Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validity Studies of Quality of Life Instruments for Eating Disorders: Systematic Review of the Literature

To conduct a systematic review of studies that evaluated quality of life (QOL) among individuals with eating disorders, to analyze the characteristics of specific QOL instruments for eating disorders. Bibliographic searches were conducted in 6 databases and manual searches in 2 journals, covering the period from January 1975 to June 2008. The search strategies provided a total of 29,537 references. Out of the 41 studies that met the inclusion criteria for this review, 5 reported on the validation process for 4 specific instruments for eating disorders. Among the 4 specific QOL instruments for eating disorders, 3 presented adequate development procedures and psychometric properties. However, further research is needed to prove the validity and applicability of these instruments. Additional validation studies are needed, especially in relation to patients who deny that they have a disorder.
Algorithms for Square Roots of Graphs

The $n$th power ($n \geq 1$) of a graph $G = (V, E)$, written $G^n$, is defined to be the graph having $V$ as its vertex set with two vertices $u, v$ adjacent in $G^n$ if and only if there exists a path of length at most $n$ between them. Similarly, graph $H$ has an $n$th root $G$ if $G^n = H$. For the case of $n = 2$, we say that $G^2$ is the square of $G$ and $G$ is the square root of $G^2$. This paper presents a linear time algorithm for finding the tree square roots of a given graph and a linear time algorithm for finding the square roots of planar graphs. A polynomial time algorithm for finding the square roots of subdivision graphs, which is equivalent to the problem of the inversion of total graphs, is also presented. Further, the authors give a linear time algorithm for finding a Hamiltonian cycle in a cubic graph and prove the NP-completeness of finding the maximum cliques in powers of graphs and the chordality of powers of trees.
Postprandial indole and skatole formation in the rumen when feeding white clover, perennial ryegrass and Lotus corniculatus

In some international markets, meat and milk products from pasture-fed animals is associated with an undesirable pastoral flavour and odour. Sensory evaluation and chemical analysis of products has associated these flavours and odours with the presence of skatole and indole. Skatole and indole are formed in the rumen from the degradation of dietary protein. Condensed tannins (CT) have been shown to reduce protein degradation in the rumen and could reduce the formation of skatole and indole. This study investigated the concentrations of skatole and indole in the rumen of sheep after feeding white clover (WC), perennial ryegrass (PRG) and the CT forage, Lotus corniculatus (LC). Six rumen-fistulated Romney wethers were fed the cut forages and rumen contents sampled at intervals after the start of feeding. Feeding WC resulted in higher (P<0.05) peak concentrations of indole and skatole in the rumen per kilogram of crude protein eaten (CPI) compared to PRG and LC. There was a higher peak concentration of indole, but not skatole, in the rumen of sheep fed PRG compared to sheep fed LC (P<0.05). Feeding LC resulted in lower peak concentrations of skatole compared to feeding WC and lower peak concentrations of indole than when feeding WC or PRG. White clover in pastures may be a key factor of the high skatole and indole contents in meat and milk products obtained from pasture-based grazing systems. CT forages seem a likely solution to reducing ruminal skatole and indole formation.
Physical Activity, Glucose Tolerance, and Diabetes Mellitus: the Whitehall Study

In the Whitehall Study, 6 672 men aged 40–64 years completed a questionnaire concerning leisure time physical activity and had a capillary blood glucose measurement on a sample taken 2 h after a 50 g glucose load. An activity score was calculated by grouping subjects into three broad categories: inactive, moderately active, and active. In both univariate and multiple regression analysis no significant association between blood glucose level and activity score could be found.
Glutamatergic Mechanisms for Speed Control and Network Operation in the Rodent Locomotor CPG

Locomotion is a fundamental motor act that, to a large degree, is controlled by central pattern-generating (CPG) networks in the spinal cord. Glutamate is thought to be responsible for most of the excitatory input to and the excitatory activity within the locomotor CPG. However, previous studies in mammals have produced conflicting results regarding the necessity and role of the different ionotropic glutamate receptors (GluRs) in the CPG function. Here, we use electrophysiological and pharmacological techniques in the in vitro neonatal mouse lumbar spinal cord to investigate the role of a broad range of ionotropic GluRs in the control of locomotor speed and intrinsic locomotor network function. We show that non-NMDA (non-NMDARs) and NMDA receptor (NMDAR) systems may independently mediate locomotor-like activity and that these receptors set different speeds of locomotor-like activity through mechanisms acting at various network levels. AMPA and kainate receptors are necessary for generating the highest locomotor frequencies. For coordination, NMDARs are more important than non-NMDARs for conveying the rhythmic signal from the network to the motor neurons during long-lasting and steady locomotor activity. This study reveals that a diversity of ionotropic GluRs tunes the network to perform at different locomotor speeds and provides multiple levels for potential regulation and plasticity.
Improving Accuracy of GNSS Devices in Urban Canyons

This paper addresses the problem of calculating the accurate position of a GNSS device operating in an urban canyon, where lines of sight (LOS) with navigation satellites are too few for accurate trilateration calculation. We introduce a post-processing renement algorithm, which makes use of a 3D map of the city buildings as well as captured signals from all traceable navigation satellites. This includes weak signals originating from satellites with no line of sight (NLOS) with the device. We also address the dual problem - computing a 3D map of the city buildings when the position of the device is given. This is achieved by storing LOS/NLOS rays to all navigation satellites sampled at multiple locations within a region of interest (ROI). These rays are then used to compute the 3D shapes of buildings in the ROI. A series of eld experiments conrm that both algorithms are applicative. The position renement algorithm signicantly improves the device’s accuracy and the mapping algorithm allows few users to map a complex urban region simply by walking through it.
Parallel repetition of entangled games

We consider one-round games between a classical referee and two players. One of the main questions in this area is the parallel repetition question: Is there a way to decrease the maximum winning probability of a game without increasing the number of rounds or the number of players? Classically, efforts to resolve this question, open for many years, have culminated in Raz's celebrated parallel repetition theorem on one hand, and in efficient product testers for PCPs on the other. In the case where players share entanglement, the only previously known results are for special cases of games, and are based on techniques that seem inherently limited. Here we show for the first time that the maximum success probability of entangled games can be reduced through parallel repetition, provided it was not initially 1. Our proof is inspired by a seminal result of Feige and Kilian in the context of classical two-prover one-round interactive proofs. One of the main components in our proof is an orthogonalization lemma for operators, which might be of independent interest.
Analysis for a planar 3 degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism with actively adjustable stiffness characteristics

A planar three degree-of-freedom parallel manipulator has been extensively studied as the fundamental example of general parallel manipulators. It is proven from previous work (Kim, et. al., 1996) that when three identical joint compliances are attached to the three base joints of the mechanism in its symmetric configurations, this mechanism possesses a completely decoupled compliance characteristic at the object space, which is the important operational requirement for an RCC device. In this work, we are concerned with the adjustability of the output compliance matrix of this mechanism, by employing redundancy on either joint compliances or on actuators. Two approaches are suggested to achieve this purpose. In the first approach, the stiffness modulation is achieved through purely redundant passive springs or decoupled feedback stiffness gains. In the second approach, stiffness modulation is achieved through antagonistic actuation of the system actuators. General stiffness models are derived for both cases. Based on these stiffness models, stiffness modulation algorithms are formulated. The capability of actively adjustable stiffness will be very effective in several robotic applications.
Understanding the effects of carbon and stainless steel fibers on electrical and mechanical properties on selected engineering thermoplastics (PA6 and PBT)

Cabot Corporation supplies a broad range of carbon black based electrically conductive composites (CABELEC®) which are widely used in the automotive, electronics and electrical packaging and equipment industry. Nowadays, the demand in high performance conductive compounds is increasing but carbon black however provides only moderate reinforcements in mechanical properties. Within this framework, the purpose of this project was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of carbon fiber (PAN and PITCH) and stainless steel fibers toward performances of polyamide 6 based composite. In this work, composites were compounded by twin screw extrusion. Since fibers aspect ratio is of crucial importance to manufacture good performance composite, the first part of this project was dedicated to the evaluation and optimization of compounding settings in order to maximize fibers aspect ratio. Increasing screw speed and filler loading enhanced fibers degradation whereas higher output rate and temperature displayed significant impact on preserving fibers. In the second part, the effects of selected fillers toward electrical (i.e. volume resistivity) and mechanical (strength, stiffness and toughness) properties were thoroughly investigated. Carbon fiber PAN, owing its lower degradation during compounding and better adhesion to the polymeric matrix used, appears to be the more efficient in providing conductivity (i.e. volume resistivity of 10 Ohm.cm and percolation at 3.4% vol.) and reinforcements. In the last part, hybrids (i.e. containing at least two different fillers) were investigated. The first hybrid, containing stainless steel and carbon PAN fibers, displayed synergistic effects toward electrical properties and good mechanical performance although mechanical enhancement was lower than expected assumedly due to higher shear during compounding by fiber-fiber interactions. Lastly, hybrid containing mostly carbon black and small amount of carbon PAN fibers (i.e. 2% wt.) was investigated. Carbon fibers in such hybrids provided enhanced electrical properties and effective reinforcement in term of strength (+15%) and stiffness (+20%). List of figures and tables
Exploring and inferring user–user pseudo‐friendship for sentiment analysis with heterogeneous networks

With the development of social media and social networks, user‐generated content, such as forums, blogs and comments, are not only getting richer, but also ubiquitously interconnected with many other objects and entities, forming a heterogeneous information network between them. Sentiment analysis on such kinds of data can no longer ignore the information network, since it carries a lot of rich and valuable information, explicitly or implicitly, where some of them can be observed while others are not. However, most existing methods may heavily rely on the observed user–user friendship or similarity between objects, and can only handle a subgraph associated with a single topic. None of them takes into account the hidden and implicit dissimilarity, opposite opinions, and foe relationship. In this paper, we propose a novel information network‐based framework which can infer hidden similarity and dissimilarity between users by exploring similar and opposite opinions, so as to improve post‐level and user‐level sentiment classification at the same time. More specifically, we develop a new meta path‐based measure for inferring pseudo‐friendship as well as dissimilarity between users, and propose a semi‐supervised refining model by encoding similarity and dissimilarity from both user‐level and post‐level relations. We extensively evaluate the proposed approach and compare with several state‐of‐the‐art techniques on two real‐world forum datasets. Experimental results show that our proposed model with 10.5% labeled samples can achieve better performance than a traditional supervised model trained on 61.7% data samples.
Passive Transfer of Allergic Adrenalitis and Encephalomyelitis with Whole Blood∗

Conclusions Passive transfers of allergic adrenalitis and encephalomyelitis have been achieved in 24 hr by direct transfusion of whole blood from 1 or 2 specifically immunized donors. It was necessary that recipients were isogenic or hybrids and had nonspecific injuries of the target organ which lowered the threshold for disease. It is likely that the active components of the blood were the agranular leukocytes because these autoimmune diseases have been transferred previously by lymph node, spleen, or isolated blood leukocytes but not by serum (2-5). However, a contributory role of plasma has not been excluded. This new method will facilitate the study of cell migration between lymphoid and target organs in autoimmune diseases.
EFFECTS OF ANTIMICROTUBULAR AGENTS ON THE SECRETION OF COLLAGEN

Embryonic chick cranial bone was cultured in the presence of the antimicrotubular agents, colchicine and vinblastine, and with a number of other compounds known from previous studies to affect the cellular handling of collagen. Secretion of procollagen, quantitated by light microscope autoradiography, was correlated with the extent of conversion of procollagen to collagen and with rates of collagen and noncollagen-protein synthesis. Colchicine inhibited procollagen secretion and conversion to collagen and specifically inhibited collagen synthesis. Cells exposed to colchicine revealed an increased number of dilated Golgi-associated vacuoles and vesicles, some of which contained parallel aggregates of filamentous structures. These observations suggest that the pathway of at least a fraction of procollagen secretion by osteoblasts includes the Golgi complex. Disruption of microtubules may interfere with the movement of Golgi-derived vesicles, and the resulting accumulation of collagen precursors in the Golgi complex may lead secondarily to an inhibition of synthesis. Although vinblastine also inhibited both procollagen secretion and conversion to collagen, the observed reduction in general protein synthesis and striking changes in the ultrastructure of the rough endoplasmic reticulum complicated interpretation of the effects. Interpretation of the effects of cytochalasin B was limited by the finding that the cellular response in cranial bone was markedly heterogeneous and that, contrary to some previous reports, the drug caused an inhibition in the incorporation of radiolabeled amino acids into both collagen and noncollagen protein.
Cultural contexts and governmental digital reporting

The way in which public sector entities disseminate information publicly is affected by the degree of transparency adopted, and the construction and management of websites are increasingly essential elements of modern public administration. Nonetheless, differences in this process exist among governments worldwide, probably due to different contextual factors. This article examines and discusses the approach of Anglo-Saxon, South American and Continental European central governments to the use of the Web as a means of making financial disclosures. To measure the disclosure of governmental financial information on the Internet, an index has been defined, taking into consideration the data considered to be relevant for a potential user, gathering the data visiting their websites. The results show that the way different countries use the Web for financial disclosure is deeply rooted in and follows from their administrative culture. In conclusion, the Continental European and South American governments should improve their digital reporting.
A Review of Spectrophotometric and Chromatographic Methods and Sample Preparation Procedures for Determination of Iodine in Miscellaneous Matrices

Why nearly 200 years after the accidental discovery of natural iodine by Bernard Courtois (Dijon, France, 1811) are researchers still intrigued by this element? Why do they constantly search for more sensitive and reliable methods of its determination? During the last 200 years the status of research into the role of iodine in living organisms and the environment has progressed through many phases, from rapture over its interesting properties and healing powers to even some kind of “iodophobia”. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 2 billion people, including 285 million school-age children, are iodine deficient. And among them, iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) affect some 740 million -with almost 50 million of them suffering from some form of brain damage resulting from iodine deficiency (United Nations Administrative Committee on Coordination/ Sub-Committee on Nutrition, 2000). On the other hand, it is known that large amounts of iodine are able to block the thyroid's ability to make hormones and worsen infiltration of the thyroid by lymphocytes. According to Teng’s studies (Teng et al., 2009) giving iodine to people who had adequate or excessive iodine intake increases the incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis.
Effect of Date Palm Cultivar, Particle Size, Panel Density and Hot Water Extraction on Particleboards Manufactured from Date Palm Fronds

