Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In-person and computer-based alcohol interventions at general hospitals: reach and retention.

BACKGROUND High reach of target populations is relevant for public health impact of interventions. Concerning intervention programs requiring multiple contacts, little is known about how many persons may be kept in the intervention program over multiple time points. The aim of this study was to investigate (i) the reach of general hospital inpatients with at-risk alcohol use through screening and brief intervention and (ii) whether their continued intervention participation after hospital discharge differs by in-person vs. computer-based intervention (CO) delivery. METHODS As part of a randomized controlled trial, general hospital inpatients aged 18-64 years were screened for at-risk alcohol use on 13 wards. Participants were allocated to in-person intervention (PE), CO and assessment only. Both interventions were provided on site, and 1 and 3 months after baseline. RESULTS Ninety-two percent of all eligible inpatients ( N: = 6251) completed the screening. Eighty-one percent ( N: = 961) of the screening-positives participated in the trial and received their allocated intervention. At months 1 and 3, interventions were delivered to 83 and 79% of the CO participants and to 74 and 64% of the PE participants. The delivery of CO and PE required an average of 5.2 and 7.7 contact attempts per delivered intervention, respectively. CONCLUSION General hospital inpatients with at-risk alcohol use were well reached through proactive interventions. COs may result in higher retention rates over 1 and 3 months and may require less contact attempts than PEs. Public health efforts that aim to achieve high intervention retention should consider proactive COs.
Attack Pattern Analysis Framework For Multiagent Intrusion Detection System

The paper proposes the use of attack pattern ontology and formal framework for network traffic anomalies detection within a distributed multiagent Intrusion Detection System architecture. Our framework assumes ontology-based attack definition and distributed processing scheme with exchange of communicates between agents. The role of traffic anomalies detection was presented then it has been discussed how some specific values characterizing network communication can be used to detect network anomalies caused by security incidents (worm attack, virus spreading). Finally, it has been defined how to use the proposed techniques in distributed IDS using attack pattern ontology.
A Model for Human Readable Instruction Generation Using Level-Based Discourse Planning and Dynamic Inference of Attributes

This paper shows a model of automatic instruction giving for guiding human users in virtual 3D environments. A multilevel model for choosing what instruction to give in every state is presented, and so are the different modules that compose the whole generation system. How 3D information in the virtual world is used is explained, and the final order generation is detailed. This model has been implemented as a solution for the GIVE Challenge, an instruction generation challenge.
When You See It Coming: Stressor Anticipation Modulates Stress Effects on Negative Affect

Research on the effect of exposure to minor stressors in people’s daily lives consistently reports negative effects on indicators of well-being, often coined stress reactivity. Recent advances in the intensity of data collection have brought about an increasing interest in within-day associations of stress exposure and indicators of well-being, including dynamic aspects of the stress response such as stress recovery. In the present work, we investigated the other end of the stress response: the anticipation of a stressor. We hypothesized that anticipation of an upcoming stressor would be accompanied by higher negative affect. Based on the anticipatory coping account, lower negative affect after occurrence of anticipated (vs. not anticipated) stressors was predicted. We approached this question with a measurement burst study that allowed us to disentangle variation in stress processes across different time scales. One-hundred and seventy-five participants (mean age = 50, range 20–79) completed up to 3 measurement bursts. Each burst consisted of an ecological momentary assessment with 5 assessments per day over 7 days. In line with our expectations, negative affect was significantly higher after stressor anticipation, especially on days with high levels of intrusive thoughts. However, negative affect was not lower after anticipated (vs. not anticipated) stressors. Findings point to the role of perseverative cognition in the effect of stressor anticipation. Directions for future research including the role of controllability and effects on stress recovery are outlined.
Evaluating Accelerometry Thresholds for Detecting Changes in Levels of Moderate Physical Activity and Resulting Major Mobility Disability

Background An important decision with accelerometry is the threshold in counts per minute (CPM) used to define moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). We explore the ability of different thresholds to track changes in MVPA due to a physical activity (PA) intervention among older adults with compromised function: 760 CPM, 1,041 CPM, and an individualized threshold. We also evaluate the ability of change in accelerometry and self-reported PA to attenuate treatment effects on major mobility disability (MMD). Methods Data from a week of hip worn accelerometers and self-reported PA data (30-day recall) were examined from baseline, 6-, 12-, and 24-months of follow-up on 1,528 older adults. Participants were randomized to either PA or Health Education (HE). MMD was objectively defined by loss of ability to walk 400 m during the follow-up. Results The three thresholds yielded similar and higher levels of MVPA for PA than HE (p < .001), however, this difference was significantly attenuated in participants with lower levels of physical function. Self-reported PA that captured both walking and strength training totally attenuated the intervention effect for MMD, an 18% reduction to a 3% increase. Accelerometer CPMs showed less attenuation of the intervention effect. Conclusions Accelerometry assessment within the LIFE study was not sensitive to change in level in physical activity for older adults with very low levels of physical function. A combination of self-report and objective measures are recommended for use in physical activity intervention studies of the elderly; limitations of accelerometry deserve closer attention.
Induction of Interferon Kappa in Human Papillomavirus 16 Infection by Transforming Growth Factor Beta-Induced Promoter Demethylation

