Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Co-occurring Substance Use Disorder – A Systematic Review

Objective Patients with co-occurring autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and substance use disorder (SUD) require special attention from clinical services. Screening for this co-occurrence is not generally an integral part of routine clinical assessments, and failure to identify and understand this group of patients may contribute to a worsening of their symptoms and/or an increase in drug abuse. Thus, there is a need to review the evidence base on patients with co-occurring ASD and SUD in order to enhance clinical practice and future research. Methods We reviewed all identified papers on patients with co-occurring ASD and SUD. The focus of the review was on epidemiology, patient characteristics, function of drug use, and the effect of current interventions. Results A total of 18 papers were included in the analysis. Eleven papers were based on epidemiological studies, although only one study reported the prevalence of ASD in an SUD population. Two papers explored the role of personality, three papers studied subgroups of individuals serving prison for violent or sexual crimes, and one paper explored the function of drugs in the ASD patient group. There were no studies testing specific treatment interventions. Conclusions In most of the treatment settings studied, there were relatively few patients with co-occurring ASD and SUD, but due to differences in study samples it was difficult to establish a general prevalence rate. The one consistent finding was the lack of focused treatment studies. There is clearly a need for research on interventions that take account of the special needs of this patient group.
OPTIMAL REPRODUCTIVE EFFORT IN STOCHASTIC, DENSITY‐DEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTS

The amount of effort organisms should put into reproducing at any given time has been a matter of debate for many years. Early models suggested a simple rule of thumb: iteroparity should be favored when juvenile survival is relatively variable and semelparity when adult survival is relatively variable. When more mathematically complex models were developed, these simple conclusions were found to be special cases. Variability can select toward iteroparity or semelparity depending on a number of factors irrespective of relative adult/juvenile survival (e.g, the density‐independent models of Orzack and Tuljapurkar). Using new techniques, we estimate the ESS reproductive effort for stage‐structured models in density‐dependent and stochastic conditions. We find that variability causes significant changes in reproductive effort, these changes are often small (± 10% of determinstic ESS effort, but up to 50% change in some instances), and the amount that effort increases or decreases depends on many factors (e.g., the deterministic population dynamics, the vital rates affected by density, the amount of variation, the correlations between the vital rates, the distribution from which the variation is drawn, and the deterministic ESS effort). In a variable environment, semelparity is the ESS in only 3.5% of cases; iteroparity is the rule.
Motivations for adolescent participation in leisure-time physical activity: international differences.

BACKGROUND Although there are substantial international differences in adolescent physical activity (PA), cross-country motivational differences have received limited attention, perhaps due to the lack of measures applicable internationally. METHODS Identical self-report measures assessing PA and motivations for PA were used to survey students ages 11, 13, and 15 from 7 countries participating in the 2005-2006 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study representing 3 regions: Eastern Europe, Western Europe and North America. Multigroup comparisons with Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling examined the stability of factors across regions and regional differences in relations between PA and motives for PA. RESULTS Three PA motivation factors were identified as suitable for assessing international populations. There were significant regional, gender, and age differences in relations between PA and each of the 3 PA motives. Social and achievement motives were positively related to PA. However, the association of PA with health motivations varied significantly by region and gender. The patterns suggest the importance of social motives for PA and the possibility that health may not be a reliable motivator for adolescent PA. CONCLUSION Programs to increase PA in adolescence need to determine which motives are effective for the particular population being targeted.
Risk Area Accuracy and Hurricane Evacuation Expectations of Coastal Residents

This study examined the accuracy with which Texas coastal residents were able to locate their residences on hurricane risk area maps provided to them. Overall, only 36% of the respondents correctly identified their risk areas and another 28% were off by one risk area. Risk area accuracy shows minimal correlations with respondents’ demographic characteristics but is negatively correlated with the respondent’s previous hurricane exposure and evacuation experience. Ultimately, risk area accuracy appears to have little significance because it is uncorrelated with evacuation expectations. Instead, the latter were related to respondents’ previous hazard experience and expected evacuation context.
Children's Attitudes to Teaching Styles.

