Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trends in and Characteristics of Marijuana and Menthol Cigarette Use Among Current Cigarette Smokers, 2005–2014

Background Given increasing co-marijuana and tobacco use in the United States, this study aimed to explore the overlap between menthol cigarette use (MCU) and marijuana. Methods Data came from past month US cigarette smokers 12 years and older responding to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health between 2005 and 2014 (N = 51 500). Prevalence, demographics and substance use characteristics from 2013 to 2014 were assessed across four groups, based on past month marijuana and tobacco use: cigarette smokers with marijuana and MCU, with marijuana but no MCU, with no marijuana but MCU, and with use of neither. Multivariable logistic regression explored the relationship between MCU, marijuana, and dependence. Linear and quadratic trends were assessed using logistic regression with orthogonal polynomials. Results Past month marijuana/MCU among cigarette smokers was 8.3% in 2013-2014. Overall, marijuana/MCU was significantly higher among blacks versus whites (20.8% vs. 5.8%, p < .0001), though among 12-25 year olds, prevalence was significantly higher among whites versus blacks (6.3% vs. 0.9% for 12-17-year-olds; 39.2% vs. 26.8% for 18-25-year-olds). Marijuana/MCU increased significantly between 2005 and 2014 overall, and among whites and blacks. No adjusted associations were found between marijuana, MCU and nicotine or marijuana dependence. Conclusions Past month marijuana/MCU among cigarette smokers is increasing in the United States, with specific racial and age-based disparities. Research about the implications of consuming both marijuana and menthol, and the potential overlap in consumption of flavors across the products is warranted to better inform future preventive and treatment approaches. Implications This is the first study to assess the overlap between MCU and marijuana use among a nationally representative sample of US current smokers ages 12 and older. Findings from this study suggest that past month marijuana and menthol use among cigarette smokers is increasing in the United States, with specific racial/ethnic and age-based disparities. More research about the implications of consuming both marijuana and menthol, and the potential overlap in consumption of flavors in marijuana and tobacco products is warranted to better understand what preventive and treatment approaches may be needed.
Changes in the Incidence of Underweight and Overweight in Children and Adolescents from Rural Areas

Research background and hypothesis. Considering the socio-economic transformations affecting the life style of rural families of Estern Poland, it seemed worthwhile determining changes in the frequency of occurrence of overweight and underweight among girls and boys from this region, as the negative effects of improvements in life conditions include an increase in overweight and obesity, which in some countries takes the form of epidemics.Research aim was determine changes over time in the frequency of occurrence of underweight and overweight (including obesity) among children and adolescents in Eastern Poland considering social variation.Research methods. Information was obtained applying a questionnaire survey concerning the educational level of parents and the number of children in the family. The standards recommended by the International Obesity Task Force were used for the evaluation of underweight and overweight including obesity, based on the BMI index.Research results. During the period of time between 1998 and 2007, an increase was observed in the frequency of occurrence of overweight and obesity, accompanied by a decrease in underweight among boys. In girls, an opposite trend was noted – an increase in the number of underweight girls and a decrease in the frequency of occurrence of overweight and obesity. In addition, social differences were noted concerning BMI values: girls and boys with overweight and obesity most often came from families with lower levels of parental education and a larger number of children in the family.Conclusions and perspectives. The education of parents and the number of children, in spite of observed social and economic positive changes in Poland, still have an inﬂ uence on the frequency of occurrence of overweight and obesity in children and the youth of the rural areas.Keywords: body mass index, time changes, social conditions.
Endothelial glycocalyx breakdown is mediated by angiopoietin-2

Aims The endothelial glycocalyx (eGC), a carbohydrate-rich layer lining the luminal surface of the endothelium, provides a first vasoprotective barrier against vascular leakage and adhesion in sepsis and vessel inflammation. Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2), an antagonist of the endothelium-stabilizing receptor Tie2 secreted by endothelial cells, promotes vascular permeability through cellular contraction and junctional disintegration. We hypothesized that Angpt-2 might also mediate the breakdown of the eGC. Methods and results Using confocal and atomic force microscopy, we show that exogenous Angpt-2 induces a rapid loss of the eGC in endothelial cells in vitro. Glycocalyx deterioration involves the specific loss of its main constituent heparan sulphate, paralleled by the secretion of the heparan sulphate-specific heparanase from late endosomal/lysosomal stores. Corresponding in vivo experiments revealed that exogenous Angpt-2 leads to heparanase-dependent eGC breakdown, which contributes to plasma leakage and leukocyte recruitment in vivo. Conclusion Our data indicate that eGC breakdown is mediated by Angpt-2 in a non-redundant manner.
SPARQL as a Foreign Language