ABSTRACT Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major causal factor in cervical and other anogenital cancers. Because there are currently no therapeutics capable of preventing neoplastic progression of HPV infections, understanding the mechanisms of HPV-mediated persistence, including immune evasion, is a major research priority. The multifunctional growth factor transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) has been shown to inhibit expression of early viral transcripts from cells harboring integrated HPV genomes or cells infected with retroviruses expressing HPV oncoproteins. However, the mechanism of TGFβ-induced inhibition has not been fully defined. In this study, we have observed a previously uncharacterized ability of TGFβ to repress the differentiation-induced upregulation of late HPV16 gene expression. In addition, interferon kappa (IFN-κ), a keratinocyte-specific, constitutively expressed cytokine suppressed by differentiation, can be transcriptionally induced by TGFβ1. TGFβ-mediated IFN-κ transcription only occurs in cells containing HPV16, and this is due to TGFβ1-mediated reversal of HPV-induced methylation of the IFN-κ promoter through active DNA demethylation mediated by thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG). This novel interaction between growth factor and innate immune signaling may shed light on the mechanisms of HPV persistence and how the virus manipulates both immune and growth factor signaling to promote its life cycle. IMPORTANCE Persistent infection by high-risk HPVs is the primary risk factor for development of HPV-induced cancers. Persistence involves viral evasion of the immune response, including the IFN response. HPV is also known to suppress TGFβ signaling, which inhibits viral gene expression. Here, we show that the TGFβ and IFN pathways are interrelated in the context of HPV16 infection through the upregulation of IFN-κ by TGFβ. The ability of TGFβ to induce IFN-κ promoter demethylation and transcriptional activation provides a new explanation for why HPV has evolved mechanisms to inhibit TGFβ in infected cells.
Role of psl Genes in Antibiotic Tolerance of Adherent Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT Bacteria attached to a surface are generally more tolerant to antibiotics than their planktonic counterparts, even without the formation of a biofilm. The mechanism of antibiotic tolerance in biofilm communities is multifactorial, and the genetic background underlying this antibiotic tolerance has not yet been fully elucidated. Using transposon mutagenesis, we isolated a mutant with reduced tolerance to biapenem (relative to that of the wild type) from adherent cells. Sequencing analysis revealed a mutation in the pslL gene, which is part of the polysaccharide biosynthesis operon. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1ΔpslBCD mutant demonstrated a 100-fold-lower survival rate during the exposure of planktonic and biofilm cells to biapenem; a similar phenotype was observed in a mouse infection model and in clinical strains. Transcriptional analysis of adherent cells revealed increased expression of both pslA and pelA, which are directly regulated by bis-(3′,5′)-cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP). Inactivation of wspF resulted in significantly increased tolerance to biapenem due to increased production of c-di-GMP. The loss of pslBCD in the ΔwspF mutant background abolished the biapenem-tolerant phenotype of the ΔwspF mutant, underscoring the importance of psl in biapenem tolerance. Overexpression of PA2133, which can catalyze the degradation of c-di-GMP, led to a significant reduction in biapenem tolerance in adherent cells, indicating that c-di-GMP is essential in mediating the tolerance effect. The effect of pslBCD on antibiotic tolerance was evident, with 50- and 200-fold-lower survival in the presence of ofloxacin and tobramycin, respectively. We speculate that the psl genes, which are activated by surface adherence through elevated intracellular c-di-GMP levels, confer tolerance to antimicrobials.
In Situ Water Distribution Measurements in an Operating Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell

The water balance between the flow channels, gas diffusion layer, and electrolyte membrane is a critical phenomenon affecting polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) performance. This paper presents data on the in situ water distribution within the gas channel of an operating PEFC. Following careful calibration and instrumentation, a gas chromatograph (GC) was interfaced directly to the fuel cell at various locations along the serpentine anode and cathode flow paths of a specially designed fuel cell. The 50 cm active area instrumented fuel cell also permits simultaneous current distribution measurements via the segmented collector plate approach. The on-line GC method allows discrete measurements of the water vapor content of the flow about every two minutes. Water distribution data are shown at several inlet relative humidities and cell operating voltages. For the thin electrolyte membranes used (51 μm), there is little functional dependence of anode gas channel water distribution on current output. For thin membranes, this indicates that there is little gradient in the water activity between anode and cathode, for the conditions tested (i < 1 A/cm). 1 Electrochemical Society Active Member 2 Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: e-mail mmm124@psu.edu; Phone: (814) 8650060; Fax: (814) 863-4848
Organization of the catecholaminergic systems in the brain of lungfishes, the closest living relatives of terrestrial vertebrates

