Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cardiorespiratory Fitness as a Correlate of Cardiovascular, Anthropometric, and Physical Risk Factors: Using the Ruffier Test as a Template

Background Assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a standard procedure in routine clinical practices. Early identification of risk factors through screening is vital in the fight against chronic diseases. Evaluation of CRF can impose cost implications in the clinical setting; thus, a simple and easy-to-use test is to be advocated. The Ruffier test is a simple test that can assess CRF, and it is necessary to find whether the test reflects the effects of compounding factors in CRF. Objective This study aims to determine the association between CRF (estimated VO2max) with cardiovascular, anthropometric, and physical risk factors using the Ruffier test. Methods A cross-sectional study with a sample of 52 male participants was conducted. Before the Ruffier test, each participant's body weight, height, waist circumference, skinfold thickness, thigh length, lower-limb length, thigh circumference, physical activity, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and pulmonary functions were recorded, and these factors correlated with CRF. Results There was a significant inverse relationship found between the estimated VO2max and age, height, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, a sum of skinfold, fat percentage, thigh length, lower-limb length, thigh circumference, smoking, blood pressure, heart rates, and diabetes (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between the estimated VO2max with physical activity and respiratory functions (p < 0.05). In the multivariable model, body weight and resting heart rate were significantly inversely associated with the estimated VO2max(p < 0.05). Conclusion Using the Ruffier test, various risk factors of CRF are correlated with the estimated VO2max. This test reflects the effects of different compounding factors on CRF; therefore, it can be used in routine clinical practices to identify the risk factors early.
Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling Using UHPLC-QTOF/MS Reveals Metabolic Alterations Associated with Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a clinical spectrum of neurodevelopment disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction along with repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. The current diagnosis for autism relies entirely on clinical evaluation and has many limitations. In this study, we aim to elucidate the potential mechanism behind autism and establish a series of potential biomarkers for diagnosis. Here, we established an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry- (UHPLC-QTOF/MS-) based metabonomic approach to discriminate the metabolic modifications between the cohort of autism patients and the healthy subjects. UHPLC-QTOF/MS analysis revealed that 24 of the identified potential biomarkers were primarily involved in amino acid or lipid metabolism and the tryptophan kynurenine pathway. The combination of nicotinamide, anthranilic acid, D-neopterin, and 7,8-dihydroneopterin allows for discrimination between ASD patients and controls, which were validated in an independent autism case-control cohort. The results indicated that UHPLC-QTOF/MS-based metabolomics is capable of rapidly profiling autism metabolites and is a promising technique for the discovery of potential biomarkers related to autism.
Inhibition of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Protects against Inflammation through a Toll-like Receptor-Related Pathway after Diffuse Axonal Injury in Rats

Objective We have previously demonstrated that inflammation induced by toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2/4 exert cerebral deleterious effects after diffuse axonal injury (DAI); however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in inflammatory responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of MIF in inflammation induced by TLRs in the cortices of DAI rats. Methods The rat DAI model was established by head rotational acceleration and confirmed by β-APP, HE, and silver staining. MIF protein expression at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 1 d, and 3 d after DAI was measured by western blot. The localization of MIF was measured by immunofluorescence. MIF antagonist ISO-1 was intracerebroventricularly injected to inhibit MIF. Neuronal and axonal injury and glial responses were assessed by TUNEL, immunohistochemistry, and TEM. Expression of TLR2, TLR4, ERK, phospho-ERK, NF-κB, and phospho-NF-κB was examined by western blot. The level of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was measured by ELISA. Results MIF expression was significantly increased, peaking at 1 day after DAI, and MIF was mainly localized in microglial cells and neurons. ISO-1 suppressed neuronal apoptosis, axonal injury, and glial responses and decreased the expression of downstream signaling molecules related to TLR2/4, including ERK, phospho-ERK, NF-κB, phospho-NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Conclusion MIF was involved in the neuronal and axonal damage through a TLR-related pathway following DAI.
miR-376c-3p modulates the properties of breast cancer stem cells by targeting RAB2A

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) negatively regulate gene expression and participate in various cellular processes. miRNA dysregulation is associated with cancer progression. The present study aimed to identify the miRNAs that participate in breast cancer tumorigenesis and determine the mechanism that underlies this. miRNA microarray data analysis and validation assays indicated that miR-376c-3p was downregulated in breast tumour tissues and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues and MCF-10A cells, respectively. Ras-related protein Rab-2A (RAB2A) was predicted as a target of miR-376c-3p, which was confirmed by conducting further experiments. miR-376c-3p regulated the BCSC population and the expression of stem cell regulatory genes by targeting RAB2A. By performing mammosphere, Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation and transwell invasion assays, it was demonstrated that miR-376c-3p also inhibited BCSC self-renewal, proliferation and invasion by regulating RAB2A expression. Using a xenograft mouse model, it was revealed that miR-376c-3p overexpression suppressed breast cancer growth in vivo. In conclusion, the results indicated that miR-376c-3p targeted RAB2A to regulate BCSC fate and properties; therefore, miR-376c-3p may serve as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Hydrogen: A Novel Option in Human Disease Treatment

H2 has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ability in many clinical trials, and its application is recommended in the latest Chinese novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) treatment guidelines. Clinical experiments have revealed the surprising finding that H2 gas may protect the lungs and extrapulmonary organs from pathological stimuli in NCP patients. The potential mechanisms underlying the action of H2 gas are not clear. H2 gas may regulate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, mitochondrial energy metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum stress, the immune system, and cell death (apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and circadian clock, among others) and has therapeutic potential for many systemic diseases. This paper reviews the basic research and the latest clinical applications of H2 gas in multiorgan system diseases to establish strategies for the clinical treatment for various diseases.
Observational Study Comparing Efficacy and Safety between Neoadjuvant Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy and Chemotherapy for Patients with Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer

Objective Dismal outcomes in patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer (GC) highlight the need for effective systemic neoadjuvant treatment strategies to improve clinical results. Neoadjuvant multimodality strategies vary widely. This study compared the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of neoadjuvant CCRT and chemotherapy for such patients. Materials and Methods Sixty-five patients with histologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic GC following neoadjuvant CCRT or computed tomography (CT) were retrospectively enrolled between January 2010 and April 2019. Clinical outcomes included response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), and toxicity was compared between the two groups. Results Of the 65 patients, 18 (27.7%) were in the response group (2 patients with a complete response and 16 with a partial response) and 47 (72.3%) in the nonresponse group (29 patients with a stable disease and 18 with a progressive disease). Multivariate analysis revealed no independent response predictor between CCRT and chemotherapy groups (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, results revealed no statistical differences in toxicity between the two groups (all P > 0.05). With a follow-up median of 12 months (ranging 6–48 months), 12-month OS and PFS were 39.7% and 20.4% in the CCRT group and 30.3% and 13.2% in the chemotherapy group, respectively. The median OS and PFS were 14.0 months (95% CI 9.661–18.339) and 9.0 months (95% CI 6.805–11.195) in the CCRT group and 10.0 months (95% CI 6.523–13.477) and 8.0 months (95% CI 6.927–9.073) in the chemotherapy group, respectively. Both OS (P=0.011) and PFS (P=0.008) in patients with CCRT were significantly better than those in patients with chemotherapy alone. Conclusion Neoadjuvant CCRT achieved more favorable OS and PFS than did neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, without significant increases of toxicity in patients. However, prospective randomized trials comparing treatment modalities are necessary to confirm the potential advantages of neoadjuvant CCRT.
Saturated NaCI‐CTAB solution as a means of field preservation of leaves for DNA analyses

Details of a method for preserving leaves for subsequent DNA analyses using a solution that is saturated (obviating precise field weighing of chemicals) with both NaCl and CTAB are presented. Since the dry ingredients are easy to obtain and transport, the method can be utilized even at very remote sites. Results from fresh versus preserved leaves of Podophyllum, Polyalthia (3 spp.), and Taraxacum demonstrate that DNA suitable for restriction fragment analysis can be obtained from leaves that have been stored in the solution for up to one month at ambient temperatures and then frozen for over one year at -20? C (ultracold storage at -70? C is not necessary). Degradation of DNA with this new method appears to be less for some taxa than with previously proposed DNA extraction methods using dried leaves. Analyses of DNA from leaves collected at remote rain forest sites are demonstrated.
Dual Role of MSC-Derived Exosomes in Tumor Development

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a class of adult stem cells derived from the mesoderm. They can self-renew, have multidirectional differentiation potential, and can differentiate into a variety of mesenchymal tissues. MSCs can produce a large number of exosomes, which can mediate information exchange and transmission between cells in the tumor microenvironment under conditions of rest or stress. Recent studies have reported conflicting findings regarding the effect of MSC-derived exosomes on tumors. Some studies have suggested that MSC-derived exosomes can promote tumor growth and metastasis, but others have reported that they can inhibit tumor cell growth. Here, we investigate the two sides of the debate regarding the effect of MSC-derived exosomes on tumors and analyze the reasons for the divergent findings.
Flying Inverted Pendulum On AR.Drone Using Differential Flatness Control and RISC Multi-Agent Analysis Platform*

The purpose of this project was to demonstrate trajectory control of an inverted pendulum atop a quadrotor. In this paper we discuss how we exploit the differential ﬂatness of the combined systems to achieve trajectory control of the pendulum tip. Some work has been done on ﬂying inverted pendulums[1]. However, as far as we are aware, arbitrary trajectory control us-ing differential ﬂatness has not been attempted on the combined system of an inverted pendulum and quadrotor until now.
New wind input term through experimental, theoretical and numerical consideration

