Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Visually Induced Motion Sickness (VIMS) During Stereoscopic 3D Viewing Using Temporal VIMS Rating

Visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) is evoked by conflicting motion sensory signals within the brain. Use of the simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) or postural stability measures to quantify one’s VIMS experience only measures the changes between preand post-experiment. The motion sickness susceptibility questionnaire (MSSQ) is widely used to measure individual’s sensitivity to motion sickness, but its applicability to VIMS has not been proven. We are introducing a novel VIMS susceptibility measure by combining measures of the subject’s “sensitivity” and “endurance” to VIMS. The proposed VIMS susceptibility measure was tested for various VIMS inducing conditions, and demonstrated its effectiveness by conducting both between-subjects and within-subject comparisons for different VIMS conditions. c © 2017 Society for Imaging Science and Technology. [DOI: 10.2352/J.ImagingSci. Technol.2017. 61.6. 060405] INTRODUCTION When viewing the contents of stereoscopic 3D (S3D) displays, observers often complain of various symptoms of discomfort, such as light-headedness, dizziness, queasiness, and nausea. Such symptoms are similar to those of motion sickness experienced in cars or boats. When they are mainly induced by visual motions, these symptoms are referred to as visually induced motion sickness (VIMS).
"Nobody comes here anymore, it's too crowded"; Predicting Image Popularity on Flickr

Predicting popular content is a challenging problem for social media websites in order to encourage user interactions and activity. Existing works in this area, including the recommendation approach used by Flickr (called "interestingness"), consider only click through data, tags, comments and explicit user feedback in this computation. On image sharing websites, however, many images are annotated with no tags and initially, an image has no interaction data. In this case, these existing approaches fail due to lack of evidence. In this paper, we therefore focus on image popularity prediction in a cold start scenario (i.e. where there exist no, or limited, textual/interaction data), by considering an image's context, visual appearance and user context. Specifically, we predict the number of comments and views an image has based on a number of new features for this propose. Experimenting on the MIR-Flickr 1M collection, we are able to overcome the problems associated with popularity prediction in a cold start, achieving accuracy of up to 76%.
A standardized tool to measure and describe scleral colour in osteogenesis imperfecta

Background: Blue colouration of the sclera is a distinctive feature of unknown aetiology in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). It has value as a diagnostic marker, for distinguishing prognostically distinct subtypes of the condition, and has been reported to undergo rapid unexplained changes concurrently to fractures. Description of the feature is currently hampered by lack of a clinical tool.
Experimental Evolution Reveals Genome-Wide Spectrum and Dynamics of Mutations in the Rice Blast Fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae

Knowledge on mutation processes is central to interpreting genetic analysis data as well as understanding the underlying nature of almost all evolutionary phenomena. However, studies on genome-wide mutational spectrum and dynamics in fungal pathogens are scarce, hindering our understanding of their evolution and biology. Here, we explored changes in the phenotypes and genome sequences of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae during the forced in vitro evolution by weekly transfer of cultures on artificial media. Through combination of experimental evolution with high throughput sequencing technology, we found that mutations accumulate rapidly prior to visible phenotypic changes and that both genetic drift and selection seem to contribute to shaping mutational landscape, suggesting the buffering capacity of fungal genome against mutations. Inference of mutational effects on phenotypes through the use of T-DNA insertion mutants suggested that at least some of the DNA sequence mutations are likely associated with the observed phenotypic changes. Furthermore, our data suggest oxidative damages and UV as major sources of mutation during subcultures. Taken together, our work revealed important properties of original source of variation in the genome of the rice blast fungus. We believe that these results provide not only insights into stability of pathogenicity and genome evolution in plant pathogenic fungi but also a model in which evolution of fungal pathogens in natura can be comparatively investigated.
Two N-glycosylation Sites in the GluN1 Subunit Are Essential for Releasing N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) Receptors from the Endoplasmic Reticulum*

