Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Time Taken to Assess Cognitive Function Using a Fully Immersive and Automated Virtual Reality System vs. the Montreal Cognitive Assessment

Introduction: Dementia is increasingly prevalent globally. Existing questionnaire-based cognitive assessment tools may not comprehensively assess cognitive function and real-time task-performance across all cognitive domains. CAVIRE (Cognitive Assessment by VIrtual REality), a fully immersive virtual reality system incorporating automated audio-visual instructions and a scoring matrix was developed to assess the six cognitive domains, with potential to maintain consistency in execution of the testing environment and possibly time-saving in busy primary care practice. Aims: This is a feasibility study to compare the completion times of the questionnaire-based Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the CAVIRE in cognitively-healthy Asian adults aged between 35 and 74 years, overall, and in and across each 10-year age group (35–44; 45–54; 55–64; 65–74). Methods: A total of 100 participants with a MoCA score of 26 or more were recruited equally into the four 10-year age groups at a primary care clinic in Singapore. Completion time for the MoCA assessment for each participant was recorded. They were assessed using the CAVIRE, comprising 13 segments featuring common everyday activities assessing all six cognitive domains, and the completion time was also recorded through the embedded automated scoring and timing framework. Results: Completion time for CAVIRE as compared to MoCA was significantly (p < 0.01) shorter, overall (mean difference: 74.9 (SD) seconds) and in each age group. Younger, vs. older, participants completed both the MoCA and CAVIRE tasks in a shorter time. There was a greater variability in the completion time for the MoCA, most markedly in the oldest group, whereas completion time was less variable for the CAVIRE tasks in all age groups, with most consistency in the 45–54 year-age group. Conclusion: We demonstrate almost equivalent completion times for a VR and a questionnaire-based cognition assessment, with inter-age group variation in VR completion time synonymous to that in conventional screening methods. The CAVIRE has the potential to be an alternative screening modality for cognition in the primary care setting.
The Yin‐Yang of tumor‐associated macrophages in neoplastic progression and immune surveillance

Summary: An intrinsic (oncogene‐driven) pathway and an extrinsic (microenvironment‐driven) pathway connect inflammatory reactions and cancer. M2‐polarized tumor‐associated macrophages and the related myeloid‐derived suppressor cells are key prototypic components of smoldering inflammation driving neoplastic progression. However, mononuclear phagocytes can exert anti‐tumor activity by killing tumor cells and eliciting tissue disruptive reactions (M1), a likely scenario in the early phases of carcinogenesis of immunogenic tumors and following therapeutic intervention. Shifting the macrophage balance represents a viable therapeutic target. Herein, the ‘macrophage balance’ is discussed in the context of the apparent paradox of tumor promotion by innate immunity‐driven inflammation and the seemingly opposed tumor surveillance by adaptive immune responses.
Optimal Timing for Initiation of Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation Training in Hospitalized Coronary Heart Disease Patients With Sleep Disturbances

Background:Clinical studies have shown that biofeedback-assisted relaxation positively influences the treatment outcomes of sleep disturbance. However, there are only few studies reporting the timing of relaxation training initiation, and the relationships between the timing of initiation and the effectiveness of relaxation remain unclear. Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine the optimal timing for initiating nurse-led biofeedback-assisted relaxation on hospitalized coronary heart disease patients with sleep disturbance. Methods:An experimental pretest and repeated posttest design was used to compare the effectiveness of nurse-led biofeedback-assisted relaxation. A total of 128 patients with coronary heart disease were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: morning group, night group, morning-night group, or control group. Outcome measures included self-report of sleep-related indicators, the scores of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Zung’s Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the dosage of sleep medication used. A 2-way analysis of variance and a simple effect test were used to analyze the differences among the 4 groups. Results:No significant differences could be detected at baseline. Compared with the control group, the nurse-led biofeedback-assisted relaxation yielded a greater benefit for patients in the 3 intervention groups. Group and time factors (pretest-protest) could explain the variation in the effectiveness of this program (main effect P < .01). There were statistical differences among the groups: patients in the night group (FSOL = 33.15, P < .001; FTST = 17.99, P < .001; FSE = 10.26, P = .002; FPSQI = 27.38, P < .001; FSAS = 54.39, P < .001, respectively) and in the morning-night group (FSOL = 33.62, P < .001; FTST = 34.13, P < .001; FSE = 24.04, P < .001; FPSQI = 31.26, P < .001; FSAS = 73.93, P < .001, respectively) had slightly shorter sleep latency, experienced fewer awakenings, reported higher sleep quality, and used significantly fewer sleep medications than the morning group did (F = 32.97, P < .001). Conclusions:The timing of the initiation of nurse-led biofeedback-assisted relaxation was 1 of the factors affecting the effectiveness of relaxation. Relaxation training either at night or in the morning-night combination could effectively enhance sleep quality and decrease the need for of sleep medications in hospitalized patients with sleep disturbance.
The drift chamber electronics for the NA48 experiment

A drift chamber readout electronics for about 8000 channels with concurrent data recording and readout has been developed to update NA48 experiment existing system. Drift times are measured in bins of 1.56 ns with respect to the continuously running 40 MHz experiment clock. The architecture is based on commercially available hardware for cost effectiveness and flexibility. The design of the electronics is described, and results from data-taking runs are presented.
Treatment of dentine hypersensitivity by lasers: a review.

