Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of an Acute Physical Activity Intervention on Classroom Behavior in Off-Task Preschoolers

Evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) may improve classroom behavior in elementary school children. Further, studies have shown that the most off-task children may exhibit greater benefit from acute bouts of PA. However, limited data exists in preschoolers. PURPOSE: To examine baseline relationships between PA and classroom behavior, and to identify if the most off-task preschoolers responded differently to PA compared to those least offtask. METHODS: Participants (n=31, age=3.8±0.8 years, 61% male) attended a university-based preschool. In week one of this two-week pilot study, children engaged in their typical curriculum. Week two included daily short bouts of PA that were integrated into early learning standards. PA was assessed with accelerometers worn on the lower back during preschool attendance. Trained researchers conducted weekly 10-minute classroom observations to quantify children’s classroom behavior [active engaged time, (AET); passive engaged time, (PET); off-task motor, (OFT-M); off-task verbal, (OFT-V); off-task passive, (OFT-P)] using the Behavioral Observation of Students in Schools (BOSS) tool. Spearman correlations were used to examine baseline relationships between PA and classroom behavior variables. To test if children with high off-task behavior (HIGH) responded differently to PA compared to children with low off-task behavior (LOW), participants were categorized into tertiles based on baseline off-task behavior and groups were compared using t-tests. RESULTS: A negative correlation was observed between light intensity activity (min/day) and AET at baseline (r=-0.44, p=0.02). No other significant relationships were observed. However, when classroom behavior following PA in the most off-task children was examined, improvements were observed in OFT-M (HIGH=-36.5±5.4%, LOW=10.5±5.7%; p=0.0001), OFT-V (HIGH=-16.7±2.8%, LOW=5.7±3.3%; p=0.0004), and OFT-P behaviors (HIGH=-19.6±7.6%, LOW=12.0±7.1%; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Initial evidence for PA to improve classroom behavior among children who exhibited greater off-task behavior was observed and is consistent with previous findings. Future work should build on this acute study and examine chronic PA to limit classroom off-task behaviors. Supported by: NASPEM Marco Cabrera Student Research Award
Four Days of Blueberry Powder Supplementation Lowers the Blood Lactate Response to Running But Has No Effect on Time-Trial Performance.

Blueberries are abundant with anthocyanins possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As these properties combat fatigue and promote recovery, blueberry supplementation may enhance performance and recovery. Thus, the objectives were to examine the effects of two blueberry supplementation protocols on running performance, physiological responses, and short-term recovery. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled crossover design, 14 runners completed an 8-km time trial (TT) after supplementation with 4 days of blueberries (4DAY), 4 days of a PLA, or 2 days of placebo followed by 2 days of blueberries (2DAY). Heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion were monitored during the TT. Blood lactate, vertical jump, reactive strength index, and salivary markers were assessed before and after. No significant differences were observed for time to complete the TT (PLA: 3,010 ± 459 s; 2DAY: 3,014 ± 488 s; 4DAY: 3,011 ± 423 s), heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion, or any of the salivary markers. An interaction effect (p = .027) was observed for blood lactate, with lower post-TT concentrations in 4DAY (5.4 ± 2.0 mmol/L) than PLA (6.6 ± 2.5 mmol/L; p = .038) and 2DAY (7.4 ± 3.4 mmol/L; p = .034). Post-TT decreases in vertical jump height were not different, whereas the decline in reactive strength index was less following 4DAY (-6.1% ± 13.5%) than the other conditions (PLA: -12.6% ± 10.1%; 2DAY: -11.6% ± 11.5%; p = .038). Two days of supplementation did not influence performance or physiological stress. Although 4 days of supplementation did not alter performance, it blunted the increase in blood lactate, perhaps reflecting altered lactate production and/or clearance, and offset the decrease in dynamic muscle function post-TT, as indicated by the reactive strength index differences.
Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 on Schlemm’s canal diameter in a juvenile rat model injected with sodium hyaluronate

