Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Different Performances on a Confrontational Naming Test in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background: We analyzed the performance on a naming test and the correlations between the scores on the naming test and neuropsychological test scores in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: The subjects included 69 patients with MCI and 33 patients with mild AD. We performed general cognitive functions, the Korean version of the Boston Naming Test (K-BNT), the digit span test, the Rey figure copy test (RCFT), the Seoul Verbal Learning Test (SVLT), and frontal function tests. The detailed items of the K-BNT were analyzed for the two subject groups, and the correlations between the K-BNT scores and those of the neuropsychological tests were examined. Results: Significant differences were observed on the item for the number of correct answers after two syllables on the KBNT task in patients with AD and MCI (p<0.05). A qualitative analysis of the incorrect K-BNT responses showed that both the AD and MCI groups made semantic errors more than visuoperceptual and phonemic errors. Significant correlations were found among the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Global Deterioration Scale, clinical dementia rating, digit span, SVLT delayed recall, RCFT and RCFT delayed recall, and the Stroop test color reading items (p<0.01). Conclusion: Our result suggests that semantic errors gradually increase with the progress of cognitive disability in the state preceding AD among patients with MCI.
Magnetic Particle Imaging for Highly Sensitive, Quantitative, and Safe in Vivo Gut Bleed Detection in a Murine Model.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding causes more than 300 000 hospitalizations per year in the United States. Imaging plays a crucial role in accurately locating the source of the bleed for timely intervention. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is an emerging clinically translatable imaging modality that images superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO) tracers with extraordinary contrast and sensitivity. This linearly quantitative modality has zero background tissue signal and zero signal depth attenuation. MPI is also safe: there is zero ionizing radiation exposure to the patient and clinically approved tracers can be used with MPI. In this study, we demonstrate the use of MPI along with long-circulating, PEG-stabilized SPIOs for rapid in vivo detection and quantification of GI bleed. A mouse model genetically predisposed to GI polyp development (ApcMin/+) was used for this study, and heparin was used as an anticoagulant to induce acute GI bleeding. We then injected MPI-tailored, long-circulating SPIOs through the tail vein, and tracked the tracer biodistribution over time using our custom-built high resolution field-free line (FFL) MPI scanner. Dynamic MPI projection images captured tracer accumulation in the lower GI tract with excellent contrast. Quantitative analysis of the MPI images show that the mice experienced GI bleed rates between 1 and 5 μL/min. Although there are currently no human scale MPI systems, and MPI-tailored SPIOs need to undergo further development and evaluation, clinical translation of the technique is achievable. The robust contrast, sensitivity, safety, ability to image anywhere in the body, along with long-circulating SPIOs lends MPI outstanding promise as a clinical diagnostic tool for GI bleeding.
Dynamic gait transition between walking, running and hopping for push recovery

Re-planning of gait trajectory is a crucial ability to compensate for external disturbances. To date, a large number of methods for re-planning footsteps and timing have been proposed. However, robots with the ability to change locomotion from walking to running or from walking to hopping were never proposed. In this paper, we propose a method for replanning not only for footsteps and timing but also locomotion mode which consists of walking, running and hopping. The re-planning method of locomotion mode consists of parallel computing and a ranking system with a novel cost function. To validate the method, we conducted push recovery experiments which were pushing in the forward direction when walking on the spot and pushing in the lateral direction when walking in the forward direction. Results of experiments showed that the proposed algorithm effectively compensated for external disturbances by making a locomotion transition.
Sources of uncertainty in the nose-to-nose sampler calibration method

We analyze the nose-to-nose (ntn) method for use as an accurate sampler calibration method. The variations in the measurement of the sampler impulse response using the ntn method are presented, and the validity of the assertion that the kick-out pulse is identical to the sampler impulse response is assessed. Temperature effects on the ntn method are also examined. Finally, the impact of uncertainties in the ntn calibration method on the uncertainties in reported pulse parameters is examined.
Deep reinforcement learning for conversational robots playing games

Deep reinforcement learning for interactive multimodal robots is attractive for endowing machines with trainable skill acquisition. But this form of learning still represents several challenges. The challenge that we focus in this paper is effective policy learning. To address that, in this paper we compare the Deep Q-Networks (DQN) method against a variant that aims for stronger decisions than the original method by avoiding decisions with the lowest negative rewards. We evaluated our baseline and proposed algorithms in agents playing the game of Noughts and Crosses with two grid sizes (3×3 and 5×5). Experimental results show evidence that our proposed method can lead to more effective policies than the baseline DQN method, which can be used for training interactive social robots.
Outcomes of Very-Low-Birth-Weight Children Born in the 1990s

are probably not surpassable. ' There is no evidence that a concomitant improvement in overall neonatal morbidity has taken place. The rates of periventricular hemorrhage have decreased, but the rates of periventricular leukomalacia, a major predictor of poor neurodevelopmental outcome, have remained unchanged. Furthermore, the rates of late-onset sepsis and chronic lung disease among the least mature infants have increased.2 However, since extremely sick infants who previously would have died are
Bioreducible Hydrophobin-Stabilized Supraparticles for Selective Intracellular Release

