Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Computerized Cognitive Training in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE Previous meta-analyses indicate that computerized cognitive training (CCT) is a safe and efficacious intervention for cognition in older adults. However, efficacy varies across populations and cognitive domains, and little is known about the efficacy of CCT in people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. METHOD The authors searched Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and CENTRAL through July 1, 2016, for randomized controlled trials of CCT in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Overall cognition, individual cognitive domains, psychosocial function, and activities of daily living were pooled separately for mild cognitive impairment and dementia trials. RESULTS The overall effect on cognition in mild cognitive impairment across 17 trials was moderate (Hedges' g=0.35, 95% CI=0.20-0.51). There was no evidence of publication bias or difference between active- and passive-controlled trials. Small to moderate effects were found for global cognition, attention, working memory, learning, and memory, with the exception of nonverbal memory, and for psychosocial functioning, including depressive symptoms. In dementia, statistically significant effects were found on overall cognition (k=11, g=0.26, 95% CI=0.01-0.52) and visuospatial skills, but these were driven by three trials of virtual reality or Nintendo Wii. CONCLUSIONS CCT is efficacious on global cognition, select cognitive domains, and psychosocial functioning in people with mild cognitive impairment. This intervention therefore warrants longer-term and larger-scale trials to examine effects on conversion to dementia. Conversely, evidence for efficacy in people with dementia is weak and limited to trials of immersive technologies.
Cannabinoids in humans. II. The influence of three methods of hydrolysis on the concentration of THC and two metabolites in urine.

Glucuronide conjugates of cannabinoids were previously identified in humans. For gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis of the unconjugated compounds in human urine, it is necessary to cleave the glucuronide moiety. Base hydrolysis and two forms of enzymatic hydrolysis were compared in this study to examine any quantitative differences between the hydrolysis methods. Human volunteers (n = 8) each smoked one marijuana cigarette containing 3.58% delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and submitted urine samples prior to smoking, 5 min after smoking, and hourly for 8 h thereafter. Urine (1 mL) was buffered to the optimum pH for each form of enzyme tested. beta-Glucuronidase from Escherichia coli (bacteria) or Helix pomatia (mollusk) was added to the specimens, followed by overnight incubation at 37 degrees C. Following hydrolysis, the samples were extracted using hexane-ethyl acetate (7:1) and derivatized with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide plus 1% trimethylchlorosilane, which converted the cannabinoids to their trimethylsilyl derivatives. GC-MS analysis revealed striking differences between the hydrolysis methods. Concentrations of unconjugated THC and 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC) using E. coli were significantly increased over all other methods tested (p < .05). These results demonstrate the species-dependent nature of glucuronidase activity in hydrolyzing THC and 11-OH-THC glucuronides and the ineffectiveness of base hydrolysis on these hydroxylated compounds. The need for further study to find the optimum conditions necessary for the complete hydrolysis of cannabinoid conjugates is suggested.
Association between orthodontic treatment need and masticatory performance.

AIM This retrospective cohort study assessed the differences between the masticatory performance of individuals with and without orthodontic treatment need. METHODS Masticatory performances of 120 participants with equal numbers of males and females (n = 60 each) with and without treatment need (n = 60 each, determined using the index of the complexity, outcome, and need [ICON]) matched by age and sex were assessed. Participants chewed on test foods at sequences of 20, 30, 40, 40, 30, and 20 masticatory cycles. After sieving the chewed particles, the masticatory parameters (median particle size [MPS], masticatory frequency [MF], and broadness of particle distribution [BPD]) were calculated. The associations between treatment need and the MPS with age, weight, and stature, as well as the relationship between sex and MPS and MF, were assessed. RESULTS According to the independent samples t test, MPS of subjects with and without treatment need differed significantly (P < .05) while MF did not. The differences between BPD values reached the level of significance only after 40 cycles of mastication (P < .05). Females showed significantly greater MPS values. Only at the 40-cycle sequence did females in need of treatment chew significantly slower. According to the repeated-measures ANOVA, no significant differences existed (P > .05) between each of the MPS, MF, and BPD values measured at different sequences. No significant correlations were found between MPS and age, sex, or stature (P > .05 [Spearman correlation coefficient]). CONCLUSION The masticatory performance of individuals with and without treatment need differed for MPS and BPD (at the 40-cycle sequence). Age, weight, and stature did not affect the treatment need and MPS. Females showed poorer results regarding MPS--only at the 40-cycle sequence did females with malocclusion chew significantly slower.
Developing Partnerships: An Evaluation of Family and Community Literacy Initiatives in Australia.

