Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
More Stamina, a Gamified mHealth Solution for Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: Research Through Design

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the world’s most common neurologic disorders. Fatigue is one of most common symptoms that persons with MS experience, having significant impact on their quality of life and limiting their activity levels. Self-management strategies are used to support them in the care of their health. Mobile health (mHealth) solutions are a way to offer persons with chronic conditions tools to successfully manage their symptoms and problems. Gamification is a current trend among mHealth apps used to create engaging user experiences and is suggested to be effective for behavioral change. To be effective, mHealth solutions need to be designed to specifically meet the intended audience needs. User-centered design (UCD) is a design philosophy that proposes placing end users’ needs and characteristics in the center of design and development, involving users early in the different phases of the software life cycle. There is a current gap in mHealth apps for persons with MS, which presents an interesting area to explore. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the design and evaluation process of a gamified mHealth solution for behavioral change in persons with MS using UCD. Methods Building on previous work of our team where we identified needs, barriers, and facilitators for mHealth apps for persons with MS, we followed UCD to design and evaluate a mobile app prototype aimed to help persons with MS self-manage their fatigue. Design decisions were evidence-driven and guided by behavioral change models (BCM). Usability was assessed through inspection methods using Nielsen’s heuristic evaluation. Results The mHealth solution More Stamina was designed. It is a task organization tool designed to help persons with MS manage their energy to minimize the impact of fatigue in their day-to-day life. The tool acts as a to-do list where users can input tasks in a simple manner and assign Stamina Credits, a representation of perceived effort, to the task to help energy management and energy profiling. The app also features personalization and positive feedback. The design process gave way to relevant lessons to the design of a gamified behavioral change mHealth app such as the importance of metaphors in concept design, negotiate requirements with the BCM constructs, and tailoring of gamified experiences among others. Several usability problems were discovered during heuristic evaluation and guided the iterative design of our solution. Conclusions In this paper, we designed an app targeted for helping persons with MS in their fatigue management needs. We illustrate how UCD can help in designing mHealth apps and the benefits and challenges that designers might face when using this approach. This paper provides insight into the design process of gamified behavioral change mHealth apps and the negotiation process implied in it.
Effects of Oxandrolone on Outcome Measures in the Severely Burned: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Trial

Severe burns induce pathophysiologic problems, among them catabolism of lean mass, leading to protracted hospitalization and prolonged recovery. Oxandrolone is an anabolic agent shown to decrease lean mass catabolism and improve wound healing in the severely burned patients. We enrolled 81 adult subjects with burns 20% to 60% TBSA in a multicenter trial testing the effects of oxandrolone on length of hospital stay. Subjects were randomized between oxandrolone 10 mg every 12 hours or placebo. The study was stopped halfway through projected enrollment because of a significant difference between groups found on planned interim analysis. We found that length of stay was shorter in the oxandrolone group (31.6 ± 3.1 days) than placebo (43.3 ± 5.3 days; P < .05). This difference strengthened when deaths were excluded and hospital stay was indexed to burn size (1.24 ± 0.15 days/% TBSA burned vs 0.87 ± 0.05 days/% TBSA burned, P < .05). We conclude that treatment using oxandrolone should be considered for use in the severely burned while hepatic transaminases are monitored.
Durability of composite cement with Tefereyre (NIGER) coal bottom ash: Capillary absorption, porosity to water and acid attack

In this study, we evaluate the durability characteristics of composite cement with coal bottom ash produced by SONICHAR (Societe Nigerienne de Charbon). The study firstly consists in the determination of the pozzolanic activity index of the coal bottom ash and the optimum rate to use in the composite cement. Thereafter an evaluation of capillary absorption, porosity accessible to water and resistance to sulfuric and nitric acid attack of mortar prepared made with the composite cement is performed. The results showed that the coal bottom ash powder obtained by grinding can partially substitute Portland cement at a rate of 15% enable to develop a CEM II A composite cement according to EN 197-1 Standard.
Review of Burn Injury Research for the Year 2009

Research in burn care for the calendar year 2009 was robust and diverse with >1400 research articles published on a wide range of topics. In this review, the authors highlight some innovative and potentially impactful research related to the overall care of burn- injured patients. The authors grouped articles according to the following categories: critical care, infection, inhalation injury, epidemiology, psychology, wound characterization and treatment, nutrition and metabolism, pain and itch management, burn reconstruction, and rehabilitation. They found that the holistic nature of burn care is reflected in the diverse research performed in 2009 throughout the world and that this research has provided important evidence that has improved or will improve burn care overall.
Evaluation of physical activity web sites for use of behavior change theories