Background: Regulation of NMDA receptors is critical for excitatory neurotransmission. Results: N-glycans are essential for NMDA receptor release from the endoplasmic reticulum and for receptor affinity for the agonist. Conclusion: N-glycosylation regulates the trafficking and function of NMDA receptors. Significance: We identified a novel mechanism that could ensure that postsynaptic membranes contain sufficient numbers of NMDA receptors. NMDA receptors (NMDARs) comprise a subclass of neurotransmitter receptors whose surface expression is regulated at multiple levels, including processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), intracellular trafficking via the Golgi apparatus, internalization, recycling, and degradation. With respect to early processing, NMDARs are regulated by the availability of GluN subunits within the ER, the presence of ER retention and export signals, and posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation and palmitoylation. However, the role of N-glycosylation, one of the most common posttranslational modifications, in regulating NMDAR processing has not been studied in detail. Using biochemistry, confocal and electron microscopy, and electrophysiology in conjunction with a lentivirus-based molecular replacement strategy, we found that NMDARs are released from the ER only when two asparagine residues in the GluN1 subunit (Asn-203 and Asn-368) are N-glycosylated. Although the GluN2A and GluN2B subunits are also N-glycosylated, their N-glycosylation sites do not appear to be essential for surface delivery of NMDARs. Furthermore, we found that removing N-glycans from native NMDARs altered the receptor affinity for glutamate. Our results suggest a novel mechanism by which neurons ensure that postsynaptic membranes contain sufficient numbers of functional NMDARs.
Entacapone in the management of Parkinson’s disease

Entacapone is one of a new class of drugs, the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors, which expand the therapeutic options for Parkinson’s disease by extending the action of levodopa. Entacapone is used in conjunction with levodopa and provides benefit to patients who suffer from motor fluctuations. Side effects include worsening of the dyskinesias associated with peak doses of levodopa, hypotension, constipation and urine discoloration. Unlike tolcapone, an earlier COMT inhibitor, entacapone does not require liver function monitoring.
Dividend multifactor process, long-run risk and payout ratios

The purpose of this paper is to examine the theoretical relationship between the multidimensionality of risk and dividend policy, in an intertemporal context. After assuming that dividends are generated by a multifactor process, we use the fundamental framework of the consumption capital asset pricing model to explore the effect of long-run risk on dividend payout ratios (dividends divided by earnings). Our approach is similar to any multifactor model that, given the N factor process, derives useful equilibrium conditions. Our main result shows that the dividend payout ratio is negatively related to N sensitive coefficients, given by the long-run covariance between dividends and economic factors. This suggests that the multidimensionality of long-run consumption risk influences dividend policy. In brief, the model proposes that the target payout ratio can be determined with a simple and easy-to-apply formula that takes into account the long-run sensitivity of dividends to various economic factors.
A link between the driver mutations and dysregulated apoptosis in BCR-ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasms

ABSTRACT The current understanding of BCR-ABL1 negative myeloproliferative neoplasms pathogenesis is centred on the phenotypic driver mutations in JAK2, MPL, or CALR genes, and the constitutive activation of JAK-STAT pathway. Nonetheless, there is still a need to better characterize the cellular processes that are triggered by these genetic alterations, such as apoptosis that might play a role in the pathological expansion of the myeloid lineages and, especially, in the morphological anomalies of the bone marrow megakaryocytes. In this article we will explore the connection between the driver mutations in MPN and the abnormal apoptosis that might be translated in new therapeutic strategies.
Organizational Context and the Success of Management Information Systems

This paper identifies the organizational context variables affecting the success and failure of MIS. The variables are categorized as uncontrollable, partially controllable and controlled, and a conceptual scheme is suggested. In addition, current information on these variables and the interactions between them is surveyed; propositions are stated concerning relationships between the variables and the success or failure of MIS.
Impact of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function on quality of life of long-term survivors of non-small cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE To describe respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among long-term survivors of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and their relationship to quality of life (QOL). METHODS Cross-sectional survey of disease-free, 5-year minimum survivors of NSCLC (n = 142; 54% women; average age, 71 years); the majority (74%) had received a lobectomy. Analysis included frequency of self-reported respiratory symptoms (cough, phlegm, wheezing, breathlessness) as measured by the American Thoracic Society questionnaire, pulmonary function findings from hand-held spirometry, and QOL (Short Form-36). RESULTS Two thirds of survivors reported at least one respiratory symptom (mean, 1.3; SD, 1.2): 25% cough, 28% phlegm, 31% wheezing, and 39% dyspnea. Twenty-one percent reported that they spent most of the day in bed in the past 12 months because of respiratory symptoms. Average FEV(1) percentage predicted was 68% (SD, 23); 21% had < 50% predicted FEV(1). Based on spirometry results, 36% had a moderate/severe obstructive and/or restrictive ventilatory disorder. Survivors exposed to second-hand smoke (28%) were more than three times as likely to report respiratory symptoms. Respiratory symptom burden contributed to diminished QOL in several domains. CONCLUSIONS The majority of these survivors experienced respiratory symptoms, and more than one third reported dyspnea, including one of five patients with seriously diminished pulmonary function. Symptom burden, rather than ventilatory impairment, contributed to diminished QOL. Further study is needed to determine the patterns and effective management of posttreatment respiratory symptoms on survivors of lung cancer.
Mitochondrial respiratory chain function in skeletal muscle of ALS patients

Evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction in the central nervous system of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) has recently been accumulating. In contrast, data on mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle in SALS are scarce and controversial. We investigated the in situ properties of muscle mitochondria in patients with early‐stage SALS and sedentary (SED) controls using the skinned fiber technique to determine whether respiration of muscle tissue is altered in early‐stage SALS in comparison with SED. Musculus vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained from 7 SED group members and 14 patients with early‐stage SALS (mean disease duration, 9 months). Muscle fibers were permeabilized with saponine and then skinned and placed in an oxygraphic chamber to measure basal (V0) and maximal (Vmax) adenosine diphosphate–stimulated respiration rates and to assess mitochondrial regulation by adenosine diphosphate. Muscle oxidative capacity, evaluated with Vmax, was identical in patients in the SALS and SED groups (V0: SALS, 1.1 ± 0.1; SED, 0.8 ± 0.1, μmol 02 · min−1 · gm−1dw and Vmax: SALS, 3.1 ± 0.3; SED, 2.5 ± 0.3, μmol 02 · min−1 · gm−1dw). This study shows an absence of large mitochondrial damage in skeletal muscle of patients with early‐stage SALS, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction in the earlier stages of SALS is almost certainly not systemic.
Gambled Price Discounts: A Remedy to the Negative Side Effects of Regular Price Discounts

In the context of price discounts, a special type of price promotion, in which savings depend on the outcome of a gamble and are thus uncertain, has recently achieved some popularity. The question arises as to whether such gambled price discounts (GPDs) incur the negative reference price effect—that is, a downward shift in customers’ internal reference price (IRP)—which is often associated with regular price discounts (RPDs). From several studies, including two longitudinal field experiments, the authors find that GPDs indeed alleviate the negative reference price effect: IRPs and actual repurchasing tend to be lower for RPDs than for GPDs and a no-discount control condition. Moreover, the authors explore the psychological underpinnings of these effects and show that the different consequences of GPDs versus RPDs on IRPs are more pronounced if information regarding product quality is limited. The authors demonstrate that findings are robust to variations of GPD discount levels and the probability of winning.
Discontinuous Distributions and Missing Persons: The Minimum Wage and Unemployed Youth

The effects of minimum wage legislation on the employment and wage rates of youth are estimated using a new statistical approach. We find that without the minimum, not only would the percent of out-of-school youth who are employed be 4 to 6 percent higher than it is, but also that these youth would earn more. In particular, the expected hourly earnings of youth with market wage rates below the 1978 minimum are 10 percent lower with the minimum than they would be without it. Thus, an effect of the minimum is to increase the concentration of non-employment among low-wage workers and to reduce their earnings relative to higher wage workers as well. The minimum wage accounts for possibly a third of the difference between the employment rates of black and white youth, according to our results. Our methodology is based on parameterization of the effect of the minimum on the distribution of "market" employment outcomes and market wage rates that would exist in the absence of the minimum. A concomitant of the estimation procedure is joint estimation of market wage and employment functions that would pertain if there were no minimum.
Developing a Clinically Representative Model of Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

➤The poor treatment outcomes for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) reflect the limited understanding that currently exists regarding the pathogenesis of this devastating clinical problem. ➤Current animal models of PJI are limited in their translational nature primarily because of their inability to recreate the periprosthetic environment. ➤A greater mechanistic understanding of the musculoskeletal and immune systems of small animals, such as mice and rats, provides a more robust platform for modeling and examining the pathogenesis of PJI. ➤A clinically representative PJI model must involve an implant that recreates the periprosthetic space and be amenable to methodologies that identify implant biofilm as well as quantify the peri-implant bacterial load.
Leveraging competitiveness upon national cultural traits: the management of people in Brazilian companies

This paper aims to discuss the leveraging of competitiveness upon cultural traits. Since the globalization process has raised a series of challenges for companies around the world, companies have sought to respond mainly through the adoption of management practices proved to be successful elsewhere. However, due to the anchoring of many management practices, especially those of human resources, in the socio-cultural context of a country, the import and/or transfer of management practices between different contexts risk resulting in changes which may be only superficial. There are, however, some exceptions. Some managers have chosen to build their companies' competitiveness through management practices firmly anchored on the cultural traits of their countries, instead of looking for practices from successful companies. This process is obviously not simple because it requires from company leaders first the capacity to re-signify the cultural trait in a different manner, i.e. to perceive it as a source of competitiveness for the company and, second, the competence to build a management practice upon this cultural trait so that it will leverage the competitiveness of the company. In order to illustrate how typical cultural traits from a country may leverage the competitiveness of a company, we present the case of Natura, a Brazilian cosmetics manufacturer, which has constructed much of its competitiveness through the adoption of management practices anchored in some typical Brazilian cultural traits. The analysis of the case demonstrates that this process of developing competitive management practices is feasible, but it must be based upon a solid system of values that the team leader practises or wants practised. Otherwise, it is unlikely that the management practices will stand or that people will be committed to them.
Use of modern and traditional products to self-treat symptoms of sexually transmitted infections in South African women

