Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of n-3 PUFAs on Intestinal Mucosa Innate Immunity and Intestinal Microbiota in Mice after Hemorrhagic Shock Resuscitation

n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can improve the function of the intestinal barrier after damage from ischemia-reperfusion or hemorrhagic shock resuscitation (HSR). However, the effects of n-3 PUFAs on intestinal microbiota and the innate immunity of the intestinal mucosa after HSR remain unclear. In the present study, 40 C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, sham, HSR, HSR + n-3 PUFAs and HSR + n-6 PUFAs. Mice were sacrificed 12 h after HSR. Liver, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and terminal ileal tissues were collected. Intestinal mucosae were scraped aseptically. Compared with the HSR group, the number of goblet cells increased, expression of mucin 2 was restored and disturbed intestinal microbiota were partly stabilized in the PUFA-administered groups, indicating that both n-3 and n-6 PUFAs reduced overproliferation of Gammaproteobacteria while promoting the growth of Bacteroidetes. Notably, n-3 PUFAs had an advantage over n-6 PUFAs in improving ileal tissue levels of lysozyme after HSR. Thus, PUFAs, especially n-3 PUFAs, partly improved the innate immunity of intestinal mucosa in mice after HSR. These findings suggest a clinical rationale for providing n-3 PUFAs to patients recovering from ischemia-reperfusion.
Effect of pelvic floor muscle training compared with watchful waiting in older women with symptomatic mild pelvic organ prolapse: randomised controlled trial in primary care

Objective To compare the effects of pelvic floor muscle training and watchful waiting on pelvic floor symptoms in a primary care population of women aged 55 years and over with symptomatic mild pelvic organ prolapse. Design Randomised controlled trial. Setting Dutch primary care. Participants Women aged 55 years or over with symptomatic mild prolapse (leading edge above the hymen) were identified by screening. Exclusion criteria were current prolapse treatment or treatment in the previous year, malignancy of pelvic organs, current treatment for another gynaecological disorder, severe/terminal illness, impaired mobility, cognitive impairment, and insufficient command of the Dutch language. Interventions Pelvic floor muscle training versus watchful waiting. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was change in bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor symptoms measured with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), three months after the start of treatment. Secondary outcomes were changes in condition specific and general quality of life, sexual function, degree of prolapse, pelvic floor muscle function, and patients’ perceived change in symptoms. Results Of the 287 women who were randomised to pelvic floor muscle training (n=145) or watchful waiting (n=142), 250 (87%) completed follow-up. Participants in the intervention group improved by (on average) 9.1 (95% confidence interval 2.8 to 15.4) points more on the PFDI-20 than did participants in the watchful waiting group (P=0.005). Of women in the pelvic floor muscle training group, 57% (82/145) reported an improvement in overall symptoms from the start of the study compared with 13% (18/142) in the watchful waiting group (P<0.001). Other secondary outcomes showed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions Although pelvic floor muscle training led to a significantly greater improvement in PFDI-20 score, the difference between the groups was below the presumed level of clinical relevance (15 points). Nevertheless, 57% of the participants in the intervention group reported an improvement of overall symptoms. More studies are needed to identify factors related to success of pelvic floor muscle training and to investigate long term effects. Trial registration Dutch Trial Register (www.trialregister.nl) identifier: NTR2047.
Predictors of poor sleep quality among Lebanese university students: association between evening typology, lifestyle behaviors, and sleep habits

