Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increasing Retention Without Increasing Study Time

Because people forget much of what they learn, students could benefit from learning strategies that yield long-lasting knowledge. Yet surprisingly little is known about how long-term retention is most efficiently achieved. Here we examine how retention is affected by two variables: the duration of a study session and the temporal distribution of study time across multiple sessions. Our results suggest that a single session devoted to the study of some material should continue long enough to ensure that mastery is achieved but that immediate further study of the same material is an inefficient use of time. Our data also show that the benefit of distributing a fixed amount of study time across two study sessions—the spacing effect—depends jointly on the interval between study sessions and the interval between study and test. We discuss the practical implications of both findings, especially in regard to mathematics learning.
Identification of noncompliant glaucoma patients using Bayesian networks and the Eye-Drop Satisfaction Questionnaire

OBJECTIVE To identify poorly compliant glaucoma patients, using the Eye-Drop Satisfaction Questionnaire (EDSQ). METHODS This was an observational cross-sectional study with compliance data collected by an electronic monitoring device. Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension completed the EDSQ, a six-dimension self-reported questionnaire addressing "treatment concern", "disease concern", "patient-clinician relationship", "positive beliefs", "treatment convenience", and "self-declared compliance". A Bayesian network (BN) was applied to explore compliance associations with EDSQ. RESULTS Among 169 patients who completed the EDSQ, 113 had valid Travalert® data, of whom 25 (22.1%) demonstrated low compliance. All six EDSQ dimensions were associated directly, or indirectly, with compliance. Two profiles exhibited low compliance, ie, patients aged younger than 77.5 years with a poor patient-physician relationship and self-declared poor compliance and patients aged older than 77.5 years with a poor patient-physician relationship and self-declared good compliance. The third profile showed high compliance, ie, patients aged younger than 77.5 years with a good patient-physician relationship and self-declared good compliance. CONCLUSION Our results confirm a central role for the patient-physician relationship in the compliance process. Age, self-declared compliance, and patient satisfaction with the patient-physician relationship are all dimensions worth exploring before glaucoma medication is switched or proceeding to laser treatment or surgery.
Exploring Body Holistic Processing Investigated with Composite Illusion

The aim of the present study was to explore the holistic processing of the human body shape. Composite illusion is used as a marker to demonstrate face holistic processing. Previous studies showed that adults find it difficult to name the top half of a familiar face when it has been aligned with the bottom half of a different face compared with misaligned condition. The current study aimed to explore body shape processing using composite effect. In our study body stimuli were generated by a computer program. Body shapes varied by BMI having a thinner and a fatter version as well. Face composite illusion was also investigated as a control. Composite illusion was observed for faces as reaction time was significantly faster and performance was better for misaligned faces compared to aligned faces. For human body shapes composite illusion was observed nevertheless merely inverted bodies. Participants performed superiorly for inverted misaligned bodies compared with inverted aligned bodies.
Are we living beyond our means? A comparison of France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom

This paper explores the savings needs of France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom on the assumption that each cohort is self-sufficient. Cross section profiles for labour income and consumption (taking public and private consumption together) are used. They are adjusted for trend growth with the consumption profile being scaled so that the life time budget constraint for the youngest cohort is met. Rent from land is found to be important to the calculations. The income and consumption profiles are used to calculate the required wealth holding of each older cohort. Savings and wealth holding figures are calculated by age and population data are used to aggregate them for the whole population. Savings rates are found to be lower than those required and holdings of produced wealth are inadequate to pay for current consumption patterns by the current adult population in all four countries. The United Kingdom faces particularly acute problems. The impact of rising survival rates and of longer working life is also explored.
A Wearable Device for Continuous Cardiorespiratory System Monitoring

This paper describes the design and implementation of a wearable monitoring device for performing a continuous inspection on the cardiorespiratory system based on the Heart Rates (HR) and Respiration Rates (RR). The HR and RR are the two vital signs as relevant indicators to show the functionality and wellness of the cardiorespiratory system. The device consists of a bell-shaped stethoscope, which is attached to a capacitive microphone, and a FM radio transceiver to establish a wireless connection between the measuring sensor and collecting device which is held off body. In order to obtain the HR values a simple peak detection scheme is applied to the measured sound signals to count the number of Beats Per Minute (BPM). In contrary to the direct measurement used for obtaining the HR values, the interaction between the heart and lungs (i.e., Mechanical modulation of the heart by the lungs) was considered. Such modulation leads to eliminating the need for of a respiration sensor. Also, the HRR value, which is introduced as the ratio of the HR and RR value, is used to assess the health condition of the cardiorespiratory system.
Deficiencies in lamin B1 and lamin B2 cause neurodevelopmental defects and distinct nuclear shape abnormalities in neurons

