Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evolution of a Landscape Phage Library in a Mouse Xenograft Model of Human Breast Cancer

Peptide-displayed phage libraries are billion-clone collections of diverse chimeric bacteriophage particles, decorated by genetically fused peptides built from a random combination of natural amino acids. Studying the molecular evolution of peptide-displayed libraries in mammalian model systems, using in vivo phage display techniques, can provide invaluable knowledge about the underlying physiology of the vasculature system, allow recognition of organ- and tissue-specific networks of protein–protein interactions, and provide ligands for targeted diagnostics and therapeutics. Recently, we discovered that landscape phage libraries, a specific type of multivalent peptide phage display library, expose on their surface comprehensive collections of elementary binding units (EBUs), which can form short linear motifs (SLiMs) that interact with functional domains of physiologically relevant proteins. Because of their unique structural and functional features, landscape phages can use an alternative mechanism of directed molecular evolution, i.e., combinatorial avidity selection. These discoveries fueled our interest in revisiting the in vivo evolution of phage displayed libraries using another format of display, i.e., landscape phages. In this study, we monitored the evolution of a landscape phage library in a mouse model with and without an implanted human breast cancer tumor xenograft. As expected, the multivalent architecture of landscape phage displayed proteins provided strong tissue selectivity and resulted in a huge diversity of tissue penetrating, chimeric phage particles. We identified several types of EBU interactions that evolved during the course of tissue distribution, which included interactions of EBUs with all tissue types, those EBUs that interacted selectively with specific organs or tissues with shared gene expression profiles or functionalities, and other EBUs that interacted in a tissue-selective manner. We demonstrated that landscape phage libraries are a rich collection of unique nanobioparticles that can be used to identify functional organ and tissue-binding elements after the evolution of a phage display library in vivo.
A step toward engineering thick tissues: Distributing microfibers within 3D printed frames

Abstract Microfiber mats for tissue engineering scaffolds support cell growth, but are limited by poor cell infiltration and nutrient transport. Three‐dimensional printing, specifically fused deposition modeling (FDM), can rapidly produce customized constructs, but macroscopic porosity resulting from low resolution reduces cell seeding efficiency and prevents the formation of continuous cell networks. Here we describe the fabrication of hierarchical scaffolds that integrate a fibrous microenvironment with the open macropore structure of FDM. Biodegradable tyrosine‐derived polycarbonate microfibers were airbrushed iteratively between layers of 3D printed support structure following optimization. Confocal imaging showed layers of airbrushed fiber mats supported human dermal fibroblast growth and extracellular matrix development throughout the scaffold. When implanted subcutaneously, hierarchical scaffolds facilitated greater cell infiltration and tissue formation than airbrushed fiber mats. Fibronectin matrix assembled in vitro throughout the hierarchical scaffold survived decellularization and provided a hybrid substrate for recellularization with mesenchymal stromal cells. These results demonstrate that by combining FDM and airbrushing techniques we can engineer customizable hierarchical scaffolds for thick tissues that support increased cell growth and infiltration.
Comparative study of intensity in the speech of native speakers and Japanese speakers of English

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the intensity of words in sentences uttered by Japanese speakers of English and native speakers of English (Japanese English and native English, henceforth). We investigate two parameters: intensity, which is defined here as the integral of the power for each word, and power peak, which is defined as the peak of the power for each word. The analyses reveal differences in both word class and word position. For word class, the nouns, interrogatives and negatives for Japanese English are produced with less intensity, whereas most function words are produced with more intensity than are their native English counterparts. For word position, Japanese English sentence-final words are produced with less intensity than are their native English counterparts. Also, Japanese English sentence-initial words show lower power peak, and the sentence-final words show higher power peak than are their native English counterparts. Detailed analyses reveal a correlation between the above results and subjects’ English proficiency. The results for word class can be explained as a result of the Japanese speakers inserting Japanese focus into English utterances. The results for word position are explained such that while sentence-initial strengthening does not affect sentence-initial power peak in Japanese English, an irregularity of final lengthening affects sentence-final intensity.
An Interdisciplinary Approach for Understanding and Managing a Sub-tropical Coastal Wetland Ecosystem: Native Dog Creek, Southeast Queensland, Australia