As part of a larger Australian study on family literacy, this study obtained information about a wide range of family or community literacy initiatives currently in operation in Australia. The study was interested in how the language and literacy learning of students from a variety of schools and communities was influenced by the involvement of parents, caregivers or tut,. rs. Advertisements were placed in newspapers, press releases were sent to major newspapers and radio and television stations, and major organizations, government departments, and institutions were contacted directly for information about parent/community literacy programs or initiatives. Over 380 responses were received, and information from over 250 programs or initiatives were added to a database. Overall, six major issues emerged: (1) vost family and community literacy initiatives had not been evaluated beyond simple surveys of participants and the recording of anecdotal comments; (2) evidence concerning the impact of programs on student outcome was limited; (3) initiatives varied greatly in terms of content, process, participant control, and purposes; (4) many initiatives were "tokenistic" and paid little attention to the needs of communities, focusing instead on the needs of the school; (5) many programs that began with a concern for the support of children's literacy developed a secondary interest in the support of adult literacy learners; and (6) when programs were evaluated, some had the potential to lead to the development of significant partnerships between the home and the school. Findings suggest the need for more intensive evaluation of family and community literacy initiatives, and programs need to initiated by community groups as well as educational organizations to share responsibility, control, and ownership. (Contains 25 references and 5 tables of data.) (RS) *********************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ***********************************************************************
Inhibition of Ammonium Oxidation by Nitrapyrin in Soil and Liquid Culture

Inhibition of growth of axenic cultures of Nitrosomonas europaea by nitrapyrin was investigated in liquid culture and in soil. In liquid culture, exponentially growing cells were more sensitive than stationary-phase cells, possibly due to a requirement for uptake of nitrapyrin, metabolism of nitrapyrin, or both before inhibition. Differences in sensitivity were observed between the parent strain and two strains, sp1 and sp2, that were selected through repeated subculturing. These differences were reflected in the length of the lag period induced by nitrapyrin and in the specific growth rate and were due to different bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects. Soil provided significant protection from inhibition, with concentrations of nitrapyrin approximately one order of magnitude greater than those required for equivalent inhibition in liquid culture. The data show that strain differences alone do not explain differences in sensitivity between nitrification in soil and in liquid culture and suggest that the inhibitor may be more effective against actively nitrifying soils.
Can preimplantation genetic diagnosis overcome recurrent pregnancy failure?

Purpose of review Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is widely used for the detection of embryo aneuploidy before implantation, with the aim of avoiding miscarriage or pregnancy termination of an aneuploid fetus. The majority of first trimester miscarriages occur due to chromosomal imbalances. The aim of this review is to assess whether preimplantation genetic diagnosis can help women who suffer from recurrent pregnancy loss. Recent findings Several in-vitro fertilization clinics have employed preimplantation genetic diagnosis in women with recurrent pregnancy loss. Patients were classified into groups according to their age. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis was very successful in treating couples where one of the parents was a carrier of a balanced chromosomal abnormality such as a translocation. Similarly, recurrent pregnancy loss rate was reduced in women more than 35 years in age with a normal karyotype. On the other hand, in younger patients the beneficial effect of this procedure is debatable. In general, women with recurrent pregnancy loss produced more abnormal embryos than control groups. Summary Preimplantation genetic diagnosis can be beneficial for three major subgroups of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss: couples carrying chromosomal translocations; women more than 35 years of age; women of any age whose previous miscarriages were due to fetal aneuploidy. It is likely that the rate of miscarriage will be further reduced with the new advances in methods of performing preimplantation genetic diagnosis for more chromosomes.
Charge Storage and Variable Temperature Data Retention Characteristics of Nitrided Titanium Oxide Nonvolatile Memory Device

In this letter, electrical characteristics of TiO2 and nitrogen incorporated TiO2 (TiON) as the charge storage layer (CSL) in charge storage memories are investigated. Compared with the charge storage memory device with the TiO2 CSL, the one with the TiON CSL exhibits a wider flatband voltage hysteresis window (10 V at ±12 V), a higher program response (flat-band voltage shift = 1.842 V at 15 V/1 ms voltage pulse), and a minor charge loss (11.15% after 104 s at 25 °C). Furthermore, the energy levels of charge trapping sites in TiO2 and TiON CSLs, extracted from temperature-dependent retention measurement, are 0.185 and 0.391 eV, respectively. Microstructure and interface composition of TiO2 and TiON CSLs are examined to understand the distinct charge storage performances of two memory devices.
Foreign bank entry and bank competition in Africa: an inverted u-shaped relation

