Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Less activation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in response to a meal: a feature of obesity.

BACKGROUND In an exploratory positron emission tomography study of postprandial regional cerebral blood flow, which is a marker of neuronal activity, obese men differed from lean men in several brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex. The subjects received a meal proportional to their body size; therefore, the meal volume was different for each person. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether differences in the brain responses of obese and lean men to a meal represent satiety or feelings of gastric distension. DESIGN We studied 9 lean (x +/- SD body fat: 15 +/- 5%; age: 33 +/- 10 y) and 9 obese (body fat: 31 +/- 4%; age: 32 +/- 10 y) men given a fixed amount (400 mL) of a liquid meal. We compared their results with those in 11 lean (body fat: 16 +/- 5%; age: 35 +/- 8 y) and 11 obese (body fat: 33 +/- 5%; age: 28 +/- 5 y) previously studied men given a meal proportional to their body size. We performed analyses by using a two-level, random-effects approach in the STATISTICAL PARAMETRIC MAPPING software package and a significance level of P < or = 0.001, uncorrected for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Compared with lean men, obese men had consistently less postprandial activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, irrespective of meal size. CONCLUSION Because the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has been implicated in the inhibition of inappropriate behavior, satiety, and meal termination, differential responses of neuronal activity to food intake in this area may contribute to a propensity for obesity or to the difficulty in losing weight experienced by obese men.
The nutrition transition in South Korea.

BACKGROUND An accelerating shift from infectious to noncommunicable diseases and concurrent shifts in diet, activity, and body composition are universal trends but are especially apparent in middle- and lower-income countries. A unique nutrition transition has occurred in South Korea, a country that modernized earlier than most Asian countries did. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this analysis was to describe the South Korean nutrition transition, focusing on specific features that other countries might follow to retain the healthful elements of their traditional diets. DESIGN We used secondary data on economics, dietary intake, anthropometry, and causes of death, including a series of comparable nationally representative dietary surveys (the National Nutrition Survey). RESULTS The structure of South Korea's economy, along with the country's dietary and disease patterns, began an accelerated shift in the 1970s. Major dietary changes included a large increase in the consumption of animal food products and a fall in total cereal intake. Uniquely, the amount and rate of increase in fat intake have remained low in South Korea. South Korea also has a relatively low prevalence of obesity compared with other Asian countries with similar or much lower incomes. CONCLUSIONS The nutrition transition in South Korea is unique. National efforts to retain elements of the traditional diet are thought to have shaped this transition in South Korea in the midst of rapid economic growth and the introduction of Western culture.
Histamine sensitivity of mesenteric afferent nerves in the rat jejunum.

The concept of functional interaction between mast cells and intestinal afferents is gaining support. We have therefore characterized the action of histamine on jejunal afferent discharge in the anesthetized rat. Whole nerve mesenteric afferent discharge was recorded in conjunction with intestinal pressure in response to a range of histamine agonists and antagonists. Histamine at 2, 4, and 8 μmol/kg (iv) evoked a dose-dependent biphasic increase in afferent discharge together with a biphasic rise in intestinal pressure. However, these two events were mediated independently, since nifedipine (1 mg/kg) substantially reduced the intestinal pressure increase but not the afferent discharge. These responses were completely inhibited by pyrilamine (5 mg/kg) but unaffected by ranitidine (5 mg/kg) or thioperamide (2 mg/kg). Neither the selective H2 receptor agonist dimaprit nor the selective H3receptor agonist R-α-methylhistamine caused any modulation of afferent discharge. We conclude that histamine stimulates an H1 receptor-mediated increase in mesenteric afferent discharge that is independent of intestinal motor events. This suggests that histamine potentially acts as a mediator in mast cell-to-afferent nerve communication in the small intestine.
Ab initio lattice dynamics and structural stability of MgO

Using density-functional perturbation theory, we have studied lattice dynamics, dielectric and thermodynamic properties, and P–T stability fields of the NaCl- (“B1”) and CsCl- (“B2”) structured phases of MgO. The results compare well with available experiments and resolve the controversy between earlier theoretical studies of the phase diagram of MgO. We predict that at all conditions of the Earth’s mantle the B1 structure is stable. Static calculations predict the B1–B2 transition to occur at 490 GPa; zero-point vibrations lower this pressure by 16 GPa. The B2-structured phase is dynamically unstable below 110 GPa, but becomes dynamically stable at higher pressures. On the contrary, the B1 phase does not display soft modes at any of the studied pressures. MgO remains an insulator up to ultrahigh pressures: we predict metallization of the B2-structured phase of MgO at 20.7 TPa.
A Survey on Deep Learning Methods for Robot Vision

Deep learning has allowed a paradigm shift in pattern recognition, from using hand-crafted features together with statistical classifiers to using general-purpose learning procedures for learning data-driven representations, features, and classifiers together. The application of this new paradigm has been particularly successful in computer vision, in which the development of deep learning methods for vision applications has become a hot research topic. Given that deep learning has already attracted the attention of the robot vision community, the main purpose of this survey is to address the use of deep learning in robot vision. To achieve this, a comprehensive overview of deep learning and its usage in computer vision is given, that includes a description of the most frequently used neural models and their main application areas. Then, the standard methodology and tools used for designing deep-learning based vision systems are presented. Afterwards, a review of the principal work using deep learning in robot vision is presented, as well as current and future trends related to the use of deep learning in robotics. This survey is intended to be a guide for the developers of robot vision systems.
Lupin-enriched bread increases satiety and reduces energy intake acutely.

BACKGROUND Protein and fiber may be important determinants of satiety. Lupin kernel flour is a novel food ingredient that is rich in protein and fiber. OBJECTIVE The objective was to investigate the effects of lupin kernel flour-enriched bread (LB) on satiety and energy intake in humans. DESIGN Two randomized controlled crossover trials were performed to compare the acute effects of LB with those of white bread (WB). In study 1, the subjects (n = 16) completed 4 treatments 1 wk apart: WB breakfast (as toast) and WB lunch (as sandwiches), WB breakfast and LB lunch, LB breakfast and WB lunch, and LB breakfast and LB lunch. Energy intake at all breakfast meals was matched (1655 kJ), and ad libitum energy intake at lunch, 3 h after breakfast, was measured. In study 2, the subjects (n = 17) completed 2 treatments 1 wk apart: WB breakfast and LB breakfast (each 1655 kJ). Blood samples were taken at baseline and at regular intervals for 3 h after breakfast. RESULTS In study 1, the LB breakfast resulted in significantly higher self-reported satiety (P < 0.001) and lower energy intake (kJ) at lunch (-488; 95% CI: -798, -178) than did the WB breakfast. The LB lunch resulted in a significantly lower within-meal energy intake (kJ) at lunch (-1028; 95% CI: -1338, -727) than did the WB lunch. In study 2, compared with the WB breakfast, the LB breakfast significantly altered the 3-h postmeal plasma ghrelin response (P = 0.04) and resulted in significantly lower mean 3-h plasma ghrelin concentrations (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION A novel food enriched in protein and fiber derived from lupin kernel flour significantly influences energy intake acutely.
Long‐term follow‐up comparison of two different bi‐layer dermal substitutes in tissue regeneration: Clinical outcomes and histological findings

Double layer dermal substitute (DS) consist of a 3‐dimensional collagen structures and a superficial silicon layer that are positioned within the defect provide to promote tissue regeneration in skin wounds. DS often have unique physical characteristics due to differences in manufacturing techniques. The aim of this study is the clinical and histological comparison of Nevelia and Integra double layer DSs in patients with post‐traumatic injury wounds. Thirty patients with post‐traumatic wounds localised on the inferior limbs were randomised in 2 groups Nevelia or Integra, followed by autologous dermal epidermal graft (DEG). Clinical results were evaluated through the healing time; Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 1, 2, and 3 weeks and after 1 and 3 years. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation were performed at 0, 2, and 3 weeks. The difference in healing time between groups (P = .467, log‐rank test), pain and self‐estimation was not statistically significant after 35, 42, and 49 days and at 1‐year follow up. Histological data showed evident healing of wound after 2 weeks compared with preoperative with both DSs. At 3 weeks reepithelialisation and dermal regeneration were evident with both substitutes; however Nevelia showed early regenerative properties in terms of epidermal proliferation and dermal renewal compared with Integra. Nevelia showed also a more evident angiogenesis vs Integra evaluated as α‐SMA immunohistochemistry. Differences in the MSS score were statistically significant at 3 years follow up in favour of Nevelia group (P = .001). At long‐term follow up, Nevelia showed a better clinical outcome measured as MSS score vs Integra measured as MSS. Histological and immunohistochemistry data showed that Nevelia allows faster neoangiogenesis and tissue regeneration with neoformed tissue architecture closer to the physiology of the skin.
Diet quality and major chronic disease risk in men and women: moving toward improved dietary guidance.

BACKGROUND Adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, measured with the US Department of Agriculture Healthy Eating Index (HEI), was associated with only a small reduction in major chronic disease risk. Research suggests that greater reductions in risk are possible with more specific guidance. OBJECTIVE We evaluated whether 2 alternate measures of diet quality, the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and the Recommended Food Score (RFS), would predict chronic disease risk reduction more effectively than did the HEI. DESIGN A total of 38 615 men from the Health Professional's Follow-up Study and 67 271 women from the Nurses' Health Study completed dietary questionnaires. Major chronic disease was defined as the initial occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, or nontraumatic death during 8-12 y of follow-up. RESULTS High AHEI scores were associated with significant reductions in risk of major chronic disease in men [multivariate relative risk (RR): 0.80; 95% CI: 0.71, 0.91] and in women (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82, 0.96) when comparing the highest and lowest quintiles. Reductions in risk were particularly strong for CVD in men (RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.75) and in women (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.86). In men but not in women, the RFS predicted risk of major chronic disease (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.83, 1.04) and CVD (RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.93). CONCLUSIONS The AHEI predicted chronic disease risk better than did the RFS (or the HEI, in our previous research) primarily because of a strong inverse association with CVD. Dietary guidelines can be improved by providing more specific and comprehensive advice.
Porous structure of fibre networks formed by a foaming process: a comparative study of different characterization techniques

Recent developments in making fibre materials using the foam‐forming technology have raised a need to characterize the porous structure at low material density. In order to find an effective choice among all structure‐characterization methods, both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional techniques were used to explore the porous structure of foam‐formed samples made with two different types of cellulose fibre. These techniques included X‐ray microtomography, scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, direct surface imaging using a CCD camera and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The mean pore radius for a varying type of fibre and for varying foam properties was described similarly by all imaging methods. X‐ray microtomography provided the most extensive information about the sheet structure, and showed more pronounced effects of varying foam properties than the two‐dimensional imaging techniques. The two‐dimensional methods slightly underestimated the mean pore size of samples containing stiff CTMP fibres with void radii exceeding 100 μm, and overestimated the pore size for the samples containing flexible kraft fibres with all void radii below 100 μm. The direct rapid surface imaging with a CCD camera showed surprisingly strong agreement with the other imaging techniques. Mercury intrusion porosimetry was able to characterize pore sizes also in the submicron region and led to an increased relative volume of the pores in the range of the mean bubble size of the foam. This may be related to the penetration channels created by the foam‐fibre interaction.
Meta-analysis of Telomere Length in Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common and severe neurodegenerative disorder. Human telomeres are fundamental for the maintenance of genomic stability and play prominent roles in both cellular senescence and organismal aging. Regulation of telomere length (TL) is the result of the complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors. Alterations in TL are increasingly being studied as a possible risk factor for AD, and published studies on TL in AD show discrepant results, highlighting the need for a meta-analysis. METHODS In the current study, we carried out a meta-analysis of published studies of TL in AD patients and healthy controls. PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases (from inception to September 2015) were used to identify relevant articles reporting TL in humans with AD, from which we retrieved data such as sample size, experimental methods, and mean TL for cases and controls. A random-effects model was used for meta-analytical procedures. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 13 primary studies and demonstrated a significant difference in TL between 860 AD patients and 2,022 controls, with a standardized mean difference of -0.984 (confidence interval: -1.433 to -0.535; p value: <.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results show a consistent evidence of shorter telomeres in AD patients and highlight the importance of the analysis of epigenomic markers associated with neurodegeneration and with the risk for common and severe neurological diseases, such as AD.
Infectious etiology modifies the treatment effect of zinc in severe pneumonia.

BACKGROUND Zinc is undergoing evaluation as an inexpensive therapeutic adjuvant for severe pediatric pneumonia. OBJECTIVE We explored the effect of etiology on the treatment effect of zinc in young children hospitalized for severe pneumonia. DESIGN We analyzed data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted at the Christian Medical College Hospital, a teaching hospital in Tamilnadu, India. Children aged 2-23 mo (n = 299) were randomly assigned to receive a 10-mg tablet of zinc sulfate or placebo twice a day during hospitalization. The primary outcomes were length of hospitalization and time to resolution of severe pneumonia stratified by etiologic classification on the basis of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations at admission. RESULTS CRP concentrations were available for 295 (98.7%) of the enrolled cases. Of these 295 cases, 223 (75.6%) were classified as suspected nonbacterial pneumonias (CRP concentrations <or=40 mg/L). Etiology modified the treatment effect of zinc on the length of the hospital stay [hazard ratio (HR) for interaction term: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.91; P = 0.022]. In the 72 suspected bacterial cases (CRP concentrations >40 mg/L), the median length of hospitalization was approximately 20 h longer in the zinc-supplemented group than in the placebo group (87.3 and 68.3 h, respectively; HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.93; P = 0.025). The treatment effect was not modified in the suspected nonbacterial cases of pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the treatment effect of zinc for severe pediatric pneumonia may be modified by bacterial infection. Further studies are required to develop appropriate recommendations for the use of zinc in the treatment of severe pneumonia. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00198666.
Isoflavonoid glucosides are deconjugated and absorbed in the small intestine of human subjects with ileostomies.

