Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lille Apathy Rating Scale and MDS-UPDRS for Screening Apathy in Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND Apathy is a syndrome characterized primarily by lack of motivation which may be associated with cognitive, affective and behavioral changes. Although the Lille Apathy Scale (LARS) has been extensively utilized in PD for detecting apathy and testing the effectiveness of specific therapeutic interventions, the highly variable cut-off values (between -11 and -22 points) ensures the applicability of the LARS degree of difficulty as a superb screening tool. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to determine more reliable threshold values based on the neuropsychiatric status of patients. METHODS Depression was assessed utilizing the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and neurocognitive status by Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination. The presence of apathy was assessed by the proposed diagnostic criteria of Drijgers et al, and graded by both LARS and the 'Apathy' item of MDS-UPDRS. RESULTS Based on multivariate regression analysis, we revealed the neurocognitive status, severity of depression, and also gender while applying dosage of dopamine agonists to determine the degree of patient apathy. Based on whether or not depression and neurocognitive disorders were indeed present, we established four different threshold values for the LARS: patients with normal cognition and without depression: -22.5; patients with normal cognition and with depression: -18.5; patients with NCD and without depression: -19.5; patients with NCD and with depression: -14.5. CONCLUSIONS The LARS and the 'Apathy' item of MDS-UPDRS were confirmed to be potentially operational, beneficial and easy-to-assess instruments for detecting apathy syndrome in PD. However, there is no universal threshold value for the LARS suitable in all types of Parkinson's patients.
Developing engaging exergames with simple motion detection

Novel interactive solutions provide new possibilities for designing appealing game experiences for wider demographics. The development of motion-based controllers has facilitated the advance of an exergame genre that involves physical activity as the means of interacting with a game. Furthermore, a major reason for increased interest in exergaming is concern over high levels of obesity in Western society. This paper summarizes the results of four small-scale exergame studies in order to distinguish design principles that facilitate the development of low-tech exergames, which are both attractive and effective as exercise. As a test-bed we used four exergame prototypes that were developed for our exergaming platform using mobile phones as game controllers. The results clearly indicated that it is possible to design engaging exergames with only simple motion detection. Engagement can be built on teamwork, intensive gameplay, competition, rewards and appropriate challenges. Overall, the results indicated that motion-based games motivate children a lot and they could be an effective 'weapon' in the fight against the growing problem of obesity.
Plasma homocysteine and MTHFRC677T polymorphism as risk factors for incident dementia

Background Elevated total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) has been associated with increased risk of dementia. The C677T polymorphism of the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) increases tHcy and provides a means of studying the association between tHcy and dementia while not being as susceptible to the common biases and confounding of observational studies. The authors designed this longitudinal study to determine if high tHcy and the MTHFR C677T polymorphism increase the risk of incident dementia among older men. Methods The authors studied 4227 men aged 70–89 years from the Health in Men Study cohort and established the diagnosis of dementia (International Classification of Diseases—10th edition) using morbidity and mortality records. Information on tHcy, MTHFR gene status, lifestyle and clinical variables were obtained using postal and face-to-face assessments. Results 230 men (5.4%) developed dementia during the mean follow-up period of 5.8±1.6 years (range 0.1–8.2 years). The hazard of dementia increased with a doubling of tHcy concentration (adjusted HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.00) and was higher in men with tHcy >15 μmol/l (adjusted HR 1.36 95% CI 1.03 to 1.81, p=0.032). Men with the TT genotype had a HR of dementia of 1.25 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.92). Conclusions The results of this prospective study are consistent with a causal link between high tHcy and incident dementia, but the study lacked power to determine an effect of the MTHFR genotype.
The Material Basis for Reduced Mechanical Properties in oim Mice Bones

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a heritable disease caused by molecular defects in type I collagen, is characterized by skeletal deformities and brittle bones. The heterozygous and homozygous oim mice (oim/+ and oim/oim) exhibit mild and severe OI phenotypes, respectively, serving as controlled animal models of this disease. In the current study, bone geometry, mechanics, and material properties of 1‐year‐old mice were evaluated to determine factors that influence the severity of phenotype in OI. The oim/oim mice exhibited significantly smaller body size, femur length, and moment of area compared with oim/+ and wild‐type (+/+) controls. The oim/oim femur mechanical properties of failure torque and stiffness were 40% and 30%, respectively, of the +/+ values, and 53% and 36% of the oim/+ values. Collagen content was reduced by 20% in the oim/oim compared with +/+ bone and tended to be intermediate to these values for the oim/+. Mineral content was not significantly different between the oim/oim and +/+ bones. However, the oim/oim ash content was significantly reduced compared with that of the oim/+. Mineral carbonate content was reduced by 23% in the oim/oim bone compared with controls. Mineral crystallinity was reduced in the oim/oim and oim/+ bone compared with controls. Overall, for the majority of parameters examined (geometrical, mechanical, and material), the oim/+ values were intermediate to those of the oim/oim and +/+, a finding that parallels the phenotypes of the mice. This provides evidence that specific material properties, such as mineral crystallinity and collagen content, are indicative and possibly predictive of bone fragility in this mouse model, and by analogy in human OI.
US-guided percutaneous thrombin injection of postcatheterization pseudoaneurysms.