Abstract Although attention has been devoted to teaching styles, it is clear that the most important factor for children is the effects different styles have on their learning processes, especially given children's ability to analyse and parody their teachers. To explore children's perception of their teachers over 60 children in their last year of primary school and first year of secondary school were interviewed at length. The children's responses were articulate and consistent. They appreciated the opportunity to carry out tasks, to do things as well as to listen or write, and judged teachers on their ability to explain as well as on their awareness of individual needs. They commented on teachers’ command of their subject and their abilities in organisation. The children's attitudes to teachers also revealed points at which teachers failed, through lack of interest or through an inability to balance strictness with responsiveness to individuals. The children were also critical of arbitrary harassment a.
Dynamic Control in Real-Time Heuristic Search

Real-time heuristic search is a challenging type of agent-centered search because the agent's planning time per action is bounded by a constant independent of problem size. A common problem that imposes such restrictions is pathfinding in modern computer games where a large number of units must plan their paths simultaneously over large maps. Common search algorithms (e.g., A*, IDA*, D*, ARA*, AD*) are inherently not real-time and may lose completeness when a constant bound is imposed on per-action planning time. Real-time search algorithms retain completeness but frequently produce unacceptably suboptimal solutions. In this paper, we extend classic and modern real-time search algorithms with an automated mechanism for dynamic depth and subgoal selection. The new algorithms remain real-time and complete. On large computer game maps, they find paths within 7% of optimal while on average expanding roughly a single state per action. This is nearly a three-fold improvement in suboptimality over the existing state-of-the-art algorithms and, at the same time, a 15-fold improvement in the amount of planning per action.
I may talk in English but gaali toh Hindi mein hi denge : A study of English-Hindi code-switching and swearing pattern on social networks

Swearing is a prevalent phenomenon, in regular conversations as well as on social media. Whether multilinguals have a preference for a language while swearing and if so, what factors influence it, is an interesting question that has intrigued linguists, but large scale studies of multilingual swearing behavior has been impossible due to unavailability of data. In this study with English and Romanized Hindi tweets from multilingual Indian users, for the first time, we show that indeed when people code-switch, there is a strong preference for swearing in the dominant language, i.e. Hindi in this case. We also study the correlations between topic, gender and language preferences while swearing.
Media or Personal Relations? Exploring Media Relations Dimensions in South Korea

This study examined the dimensions of media relations and their impact on how public relations is valued. The results showed that three factors determine media relations in South Korea. The first principal factor demonstrated existence of informal relationships in media relations. The results also affirm the personal influence model of public relations. Establishing personal relationships with journalists is a critical task among public relations practitioners. If public relations practitioners do not possess personal relationships with appropriate journalists, they often have difficulty getting media coverage. In particular, personal relationships play a critical role in the event of minimizing unfavorable media coverage.
Glocalizing Nonaka’s knowledge creation model: Issues and challenges

The main objective of this article is to explore the challenges for globalizing knowledge management theories. Adopting a practice-based view of knowledge and engaging critically with Nonaka’s SECI (socialization, externalization, combination and internalization) model, the hidden behavioral assumptions and cultural values and meanings embedded within the model are revealed so as to provide a thought experiment to explain the organizational and inter-cultural dynamics that may disrupt its translation in overseas contexts. It is argued that a successful implementation of Nonaka’s SECI model requires a ‘glocalized’ approach, which involves trade-offs between core underlying values and objectives during the process of local translation. This article contributes to current theories of knowledge management by revealing the underlying sources of cultural embeddedness and the implications for their global diffusion.
Development of methods for sleep disordered breathing to identify phenotypes

Sleep disordered breathing a very common disorder with prevalence rates of up to 49% in large epidemiological studies on subjects older than 40 years. A recent study showed that applying CPAP treatment to patients with sleep disordered breathing recruited by their number of apnea and hypopnea events alone, does improve sleepiness but does not improve overall cardiovascular mortality. Based on older large studies however it is knownthat sleep disordered breathing is a cardiovascular risk and that treatment lowers mortality and morbidity. These results appear to be contradictory. However, they might be explained if patient population investigated are carefully reviewed further, and if sleep apnea severity metrics are reconsidered. According to this, it appears that studies speak of different populations. Whereas epidemiological studies use sampled subjects willing to participate, earlier studies used patients contacting a sleep center with complaints and symptoms. In this paper two studies are presented with an assessment of anatomical metrics for upper airway morphology in order to derive parameters for better prediction. Different phenotypes can explain why some people benefit from treatment and others do not benefit equally. Therefore more than just counting apnea and hypopnea events is needed in order to identify patients at risk and patients who have a lower risk when treated. This will require large data set evaluations with hard outcome data.
Coffee Drinking and Risk of Lung Cancer—A Meta-Analysis