BACKGROUND Although soy isoflavonoids have a number of health-promoting benefits, information concerning the sites of their absorption and metabolism in humans remains limited. Isoflavonoid absorption from the gut requires deconjugation of glucosides to aglycones. OBJECTIVE The objective was to investigate the role of the small intestine in isoflavonoid absorption and metabolism in humans. DESIGN Human subjects with fully functional gastrointestinal tracts (n = 6) and ileostomy subjects (n = 6) were fed a single soy meal containing 64.8 mg isoflavonoid aglycone equivalents (95% as glucosides). Metabolism of isoflavonoids in the upper gastrointestinal tract was examined by analyzing ileal effluent from ileostomy subjects, and absorption was assessed indirectly by quantifying isoflavonoids and several metabolites in 24-h urine pools. RESULTS Chyme contained 36.7% of ingested isoflavonoid aglycone equivalents, primarily (95.8%) as aglycones. Qualitative profiles (x +/- SEM) of isoflavonoid excretion in urine (daidzein > glycitein > genistein) and the quantity of isoflavonoid equivalents were not significantly different between the control (18.4 +/- 2.2 mg) and ileostomy (13.5 +/- 3.2 mg) subjects. Dihydrodaidzein was present in the urine of all subjects, although the amount excreted by ileostomy subjects was less than that excreted by the control subjects. The percentage of producers and mean quantities of dihydrogenistein, equol, and O-desmethylangolensin in the urine of ileostomy subjects also were lower than those of control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Ileostomy subjects efficiently deglycosylate isoflavonoid glucosides in the small intestine and appear to absorb aglycones with an efficiency comparable with that of control subjects. However, the production of microbial metabolites of isoflavonoids is limited in ileostomy subjects.
Central methysergide prevents renal sympathoinhibition and bradycardia during hypotensive hemorrhage.

Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) were measured in conscious rats during either hemorrhage or cardiopulmonary chemoreceptor stimulation with phenylbiguanide (PBG) after intracerebroventricular injection of the 5-HT1/5-HT2-receptor antagonist, methysergide (40 μg). Progressive hemorrhage caused an initial rise (109 ± 33%) followed by a fall in RSNA (-60 ± 7%) and a fall in HR (-126 ± 7 beats/min). Methysergide delayed the hypotension and prevented both the sympathoinhibitory and bradycardic responses to hemorrhage. Systemic 5-HT3-receptor blockade did not influence responses to hemorrhage. The PBG infusion caused transient depressor (-25 ± 6 mmHg), bradycardic (-176 ± 40 beats/min), and renal sympathostimulatory (182 ± 47% baseline) responses that were not affected by central methysergide (-20 ± 6 mmHg, -162 ± 18 beats/min, 227 ± 46% baseline). These data indicate that a central serotonergic receptor-mediated component contributes to the sympathoinhibitory and bradycardic responses to hypotensive hemorrhage in conscious rats. Furthermore, the same central 5-HT-receptor populations involved in reflex responses to hypotensive hemorrhage probably do not mediate the sympathoinhibitory response to cardiopulmonary chemosensitive 5-HT3 receptors.
A novel human effort estimation method for knee assistive exoskeletons

In this work we present a novel method to estimate online the torques at the knee joints with the goal to generate reference signals for knee assistive devices. One of the main advantages of the proposed approach is its reduced sensing requirements, which leads to an ergonomic setup with minimal instrumentation, especially above the knee and of the upper body. Indeed, only the measurement of the forces and torques exchanged between the ground and the user's feet, the posture of the shanks, and the model of the user's shank itself are needed for the estimation of the knee torque. The method does not require information of the state of the upper body and of a possible payload i.e. body pose, mass and center of mass (CoM) location. As a result, a minimalistic sensory system consisting of sensorized shoes and IMUs to track the shanks' orientation are adequate, allowing for an easily wearable and portable setup. The estimation of the knee torques is achieved by imposing an equilibrium condition to the user's shank. Several experiments were performed to test the effectiveness of the proposed estimation method under different body postures and motions (e.g. squat motion and switching foot contacts) and payloads (e.g. by holding weights at different arm postures resulting in variable upper body CoM). Finally an assistive task, conducted with the iT-Knee bipedal system is presented, where the lifted payload changed its CoM location over time.
How justifiable is it to distort the energy profile of a diet to obtain benefits in body weight control?

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