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 on the diameter of the Schlemm’s canal in a juvenile rat model injected with sodium hyaluronate. Material and Methods: This was an original experimental study with a post-test control group design. Eyeballs of rats aged 4-6 months were used in this study. Samples were divided into six groups: negative control, positive control I with intracameral sodium hyaluronate injection, positive control II with topical Y-27632 10 mM, and three experimental groups with intracameral injections of sodium hyaluronate and Y-27632 10-1 mM, 1 mM, and 10 mM, respectively. Changes of the Schlemm’s canal diameter were evaluated. Quantitative measurements were taken using computerized image analysis with the dot slide program. Results: There were statistically significant differences among the control and experimental groups (p Conclusion: The rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 increased the diameter of the Schlemm’s canal in juvenile rats injected with sodium hyaluronate.
The Length of the Expressed 3′ UTR Is an Intermediate Molecular Phenotype Linking Genetic Variants to Complex Diseases

In the last decades, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have uncovered tens of thousands of associations between common genetic variants and complex diseases. However, these statistical associations can rarely be interpreted functionally and mechanistically. As the majority of the disease-associated variants are located far from coding sequences, even the relevant gene is often unclear. A way to gain insight into the relevant mechanisms is to study the genetic determinants of intermediate molecular phenotypes, such as gene expression and transcript structure. We propose a computational strategy to discover genetic variants affecting the relative expression of alternative 3′ untranslated region (UTR) isoforms, generated through alternative polyadenylation, a widespread posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism known to have relevant functional consequences. When applied to a large dataset in which whole genome and RNA sequencing data are available for 373 European individuals, 2,530 genes with alternative polyadenylation quantitative trait loci (apaQTL) were identified. We analyze and discuss possible mechanisms of action of these variants, and we show that they are significantly enriched in GWAS hits, in particular those concerning immune-related and neurological disorders. Our results point to an important role for genetically determined alternative polyadenylation in affecting predisposition to complex diseases, and suggest new ways to extract functional information from GWAS data.
Early detection and spatial monitoring of an emerging biological invasion by population genetics and environmental DNA metabarcoding

Rapid management responses against invasive species soon after their establishment are the most efficient way to limit their biological and economic impacts. Early detection and reliable monitoring is however challenging when cryptic taxa are involved. Here we show how environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of water samples efficiently unveiled an emerging invasion of Italian crested newts (Triturus carnifex), one of the most successful amphibian invaders in Europe. We compared and validated an eDNA survey by multilocus population genetics of wild‐caught individuals. Both approaches consistently mapped a localized T. carnifex invasion in northwestern Switzerland, most likely following imports from the Italian Po Plain. We found evidence of gene flow with the indigenous and endangered Triturus cristatus in nearby populations, suggesting a potential expansion. Yet the currently small invasive range should be efficiently contained by future eradication programs. This textbook case emphasizes the implementation of eDNA metabarcoding to screen aquatic communities for exotic species, from which targeted studies can be designed on emerging biological invasions.
AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER VISION IN MEDICAL IMAGING

There has been much progress in computer vision and pattern recognition in the last two decades, and there has also much progress in recent years in medical imaging technology. Although images in digital form can easily be processed by basic image processing techniques, effective use of computer vision can provide much useful information for diagnosis and treatment. It has been a challenge to use computer vision in medical imaging because of complexity in dealing with medical images. In this chapter a brief introduction of the subject is presented by addressing the issues involved and then focusing on the active contour model for medical imaging.
Effects of fertilizer, irrigation level and spider presence on abundance of herbivore and carnivore in rice cultivation in Yogyakarta.