Coastal wetlands in sub-tropical Australia are increasingly under pressures from population growth and development. To understand and manage the complex systems sustainably requires the integration of knowledge from many disciplines about processes and how these operate. The research takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding a coastal wetland in sub-tropical south-east Queensland and how it has been impacted by management activities. It starts with a conceptual model and explores this in five discrete but interrelated studies: stratigraphy, pollen analysis, climate and meteorology, soil chemistry (acid sulfate soils assessment), and more recent land use changes. The historical development of the area is outlined using long-term information from sediment cores and pollen analysis as well as more recent history from documents relating to European settlement and aerial photographs for the recent past. Climatic and soils data elucidate the effects of weather variability on the system and are used to assess the impact of drainage works on the flood plain and especially on acid sulfate soils. It concludes that human activities in the area, particularly in the last half of the 20th century, have led to rapid changes. The major issues are salinisation from tidal intrusion into ditched areas and the oxidation of acid sulfate soils resulting from disturbance of the substrate for development-related purposes. Management recommendations include restoring the hydrology and managing land use. Coastal wetlands in sub-tropical Australia are increasingly under pressures from population growth and development. To understand and manage the complex systems sustainably requires the integration of knowledge from many disciplines about processes and how these operate. The research takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding a coastal wetland in sub-tropical south-east Queensland and how it has been impacted by management activities. It starts with a conceptual model and explores this in five discrete but interrelated studies: stratigraphy, pollen analysis, climate and meteorology, soil chemistry (acid sulfate soils assessment), and more recent land use changes. The historical development of the area is outlined using long-term information from sediment cores and pollen analysis as well as more recent history from documents relating to European settlement and aerial photographs for the recent past. Climatic and soils data elucidate the effects of weather variability on the system and are used to assess the impact of drainage works on the flood plain and especially on acid sulfate soils. It concludes that human activities in the area, particularly in the last half of the 20th century, have led to rapid changes. The major issues are salinisation from tidal intrusion into ditched areas and the oxidation of acid sulfate soils resulting from disturbance of the substrate for development-related purposes. Management recommendations include restoring the hydrology and managing land use.
Sustainability and Creativity Methods: Agents of Change in Teaching the Arch-Design Studio

The aim of this paper is to explore conventional methods of teaching the arch-design studio with ideas of sustainability and creativity as agents of change. If this is realised, it means the students of architecture can be grounded in designing with sustainability and creativity ideas and can be professionals that design and build with ideas of creativity and sustainability. So, there are real buildings and places that satisfy our clients, the society and in harmony with the environment. The objectives are to know those and what it takes to participate and to explain and recommend the methods in teaching the arch-design studio. Stakeholders of architectural education have observed that the architectural design studio teaching is failing to meet the yearnings and needs of the users, societies, cultures, environments and technological developments and for solution have strongly argued for sustainability and creativity as a combined force of teaching the arch-design studio. Although there are similarities in the curricula of training architects all over the world, but educators go about it in their own convenient and suitable ways and styles and the ideas of sustainability and creativity are not taken seriously and also not formally incorporated in the curricula of training. These stakeholders say that something has to be done to improve the ways and methods of training architects, especially the teaching of the arch-design studio. The study finds collaboration of the academics and practicing architects, integrated team work of inter/multi-disciplinary and selection criteria in teaching the methods of ideas relating to sustainability and creativity in the arch-design studio.
Effects of virtual reality rehabilitation training on gait and balance in patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review

Objective In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has been tested as a therapeutic tool in neurorehabilitation research. However, the impact effectiveness of VR technology on for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients is still remains controversial unclear. In order to provide a more scientific basis for rehabilitation of PD patients’ modality, we conducted a systematic review of VR rehabilitation training for PD patients and focused on the improvement of gait and balance. Methods An comprehensive search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINHAL, Embase and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure). Articles published before 30 December 2018 and of a randomized controlled trial design to study the effects of VR for patients with PD were included. The study data were pooled and a meta-analysis was completed. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guideline statement and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42018110264). Results A total of sixteen articles involving 555 participants with PD were included in our analysis. VR rehabilitation training performed better than conventional or traditional rehabilitation training in three aspects: step and stride length (SMD = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.40,1.04, Z = 4.38, P<0.01), balance function (SMD = 0.22, 95%CI = 0.01,0.42, Z = 2.09, P = 0.037), and mobility(MD = -1.95, 95%CI = -2.81,-1.08, Z = 4.41, P<0.01). There was no effect on the dynamic gait index (SMD = -0.15, 95%CI = -0.50,0.19, Z = 0.86, P = 0.387), and gait speed (SMD = 0.19, 95%CI = -0.03,0.40, Z = 1.71, P = 0.088). As for the secondary outcomes, compared with the control group, VR rehabilitation training demonstrated more significant effects on the improvement of quality of life (SMD = -0.47, 95%CI = -0.73,-0.22, Z = 3.64, P<0.01), level of confidence (SMD = -0.73, 95%CI = -1.43,-0.03, Z = 2.05, P = 0.040), and neuropsychiatric symptoms (SMD = -0.96, 95%CI = -1.27,-0.65, Z = 6.07, P<0.01), while it may have similar effects on global motor function (SMD = -0.50, 95%CI = -1.48,0.48, Z = 0.99, P = 0.32), activities of daily living (SMD = 0.25, 95%CI = -0.14,0.64, Z = 1.24, P = 0.216), and cognitive function (SMD = 0.21, 95%CI = -0.28,0.69, Z = 0.84, P = 0.399). During the included interventions, four patients developed mild dizziness and one patient developed severe dizziness and vomiting. Conclusions According to the results of this study, we found that VR rehabilitation training can not only achieve the same effect as conventional rehabilitation training. Moreover, it has better performance on gait and balance in patients with PD. Taken together, when the effect of traditional rehabilitation training on gait and balance of PD patients is not good enough, we believe that VR rehabilitation training can at least be used as an alternative therapy. More rigorous design of large-sample, multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to provide a stronger evidence-based basis for verifying its potential advantages.
Serotonin regulates maternal calcium homeostasis during the perinatal period of sheep.

