Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Morphology of Ordered Block Copolymer Patterns as Probed by High Resolution Imaging

The microphase separation of block copolymer (BCP) thin films can afford a simple and cost-effective means to studying nanopattern surfaces, and especially the fabrication of nanocircuitry. However, because of complex interface effects and other complications, their 3D morphology, which is often critical for application, can be more complex than first thought. Here, we describe how emerging microscopic methods may be used to study complex BCP patterns and reveal their rich detail. These methods include helium ion microscopy (HIM) and high resolution x-section transmission electron microscopy (XTEM), and complement conventional secondary electron and atomic force microscopies (SEM and TEM). These techniques reveal that these structures are quite different to what might be expected. We illustrate the advances in the understanding of BCP thin film morphology in several systems, which result from this characterization. The systems described include symmetric, lamellar forming polystyrene-b-polymethylmethacrylate (PS-b-PMMA), cylinder forming polystyrene-b-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS), as well as lamellar and cylinder forming patterns of polystyrene-b-polyethylene oxide (PS-b-PEO) and polystyrene-b-poly-4-vinylpyridine (PS-b-P4VP). Each of these systems exhibits more complex arrangements than might be first thought. Finding and developing techniques whereby complex morphologies, particularly at very small dimensions, can be determined is critical to the practical use of these materials in many applications. The importance of quantifying these complex morphologies has implications for their use in integrated circuit manufacture, where they are being explored as alternative pattern forming methods to conventional UV lithography.
MOSFIRE ABSORPTION LINE SPECTROSCOPY OF z > 2 QUIESCENT GALAXIES: PROBING A PERIOD OF RAPID SIZE GROWTH

Using the MOSFIRE near-infrared multi-slit spectrograph on the Keck 1 Telescope, we have secured high signal-to-noise ratio absorption line spectra for six massive galaxies with redshift 2 < z < 2.5. Five of these galaxies lie on the red sequence and show signatures of passive stellar populations in their rest-frame optical spectra. By fitting broadened spectral templates we have determined stellar velocity dispersions and, with broad-band Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer photometry and imaging, stellar masses and effective radii. Using this enlarged sample of galaxies, we confirm earlier suggestions that quiescent galaxies at z > 2 have small sizes and large velocity dispersions compared to local galaxies of similar stellar mass. The dynamical masses are in very good agreement with stellar masses (log M*/Mdyn = −0.02 ± 0.03), although the average stellar-to-dynamical mass ratio is larger than that found at lower redshift (−0.23 ± 0.05). By assuming evolution at fixed velocity dispersion, not only do we confirm a surprisingly rapid rate of size growth but we also consider the necessary evolutionary track on the mass–size plane and find a slope α = dlog Re/dlog M* ≳ 2 inconsistent with most numerical simulations of minor mergers. Both results suggest an additional mechanism may be required to explain the size growth of early galaxies.
Gang Involvement

This study examines some of the individual, social, and environmental factors that differentiate gang-involved youth (both gang members and peripheral youth) and nongang youth in a British setting. The authors found that gang-involved youth were more likely than nongang youth to be older, and individual delinquency and neighborhood gangs predicted gang involvement. Using structural equation modeling, the authors examined the relationships between social/environmental factors and gang involvement. As a result, this article found that parental management, deviant peer pressure, and commitment to school had indirect relationships with gang involvement. These findings are discussed as they highlight a need to address the mechanisms in which protective and risk factors function collectively.
Assessment of Independent Living Skills for Psychotic Patients: Further Validity and Reliability

It is well known that psychotic patients have severe social and life-skill deficits. Psychiatric rehabilitation programs are designed to teach these skills to patients. Before implementing such a program, patient deficits should be evaluated with reliable measures. The present study assessed the psychometric properties of the French version of the “Independent Living Skills Survey” (ILSS) developed by Wallace, Kochanowicz and Wallace (Wallace C J, Kochanowicz N, Wallace J [1985] Independent living skills survey. Unpublished manuscript, Mental Health Clinical Research Center for the Study of Schizophrenia, West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center, Rehabilitation Medicine Service [Brentwood Division], Los Angeles, CA). Although widely used, the patient version of this scale has unknown psychometric properties. The ILSS was composed of 75 items, rated as present or absent and distributed in 10 scales. The French version was administered to 145 patients with a psychotic diagnosis who were living in the community. All scales had very good psychometric qualities with the exception of the job-maintenance scale. The test-retest reliability varied from . 48 to . 85, and alpha coefficients were good for seven of the nine scales. Various aspects of construct validity were explored. The scales discriminated between patients as a function of their subgroups, sex, and diagnosis. Concurrent validity confirmed the specificity of the ILSS dimensions. Factor analysis revealed two factors, one for basic skills and one representing higher order skills. Recommendations for future development of the ILSS are proposed.
Genetics of verbal working memory processes: a twin study of middle-aged men.

