Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kinetic theory of pattern formation in mixtures of microtubules and molecular motors.

In this study we formulate a theoretical approach, based on a Boltzmann-like kinetic equation, to describe pattern formation in two-dimensional mixtures of microtubular filaments and molecular motors. Following the previous work by Aranson and Tsimring [Phys. Rev. E 74, 031915 (2006)PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.74. 031915] we model the motor-induced reorientation of microtubules as collision rules, and devise a semianalytical method to calculate the corresponding interaction integrals. This procedure yields an infinite hierarchy of kinetic equations that we terminate by employing a well-established closure strategy, developed in the pattern-formation community and based on a power-counting argument. We thus arrive at a closed set of coupled equations for slowly varying local density and orientation of the microtubules, and study its behavior by performing a linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulations. By comparing our method with the work of Aranson and Tsimring, we assess the validity of the assumptions required to derive their and our theories. We demonstrate that our approximation-free evaluation of the interaction integrals and our choice of a systematic closure strategy result in a rather different dynamical behavior than was previously reported. Based on our theory, we discuss the ensuing phase diagram and the patterns observed.
Coping in normal pregnancy

Background: In high-risk populations (e.g., adolescents, substance abusers), coping strategies in pregnancy have been studied. Avoidance of the stressful situation and aggressive coping are frequently used and related to postnatal depression and other negative outcomes. Little is known about coping strategies in nulliparous normal-risk pregnancy. Objective: To examine the factor structure of the 19-item Utrecht Coping List (UCL-19) in a sample of nulliparous normal-risk pregnant women and to explore the stability, change, and correlates of coping strategies throughout pregnancy. The associations between a particular coping strategy and the reported pregnancy complaints and experienced distress were examined. Methods: The UCL-19 was filled out and self-report data were collected about neuroticism, locus of control, depression, general anxiety, perceived stress, and physical pregnancy complaints in nulliparous women in early, mid-, and late pregnancy. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis on the UCL-19 revealed 2 coping strategies: emotion-focused coping and problem-focused coping. The factor structure of the UCL-19 had a good stability throughout pregnancy. Some changes in emotion-focused coping and problem-focused coping scores were found, although the absolute differences were rather small. High educational level and low internal locus of control predicted a high score on emotion-focused coping in the early period of pregnancy, F(2, 228) = 11.49, p < . 005, R2 = . 22. High educational level also predicted a high score on problem-focused coping in early pregnancy, F(1, 229) = 4.80, p < . 05, R2 = . 06. Emotion-focused coping was negatively and problem-focused coping was positively related to pregnancy complaints (r = -.23, p < .05 and r = .25, p < .005, respectively). Emotion-focused coping in early pregnancy and problem-focused coping in mid-pregnancy were negatively related to experienced distress in early and mid pregnancy, respectively (r = -.27, p < .0005 and r = -.18, p < .01). Conclusion: Two coping strategies were consistently found throughout pregnancy: emotion-focused coping and problem-focused coping. Coping in nulliparous normal-risk pregnancy is a process with small temporal variations. Emotion-focused coping was negatively related to the number of reported pregnancy complaints and to experienced distress.
Soluble Adhesion Molecules During Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion Are Associated With Posttransplant Primary Graft Dysfunction

Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) enables assessment of marginal donor lungs for transplantation. We aimed to discover biomarkers in EVLP perfusate that could predict development of primary graft dysfunction (PGD). From September 2008 to August 2013, 100 clinical EVLPs were performed. Eleven patients developed PGD grade 3 within 72 h after transplant. The non‐PGD group consisted of 34 patients without PGD grade 3. Nonbilateral lung transplants or transplant after extracorporeal life support were excluded from analyses. Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM‐1), soluble VCAM‐1 (sVCAM‐1), and soluble E selectin (sE‐selectin) levels, as markers of endothelial activation, were measured in the perfusate of EVLP by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and were correlated with clinical outcome. Levels of sICAM‐1 at 1 h and sVCAM‐1 at 1 and 4 h were significantly higher in the PGD group compared with the non‐PGD group. The sE selectin levels were not statistically different between the study groups. Higher levels of sVCAM‐1 at 1 and 4 h were statistically significantly associated with PGD either alone or after adjustment for other PGD risk factors. These adhesion molecules may help identify donor lungs at higher risk of PGD during EVLP.
Types of diagnostic errors in neurological emergencies in the emergency department

