Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Do Muscle Changes Contribute to the Neurological Disorder in Spastic Paresis?

Background At the onset of stroke-induced hemiparesis, muscle tissue is normal and motoneurones are not overactive. Muscle contracture and motoneuronal overactivity then develop. Motor command impairments are classically attributed to the neurological lesion, but the role played by muscle changes has not been investigated. Methods Interaction between muscle and command disorders was explored using quantified clinical methodology—the Five Step Assessment. Six key muscles of each of the lower and upper limbs in adults with chronic poststroke hemiparesis were examined by a single investigator, measuring the angle of arrest with slow muscle stretch (XV1) and the maximal active range of motion against the resistance of the tested muscle (XA). The coefficient of shortening CSH = (XN-XV1)/XN (XN, normally expected amplitude) and of weakness CW = (XV1-XA)/XV1) were calculated to estimate the muscle and command disorders, respectively. Composite CSH (CCSH) and CW (CCW) were then derived for each limb by averaging the six corresponding coefficients. For the shortened muscles of each limb (mean CSH > 0.10), linear regressions explored the relationships between coefficients of shortening and weakness below and above their median coefficient of shortening. Results A total of 80 persons with chronic hemiparesis with complete lower limb assessments [27 women, mean age 47 (SD 17), time since lesion 8.8 (7.2) years], and 32 with upper limb assessments [18 women, age 32 (15), time since lesion 6.4 (9.3) years] were identified. The composite coefficient of shortening was greater in the lower than in the upper limb (0.12 ± 0.04 vs. 0.08 ± 0.04; p = 0.0002, while the composite coefficient of weakness was greater in the upper limb (0.28 ± 0.12 vs. 0.15 ± 0.06, lower limb; p < 0.0001). In the lower limb shortened muscles, the coefficient of weakness correlated with the composite coefficient of shortening above the 0.15 median CSH (R = 0.43, p = 0.004) but not below (R = 0.14, p = 0.40). Conclusion In chronic hemiparesis, muscle shortening affects the lower limb particularly, and, beyond a threshold of severity, may alter descending commands. The latter might occur through chronically increased intramuscular tension, and thereby increased muscle afferent firing and activity-dependent synaptic sensitization at the spinal level.
Japanese Sound-Symbolic Words for Representing the Hardness of an Object Are Judged Similarly by Japanese and English Speakers

Contrary to the assumption of arbitrariness in modern linguistics, sound symbolism, which is the non-arbitrary relationship between sounds and meanings, exists. Sound symbolism, including the “Bouba–Kiki” effect, implies the universality of such relationships; individuals from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds can similarly relate sound-symbolic words to referents, although the extent of these similarities remains to be fully understood. Here, we examined if subjects from different countries could similarly infer the surface texture properties from words that sound-symbolically represent hardness in Japanese. We prepared Japanese sound-symbolic words of which novelty was manipulated by a genetic algorithm (GA). Japanese speakers in Japan and English speakers in both Singapore and the United States rated these words based on surface texture properties (hardness, warmness, and roughness), as well as familiarity. The results show that hardness-related words were rated as harder and rougher than softness-related words, regardless of novelty and countries. Multivariate analyses of the ratings classified the hardness-related words along the hardness-softness dimension at over 80% accuracy, regardless of country. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the number of speech sounds /g/ and /k/ predicted the ratings of the surface texture properties in non-Japanese countries, suggesting a systematic relationship between phonetic features of a word and perceptual quality represented by the word across culturally and linguistically diverse samples.
The Search as Learning Spaceship: Toward a Comprehensive Model of Psychological and Technological Facets of Search as Learning

Using a Web search engine is one of today’s most frequent activities. Exploratory search activities which are carried out in order to gain knowledge are conceptualized and denoted as Search as Learning (SAL). In this paper, we introduce a novel framework model which incorporates the perspective of both psychology and computer science to describe the search as learning process by reviewing recent literature. The main entities of the model are the learner who is surrounded by a specific learning context, the interface that mediates between the learner and the information environment, the information retrieval (IR) backend which manages the processes between the interface and the set of Web resources, that is, the collective Web knowledge represented in resources of different modalities. At first, we provide an overview of the current state of the art with regard to the five main entities of our model, before we outline areas of future research to improve our understanding of search as learning processes.
Comparison of the Evaluation of Combination of Ultrasonography of the Reproductive Tract With Hormone Administration on Dairy Cow Fertility