We offer a new method for determination of the wind input term Sin responsible for flux of energy and momentum transfer to the wind-driven sea. This method is based on analysis of experimental data collected at different sites and their comparison with anal ytical solutions of Hasselmann equation.The validity of new wind input term is confirmed through comparis on of the results of numerical simulation of Hasselmann equation with experimental data.
Aberrant Driving Behaviours on Risk Involvement among Drivers in China

The purpose of this study is to validate the version of Driver Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) by considering distractions, fatigue, and drunk driving, the main reasons for accidents in China, as independent parts of violations and errors and further explore the effects of demographic/driving variables and all factors on risk involvement (accident involvement and penalized points). 241 drivers filled in a self-completion questionnaire with 28 items conducted in Xi’an in August 2018. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a five-factor structure, including violations, distracted driving, errors, drunk driving, and fatigued driving. The frequency of aberrant driving behaviours indicated that distractions were the most prevalent behaviours followed by fatigue. The results showed that drivers with lower education and longer annual mileages were positive with accident involvement while there was no significance in penalized points. Violations and distractions were important factors causing both accidents and penalized points. Therefore, it is effective to reduce accident involvement by establishing educational training and related laws or installing intelligent monitor vehicle equipment to warn drivers to improve safety.
A Comparison of T2 Relaxation-Based MRI Stroke Timing Methods in Hyperacute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

Background: T2 relaxation-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signals may provide onset time for acute ischemic strokes with an unknown onset. The ability of visual and quantitative MRI-based methods in a cohort of hyperacute ischemic stroke patients was studied. Methods: A total of 35 patients underwent 3T (3 Tesla) MRI (<9-hour symptom onset). Diffusion-weighted (DWI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), T1-weighted (T1w), T2-weighted (T2w), and T2 relaxation time (T2) images were acquired. T2-weighted fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) images were acquired for 17 of these patients. Image intensity ratios of the average intensities in ischemic and non-ischemic reference regions were calculated for ADC, DWI, T2w, T2 relaxation, and FLAIR images, and optimal image intensity ratio cut-offs were determined. DWI and FLAIR images were assessed visually for DWI/FLAIR mismatch. Results: The T2 relaxation time image intensity ratio was the only parameter with significant correlation with stroke duration (r = 0.49, P = .003), an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC = 0.77, P < .0001), and an optimal cut-off (T2 ratio = 1.072) that accurately identified patients within the 4.5-hour thrombolysis treatment window with sensitivity of 0.74 and specificity of 0.74. In the patients with the additional FLAIR, areas under the precision-recall-gain curve (AUPRG) and F1 scores showed that the T2 relaxation time ratio (AUPRG = 0.60, F1 = 0.73) performed considerably better than the FLAIR ratio (AUPRG = 0.39, F1 = 0.57) and the visual DWI/FLAIR mismatch (F1 = 0.25). Conclusions: Quantitative T2 relaxation time is the preferred MRI parameter in the assessment of patients with unknown onset for treatment stratification.
WHO EMRO | Mental health: the forgotten aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic

1Department of Social Medicine, Neurosciences Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran. 2 Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. 3 Department of Social Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran. (Correspondence to: behshidgarrusi@gmail.com; Bgarrusi@kmu.ac.ir).
Is There a Link between BMI and Adolescents' Educational Choices and Expectations?

IZA DP No. 13685 SEPTEMBER 2020 Is There a Link between BMI and Adolescents’ Educational Choices and Expectations? * One of the most claimed links in the health and education literature is that education prevents from the risk of overweight, and the negative link between education and BMI is up to now out of questioning. More educated adults tend to have lower body mass index (BMI) and a lower risk of overweight and obesity. However, recent literature started questioning the mechanism behind this education gradient in BMI. A more recent and alternative explanation is that the BMI-education gradient hides a selection mechanism, which makes adolescents with higher BMI are less likely to plan for, attend, and complete higher levels of education. In this paper we test for the selection mechanism behind the link between education and BMI by estimating the impact of adolescents’ BMI on mediumlong-term educational expectations and short-term school choices, while controlling for the potential endogeneity of BMI. Our IV estimates indicate that individuals with higher BMI have lower academic aspirations and are less likely to attend high school after finishing compulsory education, which is a pre-condition of the intentions to go college. These results support the selection (reverse causality) mechanism. JEL Classification: I24, I29
POSITIVENESS FOR THE RIEMANNIAN GEODESIC BLOCK MATRIX

