Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of high temperature and pressure ammonia solution treatment on interfacial behavior of carbon fiber/epoxy resin composites

The method of high temperature and pressure ammonia solution treatment to improve the interfacial performances of carbon fiber/epoxy composites is discussed in this study. Besides, the influence of high temperature and pressure ammonia solution treatment on carbon fiber and its reinforced epoxy composite interface performance were studied. The untreated and treated carbon fibers were characterized by monofilament tensile test, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscope (AFM). The interfacial adhesion of the untreated and treated carbon fibers reinforced epoxy resin composites were also evaluated by interface shear strength (IFSS) test, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) test, and fracture morphology analysis. It was found that the interfacial adhesion of composites increased greatly after high temperature and pressure ammonia solution treatment. The improvement of interfacial adhesion was attributed to the increase of polar functional groups and surface roughness of carbon fibers surface after treatment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Therapist and Client Interactions in Motivational Interviewing for Social Anxiety Disorder.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to assess the bidirectional associations between therapist and client speech during a treatment based on motivational interviewing (MI) for social anxiety disorder. METHOD Participants were 85 adults diagnosed with social anxiety who received MI prior to entering cognitive behavioral therapy. MI sessions were sequentially coded using the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code 2.5. RESULTS Therapist MI-consistent behaviors, including open questions as well as positive and negative reflections, were more likely to be followed by client change exploration (change talk and counter-change talk). Therapist MI-inconsistent behaviors were more likely to precede client neutral language. Client language was also found to influence therapist likelihood of responding in an MI-consistent manner. CONCLUSION The findings support the first step of the MI causal model in the context of social anxiety and direct future research into the effect of therapist and client behaviors on MI treatment outcome.
Removal of lead(II) ions from aqueous solutions using activated carbon from Militia ferruginea plant leaves

The adsorption of lead(II) on to activated carbon developed from an indigenous Ethiopian medicinal plant leaves namely Birbira ( Militia ferruginea ) was investigated to assess the possible use of this adsorbent. The influences of contact time, adsorbent dose, Pb(II) concentration, pH and temperature on adsorption were investigated. The maximum adsorption took place at 3 h. at a dose of 4.0 g of adsorbent, and 97.3 % of Pb 2+ adsorption at pH of 4.0. The amount of lead ion adsorbed per gram of the adsorbent increased with decreasing concentration of Pb 2+ . The percentage of adsorption had increased with the increasing temperature. The positive value ofH indicated that the adsorption of lead ions on the adsorbent was an endothermic process. The values of free energy ( �G) were negative as expected for a spontaneous process. The decrease inG value with increasing temperature revealed that adsorption of the ion on the adsorbent became favorable at a higher temperature. The calculated value ofH was 25.05 kJ mol -1 , �S was 135.48 JK -1 mol -1 andG was also calculated for each temperature. The two theoretical adsorption isotherms, namely, Langmuir and Freundlich were used to describe the experimental results. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm best fits and adsorption capacity was calculated to be 3.3 mg of Pb(II) per g of adsorbent. The adsorption followed the first order kinetics and was found to be pH dependent being maximum at pH 4.0. The pH effect and desorption studies showed that ion exchange mechanism might be involved in the adsorption process. Reuse of the desorbed bio-adsorbent is possible. The effect of foreign ions on the removal of Pb(II) has been investigated. The removal of Pb(II) from industrial wastewater sample was also tested and showed that more than 97 % removal was possible. The results showed that activated carbon prepared from Birbira ( Militia ferruginea ) leaves could be used for the removal of Pb(II) from wastewater.
PD-L1 expression and its relationship with oncogenic drivers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

