Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Section Ii-exercise Physiology & Sports Medicine Physical and Physiological Characteristics of Elite Male Handball Players from Teams with a Different Ranking

Authors submitted their contribution of the article to the editorial board. The aim of this study was to examine possible discriminant physical and physiological characteristics between elite male handball players from elite teams with different league rankings. Players from three teams (A, B and C), which competed in the first league of the Greek championship during the season 2011-2012 participated in the study. Team A finished first, B came second and C came eighth out of eleven clubs. Teams A and B also participated in European Cups, and team A won the European Challenge Cup. The players (n=44) were examined for anthropometric characteristics and performed a series of physical fitness tests. Players from teams A and B were taller (6.2 cm (0.7;11.7), mean difference (95% CI) and 9.2 cm (4.0;14.5), respectively), and had a higher amount of fat free mass (6.4 kg (1.1;11.8) and 5.4 kg (0.2;10.5)) compared to those of team C. Players from team A performed better than players from team C in the squat jump (5.5 cm (1.0;10.0)), the countermovement jump without (5.5 cm (0.4;10.6)) and with arm-swing (6.0 cm (0.7;11.3)) and in the 30 s Bosco test (5.7 W.kg-1 (1.2;10.2)). Also, players from team A outperformed team B in mean power during the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT, 0.5 W.kg-1(0;0.9)) and in the Bosco test (7.8 W.kg-1 (3.4;12.2)). Overall, players from the best ranked team performed better than the lowest ranked team on WAnT, vertical jumps and the Bosco test. Stepwise discriminant analysis showed that stature and mean power during the Bosco test were the most important characteristics in TH players, accounting for 54.6% of the variance in team ranking. These findings indicate the contribution of particular physical fitness components (stature, fat free mass and anaerobic power) to excellence in TH. In addition, the use of the Bosco test as an assessment tool in talent identification and physical fitness monitoring in this sport is further recommended.
Schlieren laser Doppler flowmeter for the human optical nerve head with the flicker stimuli

Abstract. We describe a device to measure blood perfusion for the human optic nerve head (ONH) based on laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) with a flicker stimuli of the fovea region. This device is self-aligned for LDF measurements and includes near-infrared pupil observation, green illumination, and observation of the ONH. The optical system of the flowmeter is based on a Schlieren arrangement which collects only photons that encounter multiple scattering and are back-scattered out of the illumination point. LDF measurements are based on heterodyne detection of Doppler shifted back-scattered light. We also describe an automated analysis of the LDF signals which rejects artifacts and false signals such as blinks. By using a Doppler simulator consisting of a lens and a rotating diffusing wheel, we demonstrate that velocity and flow vary linearly with the speed of the wheel. A cohort of 12 healthy subjects demonstrated that flicker stimulation induces an increase of 17.8% of blood flow in the ONH.
Better Tradeoffs for Exact Distance Oracles in Planar Graphs

We present an O(n1.5)-space distance oracle for directed planar graphs that answers distance queries in O(log n) time. Our oracle both significantly simplifies and significantly improves the recent oracle of Cohen-Addad, Dahlgaard and Wulff-Nilsen [FOCS 2017], which uses O(n5/3)-space and answers queries in O(log n) time. We achieve this by designing an elegant and efficient point location data structure for Voronoi diagrams on planar graphs. We further show a smooth tradeoff between space and query-time. For any S ∈ [n, n2], we show an oracle of size S that answers queries in O(max{1, n1.5/S}) time. This new tradeoff is currently the best (up to polylogarithmic factors) for the entire range of S and improves by polynomial factors over all previously known tradeoffs for the range S ∈ [n, n5/3].
Three-dimensional growth of endothelial cells in the microgravity-based rotating wall vessel bioreactor

SummaryWe characterized bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) continuously cultured in the rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor for up to 30 d. Cultures grew as large tissue-like aggregates (containing 20 or more beads) after 30 d. These cultures appeared to be growing in multilayers around the aggregates, where single beads were covered with confluent BAEC, which displayed the typical endothelial cell (EC) morphology. The 30-d multibead aggregate cultures have a different and smoother surface when viewed under a higher-magnification scanning electron microscope. Transmission electron microscopy of these large BAEC aggregates showed that the cells were viable and formed multilayered sheets that were separated by an extracellular space containing matrix-like material. These three-dimensional cultures also were found to have a basal production of nitric oxide (NO) that was 10-fold higher for the RWV than for the Spinner flask bioreactor (SFB). The BAEC in the RWV showed increased basal NO production, which was dependent on the RWV rotation rate: 73% increase at 8 rpm, 262% increase at 15 rpm, and 500% increase at 20 rpm as compared with control SFB cultures. The addition of l-arginine to the RWV cultures resulted in a fourfold increase in NO production over untreated RWV cultures, which was completely blocked by L-NAME [N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methylester]. Cells in the SFB responded similarly. The RWV cultures showed an increase in barrier properties with an up-regulation of tight junction protein expression. We believe that this study is the first report of a unique growth pattern for ECs, resulting in enhanced NO production and barrier properties, and it suggests that RWV provides a unique model for investigating EC biology and differentiated function.
The Heterogeneity of Disruptive Behavior Disorders – Implications for Neurobiological Research and Treatment

Disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) are reflected by a great variety of symptoms ranging from impulsive-hot-tempered quarrels to purposeful and goal-directed acts of cruelty. A growing body of data indicates that there are neurobiological factors that increase the risk for developing DBDs. In this review, we give a broad overview of recent studies investigating physiological, neural, genetic factors, and specific neurotransmitter systems. We also discuss the impact of psychosocial risk and consider the effects of gene-environment interactions. Due to the heterogeneity of DBDs, it is concluded that specific subtypes of disruptive behavior should be considered both in terms their biological basis and in regard to specific treatment needs.
Children's and Adults’ Comfort Experience of Extra Seat Belts When Riding in the Rear Seat of a Passenger Car

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore passengers’ comfort experience of extra seat belts during on-road driving in the rear seat of a passenger car and to investigate how the use of extra belts affects children's and adults’ attitudes to the product. Methods: Two different seat belt systems were tested, criss-cross (CC) and backpack (BP), consisting of the standard 3-point belt together with an additional 2-point belt. In total, 32 participants (15 children aged 6–10, 6 youths aged 11–15, and 11 adults aged 20–79, who differed considerably in size, shape, and proportions) traveled for one hour with each system, including city traffic and highway driving. Four video cameras monitored the test subject during the drive. Subjective data regarding emotions and perceived discomfort were collected in questionnaires every 20 min. A semistructured interview was held afterwards. Results: All participant groups accepted the new products and especially the increased feeling of safety (P <.01); 56% preferred CC and 44% preferred BP but the difference was not significant. In total, 81% wanted to have extra seat belts in their family car. CC was appreciated for its symmetry, comfort, and the perceived feeling of safety. Some participants found CC unpleasant because the belts tended to slip close to the neck, described as a strangling feeling. BP was simpler to use and did not cause annoyance to the neck in the way CC did. Instead, it felt asymmetric and to some extent less safe than CC. Body size and shape affected seat belt fit to a great extent, which in turn affected the experience of comfort, both initially and over time. Perceived safety benefit and experienced comfort were the most determinant factors for the attitude toward the extra seat belts. The extra seat belts were perceived as being better than the participants had expected before the test, and they became more used to them over time. Conclusion: This exploratory study provided valuable knowledge from a user perspective for further development of new seat belt systems in cars. In addition to an increased feeling of safety, seat belt fit and comfort are supplementary influencing factors when it comes to gaining acceptance of new seat belt systems.
Automated identification of neurons and their locations

Individual locations of many neuronal cell bodies (>104) are needed to enable statistically significant measurements of spatial organization within the brain such as nearest‐neighbour and microcolumnarity measurements. In this paper, we introduce an Automated Neuron Recognition Algorithm (ANRA) which obtains the (x, y) location of individual neurons within digitized images of Nissl‐stained, 30 μm thick, frozen sections of the cerebral cortex of the Rhesus monkey. Identification of neurons within such Nissl‐stained sections is inherently difficult due to the variability in neuron staining, the overlap of neurons, the presence of partial or damaged neurons at tissue surfaces, and the presence of non‐neuron objects, such as glial cells, blood vessels, and random artefacts. To overcome these challenges and identify neurons, ANRA applies a combination of image segmentation and machine learning. The steps involve active contour segmentation to find outlines of potential neuron cell bodies followed by artificial neural network training using the segmentation properties (size, optical density, gyration, etc.) to distinguish between neuron and non‐neuron segmentations. ANRA positively identifies 86 ± 5% neurons with 15 ± 8% error (mean ± SD) on a wide range of Nissl‐stained images, whereas semi‐automatic methods obtain 80 ± 7%/17 ± 12%. A further advantage of ANRA is that it affords an unlimited increase in speed from semi‐automatic methods, and is computationally efficient, with the ability to recognize ∼100 neurons per minute using a standard personal computer. ANRA is amenable to analysis of huge photo‐montages of Nissl‐stained tissue, thereby opening the door to fast, efficient and quantitative analysis of vast stores of archival material that exist in laboratories and research collections around the world.
Feasibility and complexity of broadcasting with random transmission failures

