Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Safe Place to Learn: Peer Research Qualitative Investigation of gameChange Virtual Reality Therapy

Background Automated virtual reality (VR) therapy has the potential to substantially increase access to evidence-based psychological treatments. The results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial showed that gameChange VR cognitive therapy reduces the agoraphobic avoidance of people diagnosed with psychosis, especially for those with severe avoidance. Objective We set out to use a peer research approach to explore participants’ experiences with gameChange VR therapy. This in-depth experiential exploration of user experience may inform the implementation in clinical services and future VR therapy development. Methods Peer-led semistructured remote interviews were conducted with 20 people with a diagnosis of psychosis who had received gameChange as part of the clinical trial (ISRCTN17308399). Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis and template analyses. A multiperspectival approach was taken to explore subgroups. Credibility checks were conducted with the study Lived Experience Advisory Panel. Results Participants reported the substantial impact of anxious avoidance on their lives before the VR intervention, leaving some of them housebound and isolated. Those who were struggling the most with agoraphobic avoidance expressed the most appreciation for, and gains from, the gameChange therapy. The VR scenarios provided “a place to practise. ” Immersion within the VR scenarios triggered anxiety, yet participants were able to observe this and respond in different ways than usual. The “security of knowing the VR scenarios are not real” created a safe place to learn about fears. The “balance of safety and anxiety” could be calibrated to the individual. The new learning made in VR was “taken into the real world” through practice and distilling key messages with support from the delivery staff member. Conclusions Automated VR can provide a therapeutic simulation that allows people diagnosed with psychosis to learn and embed new ways of responding to the situations that challenge them. An important process in anxiety reduction is enabling the presentation of stimuli that induce the original anxious fears yet allow for learning of safety. In gameChange, the interaction of anxiety and safety could be calibrated to provide a safe place to learn about fears and build confidence. This navigation of therapeutic learning can be successfully managed by patients themselves in an automated therapy, with staff support, that provides users with personalized control. The clinical improvements for people with severe anxious avoidance, the positive experience of VR, and the maintenance of a sense of control are likely to facilitate implementation.
The utility of histology in assessing the cause of death in medico‐legal autopsies in selected trauma deaths: Suspension‐, immersion‐, fire‐, and traffic‐related

The goal of a medico‐legal autopsy is primarily to determine the cause and manner of death. To this end, the pathologist often uses auxiliary analyses, including histology. However, the utility of routine histology in all medico‐legal autopsies is unknown. Earlier studies on the utility of routine histology have shown inconsistent effects, with some studies recommending it and others rejecting it. To study the degree to which histology informs on the underlying cause of death, we sent autopsy reports from suspension‐, immersion‐, fire‐, and traffic‐related deaths to senior board‐certified forensic pathologists and had them assess the cause of death, first without knowledge of the histological findings and then with knowledge thereof. Fifty cases were identified in each of four subgroups: fire‐, immersion‐, suspension‐, and traffic‐related deaths. The autopsy reports were anonymized, and the histological findings and conclusions were removed. Two board‐certified forensic pathologists independently reviewed the reports in each subgroup and assessed the manner and underlying cause of death (including their certainty of this assessment on a five‐level scale) with and without access to histological findings. The probability of changing the underlying cause of death posthistology was low in all study groups. There was a slight increase in the degree of certainty posthistology in cases where the underlying cause of death was not changed, but only when the antehistology certainty was low. Our results suggest that histology does not meaningfully inform on the underlying cause of death in suspension‐, immersion‐, fire‐, and traffic‐related deaths except when antehistology certainty is low.
Who Ever Said It Would Be Easy? Reflecting on Two Clinical Trials Targeting α‐Synuclein

Two recent, high‐profile manuscripts reported negative results with two parallel approaches of passive immunization targeting α‐synuclein in a population of patients with early Parkinson's disease (PD). These phase II studies failed to show a bona fide disease‐modifying neuroprotective effect on PD progression, despite the evidence that these antibodies effectively bind native α‐synuclein in human serum. Here, we discuss the possible reasons that could help explain the lack of clinical efficacy. In particular, we highlight (1) the wealth of evidence supporting the notion of α‐synuclein as a valid therapeutic target; (2) the lack of evidence of target engagement in the aforementioned studies, especially of the elusive oligomeric species, the likely culprits in disease pathogenesis and/or its propagation; (3) the limitations, especially in terms of timing passive immunization, of preclinical models, where the same α‐synuclein antibodies succeeded in mitigating disease manifestations; (4) the consideration of possibly intervening at an even earlier stage of disease in future trials; and (5) the multitude of strategies beyond passive immunization that could be used to combat α‐synuclein‐mediated neurodegeneration, if in the end the current approach is not fruitful. Overall, our perception is that converging developments in the field, among them novel bioassays and biomarkers, improved cellular and animal models and objective measurements of motor activities integrated into clinical trials, if further optimized, will gradually move the momentum of the field forward. This, to better test the concept of whether α‐synuclein‐targeting therapies can indeed deliver the ”holy grail” of neuroprotection to the benefit of the PD community. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
On Assessing Local Conditional Symmetric Instability from Atmospheric Soundings