Further optimization of reproduction management programs in dairy cows is a contemporary research topic. In this context, our study aimed to compare a hormone program, named “uterus-ovary monitoring and classified use of hormone program” (M+C), with the Pre-OvSynch program. The M+C was based on regular application of B-mode ultrasonography during a voluntary waiting period to monitor the uterus and ovaries, while using various treatments under different conditions. Results of the 30–33-day and 60-day pregnancy/artificial insemination after the first AI of M+C were significantly better than the Pre-OvSynch (p < 0.05). The pregnancy rates within 180 days in milk after M+C was significantly higher than that after Pre-OvSynch (p < 0.05). The total number of inseminations used for M+C was significantly lower than that for Pre-OvSynch (p < 0.01). The number of open days was fewer after M+C than after the Pre–OvSynch throughout the experimental period with highly significant differences (p < 0.01). In summary, the use of M+C enhances reproductive benefits and reduces the need for hormone drugs among cows.
Personality Styles of Dentists Practicing Hypnosis Confirm the Existence of the Homo Hypnoticus

Several publications with healthcare professionals, such as psychotherapists, have shown a significant difference in personality styles in practitioners using hypnosis compared to those not using hypnosis. To investigate differences in personality styles, dentists were contacted to participate in a personality-inventory [Personality Style and Disorder Inventory (PSDI)] online survey. Dentists using hypnosis (HYP DGZH) (n = 418) were compared to dentists not using hypnosis (NONHYP DENT) (n = 162). Results show that hypnosis-practicing dentists score significantly higher in the intuitive/schizotypal ST personality style (p < 0.001) compared to non-hypnosis-practicing dentists. Female dentists scored significantly higher in intuitive/schizotypal ST and unselfish/self-sacrificing SL in the HYP DGZH sample but only in unselfish/self-sacrificing SL in the NONHYP DENT sample. The percentage of women was similar in both samples (68.2%; 67.3%). Intuitive/schizotypal ST was found to be the predominant personality style of men who are interested in or use hypnosis, metaphorically so-called “homo hypnoticus. ” Within the limitations of this cross-sectional non-interventional observational online-questionnaire study, results expand this notion to the so-called “homo hypnoticus dentalis. ” However, further research on the subject is needed to investigate and confirm this personality type in other than the German-speaking DACH countries.
Social Determinants of Disparities in Mortality Outcomes in Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Social determinants of health (SDoH) affect congenital heart disease (CHD) mortality across all forms and age groups. We sought to evaluate risk of mortality from specific SDoH stratified across CHD to guide interventions to alleviate this risk. Methods We searched electronic databases between January 1980 and June 2019 and included studies that evaluated occurrence of CHD deaths and SDoH in English articles. Meta-analysis was performed if SDoH data were available in >3 studies. We included race/ethnicity, deprivation, insurance status, maternal age, maternal education, single/multiple pregnancy, hospital volume, and geographic location of patients as SDoH. Data were pooled using random-effects model and outcome was reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Of 17,716 citations reviewed, 65 met inclusion criteria. Sixty-three were observational retrospective studies and two prospective. Of 546,981 patients, 34,080 died. Black patients with non-critical CHD in the first year of life (Odds Ratio 1.62 [95% confidence interval 1.47–1.79], I2 = 7.1%), with critical CHD as neonates (OR 1.27 [CI 1.05-1.55], I2 = 0%) and in the first year (OR 1.68, [1.45-1.95], I2 = 0.3%) had increased mortality. Deprived patients, multiple pregnancies, patients born to mothers <18 years and with education <12 years, and patients on public insurance with critical CHD have greater likelihood of death after the neonatal period. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis found that Black patients with CHD are particularly vulnerable for mortality. Numerous SDoH that affect mortality were identified for specific time points in CHD course that may guide interventions, future research and policy. Systematic Review Registration [https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/PROSPERO/display_record. php? ID=CRD42019139466&ID=CRD42019139466], identifier [CRD42019139466].
The Impact of Specific Psychological Characteristics on Decision-Making Under the Different Conditions of Risk Self-Assessment

In the face of challenging and novel activities or events (e.g., bungee jumping, academic competitions, new project developments), people can choose to participate or not. Decisionmaking behavior is the result of multiple factors, and assessment of risk activity is one such factor in behavioral decision-making (Zuckerman, 2007). Activity characteristics, personal characteristics, and social situation factors can also influence decision-making. The key determinants of decisionmaking include cognitive and affective states (Yuen and Lee, 2003), motivation (Ramey et al., 2016), and personality traits (Skeel et al., 2007). Personality traits can include sensation seeking (Zuckerman, 2007), openness to experience (Peterson and Seligman, 2004), and impulsiveness (Lejuez et al., 2002). Individual differences can be expected to drive effects on decision-making processes and outcomes as well as the interaction between individual differences and other factors (Appelt et al., 2011). Curiosity, optimism, and courage are all strongly associated with uncertainty or risk (Loewenstein, 1994; Lopez, 2007; Carver and Scheier, 2014). Therefore, in this article, we focus on these three psychological characteristics and risk assessment in decision-making. We propose that there are important psychological characteristics that drive people to make decisions and behave under different conditions of risk self-assessment.
Broadband Polarization Manipulation Based on W-Shaped Metasurface