Genetic and environmental influences on cognitive components of reading span in 345 middle-aged male twin pairs were examined. Shared variance among word recognition (reading only), digits forward (short-term memory only), and reading span (concurrent reading plus memory) was almost entirely mediated by common genetic influences. Overall heritability was . 52 for word recognition, . 27 for digits forward, and . 51 for reading span. All of the genetic influences on word recognition and digits forward, but only about one-half of the genetic influences on reading span, came from a common latent phenotype. The genetic influences that were specific to reading span were concluded to most likely reflect an executive function component. Implications for genetic studies of aging and prefrontal brain function are discussed.
The Effect of EFL Learners' Gender and Second Language Proficiency on Willingness to Communicate

With day-increasing emphasis on communication as the chief objective of second language learning, willingness to communicate (hereafter WTC) has come into focus by many researchers, teachers, and foreign language institutes. Previous studies show that WTC is highly correlated with the two variables of perceived competence and communication apprehension. This study aimed to investigate the difference in WTC between male and female English major students at Khorasgan University, Iran. Firstly, 55 English major students were asked to respond to three questionnaires on WTC, perceived competence and communication apprehension. The data was analyzed using independent sample t-test. The results showed no significant difference between male and female students in WTC, perceived competence and communication apprehension. The results related to the effect of language proficiency on WTC, perceived competence, and communication apprehensions were also analyzed using one way ANOVA. The results showed no significant differences between the three different groups of students with different levels of language proficiency in their WTC, perceived competence, and communication apprehension
Antiinflammatory and Immunomodulating Properties of Fungal Metabolites

We discuss current information on the ability of extracts and isolated metabolites from mushrooms to modulate immune responses. This can result in a more enhanced innate and acquired disease resistance. The major immunomodulating effects of these active substances derived from mushrooms include mitogenicity and activation of immune effector cells, such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells, resulting in the production of cytokines, including interleukins (ILs), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α, and interferon gamma (INF)-γ. In particular, the ability of selective mushroom extracts to modulate the differentiation capacity of CD4+ T cells to mature into TH1 and/or TH2 subsets will be discussed. As a consequence these extracts will have profound effects in particular diseases, like chronic autoimmune TH1-mediated or allergic TH2-mediated diseases. Immunosuppressive effects by mushroom components have also been observed. The therapeutic effects of mushrooms, such as anticancer activity, suppression of autoimmune diseases, and allergy have been associated with their immunomodulating effects. However, further studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanisms of the immunomodulating effects of mushrooms metabolites both individually and in complex mixtures, for example, extracts.
the correlation between communication and Social Skills among Early Schoolers in Malaysia

Innumerable studies have shown that being able to express oneself clearly and understand with equal clarity what other people are saying to you are fundamental enabling skills of life. A proficiency at interpersonal communication is strongly linked to educational achievement and positive social behaviour. Socio-economic status (SES) has also been known for a long time to be a powerful predictor of children’s development (e.g. Deutsch, 1973; Sameroff and Chandler, 1975; Scott-Jones, 1984). In this study, communication refers to oral language skills which include the development of narrative ability, as well as the use of talk and varied vocabulary usage (Dickinson and Tabors, 2001). Hence, the objective of this paper is to find out the communication and social skills of the pupils and to see whether there is a relationship between communication skills and social skills of early schoolers and their impact on school academic achievement. This study focused on Year 1 and Year 4 primary school children, and for this purpose, a descriptive correlational method was employed. It was carried out on 344 primary school pupils, of which 168 were from Year 1 and 176 were Year 4 pupils. The pupils in the sample were academically weak and they had undergone screening and diagnostic tests. The findings indicate that the social skills of Year 1 pupils were significantly and positively correlated with their communication skills (r=.31, p<.05) and language acquisition (r=.33, p<.05), whereas the social skills of Year 4 pupils were found to be significantly and positively correlated with their language acquisition (r=.59, p<.05), Mathematic acquisition (r=.41, p<.05), and their communication skills (r=.50, p<.05). There is also a positive and significant relationship between communication (r=.81, p<.05) and social skills ( r = .85, p< .05) with family background. These findings show that social skills are very important as children enter primary school. The significant correlations between social skills and language acquisition, Mathematic acquisition and communication skills show that their performance can be negatively affected if they do not acquire the social skills.
Heteromodal connections supporting multisensory integration at low levels of cortical processing in the monkey

