Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Compressive Response of Polymeric Cellular Materials

This paper presents a series of compression tests performed on a variety of high performance lightweight cellular materials conventionally used in energy absorption applications. Compressive tests were performed over a range of strain rates with a universal testing machine and a single stage gas gun. Experimental results revealed a dependency of the mechanical properties on the polymeric precursor, density, infill topology and strain rates. The dynamic strength of the investigated materials was determined through a material parameter identification study via the finite element (FE) method. Numerical results matched well with the experimental results and revealed a substantial enhancement in the compressive strength of the tested material from quasi-static to dynamic loading regimes by as much as 87%. The strength of 3D printed polymers was superior with respect to the tested polymeric foams. On the other hand, polymeric foams showed higher efficiency and energy absorption ability.
Digestive tract reconstruction options after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer

In addition to the popularity of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG), many reconstructive procedures after LG have been reported. Surgical resection and lymphatic dissection determine long-term survival; however, the election of a reconstruction procedure determines the postoperative quality of life for patients with gastric cancer (GC). Presently, no consensus exists regarding the optimal reconstructive procedure. In this review, the current state of digestive tract reconstruction after LG is reviewed. According to the determining influence of the tumor site on the procedures of surgical resection and reconstruction, we divide these reconstruction procedures into three categories consistent with the resection procedures. We focus on the technical tips of every reconstruction procedure and examine the surgical outcomes (length of surgery and blood loss) and postoperative complications (anastomotic leakage and stricture) to facilitate gastrointestinal surgeons to understand the merits and demerits of every reconstruction procedure.
Molecular Diversity of Mytilin-Like Defense Peptides in Mytilidae (Mollusca, Bivalvia)

The CS-αβ architecture is a structural scaffold shared by a high number of small, cationic, cysteine-rich defense peptides, found in nearly all the major branches of the tree of life. Although several CS-αβ peptides involved in innate immune response have been described so far in bivalve mollusks, a clear-cut definition of their molecular diversity is still lacking, leaving the evolutionary relationship among defensins, mytilins, myticins and other structurally similar antimicrobial peptides still unclear. In this study, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatic screening of the genomes and transcriptomes available for marine mussels (Mytilida), redefining the distribution of mytilin-like CS-αβ peptides, which in spite of limited primary sequence similarity maintain in all cases a well-conserved backbone, stabilized by four disulfide bonds. Variations in the size of the alpha-helix and the two antiparallel beta strand region, as well as the positioning of the cysteine residues involved in the formation of the C1–C5 disulfide bond might allow a certain degree of structural flexibility, whose functional implications remain to be investigated. The identification of mytilins in Trichomya and Perna spp. revealed that many additional CS-αβ AMPs remain to be formally described and functionally characterized in Mytilidae, and suggest that a more robust scheme should be used for the future classification of such peptides with respect with their evolutionary origin.
Nexin-Dynein regulatory complex component DRC7 but not FBXL13 is required for sperm flagellum formation and male fertility in mice

Flagella and cilia are evolutionarily conserved cellular organelles. Abnormal formation or motility of these organelles in humans causes several syndromic diseases termed ciliopathies. The central component of flagella and cilia is the axoneme that is composed of the ‘9+2’ microtubule arrangement, dynein arms, radial spokes, and the Nexin-Dynein Regulatory Complex (N-DRC). The N-DRC is localized between doublet microtubules and has been extensively studied in the unicellular flagellate Chlamydomonas. Recently, it has been reported that TCTE1 (DRC5), a component of the N-DRC, is essential for proper sperm motility and male fertility in mice. Further, TCTE1 has been shown to interact with FBXL13 (DRC6) and DRC7; however, functional roles of FBXL13 and DRC7 in mammals have not been elucidated. Here we show that Fbxl13 and Drc7 expression are testes-enriched in mice. Although Fbxl13 knockout (KO) mice did not show any obvious phenotypes, Drc7 KO male mice were infertile due to their short immotile spermatozoa. In Drc7 KO spermatids, the axoneme is disorganized and the ‘9+2’ microtubule arrangement was difficult to detect. Further, other N-DRC components fail to incorporate into the flagellum without DRC7. These results indicate that Drc7, but not Fbxl13, is essential for the correct assembly of the N-DRC and flagella.
Endothelial Dysfunction and Advanced Glycation End Products in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Versus Established Diabetes: From the CORDIOPREV Study