Abstract The standard parcel method of assessing the susceptibility of the atmosphere to moist convection using tephigrams is extended to account for the centrifugal as well as the gravitational potential energy of the displaced air parcel. This leads to a measure of the stability of the moist baroclinic atmosphere to finite slantwise reversible displacements of a two-dimensional air parcel; such a measure differs from previously derived measures of conditional symmetric instability which have considered only infinitesimal displacements in saturated atmospheres. It is demonstrated that the combined gravitational and centrifugal potential of a two-dimensional air parcel or “tube” can be assessed by displacing the tube slantwise along a surface of constant angular momentum, and that this combined potential energy can be estimated using a single atmospheric sounding. Several examples of the application of this technique are presented in the context of a case study of apparent slantwise convection. The result.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Cancer Health Literacy Scale in Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients

Background Health literacy (HL) influences a patient’s comprehension and judgment of health-related information. A rigorous assessment tool is needed to screen for low HL in order to improve it. Objective The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Cancer Health Literacy Scale (C-HLS). Methods The framework of the C-HLS is based on the Levels of Prevention model. The scale items were developed according to Nutbeam’s 3 constructs of HL. We employed several procedures to develop the C-HLS, including focus group interviews, item generation, the expert Delphi process, and face validity. Various types of analysis, including reliability and split-half reliability testing, confirmatory factor analysis, and criterion-related validity testing, were performed; receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was also performed to confirm sensitivity and specificity. Results There were 33 items included in the C-HLS for validation; 360 newly diagnosed cancer patients completed the survey. The administration time is only 10 to 15 minutes. Results showed that C-HLS had good reliability, split-half reliability, and validity. All confirmatory factor analysis model fit indices reached acceptable thresholds. The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses suggested that the C-HLS had an adequate combination of sensitivity and specificity to distinguish between high and low HL. Conclusions The C-HLS is a reliable, valid tool capable of discriminating levels of HL in the assessment of cancer patients and does not have an excessive administration time. Implications for Practice This scale can aid our understanding of HL in newly diagnosed cancer patients and can serve as a basis for providing individual care interventions.
Quantitative MRI Biomarkers to Predict Risk of Reinjury Within 2 Years After Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration

Background: Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) methods were developed to establish the integrity of healing anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) and grafts. Whether qMRI variables predict risk of reinjury is unknown. Purpose: To determine if qMRI measures at 6 to 9 months after bridge-enhanced ACL restoration (BEAR) can predict the risk of revision surgery within 2 years of the index procedure. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Originally, 124 patients underwent ACL restoration as part of the BEAR I, BEAR II, and BEAR III prospective trials and had consented to undergo an MRI of the surgical knee 6 to 9 months after surgery. Only 1 participant was lost to follow-up, and 4 did not undergo MRI, leaving a total of 119 patients for this study. qMRI techniques were used to determine the mean cross-sectional area; normalized signal intensity; and a qMRI-based predicted failure load, which was calculated using a prespecified equation based on cross-sectional area and normalized signal intensity. Patient-reported outcomes (International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score), clinical measures (hamstring strength, quadriceps strength, and side-to-side knee laxity), and functional outcomes (single-leg hop) were also measured at 6 to 9 months after surgery. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the odds ratios (ORs) for revision surgery based on the qMRI and non-imaging variables. Patient age and medial posterior tibial slope values were included as covariates. Results: In total, 119 patients (97%), with a median age of 17.6 years, underwent MRI between 6 and 9 months postoperatively. Sixteen of 119 patients (13%) required revision ACL surgery. In univariate analyses, higher International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score at 6 to 9 months postoperatively (OR = 1.66 per 10-point increase; P = .035) and lower qMRI-based predicted failure load (OR = 0.66 per 100-N increase; P = .014) were associated with increased risk of revision surgery. In the multivariable model, when adjusted for age and posterior tibial slope, the qMRI-based predicted failure load was the only significant predictor of revision surgery (OR = 0.71 per 100 N; P = .044). Conclusion: Quantitative MRI-based predicted failure load of the healing ACL was a significant predictor of the risk of revision within 2 years after BEAR surgery. The current findings highlight the potential utility of early qMRI in the postoperative management of patients undergoing the BEAR procedure.
Pros and cons of green InGaN laser on c‐plane GaN

