Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo simulation of self-avoiding lattice chains under slit ̄ ow

Chain dynamics, along with the corresponding viscoelasticity, in various ̄ow ®elds is a classic problem in polymer science (Bird et al. 1977; de Gennes 1979; Doi and Edwards 1986). Most of the existing theories describe only the behavior of chains subject to shear or elongation ̄ow, within the limitation of linear viscoelasticity. On the other hand, most numerical calculations and simulation approaches either fail to describe the nonlinear conformation change under ̄ow, or are too time-consuming to study the slow dynamics of a large multi-chain system. The lattice Monte Carlo (MC) simulation approach is, due to its high eciency among the simulation approaches on the molecular level (Xu et al. 1997, 1999; Windle 1998), able to mimic the ̄ow process of polymeric solutions directly and can be used to study the underlying chain dynamics and rheological behavior. Slit ̄ow is important in polymer processing and thus constitutes the topic of this paper. Unlike previous MC simulations of slit ̄ow or similar ̄ow processes (During and Rabin 1991; Lai and Binder 1993; Lai and Lai 1996), a pseudo-potential was proposed and the stress tensor was further calculated based on the sampled nonequilibrium con®guration distribution functions (CDFs). An inherent diculty lies in the fact that, while a potential is usually required to perform an MC simulation of a system subject to a ®eld, shear ̄ow is, unfortunately, dissipitive and the corresponding ®eld is thus nonconservative. Nevertheless, we have found that a pseudo-potential of shear ̄ow makes sense if we de®ne a reasonable pathway between two points under a well-de®ned micro-relaxation mode (Xu et al. 1997, 1999). In the present paper, a pseudo-potential describing the slit ̄ow is put forward and con®rmed in detail using a multiple self-avoiding walk (SAW) chain system. The deformation of ̄exible chains at low and moderate pressure gradients is observed. Macroscopic rheological parameters are obtained by statistics directly from the sampled CDFs. The shear thinning eect and pressure-gradient dependent normal stress dierences, which are characteristics of most polymers but are absent from the Rouse model, are revealed. As a result, this work extends lattice Rheol Acta 38: 562±568 (1999) Ó Springer-Verlag 1999 ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION
TRANSFORMING 3 D FACIAL LANDMARKS FOR ACTION UNIT PREDICTION

We propose a method for facial action unit (AU) detection using 3D facial landmarks. Specifically, we train a 2D convolutional neural network (CNN) on transformed 3D facial landmarks for binary and multi-class AU detection. We show that the proposed approach is able to accurately model AU occurrences, as the movement of the facial landmarks corresponds directly to the movement of the AUs. By training a CNN on this transformed 3D representation of the landmarks, we can achieve accurate AU detection on two state-of-the-art emotion datasets, namely BP4D and BP4D+. Using the proposed method, we detect multiple AUs on over 330,000 frames, reporting improved results over state-of-the-art methods.
EVOLUTION OF A BEACH-DUNE PROFILE UNDER EROSIVE WAVES : DATA ANALYSIS AND MODEL EVALUATION

This study determines dune erosion parameters from the Tomasicchio et al. (2010) data, from physical model tests that were carried out in a flume at the Canal d’Investigaciò i Esperimentaciò Marìtima (CIEM), of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC, Barcelona), with a sandy dune exposed to a combination of water levels and wave conditions. The dune erosion processes, including dune recession rates in terms of the retreat of the dune crest and the eroded volume, have been defined and correlated with the effect of significant wave height, wave peak period and total water level (including the storm surge effect). These laboratory data sets were also used to calibrate and verify the analytical models proposed by Kriebel and Dean (1993), Larson et al. (2004) and van Rijn (2009), in order to calculate and predict the time evolution of dune retreat and dune eroded-volume. Furthermore, it was evaluated the performance of the three numerical models using error parameters such as the Brier Skill Score (BSS). In conclusion, the van Rijn model (2009) showed the highest similarity between the modelled and the experimental data, followed by Kriebel and Dean (1993) and Larson et al. (2004) models.
Anal sphincters, support structures and atrophy in major obstetric injury

