Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maternal underweight and obesity and risk of orofacial clefts in a large international consortium of population-based studies.

Background Evidence on association of maternal pre-pregnancy weight with risk of orofacial clefts is inconsistent. Methods Six large case-control studies of orofacial clefts from Northern Europe and the USA were included in analyses pooling individual-level data. Cases included 4943 mothers of children with orofacial clefts (cleft lip only: 1135, cleft palate with cleft lip: 2081, cleft palate only: 1727) and controls included 10 592 mothers of unaffected children. Association of orofacial cleft risk with pre-pregnancy maternal weight classified by level of body mass index (BMI, kg/m 2 ) was evaluated using logistic regression adjusting for multiple covariates. Results Cleft palate, both alone and with cleft lip (CP+/-CL), was associated with maternal class II+ pre-pregnancy obesity (≥ 35)compared with normal weight [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16, 1.58]. CP+/-CL was marginally associated with maternal underweight (aOR = 1.16; 95% CI = 0.98, 1.36). Cleft lip alone was not associated with BMI. Conclusions In this largest population-based study to date, we found an increased risk of cleft palate, with or without cleft lip, in class II+ obese mothers compared with normal-weight mothers; underweight mothers may also have an increased risk, but this requires further study. These results also suggest that extremes of weight may have a specific effect on palatal development.
Culture Modulates Eye-Movements to Visual Novelty

Background When viewing complex scenes, East Asians attend more to contexts whereas Westerners attend more to objects, reflecting cultural differences in holistic and analytic visual processing styles respectively. This eye-tracking study investigated more specific mechanisms and the robustness of these cultural biases in visual processing when salient changes in the objects and backgrounds occur in complex pictures. Methodology/Principal Findings Chinese Singaporean (East Asian) and Caucasian US (Western) participants passively viewed pictures containing selectively changing objects and background scenes that strongly captured participants' attention in a data-driven manner. We found that although participants from both groups responded to object changes in the pictures, there was still evidence for cultural divergence in eye-movements. The number of object fixations in the US participants was more affected by object change than in the Singapore participants. Additionally, despite the picture manipulations, US participants consistently maintained longer durations for both object and background fixations, with eye-movements that generally remained within the focal objects. In contrast, Singapore participants had shorter fixation durations with eye-movements that alternated more between objects and backgrounds. Conclusions/Significance The results demonstrate a robust cultural bias in visual processing even when external stimuli draw attention in an opposite manner to the cultural bias. These findings also extend previous studies by revealing more specific, but consistent, effects of culture on the different aspects of visual attention as measured by fixation duration, number of fixations, and saccades between objects and backgrounds.
Emerging Concepts of Data Integration in Pathogen Phylodynamics

Phylodynamics has become an increasingly popular statistical framework to extract evolutionary and epidemiological information from pathogen genomes. By harnessing such information, epidemiologists aim to shed light on the spatio-temporal patterns of spread and to test hypotheses about the underlying interaction of evolutionary and ecological dynamics in pathogen populations. Although the field has witnessed a rich development of statistical inference tools with increasing levels of sophistication, these tools initially focused on sequences as their sole primary data source. Integrating various sources of information, however, promises to deliver more precise insights in infectious diseases and to increase opportunities for statistical hypothesis testing. Here, we review how the emerging concept of data integration is stimulating new advances in Bayesian evolutionary inference methodology which formalize a marriage of statistical thinking and evolutionary biology. These approaches include connecting sequence to trait evolution, such as for host, phenotypic and geographic sampling information, but also the incorporation of covariates of evolutionary and epidemic processes in the reconstruction procedures. We highlight how a full Bayesian approach to covariate modeling and testing can generate further insights into sequence evolution, trait evolution, and population dynamics in pathogen populations. Specific examples demonstrate how such approaches can be used to test the impact of host on rabies and HIV evolutionary rates, to identify the drivers of influenza dispersal as well as the determinants of rabies cross-species transmissions, and to quantify the evolutionary dynamics of influenza antigenicity. Finally, we briefly discuss how data integration is now also permeating through the inference of transmission dynamics, leading to novel insights into tree-generative processes and detailed reconstructions of transmission trees. [Bayesian inference; birth–death models; coalescent models; continuous trait evolution; covariates; data integration; discrete trait evolution; pathogen phylodynamics.
An Intelligent and Adaptive Live Simulator: A new Concept for Cybersecurity Training