BACKGROUND, AIMS Since the development of the ruby laser by Maiman in 1960, a variety of papers on potential applications for lasers in dentistry have been published. The purpose of this paper is to summarise laser applications for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity. The effects of laser on pulp tissue and problems on laser treatment are also reviewed. This article reviews the role of lasers for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity since 1985, summarises many research reports from the last decade, and surmises what the future may hold for lasers in this treatment. METHOD To date, 4 kinds of lasers have been used for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity, and the effectiveness ranged from 5.2 to 100%, which was dependent on the laser type and parameters used. The mechanism involved in laser treatment of dentine hypersensitivity are relatively unknown. RESULTS These require clarification to result in safely effective treatment optimization. In general, the efficiency for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity using lasers is higher than other methods, but in severe cases, it is less effective. CONCLUSION It is necessary to consider the severity of dentine hypersensitivity before laser use.
Call Center Employees’ Intent to Quit: Examination of Job Engagement and Role Clarity

ABSTRACT Call centers have become a valuable resource for hotels in managing customer experiences and relationships, yet they have also developed a reputation for being a stressful job which has made it a significant challenge to retain employees. Given high turnover rates among call center employees, it is important for hospitality firms to understand the factors influencing their intentions to quit. This study focuses on job engagement and role clarity to examine hotel call center employees’ intent to quit. The survey results of call center employees at a large resort hotel suggest that job engagement significantly influences the hotel call center employees’ intent to quit after accounting for job satisfaction and organizational support. Role clarity, however, is not related to intent to quit. Managerial implications and recommendations for increasing employee job engagement are discussed.
Vision-based localization using active scope camera — Accuracy evaluation for structure from motion in disaster environment

This paper presents the evaluation results for conventional methods that can be used for vision-based localization. An Active Scope Camera is a very thin snake robot and can be used as a rescue robot for search and rescue missions. Self-position estimation of the Active Scope Camera is important for efficient search. Nevertheless, using sensors for this purpose hinders the movement and maneuvering of the camera through narrow gaps, because sensors are very big and heavy for the Active Scope Camera. Vision-based localization using a fish-eye camera is suitable technique for self-position estimation. However, the images obtained using the Active Scope Camera are not of good quality. The material of objects found in disaster environments and overexposure by light-emitting diodes embedded at the camera tip affects the matching of feature points. In this paper, properties of images of disaster sites obtained using the Active Scope Camera and the accuracy evaluation of vision-based localization are described.
Solution Structure of the Monovalent Lectin Microvirin in Complex with Manα(1–2)Man Provides a Basis for Anti-HIV Activity with Low Toxicity*

Lectins that bind surface envelope glycoprotein gp120 of HIV with high avidity can potently inhibit viral entry. Yet properties such as multivalency that facilitate strong interactions can also cause nonspecific binding and toxicity. The cyanobacterial lectin microvirin (MVN) is unusual as it potently inhibits HIV-1 with negligible toxicity compared with cyanovirin-N (CVN), its well studied antiviral homolog. To understand the structural and mechanistic basis for these differences, we solved the solution structure of MVN free and in complex with its ligand Manα(1–2)Man, and we compared specificity and time windows of inhibition with CVN and Manα(1–2)Man-specific mAb 2G12. We show by NMR and analytical ultracentrifugation that MVN is monomeric in solution, and we demonstrate by NMR that Manα(1–2)Man-terminating carbohydrates interact with a single carbohydrate-binding site. Synchronized infectivity assays show that 2G12, MVN, and CVN inhibit entry with distinct kinetics. Despite shared specificity for Manα(1–2)Man termini, combinations of the inhibitors are synergistic suggesting they recognize discrete glycans and/or dynamic glycan conformations on gp120. Entry assays employing amphotropic viruses show that MVN is inactive, whereas CVN potently inhibits both. In addition to demonstrating that HIV-1 can be inhibited through monovalent interactions, given the similarity of the carbohydrate-binding site common to MVN and CVN, these data suggest that gp120 behaves as a clustered glycan epitope and that multivalent-protein interactions achievable with CVN but not MVN are required for inhibition of some viruses.
Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) in female reproduction: is measurement of circulating AMH a useful tool?

Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a dimeric glycoprotein, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily. It is produced exclusively in the gonads and is involved in the regulation of follicular growth and development. In the ovary AMH is produced by the granulosa cells of early developing follicles and seems to be able to inhibit the initiation of primordial follicle growth and FSH‐induced follicle growth. As AMH is largely expressed throughout folliculogenesis, from the primary follicular stage towards the antral stage, serum levels of AMH may represent both the quantity and quality of the ovarian follicle pool. Compared to other ovarian tests, AMH seems to be the best marker reflecting the decline of reproductive age. AMH measurement could be useful in the prediction of the menopausal transition. It could also be used to predict poor ovarian response and possibly the prognosis of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. AMH has been shown to be a good surrogate marker for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Finally, its use as a marker for granulosa cell tumours has been proposed. A clearer understanding of its role in ovarian physiology may help clinicians to find a role for AMH measurement in the field of reproductive medicine.
Migraine Symptoms Related to the Percutaneous Closure of An Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defect: Report of Four Paediatric Cases and Review of the Literature

Several publications have recently suggested that atrial septal defect may be associated with the physiopathology of headache with migraine-type characteristics. We describe four previously asymptomatic paediatric patients with atrial septal defect who underwent percutaneous Amplatzer septal occluder device implantation and who subsequently developed symptoms compatible with migraine headache. The cases had normal echocardiograms after the intervention and a benign course with headache improvement after several weeks or months. There are paediatric patients with atrial septal defect who may dramatically develop migraine symptoms with or without aura following percutaneous correction of their defect. Large paediatric studies are needed to offer accurate prognoses for children and their families. The possibility of using clopidogrel to treat this type of headache is subject to debate.
Accepting Austerity or Grexit? Predicting Acceptance of Crisis Solution Strategies from People’s image of the Greece-Eu Relationship, their own Position and Norms of Justice

In recent years Greece has faced a terrible economic crisis that became social, political and humanitarian and challenged its relationship with the European Union. In this paper, through a survey research with an opportunity sample of Greek people (N = 739) of different ages and professions, we investigate whether participants’ image of the relationship between Greece and the EU relates to their agreement with a) harsh austerity and decrease of national sovereignty, b) decrease of the public sector and c) Grexit measures. We hypothesized and observed that this relationship is mediated by beliefs about norms of justice and beliefs of individual mobility and relative position. In particular, a positive relationship between Greece and EU predicts agreement with harsh austerity and decrease of the public sector through justice beliefs of equity whereas the relationship with Grexit is not mediated by beliefs about norms of justice. In addition, perceiving the GR-EU relationship as a relationship of domination predicts the different measures through feelings of personal or relational relative position. Legitimation of a relationship of domination and acceptance of harsh measures is observed the less people feel relatively deprived personally in comparison to their past position or in comparison to others, whereas this relationship with Grexit is observed the more relative relational deprivation is felt. These results highlight that perception of asymmetric relationships and status (at an individual or group level) between the national group and the EU and distribution of resources should be taken into account when discussing measures to combat the crisis.
The effect of LLLT on bone metabolism in children with severe cerebral palsy (a secondary publication).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS It is said that the average frequency of bone fracture in hospitalized children with severe cerebral palsy (unable to remain seated) is 1% (0.2 to 2.0%). Cerebral palsy patients' bones are known to be vulnerable to fracture, and refractory bone atrophy may be observed. However, the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone density or bone metabolism has not been fully investigated. In recent years, tests for bone density or bone metabolism markers have become available. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, we evaluated changes in bone density and bone metabolism markers in 4 children with severe cerebral palsy who underwent LLLT for an average of 22 days. RESULTS B-ALP, a marker of ossification, increased 1 month after the start of irradiation in 3 of the 4 subjects and returned to a level close to the pre-irradiation level 2 months after the start of irradiation. In the remaining subjects in whom B-ALP failed to increase, B-ALP had been low before irradiation. Urinary N-terminal telopeptide (NTx) levels, a marker of bone resorption, decreased in 3 of the 4 subjects after the start of irradiation and remained low even 10 months later. Serum NTx levels tended to decrease in 3 of the 4 subjects. The levels of serum NTx/Crea, Deoxy-Pyridinoline (DPd) and DPd/Crea (DPd/Crea) also decreased in 3 of the 4 subjects. Transient decreases in intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were observed in all 4 cases. Changes were particularly apparent in 2 cases: one with high NTx levels, which showed enhanced bone resorption, and one with high PTH levels, probably due to a vitamin D (VitD) deficiency. Although the metacarpal bone density measured by DIP was found to be lower than in normal children, there were no changes due to LLLT. CONCLUSION These results suggest that LLLT has a positive influence on bone metabolism in that it temporarily increases bone formation and suppresses bone resorption while also tending to improve secondary hyperparathyroidism caused by VitD deficiency. Enhanced bone resorption in the case with high NTx levels was noteworthy, together with marked changes in the case with high PTH levels due to VitD deficiency. These positive influences on bone metabolism merit attention as potential new indications of LLLT.
Kinetic analysis of the synthesis and assembly of type 1 fimbriae of Escherichia coli

