Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Aging and the relationships between long-axis systolic and early diastolic excursion, isovolumic relaxation time and left ventricular length—Implications for the interpretation of aging effects on e`

Background Both the left ventricular (LV) long-axis peak early diastolic lengthening velocity (e`) and long-axis early diastolic excursion (EDExc) decrease with age, but the mechanisms underlying these decreases are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative contributions to aging-related decreases in e`and EDExc from LV long-axis systolic excursion (SExc), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT, as a measure of the speed of relaxation) and LV end-diastolic length (LVEDL). Methods The study group was 50 healthy adult subjects of ages 17–75 years with a normal LV ejection fraction. SExc, EDExc, e`and IVRT were measured from pulsed wave tissue Doppler signals acquired from the septal and lateral walls. Multivariate modelling was performed to identify independent predictors of EDExc and e`which were consistent for the septal and lateral walls. Results EDExc decreased with age and the major determinant of EDExc was SExc, which also decreased with age. There was also a decrease of e`with age, and the major determinant of e`was EDExc. IVRT decreased with age and on univariate analysis was not only inversely correlated with EDExc and e`, but also with SExc. IVRT was only a minor contributor to models of EDExc which included SExc, and was an inconsistent contributor to models of e`which included EDExc. LVEDL decreased with age independent of sex and body size, and was positively correlated with SExc, EDExc and e`. Conclusion Major mechanisms underlying the decrease in e`seen during aging are the concomitant decreases in long-axis contraction and early diastolic excursion, which are in turn related in part to long-axis remodelling of the left ventricle. After adjusting for the extent of systolic and early diastolic excursion, slowing of relaxation, as reflected in prolongation of the IVRT, makes no more than a minor contribution to aging-related decreases in EDExc and e`.
Design and Experiments of a Novel Humanoid Robot with Parallel Architectures

In this paper, the mechanical design of the LARMbot 2, a low-cost user-oriented humanoid robot was presented. LARMbot 2 is characterized by parallel architectures for both the torso and legs. The proposed design was presented with the kinematics of its main parts—legs, torso, arms—and then compared to its previous version, which was characterized by a different leg mechanism, to highlight the advantages of the latest design. A prototype was then presented, with constructive details of its subsystems and its technical specifications. To characterize the performance of the proposed robot, experimental results were presented for both the walking and weight-lifting operations.
AMPK signaling linked to the schizophrenia-associated 1q21.1 deletion is required for neuronal and sleep maintenance

The human 1q21.1 deletion of ten genes is associated with increased risk schizophrenia. The deletion involves the ß-subunit of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) complex, a key energy sensor in the cell. Although neurons have a high demand for energy and low capacity to store nutrients, the role of AMPK in neuronal physiology is poorly defined. Here we show that AMPK is important in the nervous system for maintaining neuronal integrity and for stress survival and longevity in Drosophila. To understand its impact on behavior and potential contribution to the 1q21.1 deletion syndrome, we focused on sleep, as its main role is proposed to be to reestablish neuronal energy levels that are diminished during energy-demanding wakefulness. Sleep disturbances are one of the most common problems affecting individuals with psychiatric disorders. We show that AMPK is required to maintain proper sleep architecture and for sleep recovery following sleep deprivation. Neuronal AMPKß loss specifically leads to sleep fragmentation and causes dysregulation of genes believed to play a role in sleep homeostasis. Our data also suggest that AMPKß loss may contribute to the increased risk of developing mental disorders and sleep disturbances associated with the human 1q21.1 deletion. Sleep is regulated by circadian and homeostatic processes. While the circadian clock is well studied, the molecular mechanism underlying homeostasis remains largely unknown. Our data suggest that AMPK is required for sleep maintenance and may be involved in the homeostatic process of sleep regulation. Author Summary The human 1q21.1 chromosomal deletion is associated with increased risk of schizophrenia. Because this deletion affects only a small number of genes, it provides a unique opportunity to identify the specific disease-causing gene(s) using animal models. Here, we report the use of a Drosophila model to identify the potential contribution of one gene affected by the 1q21.1 deletion – PRKAB2 – to the pathology of the 1q21.1 deletion syndrome. PRKAB2 encodes a subunit of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) complex, the main cellular energy sensor. We show that AMPK deficiency reduces lifespan and causes structural abnormalities in neuronal dendritic structures, a phenotype which has been linked to schizophrenia. Furthermore, cognitive impairment and altered sleep patterning are some of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia. Therefore, to understand the potential contribution of PRKAB2 to the 1q21.1 syndrome, we tested whether AMPK alterations would cause defects in learning and sleep. Our study shows that lack of PRKAB2 and AMPK-complex activity, in the nervous system leads to reduced learning and to dramatic sleep disturbances. Thus, our data links a single 1q21.1-related gene with phenotypes that resemble common symptoms of schizophrenia, suggesting that this gene, PRKAB2, may contribute to the risk of developing schizophrenia.
Canine endometrial and vaginal microbiomes reveal distinct and complex ecosystems

