Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bi-Directional Relationship Between Self-Regulation and Improved Eating: Temporal Associations With Exercise, Reduced Fatigue, and Weight Loss

ABSTRACT. Severely obese men and women (body mass index ≥ 35 ≤ 55 kg/m2; Mage = 44.8 years, SD = 9.3) were randomly assigned to a 6-month physical activity support treatment paired with either nutrition education (n = 83) or cognitive-behavioral nutrition (n = 82) methods for weight loss. Both groups had significant improvements in physical activity, fatigue, self-regulation for eating, and fruit and vegetable intake. Compared to those in the nutrition education group, participants in the behavioral group demonstrated greater overall increases in fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity. These group differences were associated with changes that occurred after Month 3. Increased physical activity predicted reduced fatigue, β = −. 19, p =. 01. A reciprocal relationship between the mediators of that relationship, which were changes in self-regulation and fruit and vegetable intake, was identified. There was significantly greater weight loss over six months in the behavioral nutrition group when contrasted with the nutrition education group. Self-regulation for eating and fruit and vegetable intake were significant predictors of weight loss over both three and six months. Findings enabled a better understanding of psychosocial effects on temporal aspects of weight loss and may lead to more effective behavioral treatments for weight loss.
The safety and efficacy of ALLERVAX CAT in cat allergic patients.

Conventional immunotherapy for cat allergy is effective in reducing cat allergy symptoms in many patients, but this type of immunotherapy can cause severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, and often requires years of injections for successful desensitization. To improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for cat allergic patients, synthetic cat allergen peptides (ALLERVAX CAT) were generated, based on analysis of the immunodominant T cell epitopes of cat allergen. These peptides lack the tertiary structure of native Fel d1 and possess a significantly reduced capacity to bind to Fel d1-specific IgE. Using these peptides, we performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 133 cat allergic patients chronically exposed to cats or who had failed previous conventional cat immunotherapy. We evaluated the safety of ALLERVAX CAT treatment and determined whether ALLERVAX CAT treatment improved tolerance to cat allergen, as measured by symptom analysis and pulmonary function testing. Three of the ALLERVAX CAT-treated patients required systemic epinephrine for adverse reactions, but the frequency of all adverse reactions in both groups was not statistically different from that of the placebo group. The majority of adverse events were "late" events, most commonly associated with respiratory symptoms, and these events declined with successive injections. ALLERVAX CAT given at a dose of 750 microg/dose improved pulmonary function in patients with reduced baseline FEV1, and global evaluation of the subjects' ability to tolerate cats improved significantly in the actively treated groups relative to placebo. Thus, although therapy with ALLERVAX CAT is associated with some adverse events in patients with severe cat sensitivity, such therapy is an effective approach for the management of cat allergy, since it improves tolerance to cats and improves pulmonary function in cat allergic patients with reduced FEV1.
First Evidence for the Presence of Weddellite Crystallites in Opuntia ficus indica Parenchyma

Abstract Calcium oxalate crystallites occur very often in the plants tissues and their role is still poorly known. We report here the experimental protocol leading to the isolation of two forms of calcium oxalate crystallites differing in their hydration level in the parenchymal tissues of Opuntia ficus indica (Miller). Whereas the whewellite crystallites are habitual in all Opuntia species, the weddellite form has never been isolated from these species before, which is probably due to their small size (about 1 μm). We have identified these forms using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.
Reconstitution of a Frizzled8·Wnt3a·LRP6 Signaling Complex Reveals Multiple Wnt and Dkk1 Binding Sites on LRP6

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is initiated at the cell surface by association of secreted Wnt with its receptors Frizzled (Fz) and low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5/6 (LRP5/6). The study of these molecular interactions has been a significant technical challenge because the proteins have been inaccessible in sufficient purity and quantity. In this report we describe insect cell expression and purification of soluble mouse Fz8 cysteine-rich domain and human LRP6 extracellular domain and show that they inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cellular assays. We determine the binding affinities of Wnts and Dickkopf 1 (Dkk1) to the relevant co-receptors and reconstitute in vitro the Fz8 CRD·Wnt3a·LRP6 signaling complex. Using purified fragments of LRP6, we further show that Wnt3a binds to a region including only the third and fourth β-propeller domains of LRP6 (E3E4). Surprisingly, we find that Wnt9b binds to a different part of the LRP6 extracellular domain, E1E2, and we demonstrate that Wnt3a and Wnt9b can bind to LRP6 simultaneously. Dkk1 binds to both E1E2 and E3E4 fragments and competes with both Wnt3a and Wnt9b for binding to LRP6. The existence of multiple, independent Wnt binding sites on the LRP6 co-receptor suggests new possibilities for the architecture of Wnt signaling complexes and a model for broad-spectrum inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by Dkk1.
Three-Way Laryngeal Mask Reduces Anesthesia-Related Stress Responses in Bronchoalveolar Lavage: An Experimental Canine Study.

