Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sexuality in Later Life: Examining Beliefs and Perceptions of Undergraduate Students

Understanding students’ beliefs and perceptions of sex/sexuality in later life can reduce and prevent ageist myths and stereotypes. The objective of this study was to gauge undergraduate students’ knowledge of several myths, stereotypes, and facts regarding sex/sexuality in later life, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) older adults. More than 85% of students held a positive view of sex/sexuality in later life with 65% believing that they would engage in sexual activity past age 80 (N = 125). Correct responses to true/false questions were higher for those with a positive perspective on aging, and recognizing that sexual behavior does not cease to be important with aging was the strongest predictor of holding a positive view on sexuality in later life. No significant differences were observed from responses regarding LGBT older adults or constraints to sexuality in long term care facilities. The positive perceptions among students in the current study suggest an increased acceptance of sexuality and diversity that should be maintained in university curricula.
Multi-Antenna Beamforming Techniques in Full-Duplex and Self-Energy Recycling Systems: Opportunities and Challenges

Full-duplex technique is considered as an essential component of the coming 5G wireless systems. Since the SI from its transmit antennas dominates over the signal received from remote sites, the suppression of SI is the first priority challenge in the design of FD systems, and thus combinations of analog SI cancellation with radio frequency domain approaches are considered. Applying BF techniques with multiple antennas on top of these combined approaches can further strengthen the SI suppression capability so that wireless systems can enjoy the benefit from FD operation without much concern on SI. However, various factors affect the design of BF in FD networks, and hence they provide a set of research challenges. Also, S-ER is an alternative way of utilizing SI in FD networks, where the RF radiation from a node is reused as an energy source. In this article, we go through these opportunities and challenges along with a survey of technical results developed so far in regard to the BF for handling the SI of FD systems. We look at various network models, the strategies for handling the SI, relay protocols, and antenna structure to see how these provide technical challenges for the BF design.
Exploiting caching and cross-layer transitions for content delivery in wireless multihop networks

One of the key challenges in wireless communications is handling the ever growing traffic demand. A large fraction of this traffic is induced by popular content. One way to face this challenge is mobile content caching which improves the system performance by caching content closer to the user. The benefit of content caching depends on the applied content delivery strategy. In this paper, we investigate a scenario where multiple destinations are concurrently requesting a content, which is already cached at mobile devices and then delivered over a wireless multihop network. We propose a content delivery framework which jointly exploits content already cached at mobile devices as well as switching between mechanisms at the physical layer and the network layer in order to optimally deliver the content to all destinations under changing network conditions. In our framework, we use a unified graph model to jointly model the network, the cached content and different mechanisms at the lower three layers. From the unified graph model, an optimization problem is formulated, which is used to find the optimal content delivery strategy. In our numerical evaluation, we show the combined gain of caching and the capability of switching between mechanisms by comparing with conventional schemes which either cannot switch between mechanisms or do not exploit caching.
The Cellular Composition of the Innate and Adaptive Immune System Is Changed in Blood in Response to Long-Term Swimming Training

Competitive swimming requires high training load cycles including consecutive sessions with little recovery in between which may contribute to the onset of fatigue and eventually illness. We aimed to investigate immune changes over a 7-month swimming season. Fifty-four national and international level swimmers (25 females, 29 males), ranging from 13 to 20 years of age, were evaluated at rest at: M1 (beginning of the season), M2 (after the 1st macrocycle’s main competition), M3 (highest training load phase of the 2nd macrocycle) and M4 (after the 2nd macrocycle’s main competition) and grouped according to sex, competitive age-groups, or pubertal Tanner stages. Hemogram and the lymphocytes subsets were assessed by automatic cell counting and by flow cytometry, respectively. Self-reported Upper Respiratory Symptoms (URS) and training load were quantified. Although the values remained within the normal range reference, at M2, CD8+ decreased (M1 = 703 ± 245 vs. M2 = 665 ± 278 cell μL−1; p = 0.032) and total lymphocytes (TL, M1 = 2831 ± 734 vs. M2 = 2417 ± 714 cell μL−1; p = 0.007), CD3+ (M1 = 1974 ± 581 vs. M2 = 1672 ± 603 cell μL−1; p = 0.003), and CD4+ (M1 = 1102 ± 353 vs. M2 = 929 ± 329 cell μL−1; p = 0.002) decreased in youth. At M3, CD8+ remained below baseline (M3 = 622 ± 245 cell μL−1; p = 0.008), eosinophils (M1 = 0.30 ± 0.04 vs. M3 = 0.25 ± 0.03 109 L–1; p = 0.003) and CD16+56+ (M1 = 403 ± 184 vs. M3 = 339 ± 135 cell μL−1; p = 0.019) decreased, and TL, CD3+, and CD4+ recovered in youth. At M4, CD19+ were elevated (M1 = 403 ± 170 vs. M4 = 473 ± 151 cell μL−1; p = 0.022), CD16+56+ continued to decrease (M4 = 284 ± 131 cell μL−1; p < 0.001), eosinophils remained below baseline (M4 = 0.29 ± 0.05 109 L–1; p = 0.002) and CD8+ recovered; monocytes were also decreased in male seniors (M1 = 0.77 ± 0.22 vs. M4 = 0.57 ± 0.16 109 L–1; p = 0.031). The heaviest training load and higher frequency of URS episodes happened at M3. The swimming season induced a cumulative effect toward a decrease of the number of innate immune cells, while acquired immunity appeared to be more affected at the most intense period, recovering after tapering. Younger athletes were more susceptible at the beginning of the training season than older ones.
Susceptibility and Resistance Mechanisms During Photodynamic Therapy of Melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive malignant skin tumor and arises from melanocytes. The resistance of melanoma cells to various treatments results in rapid tumor growth and high mortality. As a local therapeutic modality, photodynamic therapy has been successfully applied for clinical treatment of skin diseases. Photodynamic therapy is a relatively new treatment method for various types of malignant tumors in humans and, compared to conventional treatment methods, has fewer side effects, and is more accurate and non-invasive. Although several in vivo and in vitro studies have shown encouraging results regarding the potential benefits of photodynamic therapy as an adjuvant treatment for melanoma, its clinical application remains limited owing to its relative inefficiency. This review article discusses the use of photodynamic therapy in melanoma treatment as well as the latest progress made in deciphering the mechanism of tolerance. Lastly, potential targets are identified that may improve photodynamic therapy against melanoma cells.
Cytoplasmic TDP43 Binds microRNAs: New Disease Targets in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal, and incurable neurodegenerative disease. Recent studies suggest that dysregulation of gene expression by microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in ALS pathogenesis. The reversible nature of this dysregulation makes miRNAs attractive pharmacological targets and a potential therapeutic avenue. Under physiological conditions, miRNA biogenesis, which begins in the nucleus and includes further maturation in the cytoplasm, involves trans-activation response element DNA/RNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP43). However, TDP43 mutations or stress trigger TDP43 mislocalization and inclusion formation, a hallmark of most ALS cases, that may lead to aberrant protein/miRNA interactions in the cytoplasm. Herein, we demonstrated that TDP43 exhibits differential binding affinity for select miRNAs, which prompted us to profile miRNAs that preferentially bind cytoplasmic TDP43. Using cellular models expressing TDP43 variants and miRNA profiling analyses, we identified differential levels of 65 cytoplasmic TDP43-associated miRNAs. Of these, approximately 30% exhibited levels that differed by more than 3-fold in the cytoplasmic TDP43 models relative to our control model. The hits included both novel miRNAs and miRNAs previously associated with ALS that potentially regulate several predicted genes and pathways that may be important for pathogenesis. Accordingly, these findings highlight specific miRNAs that may shed light on relevant disease pathways and could represent potential biomarkers and reversible treatment targets for ALS.
Comparative evaluation of aspheric toric intraocular lens implantation and limbal relaxing incisions in eyes with cataracts and ≤3 dioptres of astigmatism

