Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Conventional triode ionization gauge with carbon nanotube cold electron emitter

The authors presented a conventional triode ionization gauge with a linear-type carbon nanotube cold electron emitter, which was made by painting technology on a nickel wire. The gauge used the ratio of the ion current to the electron current to indicate the vacuum. Although there was fluctuation in the cathode’s emission current, the ratio of the ion current to the electron current kept stable with a variation of about ±10% in each pressure decade from 10−7to10−3torr. The gauge showed good measurement linearity in the vacuum range from 10−6to10−3torr.The authors presented a conventional triode ionization gauge with a linear-type carbon nanotube cold electron emitter, which was made by painting technology on a nickel wire. The gauge used the ratio of the ion current to the electron current to indicate the vacuum. Although there was fluctuation in the cathode’s emission current, the ratio of the ion current to the electron current kept stable with a variation of about ±10% in each pressure decade from 10−7to10−3torr. The gauge showed good measurement linearity in the vacuum range from 10−6to10−3torr.
Role of obesity-induced inflammation in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: history of the research and remaining questions

The prevalence of obesity has increased alarmingly both worldwide and in Korea. This has also dramatically increased the prevalence of chronic obesity-associated diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). Extensive studies on the molecular etiology of T2D have revealed several potential mechanisms by which obesity induces the development of insulin resistance and T2D. One of these is low-grade chronic inflammation. Studies hinting at the existence of this phenomenon were first published about 30 years ago. Ten years later, several seminal papers confirmed its existence, which then led to a rapid and massive escalation of research in this field. Today, the notion that obesity-induced inflammation mediates T2D is now well-accepted. This paper will review the key developments in this field, including the discovery that obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance is mainly regulated by adipose tissue-resident immune cells, particularly those in visceral adipose tissue. This review further details the research areas, including (1) the obesity-related factors that induce adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) inflammation, (2) the precise effector functions by which adipose tissue immune cells promote insulin resistance, (3) whether there are early immunological events that have an outsize effect on later events and could be targeted to arrest the development of insulin resistance, (4) the roles played by nonimmunological functions of ATMs and other immune cells, and (5) whether there are noncanonical immune responses to obesity (i.e., immune responses that are unique to obesity and cannot be detected by following the discoveries in the classical immunity field).
A Gamification Framework for Cognitive Assessment and Cognitive Training: Qualitative Study

Background Cognitive tasks designed to measure or train cognition are often repetitive and presented in a monotonous manner, features that lead to participant boredom and disengagement. In this situation, participants do not put forth their best effort to do these tasks well. As a result, neuropsychologists cannot draw accurate conclusions about the data collected, and intervention effects are reduced. It is assumed that greater engagement and motivation will manifest as improved data quality. Gamification, the use of game elements in nongame settings, has been heralded as a potential mechanism for increasing participant engagement in cognitive tasks. Some studies have reported a positive effect of gamification on participant performance, although most studies have shown mixed results. One reason for these contrasting findings is that most studies have applied poor and heterogeneous design techniques to gamify cognitive tasks. Therefore, an appropriate gamification design framework is needed in these tasks. Objective This study aimed to propose a framework to guide the design of gamification in cognitive tasks. Methods We employed a design science research (DSR) approach to provide a framework for gamifying cognitive assessments and training by synthesizing current gamification design frameworks and gamification works in cognitive assessment and training, as well as incorporating field experiences. The prototypes of the framework were iteratively evaluated with 17 relevant experts. Results We proposed a framework consisting of 7 phases: (1) preparation; (2) knowing users; (3) exploring existing tools for assessing or training a targeted cognitive context and determining the suitability of game-up and mapping techniques; (4) ideation; (5) prototyping using the Objects, Mechanics, Dynamics, Emotions (OMDE) design guideline; (6) development; and (7) disseminating and monitoring. Conclusions We found that (1) an intermediate design framework is needed to gamify cognitive tasks, which means that game elements should be selected by considering current cognitive assessment or training context characteristics since game elements may impose an irrelevant cognitive load that, in turn, can jeopardize data quality; (2) in addition to developing a new gamified cognitive task from scratch, 2 gamification techniques are widely used (first, adding game elements to an existing cognitive task and second, mapping an existing game to a cognitive function or impairment to assess or train it); and (3) further research is required to investigate the interplay of cognitive processes and game mechanics.
Structural characterization and delamination of lactate-intercalated Zn,Al-layered double hydroxides