OBJECTIVE To compare the ventilatory effects of the three-way laryngeal mask airway (TLMA) and tracheal tube (TT) on hemodynamics, respiratory function, and stress responses in a canine model during bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). STUDY DESIGN Experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY The 303rd Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in May 2013. METHODOLOGY Sixteen dogs were divided into two groups. MAP, SpO2 and HR were recorded before anesthesia (T0), immediately before intubation (T1), during intubation (T2), at 3 (T3) and 10 (T4) minutes after mechanical ventilation, at 10 (T5), 20 (T6), and 30 (T7) minutes during the course of BAL, during extubation (T8), and 3 minutes after extubation (T9). Tidal volume, peak inspiratory airway pressure, and expiratory CO2 pressure were recorded at time points T2, T5, T6, T7, and T8. Stress responses variables, including epinephrine and norepinephrine levels, were examined at time points T0, T2, T3, T5, T8, and T9. RESULTS BAL was successfully completed in all animals. In comparison to the TT, the TLMA was capable of maintaining hemodynamic stability and ventilation (p < 0.05), and producing less stress responses (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION In a canine model, ventilation with the TLMA was better than the TT during BAL in terms of maintaining effective ventilation and stable hemodynamics, and producing less stress responses.
Circadian Oscillations of a Transcript Encoding a Germin-Like Protein That Is Associated with Cell Walls in Young Leaves of the Long-Day Plant Sinapis alba L

As part of an attempt to analyze rhythmic phenomena in the long-day plant Sinapis alba L. at the molecular level, we have searched for mRNAs whose concentration varies as a function of time of day. Differential screening of a cDNA library established from mRNAs expressed at the end of the daily light phase with probes representing transcripts expressed predominantly in the morning or evening has identified one major transcript. The cDNA, Saglp, encodes a predicted 22-kD protein with an N-terminal signal sequence. The protein shows homology to germin, a protein expressed in wheat embryos after onset of germination. The Saglp mRNA level undergoes circadian oscillations in light/dark cycles with maxima between 8 and 12 PM (zeitgeber time [zt] 12-zt16) and minima around 8 AM (zt0). In plants grown from seed in constant light, transcript levels are constitutive. In constant light regular temperature shifts function as an alternative “zeitgeber” to initiate Saglp transcript oscillations. At the cellular level, Saglp transcripts are expressed in the epidermis and spongy parenchyma of young leaves, and in distinct regions of the epidermis and the cortex in stems and petioles. Strong signals are observed in these tissues around zt12, whereas little expression is found around zt20, suggesting that the underlying oscillatory mechanism(s) operate(s) synchronously in different plant organs. The SaGLP steady-state protein concentration remains constant over light/dark cycles. Immunogold labeling shows that the SaGLP protein is associated with primary cell walls.
First‐line therapy with doxycycline in ocular adnexal mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: A retrospective analysis of clinical predictors

This retrospective study was launched to evaluate the efficacy of doxycycline and to find independent predictors of a clinical response in patients with ocular adnexal lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (OAML). Thirty‐eight patients with newly diagnosed, localized OAML received doxycycline for 3 weeks (12 patients) or 6 weeks (26 patients). Clinical factors including absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and neutrophil count (ANC) were compared between responders and non‐responders. After a median follow‐up of 26.4 months, doxycycline resulted in an overall response rate of 47% and a 3‐year time‐to‐treatment failure (TTF) rate of 84%. Patients treated with doxycycline for 6 weeks versus 3 weeks tended to have a higher response rate (54%vs 33%). Absolute lymphocytosis (ALC > 3.01 × 109/L) and absolute neutrophilia (ANC > 1.92 × 109/L) were defined based on the median value of each count. Patients with (19 patients) versus without absolute lymphocytosis had significantly shorter 2‐year TTF (70%vs 100%, P = 0.021) and a lower response rate (32%vs 63%, P = 0.051). Absolute lymphocytosis (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–20.8; P = 0.043) and non‐conjunctival tumor (OR = 11.8; 95% CI, 1.1–122.5; P = 0.038) were negative predictors for response by multivariate analysis. Front‐line doxycycline is effective particularly in localized OAML patients without absolute lymphocytosis but with conjunctival involvement.
A wideband antenna with two controllable notched bands

In this paper, a wideband antenna with two controllable notched bands is presented. The antenna is a planar type and simply designed with microstrip feeding structure. The notched bands are achieved by a pair of E-shaped resonators which are placed along with the feed line, and the central frequency of notched bands can be controlled by changing the dimensions of the proposed antenna. The frequency characteristics of the antenna with different dimensions are studied based on electromagnetic (EM) simulation. The predicted bandwidth is from approximately 3.6 to 12.4 GHz for |s11|<; -10 dB. This design shows satisfactory radiation patterns in the passband. Significant gain reduction within the rejected bands is observed.
The FlxABCD-HdrABC proteins correspond to a novel NADH dehydrogenase/heterodisulfide reductase widespread in anaerobic bacteria and involved in ethanol metabolism in Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough.

