Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Food classification from images using convolutional neural networks

The process of identifying food items from an image is quite an interesting field with various applications. Since food monitoring plays a leading role in health-related problems, it is becoming more essential in our day-to-day lives. In this paper, an approach has been presented to classify images of food using convolutional neural networks. Unlike the traditional artificial neural networks, convolutional neural networks have the capability of estimating the score function directly from image pixels. A 2D convolution layer has been utilised which creates a convolution kernel that is convolved with the layer input to produce a tensor of outputs. There are multiple such layers, and the outputs are concatenated at parts to form the final tensor of outputs. We also use the Max-Pooling function for the data, and the features extracted from this function are used to train the network. An accuracy of 86.97% for the classes of the FOOD-101 dataset is recognised using the proposed implementation.
Anorectal physiological testing in defecatory disorders: a prospective study.

A prospective study of anorectal physiological testing in 26 patients with obstructed defecation and 20 patients with faecal incontinence was performed. There were overlaps in individual test parameters between the two groups of patients. However, patients with severely blunted rectal sensation (maximum tolerated volume > 300 mL) and anismus were more likely to have obstructed defecation. Patients with very low anal canal pressures, a short (< 2.0 cm) anal canal, bilaterally prolonged (> 2.1 ms) pudendal nerve terminal motor latency and a grossly distorted and canal (vector symmetry index < or = to 0.75) were more likely to have faecal incontinence. Thus, patterns of anorectal physiological test results together with clinical evaluation, rather than individual test measurements, are more valuable in defining the underlying defecatory disorders and providing guidance on therapy.
The acute effects of various types of stretching (static, dynamic, ballistic, and no stretch) of the iliopsoas on 40-yard sprint times in non-athletes

Background and Purpose: The potential adverse effects of static stretching on athletic performance are well documented, but still appears to be controversial, especially as they relates to sprinting. The prevalence of this practice is demonstrated by the number of competitive and recreational athletes who regularly engage in stretching immediately prior to sprinting with the mindset of optimizing their performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute static, dynamic, and ballistic stretching, and no stretching of the iliopsoas muscle on 40‐yard sprint times in 18‐37 year‐old non‐competitive, recreational runners.
Energy-transfer dynamics in the LHCII complex of higher plants: Modified redfield approach

We have modeled energy-transfer dynamics in the peripheral plant light-harvesting complex LHCII using both standard Redfield theory and its modification for the case of strong exciton -phonon coupling (Zhang, W. M.; Meier, T.; Chernyak, V.; Mukamel, S. J. Chem. Phys. 1998, 108, 7763). A quantitative simultaneous fit of the absorption (OD), linear dichroism (LD), steady-state fluorescence (FL) spectra at 7 -293 K, and transient absorption (TA) kinetics at 77 and 293 K has been obtained using the experimental exciton-phonon spectral density to model the temperature-dependent line shape. We use configurations of the antenna (i.e., chlorophyll (Chl) a/b identities, orientations, and site energies) close to those proposed in our previous study (Novoderezhkin, V.; Salverda, J. M.; van Amerongen, H.; van Grondelle, R. J. Phys. Chem. B 2003, 107, 1893). These configurations have been further adjusted from the fit with the modified Redfield approach. The new (adjusted) models allow a better quantitative explanation of the spectral shapes. A combination of fast (femtosecond) interband energy transfer and slow (picosecond) intraband equilibration can be better reproduced as well. We paid special attention to unravel the origins of the slow components preliminarily assigned to localized states in the previous work. These “bottleneck” states have been directly visualized in this study via selective femtosecond excitation and probing at different wavelengths. In our modeling, these states are determined by two or three (depending on the model) monomeric Chls a or b shifted to the spectral region of 655-670 nm between the main absorption peaks of Chl b (650 nm) and Chl a (675 nm). In all configurations we have found these energy-shifted Chls to be bound at mixed sites (i.e., A 3 ,A 6 ,A 7 ,o r B 3). Experiments and self-consistent modeling using the modified Redfield theory allow us to explore the participation of these states in the overall energy-transfer dynamics. This has led to a more complete and physically adequate model for the energy-transfer dynamics in LHCII.
Mid‐life environmental enrichment increases synaptic density in CA1 in a mouse model of Aβ‐associated pathology and positively influences synaptic and cognitive health in healthy ageing