Mechanical anal sphincter trauma and traction pudendal neuropathy secondary to vaginal childbirth represent the most frequent aetiological factors in the development of faecal incontinence in women. More recently it has been speculated that vaginal childbirth may damage pelvic support structures, thereby contributing to faecal incontinence. Anal sphincter and pelvic floor atrophy resulting from degenerative pudendal neuropathy is thought to also play an important aetiopathogenic role. Measurement of puborectalis function is therefore essential in providing a baseline assessment and observing response to treatment of puborectalis muscle strength in pelvic floor dysfunction disorders. Until recently there has been difficulty in understanding the role of puborectalis function due to the absence of a standardised measurement technique. So far, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been proposed for accurate structural assessment however, no consensus has yet been reached on the ‘gold standard’ for the physiological measurement of puborectalis strength. This thesis primarily looked at finding novel structural and physiological measures of puborectalis in a cohort of asymptomatic nulliparous controls, women with clinically reported obstetric anal sphincter injuries and women with idiopathic faecal incontinence. The first technique I used was vaginal manometry to quantify the constrictor function of puborectalis. I was unable to show the previously reported specific high pressure vaginal zone in either study groups and I found poor agreement between vaginal and anorectal manometry in the measurement of pelvic floor squeeze. The second technique I used was the 2 point Dixon fat water decomposition MRI technique to quantify fatty atrophy of the anal sphincter complex and puborectalis. I was able to demonstrate a relationship between external anal sphincter percentage fat content with both patient symptom load and subjective atrophy score demonstrating it as a promising objective measure of fatty atrophy.
Acute Effects of Transdermal Administration of Jojoba Oil on Lipid Metabolism in Mice

Background and objectives: Aroma therapy is a complementary therapy using essential oils diluted with carrier oils. Jojoba oils have been widely used as carrier oils. However, limited information is available regarding their effects on blood biochemical parameters. This study aimed to investigate the effect of transdermal administration of jojoba oil on blood biochemical parameters in mice. Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old male hairless mice were randomly divided into naïve control and treatment groups. In the treatment group, mice were topically administered 4 μL of jojoba oil, per gram of body weight, on the dorsa 30 min before euthanasia. Thereafter, serum biochemical parameters were assayed, and gene expression was analyzed in various tissues via a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels increased significantly 30 min after topical application of jojoba oil (p < 0.05). Atgl was significantly upregulated in the liver (p < 0.05), and Atgl upregulation in the liver was positively correlated with serum NEFA levels (r = 0.592, p < 0.05). Furthermore, a trend of decreasing fatty acid trafficking-related gene (FABPpm, FATP-1, FATP-3, and FATP-4) expression in the skin after topical application of jojoba oil (p = 0.067, 0.074, 0.076, and 0.082, respectively) was observed. Conclusions: Serum NEFA levels were elevated 30 min after transdermal administration of jojoba oil. The mechanisms of elevated serum NEFA levels might be related to both enhanced lipolysis in the liver and reduced fatty acid trafficking in the skin.
Dietary Polyacetylenic Oxylipins Falcarinol and Falcarindiol Prevent Inflammation and Colorectal Neoplastic Transformation: A Mechanistic and Dose-Response Study in A Rat Model

Falcarinol (FaOH) and falcarindiol (FaDOH) are cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory polyacetylenic oxylipins, which are commonly found in the carrot family (Apiaceae). FaOH and FaDOH have previously demonstrated a chemopreventive effect on precursor lesions of colorectal cancer (CRC) in azoxymethane (AOM)-induced rats. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate possible mechanisms of action for the preventive effect of FaOH and FaDOH on colorectal precancerous lesions and to determine how this effect was dependent on dose. Gene expression studies performed by RT-qPCR of selected cancer biomarkers in tissue from biopsies of neoplastic tissue revealed that FaOH and FaDOH downregulated NF-κβ and its downstream inflammatory markers TNFα, IL-6, and COX-2. The dose-dependent anti-neoplastic effect of FaOH and FaDOH in AOM-induced rats was investigated in groups of 20 rats receiving a standard rat diet (SRD) supplemented with 0.16, 0.48, 1.4, 7 or 35 µg FaOH and FaDOH g−1 feed in the ratio 1:1 and 20 rats were controls receiving only SRD. Analysis of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) showed that the average number of small ACF (<7 crypts) and large ACF (>7 crypts) decreased with increasing dose of FaOH and FaDOH and that this inhibitory effect on early neoplastic formation of ACF was dose-dependent, which was also the case for the total number of macroscopic neoplasms. The CRC protective effects of apiaceous vegetables are mainly due to the inhibitory effect of FaOH and FaDOH on NF-κB and its downstream inflammatory markers, especially COX-2.
ARONIA JUICE CONSUMPTION PRIOR TO HALF-MARATHON RACE CAN ACUTELY AFFECT PLATELET ACTIVATION IN RECREATIONAL RUNNERS.