In the last years, the Linked Data Cloud has achieved a size of more than 100 billion facts pertaining to a multitude of domains. However, accessing this information has been significantly challenging for lay users. Approaches to problems such as Question Answering on Linked Data and Link Discovery have notably played a role in increasing information access. These approaches are often based on handcrafted and/or statistical models derived from data observation. Recently, Deep Learning architectures based on Neural Networks called seq2seq have shown to achieve state-of-the-art results at translating sequences into sequences. In this direction, we propose Neural SPARQL Machines, end-to-end deep architectures to translate any natural language expression into sentences encoding SPARQL queries. Our preliminary results, restricted on selected DBpedia classes, show that Neural SPARQL Machines are a promising approach for Question Answering on Linked Data, as they can deal with known problems such as vocabulary mismatch and perform graph pattern composition.
The Occipital Place Area is causally involved in representing environmental boundaries during navigation.

Previous work indicates that learning of spatial locations relative to environmental boundaries and the learning of spatial locations relative to discrete landmarks are dissociable processes supported by different neural systems (Wang & Spelke, 2002; Doeller & Burgess, 2008). However, the perceptual systems that provide the inputs to these learning mechanisms are not well understood. We hypothesized that the Occipital Place Area (OPA), a scene-selective region located near the transverse occipital sulcus, might play a critical role in boundary-based learning, by extracting boundary information from visual scenes during navigation. To test this idea, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to interrupt processing in the OPA while subjects performed a virtual navigation task that required them to learn locations of test objects relative to boundaries and landmarks. The environment consisted of a circular chamber, which was limited by a boundary wall, contained a rotationally symmetric landmark object, and was surrounded by distal cues for orientation (mountains, rendered at infinity). The relative position of the landmark and boundary changed across testing blocks. Test objects were tethered to either the landmark or the boundary, thus allowing learning of object location relative to each cue to be independently assessed. Prior to each block, transcranial magnetic continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) was applied to either the functionally-defined right OPA or a Vertex control site. Consistent with our prediction, we found that cTBS to the OPA impaired learning of object locations relative to boundaries, but not relative to landmarks. These results provide the first evidence that OPA is causally involved in visually-guided navigation. Moreover, they indicate that the OPA is essential for the coding of environmental boundary information. Meeting abstract presented at VSS 2015.
Comparative Structural Analysis of Lipid Binding START Domains

Background Steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein related lipid transfer (START) domains are small globular modules that form a cavity where lipids and lipid hormones bind. These domains can transport ligands to facilitate lipid exchange between biological membranes, and they have been postulated to modulate the activity of other domains of the protein in response to ligand binding. More than a dozen human genes encode START domains, and several of them are implicated in a disease. Principal Findings We report crystal structures of the human STARD1, STARD5, STARD13 and STARD14 lipid transfer domains. These represent four of the six functional classes of START domains. Significance Sequence alignments based on these and previously reported crystal structures define the structural determinants of human START domains, both those related to structural framework and those involved in ligand specificity. Enhanced version This article can also be viewed as an enhanced version in which the text of the article is integrated with interactive 3D representations and animated transitions. Please note that a web plugin is required to access this enhanced functionality. Instructions for the installation and use of the web plugin are available in Text S1.
Enhancement and Suppression of Ionization in Drug Analysis Using HPLC-MS/MS in Support of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: A Review of Current Knowledge of Its Minimization and Assessment: Erratum.

High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry is commonly used for quantitation of analytes in biological matrices, because of the selectivity, sensitivity, and high throughput offered by this technique. However, the presence of both suppression and enhancement of ionization (SEI) by matrix components is an increasingly recognized impediment to accurate results. The existence of SEI indicates that ionization efficiency is a result of the chemical environment seen by both the analyte and internal standard during ion formation. SEI is influenced by the type and the make of ion source used, mobile-phase composition, extent of sample preparation, and the ability to chromatographically separate other compounds that may influence ionization of the analyte and/or internal standard. A comprehensive review of the phenomenon of SEI in high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was conducted, and a summary of salient papers relating to therapeutic agents in biological matrices is presented. Suggestions for approaches to minimize, normalize, or assess SEI and its deleterious effect on accuracy and sensitivity, and hence the validity of quantitative results, are provided. Consideration is also given to a strategy to test for SEI, including the number of samples from different sources that are required to adequately test for SEI.
CD4+/CD8+ ratio restoration in long-term treated HIV-1-infected individuals