We present a metasurface consisting of W-shaped resonators to realize broadband reflective linear and circular polarization conversions. We find that the cross polarization conversion ratio for normal incidence is over 0.95 from 9.2 to 18.7 GHz, covering 68.1% of the central frequency. We also show that, the conversion performance is almost insensitive to the angle of incident waves. Furthermore, by simply adjusting the geometrical parameters of the W-shaped metasurface, the broadband circular polarization conversion is also achieved. We emphasize that the bandwidth of axis ratio less than 3.0 dB covers from 10.1 to 17.7 GHz, equivalent to 54.7% relative bandwidth. Due to these broadband and high-efficiency polarization conversion features, our proposal may have a wide application prospect.
The HCV Envelope Glycoprotein Down-Modulates NF-κB Signalling and Associates With Stimulation of the Host Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway

Following acute HCV infection, the virus establishes a chronic disease in the majority of patients whilst few individuals clear the infection spontaneously. The precise mechanisms that determine chronic HCV infection or spontaneous clearance are not completely understood but are proposed to be driven by host and viral genetic factors as well as HCV encoded immunomodulatory proteins. Using the HIV-1 LTR as a tool to measure NF-κB activity, we identified that the HCV E1E2 glycoproteins and more so the E2 protein down-modulates HIV-1 LTR activation in 293T, TZM-bl and the more physiologically relevant Huh7 liver derived cell line. We demonstrate this effect is specifically mediated through inhibiting NF-κB binding to the LTR and show that this effect was conserved for all HCV genotypes tested. Transcriptomic analysis of 293T cells expressing the HCV glycoproteins identified E1E2 mediated stimulation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response pathway and upregulation of stress response genes such as ATF3. Through shRNA mediated inhibition of ATF3, one of the components, we observed that E1E2 mediated inhibitory effects on HIV-1 LTR activity was alleviated. Our in vitro studies demonstrate that HCV Env glycoprotein activates host ER Stress Pathways known to inhibit NF-κB activity. This has potential implications for understanding HCV induced immune activation as well as oncogenesis.
Spatial Distribution and Factors Associated With Risky Health Behavior Among Adult Males Aged 15–59 Years in Ethiopia: Generalized Structural Equation Modeling

Background Alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking are the largest preventable causes of death and important risk factors for a number of non-communicable diseases and cause premature death and many socioeconomic consequences. Therefore, the present study is aimed to assess the spatial distribution of risky health behavior and its associated factors among adult males in Ethiopia. Methods All men (12,688) within the age range of 15–59 years were included in the final analysis. The distribution of risky health behavior across the country was observed by using ArcGIS software. In SaTScan software, the Bernoulli model was fitted by Kulldorff methods to identify the purely spatial clusters of risky health behavior. Generalized Structural Equation Model (GSEM) was used to determine factors associated with risky health behavior (regular alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking). Results Risky health behavior had spatial variation across the country. The primary clusters were located in Tigray, Amhara, and north-eastern Benishangul national regional states. Spatial scan statistics identified 118 primary clusters [Log-Likelihood ratio (LLR) = 524.8, p < 0.001]. Residence, frequency of listening to a radio, occupation, and frequency of watching television were significantly associated with drinking alcohol, whereas wealth index was associated with tobacco smoking. Age, region, educational status, marital status, and religion had association with both domains of risky health behavior. Conclusion Risky health behavior had spatial variation across the country. Bans on advertising and promotion of alcohol and tobacco on national press media should be strengthened. Aggressive health education efforts should be directed toward this high-risk population (Tigray, Amhara, and north-eastern Benishangul regional states). Improving risky health behavior is an important approach to reducing health disparities and promoting a more cost-effective utilization of scarce resources in the public health sector.
Variability of Aerosols and Clouds Over North Indian and Myanmar During the COVID-19 Lockdown Period

The implementation of a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 disease has reduced the loading of anthropogenic aerosols. However, AOD distribution over South Asia during the lockdown period shows a dipole pattern: reduction over North Indian and enhancement over the Myanmar region. This dipole pattern is evident in some datasets (MODIS, MERRA, and CALIPSO). MODIS fire counts collocated with CALIPSO smoke aerosols show enhancement over Myanmar indicating the contribution from fires. However, over the North India region number of fires during the lockdown period are less compared to climatology. Thus, the observed reduction in AOD is due to fires and anthropogenic sources. Our analysis shows that aerosols originating from biomass burning forms a layer (900–600 hPa) over the Myanmar region that produces atmospheric heating (0–2.8 K/day) that eventually leads to cloud dissipation/burning (negative in-atmospheric cloud radiative forcing ∼ −13 W/m2) and precipitation reduction (−1 to −4 mm) over Myanmar. In contrast, the aerosol reduction over North India favors cloud formation, that is, increase in cloud cover and reduction in specific cloud liquid water content leading to precipitation enhancement, indicating the anti-Twomey effect.
Business Models, Including Higher Value Products for the New Circular, Resource-Efficient Biobased Industry

