Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Low-Cost Disposable Tactile Sensors for Palpation in Minimally Invasive Surgery

Robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery prevents surgeons from manually palpating organs to locate subsurface tumors and other structures. One solution is to use ultrasound; however, it is not always reliable. Tactile sensor arrays have been proposed as an alternative or complementary modality, but current designs have drawbacks including a large number of wires, lack of autoclavability or disposability and high cost. In this paper, four mass-producible, low-cost, sterilizable tactile sensor array designs with minimal wires are presented. Both piezoresistive and capacitive versions have been designed, each with a 2 mm $\times$ 2 mm spatial resolution and a scan rate of 30 Hz. Two sizes with 48 or 90 sensing elements are presented for each version. The sensing elements can measure contact pressures with 1 kPa resolution and they have over 84% accuracy in the 25–150 kPa range. The low cost allows the sensors to be made disposable, avoiding the deterioration in performance resulting from repeated autoclaving. The sensors include the analog-to-digital conversion circuit onboard, requiring only two power lines and two digital signal lines to connect them. The small number of output wires allows the sensors to be incorporated into robotic surgical instruments with articulated wrists that do not have the space for a large number of wires. Both sensor versions are shown to be able to detect 6-mm-diameter tumors at a depth of 10 mm in a silicone phantom and in ex vivo tissue samples.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Immature Dendritic Cells Induce Regulatory T Cell-Based Immunosuppressive Effect

Immature dendritic cells (imDCs) are increasingly viewed as mediators of T-cell tolerance. We investigated factors enabling induction of regulatory T (Treg) cells through syngeneic imDC/mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) co-cultures in vitro and immunosuppressive effects of MSC-mediated imDCs (MSCs were excluded after 72 h co-culture) in vivo. In these experiments, we found that Foxp3+ Treg cell population remarkably increased after the T cell priming phase when splenocytes were co-cultured with both imDCs and MSCs, presumably inducing naïve T cells into Treg cells by MSCs and imDCs. In parallel, TGF-β secretion was markedly induced from the imDC+MSC+splenocyte culture supernatant to a significant level at 72-h co-culture, compared to the MSC or imDC+splenocyte co-culture. Based on these results, using a murine melanoma tumor model, we confirmed that the subcutaneous injection of B16 cells induced a perfect tumor incidence in allogeneic recipients when MSC-mediated DCs were coinjected. Consequently, these results suggested that immune tolerance with MSC-mediated DCs leads to immunosuppression induced by at least Foxp3-specific Treg cells. This tool may be useful in clinical trials due to the yet unknown side effects of stem cell therapy.
Review Paper: Behavior of Ceramic Biomaterials Derived from Tricalcium Phosphate in Physiological Condition

Various calcium phosphates are used for bone repair. Although hydroxyapatite (HA) sintered ceramics are widely used due to their osteoconductivity, its bioresorbability is so low that HA remains in the body for a long time after implantation. In contrast, tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ceramics show resorbable characters during bone regeneration, and can be completely substituted for the bone tissue after stimulation of bone formation. Therefore, much attention is paid to TCP ceramics for scaffold materials for supporting bone regeneration. This paper reviews bioresorbable properties of calcium phosphate ceramics derived from β-TCP and α-TCP.
The Investigation of the Relation between Corporate Social Responsibility Activities and Company Financial Performance

In the modern commercial era, companies and their managers are subjected to well publicized pressure to play an increasingly active role in society – so called "Corporate social responsibility". It has been argued that an element in this development is simply enlightened self-interest in that social responsibility enhances corporate image and financial performance. To date the evidence to support this thesis derives from North America. Outside this continent evidence for any relationship is sparse. This study will initially attempt to defined concept of corporate social responsibility and to examine its guiding principles. Subsequently, the available empirical research into the link between corporate social responsibility and economic performance will be evaluated this study examines different impacts of positive and negative CSR activities on financial performance of hotel, restaurant and airline companies, theoretically based on positivist and negativity effects. Findings suggest mixed results across different industries and will contribute to companies’ appropriate strategic decision-making for CSR activities by providing more precise information regarding the impacts of each directional CSR activity on financial performance.
Functional health literacy in patients with glaucoma in urban settings.

OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between health literacy and compliance, disease awareness, and disease progression in patients with glaucoma. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study of 204 English-speaking patients treated for glaucoma for at least 1 year at Kresge Eye Institute was conducted. Health literacy was assessed using the standardized Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA). An oral questionnaire assessed patients' demographic information and glaucoma understanding. A retrospective medical record review was conducted to record parameters indicating glaucoma severity. RESULTS One hundred two participants (50%) were categorized as having poor functional health literacy (mean [SD] TOFHLA score, 18.4 [7.5]) and 102 participants (50%) had adequate health literacy (mean [SD] TOFHLA score, 42.8 [5.1]). The poor health literacy group showed significant differences in income, education, medication compliance, glaucoma understanding, and missed appointments compared with the adequate health literacy group (P < .001). Patients with poor health literacy showed a greater visual field loss on initial presentation (mean deviation [SD], -10.58 [9.3] dB) compared with the adequate health literacy group (mean deviation [SD], -7.79 [6.9] dB; P = .02) and significantly worse visual field parameters when comparing pattern SDs on the recent and the initial visual fields (pattern SD change [SD], 0.19 [2.5] dB in the poor health literacy group vs -0.7 [2.2] dB in the adequate health literacy group; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Patients with poor health literacy had poorer compliance, worse disease understanding, and greater disease progression compared with the adequate health literacy group, highlighting the need to promote health literacy in patients with glaucoma.
From Underleverage to Excess Debt: The Changing Environment of Corporate Debt

We directly estimate the probability of default, the value of tax shields and expected cost of financial distress of firms, using a structural model calibrated and estimated from market prices (CDS and stock price data). This provides for high-frequency data on the major costs and benefits of debt, and allows to derive a unique estimate for target capital structure of firms, if the trade-off theory is valid. Our evidence contradicts the alleged "underleverage puzzle", which states that firms are too conservative in their debt policies. We find evidence that over the last decade, firms have been systematically overlevered. This is mainly due to the fact that CDS-implied loss-given-default estimates are far higher than the levels typically assumed in previous studies. In addition, the structural change in the risk-free interest level, which lowered the average level from some 8% to 2%, severely increased the cost of debt without an offsetting effect in tax benefits, thus strongly reducing target debt ratios.
CNS toxicity involving methylene blue: the exemplar for understanding and predicting drug interactions that precipitate serotonin toxicity

Methylene blue has only recently been noted to cause severe central nervous system toxicity. Methylene blue is used for various conditions, including, intravenously, in methemoglobinemia, vasoplegia and as an aid to parathyroidectomy (at doses of 1–7.5 mg kg−1). This review of the current evidence concludes that 13 of 14 of the reported cases of CNS toxicity were serotonin toxicity that met the Hunter Serotonin Toxicity Criteria. That has important preventative and treatment implications. Serotonin toxicity is precipitated by the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) property of methylene blue interacting with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin toxicity is reviewed, using the lessons inherent in the methylene blue story and experience, to illustrate how the mechanisms and potency of serotonergic drugs interact to determine severity. Recent human data showed that an intravenous dose of only 0.75 mg kg−1 of methylene blue produced a peak plasma concentration of 500 ng ml−1 (1.6 µM), indicating that the concentration in the central nervous system reaches a level that inhibits monoamine oxidase A. That is consonant with the actual occurrence of severe serotonin toxicity in humans at the dose of only 1 mg kg−1. It seems that all proposed uses of methylene blue entail levels that block monoamine oxidase, so cessation of serotonin reuptake inhibitors should be very carefully considered before using methylene blue.
Adenofibroma of the Fimbria: A Common Entity That Is Indistinguishable From Ovarian Adenofibroma

Fallopian tube adenofibromas (FTAs) are considered rare, but their frequency has never been determined by systematic sampling of this organ. To determine the morphological spectrum and prevalence of FTAs, we analyzed a consecutive series of fallopian tubes removed during surgery for a wide range of disorders. Fallopian tubes were completely evaluated with attention to the fimbriated end (sectioning and extensively examining the fimbria [SEE-FIM] protocol). Discrete localized subepithelial stromal proliferations with alterations in plical architecture and a glandular component were classified as FTAs. Fallopian tube adenofibromas less than 3 mm were classified as incipient adenofibromas (iFTAs). The association of FTAs with ovarian adenofibromas (OAs) was also evaluated. Twenty-six of 28 (30% overall frequency) consecutively examined bilateral fallopian tube specimens contained adenofibromas (FTAs and iFTAs); all confined to the fimbria. Twelve FTAs were identified (11 cases; 14% frequency), 3 of which exceeded 1 cm. Twenty-nine iFTAs were identified (18 cases; 20% frequency); iFTAs were multiple in 10, bilateral in 4, and associated with an FTA in 3 cases. Three (25%) of 12 OAs with completely examined fallopian tubes were associated with FTAs. Stroma in both iFTAs and FTAs was CD10 and inhibin positive, and the epithelial phenotype of both iFTAs and OAs was identical, composed of secretory and ciliated cells. The fimbrial endosalpinx and the ovarian cortex share the potential for similar specialized stromal expansions with the formation of biphasic tumors with endosalpingeal epithelial differentiation. Similar to reports of serous and endometrioid tumors in both the distal fallopian tube and ovary, FTAs highlight a shared epithelial-mesenchymal differentiation pathway in the fimbrial-ovarian region. Whether the shared tumor phenotype in these 2 organs is coincidental or interdependent bears further investigation.
Reversion from mild cognitive impairment to normal or near-normal cognition