Background: Previous epidemiologic results on coffee consumption and lung cancer risk have not been consistent. Furthermore, not all studies have addressed the potential role of tobacco as a confounder in this association. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effect of coffee consumption on lung cancer risk independent of tobacco use. Methods: A systematic review and a meta-analysis based on random effects models were performed using studies from the PubMed and EMBASE databases, and the references from the retrieved articles. Included were 8 prospective cohorts and 13 case–control studies, which provided data for 19,892 cases and 623,645 non-cases, timeframe 1986–2015. Results: The meta-relative risk (RR) for coffee drinking, not controlling for tobacco smoking, was 1.09 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00–1.19], the reference group was never drinkers. There was significant heterogeneity among the study results (Q = 84.39, I² = 75.1%, Pheterogeneity < 0.001). Among non-smokers, coffee was not associated with lung cancer risk (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.75–1.10), the reference group was never drinkers. The meta-RR for 1 cup per day increase, unadjusted for smoking, was 1.04 (95% CI, 1.03–1.05); the corresponding RR for non-smokers was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.83–1.09). Conclusions: The pooled estimates indicated that when the potential confounding effect from smoking is controlled for, coffee drinking does not appear to be a lung cancer risk factor. Further pooled analyses, with larger non-smokers population size, are encouraged to confirm these results. Impact: This study illustrates that the association between coffee consumption and lung cancer can be confounded by tobacco smoking. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(6); 951–7. ©2016 AACR.
Religious coping, stress, and quality of life of Muslim university students in New Zealand

Most of the research on religious coping has been conducted with Christian participants from Western cultures, although in recent years increasingly more studies have been conducted with Muslim participants. For university students in Muslim countries, religiosity is positively correlated with a variety of indices of mental health and psychological well-being, but only a small number of studies investigated coping in Muslims living and studying in a non-Muslim country. The present study thus explored the relationship between perceived stress, quality of life (QOL), and religious coping in a sample of 114 Muslim university students in New Zealand. International Muslim students had higher levels of spirituality/religiousness than domestic Muslim students, and used more positive and negative religious coping methods. For international students, positive religious coping was positively related to QOL and lack of stress, while, for domestic students, negative religious coping was negatively related to the QOL and increased stress. This different pattern may relate to the ethnic background of the participants, and the results of the present study thus highlight that Muslims studying at universities overseas can certainly not be considered as a homogenous group.
Role of Laminin Terminal Globular Domains in Basement Membrane Assembly*

Laminins contribute to basement membrane assembly through interactions of their N- and C-terminal globular domains. To further analyze this process, recombinant laminin-111 heterotrimers with deletions and point mutations were generated by recombinant expression and evaluated for their ability to self-assemble, interact with nidogen-1 and type IV collagen, and form extracellular matrices on cultured Schwann cells by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Wild-type laminin and laminin without LG domains polymerized in contrast to laminins with deleted α1-, β1-, or γ1-LN domains or with duplicated β1- or α1-LN domains. Laminins with a full complement of LN and LG domains accumulated on cell surfaces substantially above those lacking either LN or LG domains and formed a lamina densa. Accumulation of type IV collagen onto the cell surface was found to require laminin with separate contributions arising from the presence of laminin LN domains, nidogen-1, and the nidogen-binding site in laminin. Collectively, the data support the hypothesis that basement membrane assembly depends on laminin self-assembly through formation of α-, β-, and γ-LN domain complexes and LG-mediated cell surface anchorage. Furthermore, type IV collagen recruitment into the laminin extracellular matrices appears to be mediated through a nidogen bridge with a lesser contribution arising from a direct interaction with laminin.
The occurrence, recrudescence, and worsening of asthma in a population of young adults: impact of varying types of occupation.

