Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional observation on habitual non-alcoholic beverage consumption among adolescents from four Irish post-primary schools

Abstract Objective No up-to-date data on the dietary intake of Irish adolescents are available. The aim of the present pilot study was to obtain and compare cross-sectional information on habitual adolescent beverage consumption between four distinct post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland, in 2014–2015. Design A cross-sectional observation study. A beverage consumption questionnaire was used to obtain data on beverage intake and influences on consumption. Setting Four post-primary mixed-sex schools in Ireland representing the following school classifications were selected for the study: urban fee-paying, urban disadvantaged, rural fee-paying and rural disadvantaged. Subjects Students (n 761) aged 12–18 years. Results Data were analysed by Kruskal–Wallis (non-parametric) ANOVA to compare the distribution of beverage consumption across the schools. Water was the most highly consumed beverage among students from all four schools (median 1425 ml/d). Students from urban and rural disadvantaged schools reported a significantly higher volume of carbonated beverage intake than students from fee-paying schools. Students from an urban disadvantaged school also reported a significantly higher volume of carbonated beverage and energy drink intake compared with the other three schools. Students from an urban fee-paying school reported the highest consumption of water, while rural disadvantaged school students were the biggest consumers of tea and milk. Conclusions Significant differences in beverage consumption (ml/d) were reported by adolescents from four schools in Ireland. Surveillance on current beverage consumption trends among adolescents is vital to guide policies and interventions, and for appropriate targeting of resources.
Cooperation vs. coordination for lifeline-based global load balancing in APGAS

Work stealing can be implemented in either a cooperative or a coordinated way. We compared the two approaches for lifeline-based global load balancing, which is the algorithm used by X10's Global Load Balancing framework GLB. We conducted our study with the APGAS library for Java, to which we ported GLB in a first step. Our cooperative variant resembles the original GLB framework, except that strict sequentialization is replaced by Java synchronization constructs such as critical sections. Our coordinated variant enables concurrent access to local task pools by using a split queue data structure. In experiments with modified versions of the UTS and BC benchmarks, the cooperative and coordinated APGAS variants had similar executions times, without a clear winner. Both variants outperformed the original GLB when compiled with Managed X10. Experiments were run on up to 128 nodes, to which we assigned up to 512 places.
Belief Interval of Dempster-Shafer Theory for Line-of-Sight Identification in Indoor Positioning Applications

Location data are among the most widely used contextual data in context-aware and ubiquitous computing applications. Numerous systems with distinct deployment costs and levels of positioning accuracy have been developed over the past decade for indoor positioning purposes. The most useful method focuses on the received signal strength (RSS) and provides a set of signal transmission access points. Furthermore, most positioning systems are based on non-line-of-sight (NLOS) rather than line-of-sight (LOS) conditions, and this cause ranging errors for location predictions. Hence, manually compiling a fingerprint database measuring RSS involves high costs and is thus impractical in online prediction environments. In our proposed method, a comparison method is derived on the basis of belief intervals, as proposed in Dempster-Shafer theory, and the signal features are characterized on the LOS and NLOS conditions for different field experiments. The system performance levels were examined with different features and under different environments through robust testing and by using several widely used machine learning methods. The results showed that the proposed method can not only retain positioning accuracy but also save computation time in location predictions.
Identifying heterogeneous subtypes of gastric cancer and subtype-specific subpaths of microRNA-target pathways