Flavin-based electron bifurcation (FBEB) is an important mechanism for the energy metabolism of anaerobes. A new family of NADH dehydrogenases, the flavin oxidoreductase (FlxABCD, previously called FloxABCD), was proposed to perform FBEB in sulphate-reducing organisms coupled with heterodisulfide reductase (HdrABC). We found that the hdrABC-flxABCD gene cluster is widespread among anaerobic bacteria, pointing to a general and important role in their bioenergetics. In this work, we studied FlxABCD of Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough. The hdr-flx genes are part of the same transcriptional unit and are increased in transcription during growth in ethanol-sulfate, and to a less extent during pyruvate fermentation. Two mutant strains were generated: one where expression of the hdr-flx genes was interrupted and another lacking the flxA gene. Both strains were unable to grow with ethanol-sulfate, whereas growth was restored in a flxA-complemented strain. The mutant strains also produced very reduced amounts of ethanol compared with the wild type during pyruvate fermentation. Our results show that in D. vulgaris, the FlxABCD-HdrABC proteins are essential for NADH oxidation during growth on ethanol, probably involving a FBEB mechanism that leads to reduction of ferredoxin and the small protein DsrC, while in fermentation they operate in reverse, reducing NAD(+) for ethanol production.
Chapter Fifteen Goal Setting and Goal Striving

In this chapter we focus on the determinants and processes of goal emergence and goal implementation. We first address personal and situational variables leading to the formation of behavioral goals and what kind of psychological processes help or hinder goal setting. In the second parr of the chapter, we discuss how set goals of different qualities predict goal attainment and which self-regulatory strategies help successful goal striving. Goal effects on cognition are discussed as possible mediators of the goal-behavior link.
THE EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET‐B RADIATION ON ANTARCTIC SEA‐ICE ALGAE 1

The impacts of ultraviolet‐B radiation (UVB) on polar sea‐ice algal communities have not yet been demonstrated. We assess the impacts of UV on these communities using both laboratory experiments on algal isolates and by modification of the in situ spectral distribution of the under‐ice irradiance. In the latter experiment, filters were attached to the upper surface of the ice so that the algae were exposed in situ to treatments of ambient levels of PAR and UV radiation, ambient radiation minus UVB, and ambient radiation minus all UV. After 16 d, significant increases in chl a and cell numbers were recorded for all treatments, but there were no significant differences among the different treatments. Bottom‐ice algae exposed in vitro were considerably less tolerant to UVB than those in situ, but this tolerance improved when algae were retained within a solid block of ice. In addition, algae extracted from brine channels in the upper meter of sea ice and exposed to PAR and UVB in the laboratory were much more tolerant of high UVB doses than were any bottom‐ice isolates. This finding indicates that brine algae may be better adapted to high PAR and UVB than are bottom‐ice algae. The data indicate that the impact of increased levels of UVB resulting from springtime ozone depletion on Antarctic bottom‐ice communities is likely to be minimal. These algae are likely protected by strong UVB attenuation by the overlying ice and snow, by other inorganic and organic substances in the ice matrix, and by algal cells closer to the surface.
Urban Regeneration of Historic Paths: A Case Study of Kom El Dekka Historic Path