Endothelial dysfunction and intima-media thickness of common carotid arteries (IMT-CC) are considered subclinical markers of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are increased in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, compared with non-diabetics, being implicated in micro- and macrovascular complications. Our aim was to compare serum AGEs levels and subclinical atherosclerotic markers between patients with established and newly diagnosed T2DM. Among 540 patients with T2DM and coronary heart disease from the CORDIOPREV study, 350 patients had established T2DM and 190 patients had newly diagnosed T2DM. Serum levels of AGEs (methylglyoxal (MG) and N-carboxymethyl lysine (CML)) and subclinical atherosclerotic markers (brachial flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and IMT-CC) were measured. AGEs levels (all p < 0.001) and IMT-CC (p = 0.025) were higher in patients with established vs. newly diagnosed T2DM, whereas FMD did not differ between the two groups. Patients with established T2DM and severe endothelial dysfunction (i.e., FMD < 2%) had higher serum MG levels, IMT-CC, HOMA-IR and fasting insulin levels than those with newly diagnosed T2DM and non-severe endothelial dysfunction (i.e., FMD ≥ 2%) (all p < 0.05). Serum CML levels were greater in patients with established vs. newly diagnosed T2DM, regardless of endothelial dysfunction severity. Serum AGEs levels and IMT-CC were significantly higher in patients with established vs. newly diagnosed T2DM, highlighting the progressively increased risk of ASCVD in the course of T2DM. Establishing therapeutic strategies to reduce AGEs production and delay the onset of cardiovascular complications in newly diagnosed T2DM patients or minimize ASCVD risk in established T2DM patients is needed.
AdipoRon, a new therapeutic prospect for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Adiponectin (ApN) is a hormone known to exhibit insulin‐sensitizing, fat‐burning, and anti‐inflammatory properties in several tissues, including the skeletal muscle. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating disease characterized by dystrophin deficiency with subsequent chronic inflammation, myofiber necrosis, and impaired regeneration. Previously, we showed that transgenic up‐regulation of ApN could significantly attenuate the dystrophic phenotype in mdx mice (model of DMD). Recently, an orally active ApN receptor agonist, AdipoRon, has been identified. This synthetic small molecule has the advantage of being more easily produced and administrable than ApN. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of AdipoRon on the dystrophic muscle.
Responses of Two Coastal Algae (Skeletonema costatum and Chlorella vulgaris) to Changes in Light and Iron Levels1

Iron (Fe) is essential for phytoplankton growth and photosynthesis, and is proposed to be an important factor regulating algal blooms under replete major nutrients in coastal environments. Here, Skeletonema costatum, a typical red‐tide diatom species, and Chlorella vulgaris, a widely distributed Chlorella, were chosen to examine carbon fixation and Fe uptake by coastal algae under dark and light conditions with different Fe levels. The cellular carbon fixation and intracellular Fe uptake were measured via 14C and 55Fe tracer assay, respectively. Cell growth, cell size, and chlorophyll‐α concentration were measured to investigate the algal physiological variation in different treatments. Our results showed that cellular Fe uptake proceeds under dark and the uptake rates were comparable to or even higher than those in the light for both algal species. Fe requirements per unit carbon fixation were also higher in the dark resulting in higher Fe: C ratios. During the experimental period, high Fe addition significantly enhanced cellular carbon fixation and Fe uptake. Compared to C. vulgaris, S. costatum was the common dominant bloom species because of its lower Fe demand but higher Fe uptake rate. This study provides some of the first measurements of Fe quotas in coastal phytoplankton cells, and implies that light and Fe concentrations may influence the phytoplankton community succession when blooms occur in coastal ecosystems.
Use of a Novel Resistive Strain Sensor Approach in an Experimental and Theoretical Study Concerning Large Spherical Storage Tank Structure Behavior During Its Operational Life and Pressure Tests

This paper introduces a new method for the use of tensor-resistive sensors in large spherical storage tank equipment (over 12,000-mm diameters). We did an experiment with 19 petroleum or ammonia product sphere-shaped storage tanks with volumes of 1000 and 1800 cubic meters, respectively. The existing literature only contains experiments based on sensors for tanks with diameters no larger than 600 mm. Based on a number of resistive strain sensor measurements on large spherical pressurized vessels regarding structural integrity assessment, the present paper is focused on the comparison between "real-life" obtained sensor data versus finite element method (FEM) simulation results. The present paper is structured in three parts and examines innovative directions: the use of the classic tensor-resistive sensors in a new approach concerning large structural equipment; an original 3D modeling method with the help of the FEM; and conclusions with possible implications on the regulations, design, or maintenance as a result of the attempt of mutual validation of the new methods previously mentioned.
Threshold Tunable Spike Rate Dependent Plasticity Originated from Interfacial Proton Gating for Pattern Learning and Memory.

