Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Appetite sensations as a marker of overall intake

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of appetite sensations to characterize individual overall energy intake. A group of men (n 28) and women (n 23) was recruited to record their ‘desire to eat’, ‘hunger’, ‘fullness’ and ‘prospective food consumption’ (PFC) on visual analogue scales before a standardized meal test, immediately after and every 10 min for a period of 1 h after the meal. The 1 h post-meal area under the curve (1 h AUC) and the satiety quotient (SQ) were calculated for all appetite sensations. In a second visit, all participants were invited to eat three meals in order to measure total energy intake (TEI) and food preferences. Metabolic rate (MR) was also assessed to derive daily relative energy intake (REI) by subtracting this variable from TEI (TEI−MR=REI). The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire scores were also calculated for all participants. One h AUC for fullness was the appetite sensation most strongly associated with TEI and REI (r−0·42, P≤0·003 and r−0·32, P≤0·05, respectively). SQ for fullness was the only predictor of TEI and REI (r−0·42, P≤0·0003 and r−0·30, P≤0·05, respectively). Restraint, disinhibition and hunger scores were not associated with appetite sensation variables. These results suggest that the fullness dimension seems to be a useful appetite sensation to predict long-term TEI and REI. Thus, assessment of appetite sensation such as fullness in response to a fixed load may be useful to evaluate individual overall energy intake.
A Review of Spatial Sound for Virtual Environments and Games with Graphics Processing Units

The generation of spatial audio and audio processing in general using traditional software-based methods and techniques is computationally prohibitive thereby limiting the number of, and type of auditory effects that can be incorpo- rated into applications. In contrast to consumer-grade audio cards, the graphics processing units (GPUs) of video cards have moved away from the traditional fixed-function 3D graphics pipeline towards a flexible general-purpose computa- tional engine that can currently implement many parallel algorithms directly using the graphics hardware resulting in tre- mendous computational speed-ups. Various spatial audio applications are well suited for GPU-based processing providing developers of virtual environments and games with the possibility of incorporating real-time, spatial audio into their simu- lations. This paper presents an overview of the research efforts that have utilized the GPU for the implementation of spa- tial sound for virtual environments and games. Approaches to GPU-based spatial sound are summarized and their advan- tages and disadvantages are presented.
A CLT and tight lower bounds for estimating entropy

We prove two new multivariate central limit theorems; the first relates the sum of indepen- dent distributions to the multivariate Gaussian of corresponding mean and covariance, under the earthmover distance matric (also known as the Wasserstein metric). We leverage this central limit theorem to prove a stronger but more specific central limit theorem for “generalized multinomial” distributions—a large class of discrete distributions, parameterized by matrices, that generalize binomial and multinomial distributions, and describe many distributions encountered in computer science. This central limit theorem relates a generalized multinomial distribution to a multivari- ate Gaussian distribution, discretized by rounding to the nearest lattice points. In contrast to the metric of our first central limit theorem, this bound is in terms of statistical distance, which imme- diately implies that any algorithm with input drawn from a generalized multinomial distribution behaves essentially as if the input were drawn from a discretized Gaussian with the same mean and covariance. Such tools in the multivariate setting are rare, and we hope this new tool will be of use to the community. In the second part of the paper, we employ this central limit theorem to establish a lower bound of Ω( n log n ) on the sample complexity of additively estimating the entropy or support size of a distribution (where 1/n is a lower bound on the probability of any element in the domain). Together with the canonical estimator constructed in the companion paper [33], this settles the longstanding open question of the sample complexities of these estimation problems, up to constant factors. In particular, for any constants c1 2 , there is a family of pairs of distributions D,D′ each of whose elements occurs with probability at least 1/n, whose entropies satisfy H(D)−H(D′) > c1, and whose support sizes differ by at least c2n, such that no algorithm on o( n log n ) samples can distinguish D from D ′ with probability greater than 2/3. For the problem of estimating entropy, we also provide a bound on the rate of convergence of an optimal estimator, showing that the sample complexity of estimating entropy to within additive c is Ω ( n c log n ) . The previous lower-bounds on these sample complexities were n/2 √ log , for constant c, from [34]. We explicitly exhibit such a family of pairs of distributions D,D′ via a Laguerre polynomial construction that may be of independent interest.
Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Composite Plates for Shape and Stiffness Control