Organic−inorganic hybrid hydrotalcite-like compounds containing Zn2+ and Al3+ in the brucite-like layers (nominal Zn:Al molar ratios of 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1) and lactate (Lc) as counteranion were synthesized by coprecipitation using 0:1 and 3:1 lactic acid:Al molar ratios to prepare the starting solutions. Their physicochemical properties were studied by element chemical analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analyses. Powder X-ray diffraction showed a pattern characteristic of a hydrotalcite-like structure. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the retention of the lactate anions in the interlayer without further contamination. Thermal analyses showed four stages of weight loss and five of heat change when recorded under oxidizing conditions. Dispersion of the dried samples in decarbonated water by ultrasound-assisted treatment at room temperature led to delamination of all wet fractions. Upon solvent evaporation, dried fractions restacked with a higher crystallinity and an increase i.
Platelet CD36 deficiency is present in 2.6% of Arabian individuals and can cause NAIT and platelet refractoriness

CD36 isoantibodies are capable of inducing neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) and platelet refractoriness. As to now the CD36 type I deficiency has been reported in East Asian and African individuals. However, it is virtually unknown in Caucasians. The aim of this study was to display the prevalence of the CD36 deficiency within parts of the Arabian population in Germany. Secondly, we are presenting the case of a newborn suffering from NAIT which was induced by CD36 antibody.
Safety and Efficacy of the Draf IIb Procedure: A Systematic Review

Objectives To systematically review the literature to evaluate the indications, safety, and efficacy of the Draf IIb procedure and to evaluate the added advantages of technical factors such as stents and flaps. Data Sources Articles published until July 2019 on Medline and Cochrane databases. Review Methods After a systematic review based on the 2018 PRISMA guidelines was conducted, 26 of 1533 articles were included and reviewed for indications of Draf IIb; surgical technique; use of flaps, stents, grafts, or mitomycin; complications during and after surgery; and success or recurrence rate. Results The main indication for Draf IIb was chronic frontal rhinosinusitis (61.82%). The postoperative patency rate was 87.85%. When flaps/grafts were applied, the rate was 93.5%, but their added value was not statistically significant. Stents could be an alternative for revision surgery. Treating frontal pathologies other than chronic rhinosinusitis was also satisfying. Safety was comparable to Draf III: no perioperative complications were reported, only a few postoperative ones (eyelid ecchymosis and periorbital cellulitis in 0.2% of the cases, hyposmia in 1.55%). Conclusion When properly indicated, Draf IIb frontal drilling is a safe and highly effective surgical technique for frontal pathology treatment, with efficiency and safety comparable to the Draf III, making it a valid option when a bilateral approach is not needed. More studies are required to confirm the added values of flaps, grafts, and stents.
Using Virtual Technology for Fear of Medical Procedures: A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality-Based Interventions

Abstract Background Innovations in virtual reality (VR) technologies have improved the adaptability of its use in therapeutic settings, and VR has shown to be a promising treatment for fear of medical procedures, with research increasing in this area in recent years. Purpose This review aims to collate evidence for the impact of VR on fear of medical procedures. Methods CENTRAL (Cochrane), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsychINFO databases were searched up to October 2020. A mix of experimental and case–control studies were included for review, which evaluated the effectiveness of VR for fear, anxiety, and pain of medical procedures for people with needle phobia, dental phobia, claustrophobia of medical scans, and burn wound care anxiety. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by Cochrane and ROBINS-I tools. Results Twenty-eight studies were selected. Some studies included mixed participant groups of young people adults. The interventions varied, with VR used for distraction, hypnosis, or exposure. These were shown to be effective for reducing fear of medical procedures. However, effectiveness for blood-injection-injury phobias and burn wound care patients was unclear. Conclusions Evidence on the effectiveness of VR suggests that it does decrease fear of medical procedures in some situations. However, the RoB assessment illustrated a poor quality of studies across those included in this review, limiting the ability to draw firm general conclusions from the study findings. There is a need for further research exploring the use of VR technologies in the management of anxiety in physical health care settings.
Perceived Impacts, Acceptability, and Recommendations for Ecological Momentary Assessment Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness: Qualitative Study

Background The use of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to study youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) behaviors is an emerging area of research. Despite high rates of participation and potential clinical utility, few studies have investigated the acceptability and recommendations for EMA from the YEH perspective. Objective This study aimed to describe the perceived benefits, usability, acceptability, and barriers to the use of EMA from the homeless youth perspective. Methods YEH were recruited from a larger EMA study. Semistructured exit interviews were performed using an interview guide that focused on the YEH experience with the EMA app, and included perceived barriers and recommendations for future studies. Data analyses used an inductive approach with thematic analysis to identify major themes and subthemes. Results A total of 18 YEH aged 19-24 years participated in individual and group exit interviews. The EMA was highly acceptable to YEH and they found the app and EMA surveys easy to navigate. Perceived benefits included increased behavioral and emotional awareness with some YEH reporting a decrease in their high-risk behaviors as a result of participation. Another significant perceived benefit was the ability to use the phones for social support and make connections to family, friends, and potential employers. Barriers were primarily survey and technology related. Survey-related barriers included the redundancy of questions, the lack of customizable responses, and the timing of survey prompts. Technology-related barriers included the “freezing” of the app, battery charge, and connectivity issues. Recommendations for future studies included the need to provide real-time mental health support for symptomatic youth, to create individually customized questions, and to test the use of personalized motivational messages that respond to the EMA data in real time. Conclusions YEH are highly receptive to the use of EMA in studies. Further studies are warranted to understand the impact of EMA on YEH behaviors. Incorporating the YEH perspective into the design and implementation of EMA studies may help minimize barriers, increase acceptability, and improve participation rates in this hard-to-reach, disconnected population.
Laser-induced Fluorescence Studies on Sm(III) and Cm(III) Complexes in the HNO3/DHDECMP Extraction System

Laser-induced fluorescence(LIF) studies of Sm(III) and Cm(III) complexes in the HNO3/DHDECMP solvent extraction system have been carried out. Luminescence lifetime together with LIF spectra were measured to determine the number of water molecules coordinated to Sm(III) and Cm(III) in a nitric acid solution and in the DHDECMP phase. The hydration number of Sm(III) and Cm(III) in the nitric acid solution decreased linearly with an increasing nitric acid concentration. The hydration numbers of Sm(III) and Cm(III) in the DHDECMP phase decreased with an increase of nitric acid concentration and the water molecules in the inner coordination sphere were not completely removed at the low nitric acid concentration.
Metal-insulator transition in doped semiconductors

Abstract The positions and properties of the upper Hubbard band are discussed. The Wigner–Seitz method is used to discuss its position. The metal–insulator transition is represented as an overlap between the two bands; it is shown that this model is compatible with observations of the thermopower. An attempt is made to interpret the transition for highly compensated samples. Hopping conduction is discussed, together with the effect of intersite Coulomb interactions.
Variations in Substance Use and Disorders Among Sexual Minorities by Race/Ethnicity

Abstract Purpose: Little is known about racial/ethnic minority substance use and disorder-related disparities among sexual minorities as compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This study aimed to understand the associations between sexual minority status and substance use and disorders among U.S. adults stratified by race/ethnicity. Methods: We analyzed data from a sample of U.S. adults (n = 35,981) surveyed during the 2012–2013 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III. Respondents were categorized into four sexual minority statuses: heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, and conflicting. Respondents’ substance (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) use and disorders were also assessed using standard measures. Weighted multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between sexual minority status and substance use and disorders, stratified by race/ethnicity, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Sexual minority adults experienced a higher prevalence of substance use and disorders than heterosexuals. For example, bisexuals were more likely than heterosexuals to use marijuana (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI = 2.64–4.50) and have tobacco use disorders (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI = 2.02–3.28). These associations were stronger among racial/ethnic minorities. For instance, bisexual non-Hispanic Blacks were more than twice as likely (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI = 2.16-4.65) to be current tobacco users than their heterosexual counterparts; while this association was weaker for bisexual non-Hispanic Whites (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.47–2.71). Conclusion: Sexual minority adults, especially those who are also racial/ethnic minorities, experience a significantly higher burden of substance use and disorders than heterosexuals. Efforts to screen and treat substance use and disorders among this particular population are critically needed to improve their health outcomes and reduce health disparities.
“A man without money getting a sexual partner? It doesn’t exist in our community”: male partners’ perspectives on transactional sexual relationships in Uganda and Eswatini

