Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin Administration on Sexual Functions in Healthy Women: A Laboratory Paradigm

Purpose The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) has a variety of physiological functions in maternal behavior and attachment including sexual behavior. Based on animal research and our previous human studies, we set out to investigate intranasal administration of OXT and hypothesized that OXT should be able to modulate sexual function in women. Methods In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover laboratory setting, the acute effects of intranasal administered OXT (24 international units) on sexual drive, arousal, orgasm, and refractory aspects of sexual behavior were analyzed in 27 healthy females (mean age ± SD, 27.52 ± 8.04) together with physiological parameters using vaginal photoplethysmography. Findings Oxytocin administration showed no effect on subjective sexual parameters (eg, postorgasmic tension; P = 0.051). Physiological parameters (vaginal photoplethysmography amplitude and vaginal blood volume) showed a response pattern towards sexual arousal but were not affected by OXT. Implications Using a well-established laboratory paradigm, we did not find that intranasal OXT influences female sexual parameters. Also, sexual drive and other functions were not affected by OXT. These findings indicate that OXT is not able to significantly increase subjective and objective parameters of sexual function in a setting with high internal validity; however, this might be different in a more naturalistic setting.
Robust, linear correlations between growth rates and β-lactam–mediated lysis rates

Significance How fast bacteria grow influences the efficacy of β-lactams, one of the most commonly used classes of antibiotics. However, the quantitative nature of this correlation is not well established. With precise measurements and analyses enabled by experimental automation, we found a robust relationship between growth and lysis rates that is generally applicable to diverse pairs of β-lactams and bacteria. That is, the growth rate of population serves as a reliable predictor for the lysis rate in response to a β-lactam. This quantitative correlation lays the foundation for predicting bacterial population dynamics during β-lactam treatments. This predictive capability is critical for designing effective antibiotic dosing protocols, in addressing the rising antibiotic resistance crisis. It is widely acknowledged that faster-growing bacteria are killed faster by β-lactam antibiotics. This notion serves as the foundation for the concept of bacterial persistence: dormant bacterial cells that do not grow are phenotypically tolerant against β-lactam treatment. Such correlation has often been invoked in the mathematical modeling of bacterial responses to antibiotics. Due to the lack of thorough quantification, however, it is unclear whether and to what extent the bacterial growth rate can predict the lysis rate upon β-lactam treatment under diverse conditions. Enabled by experimental automation, here we measured >1,000 growth/killing curves for eight combinations of antibiotics and bacterial species and strains, including clinical isolates of bacterial pathogens. We found that the lysis rate of a bacterial population linearly depends on the instantaneous growth rate of the population, regardless of how the latter is modulated. We further demonstrate that this predictive power at the population level can be explained by accounting for bacterial responses to the antibiotic treatment by single cells. This linear dependence of the lysis rate on the growth rate represents a dynamic signature associated with each bacterium–antibiotic pair and serves as the quantitative foundation for designing combination antibiotic therapy and predicting the population-structure change in a population with mixed phenotypes.
Assessment of Mitigation Methods to Reduce the Risk of Hypoglycemia for Announced Exercise in a Uni-hormonal Artificial Pancreas.

BACKGROUND Moderate physical activity improves overall health conditions in subjects with type 1 diabetes. However, insulin management during and after exercise is challenging due to the effects of exercise on glycemic control. Artificial pancreas (AP) systems aim to automatically control blood glucose levels, but exercise-induced hypoglycemia is a major challenge for these systems, especially in uni-hormonal configurations. The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of several feed-forward (FF) actions to prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia in a closed-loop setting. METHODS A closed-loop control algorithm combined with FF actions aimed at eliminating exercise-induced hypoglycemia was evaluated in silico using the UVa/Padova type 1 diabetes simulator. The simulator was modified with an exercise model fitted to clinical data. The FF actions were evaluated in two scenarios: (1) exercise sessions during postprandial period and (2) exercise sessions during fasting period. RESULTS The mitigation methods proposed in this work were able to minimize the occurrence of hypoglycemic events related with exercise in both scenarios. The time spent in hypoglycemic range in the 2-h period after exercise decreased from 33.3% to 0.0% (P < 0.01) and from 41.3% to 0.0% (P < 0.01) in both scenarios tested. Besides that, the occurrence of hypoglycemic events after exercise sessions was also reduced. CONCLUSIONS The combination of the FF actions presented in this article within an AP system showed to be an effective strategy to mitigate the risk of hypoglycemia in front of aerobic exercise.
Polymerization Data Mining: A Perspective