The challenges of green InGaN lasers are discussed concerning material quality as a function of InGaN composition, quantum well design and piezoelectrical fields. Investigations of polar quantum well designs and comparison with simulated non‐polar structures demonstrate that the quality of the indium rich layers is more important than the influence of interface charges. A high risk of dark spots at high In concentrations of 26–33% is observed. Small changes of about 2% of In significant reduce or increase the quantity and size of dark luminescence areas. Polar designs are a trade‐off between low indium concentrations of 4 nm wide quantum wells and high overlap of electrons and holes in 2 nm narrow designs. Furthermore, our single quantum wells have less non‐radiative defects than indium rich multi‐quantum well structures. Optimized active layer designs and the material qualities enable us to get green InGaN lasers on c‐plane substrates for cw operation at 515–524 nm and wall plug efficiencies of 3.9–2.3%. Slope efficiency of 0.3–0.4 W/A allows up to now highest optical output power of 50 mW.
Shock Drift Acceleration of Electrons

Abstract We review the theory of shock drift acceleration, developing the theory in detail for gyrophaseaveraged particles. It is shown howboth the upstream and downstream velocity spaces separate into different regions according to the interaction of the particles with the shock (reflection, transmission, head-on, overtaking). The effects of the cross-shock electric field and of the magnetic overshoot are discussed. The effectiveness of acceleration is estimated for Maxwellian and power law distributions. The condition for a beam instability to be generated by reflected particles is determined and found to be independent of the distribution function for isotropic inflowing electrons.
Disparities in rheumatoid arthritis outcomes for North American Indigenous populations

ABSTRACT Advances in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management have significantly improved clinical outcomes of this disease; however, some Indigenous North Americans (INA) with RA have not achieved the high rates of treatment success observed in other populations. We review factors contributing to poor long-term outcomes for INA with RA. We conducted a narrative review of studies evaluating RA in INA supplemented with regional administrative health and clinical cohort data on clinical outcomes and health care utilisation. We discuss factors related to conducting research in INA populations including studies of RA prevention. NA with RA have a high burden of genetic and environmental predisposing risk factors that may impact disease phenotype, delayed or limited access to rheumatology care and advanced therapy. These factors may contribute to the observed increased rates of persistent synovitis, premature end-stage joint damage and mortality. Novel models of care delivery that are culturally sensitive and address challenges associated with providing speciality care to patients residing in remote communities with limited accessibility are needed. Progress in establishing respectful research partnerships with INA communities has created a foundation for ongoing initiatives to address care gaps including those aimed at RA prevention. This review highlights some of the challenges of diagnosing, treating, and ultimately perhaps preventing, RA in INA populations.
Robust ISI equalization for uncertain channels via minimax optimal filtering

We consider a problem of equalization for intersymbol interference (ISI) occurring during data transmission through an imperfectly known channel. It is shown that this problem can be effectively addressed using the minimax filtering approach developed in the paper. This approach leads to a numerically tractable methodology for robust equalizer design which guarantees an optimal upper bound on the equalization error. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A surplus no more? Variation in krill availability impacts reproductive rates of Antarctic baleen whales

The krill surplus hypothesis of unlimited prey resources available for Antarctic predators due to commercial whaling in the 20th century has remained largely untested since the 1970s. Rapid warming of the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) over the past 50 years has resulted in decreased seasonal ice cover and a reduction of krill. The latter is being exacerbated by a commercial krill fishery in the region. Despite this, humpback whale populations have increased but may be at a threshold for growth based on these human‐induced changes. Understanding how climate‐mediated variation in prey availability influences humpback whale population dynamics is critical for focused management and conservation actions. Using an 8‐year dataset (2013–2020), we show that inter‐annual humpback whale pregnancy rates, as determined from skin‐blubber biopsy samples (n = 616), are positively correlated with krill availability and fluctuations in ice cover in the previous year. Pregnancy rates showed significant inter‐annual variability, between 29% and 86%. Our results indicate that krill availability is in fact limiting and affecting reproductive rates, in contrast to the krill surplus hypothesis. This suggests that this population of humpback whales may be at a threshold for population growth due to prey limitations. As a result, continued warming and increased fishing along the WAP, which continue to reduce krill stocks, will likely impact this humpback whale population and other krill predators in the region. Humpback whales are sentinel species of ecosystem health, and changes in pregnancy rates can provide quantifiable signals of the impact of environmental change at the population level. Our findings must be considered paramount in developing new and more restrictive conservation and management plans for the Antarctic marine ecosystem and minimizing the negative impacts of human activities in the region.
Sexual Function of Male Survivors of Hematological Malignancy Treated by Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Multicenter Controlled Observational Study