Lamin B1 is essential for neuronal migration and progenitor proliferation during the development of the cerebral cortex. The observation of distinct phenotypes of Lmnb1- and Lmnb2-knockout mice and the differences in the nuclear morphology of cortical neurons in vivo suggest that lamin B1 and lamin B2 play distinct functions in the developing brain.
Molecular Characteristics of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamases in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae and the Prevalence of qnr in Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Isolates in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Korea

Purpose Extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) are cephalosporinases that confer resistance to a wide variety of oxyimino cephalosporins and create serious therapeutic problems. In addition, the quinolone resistance qnr genes are becoming increasingly prevalent in clinical isolates, some of which also produce ESBL. This study was designed to evaluate the occurrence and genotypic distribution of ESBL producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) as well as the prevalence and distribution of qnr genes in ESBL-producing isolates in a tertiary care hospital in Korea. Materials and Methods We tested a total of 111 ESBL-producing isolates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae, which were collected at Kyung Hee Medical Center from November 2006 to June 2008. ESBL production was determined by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) ESBL confirmatory test. The cefotaxime and ceftazidime resistance of the ESBL-producers were transferred to azide-resistant E. coli J53 by conjugation. The presence and identity of ESBL and qnr genes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleotide sequencing. Results The prevalence of ESBLs was 17.7% (297/1,680) of E. coli and 26.5% (240/904) of K. pneumoniae in our hospital during the study periods. Of the 111 collected isolates, 69 isolates were E. coli and 42 isolates were K. pneumoniae. The most prevalent ESBL genotype was CTX-M15. Among the ESBL-producing isolates, 4 E. coli (5.8%) and 17 K. pneumoniae (40.5%) contained qnr genes. qnrB4 was the most frequent type in both E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Conclusion CTX-M15 was the most frequently encountered ESBL. In addition, a high prevalence of qnr genes among ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae was identified in this study.
Using Personalised Multidimensional Visual Feedback to Support a Change in Physical Activity Behaviour and Improve Health

Health-harnessing physical activity has been traditionally been conceptualised in terms of moderate to vigorous intensity with a recommendation to undertake 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous activity forms the basis for many interventions or promotion efforts. Recent advancements in the measurement of physical activity however reveals that other dimensions can incur profound health benefits such as an increase in energy expenditure or a reduction in sedentary time. Excitingly, we now have the technology to capture and present personalised visual feedback across the multiple physical activity dimensions, which could theoretically help individuals change their behaviour by providing them with more options or solutions that can be aligned to the individual’s needs, barriers and preferences. The aim of this thesis was to develop a visual presentation of multidimensional physical activity behaviour and evaluate its efficacy as a tool to support behaviour change. Firstly, a laboratory validation concluded that the BodyMedia Mini was a valid and reliable option for capturing a presenting multidimensional physical activity. Secondly, a number of visual representations were developed from minute-by-minute physical activity data captured by this monitor. Step three was to pilot these graphical depictions to group of patients and health professionals during one-to-one, semi-structured interviews who provided evidence that the design and message was clear, informative and motivating. Secondary analysis of this data suggested this was particularly true of individuals with a low physical activity status for which the personalised multidimensional feedback served to evoke strong and persuasive cognitive and emotional responses. The final steps were to test the efficacy of this approach in two multi-component, exploratory randomised controlled trials. Trial one was conducted on patients identified as at-risk (n=204) and showed that trainer led self-monitoring of multidimensional feedback had a minimal impact on behaviour. Trial two was conducted on individuals declaring themselves as inactive (n=51) and showed that using multidimensional feedback along with real-time self-monitoring appears an effective strategy for behaviour change.
Attitudes Toward Active Voluntary Euthanasia Among Community-Dwelling Older Subjects