Early‐life cognitive enrichment may reduce the risk of experiencing cognitive deterioration and dementia in later‐life. However, an intervention to prevent or delay dementia is likely to be taken up in mid to later‐life. Hence, we investigated the effects of environmental enrichment in wildtype mice and in a mouse model of Aβ neuropathology (APPSWE/PS1dE9) from 6 months of age. After 6 months of housing in standard laboratory cages, APPSWE/PS1dE9 (n = 27) and healthy wildtype (n = 21) mice were randomly assigned to either enriched or standard housing. At 12 months of age, wildtype mice showed altered synaptic protein levels and relatively superior cognitive performance afforded by environmental enrichment. Environmental enrichment was not associated with alterations to Aβ plaque pathology in the neocortex or hippocampus of APPSWE/PS1dE9 mice. However, a significant increase in synaptophysin immunolabeled puncta in the hippocampal subregion, CA1, in APPSWE/PS1dE9 mice was detected, with no significant synaptic density changes observed in CA3, or the Fr2 region of the prefrontal cortex. Moreover, a significant increase in hippocampal BDNF was detected in APPSWE/PS1dE9 mice exposed to EE, however, no changes were detected in neocortex or between Wt animals. These results demonstrate that mid to later‐life cognitive enrichment has the potential to promote synaptic and cognitive health in ageing, and to enhance compensatory capacity for synaptic connectivity in pathological ageing associated with Aβ deposition.
Expression of RCAS1 in human gastric carcinoma: A potential mechanism of immune escape

RCAS1 (receptor‐binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells) inhibits the in vitro growth of receptor‐expressing cells and induces apoptosis, which may contribute to the ability of tumor cells to evade host immune surveillance. In this study, we investigated RCAS1 expression in gastric cancer and precancerous lesions by immunohistochemical means. We then analyzed the relationship between RCAS1 expression and clinicopathological variables, and examined whether RCAS1 expression is associated with infiltration of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and apoptosis of TILs. Of 54 gastric cancers analyzed, RCAS1 expression was positive in 52 (96%) of them. The expression pattern of RCAS1 in gastric cancer cells could be classified as granular staining either enriched in the glandular side of the cytoplasm with polarity (P pattern) or scattered diffusely in the cytoplasm and on the cell membranes (D pattern). Nineteen of 39 intestinal‐type carcinomas (49%) showed the P pattern, and all of 13 diffuse type carcinomas (100%) showed the D pattern. In contrast, all RCAS1‐positive specimens of gastric adenoma and metaplastic mucosa were of the P pattern. The D pattern of gastric cancers was more frequently recognized in carcinomas with large size (P<0.01), in those with regional lymph node metastasis (P<0.05) and in those that had invaded beyond the submucosa (P<0.01), compared with the P pattern. On the same sections, significantly less TILs were identified in RCAS1‐positive areas than RCAS1‐negative areas. Furthermore, the rate of apoptosis of TILs was significantly higher in RCAS1‐positive areas than in RCAS1‐negative areas. The expression and distribution of RCAS1 may be involved in malignant transformation, tumor progression, histological type and tumor escape from host immune surveillance in gastric cancer.
The world trade center clean up and recovery worker cohort study: respiratory health amongst cleanup workers approximately 20 months after initial exposure at the disaster site.