Abstract A multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the sexual function of male survivors of hematological malignancy treated by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) and to compare it with that of healthy male controls. By convenience sampling, 71 sexually active male survivors of hematological malignancy who underwent AHSCT were recruited, as well as 74 healthy men. A questionnaire with demographic and clinical data and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were completed. Survivors had a median age of 47 years, a median time since transplant of 3 years, and 46.5% had Hodgkin lymphoma. Based on the IIEF, they had a high level of sexual function, with best functioning domain “erection” and worst “overall satisfaction”. Healthy men had statistically significantly higher scores in all domains of the IIEF, except for “orgasm” (p = 0.205). There was a statistically significant association between sexual function and age (p < 0.0005), years since transplantation (p = 0.006), functional status (p < 0.0005), having children (p < 0.0005), relationship status (p = 0.001), education (p < 0.0005), diagnosis (p < 0.0005) and disease relapse (p = 0.017). Multivariate analysis showed that only age was a strong prognostic factor of sexual function (p < 0.0005). After age was excluded from the model, because of the strong effect it had on the dependent variable, functional status (p = 0.015), education (p = 0.002) and diagnosis (p = 0.001) had a statistically significant association with sexual function. These findings indicate the importance of sexual function for survivors’ well-being and the need for implementation of integrated care plans for survivors of hematological malignancy.
Measurements of coherence of sound reflected from ocean sediments

Spatial coherence of sound reflected from the ocean floor at grazing angles 50 °–70 ° was determined from sound received by a hydrophone array suspended at midocean depths. An explosive source and the sensor geometry allowed isolation of the bottom reflections from other paths. A coherence function was calculated as a function of frequency 20–250 Hz and vertical hydrophone separation up to 280 m. Generally coherence decreases with increasing frequency and increasing sensor separation. The rms roughness of the sea floor was estimated from the coherence data to be about 0.5 m for the Tufts Abyssal Plain and 0.5 m for the Cascadian Plain. Differences between measured coherence spectra and theoretical coherence spectra for rough surface scattering might be due to effects of subbottom arrivals and/or changes in effective scattering area with frequency.
Effect of Panax quinquefolius extract on Mycobacterium abscessus biofilm formation

Abstract Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) can exist either as planktonic bacteria or as a biofilm. Biofilm formation is one of the important causes of conversion to resistance to antibiotics of bacteria that were previously sensitive when in their planktonic form, resulting in infections difficult to manage. Panax quinquefolius and its active ingredient ginsenosides have the potential ability in fighting pathogenic infections. In this study, the P. quinquefolius extract (PQE) showed good antibacterial/bactericidal activity against the M. abscessus planktonic cells. The extract reduced the biomass, thickness, and number of M. abscessus in the biofilm and altered its morphological characteristics as well as the spatial distribution of dead/alive bacteria. Moreover, the ginsenoside CK monomer had a similar inhibitory effect on M. abscessus planktonic bacteria and biofilm formation. Therefore, PQE and its monomer CK might be potential novel antimicrobial agents for the clinical prevention and treatment of M. abscessus, including biofilms in chronic infections.
Understanding the impact of halogen functional group (Br, Cl, F, OH) in amprenavir ligand of the HIV protease

Abstract We focused our attention towards the most dreadful disease that threatens the mankind of 20th century - Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused through the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and a sexually transmitted infection (STI). In this study, our foremost interest was to identify the potency and stability of HIV ligand- Amprenavir (APV) and its modelled functional group (Br, Cl, F, CF3, CH3, NH2) ligands through halogen and hydrogen bond contact, which will have a clear portrait on the structure activity of protein ligand interactions. This will assist chemist in synthesizing novel APV ligands, which are expected to inhibit the activity of HIV-1 protease enzyme. The binding strength of Amprenavir ligand with interacting hinge region amino acid side chains: Isoleucine (ILE 147, 150, 184), Valine (VAL 82), Alanine (ALA 28), Aspartic acid (25, 30, 125, 130) and Glycine (GLY 127, 149) were understood through interaction energy calculations at HF, B3LYP, M052X, MP2 level of theories for different basis set (6-311 G**, LANL2DZ). The present work will reveal an understandable picture about the halogen and hydrogen bond interaction that grip the contact of ligand and amino acids in the hinge region. Overall the Halogen atom (Br, Cl, F) functional groups improved the binding strength of APV in HIV protease; which provide a new novel path for the functional group preference on the ligand that enclose perfectly with the amino acid in the hinge region. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma