Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute effect of Fatmax exercise on the metabolism in overweight and nonoverweight girls.

INTRODUCTION Acute exercise can reduce postprandial insulin concentrations and increase fat oxidation in adults, which may have important implications for insulin resistance and weight control. However, similar studies with young people or comparing overweight (OW) and nonoverweight (NO) individuals are sparse. Therefore, the acute effect of Fatmax exercise on glucose, insulin, and fat oxidation was examined in 12 OW and 15 NO girls. METHODS Participants completed two 2-d conditions in a counterbalanced order. On day 1, participants either expended 2.09 MJ (500 kcal) during treadmill exercise at individual Fatmax (EX) or 0.47 MJ (112 kcal) during rest (CON). On day 2, capillary blood and expired air samples were taken in the fasting state and at regular intervals for 2 h after high-glycemic-index breakfast consumption. Subsequently, blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations were determined, and fat oxidation was estimated. RESULTS Blood glucose was similar between conditions in both groups (P > 0.05). Fasting plasma insulin (P = 0.047) and total area under the 2-h curve (P = 0.049) were reduced for EX compared with CON in the NO, but not OW girls (P > 0.05). Fasting fat oxidation was higher for EX than for CON in the NO girls (P = 0.036) and fat oxidation total area under the 2-h curve was higher for EX in both groups of girls (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A bout of Fatmax exercise performed ~16 h before high-glycemic-index breakfast consumption reduced fasting and postprandial insulin concentrations in NO girls and increased fat oxidation in both OW and NO girls. The higher postintervention energy and CHO intake in the OW compared with the NO girls or differences in metabolism between the two groups may have compromised potential exercise-induced reductions in insulin the OW girls.
Algorithmic Modeling Quantifies the Complementary Contribution of Metabolic Inhibitions to Gemcitabine Efficacy

Gemcitabine (2,2-difluorodeoxycytidine, dFdC) is a prodrug widely used for treating various carcinomas. Gemcitabine exerts its clinical effect by depleting the deoxyribonucleotide pools, and incorporating its triphosphate metabolite (dFdC-TP) into DNA, thereby inhibiting DNA synthesis. This process blocks the cell cycle in the early S phase, eventually resulting in apoptosis. The incorporation of gemcitabine into DNA takes place in competition with the natural nucleoside dCTP. The mechanisms of indirect competition between these cascades for common resources are given with the race for DNA incorporation; in clinical studies dedicated to singling out mechanisms of resistance, ribonucleotide reductase (RR) and deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) and human equilibrative nucleoside transporter1 (hENT1) have been associated to efficacy of gemcitabine with respect to their roles in the synthesis cascades of dFdC-TP and dCTP. However, the direct competition, which manifests itself in terms of inhibitions between these cascades, remains to be quantified. We propose an algorithmic model of gemcitabine mechanism of action, verified with respect to independent experimental data. We performed in silico experiments in different virtual conditions, otherwise difficult in vivo, to evaluate the contribution of the inhibitory mechanisms to gemcitabine efficacy. In agreement with the experimental data, our model indicates that the inhibitions due to the association of dCTP with dCK and the association of gemcitabine diphosphate metabolite (dFdC-DP) with RR play a key role in adjusting the efficacy. While the former tunes the catalysis of the rate-limiting first phosphorylation of dFdC, the latter is responsible for depletion of dCTP pools, thereby contributing to gemcitabine efficacy with a dependency on nucleoside transport efficiency. Our simulations predict the existence of a continuum of non-efficacy to high-efficacy regimes, where the levels of dFdC-TP and dCTP are coupled in a complementary manner, which can explain the resistance to this drug in some patients.
Group Prenatal Care Compared With Traditional Prenatal Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of group prenatal care on perinatal outcomes compared with traditional prenatal care. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE through PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health literature, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: We searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing group care with traditional prenatal care. The primary outcome was preterm birth. Secondary outcomes were low birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and breastfeeding initiation. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q test and I2 statistic. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and weighted mean differences were calculated using random-effects models. TABULATIONS, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials and 10 observational studies met inclusion criteria. The rate of preterm birth was not significantly different with group care compared with traditional care (11 studies: pooled rates 7.9% compared with 9.3%, pooled RR 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–1.09). Group care was associated with a decreased rate of low birth weight overall (nine studies: pooled rate 7.5% group care compared with 9.5% traditional care; pooled RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69–0.96), but not among randomized controlled trials (four studies: 7.9% group care compared with 8.7% traditional care, pooled RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.73–1.16). There were no significant differences in neonatal intensive care unit admission or breastfeeding initiation. CONCLUSION: Available data suggest that women who participate in group care have similar rates of preterm birth, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and breastfeeding.
Epitaxial growth of two-dimensional SnSe2/MoS2 misfit heterostructures

van der Waals (vdWs) heterostructures, obtained by vertically stacking two-dimensional layered materials upon each other, appear particularly promising for future atomically thin electronic and optoelectronic devices and attract a great deal of attention due to their diverse functionalities. Chemical routes to construct vdWs heterostructures offer the prospect of both high yield and uniformity which is the foundation for their application in the semiconductor industry in the future. Here we demonstrate the growth of two-dimensional SnSe2/MoS2 heterostructures with a large lattice misfit via a two-step chemical vapor deposition method. The bottom MoS2 monolayers can be partially or fully covered with single-crystalline SnSe2 monolayers by controlling the growth conditions. The as-grown heterostructures are characterized by using optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The results indicate that the heterostructures display the vdWs epitaxial feature, that is, the vertically stacked SnSe2/MoS2 heterostructures with well-aligned lattice orientation. The interlayer coupling interaction and charge separation are also observed in the heterostructures by Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopies. We believe that our results could be helpful for understanding the fundamental physics of atomically thin vdWs heterostructures, and such heterostructures may have potential applications in novel electronics and optoelectronics.
Enhanced anti-bacterial activities of ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO/CuO nanocomposites synthesized using Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit extract

Abstract A green synthesis route was developed for preparation of the ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO/CuO nanocomposites by using Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit extract, and their anti-bacterial activities against two pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive), were investigated. The fabricated nanomaterials were characterized by XRD, EDX, FESEM, TEM, TGA, FT-IR, UV–vis DRS and BET instruments. The results showed that the sizes of ZnO and CuO nanoparticles in the ZnO/CuO (10%) nanocomposite were 12 and 8 nm, respectively. In addition, specific surface areas of the ZnO (W), ZnO (ext) and ZnO/CuO samples were 29.3, 27.5 and 18.0 m2/g−1, respectively. The results obtained from EDX, TGA, FT-IR and UV–Vis DRS analyses displayed that some of the organic compounds from the fruit extract have bonded to the surface of the samples fabricated in the presence of the fruit extract. The results revealed that the anti-bacterial activity of the fabricated samples is as ZnO/CuO (10%) > ZnO/CuO (5%) > ZnO (ext) > ZnO (W). Viability percentages for E. coli and S. aureus bacteria were 12.1 ± 0.39 and 14.9 ± 0.65 in the presence of the ZnO/CuO (10%) nanocomposite, respectively. The SEM images clearly demonstrated the disruption of the bacterial membranes during the inactivation process. Graphical Abstract
Coordinated modifications in mesophyll conductance, photosynthetic potentials and leaf nitrogen contribute to explain the large variation in foliage net assimilation rates across Quercus ilex provenances

Leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA) has been suggested to negatively affect the mesophyll conductance to CO2 (gm), the most limiting factor for photosynthesis per unit leaf area (AN) in many evergreens. Several anatomical traits (i.e., greater leaf thickness and thicker cell walls) constraining gm could explain the negative scaling of gm and AN with LMA across species. However, the Mediterranean sclerophyll Quercus ilex L. shows a major within-species variation in functional traits (greater LMA associated with higher nitrogen content and AN) that might contrast the worldwide trends. The objective of this study was to elucidate the existence of variations in other leaf anatomical parameters determining gm and/or biochemical traits improving the capacity of carboxylation (Vc,max) that could modulate the relationship of AN with LMA across this species. The results revealed that gm was the most limiting factor for AN in all the studied Q. ilex provenances from Spain and Italy. The within-species differences in gm can be partly attributed to the variation in several leaf anatomical traits, mainly cell-wall thickness (Tcw), chloroplast thickness (Tchl) and chloroplast exposed surface area facing intercellular air spaces (Sc/S). A positive scaling of gm and AN with Vc,max was also found, associated with an increased nitrogen content per area. A strong correlation of maximum photosynthetic electron transport (Jmax) with AN further indicated a coordination between the carboxylase activity and the electron transport chain. In conclusion, we have confirmed the strong ecotypic variation in the photosynthetic performance of individual provenances of Q. ilex. Thus, the within-species increases found in AN for Q. ilex with increasing foliage robustness can be explained by a synergistic effect among anatomical (at the subcellular and cellular level) and biochemical traits, which markedly improved gm and Vc,max.
Information distances for radar resolution analysis

A stochastic approach to resolution based on information distances computed from the geometry of data models which is characterized by the Fisher information is explored. Stochastic resolution includes probability of resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The probability of resolution is assessed from a hypothesis test by exploiting information distances in a likelihood ratio. Taking SNR into account is especially relevant in compressive sensing (CS) due to its fewer measurements. Based on this information-geometry approach, we demonstrate the stochastic resolution analysis in test cases from array processing. In addition, we also compare our stochastic resolution bounds with the actual resolution obtained numerically from sparse signal processing which nowadays is a major component of the back end of any CS sensor. Results demonstrate the suitability of the proposed stochastic resolution analysis due to its ability to include crucial features in the resolution performance guarantees: array configuration or sensor design, SNR, separation and probability of resolution.
Do Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) Make Counterproductive Choices Because They Are Sensitive to Human Ostensive Cues?

Dogs appear to be sensitive to human ostensive communicative cues in a variety of situations, however there is still a measure of controversy as to the way in which these cues influence human-dog interactions. There is evidence for instance that dogs can be led into making evaluation errors in a quantity discrimination task, for example losing their preference for a larger food quantity if a human shows a preference for a smaller one, yet there is, so far, no explanation for this phenomenon. Using a modified version of this task, in the current study we investigated whether non-social, social or communicative cues (alone or in combination) cause dogs to go against their preference for the larger food quantity. Results show that dogs' evaluation errors are indeed caused by a social bias, but, somewhat contrary to previous studies, they highlight the potent effect of stimulus enhancement (handling the target) in influencing the dogs' response. A mild influence on the dog's behaviour was found only when different ostensive cues (and no handling of the target) were used in combination, suggesting their cumulative effect. The discussion addresses possible motives for discrepancies with previous studies suggesting that both the intentionality and the directionality of the action may be important in causing dogs' social biases.
The OsFBK1 E3 Ligase Subunit Affects Anther and Root Secondary Cell Wall Thickenings by Mediating Turnover of a Cinnamoyl-CoA Reductase1[OPEN]

OsFBK1 mediates the turnover of OsCCR14 via the 26S proteasome pathway, resulting in changes in secondary cell wall content in anthers and roots, without changes in auxin signaling. Regulated proteolysis by the ubiquitin-26S proteasome system challenges transcription and phosphorylation in magnitude and is one of the most important regulatory mechanisms in plants. This article describes the characterization of a rice (Oryza sativa) auxin-responsive Kelch-domain-containing F-box protein, OsFBK1, found to be a component of an SCF E3 ligase by interaction studies in yeast. Rice transgenics of OsFBK1 displayed variations in anther and root secondary cell wall content; it could be corroborated by electron/confocal microscopy and lignification studies, with no apparent changes in auxin content/signaling pathway. The presence of U-shaped secondary wall thickenings (or lignin) in the anthers were remarkably less pronounced in plants overexpressing OsFBK1 as compared to wild-type and knockdown transgenics. The roots of the transgenics also displayed differential accumulation of lignin. Yeast two-hybrid anther library screening identified an OsCCR that is a homolog of the well-studied Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) IRX4; OsFBK1-OsCCR interaction was confirmed by fluorescence and immunoprecipitation studies. Degradation of OsCCR mediated by SCFOsFBK1 and the 26S proteasome pathway was validated by cell-free experiments in the absence of auxin, indicating that the phenotype observed is due to the direct interaction between OsFBK1 and OsCCR. Interestingly, the OsCCR knockdown transgenics also displayed a decrease in root and anther lignin depositions, suggesting that OsFBK1 plays a role in the development of rice anthers and roots by regulating the cellular levels of a key enzyme controlling lignification.
Change in teachers' ratings of attention problems and subsequent change in academic achievement: a prospective analysis

Background Recent research has documented a link between attention problems at school entry and later academic achievement. Little is known about the association of change in attention problems during the early school years with subsequent change in academic achievement. Method A community-based cohort was followed up and assessed for attention problems at ages 6 and 11 (Teacher Report Form; TRF) and for academic achievement in math and reading at ages 11 and 17 (Woodcock–Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery). Complete data were available on 590 children (72% of the initial sample). Ordinary least squares regressions were used to estimate change in academic achievement from age 11 to age 17 in relation to change in TRF-attention problems from age 6 to age 11. Children's IQ and family factors were statistically controlled. Results Change in teachers' ratings of attention problems from age 6 to age 11 was negatively associated with change in math and reading from age 11 to age 17, controlling for children's IQ and family factors. Externalizing problems had no significant association with change in math or reading, when added to the multivariable model. Conclusions Increases in teacher-rated attention problems from age 6 to age 11 were followed by declines in academic achievement from age 11 to age 17; decreases were followed by gains. The results underscore the need for research on the course of attention problems, the testing of interventions to address children's early attention problems and the evaluation of their effects on subsequent academic achievement.
Doxorubicin and paclitaxel carried by methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) is superior than traditional drug-delivery methods.

AIM To evaluate the advantages of nanomaterial methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (mPEG-PLGA) encapsulated doxorubicin (D/DOX) and paclitaxel (T/TAX; mPEG-PLGA-DT) over free form of DOX and TAX (DOX/TAX). MATERIALS & METHODS Metabonomics was conducted to characterize the systemic metabolic response of allograft breast cancer model mice to mPEG-PLGA-DT and DOX/TAX treatments. RESULTS Breast tumor growth induced metabolic reprogram in serum and multiple organs. DOX/TAX treatment could ameliorate the elevated energy and nucleotides demands in some organs while mPEG-PLGA-DT treatment showed outstanding therapeutic outcomes in restoring the metabolic phenotypes of serum and kidney from tumor-bearing mice to the healthy state. CONCLUSION This investigation proved the biological advantages of mPEG-PLGA-DT over DOX/TAX in molecular level through the comparison between their metabolic responses in vivo.
DCDN : Distributed content delivery for the modern web by

The current client server model used on the web is inefficient for the delivery of large static content. Content is transmitted independently to each consumer from the central infrastructure without respect to the copies that exist in the caches of other visitors. As demand grows, capacity remains fixed and all users experience delays. This problem has been exacerbated by the rise in popularity of large streaming content such as high definition web video. Desktop peerto-peer (P2P) systems have shown great promise in alleviating these issues by leveraging the underutilized upstream bandwidth of each client to deliver content. Bringing these techniques to the web in a way that doesn’t require user intervention would allow for a more efficient web. This thesis explores the state of the art in browser-based P2P content delivery for the web and seeks to answer whether such systems can be used to efficiently and invisibly deliver content. It presents the DCDN (Distributed Content Delivery Network) research platform which serves content to the users of a website using only their HTML5 enabled web browser. It then uses the platform to explore several possible optimizations for this method of content delivery and evaluate their success. Through this investigation, it shows that while browser-based P2P systems can be implemented quite simply, at this time their performance characteristics limit them to certain content types. High definition web video and long-duration audio streaming are key examples. In order to expand the possible use cases, significant roadblocks will need to be overcome. A few emerging technologies which may provide solutions within the next year are discussed, as well as somewhat far-fetched concepts for future improvement. At present this technology has great value, especially when considering that its ideal content types make up a large portion of the bandwidth currently used on the Internet.
Niche as a Determinant of Word Fate in Online Groups

Patterns of word use both reflect and influence a myriad of human activities and interactions. Like other entities that are reproduced and evolve, words rise or decline depending upon a complex interplay between their intrinsic properties and the environments in which they function. Using Internet discussion communities as model systems, we define the concept of a word niche as the relationship between the word and the characteristic features of the environments in which it is used. We develop a method to quantify two important aspects of the size of the word niche: the range of individuals using the word and the range of topics it is used to discuss. Controlling for word frequency, we show that these aspects of the word niche are strong determinants of changes in word frequency. Previous studies have already indicated that word frequency itself is a correlate of word success at historical time scales. Our analysis of changes in word frequencies over time reveals that the relative sizes of word niches are far more important than word frequencies in the dynamics of the entire vocabulary at shorter time scales, as the language adapts to new concepts and social groupings. We also distinguish endogenous versus exogenous factors as additional contributors to the fates of words, and demonstrate the force of this distinction in the rise of novel words. Our results indicate that short-term nonstationarity in word statistics is strongly driven by individual proclivities, including inclinations to provide novel information and to project a distinctive social identity.
Human Pancreatic Cancer-Associated Stellate Cells Remain Activated after in vivo Chemoradiation

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by an extensive fibrotic reaction or desmoplasia and complex involvement of the surrounding tumor microenvironment. Pancreatic stellate cells are a key mediator of the pancreatic matrix and they promote progression and invasion of pancreatic cancer by increasing cell proliferation and offering protection against therapeutic interventions. Our study utilizes human tumor-derived pancreatic stellate cells (HTPSCs) isolated from fine needle aspirates of pancreatic cancer tissue from patients with locally advanced, unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma before and after treatment with full-dose gemcitabine plus concurrent hypo-fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery. We show that HTPSCs survive in vivo chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment and display a more activated phenotype post-therapy. These data support the idea that stellate cells play an essential role in supporting and promoting pancreatic cancer and further research is needed to develop novel treatments targeting the pancreatic tumor microenvironment.