The adhesive organelles (type 1 fimbriae) of K-12 and other isolates of Escherichia coli are composed of identical 17,000-dalton subunits. We examined the assembly of these subunits into fimbrial organelles. After synthesis, the nascent subunits were first processed and then assembled into the organelles; the assembly step took almost 3 min in log-phase cultures at 37 degrees C. Even during blockage of protein synthesis, the free subunits continued to assemble until the pool was depleted. This pool was small in comparison with the amount of total fimbrial protein already assembled into surface organelles and was not sufficient to regenerate new detectable organelles after the removal of preexistent ones by blending. Assembly appeared to slow when the metabolic rate of the bacterial cells slowed, since subunits took longer to appear in the organelles at lower than optimal temperatures or as a culture entered the stationary phase. The synthetic rate of subunits slowed sooner than that of total cellular proteins as a culture approached the stationary phase and ceased completely as the culture entered the stationary phase. The amount of fimbrial antigen expressed on the surface of the cells remained relatively constant during growth of a culture.
[Histiocytosis syndrome in children].

The recommended classification of the histiocytosis syndromes in children is as follows: 1. Langerhans' cell histiocytoses. 2. histiocytoses of mononuclear phagocytes. 3. neoplastic histiocytoses. The previous term, histiocytosis X, including eosinophilic granuloma of bone, the Hand-Schüller-Christian syndrome and Letterer-Siwe's disease, is now more correctly called Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) since the infiltrating cell in histiocytosis X both histologically and immunophenotypically is identified as the Langerhans' cell. Local and generalized LCH differmarkedly with respect to treatment and outcome. It is therefore necessary to perform an extensive investigation at the time of the initial evaluation of the patient. The most common mononuclear phagocytic syndromes are the familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and infection-associated or reactive hemophagocytic syndromes. The pathognomonic cell in familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is possibly a hybrid phenotype sharing characteristics of the two main types the mononuclear phagocyte system - i.e. the Langerhans' cells and phagocytic macrophages. Malignant histiocytosis is rarely seen in children and is a form of the Ki-1 positive anaplastic cell lymphoma.
Intravesical electromotive mitomycin C versus passive transport mitomycin C for high risk superficial bladder cancer: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE In laboratory studies electromotive mitomycin C (MMC) demonstrated markedly increased transport rates compared with passive transport. We performed a prospective study in patients with high risk superficial bladder cancer to assess the efficacy of intravesical electromotive vs passive MMC using bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) as a comparative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Following transurethral resection and multiple biopsies 108 patients with multifocal Tis, including 98 with T1 tumors, were randomized into 3 equal groups of 36 each who underwent 40 mg electromotive MMC instillation with 20 mA electric current for 30 minutes, 40 mg passive MMC with a dwell time of 60 minutes or 81 mg BCG with a dwell time of 120 minutes. Patients were scheduled for an initial 6 weekly treatments, a further 6 weekly treatments for nonresponders and a followup 10 monthly treatments for responders. Primary end points were the complete response rate at 3 and 6 months. MMC pharmacokinetics were assessed. RESULTS The complete response for electromotive vs passive MMC at 3 and 6 months was 53% versus 28% (p = 0.036) and 58% versus 31% (p = 0.012). For BCG the responses were 56% and 64%. Median time to recurrence was 35 vs 19.5 months (p = 0.013) and for BCG it was 26 months. Peak plasma MMC was significantly higher following electromotive MMC than after MMC (43 vs 8 ng/ml), consistent with bladder content absorption. CONCLUSIONS Intravesical electromotive administration increases bladder uptake of MMC, resulting in an improved response rate in cases of high risk superficial bladder cancer.
Bayexer: an accurate and fast Bayesian demultiplexer for Illumina sequences

UNLABELLED Demultiplexing is used after high-throughput sequencing to in silico assign reads to the samples of origin based on the sequenced reads of the indices. Existing demultiplexing tools based on the similarity between the read index and the reference index sequences may fail to provide satisfactory results on low-quality datasets. We developed Bayexer, a Bayesian demultiplexing algorithm for Illumina sequencers. Bayexer uses the information extracted directly from the contaminant sequences of the targeting reads as the training dataset for a naïve Bayes classifier to assign reads. According to our evaluation, Bayexer provides higher capability, accuracy and speed on various real datasets than other tools. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Bayexer is implemented in Perl and freely available at https://github.com/HaisiYi/Bayexer.