Purpose To compare the visual outcomes of aspheric toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) for management of coexisting age-related cataracts and astigmatism. Methods In this prospective study, sixty eyes of 60 patients with visually significant cataract and coexisting corneal astigmatism ≤3 dioptres (D) were randomised to undergo phacoemulsification with either aspheric toric IOL or aspheric monofocal IOL with LRI. The main outcome measures were postoperative 3-month uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), contrast sensitivity, rotational stability of the toric IOL and spectacle independence. Results The postoperative UCVA, contrast sensitivity and refractive astigmatism were significantly better than the baseline measurements for both groups (p≤0.001). There was no significant difference detected for these parameters between LRI and toric IOL groups postoperatively (p≥0.119). At both postoperative month 1 and 3, the percentages of eyes in need of spectacles were lower in toric group than LRI group (p≤0.030). IOL misalignment was noted in three eyes in the toric IOL group (mean misalignment 7.67±4.04°). On vector analysis, magnitude of error (ME) was negative in the LRI group indicating undercorrection, whereas the ME was close to zero for toric group. Conclusions Both toric IOL implantation and LRI were effective in correcting corneal astigmatism ≤3 D during phacoemulsification, while LRI tended to undercorrect astigmatism.
Determinants of smoking initiation and susceptibility to future smoking among school-going adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND It is projected that low and middle-income countries will bear a major burden of tobacco related morbidity and mortality, yet, only limited information is available on the determinants of smoking initiation among youth in Africa. This study aimed to assess the determinants of smoking initiation and susceptibility to future smoking among a population of high school school students in Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS Baseline data from an intervention study designed to assess the effect of an anti-smoking awareness program on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents was analyzed. The survey was carried out in six randomly selected public and private secondary schools in local government areas in Lagos state, Nigeria. A total of 973 students completed self-administered questionnaires on smoking initiation, health related knowledge and attitudes towards smoking, susceptibility to future smoking and other factors associated with smoking. RESULTS Of the respondents, 9.7% had initiated smoking tobacco products with the predominant form being cigarettes (7.3%). Males (OR: 2.77, 95%CI: 1.65-4.66) and those with more pro-smoking attitudes (OR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.34-1.54) were more likely to have initiated smoking. Those with parents and friends who are smokers were 3.47 (95%CI: 1.50-8.05) and 2.26 (95%CI: 1.27-4.01) times more likely to have initiated smoking. Non-smoking students, in privately owned schools (OR: 5.08), with friends who smoke (5.09), with lower knowledge (OR: 0.87) and more pro-smoking attitudes (OR 1.13) were more susceptible to future smoking. In addition, respondents who had been sent to purchase cigarettes by an older adult (OR: 3.68) were also more susceptible to future smoking. CONCLUSIONS Being male and having parents who smoke are predictors of smoking initiation among these students. Consistent with findings in other countries, peers not only influence smoking initiation but also influence smoking susceptibility among youth in this African setting. Prevention programs designed to reduce tobacco use among in-school youth should take these factors into consideration. In line with the recommendations of article 16 of the WHO FCTC, efforts to enforce the ban on the sales of cigarettes to minors should be also emphasised.
Anticipatory Adjustments to Abrupt Changes of Opposing Forces

ABSTRACT. Anticipatory adjustments to abrupt load changes are based on task-specific predictive information. The authors asked whether anticipatory adjustments to abrupt offsets of horizontal forces are related to expectancy. In two experiments participants held a position against an opposing force or moved against it. At force offset they had to stop rapidly. Duration of the opposing force or distance moved against it varied between blocks of trials and was constant within each block, or it varied from trial to trial. These two variations resulted in opposite changes of the expectancy of force offset with the passage of time or distance. With constant force durations or distances in each block of trials, anticipatory adjustments tended to be poorest with the longest duration or distance, but with variable force durations or distances they tended to be best with the longest duration or distance. Thus anticipatory adjustments were related to expectancy rather than time or distance per se. Anticipatory adjustments resulted in shorter peak amplitudes of the involuntary movements, accompanied by longer movement times in Experiment 1 and faster movement times in Experiment 2. Thus, for different states of the limb at abrupt dynamic changes anticipatory adjustments involve different mechanisms that modulate different mechanical characteristics.
Retrograde labeling of dorsal root ganglion neurons after injection of tritiated amino acids in the spinal cord of rats and cats.

The present experiments are based upon evidence that neurons may selectively take up at their terminals, and retrogradely transport, the same chemical they use as a neurotransmitter or its analogues. In an attempt to identify dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons that use glutamic acid as a neurotransmitter, [3H]D-aspartate ([3H]D-Asp) was chosen as a marker, since it is a metabolically inert amino acid known to be taken up by the same affinity mechanism as L-aspartate and L-glutamate. Adult rats and cats received injections of 50 nl to 1.5 microliter of [3H]D-Asp (500 microCi/microliter) in the dorsal horn of cervical segments (C3 to C6). At 9 to 48 hr after injection, all animals were perfused with 5% glutaraldehyde. After sections were processed for autoradiography, the DRG neurons situated most closely to the injection site were chosen from representative cases, and the number and cross-sectional area of labeled and unlabeled perikarya with a nucleolus in the plane of the section were calculated. In rats, about 4% of the sampled DRG neurons were autoradiographically labeled, and the mean perikaryal area of these neurons was about twice that of unlabeled perikarya. In cats, the percentage of labeled perikarya ranged between 6.5% and 13.27% of the sampled population. The ratio of the mean perikaryal area of labeled neurons to that of unlabeled neurons ranged between 1.6 and 2.5. In a control cat injected with [3H]proline at C7, all perikarya in the C7 DRG were autoradiographically labeled. However, with injection of [3H]gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]GABA) selective retrograde labeling was observed. Quantitative data in rat showed that perikarya labeled at the C6 level after injection of this amino acid constituted about 8% of the sample population in C6 DRG. The ratio of the size of labeled to unlabeled perikarya was 2.02. In one cat injected with [3H]GABA at caudal C3, the largest number of labeled perikarya were in C4 DRG and comprised up to 5.32% of the sampled population. The ratio of the size of labeled to unlabeled perikarya was 1.57. The results in cases of injection with [3H]D-Asp may be interpreted as consistent with the idea that a fraction of DRG neurons use glutamate and/or aspartate as neurotransmitter(s). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
GENESIS: a generic RDF data access interface

