Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current Use of Informatics for End of Life

Objectives—To describe the current level of utilization of informatics systems in hospice and palliative care and to discuss two projects that highlight the role of informatics applications for hospice informal caregivers. Data sources—Published articles, web resources, clinical practice and ongoing research initiatives. Conclusion—There are currently few informatics interventions designed specifically for palliative and hospice care. Challenges such as interoperability, user acceptance, privacy, the digital divide and allocation of resources all affect the diffusion of informatics tools in hospice. Implications for nursing practice—Caregiver support through use of IT is feasible and may enhance hospice care.
The Radially Swollen 4 Separase Mutation of Arabidopsis thaliana Blocks Chromosome Disjunction and Disrupts the Radial Microtubule System in Meiocytes

The caspase-family protease, separase, is required at the onset of anaphase to cleave the cohesin complex that joins replicated sister chromatids. However, in various eukaryotes, separase has acquired additional and distinct functions. A single amino-acid substitution in separase is responsible for phenotypes of the Arabidopsis thaliana mutant, radially swollen 4 (rsw4). This is a conditional mutant, resembling the wild type at the permissive temperature (∼20°C) and expressing mutant phenotypes at the restrictive temperature (∼30°C). Root cells in rsw4 at the restrictive temperature undergo non-disjunction and other indications of the loss of separase function. To determine to what extent separase activity remains at 30°C, we examined the effect of the mutation on meiosis, where the effects of loss of separase activity through RNA interference are known; and in addition, we examined female gametophyte development. Here, we report that, at the restrictive temperature, replicated chromosomes in rsw4 meiocytes typically fail to disjoin and the cohesin complex remains at centromeres after metaphase. Meiotic spindles appear normal in rsw4 male meiocytes; however the mutation disrupts the radial microtubule system, which is replaced by asymmetric arrays. Surprisingly, female gametophyte development was relatively insensitive to loss of separase activity, through either rsw4 or RNAi. These effects confirm that phenotypes in rsw4 result from loss of separase activity and establish a role for separase in regulating cell polarization following male meiosis.
Leveraging native language speech for accent identification using deep Siamese networks

The problem of automatic accent identification is important for several applications like speaker profiling and recognition as well as for improving speech recognition systems. The accented nature of speech can be primarily attributed to the influence of the speaker's native language on the given speech recording. In this paper, we propose a novel accent identification system whose training exploits speech in native languages along with the accented speech. Specifically, we develop a deep Siamese network based model which learns the association between accented speech recordings and the native language speech recordings. The Siamese networks are trained with i-vector features extracted from the speech recordings using either an unsupervised Gaussian mixture model (GMM) or a supervised deep neural network (DNN) model. We perform several accent identification experiments using the CSLU Foreign Accented English (FAE) corpus. In these experiments, our proposed approach using deep Siamese networks yield significant relative performance improvements of 15.4% on a 10-class accent identification task, over a baseline DNN-based classification system that uses GMM i-vectors. Furthermore, we present a detailed error analysis of the proposed accent identification system.
Body Size Evolution in Extant Oryzomyini Rodents: Cope's Rule or Miniaturization?

At the macroevolutionary level, one of the first and most important hypotheses that proposes an evolutionary tendency in the evolution of body sizes is “Cope's rule". This rule has considerable empirical support in the fossil record and predicts that the size of species within a lineage increases over evolutionary time. Nevertheless, there is also a large amount of evidence indicating the opposite pattern of miniaturization over evolutionary time. A recent analysis using a single phylogenetic tree approach and a Bayesian based model of evolution found no evidence for Cope's rule in extant mammal species. Here we utilize a likelihood-based phylogenetic method, to test the evolutionary trend in body size, which considers phylogenetic uncertainty, to discern between Cope's rule and miniaturization, using extant Oryzomyini rodents as a study model. We evaluated body size trends using two principal predictions: (a) phylogenetically related species are more similar in their body size, than expected by chance; (b) body size increased (Cope's rule)/decreased (miniaturization) over time. Consequently the distribution of forces and/or constraints that affect the tendency are homogenous and generate this directional process from a small/large sized ancestor. Results showed that body size in the Oryzomyini tribe evolved according to phylogenetic relationships, with a positive trend, from a small sized ancestor. Our results support that the high diversity and specialization currently observed in the Oryzomyini tribe is a consequence of the evolutionary trend of increased body size, following and supporting Cope's rule.
Repeated trauma exposure does not impair distress reduction during imaginal exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder

Based on experimental research on threat extinction, individuals exposed to repeated traumatic events may have impaired outcome in exposure therapy compared to those who have experienced a single trauma (Lang & McTeague, ). This study examined whether repeated trauma exposure predicts smaller changes in self‐reported distress during imaginal exposure and worse outcomes for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Effects of chromium picolinate on fat deposition, activity and genetic expression of lipid metabolism-related enzymes in 21 day old Ross broilers