Shape memory alloy hybrid composite plates are `intelligent' structures whose shape or stiffness is actively modified by embedded shape memory alloy fibers. In this work, the behavior of such structures is investigated numerically and experimentally. A finite element model which separately represents the host structure and the fibers in a two-dimensional setting is proposed as a simple tool to predict the structural behavior in stiffness and shape control. The shape control configuration is used to validate the model experimentally since it is the most sensitive to the choice of the geometrical and mechanical model parameters.
Emodin Isolated from Polygoni cuspidati Radix Inhibits TNF-α and IL-6 Release by Blockading NF-κB and MAP Kinase Pathways in Mast Cells Stimulated with PMA Plus A23187

Emodin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative isolated from Polygoni cuspidati radix, has several beneficial pharmacologic effects, which include anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, the authors examined the effect of emodin on the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus the calcium ionophore A23187. To investigate the mechanism responsible for the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production by emodin, the authors assessed its effects on the activations of transcriptional factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Emodin attenuated the nuclear translocation of (NF)-κB p65 and its DNA-binding activity by reducing the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα and the phosphorylation of IκB kinase B (IKK). Furthermore, emodin dose-dependently attenuated the phosphorylations of MAPKs, such as, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 MAP kinase, and the stress-activated protein kinases (SAPK)/c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK). Taken together, the findings of this study suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of emodin on PMA plus A23187-stimulated BMMCs are mediated via the inhibition of NF-κB activation and of the MAPK pathway.
Texture Mapping Real‐World Objects with Hydrographics

In the digital world, assigning arbitrary colors to an object is a simple operation thanks to texture mapping. However, in the real world, the same basic function of applying colors onto an object is far from trivial. One can specify colors during the fabrication process using a color 3D printer, but this does not apply to already existing objects. Paint and decals can be used during post‐fabrication, but they are challenging to apply on complex shapes. In this paper, we develop a method to enable texture mapping of physical objects, that is, we allow one to map an arbitrary color image onto a three‐dimensional object. Our approach builds upon hydrographics, a technique to transfer pigments printed on a sheet of polymer onto curved surfaces. We first describe a setup that makes the traditional water transfer printing process more accurate and consistent across prints. We then simulate the transfer process using a specialized parameterization to estimate the mapping between the planar color map and the object surface. We demonstrate that our approach enables the application of detailed color maps onto complex shapes such as 3D models of faces and anatomical casts.
Replicated RPC using Amoeba closed group communication

Since remote procedure call (RPC) has become the method of choice for client-server communication in a distributed operating system, providing a fault-tolerant RPC mechanism is crucial to ensuring system reliability. The author presents a replicated RPC library for the Amoeba distributed operating system. The library's RPC protocol is presented in detail, including preliminary performance figures. The protocol is distinguished by its use of closed process groups in conjunction with the coordinator-cohort method of computation. The method presented is applicable to any system supporting closed process groups and totally ordered multicast. <<ETX>>
Polymorphisms of MTHFD, Plasma Homocysteine Levels, and Risk of Gastric Cancer in a High-Risk Chinese Population

Purpose: Accumulative evidence suggests that folate has a protective effect on gastric cancer. The methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD) plays an important role in folate and homocysteine metabolisms, and polymorphisms of MTHFD may result in disturbance of the folate-mediated homocysteine pathway. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that genetic variants of MTHFD and plasma homocysteine levels are associated with risk of gastric cancer and modulated by genotypes of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Experimental Design: We genotyped G1958A and T401C in MTHFD and C677T in MTHFR and detected total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) levels in a case-control study of 589 gastric cancer cases and 635 cancer-free controls in a high-risk Chinese population. Results: The variant genotypes of MTHFD 1958AA and 401CC were associated with a significantly increased risk of gastric cancer [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.05; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.34-3.13 for 1958AA; adjusted OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.14-1.80 for 401CC] compared with 1958GG/GA and 401TT/TC genotypes, respectively. Both of the effects were more evident in the subjects carrying MTHFR 677CT/TT genotypes. The average tHcy level was significantly higher in gastric cancer cases than in controls (P < 0.01), and the upper quartile of tHcy (>13.6 μmol/L) was associated with an 82% significantly increased risk of gastric cancer, compared with the lowest quartile of tHcy (≤8.0 μmol/L; adjusted OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.20-2.75). Conclusions: The strong associations between MTHFD variants and the plasma tHcy levels and gastric cancer risk suggest, for the first time, a possible gene-environment interaction between genetic variants of folate-metabolizing genes and high tHcy levels in gastric carcinogenesis.
ELIZA—a computer program for the study of natural language communication between man and machine

ELIZA is a program operating within the MAC time-sharing system of MIT which makes certain kinds of natural language conversation between man and computer possible. Input sentences are analyzed on the basis of decomposition rules which are triggered by key words appearing in the input text. Responses are generated by reassembly rules associated with selected decomposition rules. The fundamental technical problems with which ELIZA is concerned are: (1) the identification of key words, (2) the discovery of minimal context, (3) the choice of appropriate transformations, (4) generation of responses in the absence of key words, and (5) the provision of an editing capability for ELIZA “scripts”. A discussion of some psychological issues relevant to the ELIZA approach as well as of future developments concludes the paper.
A Review on the Taxonomy, Ethnobotany, Chemistry and Pharmacology of Oroxylum indicum Vent

Oroxylum indicum Vent. (O. indicum) is a tree commonly called Indian trumpet tree found in tropical countries, such as India, Japan, China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia. The chemical constituents obtained from different parts of plant include baicalein-7-O-diglucoside (Oroxylin B), baicalein-7-O-glucoside, chrysin, apegenin, prunetin, sitosterol, oroxindin, biochanin-A, ellagic acid, baicalein and its 6- and 7-glucuronides, scutellarein, tetuin, antraquinone and aloe-emodin. Various parts of the plant are used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for the treatment of different ailments such as cancer, diarrhea, fever, ulcer and jaundice. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have indicated its antiinflammatory, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, photocytotoxic, antiproliferative, antiarthritic, antimicrobial, antimutagenic and immunostimulant properties. Exhaustive literature survey reveals that there are some activities which are still not proven scientifically. This article is an attempt to compile an up-to-date and comprehensive review on O. indicum covering its traditional and folk medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.
Natural Polymeric Carriers for Local Delivery of Therapeutic Agents to Promote Enhanced Bone Regeneration

Absorbable collagen sponges (ACS) are used clinically as carriers of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) to promote bone regeneration. ACS exhibit ectopic bone growth due to delivery of supraphysiological levels of rhBMP-2, which is particularly problematic in craniofacial bone injuries for both functional and aesthetic reasons. We hypothesized that hydrogels from the reduced form of keratin proteins (kerateine) would serve as a suitable alternative to ACS carriers of rhBMP-2. The rationale for this hypothesis is that keratin biomaterials degrade slowly in vivo, have modifiable material properties, and have demonstrated capacity to deliver therapeutic agents. We investigated kerateine hydrogels and freeze-dried scaffolds as rhBMP-2 carriers in a critically-sized rat mandibular defect model. ACS, kerateine hydrogels, and kerateine scaffolds loaded with rhBMP-2 achieved bridging in animals by 8 weeks as indicated by micro-computed tomography. Kerateine scaffolds achieved statistically increased bone mineral density compared to ACS and kerateine hydrogels, with levels reaching those of native bone. Importantly, both kerateine hydrogels and kerateine scaffolds had significantly less ectopic bone growth than ACS sponges at both 8 and 16 weeks post-operatively. These studies demonstrate the suitability of keratins as rhBMP-2 carriers due to equal regenerative capacity with reduced ectopic growth compared to ACS.
Evaluation of Adhesion of Oxide Scale by Tensile Test

In the hot rolling process, the external appearance of steel can deteriorate due to spalling of oxide scales. We used a tensile test in order to evaluate and quantify the adhesion of the scales in the hot rolling process. When loaded with tensile stress, the behavior of the scales goes through the following three stages: 1 The scales have only residual stress 2 The scales and the steel are both elastically deformed 3 The scales are elastically deformed but the steel is plastically deformed. For these three stages, the strain energy accumulated in the scales before spalling was calculated and then the adhesion energy was derived. For about 4 μm thick scales on 99.9% Fe and Fe–1.0%C the adhesion energies were 1.70 J/m2 and 36.2 J/m2, respectively. The adhesion energies determined by a scratch test were 2.90 J/m2, and 31.6 J/m2 each. Thus, the results of the two tests are approximately in agreement. [doi:10.2320/jinstmet.JBW201603]
Using 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging in the pre-operative evaluation of tongue carcinoma

