by RAG1/RAG2

Summary: The lymphoid‐specific factors, recombination‐activating gene 1 (RAG1) and RAG2, initiate V(D)J recombination by introducing DNA double‐stand breaks at specific sites in the genome. In addition to this critical endonuclease activity, the RAG proteins catalyze other chemical reactions that can affect the outcome of V(D)J recombination, one of which is transposition. While the transposition activity of the RAG proteins is thought to have been critical for the evolution of modern antigen‐receptor loci, it has also been proposed to contribute to chromosomal translocations and lymphoid malignancy. A major challenge has been to determine how the transposition activity of the RAG proteins is regulated in vivo. Although a variety of mechanisms have been suggested by recent studies, a clear resolution of this issue remains elusive.
Prefrontal D1 dopamine signaling is required for temporal control

Temporal control, or how organisms guide movements in time to achieve behavioral goals, depends on dopamine signaling. The medial prefrontal cortex controls many goal-directed behaviors and receives dopaminergic input primarily from the midbrain ventral tegmental area. However, this system has never been linked with temporal control. Here, we test the hypothesis that dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area to the prefrontal cortex influence temporal control. Rodents were trained to perform a fixed-interval timing task with an interval of 20 s. We report several results: first, that decreasing dopaminergic neurotransmission using virally mediated RNA interference of tyrosine hydroxylase impaired temporal control, and second that pharmacological disruption of prefrontal D1 dopamine receptors, but not D2 dopamine receptors, impaired temporal control. We then used optogenetics to specifically and selectively manipulate prefrontal neurons expressing D1 dopamine receptors during fixed-interval timing performance. Selective inhibition of D1-expressing prefrontal neurons impaired fixed-interval timing, whereas stimulation made animals more efficient during task performance. These data provide evidence that ventral tegmental dopaminergic projections to the prefrontal cortex influence temporal control via D1 receptors. The results identify a critical circuit for temporal control of behavior that could serve as a target for the treatment of dopaminergic diseases.
Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth in Jordan: A Multivariate Approach

This paper aims to examine the impact of electricity consumptionon economic growth in Jordan using annual data over the period 1985-2013.To achieve the goal, an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach isimplemented to estimate a logarithmic form of the traditional production function(Cobb-Douglas), where output is a function of electricity, capital and labour.According to the results of the estimation,the estimated long-run elasticitiesof output with respect to electrical energy, capital and labor are 0.742, 0.194and 0.422, respectively; while the short-run estimates are 0.330, 0.086, and0.343, respectively. Granger-Causality test has shown a positive unidirectionalrelationship directed from electrical energy consumption towards economicgrowth supporting the hypothesis.
IFRS Adoption and the Choice Between Public and Private Debt: Evidence from South Korea

ABSTRACT This article examines the association between mandatory International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption and corporate choice between public debt and private debt. If IFRS adoption increases the quality of lenders’ information environment provided on financial statements, firms are more likely to access the public debt market. Using a sample of public and private debts financing firms from 2000 to 2014 in Korea, we find that firms that file financial reports under the IFRS are less likely to finance from public debt markets, implying that the mandatory IFRS adoption has exacerbated the information environment of the public debt market in Korea.
Variability in Clinical and Anatomical Manifestation of Velocardiofacial Syndrome Presents Diagnostic and Policy Uncertainty

ABSTRACT Objective: This study examined the complexity and myriad clinical manifestations and expressions of velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS). It aimed to determine if VCFS invariably met the three disability criteria for the Compassionate Allowance List (CAL) program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Methods: A systematic evaluative review of the literature found in 10 academic databases was completed. Inclusion criteria of the search terms yielded 1,383 initial manuscripts. Only 77 of articles met higher-level inclusion criteria of explicit statements reporting observed severity of symptoms and disability that this study used as evidence. The three SSA CAL criteria include duration, severity, and impact of employment. The analysis systematically reviewed papers with the objective of determining if they met one, two, or all three of the SSA CAL criteria. Results The first criteria for the CAL require a condition to last beyond 12 months. From the 77 articles that met inclusion criteria, a total of 21 articles reported explicit statements that evidenced symptoms that were limited to the first criteria only. The second CAL criteria required that a condition also has negative impact on quality of life or death. Forty-nine articles demonstrated the first and second criteria, duration ≥12 months plus a negative impact on quality of life or death. The third criteria required that the condition prevents substantial gainful employment as well as duration ≥12 months plus a negative impact on quality of life or death. A total of seven articles reported all three criteria. Conclusions: The variability of symptoms related to VCFS makes it impossible to assert that all cases will meet the criteria for disability entitlements.
Selective depression of medium‐latency leg and foot muscle responses to stretch by an alpha 2‐agonist in humans.

