Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unique Formosan Mushroom Antrodia camphorata Differentially Inhibits Androgen-Responsive LNCaP and -Independent PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells

Abstract Antrodia camphorata (AC), a precious and unique folkloric medicinal mushroom enriched in polyphenolics, isoflavonoids, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides, has been diversely used in Formosa (Taiwan) since the 18th century. In this study, prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines PC-3 (androgen independent) and LNCaP (androgen responsive) were treated with AC crude extract (ACCE) at 50–200 μ g/mL, respectively, for 48 h. At the minimum effective dose 150 μ g/mL, LNCaP showed a G 1 /S phase arrest with significant apoptosis. Such dose-dependent behavior of LNCaP cells in response to ACCE was confirmed to proceed as Akt → p53→ p21→ CDK4/cyclin D1→ G 1 /S-phase arrest→ apoptosis, which involved inhibiting cyclin D1 activity and preventing pRb phosphorylation. In contrast, being without p53, PC-3 cells showed a G 2 /M-phase arrest mediated through pathway p21→ cyclin B1/Cdc2→ G 2 /M-phase arrest, however, with limited degree of apoptosis, implicating that ACCE is able to differentially inhibit the growth of different PCa cells by modulating different cell cycle signaling pathways. We conclude that this unique Formosan mushroom, A. camphorata, due to its nontoxicity, might be used as a good adjuvant anticancer therapy for prostate cancers despite its androgen-responsive behaviors, which has long been a serious drawback often encountered clinically in hormonal refractory cases treated by antihormonal therapies and chemotherapeutics. *These two authors have contributed equally.
The Association between Hair Cortisol and Self-Reported Symptoms of Depression in Pregnant Women

Depression has been linked to an imbalance in cortisol. Until recently, cortisol has been studied by measuring concentrations at single time points in blood or saliva samples. Cortisol concentrations vary with circadian rhythm and experiences, from time point to time point. The measurement of hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is a new method of accessing mean, long-term cortisol concentrations. Recent studies show positive associations between depression and HCC, and prenatal maternal cortisol is thought to influence the developing fetus. We therefore examined the association between HCC and self-reported symptoms of depression in second trimester pregnant women. Participants were 181 women, recruited between September 2011 and October 2013 to the Little-in-Norway (LiN)-study. These women answered the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Rating Scale (EPDS) on self-reported symptoms of depression, and one cm maternal scalp hair was collected and analyzed for cortisol concentrations. Multiple regression analyses did not show depressive symptoms as a predictor for HCC in our selection of pregnant women, while gestational age was significantly related. In conclusion, our study indicated that symptoms of depression during pregnancy did not predict HCC, but further studies of clinically depressed, pregnant women using gestational age as an adjustment variable are warranted.
DNA Polymerases λ and β: The Double-Edged Swords of DNA Repair

DNA is constantly exposed to both endogenous and exogenous damages. More than 10,000 DNA modifications are induced every day in each cell’s genome. Maintenance of the integrity of the genome is accomplished by several DNA repair systems. The core enzymes for these pathways are the DNA polymerases. Out of 17 DNA polymerases present in a mammalian cell, at least 13 are specifically devoted to DNA repair and are often acting in different pathways. DNA polymerases β and λ are involved in base excision repair of modified DNA bases and translesion synthesis past DNA lesions. Polymerase λ also participates in non-homologous end joining of DNA double-strand breaks. However, recent data have revealed that, depending on their relative levels, the cell cycle phase, the ratio between deoxy- and ribo-nucleotide pools and the interaction with particular auxiliary proteins, the repair reactions carried out by these enzymes can be an important source of genetic instability, owing to repair mistakes. This review summarizes the most recent results on the ambivalent properties of these enzymes in limiting or promoting genetic instability in mammalian cells, as well as their potential use as targets for anticancer chemotherapy.
Detection of Microbial Translocation in HIV and SIV Infection Using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate Assay is Masked by Serum and Plasma