We consider fault-tolerant broadcasting in the message passing and radio models under a probabilistic failure model. At each step, the transmitter of each node may fail independently with fixed probability <i>p<1</i>. We study both omission and Byzantine transmission failures. Our goal is to establish conditions on feasibility and to estimate the complexity of <i>almost-safe</i> broadcasting (i.e., broadcasting which is correct with probability at least <i>1-1/n</i> on <i>n</i>-node graphs for sufficiently large <i>n</i>) under these scenarios. If only omission failures are assumed, almost-safe broadcasting is feasible for any <i>p<1</i>, in both communication models. For Byzantine faults, almost-safe broadcasting is feasible in the message passing model iff <i>p<1/2</i> and in the radio model iff <i>p<(1-p)<sup>Δ+1</sup></i>, where <i>Δ</i> is the maximum degree of the network. For the time complexity of almost-safe broadcasting, we give the following upper and lower bounds. Consider an <i>n</i>-node graph <i>G</i> with a given source <i>s</i>, and denote by D the radius of <i>G</i> w.r. t. <i>s</i> (namely, the largest distance from <i>s</i> to any node in <i>G</i>). Then for the message passing model we show that assuming omission faults, the optimal almost-safe broadcasting time is <i>Θ (D + log n)</i>. Assuming Byzantine faults, almost-safe broadcasting is possible in time <i>O(D+log <sup>α</sup> n)</i>, for any constant <i>α > 1</i>. For the radio model we show that almost-safe broadcasting in time <i>O (opt + log n)</i> (where <i>opt</i> is the optimal fault-free broadcasting time) is impossible for some graphs, even with omission failures, and we give an almost-safe broadcasting algorithm of time <i>O(opt • log n)</i> for any graph, for both types of failures.
PBK/TOPK Expression Predicts Prognosis in Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a common cancer with poor prognosis. We evaluated the expression of PBK/TOPK (PDZ-binding kinase/T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase) and its prognostic significance in oral cancer. PBK/TOPK expression was measured by immunohistochemical staining of samples from 287 patients with oral cancer. The association between PBK/TOPK expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed. The prognostic value of PBK/TOPK for overall survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. A high PBK/TOPK expression level was correlated with long overall survival. The prognostic role of PBK/TOPK expression was significant in young patients (p < 0.05), patients with smoking habits (p < 0.05), and late stage disease (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that PBK/TOPK expression is enhanced in oral cancer. High PBK/TOPK expression, either alone or in subgroups according to clinicopathological features, may serve as a favorable prognostic marker for patients with oral cancer.
Ecological genomics: making the leap from model systems in the lab to native populations in the field

Recent reviews have emphasized the need to incorporate genomics into ecological field studies to further understand how species respond to changing environmental conditions. Genomic tools, such as cDNA (complementary DNA) microarrays, allow for the simultaneous analysis of gene expression of thousands of genes from all or part of an organism's genome (the transcription profile), thereby revealing the genetic mechanisms that underlie species' responses to environmental change. However, despite their potential, two major limitations have hindered the incorporation of microarrays and other genomic tools into field studies: (1) the limited availability of microarrays for ecologically relevant, non-model species and limited financial resources for developing new microarrays; and (2) concern that high sensitivity of gene expression to even subtle alterations in environmental conditions will hinder detection of relevant changes in field measures of transcription profiles. Here, we show that with cross-species hy.
A Three‐Dimensional Carbon Nanotube/Graphene Sandwich and Its Application as Electrode in Supercapacitors

Owing to its unique electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, graphene has attracted great attention in various application areas, such as energy-storage materials, [ 1–3 ] free-standing paper-like materials, [ 4–6 ] polymer composites, [ 7–9 ] liquid crystal devices, [ 10 ] and mechanical resonators. [ 11 , 12 ] Approaches for preparing graphene include micromechanical cleavage, [ 11 , 13 , 14 ]
Nicotinamide supplementation induces detrimental metabolic and epigenetic changes in developing rats

Ecological evidence suggests that niacin (nicotinamide and nicotinic acid) fortification may be involved in the increased prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which are associated with insulin resistance and epigenetic changes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate nicotinamide-induced metabolic changes and their relationship with possible epigenetic changes. Male rats (5 weeks old) were fed with a basal diet (control group) or diets supplemented with 1 or 4 g/kg of nicotinamide for 8 weeks. Low-dose nicotinamide exposure increased weight gain, but high-dose one did not. The nicotinamide-treated rats had higher hepatic and renal levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, a marker of DNA damage, and impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity when compared with the control rats. Nicotinamide supplementation increased the plasma levels of nicotinamide, N1-methylnicotinamide and choline and decreased the levels of betaine, which is associated with a decrease in global hepatic DNA methylation and uracil content in DNA. Nicotinamide had gene-specific effects on the methylation of CpG sites within the promoters and the expression of hepatic genes tested that are responsible for methyl transfer reactions (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase and DNA methyltransferase 1), for homocysteine metabolism (betaine–homocysteine S-methyltransferase, methionine synthase and cystathionine β-synthase) and for oxidative defence (catalase and tumour protein p53). It is concluded that nicotinamide-induced oxidative tissue injury, insulin resistance and disturbed methyl metabolism can lead to epigenetic changes. The present study suggests that long-term high nicotinamide intake (e.g. induced by niacin fortification) may be a risk factor for methylation- and insulin resistance-related metabolic abnormalities.
The IBM expressive speech synthesis system