PURPOSE This study retrospectively evaluated ultrasonography-guided (US-guided) percutaneous thrombin injection for the treatment of postcatheterization femoral and brachial artery pseudoaneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-five patients with postcatheterization femoral artery (n = 53) or brachial artery (n = 2) pseudoaneurysms were treated using US-guided human thrombin (500 IU/mL) injection. Pseudoaneurysm size, thrombin dose, therapy outcome, and complications were documented. Follow-up color Doppler US was performed 7 and 30 days after treatment. Short-duration supplemental compression was applied to six patients at the first week follow-up examination after a reinjection of thrombin had failed. RESULTS Mean pseudoaneurysm volume was 20.3 ± 18.7 cm(3). The mean injected thrombin dose was 478 ± 238 IU. Thirty-eight (69.1%) of the 55 pseudoaneurysms were thrombosed with a single injection, and 11 of 17 pseudoaneurysms were thrombosed after a second injection. All (100%) of the 41 pseudoaneurysms that were diagnosed within the first two weeks of postcatheterization were successfully treated. The overall primary success rate was 89.1% (49 of 55 pseudoaneurysms). Supplemental compression promoted thrombosis in four of the six patients who had treatment failure with thrombin injection. The secondary success rate was 96.4% (53 of 55 pseudoaneurysms). There were no complications. CONCLUSION US-guided thrombin injection was most successful within the first two weeks, and the supplemental compression might aid in the closure of partially thrombosed pseudoaneurysms.
An assembly model of Rice dwarf virus particle

The Phytoreovirus rice dwarf virus (RDV) has a complex nucleocapsid architecture composed of multiple proteins and RNAs. However, specific RNA-protein and protein-protein interactions involved in virion packaging have not been entirely elucidated. In order to define mechanisms governing RDV particle assembly, interactions between individual components were analyzed both in vivo and in vitro. The P7 core protein binds specifically and with high affinity to all 12 genomic RDV dsRNAs. P1, a putative RNA polymerase, P5, a putative guanyltransferase and P7 are encapsidated within the virion and also bind viral transcripts based upon in vitro binding assays. P1, P5, P7 and genomic dsRNAs were lacking in empty particles purified from infected tissues that also yielded fractions containing intact, infectious particles. In addition, P7 forms complexes with P1 and P3, a core capsid protein, in viral particles. These results indicate the possibility that core proteins and dsRNAs interact as one unit suggesting a mechanism for assortment of viral RNAs and subsequent packaging into core particles.
Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Analysis of Expression of Halobenzoate and Salicylate Catabolism-Associated Operons in Two Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas aeruginosa JB2 can use 2-chlorobenzoate (2-CBa), 3-CBa, 2,3-dichlorobenzoate (2,3-DCBa), and 2,5-DCBa as sole carbon and energy sources, whereas strain 142 can only grow on 2-CBa and 2,4-DCBa. Both strains, however, harbor the same halobenzoate 1,2-dioxygenase (ohbAB) and chlorocatechol (clcABD) degradation genes necessary for the metabolism of ortho-CBas. In addition, the hybABCD operon, encoding a salicylate 5-hydroxylase, is also found in both strains. The expression of ohbAB, hybABCD, and clcABD operons was measured in cultures grown on different CBas as the sole carbon source and also in glucose-grown cells supplemented with CBas as inducers. A method to standardize real-time reverse transcription-PCR experimental data was used that allows the comparison of semiquantitative mRNA accumulation in different strains and culture conditions. In both strains, the ohb and hyb systems were induced in cells grown on 2-CBa or DCBas, whereas clc was induced only by DCBas. Repression by catabolite was observed both on ohb and clc systems in glucose-grown cells. Chlorocatechol 1,2-dioxygenase activity in JB2 was detected even in clc-repressed conditions, confirming the presence of additional isofunctional genes previously detected in P. aeruginosa 142. Although similar levels of induction of ohbAB were observed in strain JB2 grown on either benzoate, monochlorobenzoates, or DCBas, the ohbAB operon of strain 142 was only strongly induced by growth on 2-CBa and, to a lesser extent, on 2,4-DCBa. This observation suggests that regulation of the ohbAB operon may be different in both strains. The concomitant induction of ohb and hyb by CBas may allow the formation of hybrid halobenzoate dioxygenase(s) composed of Ohb/Hyb dioxygenase subunits and Hyb ferredoxin/ferredoxin reductase components.
Finite element method based electromagnetic modeling of three-phase EMI filters