The present study aimed to classify gastric cancer (GC) into subtypes and to screen the subtype-specific genes, their targeted microRNAs (miRNAs) and enriched pathways to explore the putative mechanism of each GC subtypes. The GSE13861 data set was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus and used to screen differential expression genes (DEGs) in GC samples based on the detection of imbalanced differential signal algorithm. The specific genes in each subtype were identified with the cut-off criterion of U>0.04, pathway enrichment analysis was performed and the subtype-specific subpaths of miRNA-target pathway were determined. A total of 1,263 DEGs were identified in the primary gastric adenocarcinoma (PGD) samples, which were subsequently divided into four subtypes, according to the hierarchy cluster analysis. Identification of the subpaths of each subtype indicated that the subpath related to subtype 1 was miRNA (miR)-202/calcium voltage-gated channel subunit α1 (CACNA1E)/type II diabetes mellitus. The nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway was the most significantly specific pathway and subpath identified for subtype 2, which was regulated by miR-338-targeted suppression of C-C motif chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21). For subtype 3, significant related pathways included ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and proteasome, and the important subpath was miR-146B/proteasome 26S subunit, non-ATPase 3 (PSMD3)/proteasome; focal adhesion was the significant pathway indicated for subtype 4, and the subpaths were miR-34A/vinculin (VCL)/focal adhesion and miR-34C/VCL/focal adhesion. In addition, Helicobacter pylori infection was higher in GC subtype 1 than in other subtypes. Specific genes, such as CACNA1E, CCL21, PSMD3 and VCL, may be used as potential feature genes to identify different subtypes of GC, and their associated subpaths may partially explain the pathogenetic mechanism of each GC subtype.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor -173 G/C Polymorphism: A Global Meta-Analysis across the Disease Spectrum

Human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine that plays a role in several metabolic and inflammatory processes. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -173 G/C (rs755622) on MIF gene has been associated with numerous diseases, such as arthritis and cancer. However, most of the reports concerning the association of MIF with these and other pathologies are inconsistent and remain quite controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis from 96 case-control studies on -173 G/C MIF SNP and stratified the data according to the subjects geographic localization or the disease pathophysiology, in order to determine a more meaningful significance to this SNP. The polymorphism was strongly associated with an increased risk in autoimmune-inflammatory, infectious and age-related diseases on the dominant (OR: 0.74 [0.58–0.93], P < 0.01; OR: 0.81 [0.74–0.89], P < 0.0001; and OR: 0.81 [0.76–0.87], P < 0.0001, respectively) and the recessive models (OR: 0.74 [0.57–0.095], P < 0.01; OR: 0.66 [0.48–0.92], P < 0.0154; and OR: 0.70 [0.60–0.82], P < 0.0001, respectively). Also, significant association was found in the geographic localization setting for Asia, Europe and Latin America subdivisions in the dominant (OR: 0.76 [0.69–0.84], P < 0.0001; OR: 0.77 [0.72–0.83], P < 0.0001; OR: 0.61 [0.44–0.83], P-value: 0.0017, respectively) and overdominant models (OR: 0.85 [0.77–0.94], P < 0.0001; OR: 0.80 [0.75–0.86], P < 0.0001; OR: 0.73 [0.63–0.85], P-value: 0.0017, respectively). Afterwards, we implemented a network meta-analysis to compare the association of the polymorphism for two different subdivisions. We found a stronger association for autoimmune than for age-related or autoimmune-inflammatory diseases, and stronger association for infectious than for autoimmune-inflammatory diseases. We report for the first time a meta-analysis of rs755622 polymorphism with a variety of stratified diseases and populations. The study reveals a strong association of the polymorphism with autoimmune and infectious diseases. These results may help direct future research on MIF-173 G/C in diseases in which the relation is clearer and thus assist the search for more plausible applications.
Potential Role of ADRA2A Genetic Variants in the Etiology of ADHD Comorbid With Tic Disorders

Objective: To evaluate the role of the adrenergic receptor alpha-2A gene (ADRA2A) in the genetic etiology of ADHD comorbid with tic disorders (ADHD+TD). Method: Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ADRA2A were genotyped and analyzed in 936 normal controls and 1,815 ADHD probands, including 1,249 trios. Approximately 16% of the ADHD probands also had a diagnosis of TD. Results: No significant association was found between ADRA2A and ADHD in general. Case-control analyses indicated different allelic and genotypic distributions of rs553668 between ADHD+TD and controls in males. Family-based association tests showed that the G allele of rs1800544, the A allele of rs553668, and the GA haplotype consisting of these two SNPs were overtransmitted in the ADHD+TD trios, especially in males. Moreover, the allelic/genotypic distribution and allelic transmission were different between ADHD+TD and ADHD without TD. Conclusion: ADRA2A may be associated with ADHD+TD, especially in males.
Feasibility study of a plastic helical coil heat exchanger for a domestic water storage tank

