Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A randomized crossover trial assessing the effects of acute exercise on appetite, circulating ghrelin concentrations, and butyrylcholinesterase activity in normal-weight males with variants of the obesity-linked FTO rs9939609 polymorphism.

BACKGROUND The fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) rs9939609 A-allele is associated with higher acyl-ghrelin (AG) concentrations, higher energy intake, and obesity, although exercise may mitigate rs9939609 A-allele-linked obesity risk. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) hydrolyzes AG to des-acyl-ghrelin (DAG), potentially decreasing appetite. However, the effects of the FTO rs9939609 genotype and exercise on BChE activity, AG, DAG, and energy intake are unknown. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that individuals homozygous for the obesity-risk A-allele (AAs) would exhibit higher postprandial AG and energy intake than individuals homozygous for the low obesity-risk T-allele (TTs), but that exercise would increase BChE activity and diminish these differences. METHODS Twelve AA and 12 TT normal-weight males completed a control (8 h rest) and an exercise (1 h of exercise at 70% peak oxygen uptake, 7 h rest) trial in a randomized crossover design. A fixed meal was consumed at 1.5 h and an ad libitum buffet meal at 6.5 h. Appetite, appetite-related hormones, BChE activity, and energy intake were assessed. RESULTS AAs displayed lower baseline BChE activity, higher baseline AG:DAG ratio, attenuated AG suppression after a fixed meal, and higher ad libitum energy intake compared with TTs [effect sizes (ESs) ≥ 0.72, P ≤ 0.049]. Exercise increased Δ BChE activity in both genotypes (ESs = 0.37, P = 0.004); however, exercise lowered AG and the AG:DAG ratio to a greater extent in AAs (P ≤ 0.023), offsetting the higher AG profile observed in AAs during the control trial (ESs ≥ 1.25, P ≤ 0.048). Exercise did not elevate energy intake in either genotype (P = 0.282). CONCLUSIONS Exercise increases BChE activity, suppresses AG and the AG:DAG ratio, and corrects the higher AG profile observed in obesity-risk AA individuals. These findings suggest that exercise or other methods targeting BChE activity may offer a preventative and/or therapeutic strategy for AA individuals. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03025347.
Analysing Economic Data with Self-Organizing Maps - A Geometric Neural Network Approach

Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) are a special form of Neural Networks that use unsupervised learning and auto-classification of data. Therefore, SOM is a very flexible algorithm which is in particular well-suited to identify unexpected structures in complex (and multidimensional) data sets. We use SOM in order to build feature-domain models, i.e. we rather focus on the geometric or symbolic characteristics of patterns within a time series than on their respective location in time. In a next step we try to extract valuable information from the discovered features in order to forecast out-of-sample. We employ the proposed method with different financial time series and test for its performance by means of a set of non-parametric tests. Moreover, the SOM is employed as a clustering algorithm. The method is used in order to form homogenous groups out of 55 countries only by looking at a set of macro data. Without giving any learning guidelines and/or model restrictions the SOM turns out to be a powerful tool for the identification of clusters in the data through its self-organising behaviour.
QFT based Robust Load Frequency Controller Design for Multi-Area Power System

In this paper a new robust load frequency controller for two area interconnected power system is presented to quench the deviations in frequency and tie line power due to different load disturbances. The Genetic algorithm (GA) controller designed here consists of two crisp inputs namely deviation of frequency and the other is derivative of frequency deviation. The Genetic algorithm controller output is the control input to each area. In practical systems, the conventional PI type controllers are applied for Load Frequency Control. In order to improve the performance of the LFC system, Genetic Algorithm (GA) approach is used to optimize the conventional controller gains and bias factors and a robust decentralized controller using Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) is proposed to solve the Load Frequency Control (LFC) problem in a restructured power system that operates under deregulation based on bilateral policy scheme. In each control area of this dynamical model, the effects of the possible contracts are treated as a set of new input signals. To validate the effectiveness of all the methods, the simulation has been performed using different controllers and compared. The simulation results substantiate the robustness and high performance of QFT controller.
Automated analysis of the placenta in ultrasound