Adequate, good night sleep is fundamental to well-being and is known to be influenced by myriad biological and environmental factors. Given the unavailability of sleep data about Lebanon, the cultural shifts and socioeconomic pressures that have affected many aspects of society, particularly for students and working adults, as well as our understanding of sleep in university students in other countries, we conducted a national study to assess sleep quality and factors contributing to sleep and general health in a culture-specific context. A self-filled questionnaire, inquiring about sociodemographics, health-risk behaviors, personal health, and evaluating sleep quality and chronotype using standard scales was completed by 540 students at private and public universities in Lebanon. Overall, they reported sleeping 7.95±1.34 hours per night, although 12.3% reported sleeping <6.5 hours and more than half scored in the poor-sleeper category on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Sleep timing differed markedly between weekdays and weekends, with bedtimes and wake-up times delayed by 1.51 and 2.43 hours, respectively, on weekends. While most scored in the “neither type” category on the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), 24.5% were evening types and 7.3% were morning types. MEQ score was significantly correlated with smoking behavior and daily study onset, as well as with PSQI score, with eveningness associated with greater number of cigarettes, later study times, and poor sleep. We conclude that the prevalence of poor sleep quality among Lebanese university students is associated with reduced sleep duration and shifts in sleep timing between weekdays and weekends, especially among evening types. While chronotype and certain behavioral choices interact to affect sleep dimensions and quality, raising awareness about the importance of obtaining adequate nighttime sleep on daily performance and avoiding risky behaviors may help Lebanese students make better choices in school and work schedules.
Understanding Performance of Edge Content Caching for Mobile Video Streaming

Today’s Internet has witnessed an increase in the popularity of mobile video streaming, which is expected to exceed 3/4 of the global mobile data traffic by 2019. To satisfy the considerable amount of mobile video requests, video service providers have been pushing their content delivery infrastructure to edge networks—from regional content delivery network (CDN) servers to peer CDN servers (e.g., smartrouters in users’ homes)—to cache content and serve users with storage and network resources nearby. Among the edge network content caching paradigms, Wi-Fi access point caching and cellular base station caching have become two mainstream solutions. Thus, understanding the effectiveness and performance of these solutions for large-scale mobile video delivery is important. However, the characteristics and request patterns of mobile video streaming are unclear in practical wireless network. In this paper, we use real-world data sets containing 50 million trace items of nearly 2 million users viewing more than 0.3 million unique videos using mobile devices in a metropolis in China over two weeks, not only to understand the request patterns and user behaviors in mobile video streaming, but also to evaluate the effectiveness of Wi-Fi and cellular-based edge content caching solutions. To understand the performance of edge content caching for mobile video streaming, we first present temporal and spatial video request patterns, and we analyze their impacts on caching performance using frequency-domain and entropy analysis approaches. We then study the behaviors of mobile video users, including their mobility and geographical migration behaviors, which determine the request patterns. Using trace-driven experiments, we compare strategies for edge content caching, including least recently used (LRU) and least frequently used (LFU), in terms of supporting mobile video requests. We reveal that content, location, and mobility factors all affect edge content caching performance. Moreover, we design an efficient caching strategy based on the measurement insights and experimentally evaluate its performance. The results show that our design significantly improves the cache hit rate by up to 30% compared with LRU/LFU.
Epidemiology of HPV Genotypes among HIV Positive Women in Kenya: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background There is a scarcity of data on the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in the HIV positive population and in invasive cervical cancer (ICC) in Kenya. This may be different from genotypes found in abnormal cytology. Yet, with the advent of preventive HPV vaccines that target HPV 16 and 18, and the nonavalent vaccine targeting 90% of all ICC cases, such HPV genotype distribution data are indispensable for predicting the impact of vaccination and HPV screening on prevention. Even with a successful vaccination program, vaccinated women will still require screening to detect those who will develop ICC from other High risk (HR) HPV genotypes not prevented by current vaccines. The aim of this review is to report on the prevalence of pHR/HR HPV types and multiple pHR/HR HPV genotypes in Kenya among HIV positive women with normal, abnormal cytology and ICC. Methods PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and PROQUEST were searched for articles on HPV infection up to August 2nd 2016. Search terms were HIV, HPV, Cervical Cancer, Incidence or Prevalence, and Kenya. Results The 13 studies included yielded a total of 2116 HIV-infected women, of which 89 had ICC. The overall prevalence of pHR/HR HPV genotypes among HIV-infected women was 64% (95%CI: 50%-77%). There was a borderline significant difference in the prevalence of pHR/HR HPV genotypes between Female Sex workers (FSW) compared to non-FSW in women with both normal and abnormal cytology. Multiple pHR/HR HPV genotypes were highly prominent in both normal cytology/HSIL and ICC. The most prevalent HR HPV genotypes in women with abnormal cytology were HPV 16 with 26%, (95%CI: 23.0%-30.0%) followed by HPV 35 and 52, with 21% (95%CI: 18%-25%) and 18% (95%CI: 15%-21%), respectively. In women with ICC, the most prevalent HPV genotypes were HPV 16 (37%; 95%CI: 28%-47%) and HPV 18 (24%; 95%CI: 16%-33%). Conclusion HPV 16/18 gains prominence as the severity of cervical disease increases, with HPV 16/18 accounting for 61% (95%CI: 50.0%-70.0%) of all ICC cases. A secondary prevention program will be necessary as this population harbors multiple pHR/HR HPV co-infections, which may not be covered by current vaccines. A triage based on FSW as an indicator may be warranted.
Effects of fast-velocity eccentric resistance training on early and late rate of force development