The main goal of this study is to investigate whether it is possible to use a polymeric helical coil heat exchanger as an alternative to conventional metallic helical coil. More specifically this work focuses on a helical coil design for a domestic water storage tank application. Corrosion and fouling resistance, scarcity of the materials, low weight and cost are the driving forces to consider designing polymeric heat exchangers rather than metallic heat exchangers. However, simply replacing the metallic material by the polymer material and applying the traditional design methods used for metallic heat exchangers do not lead to an acceptable design. If one wants to design a good polymer heat exchanger, heat transfer and structural problems have to be solved first. In addition, the pressure drop limitation should not be neglected. In order to reach this goal, a model is developed to predict the optimal design of a helical coil heat exchanger immersed in the water storage tank for a certain water mass flow rate and temperature. This design compensates for the low thermal conductivity and strength of the polymer.
Cognition and adaptive functioning in older people attending drug and alcohol services

ABSTRACT Background: Substance use disorders in older adults are expected to increase dramatically in the coming years. Given the increased susceptibility to cognitive deficits in older substance users (defined here as aged 50+ years due to the accelerated health decline observed in this population), it is important to consider the functional correlates of cognitive impairment in these older adults. This study details the cognitive status of older individuals attending outpatient drug and alcohol (D&A) treatment services and seeks to determine of the association of cognitive impairment to self-reported daily functioning. Methods: Ninety nine clients aged 50 years or over attending outpatient D&A treatment services in Sydney, Australia participated. Cognition was assessed using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination – Revised (ACE-R). Recent substance use (Australian Treatment Outcome Profile), physical and mental health (SF12, Geriatric Depression Scale), social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale), and activities of daily living (Bayer ADL Scale) were also assessed. Results: Nearly two-thirds of participants screened positive for cognitive impairment on the ACE-R; 41% and 65% of clients met the cut-off scores for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and more severe cognitive impairment, respectively. Self-reported seizure history was a predictor of cognitive impairment. Conclusions: The results suggest that cognitive impairment in this group is common. The assessment of cognitive status for this older group of patients should not only include the identification of cognitive impairment but also encompass mental health and social functioning. A greater understanding of the needs of this cohort will also enable better co-ordination with other health and welfare services tailored to this population.
Isothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites

The biodegradable polymers, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), have attracted more attention due to its renewable resources, thermoplastic and outstanding physical and mechanical properties close to those of isotactic polypropylene [1]. A new promising class of inorganic layered material, layered double hydroxides (LDH), has been considered as emerging host-guest materials [2]. PHB/LDH nanocomposites were prepared by mixing PHB and PEOPA-modified LDH (PMLDH) in chloroform solution [3]. Both X-ray diffraction data and TEM micrographs of PHB/PMLDH nanocomposites indicate that the PEOPA-modified LDHs are randomly dispersed and exfoliated into the PHB matrix. In this study, the effect of PMLDH on the isothermal crystallization behavior of PHB was investigated using a differential scanning calorimeter and polarized optical microscopy. Mechanical properties of the fabricated nanocomposites measured by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) show significant improvements in the storage modulus when compared to that of neat PHB.
Increasingly inbred and fragmented populations of Plasmodium vivax associated with the eastward decline in malaria transmission across the Southwest Pacific