Polymerization data mining is the art of revealing insights and developing new knowledge from huge amounts of data routinely generated in polymerization systems and polymer characterization (polymerization processes and properties of polymer materials are the specific topic of this article). This becomes possible via development and implementation of robust and versatile intelligent data classifiers/clusterers for precise (numerical) processing of any given large theoretical/experimental datasets. Data mining is capable of effectively “cracking” recipe–microstructure–property interrelationships in modern macromolecular reaction engineering. This work offers a perspective, which contains a brief overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art and history of the area, along with current developments and trends in the data mining field (for polymerizations) with several conceptual examples. All in all, and similar to what is happening in other areas, polymerization data mining is becoming a necessity. The first applications seem promising. Applying molecular simulation approaches and artificial intelligence techniques, the design and establishment of powerful simulators for characterization and processing of virtually synthesized macromolecules are open to future developments, being of paramount importance to both industry and academia.
The limitations of the theory and practice of mobilization in trade union organizing

Since the publication of Rethinking Industrial Relations in 1998, John Kelly’s mobilization theory has been used by many scholars attempting to understand union organizing – often using specific campaigns to unpack and analyse various elements of the theory that help to explain the success or failure of collective mobilization. In this article the authors review this literature and highlight the major areas of interest from the book – injustice, framing and leadership – and the contribution to industrial relations research. They find that the terms mobilizing and organizing are used interchangeably, which, they argue, is problematic and has led to confusion about what is actually happening in unions. Unpacking the difference between the two terms can help to explain limitations in the way mobilization theory has been used by scholars, and, at the same time, deepen our understanding of why unions have not been particularly successful in reversing their decline despite the ‘turn to organizing’ over the last few decades.
FPGA Based Adaptive Rate and Manifold Pattern Projection for Structured Light 3D Camera System †

The quality of the captured point cloud and the scanning speed of a structured light 3D camera system depend upon their capability of handling the object surface of a large reflectance variation in the trade-off of the required number of patterns to be projected. In this paper, we propose and implement a flexible embedded framework that is capable of triggering the camera single or multiple times for capturing single or multiple projections within a single camera exposure setting. This allows the 3D camera system to synchronize the camera and projector even for miss-matched frame rates such that the system is capable of projecting different types of patterns for different scan speed applications. This makes the system capturing a high quality of 3D point cloud even for the surface of a large reflectance variation while achieving a high scan speed. The proposed framework is implemented on the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), where the camera trigger is adaptively generated in such a way that the position and the number of triggers are automatically determined according to camera exposure settings. In other words, the projection frequency is adaptive to different scanning applications without altering the architecture. In addition, the proposed framework is unique as it does not require any external memory for storage because pattern pixels are generated in real-time, which minimizes the complexity and size of the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design and implementation.
Subspace detection of the impulse response function from intra-partum cardiotocography

Recording of maternal uterine pressure (UP) and fetal heart rate (FHR) during labour and delivery is a procedure referred to as cardiotocography (CTG). We model this as an input-output system to estimate its dynamics in terms of an impulse response function (IRF). CTG data is very noisy and missing data are common. In this paper, we identify the models using subspace methods, which incorporate noise-suppression and permit the use of non-contiguous data. Using contiguous data, the subspace method performed better than linear regression; more of the 57 CTG pathological records in our database were modelled (30 vs. 26). Allowing non-contiguous data, even more pathological records were modelled with this approach (49). Furthermore, the models were discriminating; compared to linear regression, the IRF gain showed statistically significant differences more often between normal and pathological records (in 15/18 vs. 10/18 epochs) over the final three hours of labour.
Parent–Child Communication and Adjustment Among Children With Advanced and Non-Advanced Cancer in the First Year Following Diagnosis or Relapse

