Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physiological Effects of Viewing Bonsai in Elderly Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation

The benefits of various nature-derived stimuli that can be used for stress relief and relaxation has recently gained immense attention; however, there are very few studies about their influence on elderly patients. The present study aims to present the effects of viewing bonsai on autonomic nervous activity, prefrontal cortex activity, and subjective assessment findings of psychological relaxation in elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation. Fourteen participants aged 64–91 years (mean age ± standard deviation, 78.6 ± 9.6 years) participated in this study. Miniature potted 10-year-old Japanese cypress bonsai trees were used as visual stimuli. Participants viewed the bonsai for 1 min, and the control comprised of no experimental stimulus. Physiological effects on autonomic nervous activity were assessed by measuring the heart rate variability (HRV) and pulse rate. The effects on prefrontal cortex activity were determined using near-infrared spectroscopy, which involved assessment of oxyhemoglobin concentrations in the left and right prefrontal cortices. Subjective evaluations were achieved by the modified semantic differential method. Viewing bonsai resulted in a significant increase in parasympathetic nervous activity, a significant decrease in sympathetic nervous activity, and a significant increase in the perceptions of feeling “comfortable” and “relaxed. ” In conclusion, our findings indicated that viewing bonsai induces physiological and psychological relaxation.
Transoral Robotic Surgery With Transoral Retropharyngeal Lymph Node Dissection in Patients With Tonsillar Cancer: Anatomical Points, Surgical Techniques, and Clinical Usefulness

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of TORS and transoral robotic retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) dissection in tonsillar cancer patients with suspicious RPLN metastasis. Methods: From April 2008 to March 2014, 71 patients with tonsillar cancer underwent transoral robotic surgery and standard neck dissection at the Yonsei Head and Neck Cancer Center. Results: Three patients underwent transoral robotic ropharyngectomy with transoral robotic RPLN dissection because of suspicious RPLN metastasis. The mean age of the patients was 42 years (range, 31–50 years). There were no cases of wound infection or serious complications related to wound healing. Mild nasal regurgitation was observed during an oral diet immediately after surgery, but all patients spontaneously resolved without surgical treatment. There was no significant bleeding due to great vessel injury during surgery or swallowing difficulty due to cranial nerve IX injury. Conclusion: Although the oncologic stability and usefulness of this technique should be confirmed based on large-scale research, RPLN can be easily accessed and resected through our approach with less morbidity compared to the conventional surgical approach. In addition, because RPLN metastasis can be performed pathologically based on obtained specimens, it will be helpful to explore whether to perform adjuvant radiation.
Attention for Web Directory Advertisements: A Top-Down or Bottom-Up Process?

ABSTRACT Web directories have attracted many advertisers with their special advantages in their large user base. Until recently, attention mechanism of advertisements (ad) on web directories is not well understood. To investigate how the ad location and color of web directories influence users’ attention, this study uses eye tracking to measure the participants’ search time, total fixation duration and the location of the first fixation. Results reveal that visual attention on the ad area of a web directory is user-driven and follows a top-down process. The location of users’ first-fixations is the center of the screen. Ad links that place in the center area and on the top-left corner would increase users’ notice. Ad links that change color in the center area have the advantages of attracting user attention. Our findings suggest that ad links should be placed in the center area or on the top-left corner to increase users’ notice. Ad links placed in the center area should be designed using salient color to catch users’ visual attention.
MILLIMETRE-WAVE GUNN DIODE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS

Gunn diode oscillators have been used in military, commercial and industrial applications for the past forty years. In the case of millimetre wave operation, the Gunn diode continues to offer at least equal and often superior levels of performance to MMIC technology. This paper will discuss the hot electron injection structures that have been developed over the past twenty years and more recent work that enables the tailoring of device characteristics to match specific applications and operating environments. The importance of well controlled device packaging and heat-sinking design will be shown, with some results of the consequential reliability of Gunn diodes in production. The design of the Gunn diode oscillator itself is crucial to gain optimum performance and long term reliability; some mechanically tunable oscillator designs will be described before going on to present a patented novel ‘planar’ substrate oscillator developed for use at 77 and 94 GHz. Work undertaken to successfully manufacture commercial 125GHz Gunn oscillators for millimetre-wave radar and imaging applications will also be presented.
CHANGES IN SWINE MANURE SOLIDS DURING STORAGE MAY AFFECT SEPARATION EFFICIENCY

A laboratory study revealed the dynamic changes of solids in swine manure during storage in order to determine the best time for efficient solid-liquid separation treatment. Data showed that separation should be conducted within 10 days after manure excretion for particle sizes equal to or greater than 0.5 mm and within five days for particle sizes smaller than 0.5 mm. After the first 10 days of storage, the total suspended solids tended to be decomposed at a higher rate, thus reducing separation efficiency. Particles equal to or smaller than 0.25 mm were biologically decomposed at the same rate without relevance to the particle size during the first 20 days of storage. The level of total volatile solids in liquid manure was linearly correlated with the total solids content with a correlation coefficient of 0.9850 in the 30-day period.
Neptune Trojans and Plutinos: colors, sizes, dynamics, and their possible collisions

Neptune Trojans and Plutinos are two subpopulations of trans-Neptunian objects located in the 1:1 and the 3:2 mean motion resonances with Neptune, respectively, and therefore protected from close encounters with the planet. However, the orbits of these two kinds of objects may cross very often, allowing a higher collisional rate between them than with other kinds of trans-Neptunian objects, and a consequent size distribution modification of the two subpopulations. Observational colors and absolute magnitudes of Neptune Trojans and Plutinos show that i) there are no intrinsically bright (large) Plutinos at small inclinations; ii) there is an apparent excess of blue and intrinsically faint (small) Plutinos; and iii) Neptune Trojans possess the same blue colors as Plutinos within the same (estimated) size range do. For the present subpopulations we analyzed the most favorable conditions for close encounters/collisions and address any link there could be between those encounters and the sizes and/or colors of Plutinos and Neptune Trojans. We also performed a simultaneous numerical simulation of the outer Solar System over 1 Gyr for all these bodies in order to estimate their collisional rate. We conclude that orbital overlap between Neptune Trojans and Plutinos is favored for Plutinos with large libration amplitudes, high eccentricities, and small inclinations. Additionally, with the assumption that the collisions can be disruptive creating smaller objects not necessarily with similar colors, the present high concentration of small Plutinos with small inclinations can thus be a consequence of a collisional interaction with Neptune Trojans and such hypothesis should be further analyzed.
AT‑101 induces G1/G0 phase arrest via the β‑catenin/cyclin D1 signaling pathway in human esophageal cancer cells.

AT‑101, an orally available and well‑tolerated natural pan‑Bcl‑2 family protein inhibitor, has been reported to be effective against a variety of cancers. However, the mechanisms whereby AT‑101 exhibits anticancer activity have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that AT‑101 reduced the cell viability of human esophageal cancer cells by inducing G1/G0 phase arrest and apoptosis. Apoptotic cell death occurred later than cell cycle arrest, as evidenced by an increase in the proportion of Annexin V‑positive cells and cleaved caspase‑3, ‑9 and PARP protein levels. AT‑101 markedly downregulated the protein levels of phospho‑retinoblastoma (Ser 780) and cyclin D1, whereas it elevated protein levels of p53 and p21Waf1/Cip1, contributing to the inhibition of cell cycle progression. Moreover, AT‑101 substantially reduced β‑catenin expression. XAV‑939, a small molecule that inhibits the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway by facilitating β‑catenin degradation, lowered β‑catenin and cyclin D1 protein expression to an extent similar to AT‑101. XAV‑939 alone resulted in G1/G0 phase arrest and further induced cell cycle arrest in combination with AT‑101, suggesting that the β‑catenin/cyclin D1 signaling pathway mediated, at least in part, the cell cycle arrest induced by AT‑101. The present study may shed new light on the anticancer activity of AT‑101 in relation to cell cycle arrest as well as apoptosis in human esophageal cancer cells.
Neutrophil Mechanosignaling Promotes Integrin Engagement With Endothelial Cells and Motility Within Inflamed Vessels

Neutrophils are the most motile of mammalian cells, a feature that enables them to protect the host against the rapid spread of pathogens from tissue into the circulatory system. A critical process is the recruitment of neutrophils to inflamed endothelium within post-capillary venules. This occurs through cooperation between at least four families of adhesion molecules and G-protein coupled signaling receptors. These adhesion molecules convert the drag force induced by blood flow acting on the cell surface into bond tension that resists detachment. A common feature of selectin-glycoprotein tethering and integrin-ICAM bond formation is the mechanics by which force acting on these specific receptor-ligand pairs influences their longevity, strength, and topographic organization on the plasma membrane. Another distinctly mechanical aspect of neutrophil guidance is the capacity of adhesive bonds to convert external mechanical force into internal biochemical signals through the transmission of force from the outside-in at focal sites of adhesive traction on inflamed endothelium. Within this region of the plasma membrane, we denote the inflammatory synapse, Ca2+ release, and intracellular signaling provide directional cues that guide actin assembly and myosin driven motive force. This review provides an overview of how bond formation and outside-in signaling controls neutrophil recruitment and migration relative to the hydrodynamic shear force of blood flow.
Prognostic factors of synchronous endometrial and ovarian endometrioid carcinoma

Objective Gynecologists occasionally encounter synchronous endometrial and ovarian endometrioid carcinoma (SEO-EC) patients who show favorable prognosis than locally advanced or metastatic disease patients. This study aimed to elucidate prognostic factors of SEO-EC and identify patients who have a sufficiently low risk of recurrence without receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 46 patients with pathologically confirmed SEO-EC who underwent surgery at the National Cancer Center Hospital between 1997 and 2016. Immunohistochemical evaluation of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression were performed for both endometrial and ovarian tumors. Patient outcomes were analyzed according to clinicopathologic factors. Results From the multivariate analysis, cervical stromal invasion indicated a worse prognosis for progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR]=6.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.50–31.1) and overall survival (HR=6.95; 95% CI=1.15–41.8). Lymph node metastasis and peritoneal dissemination did not significantly affect survival. MMR deficiency was observed in 13 patients (28.3%), with both endometrial and ovarian tumors showing the same MMR expression status. MMR deficiency was not significantly associated with survival. Of 23 patients with lesions confined to only the uterine body and adnexa, only 2 had recurrence in the group receiving adjuvant therapy, while none of the 10 patients who did not receive adjuvant therapy had recurrence. Conclusion SEO-EC patients with tumors localized to the uterine body and adnexa lesions had a low risk for recurrence and may not require adjuvant therapy. SEO-EC may have prognostic factors different from those of endometrial and ovarian cancer.
Adolescents in transition: The role of workplace alcohol and other drug policies as a prevention strategy

Aims: To assess (1) the alcohol and other drug (AOD) consumption patterns of adolescent new entrants to the Australian workforce and (2) the association between these consumption patterns and workplace factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 300 first-year apprentices (aged 15–22 years) employed in South Australian workplaces was conducted. Findings: More than 40% of apprentices surveyed reported cannabis and alcohol consumption patterns that placed them at risk of potential harm. In addition, 19% reported drinking alcohol and 6.7% reported using cannabis during work-related hours. Workplace alcohol availability and the existence of workplace AOD policies were significantly associated with apprentices’ consumption patterns. Apprentices employed in workplaces where alcohol was available used alcohol more often than those reporting no alcohol availability at work. Apprentices reporting an alcohol policy at their workplace reported less alcohol use compared to apprentices reporting no policy. Apprentices reporting a drug policy at their workplace reported lower levels of cannabis and alcohol use compared to those reporting no policy. Conclusions: Workplace factors, in particular workplace AOD policies, were significantly associated with adolescent AOD use both at and away from the workplace. These findings indicate that the workplace has potential as a setting for prevention strategies design to minimize AOD-related harms.
Comparative analysis of droplet-based ultra-high-throughput single-cell RNA-seq systems

Since its establishment in 2009, single-cell RNA-seq has been a major driver behind progress in biomedical research. In developmental biology and stem cell studies, the ability to profile single cells confers particular benefits. While most studies still focus on individual tissues or organs, the recent development of ultra-high-throughput single-cell RNA-seq has demonstrated potential power in characterizing more complex systems or even the entire body. However, although multiple ultra-high-throughput single-cell RNA-seq systems have attracted attention, no systematic comparison of these systems has been performed. Here, we focus on three widely used droplet-based ultra-high-throughput single-cell RNA-seq systems, inDrop, Drop-seq, and 10X Genomics Chromium. While each system is capable of profiling single-cell transcriptomes, their detailed comparison revealed the distinguishing features and suitable applications for each system.
The perceived and observed needs of patients with dementia admitted to acute medical wards

It is acknowledged that the needs of persons living with dementia admitted in acute hospitals are not always met. Previous studies have focused on the perceived needs of professional caregivers or family members whilst the voices of patients with dementia in acute hospitals have not been extensively reported. This may have contributed to the under-recognition of the needs of persons living with dementia. The aim of this study was to categorise the perceived and observed needs of persons with dementia admitted in acute medical wards and to explore whether these needs are being or have been met. Thirteen people with dementia in three medical wards, who could verbally communicate with the researcher, were purposively selected as research participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit each participant’s experiences of their hospital stay and whether their needs were perceived to have been/are being met. Moreover, routine care with the same participants was observed using Dementia Care Mapping. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was used as a framework to categorise care needs. Our findings demonstrate that basic needs such as toileting, feeding, drinking, continence and comfort were not always met. Moreover, the largest gap between met and unmet needs was found in patients who were either under constant observation or unable to communicate. Too much emphasis was perceived and observed to be given on what staff considered as safety needs at the expense of other needs. The patients’ need for social contact and self-esteem such as dignity and respect were often ignored and this led to patients feeling devalued. Hospital staff have to be more aware of the holistic needs of patients with dementia in acute settings and the way care is delivered in order to make up for these unmet needs, thus facilitating person-centred care.
Curricular Analytics: A Framework for Quantifying the Impact of Curricular Reforms and Pedagogical Innovations

In this paper we articulate a framework for quantifying the complexity of curricula based on their fundamental structural and instructional properties. We then introduce the notion of curricular analytics as a means of relating curricular complexity to student success outcomes, and we demonstrate the usefulness of curricular analytics by applying them to a number of important problems.
Molecular Transport in Liquids and Glasses

We have derived, by using simple considerations, a relation between the diffusion constant D in a liquid of hard spheres and the ``free volume'' vf. This derivation is based on the concept that statistical redistribution of the free volume occasionally opens up voids large enough for diffusive displacement. The relation is D=A exp[−γv*/vf], where v* is the minimum required volume of the void and A and γ are constants. This equation is of the same form as Doolittle's [J. Appl. Phys. 22, 1471 (1951)] empirical relation between the fluidity φ of simple hydrocarbons and their free volume. It has been shown [Williams, Landel, and Ferry, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 77, 3701 (1955)] that the Doolittle equation also can be adapted to describe the abrupt decrease in molecular kinetic constants with decreasing temperature that accompanies the glass transition in certain liquids. Our result predicts that even the simplest liquids would go through this glass transition if sufficiently undercooled and crystallization did not oc.
Commodity Market Dynamics and the Joint Executive Committee, 1880–1886

Abstract Using weekly spot and future commodity prices in Chicago and New York, we construct expected transportation rates for grain between these two cities, expected inventory levels in New York, and realized errors in the expectations of such variables. We incorporate these exogenous commodity market dynamics into Porter's (1983) structural modeling of the Joint Executive Committee Railroad Cartel. As in Porter, we model marginal cost as a parametric function of (instrumented) output, among other factors. Unlike Porter, we model pricing over marginal cost as a nonparametric function of a set of variables, which include expectations of deterministic demand cycles and cartel stability. We estimate the pricing and demand equation simultaneously and semiparametrically. Our estimated weekly markups during periods of cartel stability are shown to reflect optimal collusive pricing over deterministic business cycles, as modeled in Haltiwanger and Harrington (1991). Periods of cartel instability are proven to be triggered by realized mistakes in expectations of New York grain prices.
Increased Incidence of Endometrial Cancer Following the Women's Health Initiative: An Assessment of Risk Factors

Abstract Background: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) database shows a variable increase in endometrial cancer incidence over time. The objective of this review was to examine published endometrial cancer rates and potential etiologies. Methods: Endometrial cancer incidence was obtained from the SEER Program database from 1975 through 2014, and a test for trend in incidence was calculated. Changes in risk factors thought to be associated with endometrial cancer, including age, obesity, diabetes, diet and exercise, reproductive factors, and medications (hormone therapy [HT] including Food and Drug Administration [FDA]-approved and non-FDA–approved [compounded] estrogens and progestogens, tamoxifen, and hormonal contraceptives) were found through PubMed searches. Temporal trends of risk factors were compared with endometrial cancer trends from SEER. Results: Although endometrial cancer rates were constant from 1992 to 2002 (women 50–74 years of age), they increased 2.5% annually with a 10% increase from 2006 to 2012 (trend test 0.82). Use of approved prescription estrogen–progestogen combination products decreased after the publication of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) data, whereas other risk factors either remained constant or decreased during the same time; however, compounded bioidentical HT (CBHT) use increased coincident with the endometrial cancer increase. Conclusion: Endometrial cancer rate increases after the first publication of WHI data in 2002 may be associated with the decreased use of approved estrogen–progestogen therapy, the increase in CBHT use, and the prevalence of obesity and diabetes; potential relationships require further evaluation.
Learning to see the threat: temporal dynamics of ERPs of motivated attention in fear conditioning

Abstract Social threat detection is important in everyday life. Studies of cortical activity have shown that event‐related potentials (ERPs) of motivated attention are modulated during fear conditioning. The time course of motivated attention in learning and extinction of fear is, however, still largely unknown. We aimed to study temporal dynamics of learning processes in classical fear conditioning to social cues (neutral faces) by selecting an experimental setup that produces large effects on well‐studied ERP components (early posterior negativity, EPN; late positive potential, LPP; stimulus preceding negativity, SPN) and then exploring small consecutive groups of trials. EPN, LPP, and SPN markedly and quickly increased during the acquisition phase in response to the CS+ but not the CS−. These changes were visible even at high temporal resolution and vanished completely during extinction. Moreover, some evidence was found for component differences in extinction learning, with differences between CS+ and CS− extinguishing faster for late as compared to early ERP components. Results demonstrate that fear learning to social cues is a very fast and highly plastic process and conceptually different ERPs of motivated attention are sensitive to these changes at high temporal resolution, pointing to specific neurocognitive and affective processes of social fear learning.