Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a primary care intervention on body mass index: the Maine Youth Overweight Collaborative.

BACKGROUND We evaluated the impact of a brief primary-care-based intervention, The Maine Youth Overweight Collaborative (MYOC), on BMI (kg/m(2)) z-score change among participants with obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile for age and sex), overweight (BMI ≥85th and <95th percentile), and healthy weight (≥50th and <85th percentile). METHODS A quasi-experimental field trial with nine intervention and nine control sites in urban and rural areas of Maine, MYOC focused on improvements in clinical decision support, charting BMI percentile, identifying patients with obesity, appropriate lab tests, and counseling families/patients. Retrospective longitudinal record reviews assessed BMI z-scores preintervention (from 1999 through October 2004) and one postintervention time point (between December 2006 and March 2008). Participants were youth ages 5-18 having two visits before the intervention with weight percentile greater than or equal to 95% (N=265). Secondary analyses focused on youths who are overweight (N=215) and healthy weight youth (N=506). RESULTS Although the MYOC intervention demonstrated significant provider and office system improvements, we found no significant changes in BMI z-scores in intervention versus control youth pre- to postintervention and significant flattening of upward trends among both intervention and control sites (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This brief office-based intervention was associated with no significant improvement in BMI z-scores, compared to control sites. An important avenue for obesity prevention and treatment as part of a multisector approach in communities, this type of primary care intervention alone may be unlikely to impact BMI improvement given the limited dosage-an estimated 4-6 minutes for one patient contact.
Oral Caffeine During Voluntary Exercise Markedly Inhibits Skin Carcinogenesis and Decreases Inflammatory Cytokines in UVB-Treated Mice

Ultraviolet B (UVB)-pretreated SKH-1 mice were treated with water, caffeine (0.1 mg/ml), voluntary running wheel exercise (RW) or caffeine together with RW for 14 wk. Treatment of the mice with caffeine, RW, or caffeine plus RW decreased skin tumors per mouse by 27%, 35%, and 62%, respectively, and the tumor volume per mouse was decreased by 61%, 70%, and 85%, respectively. In mechanistic studies, mice were treated with water, caffeine, RW, or caffeine plus RW for 2 wk prior to a single irradiation with UVB. Caffeine plus RW increased RW activity by 22% when compared with RW alone. Caffeine ingestion was not significantly different between groups. Treatment of mice with caffeine plus RW for 2 wk decreased the weight of the parametrial fat pads and stimulated the formation of UVB-induced apoptosis to a greater extent than treatment with caffeine or RW alone. An antibody array revealed that caffeine plus RW administered to mice fed a high-fat diet and irradiated with UVB decreased the epidermal levels of lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine, soluble TNF alpha receptor-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1γ. Overall, caffeine during RW exerts a stronger effect than either treatment alone for decreasing tissue fat, increasing UVB-induced apoptosis, lowering the levels of cytokines associated with inflammation and for inhibiting UVB-induced carcinogenesis.
The promise of chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CARTs) in leukaemia

The success of genetically engineered T cells that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARTs) has been a momentous step forward in harnessing the potent cancer fighting abilities of the immune system. The efficacy seen in relapsed/refractory (r/r) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), not only by inducing remission, but also in maintaining long‐term disease control, has been unprecedented. While the foundation for this approach has been firmly set in place, continued development will improve the efficacy, toxicity and applicability to other malignancies of this new class of ‘living drugs’. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the most current clinical trial data in both acute and chronic leukaemias, and discuss some of the potential ways to enhance the activity and safety of CART therapy going forward.
A Decreased Ratio of Laminin-332 β3 to γ2 Subunit mRNA is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Colon Cancer