Objective Microbial translocation (MT) is thought to be a major contributor to the pathogenesis of HIV-related immune activation, and circulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria is the principle measurement of this process. However, related research has been impeded by inconsistent LPS test results. Methods Specimens were obtained from HIV-infected adults enrolled in the PEARLS study (ACTG A5175) and HIV-HCV co-infected participants enrolled in a study of liver disease staging using MRI elastography. Pig-tailed macaque specimens were obtained from SIV-infected and –uninfected animals. Samples were tested for LPS using the LAL assay with diazo-coupling modifications to improve sensitive detection. Results When exogenous LPS was added to macaque plasma, >25% inhibition of LPS detection was found in 10/10 (100%) samples at 20% plasma concentration compared to control; in contrast 5/10 (50%) samples at 2% plasma concentration (p = 0.07) and 0/10 (0%) at 0.1% plasma concentration (p = 0.004) showed >25% inhibition of LPS detection. Similarly, when LPS was added to human serum, >25% inhibition of LPS detection was found in 5/12 (42%) of samples at 2% serum concentration compared to control, while 0/12 (0%) of samples in 0.1% serum showed >25% inhibition of LPS detection (p = 0.07). Likewise, LPS detection in human sera without exogenous LPS was improved by dilution: LPS was detected in 2/12 (17%) human samples in 2% serum, ranging from 3,436–4,736 pg/mL, compared to 9/12 (75%) samples in 0.1% serum, ranging from 123 pg/mL –60,131 pg/mL (p = 0.016). In a separate validation cohort of HIV-HCV co-infected participants sampled at two different times on the same day, LPS measured in 0.2% plasma and with diazo-coupling was closely correlated between the first and second samples (R = 0.66, p<0.05). Conclusions Undiluted serum and plasma mask LPS detection. The extent of MT may be substantially underestimated.
Fault prediction under the microscope: A closer look into HPC systems

A large percentage of computing capacity in today's large high-performance computing systems is wasted because of failures. Consequently current research is focusing on providing fault tolerance strategies that aim to minimize fault's effects on applications. By far the most popular technique is the checkpointrestart strategy. A complement to this classical approach is failure avoidance, by which the occurrence of a fault is predicted and preventive measures are taken. This requires a reliable prediction system to anticipate failures and their locations. Thus far, research in this field has used ideal predictors that were not implemented in real HPC systems. In this paper, we merge signal analysis concepts with data mining techniques to extend the ELSA (Event Log Signal Analyzer) toolkit and offer an adaptive and more efficient prediction module. Our goal is to provide models that characterize the normal behavior of a system and the way faults affect it. Being able to detect deviations from normality quickly is the foundation of accurate fault prediction. However, this is challenging because component failure dynamics are heterogeneous in space and time. To this end, a large part of the paper is focused on a detailed analysis of the prediction method, by applying it to two large-scale systems and by investigating the characteristics and bottlenecks of each step of the prediction process. Furthermore, we analyze the prediction's precision and recall impact on current checkpointing strategies and highlight future improvements and directions for research in this field.
A Review of Occupation-Based Life Skills Interventions for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

ABSTRACT Adults with neurodevelopmental disorders are at a higher risk for poverty, unemployment, and difficulties in relationships. Instrumental activities of daily living deficits often go unaddressed and minimal research has explored interventions to address them. The purpose of this study was to synthesize findings about occupation-based life skills interventions for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders. Ten articles met inclusion criteria and the American Occupational Therapy Association level of evidence and quality ratings were identified. Results indicate that occupation-based life skills interventions effectively address limitations experienced by adults with neurodevelopmental disorders but the overall quantity and quality of evidence-based interventions are lacking.
Accurate energies of hydrogen bonded nucleic acid base pairs and triplets in tRNA tertiary interactions

Tertiary interactions are crucial in maintaining the tRNA structure and functionality. We used a combined sequence analysis and quantum mechanics approach to calculate accurate energies of the most frequent tRNA tertiary base pairing interactions. Our analysis indicates that six out of the nine classical tertiary interactions are held in place mainly by H-bonds between the bases. In the remaining three cases other effects have to be considered. Tertiary base pairing interaction energies range from −8 to −38 kcal/mol in yeast tRNAPhe and are estimated to contribute roughly 25% of the overall tRNA base pairing interaction energy. Six analyzed posttranslational chemical modifications were shown to have minor effect on the geometry of the tertiary interactions. Modifications that introduce a positive charge strongly stabilize the corresponding tertiary interactions. Non-additive effects contribute to the stability of base triplets.
Correlation between Compton reflection and X-ray slope in Seyferts and X-ray binaries

We find a very strong correlation between the intrinsic spectral slope in X-rays and the amount of Compton reflection from a cold medium in Seyfert AGNs and in the hard state of X-ray binaries with either black holes or weakly magnetized neutron stars. Objects with soft intrinsic spectra show much stronger reflection than those with hard spectra. We find that, at a given spectral slope, black hole binaries have similar reflection to or more reflection than Seyferts, whereas neutron star binaries in our sample have reflection consistent with that in Seyferts. The existence of the correlation implies a dominant role of the reflecting medium as a source of seed soft photons for thermal Comptonization in the primary X-ray source.
Developing conveyor trainer kit for programmable logic controllers in practical learning