Recently, neuromorphic devices are getting increasing interests in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Realization of fundamental synaptic plasticities on hard-ware devices would endow new intensions for neuromorphic devices. Spike-rate dependent plasticity (SRDP) is one of the most important synaptic learning mechanisms in brain cognitive behaviors. Thus, it is interesting to mimic the SRDP behaviors on solid-state neuromorphic devices. In the present work, nanogranular phosphorous silicate glass (PSG) based proton conductive electrolyte gated oxide neuromorphic transistors have been proposed. The oxide neuromorphic transistors have good transistor performances and frequency dependent synaptic plasticity behavior. Moreover, the neuromorphic transistor exhibits SRDP activities. Interestingly, by introducing priming synaptic stimuli, the modulation of threshold frequency value distinguishing synaptic potentiation from synaptic depression is realized for the first time on electrolyte gated neuromorphic transistor. Such mechanism can be well understood with interfacial proton gating effects of the nanogranular PSG based electrolyte. Furthermore, effects of SRDP learning rules on pattern learning and memory behaviors have been conceptually demonstrated. The proposed neuromorphic transistors have potential applications in neuromorphic engineering.
Factors Associated with Initiation and Sustenance of Stress Management Behaviors in Veterinary Students: Testing of Multi-Theory Model (MTM)

Veterinary students across the United States face the challenge of stress during school every day. When managed improperly, stress can become chronic and manifest in physical and emotional consequences. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change in predicting the initiation and sustenance of stress management behaviors among veterinary students. A cross-sectional design was used to study the efficacy of the MTM in predicting initiation and sustenance of stress management behaviors among veterinary students at a private College of Veterinary Medicine in the Southeast United States. Researchers collected data using a 54-item valid and reliable survey. Only students who did not already engage in daily stress management behaviors were included in the study. After recruitment and exclusion, a total of 140 students remained and participated in the study. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that, for initiation of stress management behaviors, 49.5% of the variance was explained by depression, academic classification, and behavioral confidence. Regarding sustenance of stress management behaviors, 50.4% of the variance was explained by perceived stress, depression, academic classification, and emotional transformation. MTM serves as a promising framework for predicting initiation and sustenance of health behavior change. Based on the results of this study, interventions aimed to promote stress management behaviors in veterinary students should focus on the MTM constructs of behavioral confidence and emotional transformation.
Eating Out and Consumers’ Health: Evidence on Obesity and Balanced Nutrition Intakes

Changes in demographic and socioeconomic characteristics have contributed to an increase in away-from-home food consumption. Although consumers are increasingly demanding higher quality food, unbalanced nutrition intakes and health issues such as obesity remain prominent predicaments. This paper investigates the relationship between the frequency of having Food Away From Home (FAFH), balanced dietary intakes, and obesity (controlling for covariates) among Korean adults aged 19 to 64. Whether there exists a linear relationship between the number of having FAFH and health outcome is investigated and the optimal number of having FAFH that leads to the best health outcome is identified in the study. The results suggest that Food Away From Home generally increases deviations of dietary intakes from the reference intakes and high-frequency FAFH consumers have an elevated chance of being obese (36.22%). However, having FAFH 1–7 times per week is associated with decreased body mass index (BMI) and a lower chance of being obese in comparison to the outcomes of having food at home. The optimal level of consuming FAFH is identified to be 5–7 times per week in terms of BMI and obesity. However, consuming no FAFH is suggested to be the best in terms of balanced nutrition intake.
Cytoskeletal Proteins in Cancer and Intracellular Stress: A Therapeutic Perspective

Cytoskeletal proteins, which consist of different sub-families of proteins including microtubules, actin and intermediate filaments, are essential for survival and cellular processes in both normal as well as cancer cells. However, in cancer cells, these mechanisms can be altered to promote tumour development and progression, whereby the functions of cytoskeletal proteins are co-opted to facilitate increased migrative and invasive capabilities, proliferation, as well as resistance to cellular and environmental stresses. Herein, we discuss the cytoskeletal responses to important intracellular stresses (such as mitochondrial, endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stresses), and delineate the consequences of these responses, including effects on oncogenic signalling. In addition, we elaborate how the cytoskeleton and its associated molecules present themselves as therapeutic targets. The potential and limitations of targeting new classes of cytoskeletal proteins are also explored, in the context of developing novel strategies that impact cancer progression.
Should Genetic Testing for Cancer Predisposition Be Standard-of-Care for Women with Invasive Breast Cancer? The Murtha Cancer Center Experience