Finite element method (FEM) based electromagnetic simulation is commonly used for low frequency problems such as motor and transformer design. But it is rarely used for electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters design and analysis. FEM based EMI filters simulation has a number of clear advantages in comparison with conventional approaches. It takes into account mutual couplings and self-parasitics, frequency dependency of permeability can be easy included, values of components can be quickly optimized. In this article a design procedure of a three-phase EMI filter based on FEM simulation supplemented with analytical calculation is proposed. Frequency dependency of permeability, impact of parasitics on insertion losses and mutual coupling between components are taken into account. Differential and common mode insertion losses are represented in accordance with CISPR 17. A complete process of the three-phase EMI filter design and analyses is presented. Use of an optimization tool for further insertion losses improvement is demonstrated.
Effects of Splinting on Wrist Contracture After Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Purpose— Splints are commonly applied to the wrist and hand to prevent and treat contracture after stroke. However, there have been few randomized trials of this intervention. We sought to determine whether wearing a hand splint, which positions the wrist in either a neutral or an extended position, reduces wrist contracture in adults with hemiplegia after stroke. Methods— Sixty-three adults who had experienced a stroke within the preceding 8 weeks participated. They were randomized to either a control group (routine therapy) or 1 of 2 intervention groups (routine therapy plus splint in either a neutral or an extended wrist position). Splints were worn overnight for, on average, between 9 and 12 hours, for 4 weeks. The primary outcome, measured by a blinded assessor, was extensibility of the wrist and long finger flexor muscles (angle of wrist extension at a standardized torque). Results— Neither splint appreciably increased extensibility of the wrist and long finger flexor muscles. After 4 weeks, the effect of neutral wrist splinting was to increase wrist extensibility by a mean of 1.4° (95% CI, −5.4° to 8.2°), and splinting the wrist in extension reduced wrist extensibility by a mean of 1.3° (95% CI, −4.9° to 2.4°) compared with the control condition. Conclusions— Splinting the wrist in either the neutral or extended wrist position for 4 weeks did not reduce wrist contracture after stroke. These findings suggest that the practice of routine wrist splinting soon after stroke should be discontinued.
Second-generation gender bias

The eradication of gender discrimination at work has been a prominent feature of the UK political and business agenda for decades; however, the persistent business gender leadership gap remains. The concept of second-generation gender bias has recently been proposed as the primary cause. This paper aims to evaluate how women experience second-generation gender bias in construction organisations. It examines key manifestations of second-generation gender bias and how it impacts women’s career progression into leadership positions in the UK construction industry. ,This paper adopts a broad feminist interpretative lens aligned with the general aims of feminist critical inquiry through semi-structured interviews with 12 women experiencing career journeys of at least five years in the construction industry. ,This paper reveals that second-generation gender bias hinders the career development and leadership identity of some women and the persistent business gender leadership gap is unlikely to change without addressing it. ,There is little or no research that speaks exclusively to the experience of second-generation gender bias and female managers working within the UK construction. This paper provides further insight into the barriers women face when attempting to progress into senior management roles, particularly in construction.
Identification and feature characterization of low voltage FS-IPM synchronous machines