Objectives: A persistently low CD4+/CD8+ ratio despite virological control reflects a higher risk of morbidity in HIV-infected individuals. The objective of the study was to assess the probability and determinants of ratio restoration (≥1) during long-term combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Design: Study cohort based on the French Hospital Database on HIV (ANRS CO4). Methods: Antiretroviral-naive HIV-1-infected individuals were included if they achieved virological control (plasma HIV RNA ⩽ 500 copies/ml) within 9 months following cART, started between 2000 and 2010. Cumulative incidence of ratio restoration after virological control and predictive factors of such a favorable outcome were studied taking into account ‘virological failure’, ‘loss to follow-up’, and ‘death’ as competing risks for ratio restoration. Results: Among the 10012 individuals included, the probability of CD4+/CD8+ ratio restoration was 30% (95% confidence interval, 29–31) at 8 years, ranging from 17% (15 to 19) among individuals with AIDS, to 45% (41 to 50) in people with CD4+ at least 500 cells/&mgr;l at cART introduction. The main factors associated with ratio restoration were cART started during primary HIV infection whatever the CD4+ cell count, or starting at CD4+ at least 500 cells/&mgr;l while not in primary HIV infection [subdistribution hazard ratio = 1.67 (95% confidence interval, 1.13–2.47) and 2.26 (1.92–2.66) respectively, compared with starting cART at 200–349 CD4+ cells/&mgr;l], and starting cART in recent years [subdistribution hazard ratio = 2.38 (2.01–2.83) in 2009–2010, compared with 2000–2002]. Higher baseline CD8+ cell count was negatively associated with ratio restoration. Conclusion: At 8 years, only one-third of individuals achieved CD4+/CD8+ ratio restoration with sustained virological control. Treatment at the earliest stage, and starting cART in recent years appeared to be key determinants.
Biophysical changes reduce energetic demand in growth factor–deprived lymphocytes

Cytokine lymphocyte growth and proliferation essential Here, we examine how cellular biophysical changes that occur immediately after growth factor depletion promote adaptation to reduced nutrient uptake. After growth factor withdrawal, nutrient uptake decreases, leading to apoptosis. Bcl-x L expression prevents cell death, with autophagy facilitating long-term cell survival. However, autophagy induction is slow relative to the reduction of nutrient uptake, suggesting that cells must engage additional adaptive mechanisms to respond initially to growth factor depletion. We describe an acute biophysical response to growth factor withdrawal, characterized by a simultaneous decrease in cell volume and increase in cell density, which occurs before autophagy initiation and is observed in both FL5.12 Bcl-x L cells depleted of IL-3 and primary CD8 + T cells depleted of IL-2 that are differentiating toward memory cells. The response reduces cell surface area to minimize energy expenditure while con-serving biomass, suggesting that the biophysical properties of cells can be regulated to promote survival under conditions of nutrient stress.
Assessment of a combined gas chromatography mass spectrometer sensor system for detecting biologically relevant volatile compounds

There have been a number of studies in which metal oxide sensors (MOS) have replaced conventional analytical detectors in gas chromatography systems. However, despite the use of these instruments in a range of applications including breath research the sensor responses (i.e. resistance changes w.r.t. concentration of VCs) remain largely unreported. This paper addresses that issue by comparing the response of a metal oxide sensor directly with a mass spectrometer (MS), whereby both detectors are interfaced to the same GC column using an s-swafer. It was demonstrated that the sensitivity of an in-house fabricated ZnO/SnO2 thick film MOS was superior to a modern MS for the detection of a wide range of volatile compounds (VCs) of different functionalities and masses. Better techniques for detection and quantification of these VCs is valuable, as many of these compounds are commonly reported throughout the scientific literature. This is also the first published report of a combined GC-MS sensor system. These two different detector technologies when combined, should enhance discriminatory abilities to aid disease diagnoses using volatiles from e.g. breath, and bodily fluids. Twenty-nine chemical standards have been tested using solid phase micro-extraction; 25 of these compounds are found on human breath. In all but two instances the sensor exhibited the same or superior limit of detection compared to the MS. Twelve stool samples from healthy participants were analysed; the sensor detected, on average 1.6 peaks more per sample than the MS. Similarly, analysing the headspace of E. coli broth cultures the sensor detected 6.9 more peaks per sample versus the MS. This greater sensitivity is primarily a function of the superior limits of detection of the metal oxide sensor. This shows that systems based on the combination of chromatography systems with solid state sensors shows promise for a range of applications.
Epichloë endophyte effects on leaf blotch pathogen (Rhynchosporium sp.) of tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix) vary among grass origin and environmental conditions