Abstract Background: Neurological emergencies often pose diagnostic challenges for emergency physicians because these patients often present with atypical symptoms and standard imaging tests are imperfect. Misdiagnosis occurs due to a variety of errors. These can be classified as knowledge gaps, cognitive errors, and systems-based errors. The goal of this study was to describe these errors through review of quality assurance (QA) records. Methods: This was a retrospective pilot study of patients with neurological emergency diagnoses that were missed or delayed at one urban, tertiary academic emergency department. Cases meeting inclusion criteria were identified through review of QA records. Three emergency physicians independently reviewed each case and determined the type of error that led to the misdiagnosis. Proportions, confidence intervals, and a reliability coefficient were calculated. Results: During the study period, 1168 cases were reviewed. Forty-two cases were found to include a neurological misdiagnosis and twenty-nine were determined to be the result of an error. The distribution of error types was as follows: knowledge gap 45.2% (95% CI 29.2, 62.2), cognitive error 29.0% (95% CI 15.9, 46.8), and systems-based error 25.8% (95% CI 13.5, 43.5). Cerebellar strokes were the most common type of stroke misdiagnosed, accounting for 27.3% of missed strokes. Conclusions: All three error types contributed to the misdiagnosis of neurological emergencies. Misdiagnosis of cerebellar lesions and erroneous radiology resident interpretations of neuroimaging were the most common mistakes. Understanding the types of errors may enable emergency physicians to develop possible solutions and avoid them in the future.
Network Structure of Perinatal Depressive Symptoms in Latinas: Relationship to Stress and Reproductive Biomarkers

Based on emerging evidence, mood disorders can be plausibly conceptualized as networks of causally interacting symptoms, rather than as latent variables of which symptoms are passive indicators. In an innovative approach in nursing research, we used network analysis to estimate the network structure of 20 perinatal depressive (PND) symptoms. Then, two proof-of-principle analyses are presented: Incorporating stress and reproductive biomarkers into the network, and comparing the network structure of PND symptoms between non-depressed and depressed women. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional sample of 515 Latina women at the second trimester of pregnancy and estimated networks using regularized partial correlation network models. The main analysis yielded five strong symptom-to-symptom associations (e.g., cry-sadness), and five symptoms of potential clinical importance (i.e., high centrality) in the network. In exploring the relationship of PND symptoms to stress and reproductive biomarkers (proof-of-principle analysis 1), a few weak relationships were found. In a comparison of non-depressed and depressed women's networks (proof-of-principle analysis 2), depressed participants had a more connected network of symptoms overall, but the networks did not differ in types of relationships (the network structures). We hope this first report of PND symptoms as a network of interacting symptoms will encourage future network studies in the realm of PND research, including investigations of symptom-to-biomarker mechanisms and interactions related to PND. Future directions and challenges are discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The “unguarded‐X” and the genetic architecture of lifespan: Inbreeding results in a potentially maladaptive sex‐specific reduction of female lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster

Sex differences in ageing and lifespan are ubiquitous in nature. The "unguarded‐X” hypothesis (UXh) suggests they may be partly due to the expression of recessive mutations in the hemizygous sex chromosomes of the heterogametic sex, which could help explain sex‐specific ageing in a broad array of taxa. A prediction central to the UX hypothesis is that inbreeding will decrease the lifespan of the homogametic sex more than the heterogametic sex, because only in the former does inbreeding increase the expression of recessive deleterious mutations. In this study, we test this prediction by examining the effects of inbreeding on the lifespan and fitness of male and female Drosophila melanogaster across different social environments. We found that, across social environments, inbreeding resulted in a greater reduction of female than male lifespan, and that inbreeding effects on fitness did not seem to counterbalance sex‐specific effects on lifespan, suggesting the former are maladaptative. Inter‐ and intra‐sexual correlation analyses also allowed us to identify evidence of an underlying joint genetic architecture for inbreeding effects on lifespan. We discuss these results in light of the UXh and other alternative explanations, and suggest that more attention should be paid to the possibility that the “unguarded‐X” may play an important role in the evolution of sex‐specific lifespan.
Effects of Nautical Traffic and Noise on Foraging Patterns of Mediterranean Damselfish (Chromis chromis)

