Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of physical activity and eating behaviour in weight control after treatment in severely obese children and adolescents

Aim: To investigate the role of physical activity and eating behaviour in weight control 1.5 y after a weight‐reduction programme in severely obese children. Methods: Forty‐seven children (13.4±2.1 y) were measured 1.5 y after the completion of a 10‐mo residential treatment programme. Stature and body mass were measured; physical activity, fat and fibre intake, and self‐efficacy in relation to physical activity and healthy eating behaviour were assessed using validated structured interviews. The total sample was divided into four subgroups according to unhealthy versus healthy physical activity and eating behaviour at follow‐up. Results: One‐and‐a‐half years after treatment, subjects had regained 34±19% overweight, but were on average still 20±19% less overweight than before treatment (p<0.001). The four subgroups did not differ in level of overweight at the beginning or end of treatment. At follow‐up, there was a significant difference in overweight between the four subgroups (p<0.05). The least healthy group (unhealthy physical activity and unhealthy eating behaviour) had a significantly higher level of overweight 1.5 y after treatment (183±36%) in comparison with the other groups (unhealthy physical activity and healthy eating: 150±21%; healthy physical activity and unhealthy eating: 156±14%; healthy physical activity and healthy eating: 138±16%) (p<0.05), whilst the healthiest group showed the lowest level of overweight after treatment when compared to the other groups (p<0.05).
Subunit Association and Conformational Flexibility in the Head Subdomain of Human CD81 Large Extracellular Loop

Abstract The large extracellular loop of human CD81, a tetraspanin mediating hepatitis C virus envelope protein E2 binding to human cells, has been crystallized in a hexagonal form. The threedimensional structure, solved and refined at 2.6 å resolution (Rfactor = 22.8%), shows that the protein adopts a dimeric assembly, based on an association interface built up by tetraspaninconserved residues. Structural comparisons with the tertiary structure of human CD81 large extracellular loop, previously determined in a different crystal form, show marked conformational fluctuations in the molecular regions thought to be involved in binding to the viral protein, suggesting rules for recognition and assembly within the tetraspan web.
Maximum likelihood estimation of aggregated Markov processes

We present a maximum likelihood method for the modelling of aggregated Markov processes. The method utilizes the joint probability density of the observed dwell time sequence as likelihood. A forward–backward recursive procedure is developed for efficient computation of the likelihood function and its derivatives with respect to the model parameters. Based on the calculated forward and backward vectors, analytical formulae for the derivatives of the likelihood function are derived. The method exploits the variable metric optimizer for search of the likelihood space. It converges rapidly and is numerically stable. Numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the method.
Use of “Syntometrine” in the Third Stage of Labour

Intramuscular injection of ergometrine before completion of the second stage of labour is now recognized as a useful routine measure for the control of post-partum haemorrhage. It suffers however from the disadvantage of a long latent period of approximately seven minutes (Embrey and Garrett, 1958) before the uterus responds. The advantage of ergometrine lies in the prolonged and firm contraction of the uterus which follows.
SUB-OPTIMAL EFFICIENT LINEAR MPC APPLIED TO LIGHTLY DAMPED ACTIVE STRUCTURES

This article presents a computationally efficient model predictive algorithm, applied on an actively controlled vibrating structure. A brief introduction on the experimental device and theoretical background is followed by an analysis of the practical properties, drawbacks and performance of the controller in question. The experimental data presented and interpreted here shows, that the Newton-Raphson based predictive algorithm presents a viable approach to the control of fast sampling systems.
Composition d'interfaces homme-machine par planification automatique. (Automated planning for composing User Interfaces)