Laminin-332 (Ln-332) is a heterotrimeric glycoprotein (α3β3γ2) unique to epithelial cells with crucial roles in signaling, adhesion, and migration. Altered localization or expression levels of Ln-332, particularly its γ2 subunit, are of prognostic value in a variety of cancers. However, the lack of standardized methodology and the limited quantification of previous study results have left unanswered questions, including the role of γ2 transcript variants and whether differential expression of this chain represents dysregulation of the whole heterotrimer. Herein, we test the hypothesis that mRNA changes in one or more Ln-332 encoding genes can be used to distinguish between early- and advanced-stage cancer specimens and shed light on mechanistic questions raised by previous studies. Statistical analyses of human microarray data from the publicly available expression project in Oncology (expO) dataset, including examination of the distributions of Ln-332 subunit mRNA levels, identified a significant decrease in the Ln-332 β3:γ2 mRNA ratio between normal (n = 10) and early-stage colon cancer (n = 29) specimens. The β3:γ2 ratio was further decreased in metastatic colon cancer (n = 41) compared with early-stage samples. Our findings raise the possibility that Ln-332 γ2 may be a therapeutic target against metastatic colon cancer because a lowered β3:γ2 ratio would reduce expression of heterotrimeric Ln-332 and increase monomeric γ2 secretion. Further, standardized, quantitative methods for patient prognosis and therapeutic choice could be developed based upon the Ln-332 mRNA changes we uncovered. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1584–90)
Sub-pixel approach to detection of significantly blurred edges

In this paper problem of edge detection is considered. Especially method for determining location of significantly blurred edges is proposed. The method is sub-pixel approach which approximates edge position based on Sobel-gradient image. Results of applying the proposed method to images of heat-emitting specimens of metals and alloys are presented and discussed.
Reduced hematopoietic function and enhanced radiosensitivity of transforming growth factor‐β1 transgenic mice

The cytokine transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) has been implicated in some tissue responses to radiation. Previous studies have demonstrated that exogenous TGF‐β1 increased the lethality of radiation in mice, but the effects of endogenous TGF‐β1 have not been investigated. To this end, we examined mice that are transgenic for active TGF‐β1 (Alb/TGF‐β1), over‐expressed via an albumin promoter in the liver with resultant elevation of circulating levels of this cytokine. Alb/TGF‐β1 mice subjected to 8 Gy of total body irradiation at 3 or 5 weeks of age experienced significantly higher mortality than wild type age‐ and sex‐matched controls by 1 to 2 weeks after irradiation. Alb/TGF‐β1 3 weeks of age also succumbed to 2 and 4 Gy of whole‐body irradiation, while no mortality was observed in wild type mice. Four‐week‐old Alb/TGF‐β1 mice exhibited mild anemia and mild uremia. At one week after whole body irradiation with 2 Gy, 4‐week‐old Alb/TGF‐β1 mice had significantly reduced white blood cell counts, hematocrit, and platelet counts. Histopathologically, irradiated Alb/TGF‐β1 mice exhibited decreased bone marrow cellularity and decreased splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis. These results suggest that chronic over‐expression of active TGF‐β1 is associated with increased radiosensitivity and that this effect may be mediated by increased sensitivity of bone marrow to the suppressive effects of radiation. Since TGF‐β1 levels can be greatly elevated in patients with certain tumors, these findings may be significant for radiotherapy. Int. J. Cancer (Radiat. Oncol. Invest.) 90, 13–21 (2000). Published 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Liver-primed CD8+ T cells suppress antiviral adaptive immunity through galectin-9-independent T-Cell immunoglobulin and mucin 3 engagement of high-mobility group box 1 in mice

The liver is a tolerogenic environment exploited by persistent infections, such as hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses. In a murine model of intravenous hepatotropic adenovirus infection, liver‐primed antiviral CD8+ T cells fail to produce proinflammatory cytokines and do not display cytolytic activity characteristic of effector CD8+ T cells generated by infection at an extrahepatic, that is, subcutaneous, site. Importantly, liver‐generated CD8+ T cells also appear to have a T‐regulatory (Treg) cell function exemplified by their ability to limit proliferation of antigen‐specific T‐effector (Teff) cells in vitro and in vivo via T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin 3 (Tim‐3) expressed by the CD8+ Treg cells. Regulatory activity did not require recognition of the canonical Tim‐3 ligand, galectin‐9, but was dependent on CD8+ Treg cell‐surface Tim‐3 binding to the alarmin, high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB‐1). Conclusion: Virus‐specific Tim‐3+CD8+ T cells operating through HMGB‐1 recognition in the setting of acute and chronic viral infections of the liver may act to dampen hepatic T‐cell responses in the liver microenvironment and, as a consequence, limit immune‐mediated tissue injury or promote the establishment of persistent infections. (Hepatology 2014;59:1351‐1365)
A prospective study of dietary lactose and ovarian cancer

The milk sugar lactose is an hypothesized risk factor for epithelial ovarian cancer because of possible direct toxic effects of its metabolites on oocytes or by compensatory gonadotropin stimulation. Women are presently encouraged to consume dairy products as a source of calcium to prevent osteoporosis. The objective of our study was to prospectively assess lactose, milk and milk product consumption in relation to ovarian cancer risk among 80,326 participants in the Nurses' Health Study who had no history of cancer other than nonmelanoma skin cancer. Participants in the Nurses' Health Study reported on known and suspected ovarian cancer risk factors in questionnaires mailed biennially from 1976 to 1996. Food frequency questionnaires were included in the years 1980, 1984, 1986 and 1990. Newly reported ovarian cancer was documented by review of medical records. During 16 years of follow‐up (1980–1996), 301 cases of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer were confirmed. Pooled logistic regression was used to control for age, body mass index (kg/m2), caffeine intake, oral contraceptive use, smoking history, parity and tubal ligation. For all subtypes of invasive ovarian cancer combined, we observed a nonsignificant 40% greater risk for women in the highest category of lactose consumption compared to the lowest (multivariate relative risk (RR) 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98–2.01). We observed a 2‐fold higher risk of the serous ovarian cancer subtype among those in the highest category of lactose consumption compared to the lowest (RR 2.07, 95% CI, 1.27–3.40). For each 11‐gram increase in lactose consumption (the approximate amount in one glass of milk), we observed a 20% increase in risk of serous cancers (RR 1.20, 95% CI, 1.04–1.39). Skim and low‐fat milk were the largest contributors to dietary lactose. Women who consumed one or more servings of skim or low‐fat milk daily had a 32% higher risk of any ovarian cancer (RR 1.32, 95% CI, 0.97–1.82) and a 69% higher risk of serous ovarian cancer (RR 1.69, 95% CI, 1.12–2.56) compared to women consuming 3 or less servings monthly. Controlling for fat intake did not change our findings. Our findings provide some support for the hypothesis that lactose intake increases risk of epithelial ovarian cancer. However, the observed excess risk appeared limited to the serous subtype of ovarian cancer in our study. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Novel Inpainting-Based Layered Depth Video for 3DTV

Layered Depth Video (LDV) is recognized as a promising 3D video data representation for supporting advanced 3D video services required in Multiview Video (MVV) systems such as Three-Dimensional Television (3DTV). This representation consists of one full or central view in the form of a video-plus-depth sequence as the main layer, and additional enhancement layers including residual texture and depth data that represent side views. LDV is thus both a derivative of and an alternative to Multiview Video-plus-Depth (MVD) representation by only transmit one full view with associated residual data over the channel. There is a risk, however, of residual data information rapidly increasing as the distance between the center view and side views increases. This occurs when parts of the central view are not visible in the side views, leaving blank spots called disocclusions. These disocclusions may grow larger, which increases the amount of residual data that needs to be sent with the main layer. In this paper, we address the residual layer generation problem. We propose an inpainting-based LDV generation method to reduce the amount of residual data to send by retrieving the missing pixels from the main layer. In the proposed method, we take into account the depth information by distinguishing between foreground and background parts of the scene, at low complexity, during the texture and structure propagation stage of the inpainting process. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Bio-inspired modification of TiO2 nanowires for fabrication of High-κ polymer nanocomposites

High-dielectric-constant (High-κ) nanocomposites are demonstrated to show great promise as energy storage materials. The introduction of high-κ nanomaterials into ferroelectric polymers has proven to be a promising strategy for the fabrication of high-κ nanocomposites. One dimensional large-aspect-ratio nanowires exhibit superiority in enhancing κ and energy density of polymer nanocomposites in comparison to their spherical counterparts. However, the large electrical mismatch and incompatibility between the nanofillers and polymer matrix usually give rise to seriously distorted electric field, resulting in poor dielectric properties and weak energy storage capability of the polymer nanocomposites. Therefore, the rational functionalization of nanofillers to optimize the performance of the polymer nanocomposites are vital. Herein, inspired by adhesive proteins in mussels, dopamine is employed to functionalize the TiO2 nanowires. Dopamine functionalization facilitates the excellent dispersion of these nanowires in the ferroelectric polymer matrix because of the strong polymer/nanowire interfacial adhesion. Moreover, at a relatively low electric field of 200 MV m-1, 10 vol % dopa@TiO2/poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) [P(VDF-HFP)] nanocomposites exhibit discharged energy storage densities of 2.96 J cm-3, more than one and a half of the pristine polymer (1.84 J cm-3), also much higher than commercial biaxial-oriented polypropylene (BOPP, 0.40 J cm-3). The results and methods presented here provide deep insights into the design and fabrication of polymer nanocomposites for dielectric and energy storage applications.
Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing

Purpose: The overall goal of this pilot study was to determine the effects of a motivational interviewing (MI) educational program on MI knowledge. Design: Pretest/posttest intervention study. Method: Eleven participants completed a 20-item test prior to a 6-hour course on motivational interviewing. Six of those participants completed a second 2-hour educational session and a posttest. Findings: On average, participants increased their score from the pretest (mean [M] = 12.7, range 8-16; standard error [SE] = 1.256) to the posttest (M = 15.5, range 14-17; SE = 0.428). Although, this difference was not significant, t(5) = −2.49; p = . 055; r = . 55, given a standard level of significance of . 5, the effect size was large, representing a substantive change. Conclusions: The motivational interviewing intervention was deemed clinically successful by the multidisciplinary committee based on the large effect size.
Calibrated space-mapping approach for the design of SIW filters

An efficient approach for the design of substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) filters is presented in this paper. The proposed design approach is based on the combined use of equivalent circuit models of SIW discontinuities and the space-mapping optimization. A “calibration” of the space mapping permits to design inline SIW filters with several poles without performing any full-wave analyses of the complete structure. The effectiveness of the proposed design technique is proved through an example.
Connexin30‐deficient mice show increased emotionality and decreased rearing activity in the open‐field along with neurochemical changes

Gap‐junction channels in the brain, formed by connexin (Cx) proteins with a distinct regional/cell‐type distribution, allow intercellular electrical and metabolic communication. In astrocytes, mainly the connexins 43, 26 and 30 are expressed. In addition, connexin30 is expressed in ependymal and leptomeningeal cells, as well as in skin and cochlea. The functional implications of the astrocytic gap‐junctional network are not well understood and evidence regarding their behavioural relevance is lacking. Thus, we have tested groups of Cx30−/−, Cx30+/−, and Cx30+/+ mice in the open‐field, an object exploration task, in the graded anxiety test and on the rotarod. The Cx30−/− mice showed reduced exploratory activity in terms of rearings but not locomotion in the open‐field and object exploration task. Furthermore, Cx30−/− mice exhibited anxiogenic behaviour as shown by higher open‐field centre avoidance and corner preference. Graded anxiety test and rotarod performance was similar across groups. The Cx30−/− mice had elevated choline levels in the ventral striatum, possibly related to their aberrant behavioural phenotypes. The Cx30+/− mice had lower dopamine and metabolite levels in the amygdala and ventral striatum and lower hippocampal 5‐hydroxyindole acid (5‐HIAA) concentrations relative to Cx30+/+ mice. Furthermore, the Cx30+/− mice had lower acetylcholine concentrations in the ventral striatum and higher choline levels in the neostriatum, relative to Cx30+/+ mice. Our data suggest that the elimination of connexin30 can alter the reactivity to novel environments, pointing to the importance of gap‐junctional signalling in behavioural processes.
Treatment of Gad

