Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Send Orders of Reprints at Reprints@benthamscience.net Situating Nutri-ethics at the Junction of Nutrigenomics and Nutri- Proteomics in Postgenomics Medicine

Food has societal, economic, medical and ethical implications, being fundamental for life. It plays an important role also in sports medicine, since a healthy diet is an important part of an athlete's training. Nutrigenomics and nutriproteomics are emerging as a result of a convergence of nutritional, genomics and proteomics knowledge strands in the postgenomics era. These fields of inquiry present an opportunity for the design of customized diets potentially able to counterbalance the extant obesity epidemic and remedy metabolic diseases, among others. They are noteworthy for sport medicine as well since they could provide athletes with crucial information for personalized training and nutrition, in order to achieve the best results possible and express one's own potential. But they could also be used as a form of personalized doping, thus constituting an advancement of " classical nutrition-based doping " (i.e., the use of nutraceuticals, stimulants and supplements). However, nutrigenomics (or nutriproteomics)-based nutritional doping is different from the first-generation doping because it is specifically tailored to the genomics and proteomics makeup of the athlete, although their effectiveness remain to be discerned in future systematic studies. Against this scientific background, ethical issues of nutrigenomics and nutriproteomics are discussed in the present paper with emphasis on the current limitations and the dizzying potentials of the omics data-intensive research for science and society. Additionally, I discuss the need to communicate uncertainty as a fundamental construct and intrinsic part of postgenomics personalized medicine, not to forget the gaps regarding the lack of adequate governance, and issues over providing a proper nutritional education to athletes as onus of the international sports organizations. " Let food be your medicine, and medicine be your food " Hippocrates 1. NEW PATHWAYS TO PERSONALIZED NUTRITION 1.1. Nutrigenomics and Nutriproteomics: Rise of New Postgenomics Specialties Food, besides being a primary and basic need to sustain life, has profound societal, economic, medical and ethical implications. As a social factor, to be sure, it has shaped and deeply influenced societies, structuring their histories and ideologies and it has been used to create and shape social relationships, as well as to exert power creating unequal distribution of food resources by limiting access to food. The nutritional chain, the continuum from the production step (harvesting, manipulating, supplying, allocating and distributing) to the consumption level, has been the source of social divisions and distinctions among the social classes, between men and women, since the dawn of human …
Book Review: Inside the Undergraduate Student Experience

In part due to the current furor over higher education assessment and accountability in light of the Commission on the Future of Higher Education, American colleges and universities are confronted with increased national attention in regards to the state of undergraduate education. A conflict exists between the public need to understand the quality and performance of higher education and the demand for colleges and universities to assess student learning. Assessment is related to a variety of institutional practices, including student retention, graduation, and program-specific outcomes. While federal agencies continue to push for standardized testing across higher education, the question of how best to understand specific student experiences within an institution remains (Banta, 2002; Huba & Freed, 2000; Zepke, Leach, & Prebble, 2006). Questions of this nature are embedded as part of the unique culture fostered by institutional history, mission, values, and context. Understanding the undergraduate student experience requires a wealth of longitudinal data; the long-term commitment of institutional researchers and an emphasis on the distinctive characteristics that shape a specific institution. In the fall of 1999, researchers from the University of Washington’s Office of Educational Assessment undertook a project which built on these requirements, embarking upon an ambitiously detailed 4-year longitudinal study of the UW undergraduate student experience. The project was motivated by several goals: a desire to document student learning during the undergraduate curriculum; an interest in specific people or programs that help students learn; an opportunity for students to reflect on their own experiences; and a focus on the role that the university plays in student personal development. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, the researchers examined student learning, change, and the obstacles encountered during the undergraduate experience. The 304 undergraduate students who participated in the study completed annual group
Brain melanocortin receptors are involved in CRH-mediated HPA axis activity and thermogenesis

Recent studies indicate that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) acts down-stream from brain melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs), however, much older evidence actually suggested the opposite. To reconcile this, rats were chroni- cally infused centrally with the MC-R antagonist SHU9119 (0.5 nmol/day) over 14 days. Acute central CRH administra- tion (0.5 μg) caused temporal anorexia, which was not impaired by SHU9119 treatment relative to controls. SHU9119 treatment, however, did attenuate CRH-induced plasma ACTH and thermogenic responses. Since SHU9119 pair-fed rats showed generally similar effects as SHU9119-treated ad libitum feeding rats, the modulation of ACTH and thermogenic responses are not secondary to increased body weight by SHU9119 treatment. Central pre-treatment with the glucocorti- coid receptor agonist dexamethasone (10 μg) before CRH demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of SHU9119 treatment on the CRH-induced ACTH response was not attributed to increased glucocorticoid feedback. Peripheral dexamethasone pre-treatment (25 μg/kg rat), on the other hand, more potently suppressed CRH-induced corticosterone responses in SHU9119-treated rats. This effect is explained by sensitization of the adrenal cortex to glucocorticoid feedback as a result of SHU9119 treatment. We conclude that MC-Rs act down-stream from CRH to facilitate CRH-induced HPA axis activa- tion and thermogenesis, but not down-stream from CRH to facilitate anorexia.
Development of Precession Instrumentation System for Differentiate Walking from Running in Race Walking by Using Piezoelectric Sensor