The objective of this study was to characterize the normal microbiome of healthy canine vagina and endometrium and to determine the effect of the stage of estrous, on the resident microbiome. Cranial vaginal swabs and uterine biopsy samples were collected from twenty-five bitches in five different stages of estrous at elective ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Over 4 million reads of the V4 region of 16S rDNA gene were obtained and used for further analyses. A total of 317 genera belonging to 24 known phyla were identified. The endometrium was higher in bacterial diversity while the vagina was higher in richness. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla observed across all samples. Hydrotalea, Ralstonia, and Fusobacterium accounted for nearly 60% of the OTUs identified in the vagina while organisms identified in the endometrium were more evenly distributed. Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Corynebacterium were the prominent genera in the endometrium. The microbiome of the endometrium was distinctly different from that of the vagina. There was large animal-to-animal variation. Other than the vaginal microbiome of bitches in estrus (i.e. in heat), there were no distinct clustering of the organisms based on the stage of estrous. These findings establish the presence of a resident microbiome of the endometrium throughout all stages of estrous cycle.
Prevalence of stress and its determinants among residents enrolled in China Standardized Training Program for Resident Doctor (C-STRD) program: A cross-sectional study

Background It has been widely understood that well-trained doctors are crucial for a high-quality public health system and safe patient care. Thus, in 2011, China initiated its first national residency training program, called the China Standardized Training for Resident Doctor (C-STRD), for medical graduates to prepare qualified doctors for the medical care system with increasing demands. So far, no studies have specifically address the prevalence of stress and its determinants among residents enrolled in the C-STRD. Participants and methods The research is performed in two stages. In stage I, the authors conducted a pilot study and met 112 C-STRD residents in person. Based on the preliminary data, a revised questionnaire was adopted in stage II, during which the authors conducted a multi-institutional, cross-sectional survey of 340 participants from 11 hospitals in Shanghai in a self-administered manner. Results The results showed that C-STRD residents were overall under severe stress as their mean PSS score was 27.5 ± 4.9, which was higher than the threshold of high stress (PSS = 20). Specifically, the PSS score for the residents with Bachelor (MB), Master (MM) and Doctoral of Medicine (MD) educational degree were 26.6 ± 4.1, 27.8 ± 3.5 and 27.1 ± 5.2, respectively (P>0.05). Their stress was mainly associated with their financial income status and workload, as these two factors caused more severe burden than other listed stressors (P<0.05). Specially, the residents indicated that their montly payroll amout were as low as $590.2 ± 127 while no benefit package and allowance were given. Surprisingly, wage arrears up to 5.3 month were reported by 36 (10%) participants. Workload survey showed the residents has high work intensity and inadequate rest. Since no stress management program was provided, the majority of residents tended to cope their stress with unhealthy strategies, such as mesmerizing in TV/computer (88.2%) and overeating (59.7%). Conclusion The C-STRD residents are at high risk of perceived stress. Although there was a difference in perception of stress for workload and career future among different educational degree owners, low financial income is the major stressor among all C-STRD residents. Unhealthy stress management strategies were adopted by all residents due to lack of appropriate stress-relieving intervention.
Impact of intramammary inoculation of inactivated Lactobacillus rhamnosus and antibiotics on the milk microbiota of water buffalo with subclinical mastitis