The paper deals with a class of fractional-slot PM synchronous machines (FSPMSMs) which are characterized by specific star of slots including two spokes of back-EMF phasors in each of the two sectors allocated to a given phase. This offers the possibility to build the armature with phases made up of parallel-connected dual coils. With this done, an improvement of the fault-tolerance capability is gained under open-circuit faulty operation in so far as a failure affecting a coil would discard one among the parallel branches of the corresponding phase, rather than the total phase in FSPMSMs with series-connected coils in the armature. The fallouts of the parallel connection on the torque production capability are investigated through a comparison of the resulting iso-torque curves, plotted in the direct-quadrature currents plane, with those yielded by the series connection. It has been found that, while the torque is almost halved for a given armature current, the constant torque and flux weakening speed ranges are similar under both coil connections.
Protective Effects of Silymarin, Alone or in Combination with Chlorogenic Acid and/or Melatonin, Against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of silymarin (SIL), alone and combined with chlorogenic acid (CA) and/or melatonin (ME), using a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced injury. Materials and Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced by a single dose of CCl4 (1 ml/kg, IP). One day after, rats were received SIL (200 mg/kg) alone or in combination with CA (60 mg/kg) and/or ME (20 mg/kg) for 21 days. Results: SIL significantly decreased serum alanine aminotransferase, inflammatory cytokines, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels. Histological alterations, fibrogenesis, oxidative DNA damage, inflammatory mediators, and caspase-3 activity were significantly attenuated in SIL treated CCl4-intoxicated rats. On the other hand, cytochrome P450 2E1 activity showed a significant decrease in the liver of CCl4-intoxicated rats, an effect that was reversed following treatment with SIL. All beneficial effects of SIL were markedly potentiated when combined with CA and/or ME. Conclusions: These data indicate that SIL, alone and combined with CA and/or ME, protected the liver against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity via attenuating inflammation, oxidative DNA damage, apoptosis, and fibrotic changes. The significantly intensified hepatoprotective effects of SIL when combined with both CA and ME suggest a possible synergism. These synergistic effects need to be further confirmed using detailed studies.
A comparison of EQ-5 D index scores using the UK , US , and Japan preference weights in a Thai sample with type 2 diabetes

Background: Data are scarce on the comparison of EQ-5D index scores using the UK, US, and Japan preference weights in other populations. This study was aimed to examine the differences and agreements between these three weights, psychometric properties including test-retest reliability, convergent and known-groups validity, and the impact of differences in the EQ-5D scores on the outcome of cost-utility analysis in Thai people. Methods: A convenience sample of 303 type 2 diabetic outpatients (18 years or older) from a cross-sectional study was examined. ANOVA and pos-hoc Bonferroni tests were used to determine the differences among the three EQ-5D scores. The agreements among the EQ-5D scores were assessed employing intraclass correlations coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots. The ICCs were utilized to examine the test-retest reliability. Spearman's rho correlation coefficients were used to assess the convergent validity between the EQ-5D scores and sociodemographic & clinical data, and health status. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to test the differences in EQ-5D scores between the known groups including HbA1c level (cut point of 7%), and the presence of diabetic complications namely neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy and cardiovascular diseases. Seven hypothetical decision trees were created to evaluate the impact of differences in the EQ-5D scores on the incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR). Results: The US weights yielded higher scores than those of the UK and the Japan weights (p < 0.001, both), while the UK and the Japan weighted scores did not differ (p > 0.05). Both UK and US scores had more agreement with each other than with the Japan scores. Regarding psychometric properties, the Japan scheme provided better test-retest reliability, convergent and known-groups validity than both UK and US schemes. The variation in EQ-5D scores estimated from UK, US, and Japan preference weights had a marginal impact on ICUR (range: 1.23–6.32%). Conclusion: Since the Japan model showed more preferable psychometric properties than the UK and the US models and the differences in these EQ-5D scores had a small impact on ICUR, we recommended that for both clinical and policy purposes the Japan scheme should be used in Thai people. However, more research needs to be done. Published: 23 September 2008 Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2008, 6:71 doi:10.1186/1477-7525-6-71 Received: 4 February 2008 Accepted: 23 September 2008 This article is available from: http://www.hqlo. com/content/6/1/71 © 2008 Sakthong et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Functional food properties of non-digestible oligosaccharides: a consensus report from the ENDO project (DGXII AIRII-CT94-1095)

This paper results from the final phase of the ENDO project (DGXII AIRII-CT94-1095), a European Commission-funded project on non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDO). All participants in the programme met to perform a consensus exercise on the possible functional food properties of NDO. Topics studied during the project (including a workshop on probiotics and prebiotics) and related aspects, for which considerable evidence has been generated recently, were evaluated on the basis of existing published scientific evidence. There was a general consensus that: (1) there is strong evidence for a prebiotic effect of NDO in human subjects. A prebiotic effect was defined as a food-induced increase in numbers and/or activity predominantly of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria in the human large intestine; (2) there is strong evidence for the impact that NDO have on bowel habit; (3) there is promising evidence that consumption of inulin-type fructans may result in increased Ca absorption in man; (4) there are preliminary indications that inulin-type fructans interact with the functioning of lipid metabolism; (5) there is preliminary evidence in experimental animals of a preventive effect against colon cancer. Human nutrition studies are needed to substantiate these findings. It was concluded that the nutritional properties of NDO may prove to be a key issue in nutritional research in the future.