Cultivation techniques that are usually followed in rice cultivation is believed to greatly affect the interaction between arthropods in form of bottom-up and top-down ways, which in turn, affects their diversity and abundance. Beside of that, the spider is generalist predator that has a great potential as a biological pest control agent. This research aimed to determine the effects of spider presence, fertilizer and irrigation level on abundance of herbivore and carnivore in rice cultivation in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (Wates – Kulon Progo). It was done in factorial design using three factors: fertilizers (organic, inorganic, and without fertilizer), irrigation levels (less water = 2 cm, conventional >10 cm), and spider presence (with and without spider). Each combination treatment had three replications. The results showed that the interaction between fertilizer and irrigation level affected soil PH and total N of rice plant but not to total N of soil. Organic fertilizer with less irrigation decreased the abundance of carnivore but it did not affect the abundance of herbivore. Meanwhile, interaction between spider presence and irrigation level affected carnivore abundance, but not to herbivore generally. The spider presence decreased Delphacidae abundance but did not affect the abundance of Alydidae dan Staphylinidae.
Origin and Dispersal of Common Millet and Foxtail Millet

In Eurasia, both winter and summer cereal crops have been cultivated over a wide range of environmental conditions. Winter cereals, such as wheat and barley, were domesticated in the Middle East about 10,000 years ago. Rice is a representative of summer cereals originating in southern Asia, and it has been grown widely in Asian countries. In addition to rice, several kinds of millets have been domesticated in Eurasia, some in east or central Asia and others in the Indian subcontinent. Among them, common millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and foxtail millet (Se/aria italica (L.) P. Beauv. ) are thought to be the most anciently domesticated cereals in Eurasia. In the present paper, a new theory on the origin and dispersal of those two millets based on the results of recent field research on the two millets in southwestern Eurasia and those of the experimental works on landraces of the millets collected from the vast areas of Eurasia is discussed.
Nutrition content assessment of Arachis hypogaea L. samples grown in the Mediterranean region of Turkey

A total of 42 Turkish peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) samples were analysed for their total free amino acid, β-carotene, lycopene, and flavonoid contents, and the total phenols, glucose, fructose and sucrose in the peanut samples were determined as nutrition aspects. The average values of the total free amino acid, beta-carotene, lycopene, glucose, fructose and sucrose were determined to be 14.4 µmol g−1, 14.4 µg (100 ml)−1, 14.4 µg (100 ml)−1, 1.07 mg g−1, 0.52 mg g−1 and 2.74 mg g−1, respectively. The results reveal that the consumption of Turkish peanut samples is safe and that they contain health-enhancing nutrients.
Conformity to Bergmann’s rule in birds depends on nest design and migration

Species’ geographic ranges and range limits are thought to be determined by climate, and across climatic gradients the morphology of populations varies non-randomly. Ecogeographic rules seek to characterise such variation, with Bergmann’s rule positing that organisms inhabiting colder environments are typically larger-bodied than those inhabiting warmer environments. While Bergmann’s rule has been supported across a range of taxonomic groups, how organisms’ behaviour may moderate its effect remains unclear. Here we investigate whether conformity to Bergmann’s rule among birds of the Western Palearctic varies in relation to nest design and migratory behaviour, using phylogenetic comparative analyses. We test predictions using data on nest structure and location, migration, body mass, latitudinal distribution, annual mean temperature and phylogenetic relatedness for a sample of >500 species. We find that conformity to Bergmann’s rule depends strongly on migratory behaviour: non-migratory species breeding at colder, more northerly latitudes are larger-bodied, while body mass is unaffected by climate in short- and long-distance migrants. Among non-migratory species, conformity to Bergmann’s rule depends, further, on nest design: species with more open nests, who are thus most exposed to adverse climatic conditions while breeding, conform most strongly to Bergmann’s rule. Our findings suggest that enclosed nesting and migration allow smaller bodied species to breed in colder environments than their body size would otherwise allow. Therefore, we conclude that organisms’ behaviour can strongly affect exposure to environmental selection pressures.
Blind road recognition algorithm based on color and texture information