Chromis chromis is a key species in the Mediterranean marine coastal ecosystems where, in summer, recreational boating and its associated noise overlap. Anthropogenic noise could induce behavioural modifications in marine organisms, thereby affecting population dynamics. In the case of an important species for the ecosystem like C. chromis, this could rebound on the community structure. Here, we measured nautical traffic during the summer of 2007 in a Southern Mediterranean Marine Protected Area (MPA) and simultaneously the feeding behaviour of C. chromis was video-recorded, within both the no-take A-zone and the B-zone where recreational use is allowed. Feeding frequencies, escape reaction and school density were analysed. C. chromis specimens were also collected from 2007 to 2008 to evaluate their physiological state using the Body Condition Index as a proxy of feeding efficiency. The MPA was more exploited by nautical tourism during holidays than on weekdays, particularly in the middle of the day. Greater traffic volume corresponded with lower feeding frequencies. The escape reaction was longer in duration (>1 min) when boat passed nearby, while moored boats did not induce an escape response. We found no differences in density between schools in the A- and B-zones and worse body conditions among those individuals inhabiting the B-zone in one area only. Overall, our findings revealed a significant modification of the daily foraging habits of C. chromis due to boat noise, which was slightly buffered by no-take zones established within the MPA.
Climate Effects on Growth, Body Condition, and Survival Depend on the Genetic Characteristics of the Population

Climatic change is expected to affect individual life histories and population dynamics, potentially increasing vulnerability to extinction. The importance of genetic diversity has been highlighted for adaptation and population persistence. However, whether responses of life-history traits to a given environmental condition depend on the genetic characteristics of a population remains elusive. Here we tested this hypothesis in the lizard Zootoca vivipara by simultaneously manipulating habitat humidity, a major climatic predictor of Zootoca’s distribution, and adult male color morph frequency, a trait with genome-wide linkage. Interactive effects of humidity and morph frequency had immediate effects on growth and body condition of juveniles and yearlings, as well as on adult survival, and delayed effects on offspring size. In yearlings, higher humidity led to larger female body size and lower humidity led to higher male compared to female survival. In juveniles and yearlings, some treatment effects were compensated over time. The results show that individual responses to environmental conditions depend on the population’s color morph frequency, age class, and sex and that these affect intra– and inter–age class competition. Moreover, humidity affected the competitive environment rather than imposing trait-based selection on specific color morphs. This indicates that species’ responses to changing environments (e.g., to climate change) are highly complex and difficult to accurately reconstruct and predict without information on the genetic characteristics and demographic structure of populations.
Characterization and modeling of CNT based actuators

In order to get an understanding of the general characteristics of carbon nanotube (CNT) based actuators, the system response of the actuator was analyzed. Special techniques were developed in order to generate a reproducible characteristic measure for the material: the R-curve. In addition, the dynamic response of the system was evaluated in different states of the actuator. A model was generated to capture the general behavior of the system. Finally an actuator incorporating a solid electrolyte was built and tested, showing similar characteristics to an actuator with an aqueous electrolyte.
Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review of Current and Emerging Therapeutic Options.

Advances in the field of cancer immunotherapy have occurred rapidly over the past decade. Exciting results from clinical trials have led to new treatment options and improved survival for patients with a myriad of solid tumor pathologies. However, questions remain unanswered regarding duration and timing of therapy, combination regimens, appropriate biomarkers of disease, and optimal monitoring of therapeutic response. This article reviews emerging immunotherapeutic agents and significant clinical trials that have led to advancements in the field of immuno-oncology for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This review article summarizes recently developed agents that harness the immune system to fight head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. A brief review of the immune system and its role in cancer development is included. Recently completed and emerging therapeutic trials centering on the immune system and head and neck cancer are reviewed.
Abnormal Brain Connectivity Patterns in Adults with ADHD: A Coherence Study

Studies based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during the resting state have shown decreased functional connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and regions of the Default Mode Network (DMN) in adult patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) relative to subjects with typical development (TD). Most studies used Pearson correlation coefficients among the BOLD signals from different brain regions to quantify functional connectivity. Since the Pearson correlation analysis only provides a limited description of functional connectivity, we investigated functional connectivity between the dACC and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) in three groups (adult patients with ADHD, n = 21; TD age-matched subjects, n = 21; young TD subjects, n = 21) using a more comprehensive analytical approach – unsupervised machine learning using a one-class support vector machine (OC-SVM) that quantifies an abnormality index for each individual. The median abnormality index for patients with ADHD was greater than for TD age-matched subjects (p = 0.014); the ADHD and young TD indices did not differ significantly (p = 0.480); the median abnormality index of young TD was greater than that of TD age-matched subjects (p = 0.016). Low frequencies below 0.05 Hz and around 0.20 Hz were the most relevant for discriminating between ADHD patients and TD age-matched controls and between the older and younger TD subjects. In addition, we validated our approach using the fMRI data of children publicly released by the ADHD-200 Competition, obtaining similar results. Our findings suggest that the abnormal coherence patterns observed in patients with ADHD in this study resemble the patterns observed in young typically developing subjects, which reinforces the hypothesis that ADHD is associated with brain maturation deficits.
Robust model reference adaptive control