Water buffalo mastitis represents a major issue in terms of animal health, cost of therapy, premature culling and decreased milk yeld. The emergence of antibiotic resistance has led to investigate strategies to avoid or reduce antibiotics’ based therapies, in particular during subclinical mastitis. The use of Generally Regarded As Safe bacteria (GRAS) such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus to restore the unbalance in mammary gland microbiota could provide potential corrective measures. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in milk microbiota after the intramammary treatment with inactivated cultures of Lactobacillus rhamnosus of mammary gland quarters naturally affected by subclinical mastitis as compared to antibiotic therapy.A number of 43 quarters affected by subclinical mastitis with no signs of clinical inflammation and aerobic culture positive for pathogens were included in the study. The experimental design was as follows: 11 quarters were treated with antibiotics, 15 with inactivated cultures of Lactobacillus rhmnosus and 17 with PBS as negative control, by means of intrammary injection. Samples were collected at eight time points, pre- (T-29, T-21, T-15, T-7, T0 days) and post- treatment (T1, T2, and T6 days). Microbiological culture and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) were perfomed on all the samples, and microbiota was determined on milk samples collected at T0 and T6 by amplifying the V4 region of 16S rRNA gene by PCR and sequencing using next generation sequencing technique. Treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus elicited a strong chemotactic response, as determined by a significant increase of leukocytes in milk, but did not change the microbiological culture results of the treated quarters. For what concerns the analysis of the microbiota, the treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus induced the modification in relative abundance of some genera such as Pseudomonas and 5-7N15. As expected, antibiotic treatment caused major changes in microbiota structure with an increase of Methylobacterium relative abundance. No changes were detected after PBS treatment. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrated that the in vivo intrammmary treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus has a transient pro-inflammatory activity by increasing SCC and is capable to modify the microbiota of milk after six days from inoculation, albeit slightly, even when the bacterial cultures were heat inactivated. Further studies are necessary to assess the potential use of this GRAS as supportive therapy against mastitis.
Glycosaminoglycans from Alzheimer’s disease hippocampus have altered capacities to bind and regulate growth factors activities and to bind tau

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), including heparan sulfates and chondroitin sulfates, are major components of the extracellular matrix. Upon interacting with heparin binding growth factors (HBGF), GAGs participate to the maintaintenance of tissue homeostasis and contribute to self-healing. Although several processes regulated by HBGF are altered in Alzheimer’s disease, it is unknown whether the brain GAG capacities to bind and regulate the function of HBGF or of other heparin binding proteins, as tau, are modified in this disease. Here, we show that total sulfated GAGs from hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease have altered capacities to bind and potentiate the activities of growth factors including FGF-2, VEGF, and BDNF while their capacity to bind to tau is remarkable increased. Alterations of GAG structures and capacities to interact with and regulate the activity of heparin binding proteins might contribute to impaired tissue homeostasis in the Alzheimer’s disease brain.
Potential demand for voluntary community-based health insurance improvement in rural Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A randomized conjoint experiment