Abstract This study examined whether short-term maximal resistance training employing fast-velocity eccentric knee extensor actions would induce improvements in maximal isometric torque and rate of force development (RFD) at early (<100 ms) and late phases (>100 ms) of rising torque. Twenty healthy men were assigned to two experimental groups: eccentric resistance training (TG) or control (CG). Participants on the TG trained three days a week for a total of eight weeks. Training consisted of maximal unilateral eccentric knee extensors actions performed at 180°s-1. Maximal isometric knee extensor torque (MVC) and incremental RFD in successive 50 ms time-windows from the onset contraction were analysed in absolute terms (RFDINC) or when normalised relative to MVC (RFDREL). After eight weeks, TG demonstrated increases in MVC (28%), RFDINC (0–50 ms: 30%; 50–100 ms: 31%) and RFDREL (0–50 ms: 29%; 50–100 ms: 32%). Moreover, no changes in the late phase of incremental RFD were observed in TG. No changes were found in the CG. In summary, we have demonstrated, in active individuals, that a short period of resistance training performed with eccentric fast-velocity isokinetic muscle contractions is able to enhance RFDINC and RFDREL obtained at the early phase of rising joint torque.
Global shape with morphogen gradients and motile polarized cells

A new cellular model for evolving stable, lightweight structures is presented in this paper. The focus lies in enhancing the ability of the cellular system to create complex 3D shapes with non self-similar regions. Compared to our previous work [17], the model proposed in this paper is composed of polarized cells that have directionally differential force functions for cell adhesion and thus are able to follow morphogen gradients (chemotaxis). We investigate the evolution of global information in form of evolving morphogen gradients that are created prior to development, which serve to guide cellular and shape differentiation. Our analysis shows that for a set of Pareto-optimal solutions of lightweight stable structures, no unique gradient can be evolved. Nevertheless, it is revealed that neighboring individuals in the genotype space are also neighbored in the gradient space. By contrast, neighborhood in the fitness space is not maintained in the genotype space. These results suggest that a hierarchical genetic formulation might be better than a ‘common predefined spatial pattern’ in form of a predefined gradient. In addition, our analysis also implies that some well-known properties in direct-coding evolutionary algorithms may be lost in developmental mappings.
A Coupled Solution Method for Predicting the Thermostructural Response of Decomposing, Expanding Polymeric Composites