Concerning the problem that existing blind road recognition method has low recognition rate, simplistic handling, and is easily influenced by light, or shadow, an improved blind road recognition method was proposed. According to the color and texture features of blind road, the algorithm used two segmentation methods respectively including color histogram feature threshold segmentation combined with improved region growing segmentation and fuzzy C-means clustering segmentation for gray level co-occurrence matrix feature. And combined with Canny edge detection and Hough transform algorithm, the proposed algorithm made the blind area separated from the pedestrian area and determines the migration direction for the blind.The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can segment several kinds of blind road more accurately, detect the boundary and direction of blind road and solve the light and shadow problem partly. It can choose the fastest and the most effective segmentation method adoptively, and can be used in a variety of devices, such as electronic guide ones.
Preservation of semen from Kintamani Bali dogs by freezing method

Objective: To explore the effect of glycerol at different concentrations using different extenders on DNA fragmentation and motility of frozen-thawed Kintamani Bali dog spermatozoa. Materials and Methods: Sample was collected from four mature Kintamani Bali dogs. Each ejaculate was prepared for cryopreservation with two different semen extenders; egg yolk Tris extender and coconut water-based extender. For each extender, three different glycerol concentrations were used; 4%, 6%, and 8%. Each of the six aliquots was loaded into 0.5 ml cryotube, placed on a styrofoam box 5 cm over liquid nitrogen for 10 min, and immersed in liquid nitrogen up to 8 min. Then, the frozen cryotubes were transferred into liquid nitrogen container. The cryotubes were thawed in a water bath at 38.5°C for 120 sec. After equilibration and thawing, each sample was assessed for motility parameters and for DNA fragmentation. Results: The addition of 6% glycerol to extenders revealed the most effective addition of glycerol on motility and sperm DNA fragmentation after equilibrium and post-thawing. Conclusion: It is concluded that both extenders with the addition of 6% glycerol are safe to be used as an extender in Kintamani Bali dog semen preservation, and DNA fragmentation of Kintamani Bali dog spermatozoa was not influenced by the freezing procedure.
Interference-Limited Fixed Relaying-Aided Macrocellular CDMA Networks

An energy-efficient relaying design is proposed for macro-cellular systems relying on a number of fixed relay stations positioned at optimized locations. The proposed scheme offers several improvements compared to the conventional schemes. Beneficial relay selection is performed for both the uplink and downlink. The traffic load conditions of the uplink and downlink must be considered during the relay selection in order to adapt to the heterogeneous and asymmetric teletraffic services of next-generation wireless systems. The specify relay which maximizes the energy efficiency is selected. The achievable performance is characterized for a range of potential relay locations, while exploring the energy-efficient cooperation regions; the optimal relaying locations are also determined for cooperative cellular systems conveying asymmetric traffic.
Reliability of ultrasound strain elastography in the assessment of the quadriceps and patellar tendon in healthy adults

Objective To report the intra- and inter-operator reliability of ultrasound strain elastography measures in the assessment of quadriceps and patellar tendons. Materials and methods Forty tendons were investigated of 20 healthy volunteers. Five anatomical sites were examined and analysed by three operators of differing levels of experience. Ultrasound was performed over two measures, employing three sonoelastography measurement techniques using a GE S8 with linear probe (L6–15 MHz). The percentage of exact agreement, Cohen's kappa and ICC2,1 were performed to assess intra- and inter-operator reliability. Results The patellar tendon is more reliably measured across all techniques compared to the quadriceps tendon, particularly the distal region. Colour scoring was the most reliable method of sonoelastography. Colour scoring intra- and inter-operator reliability was better for patella tendon sites across all operators (60–95% agreement range), and greatest for experienced operators. Elasticity index intra-operator reliability was greatest for the most experienced operator compared with the least (ICC range 0.35–0.72 and ICC 0.17–0.60). Elasticity ratio intra-operator reliability of the patella tendon was fair–excellent for the experienced operator (ICC range 0.43–0.91), excluding the mid patellar region (ICC 0.13). Poor–fair inter-operator reliability was observed for elasticity ratio (ICC range 0.0–0.54) and elasticity index (ICC range 0.0–0.57). Conclusions Strain elastography of the patellar tendon is more reliable than the quadriceps tendon. Intra- and inter-operator reliability was better when undertaken by more experienced operators. Colour scoring was more reliable than elasticity ratio and index methods. Poor–fair intra- and inter-operator reliability of the elasticity ratio and elasticity index was observed.
Brown Adipose Tissue - role in metabolic disorders