En informatique ambiante, les objectifs de l'utilisateur peuvent emerger opportunement. Il devient, des lors, necessaire de generer a la volee des systemes interactifs. Un systeme interactif est compose d'un noyau fonctionnel et d'une Interface Homme-Machine (IHM). Cette these traite de la composition d'IHM pour un objectif utilisateur et un contexte d'usage (utilisateur, plate-forme, environnement) donnes. Elle en propose un espace probleme fonde sur les exigences utilisateur recueillies par une etude qualitative. Un etat de l'art positionne notre travail et en montre la complementarite par rapport aux travaux existants : la composition du modele de tâches. La composition de l'IHM concrete est deleguee a une boite a outils d'interacteurs definis au niveau tâches. La composition du modele de tâches se fait par planification automatique. L'etude montre que les planificateurs existants repondent partiellement au probleme. Aussi, un planificateur a ete specifiquement developpe pour l'IHM. Son utilisation est illustree dans un prototype Compose. Le travail est original a deux titres : d'une part, son approche « Composition de modeles de tâches » est une extension de la litterature ; d'autre part, la composition d'IHM est un nouveau cadre applicatif pour les algorithmes de planification.
Throughput-Oriented MAC for Opportunistic Cognitive Radio Networks with Statistical Performance Guarantees

Cognitive radio (CR) technology has a great potential to maximize spectrum utilization. It exploits an underutilized licensed spectrum by enabling opportunistic communications for unlicensed users. In this work, we propose a distributed cognitive radio MAC protocol (COMAC) that enables unlicensed users to dynamically utilize the spectrum while limiting the interference imposed on primary (licensed) users (PR users). COMAC selects the minimum number of channels to use. It does not assume a predefined CR-to-PR power mask, and requires no coordination with PR users. The proposed protocol provides a statistical performance guarantee for PR users, in terms of limiting the fraction of the time in which the PR users’ reception is negatively affected by CR transmissions. To provide such a guarantee, we develop probabilistic models for the PR-to-PR and the PR-to-CR interference, and derive closed-form expressions for the mean and variance of this interference. Empirical results show that the distribution of the interference is approximately lognormal. Based on the developed interference models, we derive a closed-form expression for the maximum allowable power for a CR transmission. Our simulation results indicate that COMAC satisfies the performance guarantees under different traffic loads and arbitrary user deployment scenarios.
Building multiple pronunciation models for novel words using exploratory computational phonology

In this paper we describe a completely automatic algorithm that builds multiple pronunciation word models by expanding baseform pronunciations with a set of candidate phonological rules. We show how to train the probabilities of these phonological rules, and how to use these probabilities to assign pronunciation probabilities to words not seen in the training corpus. The algorithm we propose is an instance of the class of techniques we call Exploratory Computational Phonology.
Dense‐map genome scan for dyslexia supports loci at 4q13, 16p12, 17q22; suggests novel locus at 7q36

Analysis of genetic linkage to dyslexia was performed using 133,165 array‐based SNPs genotyped in 718 persons from 101 dyslexia‐affected families. Results showed five linkage peaks with lod scores >2.3 (4q13.1, 7q36.1‐q36.2, 7q36.3, 16p12.1, and 17q22). Of these five regions, three have been previously implicated in dyslexia (4q13.1, 16p12.1, and 17q22), three have been implicated in attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, which highly co‐occurs with dyslexia; 4q13.1, 7q36.3, 16p12.1) and four have been implicated in autism (a condition characterized by language deficits; 7q36.1‐q36.2, 7q36.3, 16p12.1, and 17q22). These results highlight the reproducibility of dyslexia linkage signals, even without formally significant lod scores, and suggest dyslexia predisposing genes with relatively major effects and locus heterogeneity. The largest lod score (2.80) occurred at 17q22 within the MSI2 gene, involved in neuronal stem cell lineage proliferation. Interestingly, the 4q13.1 linkage peak (lod 2.34) occurred immediately upstream of the LPHN3 gene, recently reported both linked and associated with ADHD. Separate analyses of larger pedigrees revealed lods >2.3 at 1–3 regions per family; one family showed strong linkage (lod 2.9) to a known dyslexia locus (18p11) not detected in our overall data, demonstrating the value of analyzing single large pedigrees. Association analysis identified no SNPs with genome‐wide significance, although a borderline significant SNP (P = 6 × 10–7) occurred at 5q35.1 near FGF18, involved in laminar positioning of cortical neurons during development. We conclude that dyslexia genes with relatively major effects exist, are detectable by linkage analysis despite genetic heterogeneity, and show substantial overlapping predisposition with ADHD and autism.
UF-foreign body in the cheek

We report a case in which Lipiodol Ultra Fluid (UF) leaked from an iatrogenic perforation of Stensen's canal and constituted a foreign body in the cheek. The distribution of contrast medium near the lower border of the mandible seems unusual. Two years after sialography it was still not being resorbed. No radiological signs of reactive inflammatory changes of soft tissue were observed. We think that the contrast agent arrived beneath the skin but external to the platysma through a simple perforation in either the duct and/or the mucosa.
Turgor pressure sensing in plant cell membranes.

Experimental evidence is reviewed which shows that the cell membrane is compressible by both mechanical and electrical forces. Calculations are given which show that significant changes in the thickness of cell membranes can occur as a result of (a) direct compression due to the turgor pressure; (b) indirect effects due to the stretching of the cell wall; and (c) the stresses induced by the electric field in the membrane.Such changes in the membrane thickness may provide the pressure-transducing mechanism required for osmoregulation and growth. An important feature of the model is that this pressure transduction can occur not only in the plasmalemma (where there is a pressure gradient), but also in the tonoplast.
Cadherin-11 Regulates Cell–Cell Tension Necessary for Calcific Nodule Formation by Valvular Myofibroblasts

Objective—Dystrophic calcific nodule formation in vitro involves differentiation of aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) into a myofibroblast phenotype. Interestingly, inhibition of the kinase MAPK Erk kinase (MEK)1/2 prevents calcific nodule formation despite leading to myofibroblast activation of AVICs, indicating the presence of an additional mechanotransductive component required for calcific nodule morphogenesis. In this study, we assess the role of transforming growth factor &bgr;1–induced cadherin-11 expression in calcific nodule formation. Methods and Results—As shown previously, porcine AVICs treated with transforming growth factor &bgr;1 before cyclic strain exhibit increased myofibroblast activation and significant calcific nodule formation. In addition to an increase in contractile myofibroblast markers, transforming growth factor &bgr;1–treated AVICs exhibit significantly increased expression of cadherin-11. This expression is inhibited by the addition of U0126, a specific MEK1/2 inhibitor. The role of increased cadherin-11 is revealed through a wound assay, which demonstrates increased intercellular tension in transforming growth factor &bgr;1–treated AVICs possessing cadherin-11. Furthermore, when small interfering RNA is used to knockdown cadherin-11, calcific nodule formation is abrogated, indicating that robust cell–cell connections are necessary in generating tension for calcific nodule morphogenesis. Finally, we demonstrate enrichment of cadherin-11 in human calcified leaflets. Conclusion—These results indicate the necessity of cadherin-11 for dystrophic calcific nodule formation, which proceeds through an Erk1/2-dependent pathway.
Mars north polar cup subsurface materials property estimation using GPR SHAllow RADar data

Since September 2006 SHARAD (SHAllow RADar) is mapping the distribution of water, liquid and solid, in the upper portions of the Martian crust, the SHAallow RADar (SHARAD) is active. Upon the instrument data acquisition an appropriate processing has to be performed to discriminate the Martian subsurface echo from the surface one. The detected subsurface signal is then processed with a dual frequencies techniques in order to estimate the materials loss property. Using the system parameters the surface material dielectric constant can be evaluated. Finally, using a data inversion procedure the subsurface material property of the Mars subsurface are estimated by taking into account the geometric clutter contribution.
APOE Genotype and an ApoE-mimetic Peptide Modify the Systemic and Central Nervous System Inflammatory Response*