Objectives To examine parent-child communication (i.e., openness, problems) and child adjustment among youth with advanced or non-advanced cancer and comparison children. Methods Families (n = 125) were recruited after a child's diagnosis/relapse and stratified by advanced (n = 55) or non-advanced (n = 70) disease. Comparison children (n = 60) were recruited from local schools. Children (ages 10-17) reported on communication (Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale) with both parents, while mothers reported on child adjustment (Child Behavior Checklist) at enrollment (T1) and one year (T2). Results Openness/problems in communication did not differ across groups at T1, but problems with fathers were higher among children with non-advanced cancer versus comparisons at T2. Openness declined for all fathers, while changes in problems varied by group for both parents. T1 communication predicted later adjustment only for children with advanced cancer. Conclusions Communication plays an important role, particularly for children with advanced cancer. Additional research with families affected by life-limiting conditions is needed.
Consumer likelihood of purchasing organic cotton apparel: Influence of attitudes and self‐identity

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the organic apparel consumer. Is the recent upsurge in organic cotton products another fashion trend or is there a segment of consumers genuinely interested in purchasing organic cotton apparel based on the benefits of organic agriculture to the environment? , – Data were collected with a mail survey of US health and natural foods consumers. Conjoint analysis revealed salient product attributes and cluster analysis identified segments of consumers with different attribute preferences. Factor analysis uncovered latent variables from among the large number of items and the clusters were examined for differences in their psychographic profiles. , – It was found that the 38 percent of consumers who found used organic cotton content salient had positive attitudes toward organic and sustainable agriculture, preferred to “buy locally” and had a strong self‐identity as environmental, organic, and socially responsible consumers. , – The sample of US health and natural foods consumers means that the results cannot be generalized too widely. Research is currently under way to relate the self‐reported purchase behavior of organic apparel consumers discussed here to actual purchase behavior. , – Survey respondents interested in purchasing organic cotton apparel agreed that organic farming is good for the environment, suggesting that consumers would be receptive to marketing messages that place an emphasis on the environmental benefits of purchasing organic cotton apparel. , – The paper provides insight into the attitudes and motivations of environmentally concerned US consumers of organic apparel and provides information on focusing marketing to these consumers.
On the Unification Problem in Physics

Revised translation of Kaluza's historic 1921 paper, "Zum Unit\"atsproblem der Physik," on 5-dimensional spacetime, used to unify gravity and electromagnetism. This version is based, in part, on a 1984 translation provided by T. Muta, but revised and formatted using LaTeX to closely match the original paper in appearance and pagination. Kaluza's original notation is restored.
A multidirectional gravity-assist algorithm that enhances locomotor control in patients with stroke or spinal cord injury

A robotic harness optimizing gravity-dependent gait interactions enables natural locomotion across activities of daily living in people with spinal cord injury or stroke. Greater gait with gravity Often taken for granted, gravity—the force that keeps you on the ground—becomes a notable challenge during rehabilitation from injury. Mignardot et al. “harnessed” gravity to test whether upward and forward forces, applied to the torso via a robotic body weight supportive device, assist with locomotion. Patients recovering from stroke or spinal cord injury demonstrated improved gait performance with the robotic harness. An important component of the gravity-assistive approach is an algorithm that adjusts the forces provided by the robotic harness according to the patient’s needs. Patients unable to walk without assistance (nonambulatory) were able to walk naturally with the harness, whereas ambulatory patients exhibited improved skilled locomotion such as balance, limb coordination, foot placement, and steering. A clinical trial using this robot-assistive rehabilitation approach for patients with spinal cord injury is currently under way. Gait recovery after neurological disorders requires remastering the interplay between body mechanics and gravitational forces. Despite the importance of gravity-dependent gait interactions and active participation for promoting this learning, these essential components of gait rehabilitation have received comparatively little attention. To address these issues, we developed an adaptive algorithm that personalizes multidirectional forces applied to the trunk based on patient-specific motor deficits. Implementation of this algorithm in a robotic interface reestablished gait dynamics during highly participative locomotion within a large and safe environment. This multidirectional gravity-assist enabled natural walking in nonambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury or stroke and enhanced skilled locomotor control in the less-impaired subjects. A 1-hour training session with multidirectional gravity-assist improved locomotor performance tested without robotic assistance immediately after training, whereas walking the same distance on a treadmill did not ameliorate gait. These results highlight the importance of precise trunk support to deliver gait rehabilitation protocols and establish a practical framework to apply these concepts in clinical routine.
A time to be born and a time to die: Exploring the determinants of death anxiety among university students in a western Canadian city