The research aims: (1) to produce conveyor trainer kit equipped with a monitoring system along with its work performance, (2) to know the appropriateness and effectiveness of the use of conveyor trainer kit and module of PLC practical learning. This study is a development research using ADDIE model based on Branch, RB. The steps of this study are: analysis, designing, developing, implementation, and evaluation. Data collection is conducted through observation, survey, and test by using the instruments: observation sheets, questionnaire, and examination. The data are analyzed descriptively using nonparametric test of difference by Mann Whitney. The finding shows: (1) the product of conveyor trainer kit equipped with monitoring system has good work performance; (2) conveyor trainer kit and the module are very appropriate, and the implementation of conveyor trainer kit and module of PLC practical learning can improve student learning outcomes in cognitive, psychomotor, and affective aspects effectively.
Under High Perceptual Load, Observers Look but Do Not See

Summary High perceptual load reduces distractor processing and increases inattentional blindness for unexpected stimuli. We reported previously that high perceptual load reduces memory accuracy and impairs eyewitness identification. Here, we used eye tracking to investigate whether memory impairments under load are due to inattentional blindness or a failure to visually inspect stimuli. Seventy-two participants viewed high or low load versions of a video depicting a theft and identified characters in the video from photographic line-ups. High perceptual load impaired participants' ability to identify the peripheral character (witness) but not the central character (thief). There was no effect of perceptual load on number of ocular fixations on the witness, time to first fixation or total visit duration. We conclude that memory impairments under load are due to attentional failures rather than differences in visual search behaviour. These findings suggest that high perceptual load scenes may hamper eyewitnesses' ability to encode easily visible stimuli. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Research progress on system-generated language: From the psycholinguistic perspective

As the development of computer technology and Internet use, system utterance producing gains more and more attention. Research on utterance producing systems has been approached from two angles. In one research tradition, the analysis of corpus led to templates of system utterance generation. In another tradition, a natural language generation (NLG) system corresponding to human language production theories was founded. The NLG system was marked as flexible and trainable. In this paper, we introduce the progress on system-generated language from a psycholinguistic perspective and take an example to explain the function of human language production theories for the development of NLG systems. As more and more progress was made by psycholinguists on language production, there will be abundant room for NLG systems to improve in the future.
Emotional and Informational Supportive Exchanges as Predictors of Relational Health and Well-Being in Computer-Mediated Support Groups for Individuals with a Traumatic Brain Injury

Emotional and Informational Supportive Exchanges as Predictors of Relational Health and Well-Being in Computer-Mediated Support Groups for Individuals with a Traumatic Brain Injury Craig D. DiGiovanni Dissertation Chair: Belle Liang, Ph.D. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors often experience isolation from their primary support network following their injury (Marsh, Kersel, Havill, & Sleigh, 1998). Computer-mediated support groups (CMSGs) offer a virtual platform for individuals with complex medical concerns to exchange emotional and informational support (Braithwaite, Waldron, & Finn, 1999). To date, no research has examined the use of CMSGs, such as TBI-related Facebook support groups, for TBI survivors. There is also limited research investigating how emotional and informational support provided and received (i.e., supportive exchanges) relate to well-being and online relational health (Liang et al., 2002). This study examined the relationship between four supportive exchanges and well-being and relational health for TBI survivors using TBI-related Facebook support groups, as well as whether a gender norm—emotional control—and network preference moderated these relationships. Participants included 191 TBI survivors recruited across 14 TBI-related Facebook support groups. Multiple regression analyses tested whether four supportive exchanges directly predicted well-being and relational health after controlling for age and extraversion. Results revealed that supportive exchanges did not predict well-being. However, emotional support provided, emotional support received, and informational support received all predicted higher levels of online relational health. Informational support provided predicted lower levels of online relational health. Additional multiple regression analyses tested whether emotional control and four aspects of network preference moderated the relationship between supportive exchanges and well-being and relational health. Although higher levels of emotional control directly predicted lower levels of relational health, and a preference for weak-tie support networks (e.g., online acquaintances) predicted lower levels of well-being, the moderating effects were generally not significant. The findings underscore the importance of supportive exchanges in developing online relational health for TBI survivors using Facebook support groups. It also suggests that this relationship was not dependent on emotional control and network preference. Future research should investigate other factors affecting supportive online communication for TBI survivors and when they may benefit most from online support.
Beliefs about the effects of social sharing of emotion in alexithymia.

BACKGROUND Emotional events are followed by recurrent talking about the event (Social Sharing of Emotion, SSE). Several factors that can account for variations in beliefs about SSE were examined: alexithymia, age and sex among two sample groups, Spanish (n = 388) and Uruguayan (n = 537). METHOD Both samples completed the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Beliefs about Social Sharing of Emotion Questionnaire (BSEQ). RESULTS Results indicated that alexithymia was negatively related to beliefs about SSE. Low alexithymia was associated with higher agreement with positive intrapersonal effects of SSE and disagreement with benefits of non-expression or inhibition, and beliefs in positive interpersonal effect of social sharing were unrelated to alexithymia. Cultural and gender differences were found regarding beliefs about SSE. Regression analyses suggest that alexithymia significantly predicted beliefs about SSE. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of results suggests that more collectivist and traditional cultures, such as the Uruguayan, attach less value to SSE. Results and implications are discussed.
A study on the evaluation and effectiveness analysis of web-based learning portfolio (WBLP)