Objective This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of chromium picolinate (CrP) on fat deposition, genetic expression and enzymatic activity of lipid metabolism-related enzymes. Methods Two hundred forty one-day-old Ross broilers were randomly divided into 5 groups with 4 replicates per group and 12 Ross broiler chicks per replicate. The normal control group was fed a basal diet, and the other groups fed the same basal diet supplemented with 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mg/kg CrP respectively. The experiment lasted for 21 days. Results Added CrP in the basal diet decreased the abdominal fat, had no effects on subcutaneous fat thickness and inter-muscular fat width; 0.2 mg/kg CrP significantly decreased the fatty acid synthase (FAS) enzymatic (p<0.05); acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) enzymatic activity decreased in all CrP groups (p<0.05); hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) enzymatic activity also decreased, but the change was not significant (p>0.05); 0.4 mg/kg CrP group significantly decreased the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) enzymatic activity. FAS mRNA expression increased in all experimental groups, and the LPL mRNA expression significantly increased in all experimental groups (p<0.05), but not 0.2 mg/kg CrP group. Conclusion The results indicated that adding CrP in basal diet decreased the abdominal fat percentage, had no effects on subcutaneous fat thickness and inter-muscular fat width, decreased the enzymatic activity of FAS, ACC, LPL and HSL and increased the genetic expression levels of FAS and LPL.
Characterizing cognitive aging of spatial and contextual memory in animal models

Episodic memory, especially memory for contextual or spatial information, is particularly vulnerable to age-related decline in humans and animal models of aging. The continuing improvement of virtual environment technology for testing humans signifies that widely used procedures employed in the animal literature for examining spatial memory could be developed for examining age-related cognitive decline in humans. The current review examines cross species considerations for implementing these tasks and translating findings across different levels of analysis. The specificity of brain systems as well as gaps in linking human and animal laboratory models is discussed.
Probing High Affinity Sequences of DNA Aptamer against VEGF165

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) is a potent angiogenic mitogen commonly overexpressed in cancerous cells. It contains two main binding domains, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and the heparin-binding domain (HBD). This study attempted to identify the specific sequences of the VEa5 DNA aptamer that exhibit high binding affinity towards the VEGF165 protein by truncating the original VEa5 aptamer into different segments. Using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy for binding affinity analysis, one of the truncated aptamers showed a >200-fold increase in the binding affinity for HBD. This truncated aptamer also exhibited high specificity to HBD with negligible binding affinity for VEGF121, an isoform of VEGF lacking HBD. Exposing colorectal cancer cells to the truncated aptamer sequence further confirmed the binding affinity and specificity of the aptamer to the target VEGF165 protein. Hence, our approach of aptamer truncation can potentially be useful in identifying high affinity aptamer sequences for the biological molecules and targeting them as antagonist for cancer cell detection.
Executive dysfunction is independently associated with reduced functional independence in heart failure.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To examine the independent association between executive function with instrumental activities of daily living and health behaviours in older adults with heart failure. BACKGROUND Executive function is an important contributor to functional independence as it consists of cognitive processes needed for decision-making, planning, organising and behavioural monitoring. Impairment in this domain is common in heart failure patients and associated with reduced performance of instrumental activities of daily living in many medical and neurological populations. However, the contribution of executive functions to functional independence and healthy lifestyle choices in heart failure patients has not been fully examined. DESIGN Cross-sectional analyses. METHODS One hundred and seventy-five heart failure patients completed a neuropsychological battery and echocardiogram. Participants also completed the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale and reported current cigarette use. RESULTS Hierarchical regressions revealed that reduced executive function was independently associated with worse instrumental activity of daily living performance with a specific association for decreased ability to manage medications. Partial correlations showed that executive dysfunction was associated with current cigarette use. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that executive dysfunction is associated with poorer functional independence and contributes to unhealthy behaviours in heart failure. Future studies should examine whether heart failure patients benefit from formal organisation schema (i.e. pill organisers) to maintain independence. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Screening of executive function in heart failure patients may provide key insight into their ability to perform daily tasks, including the management of treatment recommendations.
miR-148 Regulates Mitf in Melanoma Cells

The Microphthalmia associated transcription factor (Mitf) is an important regulator in melanocyte development and has been shown to be involved in melanoma progression. The current model for the role of Mitf in melanoma assumes that the total activity of the protein is tightly regulated in order to secure cell proliferation. Previous research has shown that regulation of Mitf is complex and involves regulation of expression, splicing, protein stability and post-translational modifications. Here we show that microRNAs (miRNAs) are also involved in regulating Mitf in melanoma cells. Sequence analysis revealed conserved binding sites for several miRNAs in the Mitf 3′UTR sequence. Furthermore, miR-148 was shown to affect Mitf mRNA expression in melanoma cells through a conserved binding site in the 3′UTR sequence of mouse and human Mitf. In addition we confirm the previously reported effects of miR-137 on Mitf. Other miRNAs, miR-27a, miR-32 and miR-124 which all have conserved binding sites in the Mitf 3′UTR sequence did not have effects on Mitf. Our data show that miR-148 and miR-137 present an additional level of regulating Mitf expression in melanocytes and melanoma cells. Loss of this regulation, either by mutations or by shortening of the 3′UTR sequence, is therefore a likely factor in melanoma formation and/or progression.
Conflict Between The Domains Of Work And Family: How Does It Affect Job Satisfaction For Small Business Executiv es?

The question “Does work-family conflict influence s mall business executives’ job satisfaction and is t his relationship moderated by job stress? ” was examined using a sample of 67 top executives from small bus inesses. Support was not found for increased job stress or d ecreased job satisfaction as a result of family int erfering with work. However, work-family conflict was found to have a negative direct relationship with job satisfaction a nd a positive direct association with job stress. Job stress was found to have a negative direct relationship with j ob satisfaction and be a mediator of the effect work-family conflict has o n job satisfaction.
Covariation in Life-History Traits: Differential Effects of Diet on Condition, Hormones, Behavior, and Reproduction in Genetic Finch Morphs

The relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors in determining variation in life-history traits is of central interest to evolutionary biologists, but the physiological mechanisms underlying these traits are still poorly understood. Here we experimentally demonstrate opposing effects of nutritional stress on immune function, endocrine physiology, parental care, and reproduction between red and black head-color morphs of the Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae). Although the body condition of black morphs was largely unaffected by diet manipulation, red birds were highly sensitive to dietary changes, exhibiting considerable within-individual changes in condition and immune function. Consequently, nutritionally stressed red birds delayed breeding, produced smaller broods, and reared fewer and lower-quality foster offspring than black morphs. Differences in offspring quality were largely due to morph-specific differences in parental effort: red morphs reduced parental provisioning, whereas black morphs adaptively elevated their provisioning effort to meet the increased nutritional demands of their foster brood. Nutritionally stressed genetic morphs also exhibited divergent glucocorticoid responses. Black morphs showed reduced corticosterone-binding globulin (CBG) concentrations and increased levels of free corticosterone, whereas red morphs exhibited reduced free corticosterone levels and elevated CBG concentrations. These opposing glucocorticoid responses highlight intrinsic differences in endocrine sensitivities and plasticity between genetic morphs, which may underlie the morph-specific differences in condition, behavior, and reproduction and thus ultimately contribute to the evolution and maintenance of color polymorphism.
Zika virus activates de novo and cross-reactive memory B cell responses in dengue-experienced donors

Preexisting dengue virus immunity could negatively affect protective antibody responses to Zika virus. For zika virus, experience counts For the immune system, practice makes perfect. Previous exposure to an infection elicits a stronger, faster memory response. But how does the immune system respond to a similar but not identical infection? Rogers et al. tracked the neutralizing antibody response to zika virus infection in individuals with and without previous exposure to the closely related dengue viruses. They found that zika virus infection primed the preexisting dengue virus response, but that this cross-reactive response was poorly neutralizing. In contrast, de novo zika virus responses were potently neutralizing. These data suggest that zika virus vaccines should target epitopes not present in dengue virus subtypes. Zika virus (ZIKV) shares a high degree of homology with dengue virus (DENV), suggesting that preexisting immunity to DENV could affect immune responses to ZIKV. We have tracked the evolution of ZIKV-induced B cell responses in three DENV-experienced donors. The acute antibody (plasmablast) responses were characterized by relatively high somatic hypermutation and a bias toward DENV binding and neutralization, implying the early activation of DENV clones. A DENV-naïve donor in contrast showed a classical primary plasmablast response. Five months after infection, the DENV-experienced donors developed potent type-specific ZIKV neutralizing antibody responses in addition to DENV cross-reactive responses. Because cross-reactive responses were poorly neutralizing and associated with enhanced ZIKV infection in vitro, preexisting DENV immunity could negatively affect protective antibody responses to ZIKV. The observed effects are epitope-dependent, suggesting that a ZIKV vaccine should be carefully designed for DENV-seropositive populations.
Drone delivery of medications: Review of the landscape and legal considerations.

Unmanned aerial systems (UASs), known colloquially as drones, constitute a rapidly growing market, with sales that tripled in the 12 months ending in April 2016. [1][1] These drones are being used innovatively for photography, racing, security, and architecture, and their use will soon include
Data-driven trafﬁc and diffusion modeling in peer-to-peer networks: A real case study

Peer-to-peer (p2p) systems have driven a lot of attention in the past decade as they have become a major source of Internet trafﬁc. The amount of data ﬂowing through the p2p network is huge and hence challenging both to comprehend and to control. In this work, we take advantage of a new and rich dataset recording p2p activity at a remarkable scale to address these difﬁcult problems. After extracting the relevant and measurable properties of the network from the data, we develop two models that aim to make the link between the low-level properties of the network, such as the proportion of peers that do not share content (i
SusE facilitates starch uptake independent of starch binding in B. thetaiotaomicron

The Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron starch utilization system (Sus) is a model system for nutrient acquisition by gut Bacteroidetes, a dominant phylum of gut bacteria. The Sus includes SusCDEFG, which assemble on the cell surface to capture, degrade and import starch. While SusD is an essential starch‐binding protein, the precise role(s) of the partially homologous starch‐binding proteins SusE and SusF has remained elusive. We previously reported that a non‐binding version of SusD (SusD*) supports growth on starch when other members of the multi‐protein complex are present. Here we demonstrate that SusE supports SusD* growth on maltooligosaccharides, and determine the domains of SusE essential for this function. Furthermore, we demonstrate that SusE does not need to bind starch to support growth in the presence of SusD*, suggesting that the assembly of SusCDE is most important for maltooligosaccharide uptake in this context. However, starch binding by proteins SusDEF directs the uptake of maltooligosaccharides of specific lengths, suggesting that these proteins equip the cell to scavenge a range of starch fragments. These data demonstrate that the assembly of core Sus proteins SusCDE is secondary to their glycan binding roles, but glycan binding by Sus proteins may fine tune the selection of glycans from the environment.
MELODY: A Long-Term Dynamic Quality-Aware Incentive Mechanism for Crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing allows requesters to allocate tasks to a group of workers on the Internet to make use of their collective intelligence. Quality control is a key design objective in incentive mechanisms for crowdsourcing as requesters aim at obtaining answers of high quality under a given budget. However, when measuring workers' long-term quality, existing mechanisms either fail to utilize workers' historical information, or treat workers' quality as stable and ignore its temporal characteristics, hence performing poorly in a long run. In this paper we propose MELODY, a long-term dynamic quality-aware incentive mechanism for crowdsourcing. MELODY models interaction between requesters and workers as reverse auctions that run continuously. In each run of MELODY, we design a truthful, individual rational, budget feasible and quality-aware algorithm for task allocation with polynomial-time computation complexity and O(1) performance ratio. Moreover, taking into consideration the long-term characteristics of workers' quality, we propose a novel framework in MELODY for quality inference and parameters learning based on Linear Dynamical Systems at the end of each run, which takes full advantage of workers' historical information and predicts their quality accurately. Through extensive simulations, we demonstrate that MELODY outperforms existing work in terms of both quality estimation (reducing estimation error by 17.6% ~ 24.2%) and social performance (increasing requester's utility by 18.2% ~ 46.6%) in long-term scenarios.
Edinburgh Research Explorer A genome-wide association search for type 2 diabetes genes in African Americans

African Americans are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes (T2DM) yet few studies have examined T2DM using genome-wide association approaches in this ethnicity. The aim of this study was to identify genes associated with T2DM in the African American population. We performed a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) using the Affymetrix 6.0 array in 965 African-American cases with T2DM and end-stage renal disease (T2DM-ESRD) and 1029 population-based controls. The most significant SNPs ( n =550 independent loci) were genotyped in a replication cohort and 122 SNPs (n=98 independent loci) were further tested through genotyping three additional validation cohorts followed by meta-analysis in all five cohorts totaling 3,132 cases and 3,317 controls. Twelve SNPs had evidence of association in the GWAS ( P , 0.0071), were directionally consistent in the Replication cohort and were associated with T2DM in subjects without nephropathy ( P , 0.05). Meta-analysis in all cases and controls revealed a single SNP reaching genome-wide significance ( P , 2.5 6 10 2 8 ). SNP rs7560163 ( P =7.0 6 10 2 9 , OR (95% CI)=0.75 (0.67–0.84)) is located intergenically between RND3 and RBM43 . Four additional loci (rs7542900, rs4659485, rs2722769 and rs7107217) were associated with T2DM (P , 0.05) and reached more nominal levels of significance ( P , 2.5 6 10 2 5 ) in the overall analysis and may represent novel loci that contribute to T2DM. We have identified novel T2DM-susceptibility variants in the African-American population. Notably, T2DM risk was associated with the major allele and implies an interesting genetic architecture in this population. These results suggest that multiple loci underlie T2DM susceptibility in the African-American population and that these loci are distinct from those identified in other ethnic populations. results were replicated in an additional sample recruited under identical ascertainment criteria. As a second stage of replication, a Validation study was carried in three to confirm the of As we findings in as to and