OBJECTIVE Respiratory health among cleanup workers at the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster site was evaluated approximately 20 months after the initial exposure to assess the risk of lower respiratory symptoms. METHODS In 2003 a self-administered questionnaire requesting information about site experience, current respiratory and historical health, and smoking was sent to 4,546 workers employed at the site (response 25%), and 2103 workers who were never at the WTC (response 12%). RESULTS As compared with those never at the site, WTC workers were more than three times as likely to report any lower respiratory symptoms (rate ratio = 3.40, 95% confidence interval: 2.33-4.94). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest an impact on respiratory health related to work experience at the WTC and indicate further monitoring to address potential long-term effects.
Strategies Used by Rural Women to Stop, Avoid, or Escape From Intimate Partner Violence

In this mixed methods study we examined the strategies rural women use to deal with intimate partner violence (IPV). The Intimate Partner Violence Strategies Index (IPVSI) was used to analyze results from a sample of 43 rural women who had left abusive partners. Qualitative interviews then were conducted with a different sample of nine rural women to explore their perspectives about the findings and their impressions of the influence of rural culture and context on women's experiences of IPV. Findings exposed the degree to which social control acts as a key determinant of health for rural women exposed to IPV.
Computed Tomography and Cross‐Sectional Anatomy of the Thorax of the Live Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Pulmonary disease is one of the leading causes of cetacean morbidity and mortality in the wild and in managed collections. The purpose of this study was to present the computed tomographic (CT) appearance of the thorax of the live bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) out‐of‐water and to describe the technical and logistical parameters involved in CT image acquisition in this species. Six thoracic CT evaluations of four conscious adult bottlenose dolphins were performed between April 2007 and May 2012. Animals were trained to slide out of the water onto foam pads and were transported in covered trucks to a human CT facility. Under light sedation, animals were secured in sternal recumbency for acquisition of CT data. Non‐contrast helical images were obtained during an end‐inspiratory breath hold. Diagnostic, high quality images were obtained in all cases. Respiratory motion was largely insignificant due to the species' apneustic respiratory pattern. CT findings characteristic of this species include the presence of a bronchus trachealis, absence of lung lobation, cranial cervical extension of the lung, lack of conspicuity of intrathoracic lymph nodes, and presence of retia mirabilia. Dorsoventral narrowing of the heart relative to the thorax was seen in all animals and is suspected to be an artifact of gravity loading. Diagnostic thoracic computed tomography of live cetaceans is feasible and likely to prove clinically valuable. A detailed series of cross‐sectional reference images is provided. Anat Rec, 297:901–915, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Finite Radiocarbon Dates of the Port Talbot Interstadial Deposits in Southern Ontario

Three new finite radiocarbon dates Suggest that (i) the thermnal maximum of the Port Talbot interstadial ocurred prior to 47,000 years before the present and (ii) the interstadial deposits were overridden by a glacial advance approximatels 44,000 years before the present. To facilitate correlaltions with other areas, new rock-stratigraphic names are proposed for the Port Talbot type section.
Accurate simple closed-form approximations to distributions and densities of lognormal sum random variables

Sums of lognormal random variables occur in many wireless communications problems, in part, because a shadowing environment is well modeled by a lognormal distribution. A closed-form expression does not exist for the lognormal characteristic function; as a result no closed-form expression can be derived for the sum distribution. Many approximations exist that are based on approximating a sum of lognormal random variables as another lognormal random variable. A new method for calculating an approximation to a lognormal sum distribution, based on curve fitting on lognormal probability paper is introduced in this paper. Accurate, simple closed-form approximations to distributions and densities of lognormal sum random variables are presented.
Study of 25 (OH) Vitamin D3 with Reference to Magnesium and Calcium Status in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Vitamin D (1, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, Calcitriol) plays a role in calcium metabolism. Calcium is a recognized second messenger implicated in insulin secretion This explains the indirect role of Vitamin D in insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. Hence, low Vitamin D levels are implicated in decreased insulin secretion and increased insulin resistance. In this study, we tried to find out the probable association of Vitamin D3, calcium and magnesium in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) cases. The levels of 25(OH) Vitamin D3 in 50 T2DM subjects with 30 age and sex matched healthy controls. Data obtained were statically analysed and the p-value was calculated. p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. The results showed that the levels of 25 (OH) Vitamin-D3 was significantly low among T2DM cases (13.29±2.42 ng/ml) in comparison to healthy controls (21.55±0.50 ng/ml) (p<0.001). The levels of calcium and magnesium were also significantly low in T2DM cases as compared to healthy controls (p<0.001). From the present study, it is concluded that there is significant low level of 25 (OH) Vitamin-D3, calcium and magnesium levels in T2DM. Vitamin D3
The provision of health and social care services for older people by respite providers