Objectives: We sought to identify characteristics of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that are associated with a relatively high probability of reverting back to normal cognition, and to estimate the risk of future cognitive decline among those who revert. Methods: We first studied 3,020 individuals diagnosed with MCI on at least 1 visit to an Alzheimer's Disease Center in the United States. All underwent standardized Uniform Data Set evaluations at their first visit with an MCI diagnosis and on a subsequent visit, about 1 year later, at which cognitive status was reassessed. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors of reverting from MCI back to normal cognition. We then estimated the risk of developing MCI or dementia over the next 3 years among those who had reverted, compared with individuals who had not had a study visit with MCI. Results: About 16% of subjects diagnosed with MCI reverted back to normal or near-normal cognition approximately 1 year later. Five characteristics assessed at the first MCI visit contributed significantly to a model predicting a return to normal cognition: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score, MCI type, Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) score, and APOE ϵ4 status. Survival analysis showed that the risk of retransitioning to MCI or dementia over the next 3 years was sharply elevated among those who had MCI and then improved, compared with individuals with no history of MCI. Conclusions: Even in a cohort of patients seen at dementia research centers, reversion from MCI was fairly common. Nonetheless, those who reverted remained at increased risk for future cognitive decline.
Determinants of Stock Trading Volume: Evidence from Indian Stock Markets

This paper examines the determinants of trading volume for individual stocks in the emerging India's stock markets. Our results demonstrate that stock-specific characteristics explain a significant portion of the variation in Indian stock trading volume. We show that weekly turnover, expressed as a percentage of shares outstanding, is significantly related to firm's alpha and beta estimated from OLS market model, the standard deviation of residuals from the OLS market model, average price, size, first order auto covariance of returns, its institutional ownership and whether or not options trade is permitted on this stock. Stock trading volume first increases in the level of institutional ownership, reaching its peak at 33% (47%) respectively for the BSE (NSE) stocks and then decreases. We find the evidence that past price extremes influence investors' trading decisions. We document that trading volume is higher when a stock trades above the highest or below the lowest price attained during a 52 weeks benchmark period and then gradually subsides. This result suggests that behavioral factors affect investors' trading decisions in the Indian equity markets. The compulsory rolling settlement had a significant impact on stock's trading volume. We also saw that across a broad sample of stocks, trading volume for a firm depends on which industry the particular firm belongs.
Interactivity and Communication Mode Choice in Ongoing Management Groups

Management is communication intensive and, therefore, managers may derive benefits from computer-based alternatives to the traditional communication modes of face-to-face FTF, telephone, and written memo. This research examined the use of electronic messaging EM by ongoing management groups performing a cooperative task. By means of an in-depth multimethod case study of the editorial group of two daily newspapers, it examined the fit between the interactivity of the chosen communication mode FTF vs. EM and the mode of discourse it was used for alternation vs. interaction/discussion. Two propositions were derived from this exploratory study. The first proposes that FTF, being highly interactive, is appropriate for building a shared interpretive context among group members, while CMC, being less interactive, is more appropriate for communicating within an established context. Groups exhibiting effective communication will use FTF primarily for interactive discourse and EM for discourse consisting primarily of alternating adjacency pairs. The second proposes that to the extent that the appropriate communication modes are chosen, communication will be more effective.
Exploring the challenges associated with the greening of supply chains in the South African manganese and phosphate mining industry

As with most mining activities, the mining of manganese and phosphate has serious consequences for the environment. Despite a largely adequate and progressive framework for environmental governance developed since 1994, few mines have integrated systems into their supply chain processes to minimise environmental risks and ensure the achievement of acceptable standards. Indeed, few mines have been able to implement green supply chain management (GrSCM). The purpose of this article was to explore challenges related to the implementation of GrSCM and to provide insight into how GrSCM can be implemented in the South African manganese and phosphate industry. This article reported findings of a qualitative study involving interviews with 12 participants from the manganese and phosphate industry in South Africa. Purposive sampling techniques were used. Emerging from the study were six themes, all of which were identified as key challenges in the implementation of GrSCM in the manganese and phosphate mining industry. From the findings, these challenges include the operationalisation of environmental issues, lack of collaboration and knowledge sharing, proper application of monitoring and control systems,lack of clear policy and legislative direction, the cost of implementing GrSCM practices, and the need for strong leadership and management of change. On the basis of the literature reviewed and empirical findings, conclusions were drawn and policy and management recommendations were accordingly made.
Tooth-bleaching - a critical review of the biological aspects