One of the main hurdles in nanomedicine is the low stability of drug–nanocarrier complexes as well as the drug delivery efficiency in the region-of-interest. Here, we describe the use of the film-forming protein hydrophobin HFBII to organize dodecanethiol-protected gold nanoparticles (NPs) into well-defined supraparticles (SPs). The obtained SPs are exceptionally stable in vivo and efficiently encapsulate hydrophobic drug molecules. The HFBII film prevents massive release of the encapsulated drug, which, instead, is activated by selective SP disassembly triggered intracellularly by glutathione reduction of the protein film. As a consequence, the therapeutic efficiency of an encapsulated anticancer drug is highly enhanced (2 orders of magnitude decrease in IC50). Biodistribution and pharmacokinetics studies demonstrate the high stability of the loaded SPs in the bloodstream and the selective release of the payloads once taken up in the tissues. Overall, our results provide a rationale for the development of bioreducible and multifunctional nanomedicines.
Analysis of the Zidovudine Resistance Mutations T215Y, M41L, and L210W in HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase

ABSTRACT Although anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) therapies have become more sophisticated and more effective, drug resistance continues to be a major problem. Zidovudine (azidothymidine; AZT) was the first nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor (NRTI) approved for the treatment of HIV-1 infections and is still being used, particularly in the developing world. This drug targets the conversion of single-stranded RNA to double-stranded DNA by HIV-1 RT. However, resistance to the drug quickly appeared both in viruses replicating in cells in culture and in patients undergoing AZT monotherapy. The primary resistance pathway selects for mutations of T215 that change the threonine to either a tyrosine or a phenylalanine (T215Y/F); this resistance pathway involves an ATP-dependent excision mechanism. The pseudo-sugar ring of AZT lacks a 3′ OH; RT incorporates AZT monophosphate (AZTMP), which blocks the end of the viral DNA primer. AZT-resistant forms of HIV-1 RT use ATP in an excision reaction to unblock the 3′ end of the primer strand, allowing its extension by RT. The T215Y AZT resistance mutation is often accompanied by two other mutations, M41L and L210W. In this study, the roles of these mutations, in combination with T215Y, were examined to determine whether they affect polymerization and excision by HIV-1 RT. The M41L mutation appears to help restore the DNA polymerization activity of RT containing the T215Y mutation and also enhances AZTMP excision. The L210W mutation plays a similar role, but it enhances excision by RTs that carry the T215Y mutation when ATP is present at a low concentration.
Can Resistance Training Reduce Injuries in Youth Sports?

summary Studies suggest that regular participation in a broad-based training program that includes resistance training can significantly reduce sports-related injuries in adolescents. However, additional trials are required to further examine the effectiveness of different resistance-training protocols and interventions on reducing the incidence of injury in competitive and noncompetitive activities. In addition, investigations are required to explore the influence of other strategies, including coaching education, preseason fitness evaluations, and select restorative procedures, on reducing the incidence of injury in young athletes.
THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE HIGHER TYPES OF ANTIPNEUMOCOCCUS SERUMS

Antipneumococcus serums from rabbits have now been accepted by the Council for types I, II, III, IV, V, VII, VIII and XIV. 1 An evaluation of the other types of antipneumococcus serums, which for convenience will be called the "higher types," 2 involves a consideration of the following problems: (1) the present status of the pneumococcus types, particularly as it concerns serologically related types; (2) the relation of the higher types to disease in general and to pneumonia in particular; (3) the efficacy of antipneumococcus rabbit serums in the treatment of the pneumonias associated with pneumococci of these types; (4) the status of specific antiserum therapy for pneumonia in relation to the use of effective sulfonamide compounds (a) as a supplement or (b) as a substitute for the drugs, and (5) the use of serums in the treatment of focal pneumococcic infections, particularly meningitis and peritonitis. It may be stated
Dynamic error correction of a digitizer for time-domain metrology