ABSTRACT Background Systemic Epichloë endophytes are common fungal symbionts of many cool-season grasses. They are known for their capability of increasing host plant tolerance against biotic and abiotic stressors, including grass pathogens. However, results on endophyte-mediated disease resistance have been ambiguous, and the underlying mechanisms of disease resistance remain unknown. Aims We studied how Epichloë endophytes affect naturally occurring pathogen, leaf blotch (Rhynchosporium sp.), infections of wild and cultivated tall fescues (Schedonorus phoenix). Methods Endophytic and endophyte-free tall fescues were grown in a common garden experiment in southern Finland for eight growing seasons. The experimental plants were subjected to nutrient and water treatments. Results Our results show that the effects of endophytes on leaf blotch infection incidences varied with plant origins and environmental conditions. Overall, the American cultivar ‘Kentucky-31ʹ appeared to have less disease symptoms compared to the Finnish cultivar ‘Retu’ or the wild grasses. Endophytic wild tall fescues from Gotland Island had lower Rhynchosporium incidences than grasses from Åland Islands or coastal Sweden. Conclusions These results show that Epichloë endophytes can suppress pathogen Rhynchosporium infections in tall fescues, but pathogen resistance depends on grass origin and environmental conditions.
Modulating the T Lymphocyte Immune Response via Secretome Produced miRNA: From Tolerance Induction to the Enhancement of the Anticancer Response

T cells are key mediators of graft tolerance/rejection, development of autoimmunity, and the anticancer response. Consequently, differentially modifying the T cell response is a major therapeutic target. Most immunomodulatory approaches have focused on cytotoxic agents, cytokine modulation, monoclonal antibodies, mitogen activation, adoptive cell therapies (including CAR-T cells). However, these approaches do not persistently reorient the systemic immune response thus necessitating continual therapy. Previous murine studies from our laboratory demonstrated that the adoptive transfer of polymer-grafted (PEGylated) allogeneic leukocytes resulted in the induction of a persistent and systemic tolerogenic state. Further analyses demonstrated that miRNA isolated from the secretome of polymer-modified or control allogeneic responses effectively induced either a tolerogenic (TA1 miRNA) or proinflammatory (IA1 miRNA) response both in vitro and in vivo that was both systemic and persistent. In a murine Type 1 diabetes autoimmune model, the tolerogenic TA1 therapeutic effectively attenuated the disease process via the systemic upregulation of regulatory T cells while simultaneously downregulating T effector cells. In contrast, the proinflammatory IA1 therapeutic enhanced the anticancer efficacy of naïve PBMC by increasing inflammatory T cells and decreasing regulatory T cells. The successful development of this secretome miRNA approach may prove useful treating both autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Smart-Cache: Optimising Memory Accesses for Arbitrary Boundaries and Stencils on FPGAs

A key requirement for high performance on FPGAs is to maintain continuous data streaming from the DRAM. An impediment in many computations, especially in the scientific computing domain, is irregular stencils and boundary conditions, requiring memory accesses that are random, redundant, or both. To address this problem, we present Smache, a novel smart-caching framework that uses FPGA on-chip memory resources for optimising access for arbitrary stencil shapes and boundary conditions. We propose a combination of stream and static buffers, and it is the latter that allows arbitrarily large offsets in stencils. The architecture is complemented by a formal model for determining buffer configuration. We propose a hybrid use of the block and distributed RAM on the FPGA. The design is validated for a 2D grid, 4-point stencil with circular boundaries.
A Genetic Algorithm Approach for Boundary Optimization in Converting Trimmed NURBS to Untrimmed T-spline

Abstract. For fully exploiting the elegant properties of T-splines like the local re nement and the capacity of representing complicated geometries in industry, this paper intends to solve the problem of the regional distortion and intersection that arise when converting trimmed NURBS into untrimmed T-spline surface, which is usually unstructured T-spline surface including multiple extraordinary points. A genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the tting error from the trimming curve and the distance between the control polygon of the tting curve and the trimming curve's prede ned enclosed polygon. Bézier extraction operation for unstructured T-spline is implemented for visualization and isogeometric analysis where Gaussian quadrature rule is used for all integral terms. Several examples are investigated to verify the validity of the proposed method.
Integrated Polarization-Analyzing CMOS Image Sensor for Detecting the Incoming Light Ray Direction

A complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor used to detect the incoming light ray direction using polarization information is presented. The chip consists of an array of 128 × 128 pixels, and each pixel is embedded with a metallic wire-grid micropolarizer. It occupies an area of 5 × 4 mm2, and it has been designed and fabricated in a 180-nm CMOS process. Extinction ratios of 6.3 and 7.7 were achieved in two different polarization sense regions. The Stokes parameters, which are needed to evaluate the degree of polarization (DOP) and electric-field vector intensity, are computed from the pixel with the micropolarizer oriented at 0°, 45°, and 90°. We show that the variations in the DOP and the e-vector pattern with the incoming polarized light ray direction can be used as a directional reference source for autonomous agent navigation. We also show that the measurement results of ellipticity and azimuthal angles for the incoming light ray using the Stokes parameters can allow on-chip position detection based on the angle of the incoming light ray with little complexity. A very high correlation coefficient bigger than 0.94 was obtained between the measured and theoretical incoming light ray angles.