The goal of this experiment was to demonstrate the ability of an infusion of serotonin (5-HT; 5-hydroxytryptamine) precursors to increase 5-HT production during the transition from pregnancy to lactation and its effects on gene expression related to calcium (Ca) transporters in the mammary gland and bone resorption markers in the femur. Thirty pregnant Bamei mutton sheep were randomly assigned to three experimental groups. All groups received a daily intravenous (i.v.) infusion of saline (Control group; n = 10), saline containing 0.178 mg of L-tryptophan/kg body weight (BW) (TRP group, n = 10) or 0.178 mg of 5-hydroxytryptophan/kg BW (5-HTP group, n = 10), beginning on day 7 of prepartum and continuing until delivery. Serum (pre- and post-partum), milk (post-partum), and femur and mammary gland tissue (day 9) were collected. Sheep infused with 5-HTP had a larger total serum Ca concentration on days 3, 6, 15, and 30 of lactation and total milk Ca concentration on days 3, 6,12, and 15 of lactation compared with that of the control group. Sheep infused with 5-HTP and TRP increased blood and milk concentrations of 5-HT on days 3, 6, 9, and 30 of lactation and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) on day 3 of prepartum and on days 3, 6, and 15 of lactation (P < 0.05). In addition, compared to that of the control group, the TRP or 5-HTP infusion up-regulated PTHrP, a sodium/calcium exchanger, plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase 2, secretory pathway Ca2+ ATPase 1, and Calcium sensing receptor mRNA expression in mammary gland and receptor-activated nuclear factor kappa-B ligand mRNA expression in the femur, but had no effect on receptor-activated nuclear factor kappa-B and osteoprotegerin mRNA expression in the femur (P < 0.05). This suggests that 5-HT and PTHrP may be involved in regulating maternal Ca homeostasis during the transition from pregnancy to lactation in the sheep.
Selenium concentration, dietary intake and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma - A systematic review with meta-analysis.

AIM this study was performed to investigate the association between selenium concentrations, dietary intake, and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS we identified eligible studies in PubMed and EMBASE databases, in addition to the reference lists of original studies and review articles on this topic, up to 1 Feb 2019. A summary of standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochran Q and I2 statistics. RESULTS finally, a meta-analysis showed that dietary intake of selenium and tissue selenium concentration were not associated with HCC risk (dietary SMD = -0.11, 95% CI: -0.26 to 0.03; tissue SMD = -0.12, 95% CI: -0.56 to 0.33). However, samples from toenail, whole blood, and serum all showed an inverse association with HCC risk (toenail SMD = -0.53, 95% CI: -0.72 to -0.35; whole blood SMD = -2.21, 95% CI: -2.67 to -1.76; tissue SMD = -1.26, 95% CI: -1.71 to -0.81). Dose-response data from few studies showed that an extra increase in serum selenium was dramatically related with a lower risk of HCC (adjusted p-trend < 0.05). This study showed that selenium concentration in toenail, whole blood and serum was inversely associated with HCC risk. CONCLUSION increased concentration in serum selenium was related to a lower risk of HCC. However, these results based on dietary intake and tissue samples, which included few studies, did not reach statistical significance.
Emotional model for learning