This study evaluates the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) that addresses two types of worries: (a) those about situations that are amenable to problem solving, and (b) those about situations that are not. The treatment’s goal is to help patients become more tolerant of uncertainty by discriminating between both types ofworry and applying the correct strategy to each type.Amultiple baseline designwas used and subjects were 4 adults with a primary diagnosis of GAD. Treatment outcome was assessed with daily self-monitoring, self-report questionnaires, and standardized clinician ratings. At posttest and 6-month follow-up, 3 of 4 subjects no longer met diagnostic criteria for GAD and had attained high end-state functioning. At 12-month follow-up, none of the subjects met GAD diagnostic criteria but end-state functioningwas variable. The results also showthat treatment outcomewas highly related to change in intolerance of uncertainty.
Bending of DNA by transcription factors

An increasing number of transcription factors both from prokaryotic and eukaryotic sources are found to bend the DNA upon binding to their recognition site. Bending can easily be detected by the anomalous electrophoretic behaviour of the DNA‐protein complex or by increased cyclization of DNA fragments containing the protein‐induced bend. Induction of DNA bending by transcription factors could regulate transcription in various ways. Bending may bring distantly bound transcription factors closer together by facilitating DNA‐looping or it could mediate the interaction between transcription factors and the general transcription machinery by formation of large nucleoprotein structures in which the DNA is wrapped around the protein complex. Alternatively, the energy stored in a protein‐induced bend could be used to favour formation of an open transcription complex or to dissociate the RNA polymerase in the transition from initiation to elongation. Modification of the bend angles and bending centers, caused by homodimerization or heterodimerization of transcription factors, may well turn out to be an important way to enlarge the range of interactions required for regulation of gene expression.
Spectroscopic characterization of the heme-binding sites in Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2.

Proteolysis of hemoglobin provides an essential nutrient source for the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum during the intraerythrocytic stage of the parasite's lifecycle. Detoxification of the liberated heme occurs through a unique heme polymerization pathway, leading to the formation of hemozoin. Heme polymerization has been demonstrated in the presence of P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) [Sullivan, D. J., Gluzman, I. Y. , and Goldberg, D. E. (1996) Science 271, 219-221]; however, the molecular role that PfHRP2 plays in this polymerization is currently unknown. PfHRP2 is a 30 kDa protein composed of several His-His-Ala-His-His-Ala-Ala-Asp repeats and is present in the parasite food vacuole, the site of hemoglobin degradation and heme polymerization. We found that, at pH 7.0, PfHRP2 forms a saturable complex with heme, with a PfHRP2 to heme stoichiometry of 1:50. Spectroscopic characterization of heme binding by electronic absorption, resonance Raman, and EPR has shown that bound hemes share remarkably similar heme environments as >95% of all bound hemes are six-coordinate, low-spin, and bis-histidyl ligated. The PfHRP2-ferric heme complex at pH 5.5 (pH of the food vacuole) has the same heme spin state and coordination as observed at pH 7.0; however, polymerization occurs as heme saturation is approached. Therefore, formation of a PfHRP2-heme complex appears to be a requisite step in the formation of hemozoin.
Radiofrequency energy harvesting system based on a rectenna array in urban environments

Energy harvesting has become very attractive due to the extended usage time of devices. Among several forms of recycling energy, radiofrequency (RF) harvesting has been suggested due to its wide availability mainly in urban areas. Its applications range from sensor nodes to charging low power consumption portable devices and depend on the amount of antennas. In this paper, we evaluate the feasible application of RF harvesting for charging a cell phone. To validate our analysis, we conduct an RF measurement campaign at four important locations in Brasilia, Brazil. Considering the average incidence of 11 dBm, we achieve the final value of 2.5 mW/m2. With an incident power of +10 dBm, only 2 rectennas per hour are needed to charge a cell phone whose battery is approximately 3.72 mWh. We perform a comparison between rectenna arrays and simple antennas directly connected to one external matching circuit, dismissing adaptive beamforming circuits as a way of avoiding intermediate energy losses. In order to apply RF energy harvesting in higher power consumption devices, we propose a rectenna array system which increases considerably the amount of recycled power. For both Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) paths, harvesting systems based on rectenna arrays outperform standard antenna array based solutions.