This research evaluates a Web-Based Learning Portfolio through practical teaching process to understand if the WBLP system helps students to grasp the learning process and enhances learning outcomes. The questionnaire includes four aspects: system functions, interface, system use, and its impacts on learning process. The questionnaire has gone through the processes of pre-test and pilot-study to verify its validity. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients are all above 0.75, and thus show that the reliability level of the questionnaire has attained a rather reliable level. As many as 85.84% of the users regard the functions of the WBLP system appropriate, 80% regard the system interface easy to operate, 48.3% perform very well in system, 88.84% feel the system has benefited their learning. The evaluation results reveal there is still a room of improvement, eg, the system has not yet established a complete mechanism for scoring. The insufficiency in terms of dynamic management functions for supporting users is yet to be improved. Then will we be able to extend the WBLP to a more powerful system that can truly support the assessments and auto-management work. We will conduct a further experimental study in terms of learning effectiveness for the system.
Fuzzy Logic Congestion Control in TCP/IP Tandem Networks

Network resource management and control is a complex problem that requires robust, possibly intelligent, control methodologies to obtain satisfactory performance. While many Active Queue Management (AQM) mechanisms have been introduced to assist the TCP congestion control, these require careful configuration of non-intuitive control parameters, and show weaknesses to detect and control congestion under dynamic traffic changes, and a slow response to regulate queues. Furthermore, there is also a need to evaluate thoroughly the performance of such mechanisms for tandem networks containing multiple congested routers. A new AQM scheme, Fuzzy Explicit Marking (FEM) has recently been proposed to provide congestion control in TCP/IP best-effort networks using a fuzzy logic control approach. We present the control approach followed by the FEM controller, and evaluate the performance of FEM and a number of representative AQM schemes (A-RED, PI and REM) in a tandem network. An extensive simulation study over a wide range of traffic conditions shows that the FEM controller outperforms the other schemes in terms of queue fluctuations and delays, packets losses, link utilization, and speed of response to regulate queues.
Moral judgment as information processing: an integrative review

How do humans make moral judgments about others’ behavior? This article reviews dominant models of moral judgment, organizing them within an overarching framework of information processing. This framework poses two distinct questions: (1) What input information guides moral judgments? and (2) What psychological processes generate these judgments? Information Models address the first question, identifying critical information elements (including causality, intentionality, and mental states) that shape moral judgments. A subclass of Biased Information Models holds that perceptions of these information elements are themselves driven by prior moral judgments. Processing Models address the second question, and existing models have focused on the relative contribution of intuitive versus deliberative processes. This review organizes existing moral judgment models within this framework and critically evaluates them on empirical and theoretical grounds; it then outlines a general integrative model grounded in information processing, and concludes with conceptual and methodological suggestions for future research. The information-processing framework provides a useful theoretical lens through which to organize extant and future work in the rapidly growing field of moral judgment.
Novice supervisors’ practices and dilemmatic space in supervision of student research projects

ABSTRACT Growing interest in student research projects in higher education has led to an emphasis on research supervision. We focus in this study on novice supervisors’ approaches to research supervision as they explore their practices and experience difficulties supervising medicalstudents. Teacher noticing was used as a sensitising concept and relations with teacher dilemmas were explored in the research supervision context. To provide in-depth insights into supervisors’ practices and pedagogical choices, twelve stimulated recall interviews with supervisors were analysed. The supervisors were involved in individual undergraduate or master degree student research projects at a research-intensive university. Analysis revealed four kinds of dilemmas which may influence research supervision practices, namely questions regarding regulation, student needs, the student-supervisor relationship and supervisors’ professional identity. We explain the relationship between novice supervisors’ practices and dilemmas in detail. Implications are given to enhance initiatives for professional development of supervisors.
How do children distinguish between ‘play’ and ‘work’? Conclusions from the literature

ABSTRACT From a sociology of childhood and children’s rights agenda, this review explores how children define ‘play’ and ‘work’ in the classroom, and the contextual influences on the development and reinforcement of these perceptions. Twelve studies were identified, analysed and reported using PRISMA guidelines. These studies strived to understand children’s perspectives using child-centred methodologies, and emphasized the importance of children’s contributions to the development of legislation, policies and strategies in relation to their rights; namely the right to play. Findings identify that even very young children have clear ideas about differentiating ‘play’ and ‘work’. Some educational contexts are associated with a clearly perceived play–work dichotomy, while with others, these concepts lie on a continuum. Blurred lines between the two concepts are visible within constructivist classrooms that support play-based learning and children’s choice and control.