1. In standing humans, toe‐up rotation of a platform induces a short‐latency (SLR) and a medium‐latency response (MLR) in both soleus (Sol) and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscles. Toe‐down rotation evokes a MLR in the tibialis anterior (TA). The SLR is the counterpart of the monosynaptic stretch reflex, but the origin of the MLR is still debated. By means of tizanidine (an alpha 2‐adrenergic receptor agonist) we tested the hypothesis that the MLR is relayed by group II afferent fibres, since animal data indicate that tizanidine or stimulation of monoaminergic brainstem centres decrease the excitability of spinal interneurones supplied by those fibres. In addition, we compared the effect of the drug on these responses with that induced by stabilization of posture. 2. Eight subjects received tizanidine (150 micrograms kg‐1 orally) or placebo, in a single‐blind design. Platform rotations were delivered prior to administration and for 3 h afterwards. Both TA‐ and FDB‐MLRs decreased in size, starting from about 1 h after tizanidine administration. Sol‐SLR was unaffected. Response latencies were unchanged. Placebo induced no changes in any response. In each subject, the extent of TA‐MLR depression induced by holding onto a frame and by tizanidine was superimposable. 3. The selective effect of tizanidine on MLR supports the notion that it is relayed through group II afferent fibres. The similar effects of holding and tizanidine on the response suggests that it is modulated by monoaminergic centres.
Soluble glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (sGITR) increased MMP‐9 activity in murine macrophage

Glucocorticoid induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR), a new TNFR family, increased production of matrix matalloproteinase (MMP‐9) in murine macrophages. Murine macrophages produced a band of gelatinolytic activity at 100 kDa when stimulated for 18 h with soluble GITR. MMP‐9 was identified by gelatin zymography and Western blot. Previous results demonstrated that murine macrophages express GITR and GITR ligand constitutively. Induction of MMP‐9 was synergistic with co‐treatment of INF‐γ. MMPs could play a critical role in progression and promotion of tissue injury after inflammation stimulated by GITR/ligand system. J. Cell. Biochem. 88: 1048–1056, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Valuation of the Restoration of Hwangnyongsa Temple in South Korea

Hwangnyongsa Temple (HT) in South Korea belongs to the Gyeongju Historic Areas, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The temple was destroyed by fire in AD 1238 and today there are few traces left, however the government is seeking to restore HT. This paper aims to evaluate the economic benefits of the restoration using contingent valuation (CV), and to then perform a cost-benefit analysis of the restoration. For this purpose, people’s willingness to pay (WTP) for the restoration is elicited from a survey of 1000 households. The average household’s WTP is estimated as KRW 2341 (USD 2.07) per annum. The current values of the benefits and costs of the restoration computed for the relevant period and population are KRW 415.3 billion (USD 366.9 million) and KRW 232.2 billion (USD 205.1 million), respectively. As the former is more than the latter, the restoration is socially profitable.
Analysis of visual field progression in glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: Despite the widespread use of computerised perimetry the diagnosis of visual field deterioration in following glaucoma patients over time remains particularly difficult. A new method of analysis using a novel graphical display of longitudinal field data is presented. METHODS: A linear regression model of the luminance sensitivity at each stimulus location against time of follow up transforms the quantitative data from a series of fields into a colour coded form which illustrates the spatial configuration of change to aid the interpretation of field loss. The method of analysis and the developed computer software (PROGRESSOR) is described. Comparison with STATPAC-2 glaucoma change probability analysis is given including levels of agreement between the techniques using series of fields of 10 eyes from patients with normal tension glaucoma. RESULTS: Examples of this new method compare well with STATPAC-2 analysis. The level of agreement between the techniques to separate progressing from stable retinal locations is good (kappa = 0.62; SE = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This new technique, which combines the change in perimetric sensitivity over time with colour coding of significant change into one image may provide an efficient method to detect true progression in glaucomatous field loss.