Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prospective association between consumption frequency of organic food and body weight change, risk of overweight or obesity: results from the NutriNet-Santé Study

Abstract A lower BMI has been reported among consumers of organic foods, but this relationship has never been examined in a prospective design study. Our aim was to prospectively investigate the association between frequency of organic food consumption and weight change. We analysed data from 62 224 participants of the NutriNet-Santé cohort (78 % women, mean age=45 years) with information on consumption frequency of organic foods, dietary intake and repeated anthropometric data. For sixteen products, participants reported their consumption frequency of labelled organic foods (never, occasionally, most of the time). An organic score (OS) with a maximum of thirty-two points was computed. The associations of the OS (modeled as quartiles (Q)) with change in BMI during follow-up (on average 3·1 years) and with the risk of overweight and obesity were estimated by ANCOVA and multivariable logistic regression. A lower BMI increase was observed across quartiles of the OS (mean difference Q4 v. Q1=−0·16 (95 % CI −0·32, −0·01). An increase in the OS was associated with a lower risk of overweight and obesity (among non-overweight and non-obese participants at inclusion): OR for Q4 v. Q1 were 0·77 (95 % CI 0·68, 0·86) and 0·69 (95 % CI 0·58, 0·82), respectively. Concerning obesity risk, the association was stronger among participants with higher adherence to nutritional guidelines. This study supports a strong protective role of consumption frequency of organic foods with regard to the risk of overweight and obesity that depends on overall dietary quality. Upon confirmation, these results may contribute to fine-tune nutritional guidelines by accounting for farming practices in food production.
Nonlinear Friction and Dynamical Identification for a Robot Manipulator with Improved Cuckoo Search Algorithm

This paper concerns the problem of dynamical identification for an industrial robot manipulator and presents an identification procedure based on an improved cuckoo search algorithm. Firstly, a dynamical model of a 6-DOF industrial serial robot has been derived. And a nonlinear friction model is added to describe the friction characteristic at motion reversal. Secondly, we use a cuckoo search algorithm to identify the unknown parameters. To enhance the performance of the original algorithm, both chaotic operator and emotion operator are employed to help the algorithm jump out of local optimum. Then, the proposed algorithm has been implemented on the first three joints of the ER-16 robot manipulator through an identification experiment. The results show that (1) the proposed algorithm has higher identification accuracy over the cuckoo search algorithm or particle swarm optimization algorithm and (2) compared to linear friction model the nonlinear model can describe the friction characteristic of joints better.
Spectral selectivity of photonic crystal infrared photodetctors

In this paper, we present the simulation results on the absorption modification in photonic crystal (PC) structures. For one-dimensional (1D) PC, using transfer matrix method (TMM), we obtained enhanced absorption in both defect-free and defect based PC structures. High absorption (>60%) and small bandwidth (< 0.1 λ0) at defect level were observed with optimal absorption layers of 10-15 for structures with single defect. We also present the modified infrared absorption in two-dimensional photonic crystal slabs (2D PCS), based on the three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method (3D FDTD). The normalized absorption power spectral density in single defect based 2D PCS structures increased by a factor of 18 at the PC defect mode level. This enhancement factor is largely dependent upon the spectral overlap between the absorption material and the defect mode cavity. Complete absorption suppression within the photonic bandgap region was also observed in defect-free cavities, and in single defect cavities when the absorption spectral band has no overlap with the photonic bandgap.
Phase-Sensitive Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensors: Recent Progress and Future Prospects

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is an optical sensing technique that is capable of performing real-time, label-free and high-sensitivity monitoring of molecular interactions. SPR biosensors can be divided according to their operating principles into angle-, wavelength-, intensity- and phase-interrogated devices. With their complex optical configurations, phase-interrogated SPR sensors generally provide higher sensitivity and throughput, and have thus recently emerged as prominent biosensing devices. To date, several methods have been developed for SPR phase interrogation, including heterodyne detection, polarimetry, shear interferometry, spatial phase modulation interferometry and temporal phase modulation interferometry. This paper summarizes the fundamentals of phase-sensitive SPR sensing, reviews the available methods for phase interrogation of these sensors, and discusses the future prospects for and trends in the development of this technology.
Salivary tannin‐binding proteins are a pervasive strategy used by the folivorous/frugivorous black howler monkey