While multisensory integration is thought to occur in higher hierarchical cortical areas, recent studies in man and monkey have revealed plurisensory modulations of activity in areas previously thought to be unimodal. To determine the cortical network involved in multisensory interactions, we performed multiple injections of different retrograde tracers in unimodal auditory (core), somatosensory (1/3b) and visual (V2 and MT) cortical areas of the marmoset. We found three types of heteromodal connections linking unimodal sensory areas. Visuo‐somatosensory projections were observed originating from visual areas [probably the ventral and dorsal fundus of the superior temporal area (FSTv and FSTd), and middle temporal crescent (MTc)] toward areas 1/3b. Somatosensory projections to the auditory cortex were present from S2 and the anterior bank of the lateral sulcus. Finally, a visuo‐auditory projection arises from an area anterior to the superior temporal sulcus (STS) toward the auditory core. Injections in different sensory regions allow us to define the frontal convexity and the temporal opercular caudal cortex as putative polysensory areas. A quantitative analysis of the laminar distribution of projecting neurons showed that heteromodal connections could be either feedback or feedforward. Taken together, our results provide the anatomical pathway for multisensory integration at low levels of information processing in the primate and argue against a strict hierarchical model.
Unpacking Ethnic Preferences

Much of the recent scholarship about ethnicity in comparative politics has focused on why ethnicity becomes a salient cleavage. Yet opinions still diverge as to how ethnicity matters. This article tests three hypotheses relevant to this question. Building on recent arguments, it first hypothesizes that voters take the ethnicity of parties and candidates into consideration. Second, it hypothesizes that wherever ethnicity is politically salient, it matters beyond coethnicity—that is, voters’ decisions are guided by ethnicity even when they are choosing among non-coethnics. Third, it argues that the advantage conferred by ethnicity is mediated by non-ethnic factors. A large vignette experiment carried in 2013 in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh provides strong support for each of these hypotheses. These results imply that the influence of ethnicity on voting behavior may be subtler and more complex than what the main theories of ethnic politics usually assume.
Enhanced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Expression in Ischaemic Skin of Critical Limb Ischaemia Patients

Objectives. To perform a quantitative analysis of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene transcription in the skin of ischemic legs and provide information for VEGF in the pathogenesis in critical limb ischemia (CLI). Methods. Skin biopsies were obtained from 40 patients with CLI. Control samples came from 44 patients with chronic venous disease. VEGF gene expression was analysed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results. Patients with CLI had higher skin VEGF expression than control group (RQ: 1.3 ± 0.1 versus 1, P = 0.04). Conclusions. We found an association between ischemic skin and an elevated VEGF expression in legs from patients with CLI. These data support that the mechanism for VEGF upregulation in hypoxia conditions is intact and acts appropriately in the ischaemic limbs from patients with CLI.
Lorentz force correction to the Boltzmann radiation transport equation and its implications for Monte Carlo algorithms

To establish a theoretical framework for generalizing Monte Carlo transport algorithms by adding external electromagnetic fields to the Boltzmann radiation transport equation in a rigorous and consistent fashion. Using first principles, the Boltzmann radiation transport equation is modified by adding a term describing the variation of the particle distribution due to the Lorentz force. The implications of this new equation are evaluated by investigating the validity of Fano’s theorem. Additionally, Lewis’ approach to multiple scattering theory in infinite homogeneous media is redefined to account for the presence of external electromagnetic fields. The equation is modified and yields a description consistent with the deterministic laws of motion as well as probabilistic methods of solution. The time-independent Boltzmann radiation transport equation is generalized to account for the electromagnetic forces in an additional operator similar to the interaction term. Fano’s and Lewis’ approaches are stated in this new equation. Fano’s theorem is found not to apply in the presence of electromagnetic fields. Lewis’ theory for electron multiple scattering and moments, accounting for the coupling between the Lorentz force and multiple elastic scattering, is found. However, further investigation is required to develop useful algorithms for Monte Carlo and deterministic transport methods. To test the accuracy of Monte Carlo transport algorithms in the presence of electromagnetic fields, the Fano cavity test, as currently defined, cannot be applied. Therefore, new tests must be designed for this specific application. A multiple scattering theory that accurately couples the Lorentz force with elastic scattering could improve Monte Carlo efficiency. The present study proposes a new theoretical framework to develop such algorithms.
High normal plasma triglycerides are associated with preserved cognitive function in Chinese oldest-old.