The major extension of late-life expectancy has increased the significance of end-of-life issues, particularly among elderly people, considering both the role of medical practices in shaping and defining dying trajectories and the differences in national laws and in public attitudes about preservation of self-dignity and removal of pain in death. Avoiding a prolonged, painful, and undignified death provides for many a rationale for euthanasia. On the contrary, the fear of increased pressure to end one’s life prematurely and of potential abuses became often the main argument of opposition among vulnerable groups, like older people, especially when suffering from disability, chronic diseases, and lacking of autonomy. Through a representative cross-sectional survey, we studied 1,782 community-dwelling over-65s residents in Genoa (Italy), examining with bivariate and binary logistic regression analysis their attitudes toward active voluntary euthanasia (AVE), and exploring associations with sociodemographic characteristics, health and socioeconomic conditions, ideological orientations, and cultural practices. About 39.9% of our sample fully disagreed with AVE, 26.7% expressed tolerance, and 35.2% agreed completely. Results showed significant associations of different attitudes toward AVE with cultural values and moral practices, as well as with health and disability conditions, evidencing increasing full rejection toward AVE among over-75s profiles (46.3%). Our results suggest major intergenerational differences among older people, showing significant cultural change in attitudes toward end-of-life issues. If and to the extent that older age plays a role, it is rather still strongly associated with rejection than with acceptance of AVE.
Microvesicles Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuate Bladder Tumor Cell Growth In Vitro and In Vivo

Several studies suggest that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess antitumor properties; however, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Recently, microvesicles (MVs) are considered as a novel avenue intercellular communication, which may be a mediator in MSCs-related antitumor effect. In the present study, we evaluated whether MVs derived from human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSCs) may inhibit bladder tumor T24 cells growth using cell culture and the BALB/c nu/nu mice xenograft model. CCK-8 assay and Ki-67 immunostaining were performed to estimate cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry and TUNEL assay were used to assess cell cycle and apoptosis. To study the conceivable mechanism by which hWJMSC-MVs attenuate bladder tumor T24 cells, we estimated the expression of Akt/p-Akt, p-p53, p21 and cleaved Caspase 3 by Western blot technique after exposing T24 cells to hWJMSC-MVs for 24, 48 and 72h. Our data indicated that hWJMSC-MVs can inhibit T24 cells proliferative viability via cell cycle arrest and induce apoptosis in T24 cells in vitro and in vivo. This study showed that hWJMSC-MVs down-regulated phosphorylation of Akt protein kinase and up-regulated cleaved Caspase 3 during the process of anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis in T24 cells. These results demonstrate that hWJMSC-MVs play a vital role in hWJMSC-induced antitumor effect and may be a novel tool for cancer therapy as a new mechanism of cell-to-cell communication.
Tumor-Derived Interleukin-1 Promotes Lymphangiogenesis and Lymph Node Metastasis through M2-Type Macrophages

Tumors formed by a highly metastatic human lung cancer cell line are characterized by activated signaling via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C through its receptor (VEGFR-3) and aggressive lymph node metastasis. In this study, we examined how these highly metastatic cancers acquired aggressive lymph node metastasis. Compared with their lower metastatic counterparts, the highly metastatic tumors formed by this cell line expressed higher amounts of interleukin (IL)-1α, with similarly augmented expression of IL-1α and IL-1β by tumor stromal cells and of VEGF-A and VEGF-C by tumor-associated macrophages. These tumor-associated macrophages were mainly of the M2 type. Administration of a macrophage-targeting drug suppressed the production of these potent angiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors, resulting in decreased tumor growth, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and lymph node metastasis. In Matrigel plug assays, the highly metastatic cells formed tumors that were extensively infiltrated by M2-type macrophages and exhibited enhanced angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. All of these responses were suppressed by the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) antagonist anakinra. Thus, the IL-1α-driven inflammatory activation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis seems to provide a highly metastatic tumor microenvironment favorable for lymph node metastasis through cross-talk with macrophages. Accordingly, the IL-1R/M2-type macrophage axis may be a good therapeutic target for patients with this form of lung cancer.
Color Correction Methods with Application to Digital Projection Environments

Due to differing optics, sensor characteristics, and hardware processing employed by video cameras, the resulting colors produced by two cameras can be very different, thus complicating the task of computer vision applications. While various color correction methods exist to deal with this problem, most involve strong assumptions, such as constant illumination, that are, in general, unsatisfied in complex environments. To address the problem of color correction in a less restrictive manner, we propose the use of neural networks, which can easily be trained and which produce excellent results. We compare these results with other methods.
Comparison of Nurse Anesthesia Student 12 Lead EKG Knowledge, Interpretation Skill, Satisfaction and Attitude: Traditional Instruction vs. Asynchronous Online Video Lecture

