Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fast determinantal point processes via distortion-free intermediate sampling

Given a fixed $n\times d$ matrix $\mathbf{X}$, where $n\gg d$, we study the complexity of sampling from a distribution over all subsets of rows where the probability of a subset is proportional to the squared volume of the parallelepiped spanned by the rows (a.k.a. a determinantal point process). In this task, it is important to minimize the preprocessing cost of the procedure (performed once) as well as the sampling cost (performed repeatedly). To that end, we propose a new determinantal point process algorithm which has the following two properties, both of which are novel: (1) a preprocessing step which runs in time $O(\text{number-of-non-zeros}(\mathbf{X})\cdot\log n)+\text{poly}(d)$, and (2) a sampling step which runs in $\text{poly}(d)$ time, independent of the number of rows $n$. We achieve this by introducing a new regularized determinantal point process (R-DPP), which serves as an intermediate distribution in the sampling procedure by reducing the number of rows from $n$ to $\text{poly}(d)$. Crucially, this intermediate distribution does not distort the probabilities of the target sample. Our key novelty in defining the R-DPP is the use of a Poisson random variable for controlling the probabilities of different subset sizes, leading to new determinantal formulas such as the normalization constant for this distribution. Our algorithm has applications in many diverse areas where determinantal point processes have been used, such as machine learning, stochastic optimization, data summarization and low-rank matrix reconstruction.
Solid-liquid extraction of daidzein and genistein from soybean: Kinetic modeling of influential factors

Abstract The extraction of daidzein and genistein from soybean has been studied and the kinetic modeling was established using four modeling equations. The goodness of fit was evaluated by statistical errors including the standard error of means (SEM), the adjusted correlation coefficient (R2), and chi-square (χ2). The best model was considered to be the So and Macdonald model and it could give the most adequate description of solid–liquid extraction of daidzein and genistein from soybean sample. The effect of process parameters on extraction yields of daidzein and genistein also has been investigated. The optimized extraction condition was at 333.2 K using 70% ethanol solvent at a solvent-to-solid ratio of 20 mL g−1 with an agitation speed of 300 rpm. The highest extraction yields of daidzein and genistein from soybean were 0.126 ± 0.006 and 0.184 ± 0.013 mg g−1, respectively. The activation energies for extraction kinetics of soybean were found to be 11.10 kJ mol−1 (washing step) and 13.96 kJ mol−1 (diffusion step) for daidzein, 10.47 kJ mol−1 (washing step) and 19.70 kJ mol−1 (diffusion step) for genistein, respectively.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-CONCEPT AND MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS IN PORT HARCOURT

This study explored the extent to which the self-concept of students in Port Harcourt relates to their Mathematics, and General Academic Achievement. The population consisted of 6,478 senior secondary 3 (SS3) students from 13 state financed senior secondary schools in Port Harcourt. Stratified random sampling was conducted to select 3 schools (one school each from 2 mixed schools, 5 boys’ schools and 6 girls’ schools). The sample for study was 300 SS3 students from the 3 randomly selected schools. The instrument used for data collection was the Self-Description Questionnaire 111 (SDQ 111) developed by Marsh (1992) which contains 13 selfconcept facets out of which 2 facets (Mathematics, and General Academic) where adopted for this study. The subjects were tested in Mathematics and scores obtained. The general average scores of the students on their promotion examination from SS2 to SS3 were extracted from their school records. The Person’s Product Moment Correlation analysis was used to answer the research questions, while the transformed t-test was used to test all the 3 hypotheses formulated for this study. The results of the tests indicated that Mathematics Self-concept is significantly related to Mathematics Achievement, General Academic Achievement and General Academic Self-concept. The main implication of the findings of this study is that self-concept and Mathematics, and General Academic achievement of students are so strongly related that a change in self-concept facilitates a change in achievement. It was therefore, recommended that educational programme designers and developers, teachers, parents and students should make self-concept development of students an educational aim as important as academic achievement.
Microalgae Characterization for Consolidated and New Application in Human Food, Animal Feed and Nutraceuticals