ABSTRACT Using data collected from a questionnaire survey of 501 university students in a western Canadian city, this article explores the death anxiety among young adults and the factors influencing their levels of death anxiety. Results demonstrated that respondents displayed a moderate level of death anxiety. Multiple regression analysis further revealed that females, non-Caucasians and those who demonstrated to be less religious, indicated a higher level of loneliness, scored lower on the purpose in life scale, expressed dissatisfaction with their self-image, and reported a higher socio-economic status were found to exhibit a higher level of death anxiety.
Immune regulation by microbiome metabolites

Commensal microbes and the host immune system have been co‐evolved for mutual regulation. Microbes regulate the host immune system, in part, by producing metabolites. A mounting body of evidence indicates that diverse microbial metabolites profoundly regulate the immune system via host receptors and other target molecules. Immune cells express metabolite‐specific receptors such as P2X7, GPR41, GPR43, GPR109A, aryl hydrocarbon receptor precursor (AhR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), TGR5 and other molecular targets. Microbial metabolites and their receptors form an extensive array of signals to respond to changes in nutrition, health and immunological status. As a consequence, microbial metabolite signals contribute to nutrient harvest from diet, and regulate host metabolism and the immune system. Importantly, microbial metabolites bidirectionally function to promote both tolerance and immunity to effectively fight infection without developing inflammatory diseases. In pathogenic conditions, adverse effects of microbial metabolites have been observed as well. Key immune‐regulatory functions of the metabolites, generated from carbohydrates, proteins and bile acids, are reviewed in this article.
A community health worker intervention to improve management of hypertension among Filipino Americans in New York and New Jersey: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the pilot study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a 4-month community health worker (CHW) intervention to improve hypertension management among Filipino immigrants in New York and New Jersey. DESIGN Single-arm CHW pilot intervention using a pre-post design delivered by 5 CHWs. SETTING New York City, NY and Jersey City, NJ. PARTICIPANTS Of 88 Filipino individuals recruited for the study, 39 received the full pilot intervention, 18 received a partial intervention, and 31 dropped out; 13 Filipino participants, 10 CHW Trainers, and 3 Filipino CHWs were interviewed for qualitative analysis. INTERVENTION Individuals participated in 4 workshops related to hypertension management and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and received monthly in-person visits, and twice monthly phone calls individually from a CHW. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes included blood pressure (BP) reduction and control, appointment keeping, and medication adherence; secondary outcomes included weight, body mass index (BMI), self-efficacy related to diet, exercise, and medication taking, CVD knowledge, and nutrition (salt/ sodium and cholesterol/fat). RESULTS A mixed method analysis was used to assess the intervention, utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods. By the end of the intervention, significant changes were exhibited for systolic and diastolic BP, weight, and BMI (P<.01). Significant changes were not seen for medication adherence and appointment keeping, however, CVD knowledge and self-efficacy related to diet and weight management all improved significantly (P<.01). Qualitative findings provided additional information on the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS This pilot CHW intervention showed evidence of feasibility, as well as efficacy, in improving hypertension management and reducing CVD factors in Filipino Americans.
Impaired health-related quality of life and related risk factors among US adults with asthma

ABSTRACT Objective: This study assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and related risk factors among adults with asthma in the United States. Using the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we examined the association between four domains of impaired HRQoL and selected explanatory factors. Methods: A BRFSS sample of 39,321 adults with asthma was used in this study. We examined the association between fair/poor health, ≥ 14 mentally unhealthy days, ≥ 14 physically unhealthy days, and ≥ 14 days of activity limitation and selected explanatory variables (sex, race/ethnicity, age, annual household income, healthcare coverage, physical activity, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), having a coexisting disease, and being diagnosed with depression) using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Income, physical activity status, smoking status, coexisting diseases, and depression were strongly associated with all HRQoL domains. Blacks had significantly less ≥ 14 physically unhealthy days (23.4%; aPR = 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72, 0.92]) and ≥ 14 days of activity limitation (18.3%; aPR = 0.81 [0.70, 0.94]) and Hispanics had significantly more fair/poor health (38.4%; aPR = 1.31 [1.18, 1.45]) than whites. Underweight and obese had significantly more fair/poor health, and underweight significantly more ≥ 14 physically unhealthy days, compared with normal weight. Adults aged 55 years or older had significantly less ≥ 14 mentally unhealthy days than adults 18–24 years. Conclusions: Multiple factors were associated with impaired HRQoL. Providing strategies to address potential risk factors such as low income, physically inactive, smoker, and obese or underweight should be considered to improve HRQoL among adults with asthma.