Abstract—Historic paths in today's cities are facing the pressure of the urban development due to the rapid urban growth. Every new development is tearing the old urban fabric and the socio-economic character of the historic paths. Furthermore, in some cases historic paths suffer from negligence and decay. Kom El Dekka historic path was one of those deteriorated paths in the city of Alexandria, Egypt, in spite of its high heritage and socio-economic value. Therefore, there was a need to develop urban regeneration strategies as a part of a wider sustainable development vision, to handle the situation and revitalize the path as a livable space in the heart of the city. This study aims to develop a comprehensive assessment methodology to evaluate the different values of the path and to create communityoriented and economic-based analysis methodology for its socioeconomic values. These analysis and assessments provide strategies for any regeneration action plan for Kom El Dekka historic path.
The Oral Carriage of Candida in Oral Cancer Patients of Indian Origin Undergoing Radiotherapy and/or Chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION Oral cancer is a challenging disease in Indian subcontinent because of increased use of tobacco and associated products. Although surgery is the main treatment modality, radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) are employed in inaccessible cases. Both RT & CT will result in painful and debilitating adverse effects in oral cavity e.g., mucositis, ulceration, dysgeusia, xerostomia and opportunistic infections. One of the most common opportunistic infection is caused by fungus Candida. AIM Our aim was to investigate the incidence of oral colonization of Candida species with differentiation between carrier and infective state of the organism. We also investigate the effect of treatment modality (RT and CT) on the incidence of Candida, in oral cancer patients, undergoing RT and/or CT, in order to prevent and treat the Candida infection in a better way. MATERIALS AND METHODS It was a cross-sectional case-control study; done in Gujarat, India. Fifty patients of oral cancer undergoing RT, CT alone or combined were investigated and compared with the healthy controls. The samples were collected from mid-dorsum of tongue by using imprint culture technique. The samples were inoculated on Sabouraud's dextrose agar medium and the organisms were identified by wet mount, germ tube test, chlamydospore formation and sugar fermentation tests. RESULTS There was significant increase in oral Candida colonization from 20% in healthy controls to 70% in oral cancer patients undergoing RT and/or CT (p = 0.001, < 0.05). A significant increase in infective state of Candida (71.4%) was noted (p = 0.001, < 0.05) with predominance of non-albicans species of Candida, chiefly C. tropicalis (42.8%). CONCLUSION RT and CT leads to increased oral colonization and infection by Candida with a shift towards growth of non-albicans species. As the pattern of candidal species infection is changing, such studies are important for better diagnosis and treatment planning to gain good control over the disease.
Learning Regression Models over Factorised Joins

We investigate the problem of building least squares regression models over training datasets defined by arbitrary join queries on database tables. Our key observation is that joins entail a high degree of redundancy in both computation and data representation, which is not required for the end-to-end solution to learning over joins. We propose a variant of batch gradient descent called F that can learn the parameters of a linear regression function in two passes over factorised representations of the datasets, even though they can be exponentially smaller than the flat relational datasets. We consider factorisations of asymptotically optimal sizes, which are governed by well-understood properties of the hypergraph of the join query Q. Our system F exploits the factorisation structure, an algebraic rewriting of the regression’s objective function f that decouples the computation of cofactors of model parameters in f from their convergence, and the commutativity of cofactor computation with relational union and projection. Our approach enjoys both theoretical and practical properties. Given a database D and a join query Q, learning can be done in O(|D|) time, which is optimal for factorised join computation; in contrast, any relational engine can achieve at best O(|D|ρ(Q)), while there are classes of natural queries such as path, star, or hierarchical queries with the fractional edge cover number ρ∗(Q) as large as the number of relations in the query and the fractional hypertree width fhtw(Q) one. We experimented with real-world (MovieLens, LastFM, a large US retailer) and synthetic (house price market) datasets. We show that F outperforms R, which uses QR decomposition, and Python StatsModels, which uses Moore-Penrose pseudoinverse, by a factor that follows the compression ratio brought by the factorisation, which in our experiments is up to three orders of magnitude. We further present an optimised version of F, called F*, which is a stand-alone, end-to-end regression learner that takes any number of relations as input and outputs a fully learned regression model. F* pushes some of the computations performed by F into the factorised join algorithm. This leads to further performance improvements. F* can even take time less than computing the factorised join, which F requires as input.
Virologic and immunologic aspects of HIV–hepatitis C virus coinfection

HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is estimated to affect 2 million individuals globally. The acceleration of HCV-associated complications, particularly hepatic fibrosis, because of HIV coinfection has been well established, whereas the impact of HCV on HIV progression remains unclear. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the impact of coinfection on the transmission and clinical progression of each infection. We focus on the virological and immunological alterations that contribute to HIV and HCV pathogenesis in coinfection and also review the disease-modifying effects of antiretroviral therapy as they pertain to HCV.
Simple time domain analysis of a 4-level H-bridge flying capacitor converter voltage balancing

Flying Capacitor (FC) multilevel Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) converters are an attractive choice due to the natural balancing property of the capacitor voltages. The balancing can be studied in the time domain, which results in easy to interpret expressions regarding parameter influence. Time domain analysis is normally done by time averaging of the system model over a PWM-period. In this paper a new method is presented starting from the “voltage unbalance” excessive energy which has to be dissipated in the converter load by switching harmonics in the load current. This is applied on a four-level H-bridge converter, which has dynamics of a high order and is normally hard to describe in the dime domain. The proposed method results in time domain parameters exactly describing the behaviour and the balancing of the capacitor voltages of the four-level H-bridge converter.