ABSTRACT:This paper rigorously investigates the relationship between foreign bank entry and bank competition in Africa. It uses newly databases of bank competition measured by the Boone indicator and foreign bank entry. Our final sample covers 34 African countries over the period 1997–2009. To take into account potential endogeneity between our measures of bank competition and foreign bank entry we employ the GMM system dynamic-panel data estimation. The GMM results show that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between foreign bank entry and bank competition. Our result remains robust to the introduction of financial depth measured by: private credit, liquid liabilities, bank assets and deposit money; bank efficiency: overhead costs, bank cost to income ratio, and the net interest margin; and bank stability measured by: bank capital, the Z-score and deposit insurance; bank concentration, defined as the share of assets of the three largest banks, the logarithm of per-worker GDP, the inflation rate, corruption, geography and religion as controls. Our findings have important implications for both policymakers and regulators who work on issues related to African economies. Since the majority of foreign banks in Africa are originated from developed countries, our result suggests to governments to encourage and diversify foreign bank presence in the continent. Specifically, they should encourage foreign banks entry from developing and emerging economies. This will increase competition in the banking sector for those countries and will boost economic growth by lowering the cost of credit.
Multiple facial angiofibromas and collagenomas in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) for cutaneous manifestations. DESIGN Survey during a 3-year period. SETTING The National Institutes of Health, a tertiary referral research hospital in Bethesda Md. PATIENTS A consecutive sample of 32 individuals with previously diagnosed MEN1 who were not preselected for the presence of skin lesions were examined for cutaneous abnormalities. None of the patients or family members were diagnosed as having tuberous sclerosis. INTERVENTIONS Lesions were identified by clinical appearance, photographed, and confirmed histologically. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE To determine the frequency of skin lesions in patients with MEN1. RESULTS Multiple facial angiofibromas were observed in 28 (88%) of the patients with MEN1, with 16 patients (50%) having 5 or more. Angiofibromas were clinically and histologically identical to those in individuals with tuberous sclerosis. Collagenomas were observed in 23 patients (72%). Also observed were cafe au lait macules in 12 patients (38%), lipomas in 11 patients (34%), confetti-like hypopigmented macules in 2 patients (6%), and multiple gingival papules in 2 patients (6%). CONCLUSIONS Multiple angiofibromas, collagenomas, lipomas, confetti-like hypopigmented macules and multiple gingival papules are cutaneous manifestations of MEN1 and should be looked for in both family members of patients with MEN1 and individuals with hyperparathyroidism of other MEN1-associated tumors. Multiple angiofibromas can no longer be considered pathognomonic for tuberous sclerosis. The observation of angiofibromas in individuals without tuberous sclerosis necessitates further biochemical testing for MEN1.
ALK Expression is a Rare Finding in Mycosis Fungoides

Abstract: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Although indolent in its early stages, MF is more aggressive in advanced stages, particularly if large cell transformation occurs. Histologically, transformed MF is similar to primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) and nodal ALCL (nALCL). MF had not been associated with immunohistochemical expression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) until we previously reported a case documenting the presence of ALK by immunohistochemistry in a patient with stage IA MF and concurrent nALCL. This is a unique finding due to the fact that ALK positivity is usually found in nALCL. The goal of this study is to examine the extent to which ALK may be expressed in the different morphologic lesions of MF. One hundred three biopsies from 96 patients, including the patient from the original case, with confirmed MF representing various lesion stages and subtypes, were tested for ALK by immunohistochemical staining. Out of the 103 biopsies, only the original index case of Stage IA MF with concurrent nALCL expressed ALK. From these results, we conclude that ALK is not routinely present in MF in any lesion stage or variant type. Routine staining of ALK is therefore of no additional benefit for the workup of known early stage MF; however, its use may be beneficial in the initial workup of unspecified large cell lymphomas of the skin.
Effect of supplementation with vegetable oil on performance of lactating Awassi ewes, growth of their lambs and on fatty acid profile of milk and blood of lambs

Abstract. The present study investigated the effects of supplementing soybean oil (SBO) and sunflower oil (SFO) on the performance of early lactating Awassi ewes, growth of their sucking lambs and on the concentration of total fatty acids in milk and blood of suckling lambs. One hundred and twenty five ewes were randomly assigned into five equal sized treatment groups involved; a control total mixed ration (TMR) without added oil and four diets supplemented with 3 % SBO, 5 % SBO, 3 % SFO or 5 % SFO.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Mild Concussion?

