Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Relationships among Motivation to Recycle , Willingness to Recycle , and Satisfaction with Recovery Stations in Taiwan

Recovery stations hold a key role in the recycling process. This study investigates the relationships among the motivation to recycle, user satisfaction with recovery stations, and willingness to recycle, with consideration of the mediation and moderation effects. We find a positive relationship between motivation to recycle and satisfaction with recovery stations, between satisfaction with recovery stations and willingness to recycle, and between motivation to recycle and willingness to recycle. In addition, we find that customer satisfaction with a recovery station is a mediating variable, and marital status is a moderating variable. Governmentsshould consider encouragingrecovery stations to improve customer-service satisfactionand should develop strategies for gettingunmarried people to recycle. Key-Words: -Recovery station, motivation to recycle, willingness to recycle, mediation effect, moderation effect
Understanding breast cancer screening behaviors of Korean American women in sociocultural contexts

ABSTRACT This study examines the breast cancer screening behaviors of Korean American women focusing on their cultural beliefs and access to health care. A total of 111 Korean American women participated in the cross-sectional survey research. Korean American women who felt embarrassed about breast cancer screenings were less likely to have received clinical breast exams or mammograms. Implications to culturally competent social work practice in promoting their breast cancer screening behaviors are discussed.
Skin-derived mesenchymal stem cells as quantum dot vehicles to tumors

Purpose Cell-mediated delivery of nanoparticles is emerging as a new method of cancer diagnostics and treatment. Due to their inherent regenerative properties, adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are naturally attracted to wounds and sites of inflammation, as well as tumors. Such characteristics enable MSCs to be used in cellular hitchhiking of nanoparticles. In this study, MSCs extracted from the skin connective tissue were investigated as transporters of semiconductor nanocrystals quantum dots (QDs). Materials and methods Cytotoxicity of carboxylated CdSe/ZnS QDs was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase cell viability assay. Quantitative uptake of QDs was determined by flow cytometry; their intracellular localization was evaluated by confocal microscopy. In vitro tumor-tropic migration of skin-derived MSCs was verified by Transwell migration assay. For in vivo migration studies of QD-loaded MSCs, human breast tumor-bearing immunodeficient mice were used. Results QDs were found to be nontoxic to MSCs in concentrations no more than 16 nM. The uptake studies showed a rapid QD endocytosis followed by saturating effects after 6 h of incubation and intracellular localization in the perinuclear region. In vitro migration of MSCs toward MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and their conditioned medium was up to nine times greater than the migration toward noncancerous breast epithelial cells MCF-10A. In vivo, systemically administered QD-labeled MSCs were mainly located in the tumor and metastatic tissues, evading most healthy organs with the exception being blood clearance organs (spleen, kidneys, liver). Conclusion Skin-derived MSCs demonstrate applicability in cell-mediated delivery of nanoparticles. The findings presented in this study promise further development of a cell therapy and nanotechnology-based tool for early cancer diagnostics and therapy.
Improved outcome in acute myeloid leukemia patients enrolled in clinical trials: A national population-based cohort study of Danish intensive chemotherapy patients

Clinical trials are critical to improve AML treatment. It remains, however, unclear if clinical trial participation per se affects prognosis and to what extent the patients selected for trials differ from those of patients receiving intensive therapy off-trial. We conducted a population-based cohort study of newly diagnosed Danish AML patients treated with intensive chemotherapy between 2000–2013. We estimated accrual rates and compared characteristics, complete remission (CR) rates, and relative risks (RRs) of death at 90-day, 1-year, and 3-years in clinical trial patients to patients treated off-trial. Of 867 patients, 58.3% (n = 504) were included in a clinical trial. Accrual rates were similar across age groups (p = 0.55). Patients with poor performance status, comorbidity, therapy-related and secondary AML were less likely to be enrolled in trials. CR rates were 80.2% in trial-patients versus 68.6% in patients treated off- trial. Also, trial-patients had superior survival at 1-year; 72%, vs. 54% (adjusted RR of death 1.28(CI = 1.06–1.54)), and at 3 years; 45% vs. 29% (adjusted RR 1.14(CI = 1.03–1.26)) compared to patients treated off-trial. Despite high accrual rates, patients enrolled in clinical trials had a favorable prognostic profile and a better survival than patients treated off-trial. In conclusion, all trial results should be extrapolated with caution and population-based studies of “real world patients” have a prominent role in examining the prognosis of AML.
Testosterone vs. aromatase inhibitor in older men with low testosterone: effects on cardiometabolic parameters

Testosterone (T) replacement is being increasingly offered to older men with age‐related decline in testosterone levels. The effects of long‐term testosterone replacement and aromatase inhibition (AI) on glucose homeostasis and cardiometabolic markers were determine in older non‐diabetic men with low testosterone levels. Men ≥65 years, mean age 71 ± 3 years with serum total T < 350 ng/dL were randomized in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, proof‐of‐concept trial evaluating the effects of 5 g transdermal testosterone gel (TT) (n = 10), 1 mg anastrozole (n = 10) or placebo (n = 9) daily for 12 months. Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included OGIS in response to OGTT, fasting lipids, C‐reactive protein (CRP), adipokines, and abdominal and mid‐thigh fat by computed tomography. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 12 months. After 12 months, absolute changes in HOMAIR in both treatment arms (TT group: −0.05 ± 0.21); (AI group: 0.15 ± 0.10) were similar to placebo (−0.11 ± 0.26), as were CRP and fasting lipid levels. Adiponectin levels significantly decreased in the TT group (−1.8 ± 0.9 mg/L, p = 0.02) and abdominal subcutaneous fat (−60.34 ± 3.19 cm2, p = 0.003) and leptin levels (−1.5 ± 1.2 ng/mL, p = 0.04) were significantly lower with AI. Mid‐thigh subcutaneous fat was reduced in both treatment arms (TT group: −4.88 ± 1.24 cm2, p = 0.008); (AI group: −6.05 ± 0.87 cm2, p = 0.0002). In summary, in this proof‐of‐concept trial, changes in HOMAIR AI were similar in all three groups while the effects of intervention on subcutaneous fat distribution and adipokines were variable. Larger efficacy and safety trials are needed before AI pharmacotherapy can be considered as a treatment option for low T levels in older men.
The Mid‐Brunhes Event and West Antarctic ice sheet stability

The complex cyclical nature of Pleistocene climate, driven by the evolving orbital configuration of the Earth, is well known but not well understood. A major climatic transition took place at the Mid‐Brunhes Event (MBE), ca. 430 ka ago after which the amplitude of the ca.100 ka climate oscillations increased, with substantially warmer interglacials, including periods warmer than present. Recent modelling has indicated that while the timing of these warmer‐than‐present transient (WPT) events is consistent with southern warming due to a deglaciation‐forced slowdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, the magnitude of warming requires a local amplification, for which a candidate is the feedback of significant West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) retreat. We here extend this argument, based on the absence of WPTs in the early ice core record (450–800 ka ago), to hypothesize that the MBE could be a manifestation of decreased WAIS stability, triggered by ongoing subglacial erosion. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of performance by heart rate-derived parameters in recreational runners

ABSTRACT We investigated whether heart rate (HR)-derived parameters are accurate performance predictors in endurance recreational runners. One hundred thirty recreational athletes completed an incremental running test (4´running + 1´rest). After each stage, we recorded HR, % of maximum HR (%HRmax), and blood lactate. We also assessed HR after each recovery period, and calculated lactate and HR recovery thresholds and HR deflection point. We tested these parameters for associations with running performance, as measured by peak treadmill speed (PTS) and personal best International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) score. The %HRmax at 14.5 km·h−1 correlated with PTS (r = −0.92), and IAAF score (rho = −0.80). The magnitudes of the correlations of lactate-related parameters with PTS (|r| = 0.84 to 0.86) or IAAF score (|rho| = 0.70 to 0.77) in absolute values were slightly lower. The correlations detected between other HR-derived parameters and running performance were weaker (|r or rho| = 0.24 to 0.70). Regression models identified %HRmax at 14.5 km·h−1 as the strongest predictor of both PTS (β = −0.72) and IAAF score (β = −0.72). Consequently, tests based on %HRmax may provide a non-invasive and inexpensive alternate method for predicting the performance of these athletes.
Can Friends Seed More Buzz and Adoption?

A critical element of word of mouth (WOM) or buzz marketing is to identify seeds, often central actors with high degree in the social network. Seed identification typically requires data on the full network structure, which is often unavailable. We therefore examine the impact of WOM seeding strategies motivated by the friendship paradox to obtain more central nodes without knowing network structure. But higher-degree nodes may communicate less with neighbors; therefore whether friendship paradox motivated seeding strategies increase or reduce WOM and adoption remains an empirical question. We develop and estimate a model of WOM and adoption using data on microfinance adoption across 43 villages in India for which we have data on social networks. Counterfactuals show that the proposed seeding strategies are about 15-20% more effective than random seeding in increasing adoption. Remarkably, they are also about 5-11% more effective than opinion leader seeding, and are relative more effective when we have fewer seeds.
Why do pastures respond to lime