This paper introduces the IBM Expressive Speech Synthesis system. We describe recent work in improving the quality of our baseline text-to-speech system as well as extending our capabilities to generate expressive synthetic speech. We present results showing improved base quality, especially for sentences drawn from a limited domain. We also demonstrate our ability to convey good news and bad news, produce contrastive emphasis, and ask a question appropriately. In order to facilitate access to the expressive capabilities, we use some of our proposed extensions to the Speech Synthesis Markup Language (SSML).
Genetic structure in a dynamic baboon hybrid zone corroborates behavioural observations in a hybrid population

Behaviour and genetic structure are intimately related: mating patterns and patterns of movement between groups or populations influence the movement of genetic variation across the landscape and from one generation to the next. In hybrid zones, the behaviour of the hybridizing taxa can also impact the incidence and outcome of hybridization events. Hybridization between yellow baboons and anubis baboons has been well documented in the Amboseli basin of Kenya, where more anubis‐like individuals tend to experience maturational and reproductive advantages. However, it is unknown whether these advantages are reflected in the genetic structure of populations surrounding this area. Here, we used microsatellite genotype data to evaluate the structure and composition of baboon populations in southern Kenya. Our results indicate that, unlike for mitochondrial DNA, microsatellite‐based measures of genetic structure concord with phenotypically based taxonomic distinctions and that the currently active hybrid zone is relatively narrow. Isolation with migration analysis revealed asymmetric gene flow in this region from anubis populations into yellow populations, in support of the anubis‐biased phenotypic advantages observed in Amboseli. Populations that are primarily yellow but that receive anubis gene flow exhibit higher levels of genetic diversity than yellow populations far from the introgression front. Our results support previous work that indicates a long history of hybridization and introgression among East African baboons. Specifically, it suggests that anubis baboons are in the process of gradual range expansion into the range of yellow baboons, a pattern potentially explained by behavioural and life history advantages that correlate with anubis ancestry.
Delegatable pseudorandom functions and applications

We put forth the problem of delegating the evaluation of a pseudorandom function (PRF) to an untrusted proxy and introduce a novel cryptographic primitive called delegatable pseudorandom functions, or DPRFs for short: A DPRF enables a proxy to evaluate a pseudorandom function on a strict subset of its domain using a trapdoor derived from the DPRF secret key. The trapdoor is constructed with respect to a certain policy predicate that determines the subset of input values which the proxy is allowed to compute. The main challenge in constructing DPRFs is to achieve bandwidth efficiency (which mandates that the trapdoor is smaller than the precomputed sequence of the PRF values conforming to the predicate), while maintaining the pseudorandomness of unknown values against an attacker that adaptively controls the proxy. A DPRF may be optionally equipped with an additional property we call policy privacy, where any two delegation predicates remain indistinguishable in the view of a DPRF-querying proxy: achieving this raises new design challenges as policy privacy and bandwidth efficiency are seemingly conflicting goals. For the important class of policy predicates described as (1-dimensional) ranges, we devise two DPRF constructions and rigorously prove their security. Built upon the well-known tree-based GGM PRF family, our constructions are generic and feature only logarithmic delegation size in the number of values conforming to the policy predicate. At only a constant-factor efficiency reduction, we show that our second construction is also policy private. Finally, we describe that their new security and efficiency properties render our DPRF schemes particularly useful in numerous security applications, including RFID, symmetric searchable encryption, and broadcast encryption.
A Comprehensive Approach to ‘Now’ in Temporal Relational Databases: Semantics and Representation

Now-related temporal data play an important role in many applications. Clifford et al.'s approach is a milestone to model the semantics of `now' in temporal relational databases. Several relational representation models for now-related data have been presented; however, the semantics of such representations has not been explicitly studied. Additionally, the definition of a relational algebra to query now-related data is an open problem. We propose the first integrated approach that provides both a neat semantics for now-related data and a compact 1NF representation (data model and relational algebra) for them. Additionally, our approach also extends current approaches to consider (i) domains where it is not always possible to know when changes in the world are recorded in the database and (ii) now-related data with a bound on their persistency in the future. To do so, we explicitly model the notion of temporal indeterminacy in the future for now-related data. The properties of our approach are also analyzed both from a theoretical (semantic correctness and reducibility of the algebra) and from an experimental point of view. Experiments show that, despite the fact that our approach is a major extension to current temporal relational approaches, no significant overhead is added to deal with `now'.