The rapid rate of change in technology and the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks require any organization to have a continuous preparation. However, the resource and time intensive nature of cybersecurity education and training renders traditional approaches highly inefficient. Simulators have attracted the attention in the last years as a potential solution for cybersecurity training. However, in spite of the advances achieved, there is still an urgent need to address some open challenges. In this paper we present a novel simulator that solves some these challenges. First, we analyse the main properties that any cybersecurity training solution should comprise, and evaluate to what extent training simulators can meet them. Next, we introduce the functional architecture and innovative features of the simulator, of which a functional prototype has already been released. Finally, we demonstrate how these capabilities are put into practice in training courses already available in the simulator.
Fractalkine and CX3CR1 Mediate a Novel Mechanism of Leukocyte Capture, Firm Adhesion, and Activation under Physiologic Flow

Leukocyte migration into sites of inflammation involves multiple molecular interactions between leukocytes and vascular endothelial cells, mediating sequential leukocyte capture, rolling, and firm adhesion. In this study, we tested the role of molecular interactions between fractalkine (FKN), a transmembrane mucin-chemokine hybrid molecule expressed on activated endothelium, and its receptor (CX3CR1) in leukocyte capture, firm adhesion, and activation under physiologic flow conditions. Immobilized FKN fusion proteins captured resting peripheral blood mononuclear cells at physiologic wall shear stresses and induced firm adhesion of resting monocytes, resting and interleukin (IL)-2–activated CD8+ T lymphocytes and IL-2–activated NK cells. FKN also induced cell shape change in firmly adherent monocytes and IL-2–activated lymphocytes. CX3CR1-transfected K562 cells, but not control K562 cells, firmly adhered to FKN-expressing ECV-304 cells (ECV-FKN) and tumor necrosis factor α–activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. This firm adhesion was not inhibited by pertussis toxin, EDTA/EGTA, or antiintegrin antibodies, indicating that the firm adhesion was integrin independent. In summary, FKN mediated the rapid capture, integrin-independent firm adhesion, and activation of circulating leukocytes under flow. Thus, FKN and CX3CR1 mediate a novel pathway for leukocyte trafficking.
Engagement and Reaction in the Blogosphere

The changing trends in the use of web technology that aims to enhance interconnectivity, self-expression and information sharing on the web has led to the development of online, many-to-many communication services such as blogs. Information elements in blogs can be interlinked. The succession of linking behavior determines the way in which information propagates among blogs, forming cascades. Analyzing cascades can be useful in various domains, such as providing insight of public opinion and developing better cascade models. In this paper, we present trends on the degree of engagement and reaction of bloggers in stories that become available in blogs under various parameters and constraints. We analyze cascades that are attributed to different population groups constrained by factors of gender, age, and continent, and how cascades differentiate depending on their subject. Our analysis is performed on one of the largest available datasets and reveals large variations in the properties of cascades.
Experimental Study on Dissociation Rate and Dissociation Limit Temperature of Methane Hydrate Pellets for Sea-borne Transport of Natural Gas Hydrate Pellets

From a viewpoint of cargo quality assurance during sea-borne transport, it should be ensured that cargo temperature never plunges increasingly in consequence that the dissociation of natural gas hydrate pellets (NGHPs) is accelerated by temperature decrease owing to the dissociation. Therefore, we should check whether or not the minimum of the temperature regime where NGHPs dissociate slow enough and decide the minimum temperature, in the meaning of secure and economical sea-borne transport. Hereafter we call the minimum temperature “dissociation limit temperature” (DLT). At the moment, detailed mechanism of natural gas hydrates‟ self-preservation is, however, still poorly understood and the DLT can not be defined theoretically. Therefore, the DLT for NGHP should be estimated experimentally. We designed and manufactured experimental apparatus with which we could realize the quasi-insulating condition of 50 sample pellets at an atmospheric pressure for the temperature ranged from -35°C to -5°C. By using the apparatus, we examined the correlation between methane hydrate pellets‟ (MHPs‟) dissociation rate and temperature under the quasi-insulated condition. There is a possibility that the pellets‟ temperature plunges increasingly in consequence that the pellets‟ dissociation is accelerated by temperature decrease owing to the dissociation. We examined the effect of pellets‟ initial gas content on the dissociation rate for checking whether such the problematic phenomenon occurs or not. During all the 24-hour quasi-insulating tests in this study, even in the case conducted by using the pellets, which had been stored for only 2 days after synthesis and pelletization, we have observed neither such the problematic phenomenon nor the existence of DLT. In addition, we examined pertinent estimate procedures of the pellets‟ dissociation rate under a quasi-insulated condition. We verified the experimental data obtained in accordance with the procedures from various viewpoints, and deduced that the series of tests in this study were conducted pertinently.
EUS-guided biliary drainage: A comprehensive review of the literature

EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has emerged as a technique for gaining biliary access when ERCP fails. This article gives a comprehensive review on the role and technique of EUS-BD. Moreover, we propose an algorithm guiding the clinician when to consider EUS-BD after failed ERCP or in anticipated difficult cannulations.
Human Endometrial Side Population Cells Exhibit Genotypic, Phenotypic and Functional Features of Somatic Stem Cells