The exploration of new food sources and natural products is the result of the increase in world population as well as the need for a healthier diet; in this context, microalgae are undoubtedly an interesting solution. With the intent to enhance their value in new commercial applications, this paper aims to characterize microalgae that have already been recognized as safe or authorized as additives for humans and animals (Chlorella vulgaris, Arthrospira platensis, Haematococcus pluvialis, Dunaliella salina) as well as those that have not yet been marketed (Scenedesmus almeriensis and Nannocholoropsis sp.). In this scope, the content of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, total dietary fiber, humidity, ash, and carotenoids has been measured via standard methods. In addition, individual carotenoids (beta-carotene, astaxanthin, and lutein) as well as individual saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been identified and quantified chromatographically. The results confirm the prerogative of some species to produce certain products such as carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and proteins, but also show how their cellular content is rich and diverse. H. pluvialis green and red phases, and Nannochloropsis sp. , in addition to producing astaxanthin and omega-3, contain about 25–33% w/w proteins on a dry basis. D. salina is rich in beta-carotene (3.45% w/w on a dry basis), S. Almeriensis is a source of lutein (0.30% w/w on a dry basis), and the C. vulgaris species is a protein-based microalgae (45% w/w on a dry basis). All, however, can also produce important fatty acids such as palmitic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and oleic acid. Considering their varied composition, these microalgae can find applications in multiple sectors. This is true for microalgae already on the market as well as for promising new sources of bioproducts such as S. almeriensis and Nannochloropsis sp.
Evaluation of the Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program in California

Background and aims The California Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program promotes the use of evidence-based tobacco-specific prevention and cessation programs for adolescents within the school setting. Through a competitive grant process, schools are funded to provide programs for grades 6–12. This research evaluates the association between TUPE funding and tobacco prevention activities and tobacco use prevalence. Methods This study utilized two data sources: (1) 2016 California Educator Tobacco Survey (CETS), and (2) 2015–2016 California Student Tobacco Survey (CSTS). The CETS collected data from educators about school prevention efforts, priority of tobacco prevention, and confidence in addressing tobacco issues with students. A total of 3,564 educators from 590 schools participated in CETS. The CSTS collected data from 8th, 10th, and 12th graders in California on their exposure to, attitudes about, and utilization of tobacco products. A total of 47,981 students from 117 schools participated in CSTS. Results This study found that TUPE-funded schools were more likely to provide tobacco-specific health education programs, to place a priority on tobacco-prevention efforts, and to prepare educators to address tobacco use than non-TUPE schools. Educators at both types of schools felt better prepared to talk with students about traditional tobacco products than about emerging products such as e-cigarettes. Overall, students at TUPE-funded schools were more likely to report receiving anti-tobacco messages from school-based programs than those at non-TUPE schools. The former were also less likely to use tobacco products, even when the analysis controlled for demographics and school-level characteristics (OR = 0.82 [95% CI = 0.70–0.96]). Conclusions TUPE funding was associated with an increase in schools’ tobacco-specific prevention activities and these enhanced activities were associated with lower tobacco use among students. This study also found that education and prevention efforts regarding emerging tobacco products need to be strengthened across all schools.
IDENTIFICAÇÃO E MONITORAMENTO DOS FATORES DE RISCO E PROTEÇÃO À SAÚDE DOS ESCOLARES NO BRASIL - PeNSE

Inadequate eating habits in adolescence are an important risk factor for obesity and other chronic noncommunicable diseases in adult life. The new standards are marked by the reduction of the consumption of fresh foods (such as fruits and vegetables) and minimally processed, associated to the excessive use of ultraprocessed foods, of recognized nutritional quality inferior to all other foods. Therefore, this study aims to survey the percentage of schoolchildren aged 13 to 17 years with food consumption greater than or equal to five days in the seven days prior to the survey, by healthy and unhealthy food marker in the year 2015 The methodology is based on a bibliographical and descriptive research, where the IBGE System was used in the Digital Platform for Sustainable Development Objectives (ODS) for data collection, structured by teams of the Informatics Directorate of IBGE, which provides an information system for the follow-up of Agenda 2030 in Brazil. This first version is a starting point, presenting the first set of global indicators constructed in a collaborative way with partner institutions, with regularly produced national data, methodology and internationally established standards. Consumption in higher percentages of unhealthy foods such as soft drinks and treats in the southeastern and midwestern regions of the country, in contrast to lower percentages of food consumption such as vegetables, fruits and vegetables were obtained for the northeast region. However, the information contained in this paper facilitates the planning and monitoring of health promotion actions and prevention of risks and diseases developed due to the high rate of consumption of foods harmful to human health.
Senescent T Cells Predict the Development of Hyperglycemia in Humans