OBJECTIVE to explore the relationship between blood lipids/lipoproteins and cognitive function in the Chinese oldest-old. DESIGN multivariate statistical analysis using cross-sectional data. SETTING community-based setting in longevity areas in China. SUBJECTS eight hundred and thirty-six subjects aged 80 and older were included in the sample. METHODS plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose were measured and information about demographics and lifestyle was collected. Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). RESULTS cumulative logit model analysis showed that triglyceride was significantly negatively associated with cognitive impairment. By general linear modelling, there was a significant linear trend of MMSE scores with the level of triglyceride, but not with levels of cholesterol after adjustment. The odds ratio (OR) of cognitive impairment (MMSE score < 18) was significantly reduced for the highest quartile of plasma triglyceride concentration (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33-0.84), but not for the second or third quartile, compared with the lowest quartile (adjusted models). There were no significant associations between cognitive impairment and cholesterol. CONCLUSION we concluded that high normal plasma triglyceride was associated with preservation of cognitive function while lower concentrations were not in the Chinese oldest-old.
Education Science in Sweden: Promoting Research for Teacher Education or Weakening its Scientific Foundations?

Certain common elements can be identified regarding teacher education development in advanced knowledge-based economies. One of these is the attempt, up until relatively recently, to develop a solid foundation of scientific professional knowledge for what Basil Bernstein called the teacher education Trivium: roughly speaking, pedagogical sciences: approximately the psychology, sociology and philosophy of education. Another more recent development is to reverse this trend through a returning emphasis on academic subjects. The present article is based on an analysis of this policy trajectory in Sweden.
Sex Differences in the Use of Indirect Aggression in Adult Canadians

Evolutionary psychologists have argued that the emergence of language was associated with reducing direct physical aggression and easing social functioning in small groups. If this is so, then males should use verbal or indirect aggression more frequently than females since they engage in more direct aggression. A recent study found no significant differences between men and women's self-reports of indirect aggression in a U.K. sample. We administered the same questionnaire to 175 male and 311 female Canadian university students. Men in this population reported using indirect aggression more frequently than women. The Canadian participants generally reported using indirect aggression less frequently than the U.K. study sample did, particularly the women. These results suggest that there are cultural differences in adults' frequency of use of indirect aggression. We review a number of possible reasons to account for these different results.
Communication stereotypes of Caucasian college students

This thesis examined what communication stereotypes are held by Caucasian college students. The literature review focused on defining stereotypes, the function and roles of stereotypes, how stereotypes serve as communication barriers, and findings of previous studies of stereotypes. The research question asked what are the communication stereotypes of African-Americans, Japanese-Americans and Mexican-Americans as maintained by Caucasian undergraduate college students? Participants in the study were 200 Caucasian, undergraduate students who were asked to complete a survey regarding typical communication characteristics of each group in question. The results indicated uniformity in response to Japaneseand AfricanAmericans with less agreement on characteristics of Mexican-Americans. Discussion, interpretation of results, and future research are explored, especially in the context of the development of stereotypes and how they impact individual perceptions.
Clinical assessment of dysarthria: Performance on a dysarthria test by normal adult subjects, and by individuals with Parkinson's disease or with multiple sclerosis

The study reports the results of a clinical dysarthria test procedure applied to a group of 59 normal subjects, and two patient groups: 30 individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and 30 with multiple sclerosis (MS). The assessment protocol consists of 54 test items divided into 6 subtests—Respiration, Phonation, Oral motor performance, Articulation, Prosody and Intelligibility. The test procedure generated statistically significant differences between a) normal adult subjects and each of the two neurological subject groups; b) normal adult subjects and individuals with dysarthria; and c) normal adult subjects and individuals with MS who did not show any audible signs of abnormality in continuous speech.
Activated protein C inhalation: A novel therapeutic strategy for acute lung injury

Summary Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical illness syndrome with a mortality rate of 25–40%. Despite recent advances of our understanding of the pathophysiology of ALI, no pharmacologic therapies have been proven effective. The key pathogenesis of ALI is the activation of the coagulation cascade and impaired fibrinolysis, resulting in extensive fibrin and hyaline membrane deposition. Activated protein C (APC), an endogenous protein that promotes fibrinolysis and inhibits thrombosis, can modulate the coagulation and inflammation associated with ALI. It is therefore reasonable to suggest that preventing the progression of pulmonary coagulopathy, by restoring normal intraalveolar levels of protein C, will be of therapeutic benefit to patients with ALI. However, a recent clinical trial demonstrated that APC did not improve outcomes from ALI, raising the possibility that the method of APC administration, intravenous infusion or inhalation, may influence the outcomes. In this article we propose the hypothesis that APC inhalation might be a promising and novel choice in the treatment of ALI.