Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human athletic paleobiology; using sport as a model to investigate human evolutionary adaptation

Abstract The use of sport as a conceptual framework offers unprecedented opportunities to improve our understanding of what the body does, shedding new light on our evolutionary trajectory, our capacity for adaptation, and the underlying biological mechanisms. This approach has gained traction over recent years. To date, sport has facilitated exploration not only of the evolutionary history of our species as a whole, but also of human variation and adaptation at the interindividual and intraindividual levels. At the species level, analysis of lower and upper limb biomechanics and energetics with respect to walking, running and throwing have led to significant advances in the understanding of human adaptations relative to other hominins. From an interindividual perspective, investigation of physical activity patterns and endurance running performance is affording greater understanding of evolved constraints of energy expenditure, thermoregulatory energetics, signaling theory, and morphological variation. Furthermore, ultra‐endurance challenges provoke functional trade‐offs, allowing new ground to be broken in the study of life history trade‐offs and human adaptability. Human athletic paleobiology—the recruitment of athletes as study participants and the use of contemporary sports as a model for studying evolutionary theory—has great potential. Here, we draw from examples in the literature to provide a review of how the use of athletes as a model system is enhancing understanding of human evolutionary adaptation.
Employment status and contributing factors among adults with congenital heart disease in Japan

Working is an important concern in transitional care for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) because work connects people with society. Employment status is correlated with gender, but studies on patient employment by gender have rarely been conducted. This study therefore aimed to examine the employment status of ACHD by gender and to explore the factors influencing this status.
Genome-wide SNP typing of ancient DNA: Determination of hair and eye color of Bronze Age humans from their skeletal remains.

OBJECTIVE A genome-wide high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing method was tested with respect of the applicability to ancient and degraded DNA. The results were compared to mini-sequencing data achieved through single base extension (SBE) typing. The SNPs chosen for the study allow to determine the hair colors and eye colors of humans. MATERIAL AND METHODS The DNA samples were extracted from the skeletal remains of 59 human individuals dating back to the Late Bronze Age. The 3,000 years old bones had been discovered in the Lichtenstein Cave in Lower Saxony, Germany. The simultaneous typing of 24 SNPs for each of the ancient DNA samples was carried out using the 192.24 Dynamic Array™ by Fluidigm®. RESULTS Thirty-eight of the ancient samples (=64%) revealed full and reproducible SNP genotypes allowing hair and eye color phenotyping. In 10 samples (=17%) at least half of the SNPs were unambiguously determined, in 11 samples (=19%) the SNP typing failed. For 23 of the 59 individuals, a comparison of the SNP typing results with genotypes from an earlier performed SBE typing approach was possible. The comparison confirmed the full concordance of the results for 90% of the SNP typings. In the remaining 10% allelic dropouts were identified. DISCUSSION The high genotyping success rate could be achieved by introducing modifications to the preamplification protocol mainly by increasing the DNA input and the amplification cycle number. The occurrence of allelic dropouts indicates that a further increase of DNA input to the preamplification step is desirable.
Methods for Calibration of Specimen Temperature During In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Experiments

Abstract One of the biggest challenges for in situ heating transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is the ability to measure the local temperature of the specimen accurately. Despite technological improvements in the construction of TEM/STEM heating holders, the problem of being able to measure the real sample temperature is still the subject of considerable discussion. In this study, we review the present literature on methodologies for temperature calibration. We analyze calibration methods that require the use of a thermometric material in addition to the specimen under study, as well as methods that can be performed directly on the specimen of interest without the need for a previous calibration. Finally, an overview of the most important characteristics of all the treated techniques, including temperature ranges and uncertainties, is provided in order to provide an accessory database to consult before an in situ TEM/STEM temperature calibration experiment.
A systematic review of acute exercise as a coadjuvant treatment of ADHD in young people.

BACKGROUND There are studies that show preliminary evidence of the benefits of physical exercise for people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The objective of the research being reported here was to carry out a systematic review of articles relating to the effects that exercise sessions have on children and adolescents with this pathology. METHOD The total sample of studies considered was 1,723, of which only 11 met the eligibility criteria. RESULTS The research included in this review showed that children with ADHD undertaking exercise experienced improvements in their characteristic symptoms, mainly attention deficit and hyperactivity, in comparison to other sedentary tasks such as watching a video. Five minutes of jumping or thirty minutes on a treadmill or static bicycle were enough to produce appreciable improvements in inhibitory control or in cognitive and executive functions. Benefits following exercise were also seen in other aspects such as reaction times and preparation for response, motor skills or brain activity. CONCLUSION The findings make us optimistic that in the future physical exercise may become an alternative, or at least an effective complement, to the pharmacological treatments currently used for this pathology.
Astrocyte‐Encapsulated Hydrogel Microfibers Enhance Neuronal Circuit Generation