Brown adipose tissue, a thermogenic organ, previously thought to be present in only small mammals and children has recently been identified in adult humans. Located primarily in the supraclavicular and cervical area, it produces heat by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation due to the unique presence of uncoupling protein 1 by a process called nonshivering thermogenesis. BAT activity depends on many factors including age, sex, adiposity and outdoor temperature. Positron-emission tomography using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and computed tomography (18F-FDG PET–CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and thermal imaging (IRT) are among several methods used to detect BAT in humans. The importance of BAT is due to its role in whole body energy expenditure and fuel metabolism. Thus it is postulated that it may be useful in the treatment of metabolic diseases. However, there are still many unanswered questions to the clinical usefulness of this novel tissue. IMC J Med Sci 2019; 13(1): 002
Design and evaluation of multi-channel operation implementation of ETSI GeoNetworking Protocol for ITS-G5

The Intelligent Transport System goal is to make the transportation system more robust (e.g. safe, secure, etc.). One of the methods allows the vehicles to communicate to each other. The ETSI (Europe) and the IEEE (US) are two organizations that create the standard model for the Inter-Vehicular Communication, which are the ETSI-ITS model and the WAVE model respectively. Although the Multi-Channel Operation is supported, the ETSI standard document does not contain any part that explains about the channel assignment mechanism to implement the Multi-Channel Operation (MCO) on the ITS-G5 frequency. This thesis contributes three things: 1) Build a VANET ETSI-ITS simulation model using the NS3 library as a tool. 2) Define five strategies and compare them through simulation. 3) Propose a new metric (i.e. accuracy) that can be used for a more practical approach. Moreover, these five strategies are tested using two scenarios which are the single domain and the multi domain scenario, and the results are measured using three metrics (i.e. reliability, accuracy, and effectiveness). The VANET ETSI-ITS simulation model simulates all the possible conditions in the ETSI-ITS model. These possible conditions are the 802.11p broadcast back off procedure, the channel-load information sharing, the ETSI-ITS cross layer architecture, propagation model, etc. The results showed one strategy came as the best strategy because it shows the best performance in most metrics. Meanwhile, two strategies present a unique behavior that can be used by a specific user. Design and Evaluation of Multi-Channel Operation Implementation of ETSI GeoNetworking Protocol for ITS-G5 iii
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization vs. surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids

Purpose: The aim of this study was to systematically review the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Materials and Methods: An electronic search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases was conducted from their inception to May 2017 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed UAE versus surgery for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. The references of the included studies were also retrieved. Two reviewers independently screened the studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of seven RCTs involving 859 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed a shorter hospital stay and recovery time for UAE as compared to surgery. Surgery was not reported to be better for improving health-related quality of life in any of the included studies. There were no significant differences in patient satisfaction (1-2 and 5 years), and intra-procedural complications or major complications (1 year). However, the rates of minor complications (1 year) and further interventions (2 and 5 years) were significantly higher in patients who underwent UAE rather than surgery. The rates of pregnancy and live births were significantly lower among patients who underwent UAE than surgery. Conclusion: UAE is safe and effective, and has the advantages of shorter hospital stay and recovery time as compared to surgery. However, UAE has the risk of re-intervention, and lower pregnancy and live birth rates.