Senescent T cells have been implicated in chronic inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we explored the relationship between senescent T cells and glycemic status in a cohort of 805 participants by investigating the frequency of CD57+ or CD28null senescent T cells in peripheral blood. Participants with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) with follow-up data (N = 149) were included to determine whether hyperglycemia (prediabetes or type 2 diabetes) developed during follow-up (mean 2.3 years). CD8+CD57+ and CD8+CD28null T-cell frequencies were significantly higher in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes compared with NGT. Increased CD57+ or CD28null cells in the CD8+ T-cell subset were independently associated with hyperglycemia. Furthermore, among participants with baseline NGT, the frequency of CD8+CD57+ T cells was an independent predictor of hyperglycemia development. Immunofluorescent analyses confirmed that CD8+CD57+ T-cell infiltration was increased in visceral adipose tissue of patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes compared with those with NGT. Our data suggest that increased frequency of senescent CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood is associated with development of hyperglycemia.
Effects of major ozonated autoheamotherapy on functional recovery, ischemic brain tissue apoptosis and oxygen free radical damage in the rat model of cerebral ischemia

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability in the world, with a heavy burden on patients, their families, and society. At present, a major focus of cerebrovascular disease research is to find a safe and effective new method to promote early functional recovery in the acute phase of cerebral infarction. Major ozonated autohemotherapy (MOAH) can maintain ATP and energy metabolism in cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, and reduce cell apoptosis. In the current study, the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion in the Sprague Dawley rat was established and evaluated by the clinical functional score, Hoechst staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and biochemical detection. Then, the effects of MOAH on neurological function, apoptosis, and oxygen free radical damage after acute ischemia in middle cerebral artery were evaluated. Moreover, the potential two mechanisms have been illustrated for MOAH effects. This study would lay a theoretical foundation for the application of MOAH and find an effective and early treatment method for the cerebral infarction.
Clusterin (apoJ) Alters the Aggregation of Amyloid β-Peptide (Aβ1-42) and Forms Slowly Sedimenting Aβ Complexes That Cause Oxidative Stress

Abstract Clusterin (apoJ), a multifunctional apolipoprotein made by cells in the brain and many other locations, is associated with aggregated amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) in senile and diffuse plaques of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We observed that purified human serum clusterin partially blocked the aggregation of synthetic Aβ1-42, as shown by centrifugal assays (14,000g × 10 min) and by atomic force (scanning probe) microscopy. Slowly sedimenting Aβ complexes were formed in the presence of clusterin, which included aggregates >200 kDa that resist dissociation by low concentrations of SDS, Clusterin enhanced the oxidative stress caused by Aβ, as assayed by oxidative stress in PC12 cells with MTT, which is widely used to estimate neurotoxicity. These indications of enhanced neurotoxicity by the MTT assay were observed in the highly aggregated rapidly sedimenting fraction, but also in more slowly sedimenting "soluble" forms. This novel activity of slowly sedimenting Aβ may enhance the neurotoxicity of Aβ deposits in AD brains, because soluble complexes have a potential for diffusing to damage distal neurons.
TRPA1 Antagonists for Pain Relief

Here, we review the literature assessing the role of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a calcium-permeable non-selective cation channel, in various types of pain conditions. In the nervous system, TRPA1 is expressed in a subpopulation of nociceptive primary sensory neurons, astroglia, oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. In peripheral terminals of nociceptive primary sensory neurons, it is involved in the transduction of potentially harmful stimuli and in their central terminals it is involved in amplification of nociceptive transmission. TRPA1 is a final common pathway for a large number of chemically diverse pronociceptive agonists generated in various pathophysiological pain conditions. Thereby, pain therapy using TRPA1 antagonists can be expected to be a superior approach when compared with many other drugs targeting single nociceptive signaling pathways. In experimental animal studies, pharmacological or genetic blocking of TRPA1 has effectively attenuated mechanical and cold pain hypersensitivity in various experimental models of pathophysiological pain, with only minor side effects, if any. TRPA1 antagonists acting peripherally are likely to be optimal for attenuating primary hyperalgesia (such as inflammation-induced sensitization of peripheral nerve terminals), while centrally acting TRPA1 antagonists are expected to be optimal for attenuating pain conditions in which central amplification of transmission plays a role (such as secondary hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia caused by various types of peripheral injuries). In an experimental model of peripheral diabetic neuropathy, prolonged blocking of TRPA1 has delayed the loss of nociceptive nerve endings and their function, thereby promising to provide a disease-modifying treatment.
Improved connective integration of a degradable 3D-nano-apatite/agarose scaffold subcutaneously implanted in a rat model