A method for numerical correction of distortion in a digitizer used for metrology applications is described. Investigation of the digitizer's error behavior in the phase plane leads to the development of an analytic error model that describes the digitizer's distortion behavior. Of particular significance is the model's ability to describe nonlinear error in the fundamental spectral component manifested as amplitude and frequency-dependent gain and phase error. When fitted only to the harmonic distortion content of the digitizer's output data, the model generates an amount of fundamental that correctly accounts for the error in the digitizer's gain that is not due to linear system response. The model is therefore able to improve not just the total harmonic distortion (THD) performance of the digitizer but its ac root mean square measurement accuracy as well. At 1 MHz, the model linearizes the digitizer to 70 /spl mu/V/V over a range of 1 to 8 V and reduces harmonic distortion by >20 dB. It is believed that this is the first time that results of this nature have been reported in the literature.
Assessing progress during treatment for young children with autism receiving intensive behavioural interventions

This study examined progress after 1 year of treatment for children with autism who received a mean of 36 hours per week one-to-one University of California at Los Angeles Applied Behavior Analysis (UCLA ABA) treatment. Two types of service provision were compared: an intensive clinic based treatment model with all treatment personnel (N = 23), and an intensive parent managed treatment model with intensive supervision only (N = 21). A non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants (N = 13) examined whether progress was associated with ABA treatment or confounders. Between intake and follow-up, children in both groups improved significantly on IQ, visual-spatial IQ, language comprehension, expressive language, social skills, motor skills and adaptive behaviour. There were no significant differences between the two groups on any of the measures at follow-up. Mean IQ for participants in both groups increased by 16 points between intake and follow-up. These findings are consistent with previous studies demonstrating the benefits of ABA treatment.
Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACTOsteopenia or osteoporosis is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The use of corticosteroids contributes to the decline in bone loss; however, osteoporosis may develop in patients with inflammatory bowel disease independent of corticosteroid use. Risk factors for the development of low bone mass in patients with inflammatory bowel disease include the general risk factors for osteoporosis as well as additional factors such as the presence of chronic inflammation, use of corticosteroids and other pharmaceuticals, and nutritional deficiencies as the result of small bowel disease or small bowel resections. Despite the high prevalence, few patients are entered into prophylactic regimens to prevent corticosteroid-induced bone loss. The American College of Rheumatology has recently published recommendations for the prevention and treatment of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. In this article, we highlight the special risks for osteoporosis in patients with IBD and adapt the recommendations for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis to this clinical setting.
Measurements and correction of no-load losses of power transformers

This paper investigates the practice of correcting the results of no-load loss measurements of power transformers for the effect of distorted supply voltage waveform. A three-phase 700-MVA power transformer is tested twice: first with its low-voltage windings connected line-to-neutral, with nearly sinusoidal test voltage conditions, and then for the second test with its windings connected line-to-line with more distorted voltage waveforms. The test data obtained during the measurement was reproduced at the National Research Council (NRC) Laboratory to demonstrate the limits of the application of the loss correction formula currently used.
A systematic review of training programs for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders: Single subject contributions

Aim: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine research utilizing single subject research designs (SSRD) to explore the effectiveness of interventions designed to increase parents’ ability to support communication and social development in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Method: Included studies were systematically assessed for methodological quality (Logan et al., 2008; Smith et al., 2007) and intervention effects. Data examining participant characteristics, study methodology, outcomes, and analysis were systematically extracted. Results: Eleven SSRD parent-training intervention studies examining 44 participants with ASD were included. Overall, the studies were of moderate quality and reported increases in parent skills and child language and communication outcomes. Interpretation: The results supported by improvement rate difference (IRD) analysis indicated several interventions demonstrated positive effects for both parent and child outcomes. However, limited generalization and follow-up data suggested only one intervention demonstrated parents’ accurate and ongoing intervention implementation beyond training.
Activity of Pyocin S2 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms

ABSTRACT In cystic fibrosis patients, chronic lung infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the associated decline in lung function are the major cause of mortality. In this report, we show that pyocin S2 displays potent activity against P. aeruginosa biofilms, thus representing a potentially improved therapeutic option. Using an invertebrate model of P. aeruginosa infection, we also show that pyocin S2 is highly active in vivo.
Heterogeneous Ti3SiC2@C-Containing Na2Ti7O15 Architecture for High-Performance Sodium Storage at Elevated Temperatures.

Rational design of heterogeneous electrode materials with hierarchical architecture is a potential approach to significantly improve their energy densities. Herein, we report a tailored microwave-assisted synthetic strategy to create heterogeneous hierarchical Ti3SiC2@C-containing Na2Ti7O15 (MAX@C-NTO) composites as potential anode materials for high-performance sodium storage in a wide temperature range from 25 to 80 °C. This composite delivers first reversible capacities of 230 mAh g-1 at 200 mA g-1 and 149 mAh g-1 at 3000 mA g-1 at 25 °C. A high capacity of ∼93 mAh g-1 without any apparent decay even after more than 10 000 cycles is obtained at an ultrahigh current density of 10 000 mA g-1. Moreover, both a high reversible capacity and an ultralong durable stability are achieved below 60 °C for the same composites, wherein a 75.2% capacity retention (∼120 mAh g-1 at 10 000 mA g-1) is achieved after 3000 cycles at 60 °C. To the best of our knowledge, both the sodium storage performances and the temperature tolerances outperform those of all the Ti-based sodium storage materials reported so far. The superior sodium storage performances of the as-synthesized composites are attributed to the heterogeneous core-shell architecture, which not only provides fast kinetics by high pseudocapacitance but also prolongs cycling life by preventing particle agglomeration and facilitates the transportation of electrons and sodium ions by large micro/mesopore structure.
Effect of Clarithromycin in Inflammatory Markers of Patients with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and Sepsis Caused by Gram-Negative Bacteria: Results from a Randomized Clinical Study

ABSTRACT One recent, double-blind, randomized clinical trial with 200 patients showed that clarithromycin administered intravenously for 3 days in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) accelerated the resolution of pneumonia and decreased the risk of death from septic shock and multiple organ dysfunctions (MODS). The present study focused on the effect of clarithromycin on markers of inflammation in these patients. Blood was drawn immediately before the administration of the allocated treatment and on six consecutive days after the start of treatment. The concentrations of circulating markers were measured. Monocytes and neutrophils were isolated for immunophenotyping analysis and for cytokine stimulation. The ratio of serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) to serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was decreased in the clarithromycin group compared with the results in the placebo group. Apoptosis of monocytes was significantly increased on day 4 in the clarithromycin group compared with the rate of apoptosis in the placebo group. On the same day, the expression of CD86 was increased and the ratio of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) to CD86 in serum was unchanged. The release of TNF-α, IL-6, and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) by circulating monocytes after stimulation was greater in the clarithromycin group than in the placebo group. The expression of TREM-1 on monocytes was also increased in the former group. These effects were pronounced in patients with septic shock and MODS. These results suggest that the administration of clarithromycin restored the balance between proinflammatory versus anti-inflammatory mediators in patients with sepsis; this was accompanied by more efficient antigen presentation and increased apoptosis. These effects render new perspectives for the immunotherapy of sepsis.
Improved Antibiotic-Impregnated Catheters with Extended-Spectrum Activity against Resistant Bacteria and Fungi

ABSTRACT Minocycline-rifampin-impregnated central venous catheters (M/R CVCs) have been shown to be efficacious in reducing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and inhibiting the biofilm adherence of resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida spp. To expand the spectrum of antimicrobial activity, a novel second-generation M/R catheter was developed by adding chlorhexidine (CHX-M/R). CVCs and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were impregnated with CHX-M/R and compared with first-generation M/R catheters, CHX-silver sulfadiazine-treated CVCs (CHX/SS-CVCs), chlorhexidine-treated PICCs, and uncoated catheters. A biofilm catheter colonization model was used to assess the efficacy of catheters against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), P. aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata. CHX-M/R-impregnated CVCs were the only antimicrobial catheters that completely inhibited the biofilm colonization of all resistant bacterial and fungal organisms tested at all time intervals, and they were significantly superior to uncoated catheters (all P values were ≤0.003). Furthermore, CHX-M/R-coated CVCs had a significantly more effective and prolonged (up to 3 weeks) antimicrobial activity against MRSA and P. aeruginosa than M/R, CHX/SS, and uncoated CVCs (P < 0.0001). Similarly, CHX-M/R-coated PICCs were also superior to M/R-coated and CHX-coated PICCs in preventing biofilms of MRSA, VRE, P. aeruginosa, and Candida species (P value = 0.003 for all). Our study shows that novel CHX-M/R-coated catheters have unique properties in completely inhibiting biofilm colonization of MRSA, VRE, P. aeruginosa, and fungi in a manner superior to that of M/R- and chlorhexidine-treated catheters.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Activities of the Novel Anticytomegalovirus Compound AIC246 (Letermovir) against Herpesviruses and Other Human Pathogenic Viruses

ABSTRACT AIC246 (letermovir) is a potent anticytomegalovirus drug in clinical development. Here, we report a consistent antiviral efficacy of AIC246 against human cytomegalovirus laboratory strains, clinical isolates, and virus variants resistant to approved drugs. Furthermore, we describe a remarkable selectivity of AIC246 for human cytomegaloviruses compared to that of other alpha-, beta-, or gammaherpesviruses or nonrelated pathogenic viruses, including adeno-, hepadna-, retro-, orthomyxo-, and flaviviruses. Our data confirm and support an excellent and selective anticytomegaloviral activity of AIC246.