Long-distance running, especially in non-professional runners, can increase cardiac arrest risk by enhancing platelet activation and aggregation. Polyphenols can exert cardioprotective effects by positively influencing platelet function. This study aimed to examine the acute effects of polyphenol-rich aronia juice consumption, before simulation of a half-marathon race, on platelet activation and aggregation with leukocytes in recreational runners. In this acute cross-over study, 10 healthy male runners (age 30.8 ± 2.3years) consumed breakfast with 200ml of aronia juice or 200ml of placebo. They warmed-up and ran a simulated half-marathon race (21.1km). Blood was collected at baseline, 15min, 1h and 24h after the run. All variables were analysed with 4(Time)x2(Group) analysis of variance with repeated measures on both factors. Results revealed a significant effect of Group on platelet activation parameters: P-selectin and GPIIb-IIIa expressions significantly decreased in aronia compared with the placebo arm (F(1,9)=10.282, p=0.011 and F(1,9)=7.860, p=0.021, respectively). The effect of Time was significant on both platelet aggregation markers: platelet-monocyte and platelet-neutrophil aggregates were significantly lower after the race (F(3,7)=4.227, p=0.014 and F(3,7)=70.065, p=0.000, respectively), with changes more pronounced in the later. All effects remained when platelets were exposed to an agonist. These results suggest that aronia consumption could counteract the half-marathon race-induced changes in platelet function. •Aronia juice consumption significantly decreased the expression of platelet activation markers, but didn't affect platelet aggregation. •The race itself did significantly reduced platelet-neutrophil aggregation. •Aronia juice may serve as a supplement beverage for recreational runners, to alleviate enhanced platelet reactivity caused by prolonged running.
Check the Ear. The Importance of Ear Examinations in Assessment of Intracranial Subdural Empyema

Intracranial subdural empyema (ISE) is an uncommon condition previously associated with almost 100% morbidity and mortality. Since the introduction of antibiotics and advancements in diagnosis the complication rates have significantly improved. We report an unusual case of a 32-year-old Aboriginal male diagnosed with ISE. On closer inspection the ISE was found to be a complication of otitis media with a cotton bud lodged in the external acoustic meatus. The report provides a literature review on the relationships of ISE, otitis media and foreign bodies. We conclude that although rare, all patients with suspected ISE should undergo an ear examination as it is at no cost to the patient or health service but may be the difference between life and death.
Effect of Coach Encouragement on the Psychophysiological and Performance Responses of Young Tennis Players

This study aimed to compare the effects of coach encouragement during the on-court tennis training drills (OTDs) on the psychophysiological and performance responses of young tennis players. Twenty-five young male tennis players (14.0 ± 0.3 years of age) performed six bouts of each of the four common OTDs; Star, Suicide, Box and Big X (30:60 s; 1:2 work to rest ratio). The heart rate (HR) and total distance covered were monitored using two portable multivariable integrated 10 Hz GPS monitoring devices during all OTDs, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE-10) and short form Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) values were determined after each OTDs bout. The results demonstrated that OTDs with coach encouragement induced significantly higher psychophysiological and performance responses compared to OTDs without coach encouragement (p < 0.05). The results of this study confirm that coach encouragement improves the intensity, performance and physical enjoyment level during OTDs. These findings might inform training practices in youth tennis players in order to improve tennis performance.
Management of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Tumors

Several important landmark trials have reshaped the landscape of non-surgical management of small bowel neuroendocrine tumors over the last few years, with the confirmation of the antitumor effect of somatostatin analogue therapy in PROMID and CLARINET trials as well as the advent of therapies with significant potential such as mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTor) everolimus (RADIANT trials) and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177-Lutetium (NETTER-1 trial). This narrative summarizes the recommended management strategies of small bowel neuroendocrine tumors. We review the main evidence behind each recommendation as well as compare and contrast four major guidelines, namely the 2016 Canadian Consensus guidelines, the 2017 North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society guidelines, the 2018 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, and the 2016 European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society guidelines. Different clinical situations will be addressed, from loco-regional therapy to metastatic unresectable disease. Carcinoid syndrome, which is mostly managed by somatostatin analogue therapy and the serotonin antagonist telotristat etiprate for refractory diarrhea, as well as neuroendocrine carcinoma will be reviewed. However, several questions remain unanswered, such as the optimal management of neuroendocrine carcinomas or the effect of combining and sequencing of the aforementioned modalities where more randomized controlled trials are needed.
Trilobatin, a Novel SGLT1/2 Inhibitor, Selectively Induces the Proliferation of Human Hepatoblastoma Cells

Studies have indicated that Na+-d-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) inhibitors had anti-proliferative activity by attenuating the uptake of glucose in several tumor cell lines. In this study, the molecular docking showed that, trilobatin, one of the dihydrochalcones from leaves of Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd. , might be a novel inhibitor of SGLT1 and SGLT2, which evidently attenuated the uptake of glucose in vitro and in vivo. To our surprise, we observed that trilobatin did not inhibit, but promoted the proliferation of human hepatoblastoma HepG2 and Huh 7 cells when it was present at high concentrations. At the same time, incubation with high concentrations of trilobatin arrested the cell cycle at S phase in HepG2 cells. We also found that treatment with trilobatin had no significant effect on the expression of hepatitis B x-interacting protein (HBXIP) and hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-4α, the two key regulators of hepatocyte proliferation. Taken together, although trilobatin worked as a novel inhibitor of SGLTs to attenuate the uptake of glucose, it also selectively induced the cell proliferation of HepG2 cells, suggesting that not all the SGLT inhibitors inhibited the proliferation of tumor cells, and further studies are needed to assess the anti-cancer potentials of new glucose-lowering agents.
Recombination in Enteroviruses, a Multi-Step Modular Evolutionary Process