Lungfishes are a group of sarcopterygian fishes currently considered the closest living relatives of tetrapods, and represent an interesting group for the study of evolutionary traits in the transition from fishes to tetrapods. Catecholaminergic systems in the brain are among the most carefully analyzed neurotransmitter systems in the brain of most vertebrate groups. Their organization shows major shared characteristics, although traits particular to each vertebrate class have also been found, primarily between anamniotes and amniotes. Given the relevance of lungfishes in evolutionary terms, the present study provides the first comprehensive and detailed map of the catecholaminergic structures in the brain of two representative species of lungfishes, an African lungfish (Protopterus dolloi) and the Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri), as revealed by immunohistochemistry. Distinct groups of catecholaminergic cells were observed in the olfactory bulb, pallium, and preoptic area of the telencephalon, and the subpallium is devoid of these cells. Hypothalamic and diencephalic groups were detected and, in particular, the dopaminergic nucleus of the periventricular organ was evidenced with dopamine antibodies but not with anti‐tyrosine hydroxylase. A well developed mesostriatal system was revealed formed by conspicuous groups of dopamine cells in the midbrain tegmentum and profuse innervation of the subpallium. Comparison of these results with those from other classes of vertebrates shows numerous common traits shared by most groups and also highlights particular features in lungfishes different from actinopterygian fishes that resemble those of amphibians and amniotes.
Risk of collective failure provides an escape from the tragedy of the commons

From group hunting to global warming, how to deal with collective action may be formulated in terms of a public goods game of cooperation. In most cases, contributions depend on the risk of future losses. Here, we introduce an evolutionary dynamics approach to a broad class of cooperation problems in which attempting to minimize future losses turns the risk of failure into a central issue in individual decisions. We find that decisions within small groups under high risk and stringent requirements to success significantly raise the chances of coordinating actions and escaping the tragedy of the commons. We also offer insights on the scale at which public goods problems of cooperation are best solved. Instead of large-scale endeavors involving most of the population, which as we argue, may be counterproductive to achieve cooperation, the joint combination of local agreements within groups that are small compared with the population at risk is prone to significantly raise the probability of success. In addition, our model predicts that, if one takes into consideration that groups of different sizes are interwoven in complex networks of contacts, the chances for global coordination in an overall cooperating state are further enhanced.
Development of Emotional State Model using Electromagnetic Signal Information for Rehabilitation Robot

AbstractThe paper presents a development of emotion recognition system which can detect human emotion in real-time leveraging information captured from human body's electromagnetic (EM) signals. A new model of controller framework was designed to embed the emotion recognition module which was evaluated on a robot-assisted rehabilitation platform. The framework is based on hybrid automata model and used to govern the suitable trajectory to deploy by the robotic platform in assisting rehabilitation therapy. The result of the new controller design demonstrates the efficacy of the approach where emotion of the subject is taken into consideration in switching the rehabilitation tasks.
Structural and Immunodiagnostic Characterization of Synthetic Antigen B Subunits From Echinococcus granulosus and Their Evaluation as Target Antigens for Cyst Viability Assessment

The available cystic echinococcosis immunodiagnostic tools cannot assess cyst viability. Here, synthetic antigen B (AgB) subunits were structurally and immunologically characterized. They all showed propensity to self-oligomerize, similarly to native AgB, and AgB1 held promise as a marker of viability.
Sortase ligation enables homogeneous GPCR phosphorylation to reveal diversity in β-arrestin coupling