The objective of the study is to investigate products used by women self-treating symptoms of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and their methods of administration. A household survey using a multi-stage cluster sample design was undertaken in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Women aged 18–60 years were interviewed (n = 867) and information was collected on demographics, reproductive health and sexual behaviours. A fifth of women reported having RTI/STI symptoms (20.5%), of whom 41.9% were treating these symptoms (mostly discharge [79.1%], ulcers [6.8%] and itching [7.7%]). Only three women were using medication prescribed by a health provider, while the remainder were self-treating using traditional medicines and modern products, including antiseptics, soaps, petroleum jelly, menthol creams and alum. Products were administered in various ways. Although RTI/STI treatment is widely available and free in public health facilities, many women are still self-treating. Potential harm of products for self-treatment requires further investigation and efforts should be made to improve STI service uptake.
‘The biggest thing is trying to live for two people’: Spousal experiences of supporting decision-making participation for partners with TBI

Absrtract Primary objective: To understand how the spouses of individuals with severe TBI experience the process of supporting their partners with decision-making. Design: This study adopted a constructivist grounded theory approach, with data consisting of in-depth interviews conducted with spouses over a 12-month period. Data were analysed through an iterative process of open and focused coding, identification of emergent categories and exploration of relationships between categories. Participants: Participants were four spouses of individuals with severe TBI (with moderate–severe disability). Spouses had shared committed relationships (marriage or domestic partnerships) for at least 4 years at initial interview. Three spouses were in relationships that had commenced following injury. Main outcome and results: Two main themes emerged from the data. The first identified the saliency of the relational space in which decision-making took place. The second revealed the complex nature of decision-making within the spousal relationship. Conclusions: Spouses experience decision-making as a complex multi-stage process underpinned by a number of relational factors. Increased understanding of this process can guide health professionals in their provision of support for couples in exploring decision-making participation after injury.
Visual words selection for human action recognition using rbfnn via the minimization of L-GEM

Understanding human actions in video data plays an important role in computer vision researches. Owing to the widely use of bag-of-words approach, the size of bag-of-words is critical for performances of human action recognition tasks. However, the selection of the number of visual words mainly depends on empirical or subjective choices. In this work, we propose a data-driven approach to select the number of visual words via a minimization of the localized generalization error of Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN). Experimental results show that the proposed method yields good human action recognition accuracies for video datasets.
The State of Contemporary Risk Assessment Research

The focus on assessing dangerousness in routine psychiatric practice developed when relatively little was known about factors related to violence, and the accuracy of predicting violence was distinctly below chance. Since the 1990s, however, significant research attention has been directed toward factors related to violence and mental illness, as well as toward factors related to the accuracy of risk assessment techniques. Sociodemographic and environmental variables have been identified as significant predictors of violence, as has the presence of substance abuse. However, the data on specific mental health variables are somewhat mixed. Many studies point to a modest increased risk of violence associated with major mental illness and psychosis, whereas other noteworthy studies have failed to confirm such findings. Studies of the accuracy of risk assessments indicate that both actuarial and clinical methodologies perform better than chance, although the former achieve greater statistical accuracy. Despite ongoing controversies, risk management strategies that encompass the strengths and limitations of our present knowledge are available to clinicians.
Commercially available prognostic molecular models in early-stage lung cancer: a review of the Pervenio Lung RS and Myriad myPlan Lung Cancer tests

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in the USA. Patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer have a 5-year survival of approximately 70%. Effective, accurate and clinically relevant prognostic tests are needed to determine which patients are at high risk of disease-specific mortality after surgical resection. Currently, there are two commercially available prognostic tests based on differential gene expression for this purpose: the Myriad myPlan™ Lung Cancer and Pervenio™ Lung RS tests. One stratifies patients into two risk groups and the other into three risk groups. Both have been validated in independent patient cohorts and neither has yet been demonstrated to improve survival. These tests have the potential to risk-stratify which patients with early-stage lung cancer will have a higher likelihood of disease recurrence after surgical resection and may benefit from adjuvant treatment.