The objective of this work was to evaluate some of the important physical and mechanical properties of particleboard panels manufactured from three different cultivars of date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera ) fronds, namely Saqui, Barhi and Sukkari. Experimental panels were manufactured from hot water extracted and non-extracted, and fine and coarse particles of the raw material under two target panel densities of 650 and 750 kg/m 3 . Bending properties and internal bond strength, along with dimensional stability in the form of thickness swelling, water absorption, and linear expansion of the samples was tested. Based on the findings of this work, panels manufactured from high density level and Saqie cultivar, as well as fine particles, had better performance for their mechanical properties. The effect of hot water-treatment had less robust mechanical and physical properties. It appears that date palm fronds are underutilized resources that have the potential to be used in the manufacture of value-added panel products.
Lack of involvement of the autonomic nervous system in early ventilatory and pulmonary vascular acclimatization to hypoxia in humans

The activity within the autonomic nervous system may be altered following sustained exposure to hypoxia, and it is possible that this increase in activity underlies the early acclimatization of both ventilation and the pulmonary vasculature to hypoxia. To test this hypothesis, seven individuals were infused with the ganglionic blocker trimetaphan before and after an 8 h exposure to hypoxia. The short half‐life of trimetaphan should ensure that the initial infusion does not affect acclimatization to the 8 h hypoxia exposure, and the use of a ganglion blocking agent should inhibit activity within all branches of the autonomic nervous system. During the infusions of trimetaphan, measurements of ventilation and echocardiographic assessments of pulmonary vascular tone (ΔPmax) were made during euoxia and during a short period of isocapnic hypoxia. Subjects were also studied on two control days, when a saline infusion was substituted for trimetaphan. Trimetaphan had no effect on either euoxic ventilation or the sensitivity of ventilation to acute hypoxia. Trimetaphan significantly reduced ΔPmax in euoxia (P < 0.05), but had no significant effect on the sensitivity of ΔPmax to acute hypoxia once changes in cardiac output had been controlled for. The 8 h period of hypoxia elevated euoxic ventilation (P < 0.001) and ΔPmax (P < 0.001) and increased their sensitivities to acute hypoxia (P < 0.001 for both), indicating that significant acclimatization had occurred. Trimetaphan had no effect on the acclimatization response of any of these variables. We conclude that altered autonomic activity following 8 h of hypoxia does not underlie the acclimatization observed in ventilation or pulmonary vascular tone.
Impact Investing

We document that investors derive nonpecuniary utility from investing in dual-objective VC funds, thus sacrificing returns. Impact funds earn 4.7 percentage points (ppts) lower IRRs ex post than traditional VC funds. In random utility/willingness-to-pay (WTP) models investors accept 2.5-3.7 ppts lower IRRs ex ante for impact funds. The positive WTP result is robust to fund access rationing and investor heterogeneity in fund expected returns. Development organizations, foundations, financial institutions, public pensions, Europeans, and UNPRI signatories have high WTP. Investors with mission objectives and/or facing political pressure exhibit high WTP; those subject to legal restrictions (e.g., ERISA) exhibit low WTP.
Relation of Infection to Tissue Temperature in Mice Infected with Mycobacterium marinum and Mycobacterium leprae

Intravenous and footpad infections with Mycobacterium marinum and footpad infections with M. leprae were compared in the following mouse strains: A/He, BALB/C, CBA, C3H, C57BL, C57L, DBA, 101, and CFW. The results varied a great deal according to mouse strain used. Intravenous injection of high doses of M. marinum resulted in deaths after 28 days of 100% of strain A/He, and none of strain 101; 27 days after injection, the feet and noses of all strain CBA mice, but few of the C57BL, 101, or CFW mice, were involved. Injection of a small dose of M. marinum into the footpad produced visible disease in 5 days in all of the C57BL and 101 mice, but in not more than 60% of the A/He, DBA, and CFW mice; the average amount of swelling at 17 days varied from 4.40 mm in strain C57L to 0.92 in strain 101. After footpad injection of M. leprae, the average plateau harvests varied from 1.3 × 107 acid-fast bacteria in strain CBA to 6.5 × 105 in strain C57L. The infections in CBA mice extended from the site of inoculation throughout the foot. The temperature was measured rectally, in the footpad, and in the tail. Analysis of all the results revealed little correlation among the three types of infection. There was a strong negative correlation between the tail temperature and the death rate after intravenous injection of M. marinum, and a strong positive correlation between footpad temperature and plateau harvest of M. leprae.