Online education has become increasingly popular for providing learning experiences in all disciplines. Despite continued evidence that online learning is at least equivalent to traditional methods, some educators are reluctant to embrace online educational offerings. This study evaluated whether an online class provided within an otherwise traditional face-to-face (F2F) nurse anesthesia curriculum would produce comparable learning outcomes and be accepted by students as an alternative learning format. A F2F lecture format for teaching 12 lead EKG interpretation was compared with similar course materials provided in an asynchronous, self-paced, online narrated video format. A pretest/posttest design was used to evaluate concept knowledge change and an analytical skills examination (ASE) determined student ability to accurately interpret EKG readings. The variables of satisfaction, attitude toward online learning, and student time were also evaluated. Knowledge and analytical skill acquisition were comparable in both groups and satisfaction was equally good with both delivery methods. The student's attitudes concerning online instruction improved after exposure to the online method of teaching.
High-Resolution Observations of OH (1720 MHz) Masers toward the Galactic Center

High-resolution VLA observations of 1720 MHz OH maser emission from Sagittarius A East and the circumnuclear disk with spatial and spectral resolutions of ≈2. ″5×1. ″3 and 0.27 km s-1 are reported. This follow-up observational study focuses on the recent discovery of a number of such OH maser features and their intense, circularly polarized maser lines detected toward these Galactic center sources. The 1720 MHz maser line of OH arises from collisionally excited gas behind a C-type shock and is an important diagnostic of the interaction process that may occur between molecular clouds and associated X-ray-emitting shell-type supernova remnants. The present observations have confirmed that the observed Stokes V signal is due to Zeeman splitting, and the OH masers are angularly broadened by the scattering medium toward the Galactic center. The scale length of the magnetic field fluctuations in the scattering medium toward the Galactic center is estimated to be greater than 0.1-0.2 pc using the correlation of the position angles of the scatter-broadened maser spots. In addition, the kinematics of the maser spots associated with Sgr A East are used to place a 5 pc displacement between this extended radio structure and the Galactic center.
Military Service Members’ Satisfaction With Outness: Implications for Mental Health

This study is among the first examining lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) service members in the United States following the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy repeal. Higher levels of outness predict better mental health among general LGB populations. The military environment, like other traditional/conservative settings, may alter this relation; however, no data are available on outness among LGB service members in the United States. We examined 236 service members’ level of outness and satisfaction with outness in relation to depression and anxiety symptoms. Results revealed greater level of outness was related to higher satisfaction with outness, with each variable related to better mental health. Importantly, satisfaction fully mediated the relation between level of outness and mental health, indicating satisfaction to be a more salient predictor than level alone. Findings relevant to military policy makers and health-care providers are discussed along with recommendations for advancement of research into outness among LGB people.
Caudo-rostral brain spreading of α-synuclein through vagal connections

α‐Synuclein accumulation and pathology in Parkinson's disease typically display a caudo‐rostral pattern of progression, involving neuronal nuclei in the medulla oblongata at the earliest stages. In this study, selective expression and accumulation of human α‐synuclein within medullary neurons was achieved via retrograde transport of adeno‐associated viral vectors unilaterally injected into the vagus nerve in the rat neck. The exogenous protein progressively spread toward more rostral brain regions where it could be detected within axonal projections. Propagation to the pons, midbrain and forebrain followed a stereotypical pattern of topographical distribution. It affected areas such as the coeruleus–subcoeruleus complex, dorsal raphae, hypothalamus and amygdala ipsilateral and, to a lesser extent, contralateral to the injection side. Spreading was accompanied by evidence of neuritic pathology in the form of axonal varicosities intensely immunoreactive for human α‐synuclein and containing Thioflavin‐S‐positive fibrils. Thus, overexpression of human α‐synuclein in the lower brainstem is sufficient to induce its long‐distance caudo‐rostral propagation, recapitulating features of Parkinson's disease and mechanisms of disease progression.
Was the Universe Reionized by Massive Metal-free Stars?

The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe satellite has measured a large optical depth to electron scattering after the cosmological recombination of τes = 0.17 ± 0.04, implying significant reionization of the primordial gas only ~200 million years after the big bang. However, the most recent overlap of intergalactic H II regions must have occurred at z ≲ 9 based on the Lyα forest constraint on the thermal history of the intergalactic medium. Here we argue that a first generation of metal-free stars with a heavy (rather than Salpeter) mass function is therefore required to account for much of the inferred optical depth. This conclusion holds if feedback regulates star formation in early dwarf galaxies as observed in present-day dwarfs.