Physical activity (PA) Web sites were assessed for their use of behavior change theories, including constructs of the health belief model, Transtheoretical Model, social cognitive theory, and the theory of reasoned action and planned behavior. An evaluation template for assessing PA Web sites was developed, and content validity and interrater reliability were demonstrated. Two independent raters evaluated 24 PA Web sites. Web sites varied widely in application of theory-based constructs, ranging from 5 to 48 on a 100-point scale. The most common intervention strategies were general information, social support, and realistic goal areas. Coverage of theory-based strategies was low, varying from 26% for social cognitive theory to 39% for health belief model. Overall, PA Web sites provided little assessment, feedback, or individually tailored assistance for users. They were unable to substantially tailor the on-line experience for users at different stages of change or different demographic characteristics.
Comparison of Central Corneal Thickness with Ultrasound Pachymetry, Noncontact Specular Microscopy and Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

ABSTRACT Background: To determine the agreement of central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements taken with ultrasonic pachymetry (USP), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and noncontact specular microscopy (NSM). Methods: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was performed in the outpatient ophthalmology clinic. CCT was measured in a total of 147 eyes of 147 consecutive healthy patients with USP, NSM, and SD-OCT. Same examiner performed all examinations. Bland–Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement between instruments. Results: The average CCT values obtained by USP, NSM, and SD-OCT were 555 ± 37 µm, 554 ± 34 µm, and 546 ± 34 µm, respectively. There was a strong correlation between instruments: USP with SD-OCT (r = 0.937, p < 0.01), USP with NSM (r = 0.943, p < 0.01) SD-OCT with NSM (r = 0.975, p < 0.01) for CCT. The mean differences (lower/upper limit of agreement) for CCT measurements were −10 ± 12.9 µm (15.28/−35.28) between SD-OCT and USP, −8.1 ± 7.7 µm (7/−23.2) between SD-OCT and NSM, and 1.8 ± 12.3 µm (25.9/−22.3) between USP and NSM. Conclusions: USP and NSM were found to have comparable CCT measurements and these two methods can be used correspondingly. However, CCT measurements by SD-OCT were lower when compared to other methods.
Precipitation and floodiness

There are a number of factors that lead to nonlinearity between precipitation anomalies and flood hazard; this nonlinearity is a pertinent issue for applications that use a precipitation forecast as a proxy for imminent flood hazard. We assessed the degree of this nonlinearity for the first time using a recently developed global‐scale hydrological model driven by the ERA‐Interim/Land precipitation reanalysis (1980–2010). We introduced new indices to assess large‐scale flood hazard, or floodiness, and quantified the link between monthly precipitation, river discharge, and floodiness anomalies at the global and regional scales. The results show that monthly floodiness is not well correlated with precipitation, therefore demonstrating the value of hydrometeorological systems for providing floodiness forecasts for decision‐makers. A method is described for forecasting floodiness using the Global Flood Awareness System, building a climatology of regional floodiness from which to forecast floodiness anomalies out to 2 weeks.
Spectral Presheaves, Kochen-Specker Contextuality, and Quantale-Valued Relations

In the topos approach to quantum theory of Doering and Isham the Kochen-Specker Theorem, which asserts the contextual nature of quantum theory, can be reformulated in terms of the global sections of a presheaf characterised by the Gelfand spectrum of a commutativeC-Algebra. In previous work we showed how this topos perspective can be generalised to a class of categories typically studied within the monoidal approach to quantum theory of Abramsky and Coecke, and in particular how one can generalise the Gelfand spectrum. Here we study the Gelfand spectrum presheaf for categories of quantale-valued relations, and by considering its global sections we give a non-contextuality result for these categories. We also show that the Gelfand spectrum comes equipped with a topology which has a natural interpretation when thinking of these structures as representing physical theories.
The effect of paternal methyl-group donor intake on offspring DNA methylation and birth weight

Most nutritional studies on the development of children focus on mother–infant interactions. Maternal nutrition is critically involved in the growth and development of the fetus, but what about the father? The aim is to investigate the effects of paternal methyl-group donor intake (methionine, folate, betaine, choline) on paternal and offspring global DNA (hydroxy)methylation, offspring IGF2 DMR DNA methylation, and birth weight. Questionnaires, 7-day estimated dietary records, whole blood samples, and anthropometric measurements from 74 fathers were obtained. A total of 51 cord blood samples were collected and birth weight was obtained. DNA methylation status was measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (global DNA (hydroxy)methylation) and pyrosequencing (IGF2 DMR methylation). Paternal betaine intake was positively associated with paternal global DNA hydroxymethylation (0.028% per 100 mg betaine increase, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.053, P=0.03) and cord blood global DNA methylation (0.679% per 100 mg betaine increase, 95% CI: 0.057, 1.302, P=0.03). Paternal methionine intake was positively associated with CpG1 (0.336% per 100 mg methionine increase, 95% CI: 0.103, 0.569, P=0.006), and mean CpG (0.201% per 100 mg methionine increase, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.402, P=0.049) methylation of the IGF2 DMR in cord blood. Further, a negative association between birth weight/birth weight-for-gestational age z-score and paternal betaine/methionine intake was found. In addition, a positive association between choline and birth weight/birth weight-for-gestational age z-score was also observed. Our data indicate a potential impact of paternal methyl-group donor intake on paternal global DNA hydroxymethylation, offspring global and IGF2 DMR DNA methylation, and prenatal growth.
Availability Modeling and Analysis of a Virtualized System