: Present tooth-bleaching techniques are based upon hydrogen peroxide as the active agent. It is applied directly, or produced in a chemical reaction from sodium perborate or carbamide peroxide. More than 90% immediate success has been reported for intracoronal bleaching of non-vital teeth, and in the period of 1-8 years' observation time, from 10 to 40% of the ini-tially successfully treated teeth needed re-treatment. Cervical root resorption is a possible consequence of internal bleaching and is more frequently observed in teeth treated with the thermo-catalytic procedure. When the external tooth-bleaching technique is used, the first subjective change in tooth color may be observed after 2-4 nights of tooth bleaching, and more than 90% satis-factory results have been reported. Tooth sensitivity is a common side-effect of external tooth bleaching observed in 15%-78% of the patients, but clinical studies addressing the risk of other adverse effects are lacking. Direct contact with hydrogen peroxide induced genotoxic effects in bacteria and cultured cells, whereas the effect was reduced or abolished in the presence of metabolizing enzymes. Several tumor-promoting studies, including the hamster cheek pouch model, indicated that hydrogen peroxide might act as a promoter. Multiple exposures of hydrogen peroxide have resulted in localized effects on the gastric mucosa, decreased food consumption, reduced weight gain, and blood chemistry changes in mice and rats. Our risk assessment revealed that a sufficient safety level was not reached in certain clinical situations of external tooth bleaching, such as bleaching one tooth arch with 35% carbamide peroxide, using several applications per day of 22% carbamide peroxide, and bleaching both arches simultaneously with 22% carbamide peroxide. The recommendation is to avoid using concentrations higher than 10% carbamide peroxide when one performs external bleaching. We advocate a selective use of external tooth bleaching based on high ethical standards and professional judgment.
Development and Evaluation of Theories of Alcohol-Related Violence: Covering a 40-Year Span

“Father, father,” he cried, “father, what are they doing? Father, they are beating the poor horse! ” “Come along, come along! ” said his father. “They are drunken and foolish, they are in fun; come away, don’t look! ” and he tried to draw him away, but he tore himself away from his hand, and, beside himself with horror, ran to the horse. The poor beast was in a bad way. She was gasping, standing still, then tugging again and almost falling. “Father! Why did they . kill. the poor horse! ” he sobbed, but his voice broke and the words came in shrieks from his panting chest. “They are drunk. They are brutal. it’s not our business! ” said his father. He put his arms round his father but he felt choked, choked. He tried to draw a breath, to cry out—and woke up.
Persistent Peripheral Nervous System Damage in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Macaques Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–induced peripheral neuropathy is the most common neurologic complication associated with HIV infection. In addition to virus-mediated injury of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), treatment of HIV infection with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) may induce toxic neuropathy as a side effect. Antiretroviral toxic neuropathy is clinically indistinguishable from the sensory neuropathy induced by HIV; in some patients, these 2 processes are likely superimposed. To study these intercurrent PNS disease processes, we first established a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)/pigtailed macaque model in which more than 90% of animals developed PNS changes closely resembling those seen in HIV-infected individuals with distal sensory neuropathy. To determine whether cART alters the progression of SIV-induced PNS damage, dorsal root ganglia and epidermal nerve fibers were evaluated in SIV-infected macaques after long-term suppressive cART. Although cART effectively suppressed SIV replication and reduced macrophage activation in the dorsal root ganglia, PGP 9.5 immunostaining and measurements of epidermal nerve fibers in the plantar surface of the feet of treated SIV-infected macaques clearly showed that cART did not normalize epidermal nerve fiber density. These findings illustrate that significant PNS damage persists in SIV-infected macaques on suppressive cART.
Rethinking Research: Creating a Practice-Based Agenda for Sustainable Small-Scale Healthy Food Retail

An emerging body of research examines the health and economic impacts of healthy corner store interventions, although implementing valid mechanisms to capture changes in diet remains a challenge. Healthy corner store interventions employ strategies to help corner stores procure, maintain and market healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy items like skim milk. A recent national convening of partners yielded a series of research and evaluation questions that need answers in order for the field to progress. Participants in the Healthy Corner Stores Symposium identified several challenges to developing a sustainable business model for small-scale healthy food retail. This group of practitioners, funders, lenders, academics, and other leaders ranked what they saw as the most promising opportunities for maximizing the positive impact these businesses have on the community. Unique to this forum, the agenda was born from a program-operation perspective and not from the more common approach where an independent researcher evaluates the efficacy of a program or intervention. As efforts to improve food systems emerge, such an approach to research is critical. The central challenges and a prioritized list of research questions are discussed.