Dietary tannins can affect protein digestion and absorption, be toxic, and influence food selection by being astringent and bitter tasting. Animals that usually ingest tannins may regularly secrete tannin‐binding salivary proteins (TBSPs) to counteract the negative effects of tannins or TBSPs production can be induced by a tannin‐rich diet. In the wild, many primates regularly eat a diet that contains tannin‐rich leaves and unripe fruit and it has been speculated that they have the physiological ability to cope with dietary tannins; however, details of their strategy remains unclear. Our research details the salivary protein composition of wild and zoo‐living black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) feeding on natural versus manufactured low‐tannin diets, and examines differences in TBSPs, mainly proline‐rich proteins (PRPs), to determine whether production of these proteins is dependent on the tannin content of their food. We measured the pH, flow rate, and concentration of total protein and trichloroacetic acid soluble proteins (an index of PRPs) in saliva. Howler monkeys produced slightly alkaline saliva that may aid in the binding interaction between tannin and salivary proteins. We used gel electrophoresis to describe the salivary protein profile and this analysis along with a tannin‐binding assay allowed us to detect several TBSPs in all individuals. We found no differences in the characteristics of saliva between wild and zoo‐living monkeys. Our results suggest that black howler monkeys always secrete TBSPs even when fed on foods low in tannins. This strategy of constantly using this salivary anti‐tannin defense enables them to obtain nutrients from plants that sometimes contain high levels of tannins and may help immediately to overcome the astringent sensation of their food allowing howler monkeys to eat tanniferous plants.
Superimposed channel training algorithm for time-varying MIMO relay systems

In this paper, we propose a superimposed channel training algorithm for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) relay communication systems with time-varying channels. The time-varying characteristic of the channels is described by the complex-exponential basis expansion model (CE-BEM). The proposed algorithm can estimate the individual first-hop and second-hop time-varying channel matrices of MIMO relay systems. To improve the performance of channel estimation, we derive the optimal structure of the source and relay training sequences that minimize the mean-squared error (MSE) of channel estimation. We also optimize the relay amplification factor which determines the power allocation between the source and relay training sequences. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed superimposed channel training algorithm for MIMO relay systems with time-varying channels outperforms the conventional two-stage channel estimation scheme.
Structural Symmetries for Fully Observable Nondeterministic Planning

Symmetry reduction has significantly contributed to the success of classical planning as heuristic search. However, it is an open question if symmetry reduction techniques can be lifted to fully observable nondeterministic (FOND) planning. We generalize the concepts of structural symmetries and symmetry reduction to FOND planning and specifically to the LAO* algorithm. Our base implementation of LAO* in the Fast Downward planner is competitive with the LAO*-based FOND planner myND. Our experiments further show that symmetry reduction can yield strong performance gains compared to our base implementation of LAO*.
Sandwich panels made of trc and discrete and continuous connectors

Sandwich panels made of TRC are an attractive choice for modern building envelopes combining low weight, high structural and structural-physical performance with the superior surface qualities and material properties of textile reinforced concrete. To allow for the application of these panels, investigations on the architectural design, the properties of the applied materials, the load-bearing behavior of the composite action of facings and foam core as well as the feasible design of capable connectors have been performed in a current research project. The paper presents a brief summary of the hitherto conducted experimental and theoretical research on the previously mentioned topics.
Longitudinal association of vitamin B-6, folate, and vitamin B-12 with depressive symptoms among older adults over time.

BACKGROUND B-vitamin deficiencies have been associated with depression; however, there is very little prospective evidence from population-based studies of older adults. OBJECTIVE We examined whether dietary intakes of vitamins B-6, folate, or vitamin B-12 were predictive of depressive symptoms over an average of 7.2 y in a community-based population of older adults. DESIGN The study sample consisted of 3503 adults from the Chicago Health and Aging project, an ongoing, population-based, biracial (59% African American) study in adults aged > or =65 y. Dietary assessment was made by food-frequency questionnaire. Incident depression was measured by the presence of > or =4 depressive symptoms from the 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. RESULTS The logistic regression models, which used generalized estimating equations, showed that higher total intakes, which included supplementation, of vitamins B-6 and B-12 were associated with a decreased likelihood of incident depression for up to 12 y of follow-up, after adjustment for age, sex, race, education, income, and antidepressant medication use. For example, each 10 additional milligrams of vitamin B-6 and 10 additional micrograms of vitamin B-12 were associated with 2% lower odds of depressive symptoms per year. There was no association between depressive symptoms and food intakes of these vitamins or folate. These associations remained after adjustment for smoking, alcohol use, widowhood, caregiving status, cognitive function, physical disability, and medical conditions. CONCLUSION Our results support the hypotheses that high total intakes of vitamins B-6 and B-12 are protective of depressive symptoms over time in community-residing older adults.
The effect of low-dose potassium supplementation on blood pressure in apparently healthy volunteers