Human apolipoprotein E is the major apolipoprotein expressed in the brain and exists as three isoforms, designated E2, E3, and E4. Although evidence suggests that apolipoprotein E plays an important role in modifying systemic and brain inflammatory responses, there is little data investigating apoE isoform-specific effects in vivo. In this study, we compared the inflammatory responses of targeted-replacement mice expressing the human APOE3 and APOE4 genes after intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide. Animals expressing the E4 allele had significantly greater systemic and brain elevations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6 as compared with their APOE3 counterparts, suggesting an isoform-specific effect of the immunomodulatory properties of apoE. Furthermore, intravenous administration of a small apoE-mimetic peptide derived from the receptor-binding region of the apoE holoprotein (apoE-(133–149)) similarly suppressed both systemic and brain inflammatory responses in mice after lipopolysaccharide administration. These results suggest that apoE plays an isoform-specific role in mediating the systemic and brain inflammatory responses. Moreover, because exogenous administration of this apoE mimetic peptide is effective at suppressing both systemic and brain inflammation, it may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for diseases characterized by systemic or central nervous system inflammation, such as septic shock, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury.
Impact of implementation choices on quantitative predictions of cell-based computational models

‘Cell-based’ models provide a powerful computational tool for studying the mechanisms underlying the growth and dynamics of biological tissues in health and disease. An increasing amount of quantitative data with cellular resolution has paved the way for the quantitative parameterisation and validation of such models. However, the numerical implementation of cell-based models remains challenging, and little work has been done to understand to what extent implementation choices may influence model predictions. Here, we consider the numerical implementation of a popular class of cell-based models called vertex models, which are often used to study epithelial tissues. In two-dimensional vertex models, a tissue is approximated as a tessellation of polygons and the vertices of these polygons move due to mechanical forces originating from the cells. Such models have been used extensively to study the mechanical regulation of tissue topology in the literature. Here, we analyse how the model predictions may be affected by numerical parameters, such as the size of the time step, and non-physical model parameters, such as length thresholds for cell rearrangement. We find that vertex positions and summary statistics are sensitive to several of these implementation parameters. For example, the predicted tissue size decreases with decreasing cell cycle durations, and cell rearrangement may be suppressed by large time steps. These findings are counter-intuitive and illustrate that model predictions need to be thoroughly analysed and implementation details carefully considered when applying cell-based computational models in a quantitative setting.
A Test Suite for Evaluating POS Taggers across Varieties of English

We present a suite of 12 datasets for evaluating POS taggers across varieties of English to enable researchers to evaluate the robustness of their models. The suite includes three new datasets, sampled from lyrics from black American hip-hop artists, southeastern American Twitter, and the subtitles from the TV series The Wire. We present an example eval- uation of an off-the-shelf POS tagger across these datasets.
Derived-Term Automata of Multitape Expressions with Composition

Rational expressions are powerful tools to define automata, but often restricted to single-tape automata. Our goal is to unleash their expressive power for transducers, and more generally, any multitape automaton; for instance (a |x+b+ |y)∗. We generalize the construction of the derived-term automaton by using expansions. This approach generates small automata, and even allows us to support a composition operator.
Fluctuating dipolar chains and roughening of brownian worms