The placenta is an organ that serves as an interface for macromolecule exchange between a mother and fetus. Revealing symptoms of placenta disease are usually presented later on in the pregnancy with limited treatment options. Access to specialists of placental disease is also limited, particularly in regions distant from urban centres. There is a need for an accessible method to screen patients for risk of placenta disease early. Ultrasound provides a non-invasive imaging modality capable of visualizing the placenta commonly used in obstetric clinics. However, ultrasound images contain unique artifacts that are difficult to interpret with visual inspection. This thesis presents a pipeline of three ultrasound processing methods developed to aid placenta ultrasound analysis. The first is a method to detect ultrasound acoustic shadow artifacts that obscure anatomy. Radiofrequency signals and pixel entropy were analyzed to identify acoustic shadow in images. A clinical study was performed to obtain ultrasound scans from 37 subjects to evaluate performance. A Dice coefficient of 0.90±0.07 for radiofrequency-based and 0.87± 0.08 for pixel entropy-based techniques was achieved when compared to manual shadow detection. The second is a method to segment the placenta in images preprocessed by shadow detection using a convolutional neural network. Performance was evaluated on data from 1364 fetal ultrasound images from 247 patients. A Dice coefficient of 0.92±0.04 was achieved when compared to manual segmentation. The third is a method to classify placenta appearance as either normal or abnormal. Images were preprocessed with the first two methods to provide a placentaonly image. A residual convolutional neural network was then used to classify the placenta appaearance. Performance was evaluated on 7831 fetal ultrasound im-
Physiology and Biochemistry of Fe Excess in Acidic Asian Soils on Crop Plants

Proper transport of iron is very crucial for plant growth and development as it participates in various complex processes in plants like absorption, translocation etc. It also acts as an important component for processes like photosynthesis and respiratory electron transport chain in mitochondria, chloroplast development, and chlorophyll biosynthesis. Asian soils suffer from iron toxic condition and that adversely affects the growth and yield of the plant. This review describes the importance of iron in plant growth and different strategies adopted by plants for iron uptake. It also focuses on different methods and approaches on how plant can cope against acidic soils.
Structure of the human ATP citrate lyase holoenzyme in complex with citrate, coenzyme A and Mg.ADP

Across different kingdoms of life, ATP citrate lyase (ACLY, also known as ACL) catalyses the ATP-dependent and coenzyme A (CoA)-dependent conversion of citrate, a metabolic product of the Krebs cycle, to oxaloacetate and the high-energy biosynthetic precursor acetyl-CoA1. The latter fuels pivotal biochemical reactions such as the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol and acetylcholine2, and the acetylation of histones and proteins3,4. In autotrophic prokaryotes, ACLY is a hallmark enzyme of the reverse Krebs cycle (also known as the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle), which fixates two molecules of carbon dioxide in acetyl-CoA5,6. In humans, ACLY links carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and is strongly expressed in liver and adipose tissue1 and in cholinergic neurons2,7. The structural basis of the function of ACLY remains unknown. Here we report high-resolution crystal structures of bacterial, archaeal and human ACLY, and use distinct substrate-bound states to link the conformational plasticity of ACLY to its multistep catalytic itinerary. Such detailed insights will provide the framework for targeting human ACLY in cancer8–11 and hyperlipidaemia12,13. Our structural studies also unmask a fundamental evolutionary relationship that links citrate synthase, the first enzyme of the oxidative Krebs cycle, to an ancestral tetrameric citryl-CoA lyase module that operates in the reverse Krebs cycle. This molecular transition marked a key step in the evolution of metabolism on Earth. Crystal structures of ATP citrate lyase from bacteria, archaea and humans unravel how the enzyme directs the formation of the central metabolite acetyl-CoA, and shed light onto the evolutionary origins of the Krebs cycle.
Receptor‐Interacting Protein Kinase 3 Deficiency Recruits Myeloid‐Derived Suppressor Cells to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through the Chemokine (C‐X‐C Motif) Ligand 1–Chemokine (C‐X‐C Motif) Receptor 2 Axis

Receptor‐interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) is the core regulator that switches cell death from apoptosis to necrosis. However, its role in tumor immunity is unknown. In this study, decreased RIP3 expression was observed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which correlates with myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (MDSC) accumulation. Moreover, RIP3 is a prognosis factor for patients with HCC. We further found that RIP3 knockdown results in an increase of MDSCs and a decrease of interferon gamma–positive (IFN‐γ+) cluster of differentiation 8–positive (CD8+) tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (IFN‐γ+ CD8+ T cells) in hepatoma tissues, thus promoting immune escape and HCC growth in immunocompetent mice. By phosphorylating P65Ser536 and promoting phosphorylated P65Ser536 nuclear translocation, RIP3 knockdown increases the expression of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) in HCC cells. RIP3 knockdown induces MDSC recruitment through the CXCL1–chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 2 (CXCR2) axis. Furthermore, a CXCR2 antagonist substantially suppresses MDSC chemotaxis and HCC growth in RIP3 knockout mice. Conclusion: RIP3 deficiency is an essential factor directing MDSC homing to HCC and promoting CXCL1/CXCR2‐induced MDSC chemotaxis to facilitate HCC immune escape and HCC progression; blocking the CXCL1–CXCR2 chemokine axis may provide an immunological therapeutic approach to suppress progression of RIP3 deficiency HCC.
Food composition of whiting Merlangius merlangus, captured around the sea-cage fish farms in Ordu, south-eastern Black Sea

Abstract The food composition of whiting, Merlangius merlangus, caught around the sea-cage fish farms off the coast of Perşembe, was analysed and compared with the diet of whiting from a control site off the coast of Fatsa (Ordu Province, south-eastern Black Sea). A total of 815 stomach samples were collected during the study, and of these, 195 (23.9%) were empty. According to the percentage of relative importance index (IRI%), pellet food (47.8%) and Annelida (25%) were the main prey groups of whiting in the sea-cage fish farms area, while unidentified teleost (85.3%) and Engraulis encrasicolus (8.2%) were dominant in the control site. The other prey groups in both areas were Crustaceans (Mysidae, Amphipoda, Upogebia sp.), Sprattus sprattus and Gobius spp. Seasonally, pellet food was the most consumed food in all seasons, but Mysidae was the first preference of whiting around the sea-cage fish farms in spring. In the control site, unidentified teleost was the first preference in all seasons, except winter, where E. encrasicolus was the first choice, followed by crustaceans and S. sprattus in winter. Bray–Curtis analysis shows that seasonally, there is no significant difference in the sea-cage fish farms, while there is significant difference in the control site, and two-dimensional nMDS of IRI% revealed a clear separation between both sites. SIMPER analysis revealed that the most contributing factors to the differences between seasons were pellet food in the sea-cage fish farms, and E. encrasicolus in the control site.
Semantic Linking for Event-Based Classification of Tweets

Detecting which tweets are related to events and classifying them into categories is a challenging task due to the peculiarities of Twitter language and to the lack of contextual information. We propose to face this challenge by taking advantage of the information that can be automatically acquired from external knowledge bases. In particular, we enrich and generalise the textual content of tweets by linking the Named Entities (NE) to concepts in both DBpedia and YAGO ontologies, and exploit their specific or generic types to replace NE mentions in tweets. The approach we propose in this paper is applied to build a supervised classifier to separate event-related from non event-related tweets, as well as to associate to event-related tweets the event categories defined by the Topic Detection and Tracking community (TDT). We compare Naive Bayes (NB), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) classification algorithms, showing that NE linking and replacement improves classification performance and contributes to reducing overfitting, especially with Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN).
Pervasive introgression of MHC genes in newt hybrid zones

Variation in the vertebrate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes is crucial for fighting pathogen assault. Because new alleles confer a selective advantage, MHC should readily introgress between species, even under limited hybridization. Using replicated transects through two hybrid zones between strongly reproductively isolated newts, we demonstrated recent and ongoing MHC introgression. Its extent correlated with the age of contact. In the older zone, MHC similarity between species within transects exceeded that of between transects within species, implying pervasive introgression – a massive exchange of MHC genes, not limited to specific variants. In simulations, the observed pattern emerged under the combined action of balancing selection and hybridization, but not when these processes acted separately. Thus, massive introgression at advanced stages of divergence can introduce novel and restore previously lost MHC variation, boosting the adaptive potential of hybridizing taxa. In consequence, MHC genes may be the last to stop introgressing between incipient species.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation as a Potential Countermeasure for Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Weakness During Human Spaceflight

Human spaceflight is associated with a substantial loss of skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) evokes involuntary muscle contractions, which have the potential to preserve or restore skeletal muscle mass and neuromuscular function during and/or post spaceflight. This assumption is largely based on evidence from terrestrial disuse/immobilization studies without the use of large exercise equipment that may not be available in spaceflight beyond the International Space Station. In this mini-review we provide an overview of the rationale and evidence for NMES based on the terrestrial state-of-the-art knowledge, compare this to that used in orbit, and in ground-based analogs in order to provide practical recommendations for implementation of NMES in future space missions. Emphasis will be placed on knee extensor and plantar flexor muscles known to be particularly susceptible to deconditioning in space missions.
Determination of antibiotic resistance pattern in Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from Reared Oncorhynchus mykiss in Tabriz city, Iran

Aeromonas hydrophila is a Gram negative, positive oxidase, anaerobic, and opportunistic bacteria that, under certain conditions, become a pathogen (in humans and fish). This bacterium causes toxin and host infection in which different antibiotic resistance in isolated strains has been reported in different regions of the world. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of this bacterium and its susceptibility to common antibiotics in Tabriz city . 50 samples from 5 Reared Oncorhynchus mykiss farms in Tabriz city (For each farm, 10 numbers) were randomly assigned to suspected fish to the disease. By using biochemical tests, 14 samples (28%) from 2 Fish farm s (40%) were identified as A . hydrophila . Antibiogram for these specimens showed that the bacterium had the highest resistance to vancomycin (100 %) and clindamycin (92.8%) antibiotics, and has the most sensitivity to the antibiotics of sultrim , tetracycline and oxytetracycline with 71.4%. Considering the different antibiotic resistance pattern in this study and other similar studies, the necessity of examining the pattern of resistance in each region seems necessary.
Soil seed bank composition of three forest stands at different developmental stages in a warm-temperate forest in western Japan

ABSTRACT We investigated the composition of buried viable seeds for woody species in three forest stands in a warm-temperate forest at different developmental stages: a secondary deciduous broad-leaved forest, an evergreen broad-leaved forest where an evergreen oak became dominant recently, and a well-developed evergreen broad-leaved forest. Although no clear relationship was found between total density or species number of buried viable seeds for woody species and the stands, their composition was likely to change from being dominated by wind-dispersed species to frugivore-dispersed species in accordance with their developmental stage. For wind-dispersed species, the distribution of buried viable seed was related to the existence of their reproductive adults, which would significantly decrease as forest development. In the later developmental stage of the stands, buried viable seeds of frugivore-dispersed woody species significantly increased and their distribution tended to be even. It is suggested that the importance of frugivore-dispersed woody species may increase in a soil seed bank as forest stand development progressed in a warm-temperate secondary forest, where evergreen oaks usually become dominant.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Cerithidea sinensis (Philippi, 1848)

Abstract Cerithidea sinensis is a common and important component of mangrove ecosystem. In this study, the mitochondrial genome of C. sinensis was determined for the first time using next-generation sequencing; the overall base components of mitogenome consisting of 15633 bp was 31.14% for A, 35.70% for T, 16.65% for G, 16.51% for C, and its GC content was 33.16%. The mitochondrial circular genome was composed of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tranfer RNAs, and 2 ribosomal RNAs. Polygenetic analysis showed that the C. sinensis was more closed to Semisulcospira libertina than Turritella bacillum and Tylomelania sarasinorum. We may speculate that the C. sinensis is evolved from freshwater species.
Revision of Zaphanta Dyar, 1910 (Lepidoptera: Mimallonidae: Zaphantinae), with descriptions of nine new species