In order to explore the potential patient population who could benefit from anti PD-1/PD-L1 mono or combination therapies, this study aimed to profile a panel of immunotherapy related biomarkers (PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4 and CD8) and targeted therapy biomarkers (EGFR, KRAS, ALK, ROS1 and MET) in NSCLC. Tumor samples from 297 NSCLC patients, including 156 adenocarcinomas (AD) and 129 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization. 43.1% of NSCLC patients had PD-L1 positive staining on ≥ 5% tumor cells (TC). Furthermore, dual color immunofluorescence revealed that the majority of PD-L1/CD8 dual positive tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) had infiltrated into the tumor core. Finally, combined analysis of all eight biomarkers showed that tumor PD-L1 positivity overlapped with known alterations in NSCLC oncogenic tumor drivers in 26% of SCC and 76% of AD samples. Our illustration of the eight biomarkers’ overlap provides an intuitive overview of NSCLC for personalized therapeutic strategies using anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune therapies, either as single agents, or in combination with targeted therapies. For the first time, we also report that PD-L1 and CD8 dual positive TILs are predominantly located within the tumor core.
Moderate climate signature in cranial anatomy of late holocene human populations from Southern South America.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to analyze the association between cranial variation and climate in order to discuss their role during the diversification of southern South American populations. Therefore, the specific objectives are: (1) to explore the spatial pattern of cranial variation with regard to the climatic diversity of the region, and (2) to evaluate the differential impact that the climatic factors may have had on the shape and size of the diverse cranial structures studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS The variation in shape and size of 361 crania was studied, registering 62 3D landmarks that capture shape and size variation in the face, cranial vault, and base. Mean, minimum, and maximum annual temperature, as well as mean annual precipitation, but also diet and altitude, were matched for each population sample. A PCA, as well as spatial statistical techniques, including kriging, regression, and multimodel inference were employed. RESULTS The facial skeleton size presents a latitudinal pattern which is partially associated with temperature diversity. Both diet and altitude are the variables that mainly explain the skull shape variation, although mean annual temperature also plays a role. The association between climate factors and cranial variation is low to moderate, mean annual temperature explains almost 40% of the entire skull, facial skeleton and cranial vault shape variation, while annual precipitation and minimum annual temperature only contribute to the morphological variation when considered together with maximum annual temperature. The cranial base is the structure less associated with climate diversity. CONCLUSION These results suggest that climate factors may have had a partial impact on the facial and vault shape, and therefore contributed moderately to the diversification of southern South American populations, while diet and altitude might have had a stronger impact. Therefore, cranial variation at the southern cone has been shaped both by random and nonrandom factors. Particularly, the influence of climate on skull shape has probably been the result of directional selection. This study supports that, although cranial vault is the cranial structure more associated to mean annual temperature, the impact of climate signature on morphology decreases when populations from extreme cold environments are excluded from the analysis. Additionally, it shows that the extent of the geographical scales analyzed, as well as differential sampling may lead to different results regarding the role of ecological factors and evolutionary processes on cranial morphology.
Asymptotic and structural stability for a linear 2D discrete roesser model

Recently we have shown, by providing an explicit counterexample, that the structural stability of a linear 2D discrete Fornasini-Marchesini model is not equivalent to its asymptotic stability when dealing with boundary conditions on the positive axes. The main contribution of the present paper shows that this fact remains valid when dealing with linear 2D discrete Roesser models. Using the notion of equivalence in the sense of the algebraic analysis approach to linear systems theory, we recall that a Fornasini-Marchesini model can always be transformed into an equivalent Roesser model. We then prove that asymptotic stability is preserved by this particular equivalence transformation. We therefore deduce an example of a Roesser model which is asymptotically stable but not structurally stable.
Germline SUFU mutation carriers and medulloblastoma: clinical characteristics, cancer risk, and prognosis

Background Germline mutations of suppressor of fused homolog (SUFU) predispose to sonic hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma. Germline SUFU mutations have been reported in nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), but little is known about the cancer risk and clinical spectrum. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients with medulloblastoma and a germline SUFU mutation in France. Results Twenty-two patients from 17 families were identified with medulloblastoma and a germline SUFU mutation (median age at diagnosis: 16.5 mo). Macrocrania was present in 20 patients, but only 5 met the diagnostic criteria for NBCCS. Despite treatment with surgery and chemotherapy, to avoid radiotherapy in all patients except one, the outcome was worse than expected for SHH medulloblastoma, due to the high incidence of local relapses (8/22 patients) and second malignancies (n = 6 in 4/22 patients). The 5-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 42% and 66%. Mutations were inherited in 79% of patients, and 34 additional SUFU mutation carriers were identified within 14 families. Medulloblastoma penetrance was incomplete, but higher than in Patched 1 (PTCH1) mutation carriers. Besides medulloblastoma, 19 other tumors were recorded among the 56 SUFU mutation carriers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in 2 patients and meningioma in 3 patients. Conclusion Germline SUFU mutations strongly predispose to medulloblastoma in the first years of life, with worse prognosis than usually observed for SHH medulloblastoma. The clinical spectrum differs between SUFU and PTCH1 mutation carriers, and BCC incidence is much lower in SUFU mutation carriers. The optimal treatment of SUFU mutation-associated medulloblastoma has not been defined.
Direct Coculture of Human Chondrocytes and Synovium-Derived Stem Cells Enhances In Vitro Chondrogenesis