Astrocytes, the most representative glial cells in the brain, play a multitude of crucial functions for proper neuronal development and synaptic‐network formation, including neuroprotection as well as physical and chemical support. However, little attention has been paid, in the neuroregenerative medicine and related fields, to the cytoprotective incorporation of astrocytes into neuron‐culture scaffolds and full‐fledged functional utilization of encapsulated astrocytes for controlled neuronal development. In this article, a 3D neurosupportive culture system for enhanced induction of neuronal circuit generation is reported, where astrocytes are confined in hydrogel microfibers and protected from the outside. The astrocyte‐encapsulated microfibers significantly accelerate the neurite outgrowth and guide its directionality, and enhance the synaptic formation, without any physical contact with the neurons. This astrocyte‐laden system provides a pivotal culture scaffold for advanced development of cell‐based therapeutics for neural injuries, such as spinal cord injury.
Exploiting natural variation in root system architecture via Genome Wide Association Studies.

Root growth and development has become an important research topic for breeders and researchers based on a growing need to adapt plants to changing and more demanding environmental conditions worldwide. Over the last few years, Genome Wide Association Studies (GWASs) became an important tool to identify the link between traits in the field and their genetic background. In this review, we give an overview of the current literature concerning GWASs performed on Root System Architecture (RSA) in plants. We summarize which root traits and approaches have been used for GWAS mentioning their respective success rate towards a successful gene discovery. Furthermore, we zoom in on the current technical hurdles in root phenotyping and GWAS and discuss future possibilities in this field of research.
Vascular branching geometry relating to portal hypertension: a study of liver microvasculature in cirrhotic rats by X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography.

Background Portal hypertension is one of the major complications of cirrhosis. The changes in hepatic microvasculature are considered as critical pathophysiological characteristics of portal hypertension. X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (PCCT) is a new imaging technique that can detect liver vessels at a micrometric level without contrast agents. Methods In this study, male Sprague-Dawley rats with liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or bile duct ligation (BDL) were investigated with PCCT. The portal pressures of rats were recorded before euthanasia. The branch angle and Murray's deviation (MD) were measured based on the branching geometry of the three-dimensional (3D) microvasculature of liver cirrhosis in rats. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the correlation between branching geometry and portal pressure in liver fibrosis. Results The results demonstrated that the branch angle and MD significantly increased in the CCl4 model and BDL model compared with their corresponding normal group or sham group. The portal pressure was significantly correlated with the branching morphologic features (all R≥0.761 and P<0.01). Conclusions The branch angle and MD could accurately distinguish portal pressure in cirrhotic rats, suggesting that branching geometric characteristics of the microvasculature may be a promising marker in the prognosis of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis.
Long-Term Effect of a Nonrandomized Psychosocial Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Hispanic/Latina Breast Cancer Survivors

Background: There is a paucity of research on the long-term impact of stress-reduction in Hispanic/Latina breast cancer (BC) survivors, a growing minority. In this article, we assess the long-term efficacy of an 8-week training program in mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on quality of life (QoL) in Hispanic BC survivors. Methods: Hispanic BC survivors, within the first 5 years of diagnosis, stages I to III BC, were recruited. Participants were enrolled in bilingual, 8-week intensive group training in MBSR and were asked to practice a- home, daily. They were also provided with audio recordings and a book on mindfulness practices. Patient-reported outcomes for QoL and distress were evaluated at baseline, and every 3 months, for 24 months. Results: Thirty-three self-identified Hispanic women with BC completed the MBSR program and were followed at 24 months. Statistically significant reduction was noted for the Generalized Anxiety Disorder measure (mean change −2.39, P=0.04); and Patient Health Questionnaire (mean change −2.27, P=0.04), at 24 months, compared with baseline. Improvement was noted in the Short-Form 36 Health-related QoL Mental Component Summary with an increase of 4.07 (95% confidence interval = 0.48-7.66, P=0.03). However, there was no significant change in the Physical Component Summary. Conclusions: Hispanic BC survivors who participated in an 8-week MBSR–based survivorship program reported persistent benefits with reduced anxiety, depression, and improved mental health QoL over 24 months of follow-up. Stress reduction programs are beneficial and can be implemented as part of a comprehensive survivorship care in BC patients.
Association of Local Epicardial Adipose Tissue Depots and Left Ventricular Diastolic Performance in Patients With Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND Although full-volume quantification of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a predictor of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), how localized EAT depots are linked to LVDD remains unclear. We evaluated the effect of local EAT depots on LV diastolic function parameters in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods and Results:From 423 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac CT angiography, we recruited 252 with sinus rhythm and normal LVEF. The EAT volume index (EATV/body surface area) and the localized EAT thickness around the right coronary artery (EATRCA), left anterior descending artery (EATLAD), left circumflex artery (EATLCX), right ventricle (EATRV), left ventricle (EATLV), right atrium (EATRA), and left atrium (EATLA) were measured using cardiac CT. In the LVDD group (n=71), the EATV index (75±30 vs. 64±28 mL/m2, P=0.010), EATLCX(10.7±3.8 vs. 9.4±3.4 mm, P=0.008), and EATLV(2.6±1.6 vs. 2.1±1.4 mm, P=0.024) were greater than in the non-LVDD group (n=181). In contrast, EATLCXand EATLVwere markedly associated with decreased lateral e' and increased lateral E/e'. Multiple regression analysis indicated that EATLCXand EATLVwere strongly associated with LV diastolic function parameters. CONCLUSIONS Localized EAT depots are linked to altered mitral annular motion. Further study is warranted to clarify whether localized EAT depots are functionally linked to the clinical manifestations of LVDD.
Molecular entrapment by RNA: an emerging tool for disrupting protein–RNA interactions in vivo

ABSTRACT mRNA function is controlled by RNA-binding proteins. The specificity of RNA-binding factors for their targets is critical in that it enables all subsequent regulation. Despite widespread recognition of the pervasive role RNA-binding proteins play in development and disease, they remain challenging to target with small molecules. A renaissance in RNA therapeutics has led to the identification of modifications that substantially increase RNA stability. When combined with information regarding specificity, a new class of oligonucleotide mimics has emerged as a means to competitively disrupt the regulation of endogenous substrates. These decoys have been used to inhibit RNA-binding proteins in living animals. Decoys will likely provide new insights into the expansive roles of RNA-binding proteins in biology and disease. Here, we describe examples where they have been used and discuss how they could be applied to new targets.
Board Invited Review - Cattle adapted to tropical and subtropical environments (I): social, nutritional, and carcass quality considerations.

Beef production needs to increase from 60 million to 130 million tons by 2050 to feed a growing world population, and 70% of this production increase is expected from beef industries located in subtropical and tropical regions of the world. Bos indicus-influenced cattle predominate in these regions, but are often managed using practices developed for B. taurus breeds reared in temperate climates. Hence, a fundamental step to meet the increasing global demand for beef is to develop specific management for B. indicus-influenced cattle in tropical or subtropical environments. Bos taurus and B. indicus are different subspecies, and diverge in social and biological functions due to selection pressure caused by complex evolutionary and domestication processes. Bos indicus cattle display different social responses compared to B. taurus counterparts, which must be taken into account by management planning as these traits directly impact cattle performance and welfare. In tropical and subtropical regions, warm-season perennial C4 grasses are the dominant forages, and their availability has a significant influence on productivity of beef cattle systems. The resilience of C4 grasses under adverse conditions is one of their most important characteristics, even though these forages have reduced nutritive value compared with forages from temperate climates. Accordingly, nutritional planning in tropical and subtropical conditions must include management to optimize quantity and quality of C4 forages. Nutritional requirements of cattle raised within these conditions also require special attention, including inherent metabolic compromises to cope with environmental constraints and altered energy requirements due to body composition and heat tolerance. Nutritional interventions to enhance beef production need to be specifically tailored and validated in B. indicus-influenced cattle. As an example, supplementation programs during gestation or early life to elicit fetal programming or metabolic imprinting effects, respectively, yield discrepant outcomes between subspecies. Bos indicus-influenced cattle produce carcasses with less marbling than B. taurus cattle, despite recent genetic and management advances. This outcome is mostly related to reduced intramuscular adipocyte volume in B. indicus breeds, suggesting lesser need for energy stored intramuscularly as a mechanism to improve thermotolerance in tropical and subtropical climates.
Serologic Screening for Genital Herpes: An Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the USPSTF

RESULTS A total of 17 studies (n = 9736 participants; range, 24-3290) in 19 publications were included. No RCTs compared screening with no screening. Most studies of the accuracy of screening tests were from populations with high HSV-2 prevalence (greater than 40% based on Western blot). Pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity of the most commonly used test at the manufacturer’s cutpoint were 99% (95% CI, 97%-100%) and 81% (95% CI, 68%-90%), respectively (10 studies; n = 6537). At higher cutpoints, pooled estimates were 95% (95% CI, 91%-97%) and 89% (95% CI, 82%-93%), respectively (7 studies; n = 5516). Use of this test at the manufacturer’s cutpoint in a population of 100 000 with a prevalence of HSV-2 of 16% (the seroprevalence in US adults with unknown symptom status) would result in 15 840 true-positive results and 15 960 false-positive results (positive predictive value, 50%). Serologic screening for genital herpes was associated with psychosocial harms, including distress and anxiety related to positive test results. Four RCTs compared preventive medications with placebo, 2 in nonpregnant asymptomatic adults who were HSV-2 seropositive and 2 in HSV-2–serodiscordant couples. Results in both populations were heterogeneous and inconsistent.
STRUCTURAL BONDING IN CUSTOMER-SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP:-THE CASE OF PROSUMER VERSUS CONSUMER -

Structural bonding in a customer-supplier exchange relationship can come with and from economic effects for that relationship. These effects are due to increased efficiency and effectiveness in operations and value-creation shared by both partners. This applies to prosumer-supplier relationships mainly and not or to a lesser degree to consumer-supplier relationships. The nature of the typical bonded prosumer-supplier relationships is value creation with mutual contribution, sharing of gains and mutual dependency. Creating joint gains in a prosumer-supplier relationship can outweigh the loss customers perceive with bonding; that is the loss of freedom to switch opportunistically to better offers of competing suppliers. In contrast to prosumers, consumers may accept being bonded only if they are compensated by the supplier for giving up this freedom of constantly testing the market and of opportunistically switching suppliers.
The Distributional E ects of Government Spending Shocks∗

This paper studies the distributional e ects of government spending shocks, and examines how postwar U.S. government spending policy has a ected inequality. I distinguish between government goods purchases and government employee compensation, and take into account the heterogeneity among households. I show that shocks to government goods purchases have substantially di erent distributional e ects than to government employment. The heterogeneity in households' responses comes from two sources: (i) changes in factor prices resulting from the shocks, (ii) di erent income structures of households due to the di erence in wealth. Shocks to the two components of government spending have opposite e ects on interest rates and wage rates. Therefore, through the price channel, these two shocks result in signi cantly di erent distributional e ects. Quantitative investigation is conducted using a calibrated heterogeneous-agents model with incomplete markets. My analysis reveals that the postwar U.S. government spending policy has ampli ed consumption and wealth inequalities. JEL Classi cation: E32, E62, H30, H31
Text Polarity Detection using Multiple Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms

Sentiment analysis is the classifying of a review, opinion or a statement into categories, which brings clarity about specific sentiments of customers or the concerned group to businesses and developers. These categorized data are very critical to the development of businesses and understanding the public opinion. The need for accurate opinion and large-scale sentiment analysis on social media platforms is growing day by day. In this paper, a number of machine learning algorithms are trained and applied on twitter datasets and their respective accuracies are determined separately on different polarities of data, thereby giving a glimpse to which algorithm works best and which works worst.
CHAPTER 8 Practical Logicand Autism

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, contemporary social theory remains at a loss to articulate the relation between structure and agency in constituting social life. The paradigm shift towards constructivist perspectives brought a new vocabulary to social and cultural analysis, one which cast members as players in the game of life, as actively manipulating symbols and behavioral principles to strategically manage the contingencies of fluid social situations. Decades after Garfinkel and Bourdieu presented their brilliant treatises on practice, however, we are still hovering around the notions of practical reasoning and practical logic and their relation to social order and “common culture,” including categories, rules, common sense, and other “objective regularities” of local knowledge. In Bourdieu’s writings, for example, we learn far more about what practical logic is not than what it is: “Practice has a logic which is not that of the logician” (1990a: 86). Indeed, we are cautioned against rigorous probing of practical logic, with emphasis on the supposition that the relation of members’ habitus to fluid circumstances is inherently vague:
Movement Prediction of Three Bouncing Balls

Recurrent neural network(RNN) has been widely used in the processing of sequential data, including tasks like video prediction and natural language processing. Specifically, ConvLSTM model[1] is powerful in learning image sequential information. However, training such models requires a high computational cost in terms of time and space. To address this challenge, we extend the classic convolutional neural network(CNN) with two additional layers called ”tendency layer”, which captures the differences between two consecutive image frames, and ”attention layer”, which learns to focus on the most relevant input frame. We evaluate our methods on two datasets, three bouncing balls and Weizmann human action[29], observe that our models generate comparative results as RNN model like ConvLSTM but with substantial improvement in training efficiency.