It has been shown that the geometric mean A#B of positive definite Hermitian matrices A and B is the maximal element X of Hermitian matrices such that ( A X X B ) is positive semi-definite. As an extension of this result for the 2 × 2 block matrix, we consider in this article the block matrix [[A#wijB]] whose (i, j) block is given by the Riemannian geodesics of positive definite Hermitian matrices A and B, where wij ∈ R for all 1 ≤ i, j ≤ m. Under certain assumption of the Loewner order for A and B, we establish the equivalent condition for the parameter matrix ω = [wij ] such that the block matrix [[A#wijB]] is positive semi-definite.
Spectral Performance Optimization of Small Telescopes For Space Object Detection

Successful tracking and detection of resident space objects (RSOs) in an urban environment such as Atlanta, GA requires optimizing spectral filters for the effects of wavelength dependent atmospheric scattering, material reflectance, and emitted city light pollution. In this study, we perform a multispectral optimization for the Georgia Tech Space Object Research Telescope across the visible through infrared spectrum that accounts for atmospheric turbulence, atmospheric transmission, and background sky radiance. The first contribution of this work is the development of a wavelength-dependent performance metric for the detection of RSOs under different atmospheric conditions. The second contribution is the derivation of a simplified model for light pollution that is based on existing astronomy models. This simplified model accounts for double scattering of light and can be used for adding a light pollution component to sky background results that are generated by complex atmospheric simulation tools. The final contribution is the derivation of novel spectral filters that are tuned to the sub-optimal atmospheric seeing conditions of Atlanta, GA and the RSO materials that are considered in this study. While this study is developed for the geographic region of Atlanta, GA and uses simplified reflectance models for RSOs, it can easily be expanded upon and generalized in future studies.
d’une base d’images

This article deals with a work on content-based multiresolution retrieval of images in a paleonto-logy images database. Our technique consists in extracting several multiresolution parameters from the wavelets coe(cid:14)cients of each image. Those parameters are automatically classi(cid:12)ed using k-means algorithm to build similar images families. For each family, a model image is built and is chosen to represent the family in a research tree. Our approach offers users a visual research tree to browse the database allowing multi-resolution progressive retrieval techniques.
Optical imaging of faint geosynchronous debris with the Isaac Newton Telescope

In the six decades following the launch of Sputnik 1, thousands of satellites have been placed in orbit around the Earth. It has become increasingly apparent that this number is now dwarfed by a population of artificial debris originating from launch hardware, break-ups and long-term deterioration. Recent anomalies exhibited by the geostationary satellites Intelsat 29e, AMC-9 and Telkom 1 have highlighted the existence of a relatively uncharacterized population of faint debris at geosynchronous (GEO) altitudes, where there are no natural removal mechanisms. Previous attempts to catalogue these objects have employed the use of 1 m class optical telescopes, but regular monitoring is challenging, thus our knowledge remains sparse. We conducted a blind survey of faint geosynchronous debris using eight nights of dark/grey time on the 2.54 m Isaac Newton Telescope in La Palma, Canary Islands. A total of 129 objects with on-sky angular rates consistent with GEO were detected. We probe down to V = 21, corresponding to objects ∼ 10 cm assuming an albedo of 0.1. We compare our sampled population to those of earlier surveys. The faint end of our brightness distribution continues to grow until the sensitivity limit is reached, suggesting that the modal brightness could be even fainter. Perhaps most interestingly, a subset of faint, uncorrelated detections are rapidly tumbling such that they straddle the limiting magnitude of our observations over the course of a single exposure. These pose a rather complex issue due to the difficulty in obtaining an estimate of object size with such variation in brightness. We present a preliminary analysis based on light curves extracted from our sampled population of objects in the GEO regime. This work is part of an ongoing collaboration between the University of Warwick and the Defence Science & Technology Laboratory to investigate the population of faint geosynchronous debris.
Project Proposal: Probabilistic Universal Algebra

Universal algebra is a well-established field of mathematics with significant applications to computer science. It provides an abstract framework for studying various types of algebras and their properties. An algebra is a pair of a carrier set A, and a set of operations having the type fA : A n → A, for fA being an n-ary operation, instantiating an n-ary operation symbol f in the signature. Classes of algebras can be identified by equational properties. A simple example is a semigroup: a set and an associative binary operation on it. Algebraic structures are everywhere. In theoretical computer science, they appear for example in process calculi [23, 2, 6], in semantics of programming languages and in functional programming, in formal languages and automata theory [25, 15, 26, 5]. In mathematics, for example as groups, rings, lattices, etc. At the very abstract end of universal algebra is categorical algebra [1]. Category theory [19] provides an even more abstract framework revealing the underlying common principles and structure behind (classes of) algebras. In recent years relaxed/imperfect computation has been a promising and flourishing line of research. Probabilistic [3, 27] and quantitatively relaxed systems, even as concrete as concurrent data structures [11, 13, 10, 16] provide the potential for better performance and modelling of realistic scenarios. On the mathematical side, nondeterministic [4, 9], fractional [17, 18], and quantitative [20, 14] algebras have been introduced.