Epidemiological and clinical trials suggest an inverse relationship between dietary K intake and blood pressure (BP). Most trials however have been of short duration, the dose of K was high, and the results have been conflicting. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect on BP of a low-dose supplementation (24 mmol/d) for an extended period. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted on fifty-nine volunteers, randomly assigned to receive 24 mmol slow-release KC1/d (n 30) or a placebo (n 29). Measures of BP, anthropometric characteristics and urine analysis for electrolytes were recorded during a 1-week baseline period. Supplementation was for 6 weeks during which BP and changes in weight were assessed and a second 24h urine collection made. The primary outcome was the change in mean arterial pressure (MAP); systolic BP(SBP) and diastolic BP(DBP) were secondary outcomes. After 6 weeks of supplementation MAP was reduced by 7·01 (95% CI −9·12, −4·89; P<0·001) mmHg, SBP was reduced by 7·60 (95% CI −10·46, −4·73; P<0·001) mmHg and DBP was reduced by 6·46 (95% CI −8·74, −4·19; P<0·001) mmHg. The reduction in MAP was positively associated with baseline urinary Na:K (P<0·034). A low daily dietary supplement of K, equivalent to the content of five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables, induced a substantial reduction in MAP, similar in effect to single-drug therapy for hypertension.
Glycaemic response to barley porridge varying in dietary fibre content

The interest in barley as a food is increasing worldwide because of its high dietary fibre (DF) content and low glycaemic index (GI). DF in cereals may prove beneficial in improving blood glucose response in the long term. However, a dose-dependent effect of insoluble fibre on reducing postprandial blood glucose levels is yet to be proven. The objective of the present study was to determine the glycaemic response to two barley porridges prepared from whole barley grains varying in fibre content. In two separate non-blind randomised crossover trials, ten human subjects consumed barley porridge with 16 g/100 g and 10 g/100 g fibre content provided in different serving sizes (equivalent to 25 and 50 g available carbohydrate). The glycaemic response to both barley porridges was significantly lower than the reference glucose (P < 0·05). There was no significant difference between the glucose areas under the curve or GI for the two barley porridges. We concluded that irrespective of the difference in total fibre content or serving size of barley porridges, their GI values did not differ significantly.
Compartmentalising time and space: a phenomenological interpretation of the temporal experience of commencing haemodialysis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To interpret the spatio-temporal experience of people with end-stage kidney disease and their families in the first months of haemodialysis. BACKGROUND While dialysis is the mainstay of end-stage kidney disease management, the actual initiation of treatment is often unexpected by people and families. Poor biopsychosocial preparation means haemodialysis commencement is experienced as a crisis. While previous phenomenological studies suggest that over time, a habitual incorporation of dialysis into one's self-concept is possible, the spatio-temporal experience of people new to haemodialysis is not well understood. DESIGN A phenomenological study. METHODS Following purposive sampling, 18 participants were recruited either during an inpatient admission or while attending a public hospital-based haemodialysis unit in Sydney, Australia. Eleven people who had commenced haemodialysis within the previous three months and five close family members were separately engaged in semistructured interviews. Hermeneutic interpretation within a Heideggerian framework occurred through a backward-and-forward analysis between the early haemodialysis experience and its relationship to Being. RESULTS Themes that related to a temporal and spatial understanding of Being-in-the-world as a new haemodialysis patient or carer included the following: 'compartmentalising life into dialysis and non-dialysis days' (lost time, clock time and lived time); 'compartmentalising before, now and future' (normalising the 'before', dealing with the 'now' and the 'foreverness' of dialysis); and finally, 'compartmentalising space'. CONCLUSIONS In the months after dialysis commencement, patients and family carers compartmentalise time and space with a loss of continuity of meaningful, lived time that had framed people's past sense of normal. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Resource enhancement activities should focus on social connectivity and provision of personnel and/or infrastructure to reduce boredom, to facilitate engagement with meaningful tasks and, where appropriate, to support the continuation of work activities during the dialysis period.
Dietary Slowly Digestible Starch Triggers the Gut–Brain Axis in Obese Rats with Accompanied Reduced Food Intake

SCOPE Slowly digestible starch (SDS), as a functional carbohydrate providing a slow and sustained glucose release, may be able to modulate food intake through activation of the gut-brain axis. METHODS AND RESULTS Diet-induced obese rats were used to test the effect on feeding behavior of high-fat (HF) diets containing an SDS, fabricated to digest into the ileum, as compared to rapidly digestible starch (RDS). Ingestion of the HF-SDS diet over an 11-week period reduced daily food intake, through smaller meal size, to the same level as a lean body control group, while the group consuming the HF-RDS diet remained at a high food intake. Expression levels (mRNA) of the hypothalamic orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) were significantly reduced, and the anorexigenic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) was increased, in the HF-SDS fed group compared to the HF-RDS group, and to the level of the lean control group. CONCLUSION SDS with digestion into the ileum reduced daily food intake and paralleled suppressed expression of appetite-stimulating neuropeptide genes associated with the gut-brain axis. This novel finding suggests further exploration involving a clinical study and potential development of SDS-based functional foods as an approach to obesity control.
Practical challenges in building fake services with the record and play approach