The availability of billions of facts represented in RDF on the Web provides novel opportunities for data discovery and access. In particular, keyword search and question answering approaches enable even lay people to access this data. However, the interpretation of the results of these systems, as well as the navigation through these results, remains challenging. In this paper, we present Genesis, a generic RDF data access interface. Genesis can be deployed on top of any knowledge base and search engine with minimal effort and allows for the representation of RDF data in a layperson-friendly way. This is facilitated by the modular architecture for reusable components underlying our framework. Currently, these include a generic search back-end, together with corresponding interactive user interface components based on a service for similar and related entities as well as verbalization services to bridge between RDF and natural language.
Annexin B9 binds to βH-spectrin and is required for multivesicular body function in Drosophila

The role of the cytoskeleton in protein trafficking is still being defined. Here, we describe a relationship between the small Ca2+-dependent membrane-binding protein Annexin B9 (AnxB9), apical βHeavy-spectrin (βH) and the multivesicular body (MVB) in Drosophila. AnxB9 binds to a subset of βH spliceoforms, and loss of AnxB9 results in an increase in basolateral βH and its appearance on cytoplasmic vesicles that overlap with the MVB markers Hrs, Vps16 and EPS15. Similar colocalizations are seen when βH-positive endosomes are generated either by upregulation of βH in pak mutants or through the expression of the dominant-negative version of βH. In common with other mutations disrupting the MVB, we also show that there is an accumulation of ubiquitylated proteins and elevated EGFR signaling in the absence of AnxB9 or βH. Loss of AnxB9 or βH function also causes the redistribution of the DE-Cadherin (encoded by shotgun) to endosomal vesicles, suggesting a rationale for the previously documented destabilization of the zonula adherens in karst (which encodes βH) mutants. Reduction of AnxB9 results in degradation of the apical–lateral boundary and the appearance of the basolateral proteins Coracle and Dlg on internal vesicles adjacent to βH. These results indicate that AnxB9 and βH are intimately involved in endosomal trafficking to the MVB and play a role in maintaining high-fidelity segregation of the apical and lateral domains.
Role of recombination in evolution of enteroviruses

Enteroviruses, members of the Picornaviridae family, comprise a large (over 70 serotypes) group of viruses that are ubiquitous in nature, infect different species and cause a wide range of diseases. Human enteroviruses were recently classified into five species, human enterovirus A–D and poliovirus. Recombination has long been known to be an important property of poliovirus genetics. Recently, several publications demonstrated that recombination is extremely frequent also in non‐polio enteroviruses, and allows independent evolution of enterovirus genome fragments even on a microevolutionary scale. Prototype enterovirus strains were shown to have complex phylogenetic relations, and almost all modern enterovirus isolates turned out to be recombinants compared with the prototype strains. Recombination takes place strictly between members of the same species, and usually spares the capsid‐encoding genome region. Therefore, it can be concluded that the enterovirus species exist as a worldwide reservoir of genetic material comprising a limited quantity of capsid gene sets defining a finite number of serotypes and a range of non‐structural genes that recombine frequently to produce new virus variants. This new model of enterovirus genetics helps to explain the failure of previous attempts to connect serotype and disease profile in non‐polio enteroviruses, and seriously questions existing typing approaches that are based solely on the capsid‐encoding genome region. It remains to be determined what role recombination plays in the emergence of new enterovirus variants and in the macroevolution of animal enteroviruses and viruses of the picorna‐like supergroup. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A small integrated bluetooth and UWB antenna with WLAN band-notched characteristic

A small-sized, low-profile, and planar antenna for integrated Bluetooth and ultrawideband (UWB) applications is presented with WLAN band-notched. The proposed antenna is fed by a special microstrip line and it is built on PTFE(Er=2.4) substrate with a whole size of 20mm*46mm. Besides, the overall size of the radiating element is 15mm*16mm. A semicircular slot resonator and a split ring slot resonator are embedded in the radiating patch for dual band-notched to reject the WLAN interference band. And a split rectangular ring filter also is coupled. The antenna can operate in the 2.25¿2.5GHz and 3.0-10.75GHz frequency range that cover the Bluetooth (2.4-2.484GHz) and UWB (3.1-10.6GHz) with band-notched of 4.96-5.29 GH and 5.54-6.01GHz results.
Editorial: Brain-Computer Interfaces and Augmented/Virtual Reality

Cognitive Systems Lab, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany, 2 Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR), Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal, 3 Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA), Rocquencourt, France, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States, Madeira Interactive Technologies Institute, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal, 6 Intheon Labs, San Diego, CA, United States, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Maastricht