During reproductive life, the human endometrium undergoes around 480 cycles of growth, breakdown and regeneration should pregnancy not be achieved. This outstanding regenerative capacity is the basis for women's cycling and its dysfunction may be involved in the etiology of pathological disorders. Therefore, the human endometrial tissue must rely on a remarkable endometrial somatic stem cells (SSC) population. Here we explore the hypothesis that human endometrial side population (SP) cells correspond to somatic stem cells. We isolated, identified and characterized the SP corresponding to the stromal and epithelial compartments using endometrial SP genes signature, immunophenotyping and characteristic telomerase pattern. We analyzed the clonogenic activity of SP cells under hypoxic conditions and the differentiation capacity in vitro to adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. Finally, we demonstrated the functional capability of endometrial SP to develop human endometrium after subcutaneous injection in NOD-SCID mice. Briefly, SP cells of human endometrium from epithelial and stromal compartments display genotypic, phenotypic and functional features of SSC.
Seabed methane emissions and the habitat of frenulate tubeworms on the Captain Arutyunov mud volcano (Gulf of Cadiz)

Submarine mud volcanism represents an important pathway for methane from deeper reservoirs to the surface, where it enters the benthic carbon cycle. To quantify overall methane release from the Captain Arutyunov mud volcano (CAMV) and to assess the contribution of mac- robenthic seep organisms to the regulation of the benthic methane flux, we linked water column methane concentrations, seabed methane emission and pore water geochemistry to the spatial distri- bution of seep biota. Prominent organisms of the CAMV seep biota were 3 different species of frenu- late tubeworms. Seabed methane emission ranged from 0.001 to 0.66 mmol m -2 d -1 . Dense patches of tubeworms were associated with the lowest seabed methane emission. Elevated methane emission was associated with a sporadic distribution of tubeworms and the occurrence of numerous mud clasts. Despite the presence of a large subsurface methane reservoir, the estimated total methane release from CAMV was low (0.006 × 10 6 mol yr -1 ). In addition to direct methane consumption by Siboglinum poseidoni, the tubeworms likely contribute to the retention of methane carbon in the sed- iment by affecting bacterial communities in the proximity of the tubes. The siboglinids create new meso-scale habitats on the sediment surface, increasing habitat heterogeneity and introducing niches for bacterial communities.
International Journal of Circuit Theory and Applications from Energy-delay Metrics to Constraints on the Design of Digital Circuits

SUMMARY In this paper, the adoption of general metrics of the energy-delay tradeoff is investigated to achieve energy-efficient design of digital CMOS very large-scale integrated circuits. Indeed, as shown in a preliminary analysis on the performance of various commercial microprocessors, a wide range of E i D j metrics is typically adopted. Physical interpretation and interesting properties for the designs minimizing E i D j metrics are provided together with the adoption of the Logical Effort theory to define practical design constraints. Two design examples in a 65-nm CMOS technology are also reported to exemplify the theoretical results.
Metabolic risk factors in nondiabetic adolescents with glomerular hyperfiltration

Background. In adults, glomerular hyperfiltration is associated with abnormalities related to metabolic syndrome (MetS). We investigated if glomerular hyperfiltration was associated with metabolic abnormalities in US adolescents without diabetes. Methods. We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative sample of US adolescents ages 12–17 years. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was determined using the bedside Schwartz equation; adolescents with hyperfiltration (eGFR >120 mL/min/1.73 m2) were compared to those with normal eGFR (90–120 mL/min/1.73 m2). We calculated mean levels of factors related to MetS, insulin resistance and diabetes risk, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, and BMI z‐score. Results. Overall, 11.8% of US adolescents had hyperfiltration [95% confidence interval (CI) 10.6–13.0]. Hyperfiltration prevalence varied by race (20.2% in Hispanics versus 9.8% non‐Hispanic whites and 7.4% non‐Hispanic blacks; P< 0.001). Compared to those with normal eGFR, adolescents with hyperfiltration had higher adjusted mean levels of triglyceride (83 versus 77 mg/dL; P = 0.05), fasting insulin (15.1 versus 12.9; P< 0.001) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (3.52 versus 3.01; P = 0.001). These differences persisted after adjusting for BMI z‐score. Adolescents with hyperfiltration had increased odds for hypertriglyceridemia [odds ratio 1.58 (95% CI 1.11–2.23)]. These relationships varied by racial/ethnic group. Conclusions. Glomerular hyperfiltration is associated with hypertriglyceridemia and increased insulin resistance independent of BMI z‐score in a nationally representative sample of US adolescents. Hispanic adolescents are more likely to have hyperfiltration than other racial/ethnic groups. These findings could have significance in evaluations of renal function and MetS in adolescents to identify related risks and target interventions.
Application of Diamond-Like Carbon to a Rotary Engine

To reduce wear in automobile-application rotary engines and extend their life, the authors proposed that diamond-like-carbon (DLC) coating, which has superior tribological properties, is applied to a rotary engine part (corner seal). Since wear resistance is required for the surface, the film must be hard. Additionally, in consideration of the high temperature due to the part being next to the combustion chamber, it is desired that the entire film has high heat resistance. To form a DLC film that has multiple properties including heat resistance, adhesion, and wear resistance required by the engine part, the authors discovered that it is possible to control the film’s hardness and heat conductivity via its Si content, and by producing a gradient of Si content in the film, they succeeded in realizing both hardness of the surface and heat resistance throughout the film, thus enabling the practical use of such a rotary engine part (corner seal).
Low‐voltage bulk‐driven input stage with improved transconductance

A low‐voltage input stage constructed from bulk‐driven PMOS transistors is proposed in this paper. It is based on a partial positive feedback and offers significant improvement of both input transconductance and noise performance compared with those achieved by the corresponding already published bulk‐driven structures. The proposed input stage offers also extended input common‐mode range under low supply voltage in relevant to a gate‐driven differential pair. A differential amplifier based on the proposed input stage is also designed, which includes an auxiliary amplifier for the output common‐mode voltage stabilization and a latch‐up protection circuitry. Both input stage and amplifier circuits were implemented with 1 V supply voltage using standard 0. 35µm CMOS process, and their performance evaluation gave very promising results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
(Literally) Above the clouds: Virtualizing the network over multiple clouds

Recent SDN-based solutions give cloud providers the opportunity to extend their “as-a-service” model with the offer of complete network virtualization. They provide tenants with the freedom to specify the network topologies and addressing schemes of their choosing, while guaranteeing the required level of isolation among them. These platforms, however, have been targeting the datacenter of a single cloud provider with full control over the infrastructure. This paper extends this concept further by supporting the creation of virtual networks that span across several datacenters, which may belong to distinct cloud providers, while including private facilities owned by the tenant. In order to achieve this, we introduce a new network layer above the existing cloud hypervisors, affording the necessary level of control over the communications while hiding the heterogeneity of the clouds. The benefits of this approach are various, such as enabling finer decisions on where to place the virtual machines (e.g., to fulfill legal requirements), avoiding single points of failure, and potentially decreasing costs. Although our focus in the paper is on architecture design, we also present experimental results of a first prototype of the proposed solution.
Partition-Defective 3 (PARD3) Regulates Proliferation, Apoptosis, Migration, and Invasion in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Background Altered expression of partition-defective 3 (PARD3), a polarity-related gene associated with oncogenesis, has been identified in some cancers, but the role of PARD3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Material/Methods PARD3 expression in Eca109 cells was silenced using siRNA and overexpressed using an expression vector. We investigated the role of PARD3 in ESCC growth and motility to evaluate its potential role in ESCC. Transwell assay was used to evaluated cell migration and invasion. PARD3 protein expression was assessed by Western blot. Results PARD3 overexpression promoted apoptosis, impaired proliferation, and inhibited cell migration and invasion in Eca109 cells, while PARD3 silencing promoted proliferation and increased migration and invasion. Overexpression of PARD3 exerted its antitumor activity in vitro by impairing cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting migration and invasion of Eca109 cells, suggesting that PARD3 might play a tumor suppressor role in ESCC. Conclusions Overexpression of PARD3 could be a promising new therapeutic intervention against ESCC.
Gq activity- and β-arrestin-1 scaffolding-mediated ADGRG2/CFTR coupling are required for male fertility

Luminal fluid reabsorption plays a fundamental role in male fertility. We demonstrated that the ubiquitous GPCR signaling proteins Gq and β-arrestin-1 are essential for fluid reabsorption because they mediate coupling between an orphan receptor ADGRG2 (GPR64) and the ion channel CFTR. A reduction in protein level or deficiency of ADGRG2, Gq or β-arrestin-1 in a mouse model led to an imbalance in pH homeostasis in the efferent ductules due to decreased constitutive CFTR currents. Efferent ductule dysfunction was rescued by the specific activation of another GPCR, AGTR2. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that β-arrestin-1 acts as a scaffold for ADGRG2/CFTR complex formation in apical membranes, whereas specific residues of ADGRG2 confer coupling specificity for different G protein subtypes, this specificity is critical for male fertility. Therefore, manipulation of the signaling components of the ADGRG2-Gq/β-arrestin-1/CFTR complex by small molecules may be an effective therapeutic strategy for male infertility.