Objective Coculture of chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been developed as a strategy to overcome the dedifferentiation of chondrocytes during in vitro expansion in autologous chondrocyte transplantation. Synovium-derived stem cells (SDSCs) can be a promising cell source for coculture due to their superior chondrogenic potential compared to other MSCs and easy accessibility without donor site morbidity. However, studies on coculture of chondrocytes and SDSCs are very limited. The aim of this study was to investigate whether direct coculture of human chondrocytes and SDSCs could enhance chondrogenesis compared to monoculture of each cell. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, passage 2 chondrocytes and SDSCs were directly cocultured using different ratios of chondrocytes to SDSCs (3:1, 1:1, or 1:3). glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthetic activity was assessed using GAG assays and Safranin-O staining. Expression of chondrogenesis-related genes (collagen types I, II, X, Aggrecan, and Sox-9) were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry staining. Results GAG/DNA ratios in 1:1 and 1:3 coculture groups were significantly increased compared to those in the chondrocyte and SDSC monoculture groups. Type II collagen and SOX-9 were significantly upregulated in the 1:1 coculture group compared to those in the chondrocyte and SDSC monoculture groups. On the other hand, osteogenic marker (type I collagen) and hypertrophic marker (type X collagen) were significantly downregulated in the coculture groups compared to those in the SDSC monoculture group. Conclusion Direct coculture of human chondrocytes and SDSCs significantly enhanced chondrogenic potential, especially at a ratio of 1:1, compared to chondrocyte or SDSC monocultures.
Addressing model uncertainty in seasonal and annual dynamical ensemble forecasts

The relative merits of three forecast systems addressing the impact of model uncertainty on seasonal/annual forecasts are described. One system consists of a multi‐model, whereas two other systems sample uncertainties by perturbing the parametrization of reference models through perturbed parameter and stochastic physics techniques. Ensemble re‐forecasts over 1991 to 2001 were performed with coupled climate models started from realistic initial conditions. Forecast quality varies due to the different strategies for sampling uncertainties, but also to differences in initialisation methods and in the reference forecast system. Both the stochastic‐physics and perturbed‐parameter ensembles improve the reliability with respect to their reference forecast systems, but not the discrimination ability. Although the multi‐model experiment has an ensemble size larger than the other two experiments, most of the assessment was done using equally‐sized ensembles. The three ensembles show similar levels of skill: significant differences in performance typically range between 5 and 20%. However, a nine‐member multi‐model shows better results for seasonal predictions with lead times shorter than five months, followed by the stochastic‐physics and perturbed‐parameter ensembles. Conversely, for seasonal predictions with lead times longer than four months, the perturbed‐parameter ensemble gives more often better results. All systems suggest that spread cannot be considered a useful predictor of skill. Annual‐mean predictions showed lower forecast quality than seasonal predictions. Only small differences between the systems were found. The full multi‐model ensemble has improved quality with respect to all other systems, mainly from the larger ensemble size for lead times longer than four months and annual predictions. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society and Crown Copyright
A comparison between the Pittsburgh and Michigan approaches for the binary PSO algorithm

This paper shows the performance of the binary PSO algorithm as a classification system. These systems are classified in two different perspectives: the Pittsburgh and the Michigan approaches. In order to implement the Michigan approach binary PSO algorithm, the standard PSO dynamic equations are modified, introducing a repulsive force to favor particle competition. A dynamic neighborhood, adapted to classification problems, is also defined. Both classifiers are tested using a reference set of problems, where both classifiers achieve better performance than many classification techniques. The Michigan PSO classifier shows clear advantages over the Pittsburgh one both in terms of success rate and speed. The Michigan PSO can also be generalized to the continuous version of the PSO
Intervention effectiveness among war-affected children: a cluster randomized controlled trial on improving mental health.

We examined the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention in reducing mental health symptoms among war-affected children, and the role of peritraumatic dissociation in moderating the intervention impact on posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). School classes were randomized into intervention (n = 242) and waitlist control (n = 240) conditions in Gaza, Palestine. The intervention group participated in 16 extracurriculum sessions of teaching recovery techniques (TRT) and the controls received normal school-provided support. Participants were 10- to 13-year-old Palestinian girls (49.4%) and boys (50.6%). Data on PTSS, depressive symptoms, and psychological distress were collected at baseline (T1), postintervention (T2), and 6-month follow-up (T3). Peritraumatic dissociation was assessed only at baseline. Regression analyses that took regression to the mean and cluster sampling into account were applied. The results on intervention effectiveness were specific to gender and peritraumatic dissociation. At T2, the intervention significantly reduced the proportion of clinical PTSS among boys, and both the symptom level (R(2) = . 24), and proportion of clinical PTSS among girls who had a low level of peritraumatic dissociation. The results have implications for risk-specific tailoring of psychosocial interventions in war conditions.
Social Stigma Toward Persons With Prescription Opioid Use Disorder: Associations With Public Support for Punitive and Public Health-Oriented Policies.