Introduction In Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), community-based health insurance (CBHI) is the only voluntary insurance scheme; it typically targets self-employed people, most of whom reside in rural areas and are dependent on agricultural activities for subsistence. However, until very recently, the enrollment rate has fallen short and failed to reach a large percentage of the target group. To promote the CBHI scheme and increase demand, some supporting components should be considered for inclusion together with the health infrastructure component. Objectives This paper provides empirical evidence that the benefit package components of hypothetical CBHI schemes have causal effects on enrollment probabilities. Furthermore, we examine the distribution of willingness to pay (WTP) in response to policy changes based on a sample of 5,800 observations. Methods A randomized conjoint experiment is conducted in rural villages in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR, to elicit stated preference data. Each respondent ranks three options—two hypothetical alternatives and the CBHI status quo scheme. The levels of seven attributes—insurance coverage for medical consultations, hospitalizations, traffic accidents, pharmaceuticals and transportation; premiums; and prepaid discounts—are randomly and simultaneously assigned to the two alternatives. Results The findings suggest that the average WTP is at least as large as 10.9% of the per capita income of those who live in rural areas, which is higher than the WTP for health insurance averaged across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the literature. The component of round-trip transportation insurance coverage has a significant effect on WTP distribution, particularly increasing the share of the highest bin. Conclusion Therefore, the low CBHI scheme enrollment rate in Lao PDR does not necessarily imply low demand among the targeted population, as the finding from the WTP analysis illustrates potential demand for the CBHI scheme. Specifically, if transportation is addressed, enrollment is likely to significantly increase.
Optimal Improper Gaussian Signaling for Physical Layer Security in Cognitive Radio Networks

The next generations of wireless communications are expected to have great demand for security and spectrum efficiency, and the current secrecy solutions may not be enough. In this paper we propose an optimization framework to address the physical layer security in cognitive radio networks when the secondary users employ improper Gaussian signaling. We resort to genetic algorithms to find optimal values of the secondary transmit power and the degree of impropriety, simultaneously. Then, two different problems regarding the system performance are solved: minimizing the secrecy outage probability and maximizing the secondary achievable rate. In both problems we evaluate, besides the secrecy outage probability, the effective secure throughput and the secure energy efficiency of the system as well. The results show that the secondary network using improper signaling outperforms conventional proper signaling in terms of secrecy outage probability and the effective secure throughput, while in terms of the secure energy efficiency, adopting proper signals attains better performance than improper ones.
Income-Related Inequalities in Health Service Utilisation in 19 OECD Countries, 2008-2009

This Working Paper examines income-related inequalities in health care service utilisation in OECD countries. It extends a previous analysis (Van Doorslaer and Masseria, 2004) to 2008-2009 for 13 countries, and adds new results for 6 countries, for doctor and dentist visits, and cancer screening. Quintile distributions and concentration indices were used to assess inequalities. For doctor visits, horizontal equity was assessed, i.e. the extent to which adults in equal need of physician care appear to have equal rates of utilisation. The paper considers the evolution of inequalities over time by comparing results with the previous study, as data permit. Health system financing arrangements are examined to see how these might affect inequalities in health service use. Ce document de travail examine les inegalites liees aux revenus dans l’utilisation des services de sante dans les pays de l’OCDE. Il met a jour une etude precedente (Van Doorslaer and Masseria, 2004) pour 13 pays, et inclut 6 nouveaux pays, utilisant des donnees de 2008-2009, portant sur les consultations de medecins et dentistes, et le depistage du cancer. Les inegalites sont mesurees a l’aide de distributions par quintile et d’indices de concentration. Cette etude s’interesse a l’equite horizontale pour les consultations de medecins, i.e. dans quelle mesure des adultes ayant un besoin egal de soins medicaux ont apparemment des taux identiques d’utilisation de soins. Elle examine l’evolution des inegalites en comparant les resultats avec l’etude precedente lorsque les donnees le permettent. Le cadre d’analyse s’interesse aux caracteristiques de financement des systemes de sante et a leurs possibles influences sur les inegalites d’utilisation des services de sante.
Random Sparse Coded Aperture for Lensless Imaging