The biobased business model, which initiated the era of improved use of the biological resources, upgrading resources otherwise wasted or downgraded, started with the “biomass to biofuel” biorefinery: economy by scale, requiring large investments, and stable supply of high volume, low-cost feedstock. A high-profiled business model for pioneering biorefineries was a joint venture, often formed by two already mature businesses, joining two sets of competence, skills, and experience; with opportunity for later merger or acquisition. The biofuel biorefinery was challenged from two sides, its commercial viability (caused by a low-priced end product) and sustainability issues, as it utilizes only the energy content and not the biomass structures. A new era of biobased industries was started, focusing on unlocking the full potential of biomass, by cascading optimized valorization of all (or at least more parts of) the biomass components. This dual objective, opens a spectrum of new types of bioeconomy business models, suitable for more complex biobased industries, including higher-value products in the biobased portfolio, being more complex, handling several more process steps and streams, and producing several types of biobased products. Five examples of such business models are described: (1) Biobased industry, upgrading in-house production sidestreams. (2) Biomass-specialized biorefinery. (3) Cooperatively owned biobased valorization of crop residues and processing sidestreams. (4) Industry clusters as the preferred biobased business model. (5) Local public/private consortium-owned production of biobased products. Furthermore, foresight analysis is presented on possible new business models, suitable for the expected wide variety of new types of biobased industries.
Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Challenges for the Future

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common acute unilateral optic nerve (ON)-related cause of vision loss in people over age 50 (1, 2). However, despite the frequency with which this condition occurs, there is no treatment proven to improve vision in patients affected by NAION. Patient evaluation initially focuses on the exclusion of mimickers, specifically arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy secondary to giant cell arteritis, as well as optic neuritis in atypical cases. After confirmation of the NAION diagnosis, the focus shifts to the identification of modifiable risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia (3), obstructive sleep apnea (4, 5), and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor use (6, 7). Optimizing treatment of modifiable risk factors may decrease the risk of developing a sequential NAION in the fellow eye. The pathophysiology of NAION, while not fully elucidated, is thought to be secondary to decreased perfusion of the anterior ON from short posterior ciliary arteries, leading to the development of optic disc swelling and, eventually, a compartment syndrome (8). The cause of the decreased perfusion (eg, hypotension, microthrombosis, a combination of these, or something else entirely) has not been confirmed. Studies also suggest that the inflammatory response to the initial injury may play a role in the resultant neuronal damage and visual loss (9, 10). Therefore, various potential neuroprotective and neuroregenerative treatments for NAION have been (and continue to be) evaluated.
Do Age and Linguistic Status Alter the Effect of Sound Source Diffuseness on Speech Recognition in Noise?

One aspect of auditory scenes that has received very little attention is the level of diffuseness of sound sources. This aspect has increasing importance due to growing use of amplification systems. When an auditory stimulus is amplified and presented over multiple, spatially-separated loudspeakers, the signal’s timbre is altered due to comb filtering. In a previous study we examined how increasing the diffuseness of the sound sources might affect listeners’ ability to recognize speech presented in different types of background noise. Listeners performed similarly when both the target and the masker were presented via a similar number of loudspeakers. However, performance improved when the target was presented using a single speaker (compact) and the masker from three spatially separate speakers (diffuse) but worsened when the target was diffuse, and the masker was compact. In the current study, we extended our research to examine whether the effects of timbre changes with age and linguistic experience. Twenty-four older adults whose first language was English (Old-EFLs) and 24 younger adults whose second language was English (Young-ESLs) were asked to repeat non-sense sentences masked by either Noise, Babble, or Speech and their results were compared with those of the Young-EFLs previously tested. Participants were divided into two experimental groups: (1) A Compact-Target group where the target sentences were presented over a single loudspeaker, while the masker was either presented over three loudspeakers or over a single loudspeaker; (2) A Diffuse-Target group, where the target sentences were diffuse while the masker was either compact or diffuse. The results indicate that the Target Timbre has a negligible effect on thresholds when the timbre of the target matches the timbre of the masker in all three groups. When there is a timbre contrast between target and masker, thresholds are significantly lower when the target is compact than when it is diffuse for all three listening groups in a Noise background. However, while this difference is maintained for the Young and Old-EFLs when the masker is Babble or Speech, speech reception thresholds in the Young-ESL group tend to be equivalent for all four combinations of target and masker timbre.