In this paper, a precession instrumentation system for measurement and characterization of human foot stress has been developed. The system is very useful to differentiate walking from running in race walking sport, by identification of the foot loss of contact with the ground. The system was developed in two main units: sensing unit (RTU) and signal processing unit (MTU). The RTU consist of piezoelectric stress sensor module and data acquisition module. The data acquisition is developed based on microcontroller to achieve the system as small as possible, but powerful. The MTU consist of computer system and several program procedures to identify the foot stress signals and to differentiate walking from running. Data communication between RTU and MTU can be conducted through wires by using RS485 protocol, or wirelessly by adding a pair of radio transceiver device. The system can be operated by online and real time. Result of the experiments show that the developed system has good performance. Copyright © 2013 IFSA.
Parallel Simulation of Transmission Line Systems on Printed Circuit Boards

The simulation of lossy transmission lines in time domain is a very time consuming task. It requires numerical convolutions and the solution of linear equation systems. In this paper a model for lossy transmission lines and an algorithm for the simulation of these lines is developed. Based on this an approach for parallel simulation of lossy transmission lines is presented. As this approach covers all time consuming tasks of the simulation algorithm a good speed up compared to a single processor solution is expected.
Coordinating Congestion Management and Bandwidth Sharing for Heterogeneous Data Streams

Many of the busiest servers in the Internet consist of clusters of nodes that serve out data of heterogeneous types. At a given point in time, a user could be receiving multiple concurrent data streams, both real-time and nonreal-time, that originate at a single server node, multiple nodes in the same server cluster, or nodes in separate clusters. In this paper, we argue that significant performance benefits can accrue from a coordinated approach to congestion management and bandwidth sharing across the concurrent data streams. We discuss several challenges that arise in this context and outline a coordination architecture that addresses these
Contextual task-aware shared autonomy for assistive mobile robot teleoperation

For robot applications in unknown or even hazardous environments, such as search and rescue, it is difficult and stressful for human beings to merely simply teleoperate a mobile robot without its assistance. Consequently, means to facilitate an efficient shared autonomy between human and robot are the subject of much research work in the field of robotics. This paper proposes a novel shared autonomy system, which recognizes the user intention by estimating the task the user is executing based on the context information, and provides motion assistance according to the inferences. To incorporate the uncertainty of contextual task recognition, a Gaussian Mixture Regression model combined with a recursive Bayesian filter is adopted, which is adaptive to the implicit user model for task execution during operation. The proposed method is applied to the problem of controlling a flying robot in the context of two task types: doorway crossing and object inspection. Its benefits are demonstrated by the simulation results.
Increase in the random dopant induced threshold fluctuations and lowering in sub-100 nm MOSFETs due to quantum effects: a 3-D density-gradient simulation study

In this paper, we present a detailed simulation study of the influence of quantum mechanical effects in the inversion layer on random dopant induced threshold voltage fluctuations and lowering in sub-100 mn MOSFETs. The simulations have been performed using a three-dimensional (3-D) implementation of the density gradient (DG) formalism incorporated in our established 3-D atomistic simulation approach. This results in a self-consistent 3-D quantum mechanical picture, which implies not only the vertical inversion layer quantization but also the lateral confinement effects related to current filamentation in the "valleys" of the random potential fluctuations. We have shown that the net result of including quantum mechanical effects, while considering statistical dopant fluctuations, is an increase in both threshold voltage fluctuations and lowering. At the same time, the random dopant induced threshold voltage lowering partially compensates for the quantum mechanical threshold voltage shift in aggressively scaled MOSFETs with ultrathin gate oxides.
Unmasking of latent synaptic connections in the cortex of the rat, elicited by a facial nerve transection