We propose a new model reference adaptive control algorithm and show that it provides the robust stability of the resulting closed-loop adaptive control system with respect to unmodeled plant uncertainties. The robustness is achieved by using a relative error signal in combination with a dead zone and a projection in the adaptive law. The extra a priori information needed to design the adaptive law, are bounds on the plant parameters and an exponential bound on the impulse response of the inverse plant transfer function.
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and tumour growth, invasion, and metastasis

Summary In recent decades, evidence has been accumulating showing the important role of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) in growth, invasion, and metastasis of malignant tumours. The evidence comes from results with animal tumour models and from the observation that a high level of uPA in human tumours is associated with a poor patient prognosis. It therefore initially came as a surprise that a high tumour level of the uPA inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is also associated with a poor prognosis, the PAI-1 level in fact being one of the most informative biochemical prognostic markers. We review here recent investigations into the possible tumour biological role of PAI-1, performed by animal tumour models, histological examination of human tumours, and new knowledge about the molecular interactions of PAI-1 possibly underlying its tumour biological functions. The exact tumour biological functions of PAI-1 remain uncertain but PAI-1 seems to be multifunctional as PAI-1 is expressed by multiple cell types and has multiple molecular interactions. The potential utilisation of PAI-1 as a target for anti-cancer therapy depends on further mapping of these functions.
Morphogenesis of defects and tactoids during isotropic–nematic phase transition in self-assembled lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals

We explore the structure of nuclei and topological defects in the first-order phase transition between the nematic (N) and isotropic (I) phases in lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLCs). The LCLCs are formed by self-assembled molecular aggregates of various lengths and show a broad biphasic region. The defects emerge as a result of two mechanisms: (1) surface-anisotropy that endows each N nucleus (‘tactoid’) with topological defects thanks to preferential (tangential) orientation of the director at the closed I–N interface, and (2) Kibble mechanism with defects forming when differently oriented N tactoids merge with each other. Different scenarios of phase transition involve positive (N-in-I) and negative (I-in-N) tactoids with nontrivial topology of the director field and also multiply connected tactoid-in-tactoid configurations. The closed I–N interface limiting a tactoid shows a certain number of cusps; the lips of the interface on the opposite sides of the cusp make an angle different from π. The N side of each cusp contains a point defect-boojum. The number of cusps shows how many times the director becomes perpendicular to the I–N interface when one circumnavigates the closed boundary of the tactoid. We derive conservation laws that connect the number of cusps c to the topological strength m of defects in the N part of the simply connected and multiply connected tactoids. We demonstrate how the elastic anisotropy of the N phase results in non-circular shape of the disclination cores. A generalized Wulff construction is used to derive the shape of I and N tactoids as a function of I–N interfacial tension anisotropy in the approximation of frozen director field of various topological charges m. The complex shapes and structures of tactoids and topological defects demonstrate an important role of surface anisotropy in morphogenesis of phase transitions in liquid crystals.
Lifetime and 12-Month Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Academic Performance in College Freshmen.

We examined whether nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is associated with academic performance in college freshmen, using census-based web surveys (N = 7,527; response = 65.4%). NSSI was assessed with items from the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview and subsequently linked with the administratively recorded academic year percentage (AYP). Freshmen with lifetime and 12-month NSSI showed a reduction in AYP of 3.4% and 5.9%, respectively. The college environment was found to moderate the effect of 12-month NSSI, with more strongly reduced AYPs in departments with higher-than-average mean departmental AYPs. The findings suggest that overall stress and test anxiety are underlying processes between NSSI membership and academic performance.
A review of state-of-the-art speckle reduction techniques for optical coherence tomography fingertip scans

Standard surface fingerprint scanners are vulnerable to counterfeiting attacks and also failure due to skin damage and distortion. Thus a high security and damage resistant means of fingerprint acquisition is needed, providing scope for new approaches and technologies. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a high resolution imaging technology that can be used to image the human fingertip and allow for the extraction of a subsurface fingerprint. Being robust toward spoofing and damage, the subsurface fingerprint is an attractive solution. However, the nature of the OCT scanning process induces speckle: a correlative and multiplicative noise. Six speckle reducing filters for the digital enhancement of OCT fingertip scans have been evaluated. The optimized Bayesian non-local means algorithm improved the structural similarity between processed and reference images by 34%, increased the signal-to-noise ratio, and yielded the most promising visual results. An adaptive wavelet approach, originally designed for ultrasound imaging, and a speckle reducing anisotropic diffusion approach also yielded promising results. A reformulation of these in future work, with an OCT-speckle specific model, may improve their performance.