RNA recombination is a major driving force in the evolution and genetic architecture shaping of enteroviruses. In particular, intertypic recombination is implicated in the emergence of most pathogenic circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses, which have caused numerous outbreaks of paralytic poliomyelitis worldwide. Recent experimental studies that relied on recombination cellular systems mimicking natural genetic exchanges between enteroviruses provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms of enterovirus recombination and enabled to define a new model of genetic plasticity for enteroviruses. Homologous intertypic recombinant enteroviruses that were observed in nature would be the final products of a multi-step process, during which precursor nonhomologous recombinant genomes are generated through an initial inter-genomic RNA recombination event and can then evolve into a diversity of fitter homologous recombinant genomes over subsequent intra-genomic rearrangements. Moreover, these experimental studies demonstrated that the enterovirus genome could be defined as a combination of genomic modules that can be preferentially exchanged through recombination, and enabled defining the boundaries of these recombination modules. These results provided the first experimental evidence supporting the theoretical model of enterovirus modular evolution previously elaborated from phylogenetic studies of circulating enterovirus strains. This review summarizes our current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of recombination in enteroviruses and presents a new evolutionary process that may apply to other RNA viruses.
Diallyl Trisulfide Protects Rat Brain Tissue against the Damage Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion through the Nrf2 Pathway

Stroke is a public health problem due to its high mortality and disability rates; despite these, the pharmacological treatments are limited. Oxidative stress plays an important role in cerebral damage in stroke and the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) confers protection against oxidative stress. Different compounds, such as diallyl trisulfide (DATS), have the ability to activate Nrf2. DATS protects against the damage induced in oxygen-glucose deprivation in neuronal cells; however, in in vivo models of cerebral ischemia, DATS has not been evaluated. Male Wistar rats were subjected to 1 h of ischemia and seven days of reperfusion and the protective effect of DATS was evaluated. DATS administration (IR + DATS) decreased the infarct area and brain damage in the striatum and cortex; improved neurological function; decreased malondialdehyde and metalloproteinase-9 levels; increased Nrf2 activation in the cortex and the expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in the nucleus, SOD2 and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the striatum and cortex; and increased the activity of catalase (CAT) in the striatum and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the cortex. Our results demonstrate the protective effect of DATS in an in vivo model of cerebral ischemia that involves Nrf2 activation.
Rebuilding the human testis in vitro

Increasing rates of male infertility have led to a greater need for relevant model systems to gain further insight into male fertility and its failings. Spermatogenesis and hormone production occur within distinct regions of the testis. Defined by specialized architecture and a diverse population of cell types, it is no surprise that disruption of this highly organized microenvironment can lead to infertility. To date, no robust in vitro system has facilitated full spermatogenesis resulting in the production of fertilization‐competent human spermatozoa. Here, we review a selection of current in vitro systems available for modelling the human testis microenvironment with focus on the progression of spermatogenesis and recapitulation of the testis microenvironment.
Requirement for scleraxis in the recruitment of mesenchymal progenitors during embryonic tendon elongation

ABSTRACT The transcription factor scleraxis (Scx) is required for tendon development; however, the function of Scx is not fully understood. Although Scx is expressed by all tendon progenitors and cells, only long tendons are disrupted in the Scx−/− mutant; short tendons appear normal and the ability of muscle to attach to skeleton is not affected. We recently demonstrated that long tendons are formed in two stages: first, by muscle anchoring to skeleton via a short tendon anlage; and second, by rapid elongation of the tendon in parallel with skeletal growth. Through lineage tracing, we extend these observations to all long tendons and show that tendon elongation is fueled by recruitment of new mesenchymal progenitors. Conditional loss of Scx in mesenchymal progenitors did not affect the first stage of anchoring; however, new cells were not recruited during elongation and long tendon formation was impaired. Interestingly, for tenocyte recruitment, Scx expression was required only in the recruited cells and not in the recruiting tendon. The phenotype of Scx mutants can thus be understood as a failure of tendon cell recruitment during tendon elongation. Summary: Analysis of early mouse tendon development reveals that longitudinal growth of long tendons is fueled by Scx-dependent recruitment of new mesenchymal progenitors.