A new solution method has recently been developed to analyze the ther mal and structural response of polymeric composites during chemical decomposition. This method extends the numerical approach of previous researchers by including the solution for the structural response of the decomposing material. The method couples the equations of energy, mass transport and momentum and solves these equations simultane ously at each time step. The result is a comprehensive numerical scheme for assessing composite stresses due to chemical decomposition. In this article, the coupled solution method is applied to analyze the response of a glass-phenolic composite during its chemi cal decomposition. Comparisons are made between the numerical results and those ob tained experimentally. In addition to verification of the coupled solution method, the pres ent solution offers additional insight into certain physical events which occur during chemical decomposition.
AdS/CFT correspondence and the reheating of the brane-universe

We present a mechanism for exit from inflation and reheating using the AdS/CFT correspondence. A cosmological evolution is induced on a probe D3-brane as it moves in a black D-brane background of type-0 string theory. If the tachyon field is non zero, inflation is induced on the brane-universe, with the equation of state parameter in the range −1 < w < −1/3 depending on the position of the probe brane in the bulk. As the probe brane approaches the horizon of the background black hole, the inflation rate decreases and the value of w gets larger. At some critical distance away from the horizon, inflation ends. When the brane-universe reaches the horizon, the conformal invariance is restored, the background geometry becomes AdS5 × S5, and the brane-universe feels the CFT thermal radiation and reheats.
Application of Fractional Fourier Transform to Moving Target Indication via Along-Track Interferometry

A relatively unknown yet powerful technique, the so-called fractional Fourier transform (FrFT), is applied to SAR along-track interferometry (SAR-ATI) in order to estimate moving target parameters. By mapping a target's signal onto a fractional Fourier axis, the FrFT permits a constant-velocity target to be focused in the fractional Fourier domain thereby affording orders of magnitude improvement in SCR. Moving target velocity and position parameters are derived and expressed in terms of an optimum fractional angle and a measured fractional Fourier position, allowing a target to be accurately repositioned and its velocity components computed without actually forming an SAR image. The new estimation algorithm is compared with the matched filter bank approach, showing some of the advantages of the FrFT method. The proposed technique is applied to the data acquired by the two-aperture CV580 airborne radar system configured in its along-track mode. Results show that the method is effective in estimating target velocity and position parameters.
Low Formaldehyde Emission Particleboard Panels Realized Through a New Acrylic Binder

The effectiveness of acrylic resins as low formaldehyde emission binders for particleboard produc- tion was explored. In particular, a multifunctional metha- crylic monomer, ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate, classified as nonskin and eyes irritant, was selected and tested. In comparison panels realized with classic urea- formaldehyde (UF) binder were also prepared. No signifi- cant differences were found through the morpholocigal analysis of samples prepared with the two different bind- ers. Moreover, particleboard panels realized with the acrylic binder showed better mechanical properties and lower water absorption and thickness swelling in compari- son with corresponding panels realized with the UF bind- ers. Furthermore, the replacement of the UF with the acrylic binder did not affect thermal insulation properties of the panels. Formaldehyde release tests revealed that particleboard panels obtained by applying the acrylic binder can be classified as E1 following the European clas- sification and even F**** following the stricter Japanese classification. V C 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 2779-2788, 2011
Transplanted dopamine neurons derived from primate ES cells preferentially innervate DARPP‐32 striatal progenitors within the graft