&NA; Twenty‐two adults with mild concussions were assessed 5 times during the first 3 months after injury. The initial tests were performed within 72 hours of injury. Each evaluation included a neurological examination and neuropsychological reaction time (RT) tests of simple and choice RT variations. The concussed subjects were compared with control subjects matched for age, sex, and education. The time of day of the testing was equated for the two groups. None of the concussed subjects had a significant neurological deficit and none was hospitalized. There was no significant difference in the number of errors by the two groups on the RT tests. On the simple RT test, requiring a predetermined response to a specific signal, there was no significant difference between the groups, although the concussed group was approximately 28 ms slower on the average than the control group. On the choice RT tests, however, which demand an increased amount of attention and information processing, the concussed subjects were significantly slower than the normal control group, especially during the 1st month after injury. Even after 3 months, the concussed subjects had not yet attained the skill of the control group. Analysis of the response curves over time suggested two processes: an improvement in the concussed group and a slowing in the control group. Within the concussed group, there was no correlation of RT with the severity of the concussion. Even mild concussions can cause significant attentional and information processing impairment in the absence of any apparent neurological problems. Specific neuropsychological tests are necessary to reveal the deficit. A significant impairment seems to last for several weeks. There is a gradual improvement over 3 months, suggesting a recovery process.
Missing gender in the development project: an inquiry into the poverty reduction strategy paper of Bangladesh

This paper took an attempt to highlight the linkages between household dynamics, market mechanism and employment condition. The main objective of it was to find out how far the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) of Bangladesh was gender friendly. This paper used the PRSP as a case study and explained it through feminists’ views of household dynamics. Various sources of secondary data (journal articles, documents and newspapers) were used to substantiate the arguments. Some methodological, conceptual and policy limitations were observed. Methodological limitations included lack of a well-accepted definition of poverty, less participation of women during the final stage of its preparation, and giving no attention to disaggregated data. Women were conceptually seen as docile, passive and unproductive. Emphasizing development in all sectors was a disastrous decision in the policy domain. It therefore suggested for focusing on a single rather multi-sector in order to further development. In this perspective, as emphasized, only increasing women participation in the labour market could bring huge change in and outside the household. Finally, it concluded that like other developing countries, Bangladesh should formulate a single-sector oriented development policy— methodologically and financially sound—for the empowerment of women.
The Attitudes of African American Middle School Girls Toward Computer Science: Influences of Home, School, and Technology Use

The number of women in computing is significantly low compared to the number of men in the discipline, with African American women making up an even smaller segment of this population. Related literature accredits this phenomenon to multiple sources, including background, stereotypes, discrimination, self-confidence, and a lack of self-efficacy or belief in one’s capabilities. However, a majority of the literature fails to represent African American females in research studies. This research used a mixed methods approach to understand the attitudes of African American middle school girls toward computer science and investigated the factors that influence these attitudes. Since women who do pursue computing degrees and continue with graduate education often publish in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) in greater proportions than men, this research used an intervention to introduce African American middle school girls to computational thinking concepts using HCI topics. To expand the scope of the data collected, a separate group of girls were introduced to computational thinking concepts through Algorithms. Data were collected through both quantitative and qualitative sources, and analyzed using inferential statistics and content analysis. The results show that African American middle school girls generally have negative attitudes toward computer science. However, after participating in a computer science intervention, perceptions toward computer science become more positive. The results also reveal that four factors influence the attitudes of African American middle school girls toward computer science, such as the participation in an intervention, the intervention content domain, the facilitation of performance accomplishments, and participant characteristics like socioeconomic status, mother’s education, school grades, and the use of smart phones and video game consoles at home.
An analytical method for face detection based on image patterns of EEG signals in the time-frequency domain

Although face-to-face communication includes the richest information, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients cannot smoothly communicate with others and express their emotions because of paralyzed muscles. Therefore, the N170 responses of EEG signals were analyzed to detect face stimuli in real time. We also proposed an analytical method for feature extraction of a support vector machine (SVM) classifier with the bag of features scheme to overcome the general difficulty in setting of kernel parameters of SVM. The proposed method resulted in a constantly high accuracy in the face classification; the SVM classifier based on image pattern recognition in the time frequency domain efficiently enables easier setting of the non-linear kernel parameter. Further studies will be required to apply the proposed method for feature extraction to practical devices.