Abstract Research on transactional sexual relationships has largely focused on women’s perspectives. Better understanding the men’s views—especially regarding relationships with adolescent girls and young women—can inform HIV prevention efforts. In 2017, 134 in-depth interviews were conducted with the male partners of girls and young women aged 19–47 years, 94 in Uganda and 40 in Eswatini. Respondents were recruited at venues such as bars where men and potential partners meet and through other young women. Most respondents believed that providing money/gifts was the way to establish relationships with women in their communities, a context that some found undesirable. Young women were mainly perceived as actively pursuing transactional sex for material goods, but respondents also described economically impoverished women who were manipulated into relationships. Men described conflict with longer term partners as a driver to seeking younger partners, who were more compliant. Transaction dominates the male partners of adolescent girls and young women’s understanding of sexual relationships, and inequitable power dynamics are reinforced by seeking younger partners. However, some respondents’ discontent with this dynamic suggests an opportunity for change. HIV prevention programmes should directly address the underlying drivers of transactional relationships (e.g. gender norms) and work with men who question the practice.
Effect on bone mineral density in surgical versus medical castration for metastatic prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE This pilot study aimed to objectively assess the osteoporotic effect caused by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with prostate cancer and compare this effect in surgical versus medical castration, specifically with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) antagonists. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 60 patients with metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma treated with either bilateral orchidectomy (group I) or LHRH antagonist (Degarelix) injection (group II). The patients had a baseline bone mineral density (BMD) assessment before the start of ADT using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan and then follow-up assessment after 6 months. BMD was measured at the spine (lumbar vertebrae L2-L4), femur (total), and forearm (one-third radius). RESULTS Group I included 33 patients and group II 27 patients. Both the groups showed significant reduction in BMD at the spine and femur after 6 months, whereas the forearm did not show a significant reduction. Spine BMD showed 5.9%±2.6% and 4.7%±2.6% reduction whereas the femur BMD showed 6%±7.4% and 6%±4.7% reduction in the orchiectomy and the Degarelix groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups at the 3 measured sites. CONCLUSION Both surgical castration and LHRH antagonists were associated with significant accelerated osteoporotic effect at the spine and femur after 6 months without difference between both the methods. Assessment of osteoporotic risk together with preventive or management measures should be started early during ADT.
Differential T-Cell Reactivity to Endemic Coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 in Community and Health Care Workers

Abstract Herein we measured CD4+ T-cell responses against common cold coronaviruses (CCC) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in high-risk health care workers (HCW) and community controls. We observed higher levels of CCC-reactive T cells in SARS-CoV-2–seronegative HCW compared to community donors, consistent with potential higher occupational exposure of HCW to CCC. We further show that SARS-CoV-2 T-cell reactivity of seronegative HCW was higher than community controls and correlation between CCC and SARS-CoV-2 responses is consistent with cross-reactivity and not associated with recent in vivo activation. Surprisingly, CCC T-cell reactivity was decreased in SARS-CoV-2–infected HCW, suggesting that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 might interfere with CCC responses, either directly or indirectly. This result was unexpected, but consistently detected in independent cohorts derived from Miami and San Diego. CD4+ T-cell responses against common cold coronaviruses (CCC) are elevated in SARS-CoV-2 seronegative high-risk health care workers (HCW) compared to COVID-19 convalescent HCW, suggesting that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 might interfere with CCC responses and/or cross-reactivity associated with a protective effect.
Transgenic rabbit models for cardiac disease research

To study the pathophysiology of human cardiac diseases and to develop novel treatment strategies, complex interactions of cardiac cells on cellular, tissue and on level of the whole heart need to be considered. As in vitro cell‐based models do not depict the complexity of the human heart, animal models are used to obtain insights that can be translated to human diseases. Mice are the most commonly used animals in cardiac research. However, differences in electrophysiological and mechanical cardiac function and a different composition of electrical and contractile proteins limit the transferability of the knowledge gained. Moreover, the small heart size and fast heart rate are major disadvantages. In contrast to rodents, electrophysiological, mechanical and structural cardiac characteristics of rabbits resemble the human heart more closely, making them particularly suitable as an animal model for cardiac disease research. In this review, various methodological approaches for the generation of transgenic rabbits for cardiac disease research, such as pronuclear microinjection, the sleeping beauty transposon system and novel genome‐editing methods (ZFN and CRISPR/Cas9)will be discussed. In the second section, we will introduce the different currently available transgenic rabbit models for monogenic cardiac diseases (such as long QT syndrome, short‐QT syndrome and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) in detail, especially in regard to their utility to increase the understanding of pathophysiological disease mechanisms and novel treatment options.
Innovation indicators based on firm websites—Which website characteristics predict firm-level innovation activity?

Web-based innovation indicators may provide new insights into firm-level innovation activities. However, little is known yet about the accuracy and relevance of web-based information for measuring innovation. In this study, we use data on 4,487 firms from the Mannheim Innovation Panel (MIP) 2019, the German contribution to the European Community Innovation Survey (CIS), to analyze which website characteristics perform as predictors of innovation activity at the firm level. Website characteristics are measured by several data mining methods and are used as features in different Random Forest classification models that are compared against each other. Our results show that the most relevant website characteristics are textual content, the use of English language, the number of subpages and the amount of characters on a website. In our main analysis, models using all website characteristics jointly yield AUC values of up to 0.75 and increase accuracy scores by up to 18 percentage points compared to a baseline prediction based on the sample mean. Moreover, predictions with website characteristics significantly differ from baseline predictions according to a McNemar test. Results also indicate a better performance for the prediction of product innovators and firms with innovation expenditures than for the prediction of process innovators.