OBJECTIVE Prescription opioid use disorder and overdose have emerged as significant public health challenges in the past 15 years. Little is known about public attitudes toward individuals who have developed a prescription opioid use disorder and whether these attitudes affect support for policy interventions. This study examined social stigma toward individuals with prescription opioid use disorder and tested whether stigma was associated with support for various policy interventions. METHODS A nationally representative Web-based survey was conducted from January 31 to February 28, 2014. The 1,071 respondents reported on their beliefs about and attitudes toward persons affected by prescription opioid use disorder and rated their support for various policy interventions. Ordered logistic regression models estimated the association between stigma and public support for punitive and public health-oriented policies. RESULTS Most respondents viewed this disorder as affecting all groups-racial and ethnic, income, and geographic area of residence groups-fairly equally, despite epidemiological data demonstrating that certain populations have been disproportionately burdened. Respondents expressed high levels of stigma toward individuals with prescription opioid use disorder. Levels of stigma were generally similar among those with and without experience with prescription opioid use disorder, either one's own or that of a relative or close friend. Higher levels of stigma were associated with greater support for punitive policies and lower support for public health-oriented policies. CONCLUSIONS Reframing the issue to emphasize the structural factors contributing to prescription opioid use disorder and the barriers to accessing evidence-based treatment might improve support for policies that benefit affected individuals.
Circulating Folate, Vitamin B6, and Methionine in Relation to Lung Cancer Risk in the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3)

Background Circulating concentrations of B vitamins and factors related to one-carbon metabolism have been found to be strongly inversely associated with lung cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study. The extent to which these associations are present in other study populations is unknown. Methods Within 20 prospective cohorts from the National Cancer Institute Cohort Consortium, a nested case-control study was designed including 5364 incident lung cancer case patients and 5364 control subjects who were individually matched to case patients by age, sex, cohort, and smoking status. Centralized biochemical analyses were performed to measure circulating concentrations of vitamin B6, folate, and methionine, as well as cotinine as an indicator of recent tobacco exposure. The association between these biomarkers and lung cancer risk was evaluated using conditional logistic regression models. Results Participants with higher circulating concentrations of vitamin B6 and folate had a modestly decreased risk of lung cancer risk overall, the odds ratios when comparing the top and bottom fourths (OR 4vs1 ) being 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.78 to 1.00) and 0.86 (95% CI = 0.74 to 0.99), respectively. We found stronger associations among men (vitamin B6: OR 4vs1 = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.62 to 0.89; folate: OR 4vs1 = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.93) and ever smokers (vitamin B6: OR 4vs1 = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.67 to 0.91; folate: OR 4vs1 = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.73 to 1.03). We further noted that the association of folate was restricted to Europe/Australia and Asia, whereas no clear association was observed for the United States. Circulating concentrations of methionine were not associated with lung cancer risk overall or in important subgroups. Conclusions Although confounding by tobacco exposure or reverse causation cannot be ruled out, these study results are compatible with a small decrease in lung cancer risk in ever smokers who avoid low concentrations of circulating folate and vitamin B6.
Biodegradable conductive composites of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and polyaniline nanofibers: Preparation, characterization and radiolytic effects

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) is a biodegradable polyester produced by microorganisms under nutrient limitation conditions. We obtained a biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) composite having 8 to 55% of chemically in situ poly- merized hydrochloric acid-doped polyaniline nanofibers (70-100 nm in diameter). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-rays diffractometry data did not show evidence of significant interaction between the two components of the nanocomposite, and polyaniline semiconductivity was preserved in all studied compositions. Gamma-irradiation at 25 kGy absorbed dose on the semiconductive composite presenting 28% of doped polyaniline increased its conductivity from 4.6! 10-2 to 1.1 S/m, while slightly decreasing its biodegradability. PANI-HCl biodegradation is negligible when compared to PHB biodegradability in an 80 day timeframe. Thus, this unprecedented all-polymer nanocomposite presents, at the same time, semiconductivity and biodegradability and was proven to maintain these properties after gamma irradiation. This new material has many potential applications in biological science, engineering, and medicine.