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging in predicting tongue tumour thickness via direct and reconstructed measures, and their correlations with corresponding histological measures, nodal metastasis and extracapsular spread. Methods: A prospective study was conducted of 25 patients with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and pre-operative 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging from 2009 to 2012. Results: Correlations between 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and histological measures of tongue tumour thickness were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient: r values were 0.84 (p < 0.0001) and 0.81 (p < 0.0001) for direct and reconstructed measurements, respectively. For magnetic resonance imaging, direct measures of tumour thickness (mean ± standard deviation, 18.2 ± 7.3 mm) did not significantly differ from the reconstructed measures (mean ± standard deviation, 17.9 ± 7.2 mm; r = 0.879). Moreover, 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging had 83 per cent sensitivity, 82 per cent specificity, 82 per cent accuracy and a 90 per cent negative predictive value for detecting cervical lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: In this cohort, 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging measures of tumour thickness correlated highly with the corresponding histological measures. Further, 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging was an effective method of detecting malignant adenopathy with extracapsular spread.
Nanostructures and Properties of Vanadium Oxide Thin Film Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis Method

In this research, we reported structural, optical and morphological properties of va nadium oxide thin films directly grown on the glass substrates by fully automated spray pyrolysis equipment. The substrate temperature was set at 450 °C and the nozzle to substrate distance was optimized to be 20 cm. The precursor solution was prepared as 0.05 M by mixing 0.393 gr of vanadium trichloride (VCl3) in 50 mL of deionized water. The deposition parameters were 5 mL in 1 minute solution flow rate, 90° position of spray nozzle towards the substrate. Atmospheric air was used as carrier gas with 2.5 mbar pressure. Nanostructures and optical properties of as-grown films examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-visible spectrophotometer techniques. After thin films annealed at 500 °C, SEM, XRD and absorption measurements were taken again. The obtained results were compared.
Intention estimation in brain–machine interfaces

Objective. The objective of this work was to quantitatively investigate the mechanisms underlying the performance gains of the recently reported ‘recalibrated feedback intention-trained Kalman Filter’ (ReFIT-KF). Approach. This was accomplished by designing variants of the ReFIT-KF algorithm and evaluating training and online data to understand the neural basis of this improvement. We focused on assessing the contribution of two training set innovations of the ReFIT-KF algorithm: intention estimation and the two-stage training paradigm. Main results. Within the two-stage training paradigm, we found that intention estimation independently increased target acquisition rates by 37% and 59%, respectively, across two monkeys implanted with multiunit intracortical arrays. Intention estimation improved performance by enhancing the tuning properties and the mutual information between the kinematic and neural training data. Furthermore, intention estimation led to fewer shifts in channel tuning between the training set and online control, suggesting that less adaptation was required during online control. Retraining the decoder with online BMI training data also reduced shifts in tuning, suggesting a benefit of training a decoder in the same behavioral context; however, retraining also led to slower online decode velocities. Finally, we demonstrated that one- and two-stage training paradigms performed comparably when intention estimation is applied. Significance. These findings highlight the utility of intention estimation in reducing the need for adaptive strategies and improving the online performance of BMIs, helping to guide future BMI design decisions.
SubCellProt: Predicting Protein Subcellular Localization Using Machine Learning Approaches

High-throughput genome sequencing projects continue to churn out enormous amounts of raw sequence data. However, most of this raw sequence data is unannotated and, hence, not very useful. Among the various approaches to decipher the function of a protein, one is to determine its localization. Experimental approaches for proteome annotation including determination of a protein's subcellular localizations are very costly and labor intensive. Besides the available experimental methods, in silico methods present alternative approaches to accomplish this task. Here, we present two machine learning approaches for prediction of the subcellular localization of a protein from the primary sequence information. Two machine learning algorithms, k Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) and Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) were used to classify an unknown protein into one of the 11 subcellular localizations. The final prediction is made on the basis of a consensus of the predictions made by two algorithms and a probability is assigned to it. The results indicate that the primary sequence derived features like amino acid composition, sequence order and physicochemical properties can be used to assign subcellular localization with a fair degree of accuracy. Moreover, with the enhanced accuracy of our approach and the definition of a prediction domain, this method can be used for proteome annotation in a high throughput manner. SubCellProt is available at www.databases. niper.ac. in/SubCellProt.
Bootstrapping Word Alignment via Word Packing

We introduce a simple method to pack words for statistical word alignment. Our goal is to simplify the task of automatic word alignment by packing several consecutive words together when we believe they correspond to a single word in the opposite language. This is done using the word aligner itself, i.e. by bootstrapping on its output. We evaluate the performance of our approach on a Chinese-to-English machine translation task, and report a 12.2% relative increase in BLEU score over a state-of-the art phrasebased SMT system.