The aim of this paper is to put forward a new model for emotional interaction that uses learning and cognitive styles and student emotional state to adapt the user interface, learning content and context. The model is based on a constructivist approach, assessing the user knowledge and presenting contents and activities adapted to the emotional characteristics, learning and cognitive styles of the student. The intelligent behaviour of such platform depends on the existence of a description of the characteristics of the student– the student model. The contents of this model and emotional state of the student are used by a domain and interaction model to select the most appropriate response to student’s actions.
Dietary inflammatory index potentially increases blood pressure and markers of glucose homeostasis among adults: findings from an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: In the current meta-analysis, we aimed to systematically review and summarize eligible studies for the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and blood pressure, hypertension (HTN) and glucose homeostasis biomarkers. Design/Setting: In a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar electronic databases up to February 2019, relevant studies were included in the literature review. Observational studies evaluating the association between DII and HTN, hyperglycaemia, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glycated Hb (HbA1c) were included. Participants: Not applicable. Results: Total numbers of studies were as follows: OR for DII and HTN (n 12), OR for DII and hyperglycaemia (n 9), HTN prevalence (n 9), mean (sd) of SBP and DII (n 12), mean (sd) of DBP and DII (n 10), mean (sd) of FBS and DII (n 13), mean (sd) of HbA1c and DII (n 3), mean (sd) of insulin and DII (n 6), mean (sd) of HOMA-IR and DII (n 7). Higher DII scores were associated with higher odds of HTN (OR = 1·13; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·27; P < 0·001), SBP (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1·230; 95 % CI 0·283, 2·177; P = 0·011), FBS (WMD = 1·083; 95 % CI 0·099, 2·068; P = 0·031), insulin (WMD = 0·829; 95 % CI 0·172, 1·486; P = 0·013), HbA1c (WMD = 0·615; 95 % CI 0·268, 0·961; P = 0·001) and HOMA-IR (WMD = 0·192; 95 % CI 0·023, 0·361; P = 0·026) values compared with lowest DII categories. Conclusions: Lower inflammatory content of diets for prevention of cardiovascular risk factors is recommended.
On-line wave prediction

Operational prediction of wave heights is generally made with the help of complex numerical models. This paper presents alternative schemes based on stochastic and neural network approaches. First order auto regressive moving average and auto regressive integrated moving average type of models along with a three-layered feed forward network are considered. The networks are trained using three different algorithms to make sure of the correct training. Predictions over intervals of 3, 6, 12 and 24 h are made at an offshore location in India where 3-hourly wave height data were being observed. Comparison of model predictions with the actual observations showed generally satisfactory performance of the chosen tools. Neural networks made more accurate predictions of wave heights than the time series schemes when shorter intervals of predictions were involved. For long range predictions both the stochastic and neural approaches showed similar performance. Small interval predictions were made more accurately than the large interval ones.
Platelet biology of the rapidly failing lung

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by a rapid‐onset respiratory failure with a mortality rate of approximately 40%. This physiologic inflammatory process is mediated by disruption of the alveolar‐vascular interface, leading to pulmonary oedema and impaired oxygen exchange, which often warrants mechanical ventilation to increase survival in the acute setting. One of the least understood aspects of ARDS is the role of the platelets in this process. Platelets, which protect vascular integrity, play a pivotal role in the progression and resolution of ARDS. The recent substantiation of the age‐old theory that megakaryocytes are found in the lungs has rejuvenated interest in and raised new questions about the importance of platelets for pulmonary function. In addition to primary haemostasis, platelets provide a myriad of inflammatory functions that are poised to aid the innate immune system. This review focuses on the evidence for regulatory roles of platelets in pulmonary inflammation, with an emphasis on two receptors, CLEC‐2 and TLT‐1. Studies of these receptors identify novel pathways through which platelets may regulate vascular integrity and inflammation in the lungs, thereby influencing the development of ARDS.
When is it serious enough? The protection of children of parents with a mental health problem, tough decisions and avoiding a ‘martyred’ child

Abstract This paper outlines some of the very real emotional challenges and decisions faced by mental health workers with clients who, through no fault of their own, are failing to meet the needs of their children. In particular, it focuses on the effects of long term emotional abuse and neglect due to parental mental health issues and includes discussion of some difficult concepts such as ‘good enough’ parenting, and what constitutes harm. The paper proposes that it is very difficult for adult mental health workers to hold in tension the needs of the adult client and the needs of their children, when sometimes these are at odds with each other. It ultimately argues for a change in service culture where the ethical and moral nature of these decisions is discussed and debated, rather than what could be seen to be an emerging culture of fear, based on recent critical incidents and unwanted media attention.