This paper develops an availability model of a virtualized system. We construct non-virtualized and virtualized two hosts system models using a two-level hierarchical approach in which fault trees are used in the upper level and homogeneous continuous time Markov chains (CTMC) are used to represent sub-models in lower level. In the models, we incorporate not only hardware failures (e.g., CPU, memory, power, etc) but also software failures including Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM), Virtual Machine (VM), and application failures. We also incorporate high availability (HA) service and VM live migration in the virtualized system. Metrics we use are system steady state availability, downtime in minutes per year and capacity oriented availability.
Reliability and Validity of a New Test of Agility and Skill for Female Amateur Soccer Players

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the Agility and Skill Test, which had been recently developed to assess agility and skill in female athletes. Following a 10 min warm-up, two trials to test the reliability and validity of the test were conducted one week apart. Measurements were collected to compare soccer players’ physical performance in a 20 m sprint, a T-Drill test, the Illinois Agility Run Test, change-of-direction and acceleration, as well as agility and skill. All tests were completed following the same order. Thirty-four amateur female soccer players were recruited (age = 20.8 ± 1.9 years; body height = 166 ± 6.9 cm; body mass = 55.5 ± 5.8 kg). To determine the reliability and usefulness of these tests, paired sample t-tests, intra-class correlation coefficients, typical error, coefficient of variation, and differences between the typical error and smallest worthwhile change statistics were computed. Test results showed no significant differences between the two sessions (p > 0.01). There were higher intra-class correlations between the test and retest values (r = 0.94–0.99) for all tests. Typical error values were below the smallest worthwhile change, indicating ‘good’ usefulness for these tests. A near perfect Pearson correlation between the Agility and Skill Test (r = 0.98) was found, and there were moderate-to-large levels of correlation between the Agility and Skill Test and other measures (r = 0.37 to r = 0.56). The results of this study suggest that the Agility and Skill Test is a reliable and valid test for female soccer players and has significant value for assessing the integrative agility and skill capability of soccer players.
Compressible Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence in the Earth's Magnetosheath: Estimation of the Energy Cascade Rate Using in situ Spacecraft Data.

The first estimation of the energy cascade rate |ε_{C}| of magnetosheath turbulence is obtained using the Cluster and THEMIS spacecraft data and an exact law of compressible isothermal magnetohydrodynamics turbulence. The mean value of |ε_{C}| is found to be close to 10^{-13} J m^{-3} s^{-1}, at least 2 orders of magnitude larger than its value in the solar wind (∼10^{-16} J m^{-3} s^{-1} in the fast wind). Two types of turbulence are evidenced and shown to be dominated either by incompressible Alfvénic or compressible magnetosoniclike fluctuations. Density fluctuations are shown to amplify the cascade rate and its spatial anisotropy in comparison with incompressible Alfvénic turbulence. Furthermore, for compressible magnetosonic fluctuations, large cascade rates are found to lie mostly near the linear kinetic instability of the mirror mode. New empirical power-laws relating |ε_{C}| to the turbulent Mach number and to the internal energy are evidenced. These new findings have potential applications in distant astrophysical plasmas that are not accessible to in situ measurements.
Metal-ceramic bond strength between a feldspathic porcelain and a Co-Cr alloy fabricated with Direct Metal Laser Sintering technique

PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to record the metal-ceramic bond strength of a feldspathic dental porcelain and a Co-Cr alloy, using the Direct Metal Laser Sintering technique (DMLS) for the fabrication of metal substrates. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ten metal substrates were fabricated with powder of a dental Co-Cr alloy using DMLS technique (test group) in dimensions according to ISO 9693. Another ten substrates were fabricated with a casing dental Co-Cr alloy using classic casting technique (control group) for comparison. Another three substrates were fabricated using each technique to record the Modulus of Elasticity (E) of the used alloys. All substrates were examined to record external and internal porosity. Feldspathic porcelain was applied on the substrates. Specimens were tested using the three-point bending test. The failure mode was determined using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The statistical analysis was performed using t-test. RESULTS Substrates prepared using DMLS technique did not show internal porosity as compared to those produced using the casting technique. The E of control and test group was 222 ± 5.13 GPa and 227 ± 3 GPa, respectively. The bond strength was 51.87 ± 7.50 MPa for test group and 54.60 ± 6.20 MPa for control group. No statistically significant differences between the two groups were recorded. The mode of failure was mainly cohesive for all specimens. CONCLUSION Specimens produced by the DMLS technique cover the lowest acceptable metal-ceramic bond strength of 25 MPa specified in ISO 9693 and present satisfactory bond strength for clinical use.
Dexmedetomidine increases acetylation level of histone through ERK1/2 pathway in dopamine neuron

Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist with sedation, anesthetic sparing, analgesia, sympatholytic, and neuroprotective properties. This study evaluated neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine on dopamine neurons correlated to histone acetylation via extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathway. Animals were randomly assigned to four groups and treatments were given as onetime doses: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; n = 6), dexmedetomidine 1 mg/kg (n = 6), 10 mg/kg (n = 6), and 100 mg/kg (n = 6). Acetylation histone protein levels and ERK protein levels in rats dopamine neuron from striatum were determined by Western blotting after various doses of dexmedetomidine (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) treatments. The messenger RNA expression related to signal transduction coupled to 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5-HTR) in striatum was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Dexmedetomidine administration increased expression of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and histones H3 acetylation. PD098059, an inhibitor of pERK1/2, almost completely blocked dexmedetomidine-induced histones H3 acetylation. In addition, bioinformatics analysis in combination with qRT-PCR demonstrated that dexmedetomidine could regulate the genes that are related to signal transduction coupled to 5-HTR via α2-adrenoceptor. Our results define dexmedetomidine as a modulator of histones H3 acetylation via ERK1/2 signaling pathway in dopamine neuron from striatum, which may provide clues for the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine.
Accepted Manuscript Bistability of a Coupled Aurora B Kinase-phosphatase System in Cell Division Bistability of a Coupled Aurora B Kinase-phosphatase System in Cell Division 2 3

Bistability of a coupled Aurora B kinase-phosphatase system in cell division Lampson, Ekaterina L Grishchuk Stamatov, Alyssa M Mayo, Laura Peterson, Ben E Black, Fazly I Ataullakhanov, Michael A Anatoly V Zaytsev, Dario Segura-Peña, Maxim Godzi, Abram Calderon, Edward R Ballister, Rumen http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.10644 DOI: Cite as: eLife 2016;10.7554/eLife.10644 Published: 14 January 2016 Accepted: 13 January 2016 Received: 5 August 2015
Structural changes in the low-density polyethylene/natural rubber composites in the aqueous and soil media

The novel biodegradable materials based on polyethylene with different content of natural rubber have been developed. In this paper the regularities of changes in structure and properties of the composites under the influence of biological and non-biological factors have been investigated. High levels of biodegradability and satisfied mechanical properties of biocomposites, as well as the significant modification of the polyethylene crystalline phase in the composites affected by moisture and environmental factors have been determined.
Stable Value Funds Performance

Little in the scholarly economics literature is directed specifically to the performance of stable value funds, although they occupy a leading place among retirement investment vehicles. They are currently offered in more than one-third of all defined contribution plans in the USA, with more than $800 billion of assets under management. This paper rigorously examines their performance throughout the entire period since their inception in 1973. We produce a composite index of stable value returns. We next conduct mean-variance analysis, Sharpe and Sortino ratio analysis, stochastic dominance analysis, and optimal multi-period portfolio composition analysis. Our evidence suggests that stable value funds dominate (on average) two major asset classes based on a historical analysis, and that they often occupy a significant position in optimized portfolios across a broad range of risk aversion levels. We discuss factors that contributed to stable value funds’ past performance and whether they can continue to perform well into the future. We also discuss considerations regarding whether or not to include stable value as an element in target date funds within defined contribution pension plans.
Design of single-phase seven-level inverter with reduced number of switching devices for PV applications

Multilevel inverters (MLI) play an important role in medium / high voltage and high power applications due to its capability to convert DC input voltage to AC output voltage with reduced total harmonics distortion (THD) and low electromagnetic interference (EMI). A new topology for single-phase seven-level pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter is presented with reduced number of switching devices compared with conventional MLIs, hence the inverter cost and circuit complexity are reduced. The seven-level inverter is composed of three identical and separate DC voltage sources and eight power switches. An LC Filter is used to eliminate the output voltage harmonics. A conventional Proportional Integral (PI) controller is used to control the output load voltage. The effectiveness of the proposed inverter is confirmed by MATLAB/SIMULINK; while load voltage regulation is experimentally (Real time simulation) validated using the Dspace-1103.