Significance β-Arrestin regulates G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling by interacting with two regions of agonist-activated receptors—the phosphorylated C terminus and the seven transmembrane helix bundle. The phosphorylation pattern on GPCRs is thought to be the primary driver of β-arrestin binding affinity and functional consequences. To more effectively delineate the relative contributions of these two interactions, we present an innovative strategy to homogeneously phosphorylate purified GPCRs—enzymatic ligation of a synthetic phosphopeptide. This approach unexpectedly revealed that different receptors with identical phosphorylation patterns exhibit dramatic variability in their ability to couple to β-arrestin through the transmembrane core. These differences could play an important role in tuning the balance of G protein- and β-arrestin–mediated cellular signaling pathways stimulated by each GPCR. The ability of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to initiate complex cascades of cellular signaling is governed by the sequential coupling of three main transducer proteins, G protein, GPCR kinase (GRK), and β-arrestin. Mounting evidence indicates these transducers all have distinct conformational preferences and binding modes. However, interrogating each transducer’s mechanism of interaction with GPCRs has been complicated by the interplay of transducer-mediated signaling events. For example, GRK-mediated receptor phosphorylation recruits and induces conformational changes in β-arrestin, which facilitates coupling to the GPCR transmembrane core. Here we compare the allosteric interactions of G proteins and β-arrestins with GPCRs’ transmembrane cores by using the enzyme sortase to ligate a synthetic phosphorylated peptide onto the carboxyl terminus of three different receptors. Phosphopeptide ligation onto the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) allows stabilization of a high-affinity receptor active state by β-arrestin1, permitting us to define elements in the β2AR and β-arrestin1 that contribute to the receptor transmembrane core interaction. Interestingly, ligation of the identical phosphopeptide onto the β2AR, the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 2 and the μ-opioid receptor reveals that the ability of β-arrestin1 to enhance agonist binding relative to G protein differs substantially among receptors. Furthermore, strong allosteric coupling of β-arrestin1 correlates with its ability to attenuate, or “desensitize,” G protein activation in vitro. Sortase ligation thus provides a versatile method to introduce complex, defined phosphorylation patterns into GPCRs, and analogous strategies could be applied to other classes of posttranslationally modified proteins. These homogeneously phosphorylated GPCRs provide an innovative means to systematically study receptor–transducer interactions.
The Search for Hesperian Organic Matter on Mars: Pyrolysis Studies of Sediments Rich in Sulfur and Iron

Abstract Jarosite on Mars is of significant geological and astrobiological interest, as it forms in acidic aqueous conditions that are potentially habitable for acidophilic organisms. Jarosite can provide environmental context and may host organic matter. The most common extraction technique used to search for organic compounds on the surface of Mars is pyrolysis. However, thermal decomposition of jarosite releases oxygen into pyrolysis ovens, which degrades organic signals. Jarosite has a close association with the iron oxyhydroxide goethite in many depositional/diagenetic environments. Hematite can form by dehydration of goethite or directly from jarosite under certain aqueous conditions. Goethite and hematite are significantly more amenable than jarosite for pyrolysis experiments employed to search for organic matter. Analysis of the mineralogy and organic chemistry of samples from a natural acidic stream revealed a diverse response for organic compounds during pyrolysis of goethite-rich layers but a poor response for jarosite-rich or mixed jarosite-goethite samples. Goethite units that are associated with jarosite, but do not contain jarosite themselves, should be targeted for organic detection pyrolysis experiments on Mars. These findings are extremely timely, as exploration targets for Mars Science Laboratory include Vera Rubin Ridge (formerly known as “Hematite Ridge”), which may have formed from goethite precursors. Key Words: Mars—Pyrolysis—Jarosite—Goethite—Hematite—Biosignatures. Astrobiology 18, 454–464.
Dietary intervention rescues myopathy associated with neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with complex symptomology. In addition to a predisposition to tumors, children with NF1 can present with reduced muscle mass, global muscle weakness, and impaired motor skills, which can have a significant impact on quality of life. Genetic mouse models have shown a lipid storage disease phenotype may underlie muscle weakness in NF1. Herein we confirm that biopsy specimens from six individuals with NF1 similarly manifest features of a lipid storage myopathy, with marked accumulation of intramyocellular lipid, fibrosis, and mononuclear cell infiltrates. Intramyocellular lipid was also correlated with reductions in neurofibromin protein expression by western analysis. An RNASeq profile of Nf1null muscle from a muscle-specific Nf1 knockout mouse (Nf1MyoD-/-) revealed alterations in genes associated with glucose regulation and cell signaling. Comparison by lipid mass spectrometry demonstrated that Nf1null muscle specimens were enriched for long chain fatty acid (LCFA) containing neutral lipids, such as cholesterol esters and triacylglycerides, suggesting fundamentally impaired LCFA metabolism. The subsequent generation of a limb-specific Nf1 knockout mouse (Nf1Prx1-/-) recapitulated all observed features of human NF1 myopathy, including lipid storage, fibrosis, and muscle weakness. Collectively, these insights led to the evaluation of a dietary intervention of reduced LCFAs, and enrichment of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) with L-carnitine. Following 8-weeks of dietary treatment, Nf1Prx1-/- mice showed a 45% increase in maximal grip strength, and a 71% reduction in intramyocellular lipid staining compared with littermates fed standard chow. These data link NF1 deficiency to fundamental shifts in muscle metabolism, and provide strong proof of principal that a dietary intervention can ameliorate symptoms.