One way to learn more about how a malicious program functions and what its objectives are is to deceive it with fake services that provide responses containing fabricated data. This goal can be achieved with so called record and play -honeypot that learns what the normal communication between clients and a server looks like and then tries to mimic it, but fabricates the contents of the responses so that they contain fake data. This paper outlines and presents the challenges faced in practical development of such honeypot. Some solutions and recommendations that mitigate the identified problems are also considered.
Modelling of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube-reinforced polymers with applications to composite structures.

Owing to their exceptional mechanical and physical properties, carbon nanotubes seem to hold a great promise as an ideal structural reinforcing material for composites of highstrength and low-density. However for the development and ultimate implementation of nanotube-reinforced composite materials, predictive models of nanotube reinforcement need to be developed. Due to the size, which is at the molecular level, and the geometry of carbon nanotubes, traditional composite modelling approaches need to be modified when modelling nanotube-reinforced composites. The focus of this research is to develop models of the elastic behaviour of single-walled carbon nanotubes and their composites. A structural mechanics approach to modelling the deformation of carbon nanotubes at the molecular level is first investigated. Fundamental to the proposed concept is the notion that a carbon nanotube is a geometrical frame-like structure and the bonds between neighbouring atoms act as load-bearing members. The sectional property parameters of these beams are established by a linkage between structural mechanics and molecular mechanics. Secondly, the stiffening effect of carbon nanotubes is investigated using micromechanical methods. The effects of the orientation and agglomeration of carbon nanotubes are also examined theoretically. The results obtained from these models are compared to theoretical and experimental results available in the literature. The effective elastic properties of nanotube-reinforced polymers determined from the micromechanics analysis are then used in the analysis of a nanotube-reinforced polymer used in a weight-critical structural application.
Determination of quinolone residues in raw cow milk. Application of polar stir-bars and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

ABSTRACT Seventeen quinolone antibiotics were determined in cows’ milk. A method of high sensitivity, selectivity and accuracy was developed. Accuracy (trueness and precision), linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, decision limit and detection capability were established following the recommendations of the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guideline. The use of polar stir-bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) prior to UHPLC-MS/MS analysis is proposed. The variables that affect SBSE were optimised using multivariate optimisation strategies. The ionic strength, the extraction time and the sample volume were studied. pH and stir-bar coating (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS, and polyethyleneglycol modified silicone, PEG) were studied. PEG showed the best extraction yield at pH 6. For validation, a matrix-matched calibration and a recovery assay were carried out. Limits of quantification from 0.5 μg kg−1 for nalidixic acid, flumequine and piromidic acid, to 4.0 μg kg−1 for sarafloxacin were calculated. The precision (%, RSD) was lower than 15% for all antibiotics. Recoveries in fortified samples were between 88 and 114%. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Understanding Angiography-Based Aneurysm Flow Fields through Comparison with Computational Fluid Dynamics

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hemodynamics is thought to be an important factor for aneurysm progression and rupture. Our aim was to evaluate whether flow fields reconstructed from dynamic angiography data can be used to realistically represent the main flow structures in intracranial aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DSA-based flow reconstructions, obtained during interventional treatment, were compared qualitatively with flow fields obtained from patient-specific computational fluid dynamics models and quantitatively with projections of the computational fluid dynamics fields (by computing a directional similarity of the vector fields) in 15 cerebral aneurysms. RESULTS: The average similarity between the DSA and the projected computational fluid dynamics flow fields was 78% in the parent artery, while it was only 30% in the aneurysm region. Qualitatively, both the DSA and projected computational fluid dynamics flow fields captured the location of the inflow jet, the main vortex structure, the intrasaccular flow split, and the main rotation direction in approximately 60% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors affect the reconstruction of 2D flow fields from dynamic angiography sequences. The most important factors are the 3-dimensionality of the intrasaccular flow patterns and inflow jets, the alignment of the main vortex structure with the line of sight, the overlapping of surrounding vessels, and possibly frame rate undersampling. Flow visualization with DSA from >1 projection is required for understanding of the 3D intrasaccular flow patterns. Although these DSA-based flow quantification techniques do not capture swirling or secondary flows in the parent artery, they still provide a good representation of the mean axial flow and the corresponding flow rate.