OBJECTIVE To describe the rates of exacerbation of existing asthma and incidence of new disease in Israeli men during military service. DESIGN All 17-year-old Israeli nationals are obliged by law to appear at the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recruiting office for medical examination. The medical history of army recruits was noted during the 30-month period after their induction into the IDF, and medical examinations were performed by pulmonary specialists in all suspected cases of asthma. The duty status of the soldiers in combat units (CUs), maintenance units (MUs), and clerical tasks was related to their asthma status. RESULTS Of a total of 59,058 recruits, 1.0% developed asthma during the 30 months of this study; of those in CUs, 1.2% developed asthma; of those in MUs, 0.8% developed asthma; and of those performing clerical tasks, 0.6% developed asthma. The relative risk for developing or worsening of asthma was related to both the preexisting asthma status of the recruit and the environment in which he carried out his military service. The annual incidence of occupational-related asthma in MUs was found to be 800/million: five to six times the rates reported elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS Service in CUs was associated with an increased frequency of exacerbation of asthma among recruits with previous disease and with the appearance of disease de novo. "Normal" conscripts with a history of childhood asthma are at a higher risk of developing overt asthma when compared to subjects with no such history. We found a 25% relative excess of incident cases of asthma in soldiers posted in MUs compared to those performing clerical tasks [(0.8 to 0.6%)/0.8%]. This difference is probably attributed to the difference in occupational hazards in these categories. Further studies are needed to determine if this represents the elicitation of underlying preexisting airway lability by new work demands or other environmental conditions, or if this represents a new development of airway lability because of specific immune or nonimmune factors.
A Chromatographic Determination of Aripiprazole using HPLC and UPLC: A Comparative Validation Study

A simple, precise, and accurate isocratic reversed-phase (RP) stability-indicating HPLC assay method was developed and validated for determination of Aripiprazole in bulk and solid pharmaceutical dosage form. A reversed-phase C8 (250×4.0 mm, 5 μm particle size) column for HPLC and C8 (50×2.1mm, 1.7 μm particle size) for UPLC method in isocratic mode was used. The mobile phase consists of acetonitrile: 20 mM ammonium acetate (90:10, v/v), flow rate was set at 1.0 ml/min and 0.250 ml/min for HPLC and UPLC, respectively and the detection was performed for both methods were at 240 nm. Further the validation of both developed method was performed and subsequently compared to prove its better applicability.
Repeated Replication and a Prospective Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Chromosome 9p21.3 and Coronary Artery Disease

Background— Recently, genome-wide association studies identified variants on chromosome 9p21.3 as affecting the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the association of this locus with CAD in 7 case-control studies and undertook a meta-analysis. Methods and Results— A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs1333049, representing the 9p21.3 locus, was genotyped in 7 case-control studies involving a total of 4645 patients with myocardial infarction or CAD and 5177 controls. The mode of inheritance was determined. In addition, in 5 of the 7 studies, we genotyped 3 additional SNPs to assess a risk-associated haplotype (ACAC). Finally, a meta-analysis of the present data and previously published samples was conducted. A limited fine mapping of the locus was performed. The risk allele (C) of the lead SNP, rs1333049, was uniformly associated with CAD in each study (P<0.05). In a pooled analysis, the odds ratio per copy of the risk allele was 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.22 to 1.37; P=0.0001). Haplotype analysis further suggested that this effect was not homogeneous across the haplotypic background (test for interaction, P=0.0079). An autosomal-additive mode of inheritance best explained the underlying association. The meta-analysis of the rs1333049 SNP in 12 004 cases and 28 949 controls increased the overall level of evidence for association with CAD to P=6.04×10−10 (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 1.29). Genotyping of 31 additional SNPs in the region identified several with a highly significant association with CAD, but none had predictive information beyond that of the rs1333049 SNP. Conclusion— This broad replication provides unprecedented evidence for association between genetic variants at chromosome 9p21.3 and risk of CAD.
Homocysteine and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight or Obese Children and Adolescents

Introduction: Among the extrinsic factors, homocysteine (Hy) stands out, which is an intermediate amino acid of the intracellular metabolism of methionine involved in the process of cellular oxidation, which promotes the installation of atheromatous plaques and, therefore, is considered as an emerging cardiovascular risk factor. Objective: To evaluate the plasma homocysteine levels (Hy) in overweight or obese children and adolescents and their relation with cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2011 to May 2012 with overweight or obesity children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years followed at the Center for Childhood Obesity (IOC), Campina Grande-PB. A structured form was used to record demographic, socioeconomic and clinics variables and the patients underwent laboratory tests to define their lipid and glucose profiles and measurement of plasma Hy levels. Results: The study evaluated a total of 165 children and adolescents with mean age of 12.5 (±2.5) years; the majority were female (57.0%). Regarding the lipid profile, there was more individuals with low HDL cholesterol (88.5%). Plasma Hy levels were high in 24.2% of the sample. The mean Hy levels ranged from 4.3 to 18.9 μmol/L, being higher in males, obese adolescents and also in patients with high insulin levels and resistance. Conclusions: The results shown in this study emphasize the importance of detecting and controlling the plasma Hy levels as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, and the need for further studies to evaluate the clinical and biological factors related to alterations in its metabolism.