Peripheral nerve injury elicits plastic changes in the cortex, resulting in reorganization of the somatotopic representation maps. These processes begin within minutes after nerve injury, and last for weeks. Although the mechanisms leading to these plastic changes are not known in a detail, a number of results suggest that the key element in the starting of these processes is a decrease in the function of the cortical GABAergic system, which allows the unmasking of pre-existing but normally silent synapses. The somatosensory and motor cortices of the rat brain are involved in strong and mutual interaction. This study of the early changes induced in this relationship by unilateral facial nerve transection (N7x) revealed that the disinhibition of associational and commissural connections caused by N7x allowed the appearance and enhancement of potentials in the motor cortices on both sides, evoked by right-side trigeminal stimulation, though these responses were strictly lateralized in normal animals. In response to the juxtacellular application of GABA and muscimol, reversal was observed in a small population of neurons (3 out of 84) tested with microelectrode recordings and pressure microinjections. These results suggest that a peripheral nerve injury (N7x) rapidly induces GABA(A) receptor-dependent disinhibition in the cortex.
Desires, Need, Perceptions, and Knowledge of Assisted Reproductive Technologies of HIV-Positive Women of Reproductive Age in Ontario, Canada

The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to assess the desire, need, perceptions, and knowledge of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for women living with HIV (WLWHIV) and determine correlates of ART knowledge desire. WLWHIV of reproductive age were surveyed using the survey instrument “The HIV Pregnancy Planning Questionnaire” at HIV/AIDS service organizations across Ontario, Canada. Of our cohort of 500 WLWHIV, median age was 38, 88% were previously pregnant, 78% desired more information regarding ART, 59% were open to the idea of receiving ART, 39% felt they could access a sperm bank, and 17% had difficulties conceiving (self-reported). Age, African ethnicity, and residence in an urban center were correlated with desire for more ART information. Of participants, 50% wanted to speak to an obstetrician/gynecologist regarding pregnancy planning, and 74% regarded physicians as a main source of fertility service information. While the majority of participants in our cohort desire access to ART information, most do not perceive these services as readily accessible. Healthcare practitioners were viewed as main sources of information regarding fertility services and need to provide accurate information regarding access. Fertility service professionals need to be aware of the increasing demand for ART among WLWHIV.
Whole-field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with replanning split-field IMRT for nasopharygeal carcinoma

We proposed an intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) technique: whole-field (WF) IMRT combined with replanning split-field (SF) IMRT in treating nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with the disease above the level of the larynx, and investigated its dosimetric consequences. Ten NPC patients were studied. Repeat CT imaging and replanning were performed at the time when the low anterior neck received a total dose of 50 Gy/25 fractions with WF-IMRT. Two treatment plans were created for each patient. Treatment plan A was generated from the first planning CT scan images, which included two portions (A1 and A2) for WF-IMRT and SF-IMRT, respectively; in treatment plan B, which also included two portions, the first portion B1 is identical to A1 but the second portion (B2) was generated from the second planning CT scan images. For both the planning target volumes of the gross tumor volume and the high-risk clinical target volume, the mean D95 and V93 were comparable between treatment plan A and B. However, the Dmax to the spinal cord, brainstem and mandible, the Dmean and D50 to parotid glands were all lower in treatment plan B as compared with treatment plan A. WF-IMRT combined with replanning SF-IMRT is a useful IMRT technique in treating NPC with the disease above the level of the larynx, which has a dosimetric superiority in terms of ensuring safe doses to normal organs and deserves clinic application.
Physical activity, nutrition and bone health

this review aims to describe the roles that physical activity and nutrition have in bone metabolism and to examine their effects on bone in a situation of altered metabolism as a consequence of inadequate nutrition and/or excessive physical activity. referring to the recent studies and the main guidelines in the literature on athlete nutrition, the paper also focuses on essential nutrients for bone health during performance. Finally, it discusses the negative effect of some nutrients on bone mineral density.
A KFCM-Based Fuzzy Classifier

A proposed KFCM-based fuzzy classifier was introduced. As for the process of constructing such classifier, firstly, the original sample space is mapped into a high dimensional feature space by selecting appropriate kernel function. Then in the feature space, training samples of each class are divided into some clusters by proposed KFCM algorithm. The optimal cluster number of every class is selected by our proposed method. For each created cluster, a fuzzy rule is defined with ellipsoidal regions. Finally, fuzzy classification rules are adjusted by GAs. The accuracy of the constructed classifier by our proposed methods are comparable to the maximum accuracy of the multilayer neural network classifier and the relational reference, and the training time is much shorter.
A comparison of various reinforcement learning algorithms to solve racetrack problem

Reinforcement learning is an area of machine learning that is concerned with how an agent should take actions in an environment so that it can maximize its cumulative rewards. Unlike most machine learning techniques, the learner is not told which action it should take but instead must discover which action maximizes its cumulative reward by trying them. Trial-and-error search and delayed rewards are the two important distinguishing features of reinforcement learning. The racetrack problem is a standard control problem and can be solved using various reinforcement learning techniques. In this paper, the implementation of value iteration algorithm, Q-learning algorithm, and a variant of Q-learning algorithm that uses function approximator is done in order to solve the racetrack problem. The algorithms are compared based on the score they obtain in solving the problem on various maps by varying various parameters such as convergence tolerance, number of iterations etc. The time taken for solving this problem by each algorithm on various maps corresponding to each setting is also compared in this paper. It is proven from the experiments that performance of all the algorithms is almost comparable to each
University ’ s repository of research publications and other research outputs Diffuse interstellar bands in RAVE survey spectra