Abstract Respite services have been established to support family carers by providing a break from the responsibilities of caregiving. However the literature and anecdotal evidence suggests that respite services offer carers much more than just providing a period of rest. This study was initiated to identify and describe the health and social care services that are offered to family carers and care-recipients by respite services in South Australia. The findings show that respite providers offer a service to both the family carer and care-recipient. Both groups are offered socialisation and engagement opportunities, and care-recipients have access to a diverse range of health care services. The description of respite that emerges from this study is that of a complex service offering much more than just a period of rest from caregiving duties.
LTE peak rates analysis

Wireless broadband Internet access providing IP based services to mobile users is growing rapidly worldwide. 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is the new 3GPP standard making use of latest technologies such as OFDMA based access, frequency based scheduling, MIMO and higher order modulation. With LTE substantial gains regarding capacity, the much higher peak data rates can be expected, while minimizing terminal complexity. In this paper, we provide a brief analysis of the LTE theoretical downlink and uplink peak rates based in the latest LTE standards. In order to demonstrate the LTE peak data rates at Lab, we also provide the practical peak rates in the ideal RF condition.
Comparing two conditions of administering the six-minute walk test in people with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE This quasi-experimental study was conducted to determine whether differences existed in the total distance walked and energy expended between two conditions of administering the 6-Minute Walk test (6MW) across different levels of disability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS The sample comprised 160 individuals with MS. One group of participants (n = 82) completed a 6MW while wearing a portable metabolic unit (K4b(2), Cosmed, Italy) in a square hallway with four corridors and performing 90° turns. Another group (n = 78) completed a 6MW while wearing the same metabolic unit in a single corridor and performing 180° turns. Main outcome measures included total distance walked (in feet) and oxygen consumption (in milliliters per minute) expressed as 30-second averages for 1 minute before the 6MW and over the entire 6MW. Disability status was assessed using the Patient-Determined Disease Steps scale. RESULTS Participants undertaking the 6MW in a single corridor (1412 ft) walked 37 ft (2.7%) farther than those undertaking the test in a square hallway (1375 ft), but this difference was not statistically significant (F = 0.45, P = .51). Those completing the 6MW in a single corridor expended more energy than those completing the 6MW in the square hallway with four corridors (F = 3.41, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Either protocol is acceptable, but researchers should be aware of the additional physiological demands when administering the 6MW in a single corridor with 180° turns.
Companies waver in efforts to target transforming growth factor beta in cancer.

then at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. In 1980 Todaro and Sporn speculated that tumor cells manufacture their own proteins such as TGF- in order to grow — the autocrine secretion hypothesis — and that specifi c inhibitors might control such cancer cells. Their prediction proved prescient, but it was only part of the story; TGF- turned out to be much more complicated. In 1984, Moses ’ group reported that TGF- was a growth inhibitor in certain cell types. The following year, Roberts showed that TGFcould promote or inhibit growth in the very same cells, depending on conditions. This
Predicting carcass composition of terminal sire sheep using X-ray computed tomography