In this work, we evaluate the tissue response and tolerance to a designed 3D porous scaffold composed of nanocrystalline carbonate-hydroxyapatite and agarose as a preliminary step in bone repair and regeneration. These scaffolds were subcutaneously implanted into rats, which were sacrificed at different times. CD4+, CD8+ and ED1+ cells were evaluated as measurements of inflammatory reaction and tolerance. We observed some inflammatory response early after subcutaneous implantation. The 3D interconnected porosity increased scaffold integration via the formation of granulation tissue and the generation of a fibrous capsule around the scaffold. The capsule is initially formed by collagen which progressively invades the scaffold, creating a network that supports the settlement of connective tissue and generating a compact structure. The timing of the appearance of CD4+ and CD8+ cell populations is in agreement with the resolved inflammatory response. The appearance of macrophage activity evidences a slow and gradual degradation activity. Degradation started with the agarose component of the scaffold, but the nano-apatite was kept intact for up to 30 days. Therefore, this apatite/agarose scaffold showed a high capacity for integration by a connective network that stabilizes the scaffold and results in slow nano-apatite degradation. The fundamental properties of the scaffold would provide mechanical support and facilitate bone mobilization, which is of great importance in the masticatory system or large bones.
Operational sex ratio, mediated by synchrony of female arrival, alters the variance of male mating success in Japanese medaka

Abstract The hypotheses that variation in male mating success and use of aggression by competing males increase with decreasing synchrony of female arrival were experimentally tested. Groups of three male Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes (Pisces, Oryziidae) were allowed to compete for females that were placed in the tank either simultaneously (synchronous treatment, male-to-female operational sex ratio=0·5) or sequentially (asynchronous treatment, operational sex ratio=3). In these experiments, the mating system of medaka was scramble-competition polygyny because male mating success was primarily determined by their persistence in following and courting females rather than by dominance and aggression. As predicted, the coefficient of variation of male mating success and the rate of aggression by males was higher in the asynchronous than in the synchronous treatment. In addition, the percentage of matings in which a sneaker participated was also higher in the asynchronous than in the synchronous treatment. Operational sex ratio, mediated by female synchrony, seems to be an important proximate factor influencing the intensity of male-male competition. These results suggest that differences between males in their ability to scramble for females can generate important variance in mating success, a mechanism that is often overlooked in the literature on mating systems.
Empfehlungen für eine international vergleichbare Erhebung von Gesundheitskompetenz (HLS neu) in Österreich

Eine neuerliche Gesundheitskompetenzerhebung (HLS neu) in Osterreich hat die wesentliche Aufgabe, die kontinuierliche Entwicklung von Gesundheitskompetenz in der allgemeinen Bevolkerung beobachtbar zu machen und Entwicklungsbedarf zu identifizieren. Damit schliest HLS neu sowohl an nationale (Zielsteuerung, Rahmen-Gesundheitsziele) als auch an internationale (EU: EU-Gesundheitsstrategie; WHO-Europa: Gesundheit 2020, WHO: Schanghai-Deklaration) gesundheitspolitische Zielsetzungen an.
Congenital heart anomalies and non-white ethnicity are among the factors associated with poor survival rates in people with Down syndrome

Commentary on : O’Leary L, Hughes-McCormack L, Dunn K, et al . Early death and causes of death of people with Down syndrome: A systematic review. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil . 2018. doi: 10.1111/jar.12446. People with Down syndrome are at higher risk than others for a range of respiratory, immunological, endocrine and gastrointestinal conditions.1 There is now a growing body of evidence about the impact of these conditions …
Ring finger protein 31–mediated atypical ubiquitination stabilizes forkhead box P3 and thereby stimulates regulatory T-cell function

The CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are critical for maintaining immune tolerance in healthy individuals and are reported to restrict anti-inflammatory responses and thereby promote tumor progression, suggesting them as a target in the development of antitumor immunotherapy. Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) is a key transcription factor governing Treg lineage differentiation and their immune-suppressive function. Here, using Treg cells, as well as HEK-293T and Jurkat T cells, we report that the stability of FOXP3 is directly and positively regulated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase ring finger protein 31 (RNF31), which catalyzes the conjugation of atypical ubiquitin chains to the FOXP3 protein. We observed that shRNA-mediated RNF31 knockdown in human Treg cells decreases FOXP3 protein levels and increases levels of interferon-γ, resulting in a Th1 helper cell–like phenotype. Human Treg cells that ectopically expressed RNF31 displayed stronger immune-suppressive capacity, suggesting that RNF31 positively regulates both FOXP3 stability and Treg cell function. Moreover, we found that RNF31 is up-regulated in Treg cells that infiltrate human gastric tumor tissues compared with their counterparts residing in peripheral and normal tissue. We also found that elevated RNF31 expression in intratumoral Treg cells is associated with poor survival of gastric cancer patients, suggesting that RNF31 supports the immune-suppressive functions of Treg cells. Our results suggest that RNF31 could be a potential therapeutic target in immunity-based interventions against human gastric cancer.