ABSTRACT A genus of small, yellow mimallonid moths, Zaphanta Dyar, is revised. This genus has been shown to be sister to the remainder of Mimallonidae, and therefore has been placed in its own monogeneric subfamily, Zaphantinae St Laurent and Kawahara. Long considered monotypic or bitypic, Zaphanta have not been the focus of any systematic treatment. The moths belonging to this genus are found throughout Central and South America, and detailed examination of several disparate, as well as sympatric, populations of Zaphanta have revealed numerous undescribed species all of similar appearance, but with distinct male genitalia, which we describe here. We redescribe Z. infantilis Dyar and Z. fraterna Schaus, and describe the females of both for the first time. An additional nine new species are described and figured from the Amazon, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest: Z. acuta sp. nov., Z. anas sp. nov., Z. bahiana sp. nov., Z. beckeri sp. nov., Z. elephanta sp. nov., Z. elephanticula sp. nov., Z. machaera sp. nov., Z. rawlinsi sp. nov. and Z. stiletto sp. nov. One of these, Z. beckeri, may be extremely imperilled due to deforestation. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B45DDB85-977F-42EF-9F2F-DB48827E521Ehttp://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:C6F7DBF4-4871-403D-A387-DD920BA76D8Bhttp://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:C4C8DAAF-8C60-4C16-A626-3641EA3817FBhttp://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:6A57E1CC-D3E5-4E45-8C82-7006295ADF1Fhttp://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:03241157-1925-4EF6-B426-A8E816C7E457http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A00749E5-888C-45FB-8FAA-0302A402496Fhttp://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:89132977-91DC-4424-9C0E-98A954E467CAhttp://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:11AA3541-C7A4-4292-A5CA-10B89C5FAD2Chttp://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A5FA3ED1-5994-46B4-B018-1FA055C76496http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:F1C63621-EF30-40B1-B437-87A79BD7E339
Ki-67 supports global gene expression programmes driving tumourigenesis

Ki-67 is a nuclear protein universally expressed in proliferating vertebrate cells (1), a characteristic that underlies its widespread use as a cancer biomarker. It organises heterochromatin (2,3) and the mitotic chromosome periphery (2,4–6), but it is dispensable for cell proliferation in vivo2. It thus remains unclear whether Ki-67 confers any advantages to cancer cells. Here, using mouse models of breast and intestinal cancer, we show that Ki-67 ensures gene expression programmes required for both carcinogenesis and tumour immunogenicity. We find that germline disruption of Ki-67 protects mice against intestinal tumourigenesis, while in mammary carcinoma cells, ablation of Ki-67 slows tumour growth and inhibits metastasis, despite the failure of cells lacking Ki-67 to induce an effective anti-tumour immune response. Mechanistically, Ki-67 loss leads to widespread deregulation of gene expression, including genes involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune responses and drug metabolism. This results in loss of mesenchymal and stem cell characteristics, downregulation of MHC class I expression and sensitisation to various drug classes. Our results suggest that, by structuring chromatin to allow global transcriptome changes, Ki-67 allows cancer cells to adapt to their environment. This is required for all stages of tumourigenesis and drug resistance, but, by maintaining tumour immunogenicity, it also confers a targetable vulnerability on cancer cells.
EFFECTS OF DIETARYASTAXANTHIN SUPPLEMENT ON GROWTH AND COLOR OF KOICARP (Cyprinus Carpio)

The study was conducted in order to find the astaxanthin content suitable for growth and color of Koi carp. The fish in the experiment with the length of 7.87 - 7.90cm and weight of 8.46–8.52g were set up in 4 treatments with 4 astaxanthin levels:0 mg (NT1), 55 mg (NT2), 65 mg (NT3), 75 mg /kg(NT4) food with 3 replicates. The results showed that environmental factors such as temperature, pH, N-NH3 and N-NO2 were within the suitable range for growth and color of Koi fish. Survival rate ranged from 46.67 to 66.67% (p> 0.05). Growth in length (15.26 - 15.55 cm) and weight (47.31 - 48.39 g) did not differ significantly between treatments (p> 0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) between treatments was not different. The fish color index in NT3 was significantly higher than the others. Therefore, the content of 65 mg/ kg of food resulted in best color of Koi fish.