Lime responses in pasture have been attributed to amelioration of aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mn) toxicity, increased plant availability of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and molybdenum (Mo), and increased soil moisture. Methods of assessing the occurrence of each of these mechanisms are given, illustrated using results from two contrasting lime trials where mechanisms of lime response were determined. The results indicate that lime responses on the Mangatea soil could be attributed to lime increasing N, P, and Mo availability, and to the amelioration of Al toxicity allowing better access to soil moisture over summer. In contrast, on the Matapiro soil lime responses were owing to enhanced N mineralisation. The results show that the occurrence and size of a pasture response owing to a given mechanism are owing to interactions between soil factors, plant species and climate. Hence more complex pasture models than are currently available are required before predictions of the size and duration of lime responses can be improved.
Crossed views of burden and emotional distress of cancer patients and family caregivers during palliative care

Studies regarding natural caregivers' burden (CB) in palliative situations, as well as its determinants and consequences, have been numerous during the last 20 years. Yet, studies regarding how terminally ill cancer patients perceive their CB (self‐perceived burden, SPB) are less common. This study aims to assess the links between CB and SPB evaluated by means of the very same items. It also aims at identifying the determinants of potential differences between CB and SPB and their consequences on emotional distress among both members of the dyad.
Paralyzed by Fear: Rigid and Discrete Pricing Under Demand Uncertainty

We propose a new theory of price rigidity based on firms' Knightian uncertainty about their competitive environment. This uncertainty has two key implications. First, firms learn about the shape of their demand function from past observations of quantities sold. This learning gives rise to kinks in the expected profit function at previously observed prices, making those prices both sticky and more likely to reoccur. Second, uncertainty about the relationship between aggregate and industry‐level inflation generates nominal rigidity. We prove the main insights analytically and quantify the effects of our mechanism. Our estimated quantitative model is consistent with a wide range of micro‐level pricing facts that are typically challenging to match jointly. It also implies significantly more persistent monetary non‐neutrality than in standard models, allowing it to generate large real effects from nominal shocks.
Oxidant-induced apoptosis in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

PURPOSE To determine the mechanism of oxidant-induced cell death in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE). METHODS Cultured hRPE cells were treated with different concentrations of a chemical oxidant, t-butylhydroperoxide (tBH), for different periods of time. Apoptosis was determined with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential (mtdelta psi) was measured by rhodamine 123 staining and subsequent flow cytometry. Release of mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt c) and cleavage of procaspase 3 and caspase substrates were determined by western blot analysis. RESULTS t-Butylhydroperoxide caused time- and dose-dependent activation of apoptosis in hRPE, indicated by characteristic morphologic changes; TUNEL-positive labeling; phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure; and procaspase 3, poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase, lamin, and tubulin cleavage. An early decrease of mtdelta psi was observed before caspase activation, together with the release of mitochondrial cyt c. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that tBH can induce apoptosis in hRPE, probably by triggering the mitochondrial permeability transition, which results in swelling and release of mitochondrial intermembrane proteins.
Emerging drugs for the treatment of obesity

ABSTRACT Introduction: The increasing prevalence of obesity represents a huge threat to public health and the current pharmacological treatment options are limited. Bariatric surgery is by far the most effective treatment for severe obesity, highlighting the urgent need for new and improved drug therapies. Areas covered: Based on the physiological regulation of energy homeostasis, pharmacological strategies to treat obesity are evaluated with focus on drugs in phase 2 and 3 clinical development. The potential impact of these drugs on current treatment standards and the barriers for development are discussed and set in a historical perspective of previous antiobesity medications. Expert opinion: The radical effects of bariatric surgery have extended our understanding of the mechanisms controlling appetite and boosted the search for new drug targets in obesity treatment. Accordingly, several compounds targeting the central nervous system and/or periphery are in pipeline for obesity. These drugs should be evaluated over a wide array of end-points; in particular, long-term safety monitoring is necessary as serious adverse events may appear. Combination therapy targeting more than one pathway controlling energy balance might be necessary to achieve substantial weight loss while minimising side effects.
Regional Disparities in China in the Prevalence of Children Who Are Obese or Overweight

China has experienced rapid socioeconomic transitions during the last three decades, which may result in a rising prevalence of overweight and obese children in China. This article aims to fill in the existing knowledge gap by an analysis of the China Health and Nutrition Survey data to study the national prevalence of children who are overweight and obese as well as how the regional disparities and age differences in prevalence have changed between 1989 and 2009.
Neuronal autoantibodies in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis

Objective Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of neuronal autoantibodies (NAbs) in a large consecutive series with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) and to elucidate the clinical and laboratory clues for detection of NAbs in this prototype of frequent, drug-resistant epilepsy syndrome. Methods Consecutive patients diagnosed with MTLE fulfilling the MRI criteria for HS were enrolled. The sera of patients and various control groups (80 subjects) were tested for eight NAbs after ethical approval and signed consents. Brain tissues obtained from surgical specimens were also investigated by immunohistochemical analysis for the presence of inflammatory infiltrates. The features of seropositive versus seronegative groups were compared and binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the differentiating variables. Results We found antibodies against antigens, contactin-associated protein-like 2 in 11 patients, uncharacterised voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC)-complex antigens in four patients, glycine receptor (GLY-R) in 5 patients, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor in 4 patients and γ-aminobutyric acid receptor A in 1 patient of 111 patients with MTLE-HS and none of the control subjects. The history of status epilepticus, diagnosis of psychosis and positron emission tomography or single-photon emission CT findings in temporal plus extratemporal regions were found significantly more frequently in the seropositive group. Binary logistic regression analysis disclosed that status epilepticus, psychosis and cognitive dysfunction were statistically significant variables to differentiate between the VGKC-complex subgroup versus seronegative group. Conclusions This first systematic screening study of various NAbs showed 22.5% seropositivity belonging mostly to VGKC-complex antibodies in a large consecutive series of patients with MTLE-HS. Our results indicated a VGKC-complex autoimmunity-related subgroup in the syndrome of MTLE-HS.
Anthropometric and Physical Fitness Differences Among Brazilian Adolescents who Practise Different Team Court Sports

The objective of this work was to compare the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of Brazilian adolescents who practise team court sports and to compare specific parameters obtained for adolescents with data from the general population. This was a cross-sectional study of 1,348 male adolescents grouped as follows: basketball players (n = 287), indoor soccer players (n = 665), handball players (n = 108) and volleyball players (n = 288), all between 10 and 14 years of age. Anthropometric (body mass, body height, arm span, and body mass index) and physical fitness data (flexibility, muscular strength, explosive power, speed, aerobic fitness and agility) were collected. The Brazilian population was used as a reference and compared to the adolescent subjects using Z scores for all variables. Anthropometric characteristics and performances in physical fitness tests differed (p<0.05) among players of different sports. In addition, for each variable assessed, adolescents who practised team court sports showed similar or improved results compared to their counterparts in the general population (p<0.05). Furthermore, the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics differed depending on the team court sport practised. These findings may elucidate which physical abilities are most impacted by the practise of a particular team sport as well as help teachers and physical education and sport professionals identify talented adolescents.
Mechanical characterization of C60 whiskers by MEMS bend testing

Little has been published on the mechanical characteristics of C60 whiskers, due to the inherent difficulties in physically mounting such small test samples. Earlier reported results suggested Young's modulus values of 32 and 54 GPa, with 130 and 160 micron diameter C60 nanowhiskers, respectively, using compressive deformation techniques. In our work, an experimental bespoke silicon-based microelectromechanical system has been developed to extract an other value. 1th as been found, through parameter extraction techniques, that a Young's modulus of only ~ 2 GPa is obtained with a C60 whisker having a diameter of 4 microns. By including the previously published data points, there is now strong evidence to suggest an inverse proportionality relationship between the Young's modulus and the diameter of a C60 whisker.
Event-Driven Adaptive Robust Control of Nonlinear Systems With Uncertainties Through NDP Strategy

In this paper, we construct an event-driven adaptive robust control approach for continuous-time uncertain nonlinear systems through a neural dynamic programming (NDP) strategy. Through system transformation and theoretical analysis, the robustness of the original uncertain system can be achieved by designing an event-driven optimal controller with respect to the nominal system under a suitable triggering condition. In addition, it is also observed that the event-driven controller has a certain degree of gain margin. Then, the NDP technique is employed to perform the main controller design task, followed by the uniform ultimate boundedness stability proof with the feedback action of the event-driven adaptive control law. The comparative effect of the present control strategy is also illustrated via two simulation examples. The established method provides a new avenue of combining adaptive dynamic programming-based self-learning control, event-triggered adaptive control, and robust control, to investigate the nonlinear adaptive robust feedback design under uncertain environment.
Brain-Computer Interface and Functional Electrical Stimulation for Neurorehabilitation of Hand in Sub-acute Tetraplegic Patients - Functional and Neurological Outcomes

The aim of this paper is to compare neurological and functional outcomes between two groups of subacute hospitalised patients with incomplete tetraplegia receiving two experimental therapies. Seven patients received 20 sessions of Brain Computer Interface (BCI) controlled Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) while five patients received 20 sessions of passive FES. The treatment assessment measures were EEG during movement attempt, Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) of the ulnar and median nerve and the range of movement of both wrists. Patients in both groups initially had intense cortical activity during a movement attempt, which was wide-spread, not restricted to the sensory-motor cortex. Following the treatment, cortical activity restored towards the activity in able-bodied people in BCI-FES group only. SSEP also returned in 3 patients in BCI-FES group while in FES group no changes were noticed. The range of movement improved in both groups and results are inconclusive due to the small number of participants. This study confirms the feasibility of prolonged BCI-FES therapy in a hospital setting. The results indicate better neurological recovery in BCI-FES group. Larger and longer studies are required to assess the potential advantage of BCI-FES on functional recovery.