Currently, genetic testing is offered only to women diagnosed with breast cancer who meet a defined set of criteria and is not included as standard-of-care treatment at the time of diagnosis. Thus, a significant number of women diagnosed with breast cancer may miss the opportunity for precision medical treatment and risk management. The effects of eligibility, timing, and uptake of genetic testing were evaluated in a cohort of women with invasive breast cancer diagnosed between 2001–2018. Risk status was estimated using NCCN BRCA1/2 testing criteria and panel testing was performed for all women who had genomic DNA available. Of the 1231 women, 57.8% were eligible for genetic testing. Uptake of testing within high-risk women was 42.7% of which 6.6% pursued clinical testing only after a second tumor event. Mutation frequencies were 15.8%, 5.5%, and 4.0% in high-risk women with clinical testing, high-risk women without clinical testing, and low-risk women, respectively. More than 4% of all patients harbored pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations detected only in the research setting. Inclusion of panel testing at the time of diagnosis would allow for appropriate surveillance and treatment strategies to be employed to reduce the risk of secondary tumors and improve patient outcome.
Impact and Effectiveness of Legislative Smoking Bans and Anti-Tobacco Media Campaigns in Reducing Smoking among Women in the US: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature addressing the effectiveness of legislative smoking bans and anti-tobacco media campaigns in reducing smoking among women. Methods: MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and ABI/INFORM were searched for studies published from 2005 onwards. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model and subgroup analysis on pre-selected characteristics. Results: In total, 652 articles were identified, and five studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The studies varied from school-based to workplace settings and had a total of 800,573 women participants, aged 12 to 64 years old. Three studies used legislative bans, one study used anti-tobacco campaigns and another one used both as their intervention. The overall pooled effect of the five studies yielded an odds ratio (OR) = 1.137 (C.I. = 0.976–1.298 and I2 = 85.6%). Subgroup analysis by intervention revealed a significant pooled estimate for studies using legislative smoking bans OR = 1.280 (C.I. = 1.172–1.389 and I2 = 0%). Conclusion: Legislative smoking bans were found to be associated with a reduction in the smoking rates among women compared to anti-tobacco media campaigns. Further research in this area is needed.
Adherence to Mediterranean diet and subsequent cognitive decline in men with cardiovascular disease

ABSTRACT Backgrounds and aims: Evidence from recent years highlighted the importance of the Mediterranean diet for brain health. We investigated the association between adherence to Mediterranean diet and change in cognitive functions two decades later in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Participants were men with a history of CVD, who previously participated in the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention (BIP) trial between 1990 and 1997, had a food diary record, and underwent cognitive evaluations 14.6 ± 1.9 years (T1) and 19.9 ± 1.0 years after baseline (T2) as part of the BIP Neurocognitive study (n = 200, mean age at 57.3 ± 6.3 years). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was determined from the self-administered 4-day food diary record, with patients categorized into high, middle and poor levels of adherence if they received >5, 4–5 and <4 points, respectively. Cognitive function was assessed using the NeuroTrax computerized battery. Linear mixed models were applied. Results: Among the 200 patients, 52 (26%) had poor adherence, 98 (49%) had middle adherence and 50 (25%) had high levels of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Those categorized to the poor adherence level had poorer cognitive function at T1 compared to the other groups. Additionally, poor vs. high level of adherence was associated with a greater decline in overall cognitive performance [z-score = −0.23 and 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.43;−0.04; p = 0.021] and in visual spatial functions (−0.46 95% CI, −0.86;−0.06; p = 0.023). Conclusion: This study stresses the possible role of the Mediterranean diet in men with a high vascular burden and may set the ground for future intervention to reduce their risk for cognitive decline.
Social language opportunities for preschoolers with autism: Insights from audio recordings in urban classrooms

Many children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who receive early intervention reap developmental benefits, but little is known about characteristics of early intervention placements in the community that optimize individual growth. The extent to which children hear and use language, in particular, may contribute significantly to developmental outcomes. We analyzed natural language production and exposure to language in preschoolers on the autism spectrum across three classroom compositions: autism only, mixed disability, and inclusion. Autistic children in inclusion classrooms produced more speech, received significantly more verbal input from their peers, and were exposed to a similar amount of teacher talk compared to children in autism only or mixed disability classrooms. These findings shed preliminary light on the linguistic environment of early intervention placements in the community, along with the characteristics of children placed in early intervention settings that may influence their language exposure from peers and teachers. Natural language sampling is a promising method for capturing language exposure in early intervention settings and providing context for understanding developmental outcomes resulting from early intervention. Lay abstract Early intervention is important for preschoolers on the autism spectrum, but little is known about early intervention classrooms in the community. This study found that children with better language skills and lower autism severity have more verbal interactions with their classmates, especially in classrooms with typically developing peers (inclusion settings). Findings suggest that natural language sampling is a useful method for characterizing autistic children and their early intervention settings. In addition, natural language sampling may have important implications for understanding individual opportunities for development in community early intervention settings.