The best means to utilize X-ray computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound to predict carcass lean, fat and bone weights in vivo in terminal sire sheep were tested. Data on 160 lambs from three breeds were considered: 50 Suffolk males, 50 Suffolk females, 40 Texel males and 20 Charollais males. One-fifth of the lambs within each breed and sex group were slaughtered at each of 14, 18 and 22 weeks of age and the remaining two-fifths at 26 weeks. Carcasses were dissected into lean, fat and bone weights. Prior to slaughter all lambs were CT scanned, with cross-sectional scans taken at seven sites along the body (ischium, hip, mid shaft of femur, 2nd and 5th lumbar vertebrae and 6th and 8th thoracic vertebrae), and ultrasound scanned at the 3rd lumbar vertebra and 13th rib. A set of three CT scans that reliably predicted carcass lean, fat and bone weights was identified which included a scan in each of the three main carcass regions: ischium in the hind leg, 5th lumbar vertebra in the loin and 8th thoracic vertebra in the shoulder. Breed and sex affected the intercepts of the prediction equations but not their slopes. Therefore, a minimal set of equations is likely to be sufficient to predict tissue weights, at least within terminal sire sheep breeds. Equations derived showed high degrees of fit to the data with R 2 values of 0·924, 0·978 and 0·830 for lean, fat and bone weights, respectively, when predicted using CT alone, and 0·589 and 0·857 for lean and fat weights, respectively, when predicted using ultrasound alone. Using live weight in addition to CT information only improved prediction accuracy slightly for lean (0·966) and fat (0·986) although more substantially for bone (0·925). Where live and tissue weights are considered contemporaneously in genetic evaluations, excluding live weight from prediction may therefore be preferable to avoid colinearity among weight measures.
Influence of sorbitol on mechanical and physico-chemical properties of soy protein-based bioplastics processed by injection molding

Soy Protein Isolate (SPI) has been evaluated as useful candidate for the development of protein-based bioplastic materials processed by injection molding. The influence of sorbitol (SB) as plasticizer in mechanical properties and water uptake capacity was evaluated in SPI-based bioplastics. A mixing rheometer that allows monitoring torque and temperature during mixing and a small-scale-plunger-type injection molding machine were used to obtain SPI/Plasticizer blends and SPI-based bioplastics, respectively. Dynamic measurements were carried out to obtain mechanical spectra of different bioplastics. Moreover, the mechanical characterization was supplemented with uniaxial tensile tests. Additionally, the influence of SB in water uptake capacity was also evaluated. The introduction of SB leads to increase the rigidity of bioplastics as well as the water uptake capacity after 24h, however it involves a decrease in strain at break. Final bioplastics are plastic materials with both adequate properties for the substitution of conventional petroleum plastics and high biodegradability.
Effects of Secreted Frizzled‐Related Protein 3 on Osteoblasts In Vitro

To examine if sFRP3s act as decoy receptors for Wnt, we examined the effects of recombinant sFRP3 on mouse osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. We found that sFRP3 unexpectedly increased osteoblast differentiation, suggesting it may act through other mechanisms besides acting as a decoy receptor for Wnt's.
Transcriptional silencing of the TMS1/ASC tumour suppressor gene by an epigenetic mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

DNA methylation and histone modifications have emerged as key mechanisms in transcriptional regulation. The target of methylation‐induced silencing 1 (TMS1) is a bipartite protein. Recent studies have indicated that methylation‐associated silencing of TMS1 occurs in many cancers. However, whether and how TMS1 is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms in cancers remains unknown. In this study we showed that methylation of the TMS1 promoter occurred in five of six hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. TMS1 expression was reduced in four HCC cell lines and correlated with methylation status. Furthermore, the TMS1 promoter was completely methylated and mRNA expression was undetectable. TMS1 expression could be restored by 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycitidine (5‐Aza‐dC) (a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor) or trichostatin A (TSA) (a histone deacetylase inhibitor) alone and the promoter methylation was partially reversible. TSA was more efficient than 5‐Aza‐dC in inducing TMS1 expression, and the combination of 5‐Aza‐dC and TSA resulted in markedly synergistic reactivation of the gene and completely reversed promoter methylation. Interestingly, TMS1 promoter methylation‐associated gene silencing was accompanied by histone H3 Lysine 9 (H3K9) hypoacetylation and trimethylation. 5‐Aza‐dC and/or TSA also had some effect on conversion of methylated to acetylated H3K9 in restoring TMS1. This conversion was dynamic at the TMS1 promoter and a decrease in H3K9 trimethylation preceded an increase in H3K9 acetylation after 5‐Aza‐dC and/or TSA treatment. Our results thus suggest that epigenetic inactivation of TMS1 expression is regulated by promoter hypermethylation and H3K9 modifications in a coordinated way. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.