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax is more resistant to malaria control strategies than Plasmodium falciparum, and maintains high genetic diversity even when transmission is low. To investigate whether declining P. vivax transmission leads to increasing population structure that would facilitate elimination, we genotyped samples from across the Southwest Pacific region, which experiences an eastward decline in malaria transmission, as well as samples from two time points at one site (Tetere, Solomon Islands) during intensified malaria control. Analysis of 887 P. vivax microsatellite haplotypes from hyperendemic Papua New Guinea (PNG, n = 443), meso-hyperendemic Solomon Islands (n = 420), and hypoendemic Vanuatu (n = 24) revealed increasing population structure and multilocus linkage disequilibrium yet a modest decline in diversity as transmission decreases over space and time. In Solomon Islands, which has had sustained control efforts for 20 years, and Vanuatu, which has experienced sustained low transmission for many years, significant population structure was observed at different spatial scales. We conclude that control efforts will eventually impact P. vivax population structure and with sustained pressure, populations may eventually fragment into a limited number of clustered foci that could be targeted for elimination.
State of the art in eukaryotic nitrogenase engineering

Abstract Improving the ability of plants and plant-associated organisms to fix and assimilate atmospheric nitrogen has inspired plant biotechnologists for decades, not only to alleviate negative effects on nature from increased use and availability of reactive nitrogen, but also because of apparent economic benefits and opportunities. The combination of recent advances in synthetic biology and increased knowledge about the biochemistry and biosynthesis of the nitrogenase enzyme has made the seemingly remote and for long unreachable dream more possible. In this review, we will discuss strategies how this could be accomplished using biotechnology, with a special focus on recent progress on engineering plants to express its own nitrogenase.
Long-term exposure to acidification disrupts reproduction in a marine invertebrate

Climate change research is advancing to more complex and more comprehensive studies that include long-term experiments, multiple life-history stages, multi-population, and multi-trait approaches. We used a population of the barnacle Balanus improvisus known to be sensitive to short-term acidification to determine its potential for long-term acclimation to acidification. We reared laboratory-bred individuals (as singles or pairs), and field-collected assemblages of barnacles, at pH 8.1 and 7.5 (≈ 400 and 1600 μatm pCO2 respectively) for up to 16 months. Acidification caused strong mortality and reduced growth rates. Acidification suppressed respiration rates and induced a higher feeding activity of barnacles after 6 months, but this suppression of respiration rate was absent after 15 months. Laboratory-bred barnacles developed mature gonads only when they were held in pairs, but nonetheless failed to produce fertilized embryos. Field-collected barnacles reared in the laboratory for 8 months at the same pH’s developed mature gonads, but only those in pH 8.1 produced viable embryos and larvae. Because survivors of long-term acidification were not capable of reproducing, this demonstrates that B. improvisus can only partially acclimate to long-term acidification. This represents a clear and significant bottleneck in the ontogeny of this barnacle population that may limit its potential to persist in a future ocean.
Chlamydial Type III Secretion System Needle Protein Induces Protective Immunity against Chlamydia muridarum Intravaginal Infection

Chlamydia trachomatis imposes serious health problems and causes infertility. Because of asymptomatic onset, it often escapes antibiotic treatment. Therefore, vaccines offer a better option for the prevention of unwanted inflammatory sequelae. The existence of serologically distinct serovars of C. trachomatis suggests that a vaccine will need to provide protection against multiple serovars. Chlamydia spp. use a highly conserved type III secretion system (T3SS) composed of structural and effector proteins which is an essential virulence factor. In this study, we expressed the T3SS needle protein of Chlamydia muridarum, TC_0037, an ortholog of C. trachomatis CdsF, in a replication-defective adenoviral vector (AdTC_0037) and evaluated its protective efficacy in an intravaginal Chlamydia muridarum model. For better immune responses, we employed a heterologous prime-boost immunization protocol in which mice were intranasally primed with AdTC_0037 and subcutaneously boosted with recombinant TC_0037 and Toll-like receptor 4 agonist monophosphoryl lipid A mixed in a squalene nanoscale emulsion. We found that immunization with TC_0037 antigen induced specific humoral and T cell responses, decreased Chlamydia loads in the genital tract, and abrogated pathology of upper genital organs. Together, our results suggest that TC_0037, a highly conserved chlamydial T3SS protein, is a good candidate for inclusion in a Chlamydia vaccine.
Predictors of non-response and persistent functional impairments in treatment adhering to evidence-based practice guidelines for anxiety disorders