The correct identity and functional capacity of transplanted dopamine (DA) neurons derived in vitro from embryonic stem (ES) cells is a critical factor for the development of an ES cell‐based replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease. We transplanted primate Cyno‐1 ES cells differentiated in vitro for 4 (progenitor ES cells) or 6 (differentiated ES cells) weeks, or control fetal primate cells into the striatum of hemi‐parkinsonian rats. Partial behavioral recovery in amphetamine‐induced rotation was correlated with the number of ES‐derived tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive (TH +) neurons in the grafts (r = 0.5, P < 0.05). Post mortem analysis of ES‐derived grafts revealed TH + neurons with mature morphology, similar to fetal DA neurons, and expression of midbrain transcription factors, such as Engrailed (En) and Nurr‐1. While the total number of TH + neurons was not different between the two groups, TH/En co‐expression was significantly higher (> 90%) in grafts from differentiated ES cells than in grafts derived from progenitor cells (< 50%), reflecting a more heterogeneous cellular composition. Within the grafts there was an overlap between ES‐derived TH + axonal arbors and clusters of primate ES‐derived striatal neurons expressing brain factor 1 (Bf‐1, Foxg1) and DA and cAMP‐regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP‐32). Such overlap was never observed for other regional transcription factors that define neighboring forebrain domains in the developing brain, such as Nkx2.1 (medial ganglionic eminence), Nkx2.2 (pallidal and diencephalic progenitors) or Pax6 (dorsal telencephalic progenitors). Despite the heterogeneity of ES‐derived graft cell composition, these results demonstrate normal phenotypic specification, conserved natural axonal target selectivity and functionality of DA neurons derived from primate ES cells.
The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire in the Evaluation of Eating Behaviour in Subjects Seeking Participation in a Dietotherapy Programme

Aim: To evaluate the eating behaviour in normal-weight, overweight, and obese women seeking participation in a diet-based programme of weight reduction or achievement of ideal body weight. Methods: Thirty-seven obese, 42 overweight, and 14 normal-weight subjects, seen at an Italian university outpatient clinic, were asked to complete the Stunkard and Messick three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ). The TFEQ is designed to evaluate three different factors in eating behaviour: restraint, disinhibition, and hunger. Forty-eight mothers of children attending public primary schools (25 normal weight and 23 overweight) served as controls. Results: Significantly altered scores of cognitive restraint were observed both in normal-weight and in overweight subjects of the outpatient clinic as compared with normal-weight and overweight control women. Outpatient clinic overweight women scored significantly higher in terms of disinhibition as compared with overweight control subjects. Among outpatient clinic subjects, overweight women showed higher scores of disinhibition but similar values of cognitive restraint as compared with outpatient clinic normal-weight subjects. In obese patients, the scores of disinhibition and hunger were higher than those observed in outpatient clinic normal-weight subjects, whereas values of cognitive restraint were significantly lower. As compared with outpatient clinic overweight women, obese subjects showed significantly lower values of cognitive restraint. Conclusions: Alterations in TFEQ results are a frequent feature in subjects seeking participation in programmes of weight reduction or ideal body weight achievement. This may reflect a possible impairment in eating behaviour.
Weighted Rational Transductions and their Application to Human Language Processing

We present the concepts of weighted language, transduction and automaton from algebraic automata theory as a general framework for describing and implementing decoding cascades in speech and language processing. This generality allows us to represent uniformly such information sources as pronunciation dictionaries, language models and lattices, and to use uniform algorithms for building decoding stages and for optimizing and combining them. In particular, a single automata join algorithm can be used either to combine information sources such as a pronunciation dictionary and a context-dependency model during the construction of a decoder, or dynamically during the operation of the decoder. Applications to speech recognition and to Chinese text segmentation will be discussed.
Increasing the Complexity of the Illumination May Reduce Gloss Constancy

We examined in which way gradual changes in the geometric structure of the illumination affect the perceived glossiness of a surface. The test stimuli were computer-generated three-dimensional scenes with a single test object that was illuminated by three point light sources, whose relative positions in space were systematically varied. In the first experiment, the subjects were asked to adjust the microscale smoothness of a match object illuminated by a single light source such that it has the same perceived glossiness as the test stimulus. We found that small changes in the structure of the light field can induce dramatic changes in perceived glossiness and that this effect is modulated by the microscale smoothness of the test object. The results of a second experiment indicate that the degree of overlap of nearby highlights plays a major role in this effect: Whenever the degree of overlap in a group of highlights is so large that they perceptually merge into a single highlight, the glossiness of the surface is systematically underestimated. In addition, we examined the predictability of the smoothness settings by a linear model that is based on a set of four different global image statistics.