We have used spectra of hot stars from the RAVE Survey in order to investigate the visibility and properties of five diffuse interstellar bands previously reported in the literature. The RAVE spectroscopic survey for Galactic structure and kinematics records CCD spectra covering the 8400–8800 Å wavelength region at 7500 resolving power. The spectra are obtained with the UK Schmidt at the AAO, equipped with the 6dF multi-fiber positioner. The DIB at 8620.4 Å is by far the strongest and cleanest of all DIBs occurring within the RAVE wavelength range, with no interference by underlying absorption stellar lines in hot stars. It correlates so tightly with reddening that it turns out to be a reliable tool to measure it, following the relation EB−V = 2.72(±0.03) × EW (Å), valid throughout the general interstellar medium of our Galaxy. The presence of a DIB at 8648 Å is confirmed. Its intensity appears unrelated to reddening, in agreement with scanty and preliminary reports available in the literature, and its measurability is strongly compromised by severe blending with underlying stellar He I doublet at 8649 Å. The two weak DIBs at 8531 and 8572 Å do not appear real and should actually be blends of underlying stellar lines. The very weak DIB at 8439 Å cannot be resolved within the profile of the much stronger underlying hydrogen Paschen 18 stellar line.
Zygmund vector fields, Hilbert transform and Fourier coefficients in shear coordinates

We parametrize the space ${\cal Z}$ of Zygmund vector fields on the unit circle in terms of infinitesimal shear functions on the Farey tesselation. Then we express the Hilbert transform and the Fourier coefficients of the Zygmund vector fields in terms of the above parametrization by infinitesimal shear functions. Finally, we compute the Weil-Petersson metric on the Teichm\"uller space of a punctured surface in terms of shears.
Nonsocial Functions of Hypothalamic Oxytocin

Oxytocin (OXT) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide composed of nine amino acids. The functions of OXT cover a variety of social and nonsocial activity/behaviors. Therapeutic effects of OXT on aberrant social behaviors are attracting more attention, such as social memory, attachment, sexual behavior, maternal behavior, aggression, pair bonding, and trust. The nonsocial behaviors/functions of brain OXT have also received renewed attention, which covers brain development, reproduction, sex, endocrine, immune regulation, learning and memory, pain perception, energy balance, and almost all the functions of peripheral organ systems. Coordinating with brain OXT, locally produced OXT also involves the central and peripheral actions of OXT. Disorders in OXT secretion and functions can cause a series of aberrant social behaviors, such as depression, autism, and schizophrenia as well as disturbance of nonsocial behaviors/functions, such as anorexia, obesity, lactation failure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and carcinogenesis. As more and more OXT functions are identified, it is essential to provide a general view of OXT functions in order to explore the therapeutic potentials of OXT. In this review, we will focus on roles of hypothalamic OXT on central and peripheral nonsocial functions.
Neural networks in defense applications

The author presents early results of preliminary experimental investigations of the performance of various trainable (back-propagation) networks applied to sensor signal processing and optimization processing problems. Various network topologies and target signatures were exercised. Networks ranged from two-layer to six-layer, with varying number of neurons per layer. Multiple training and test sets were synthesized and used in evaluating both the training characteristics and processing performance of the various networks. Preliminary results for learning networks in pattern recognition applications indicate very promising performance characteristics for fairly simple back-propagation networks, on the order of less than 50 neurons, as a function of topology, learning rate, and sensor signal complexity. Overall, the networks behaved as expected for back-propagation networks. <<ETX>>
Physical activity and behaviour change: the role of distributed motivation

ABSTRACT Physical inactivity levels are rising globally. In response, public health investigators have sought to design and implement effective interventions to raise levels of physical activity in populations, communities and individuals. Usually, such interventions are built around theories of behaviour change in which notions of motivation and incentivisation loom large. Drawing on focus group evidence derived in the context of a cluster RCT aimed at increasing levels of physical activity in the workplace, this paper offers a critical look at the factors that seemingly stimulate and sustain that activity. In particular, using novel methods of data analysis we illustrate how motives and motivation – often interpreted as a driving force ‘in’ individuals – can be more usefully seen as distributed; as a property of systems (incorporating technologies, organisational structures, and social interaction) rather than of persons. In our discussion, we outline various theoretical as well as empirical grounds for making such claims and conclude by drawing out the implications of our work for public health policy and research.