Background: Several countries have developed guidelines for anxiety disorders containing algorithms that summarize the recommended treatment steps for these disorders. It is important to know which patients have a poor prognosis for treatment according to such algorithms. Aims: To investigate the predictive power of variables known to be able to influence treatment prognosis in situations where practice guidelines for anxiety disorders are adhered to. Method: To study the predictive power of variables that are known to be able to influence treatment prognosis, 81 patients who participated in a guideline implementation study and whose treatment was found to adhere to available guidelines were selected. Using logistic regression analysis two models were constructed: one to predict treatment nonresponse; another to predict persistent functional impairments at the 1-year follow-up. Results: The final prediction model for treatment non-response contains only gender and secondary gain variables. It appears that: males have a higher likelihood (p=.074), and patients that report hopes of obtaining external benefits by seeking treatment have a lower likelihood (p=.054) of showing treatment non-response at the 1-year follow-up. The discriminatory power of this model was found to be poor, however. The model for persistent functional impairments includes gender, satisfaction with the accessibility of healthcare services and the presence of a comorbid anxiety disorder. It appears that: males (p=.87) and patients who express dissatisfaction with the accessibility of care (p=.008) have a higher likelihood, and that; patients who suffer from an additional comorbid anxiety disorder have a lower likelihood (p=.079) of persistent functional impairments. The discriminatory power of this model is excellent. Conclusion: It remains difficult to predict which anxiety disorder patients will not benefit from treatment that is tailored according to available practice guideline recommendations, therefore no one should be prevented from being offered such treatment, if one removes barriers in attending treatment.
Design Method of Prestressed Concrete Simply Supported on Four Sides of Two-Way Composite Slab

The flexural rigidity of prestressed concrete two-way composite slab was analyzed.Based on the theory of elastic thin plates,according to the orthotropic plate's perpendicularity,the corresponding calculation formulas of rectangular unidirectional prestressed slab simply supported on four sides were deduced.Moreover,with the program written by authors,the coefficients of two-way composite slab under border simply supported on four sides were obtained,authors made a form correspondence to the composition slab.Thus,this established a stable condition for the further appliance of such composition slab.Comparing with the elastic coefficient of cast-in-site two-way slab simply supported on four sides,it shows that in the design of prestressed two-way composite slab,prefabricated components along step short should be fixed up,which can make full use of its advantages of saving steel products.
Mathematical Modeling Of Bacterial Cellulose Production By Acetobacter Xylinum Using Rotating Biological Fermentor

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has a basic cellulose structure that gives high purity, high crystalline ability, high mechanical strength, and high water holding capacity. During the last few decades, BC has gained as an important biomaterial because of these unique physical and chemical characteristics. BC is synthesized by Acetobacter xylinum extracellularly in a suitable substrate media. Researchers have produced BC using a synthetic media or using coconut water and inoculating with Acetobacter xylinum in a static fermentation system. In order to eliminate shortcomings in static fermentation and to achieve increased cellulose production, agitated and aerated fermentation systems were experimented. Rotating Biological Fermentor (RBF) is an is aerated and agitated system, which gives continuous oxygen flux to the fermentation medium thereby increasing the yield of biomass and cellulose synthesized. In this study, a mathematical model for the synthesis of BC in a RBF system was developed. The growth of cellulose is considered as a biofilm from a mono culture. Glucose depletion, cellulose production and microbial growth in the fermentation medium were explained using the developed models. It was shown that the simulated and experimental results were in close agreement. In addition, the model was successful in predicting yield of cellulose at different rotational speeds of the RBF unit.