Non-magnetic particles in suspension in a ferrofluid act as magnetic holes when an external magnetic field is exerted: They acquire an effective dipolar moment opposing the surrounding one, which induces dipolar magnetic interactions. For a large enough imposed field and particle size, the induced interactions dominate the thermal forces, dipolar chains form. At equilibrium, these chains fluctuate under the effect of brownian noise. When the imposed magnetic field is suddenly decreased, these chains roughen dynamically. We study the time and size scaling of these fluctuations and roughening, and the relationships between the equilibrium and out of equilibrium behavior. We compare the experimental data both to brownian dynamics simulations, and to a simple theory of semi-flexible polymer chains, a generalization of the Rouse model. The scaling behavior of the experiments agree with the predictions of both theory and simulations over 5 orders of magnitudes. The roughening follows three successive regimes: The Root Mean Square Width of the chain initially evolves as W ∼ t, then it enters a subdiffusive regime where W ∼ t and eventually it saturates to a level W ∼ N , where N is the number of particles in the chain. The exact prefactors as a function of the applied field, particle diameter and temperature are also derived analytically. We also show that this phenomenon can be described equivalently as a non-Markovian diffusion process for a particle in an environment with memory effects. Within this framework, our system is shown to confirm the predictions of theories for anomalous diffusion in systems with memory.
High Drop-off Along the HIV Care Continuum and ART Interruption Among Female Sex Workers in the Dominican Republic

Background: Engagement in HIV care offers clear individual and societal benefits, but little evidence exists on the care experiences of key populations. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 268 female sex workers (FSWs) living with HIV in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to describe the HIV care continuum and to determine factors associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption. Results: FSWs disengaged throughout the care continuum with the highest drop-off after ART initiation. Most participants were linked to care (92%), retained in care (85%), and initiated onto ART (78%), but ART discontinuation and irregular adherence were frequent. Only 48% of participants had an undetectable HIV viral load. Overall, 36% of participants ever initiated onto ART reported lifetime experience with ART interruption. The odds of ART interruption were 3.24 times higher among women who experienced FSW-related discrimination [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28 to 8.20], 2.41 times higher among women who used any drug (95% CI: 1.09 to 5.34), and 2.35 times higher among women who worked in an FSW establishment (95% CI: 1.20 to 4.60). Internalized stigma related to FSW was associated with higher odds of interruption (adjusted odds ratio: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.16), and positive perceptions of HIV providers were protective (adjusted odds ratio: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.98). Conclusions: FSWs living with HIV confront multiple barriers throughout the HIV care continuum, many of which are related to the social context and stigmatization of sex work. Given the clear importance of maximizing the potential benefits of engagement in HIV care, there is an urgent need for interventions to support FSWs throughout the HIV care continuum.
High-protein, low-fat, short-term diet results in less stress and fatigue than moderate-protein moderate-fat diet during weight loss in male weightlifters: a pilot study.

PURPOSE Athletes risk performance and muscle loss when dieting. Strategies to prevent losses are unclear. This study examined the effects of two diets on anthropometrics, strength, and stress in athletes. METHODS This double-blind crossover pilot study began with 14 resistance-trained males (20-43 yr) and incurred one dropout. Participants followed carbohydrate-matched, high-protein low-fat (HPLF) or moderate-protein moderate-fat (MPMF) diets of 60% habitual calories for 2 weeks. Protein intakes were 2.8g/kg and 1.6g/kg and mean fat intakes were 15.4% and 36.5% of calories, respectively. Isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) and anthropometrics were measured at baseline and completion. The Daily Analysis of Life Demands of Athletes (DALDA) and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were completed daily. Outcomes were presented statistically as probability of clinical benefit, triviality, or harm with effect sizes (ES) and qualitative assessments. RESULTS Differences of effect between diets on IMTP and anthropometrics were likely or almost certainly trivial, respectively. Worse than normal scores on DALDA part A, part B and the part A "diet" item were likely more harmful (ES 0.32, 0.4 and 0.65, respectively) during MPMF than HPLF. The POMS fatigue score was likely more harmful (ES 0.37) and the POMS total mood disturbance score (TMDS) was possibly more harmful (ES 0.29) during MPMF than HPLF. CONCLUSIONS For the 2 weeks observed, strength and anthropometric differences were minimal while stress, fatigue, and diet-dissatisfaction were higher during MPMF. A HPLF diet during short-term weight loss may be more effective at mitigating mood disturbance, fatigue, diet dissatisfaction, and stress than a MPMF diet.