This paper develops a computational lensless imaging system based on a random sparse coded aperture. The camera consists of a thin mask with a coded pattern and a standard sensor array. The proposed coded aperture contains multiple square pinholes, and forms a superposition of multiple pinhole images. In order to reduce the artefact due to diffraction or interference and simultaneously to facilitate the fabrication, the pinholes are designed bigger than some other proposed ones, and sparsely spread on the mask. Only the diffraction pattern for one pinhole imaging model needs be taken into account to improve the angular resolution. An arising issue is that the resulting optical transfer function (OTF) involves many zero-value spectrums, which adversely affects the reconstruction quality with conventional image decoding techniques. We introduce a reselection scheme, which selects partial Fourier samples to reduce the impact of zero entries in OTF. Then, the total variation minimization with quadratic constraints algorithm is applied to attain a good quality reconstruction.
Iterative MILP methods for vehicle control problems

Mixed integer linear programming (MILP) is a powerful tool for planning and control problems because of its modeling capability and the availability of good solvers. However, for large models, MILP methods suffer computationally. In this paper, we introduce two iterative MILP algorithms that address this issue. The first is for obstacle avoidance problems, and the second is for minimum time optimal control problems. The algorithms require fewer binary variables than standard MILP methods and on average require much less computational effort.
Does the addition of single joint exercises to a resistance training program improve changes in performance and anthropometric measures in untrained men?

The present study compared changes in muscle performance and anthropometric measures in young men performing resistance training (RT) programs composed of only multi joint (MJ) exercises, or with the addition of single joint (SJ) exercises (MJ+SJ). Twenty untrained men were randomized to MJ or MJ+SJ groups for 8 weeks. Both groups performed the same MJ exercises. The difference was that the MJ+SJ group added SJ exercises for upper and lower limbs. Participants were tested for 10 repetitions maximum (10RM), flexed arm circumference, and biceps and triceps skinfolds. Both groups significantly increased 10RM load for the bench press (MJ 38.5%, MJ+SJ 40.1%), elbow extension (MJ 28.7%, MJ+SJ 31.9%), pull down (MJ 34.0% MJ+SJ 38.5%), elbow flexion (MJ 38.2%, MJ+SJ 45.3%), leg press (MJ 40.8%, MJ+SJ 46.8%) and knee extension (MJ 26.9%, MJ+SJ 32.9%), with no significant difference between them. The decreases in biceps (MJ -3.6%, MJ+SJ –3.9%) and triceps (MJ –3.4%, MJ+SJ -3.3%) skinfolds were significant for both groups, with no difference between them. However, the flexed arm circumference increased significantly more for MJ+SJ (5.2%), than for MJ (4.0%). The use of SJ exercises as a complement to a RT program containing MJ exercises brings no additional benefit to untrained men in terms of muscle performance and skinfold reduction, though it promoted higher increases in arm circumference.
Mangroves in the Galapagos islands: Distribution and dynamics

Mangrove forests provide valuable coastal protection from erosion, habitat for terrestrial and marine species, nursery grounds for commercial fisheries and are economically important for tourism. Galapagos’ mangroves usually grow directly on solid lava and fragmented rocky shores, thereby stabilizing the sediment and facilitating colonisation by other plants and many animals. However, until very recently, only inaccurate data described mangrove coverage and its distribution. We mapped mangroves using freely available Google Earth Very High Resolution images based on on-screen classification and compared this method to three semi-automatic classification algorithms. We also analysed mangrove change for the period 2004–2014. We obtained an area of 3657.1 ha of fringing mangrove that covers 35% of the coastline. Eighty percent of mangrove cover is found in Isabela island, and 90% in the western and central south-eastern bioregions. The overall accuracy of mangrove classification was 99.1% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.97 when validated with field data. On-screen digitization was significantly more accurate than other tested methods. From the semi-automated methods, Maximum Likelihood Classification with prior land-sea segmentation yielded the best results. During the 2004–2014 period, mangrove coverage increased 24% mainly by expansion of existing mangroves patches as opposed to generation of new patches. We estimate that mangrove cover and growth are inversely proportional to the geological age of the islands. However, many other factors like nutrients, currents or wave exposure protection might explain this pattern. The precise localization of mangrove cover across the Galapagos islands now enables documenting whether it is changing over time.