Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physiological emotional under-arousal in individuals with mild head injury

Abstract Primary objectives: This study examined the potential emotional sequelae following self-reported mild head injury (MHI; e.g. ‘altered state of consciousness’ [ASC]) in university students with a particular focus on arousal status and responsivity to experimental manipulation of arousal. Research design: A quasi-experimental design (n = 91) was used to examine arousal status (self-reported and physiological indices) and response to manipulated arousal (i.e. induced psychosocial stress/activation; reduced activation/relaxation) between persons who acknowledged prior MHI and persons with no-MHI. Main outcome and results: University students who self-reported MHI were physiologically under-aroused and less responsive to stressors (both laboratory and environmental) compared to their no-MHI cohort. Those with reported loss of consciousness demonstrated the most attenuated emotional arousal responses (i.e. flattened electrodermal responsivity) relative to those with only a reported ASC, followed by those with no-MHI. Conclusions: The under-arousal in traumatic brain injury has been hypothesized to be associated with ventromedial prefrontal cortex disruption. This under-arousal may be mirrored in persons who self-report experiencing subtle head trauma. Students who reported MHI may be less able to physiologically respond and/or cognitively appraise stressful experiences as compared to their no-MHI cohort; and experience subtle persistent consequences despite the subtle nature of the reported head trauma.
Efficient Heuristic Based on Clustering Approach for OLSR

Due to the dynamic nature of mobile ad hoc network (MANET), the quality of service (QoS) requires several improvements. The present papercomeswithin the framework of research to optimize QoS in MANET. In this paper, we propose a novel version of OLSR based on the clustering approach which is inspired from Lin and Chu heuristic and adapted to beimplemented inOLSR. We studied its stability and we compared its performances to those of standard OLSR. The metrics we used in evaluating network performances were average end-to-end delay, control routing overhead, and packet delivery ratio. Experimental results show that our alternative significantly reduces the traffic reserved to monitoring the network, which positively influences other performances such as throughput, delay, and loss.
Mutual Interference of Millimeter-Wave Radar Systems

This paper examines the probability that any millimeter-wave radar systems will interfere mutually by considering spatial, temporal, and operational frequency-related overlaps. It examines the nature and magnitude of the interference under different conditions and for different sensor types before concluding that in an overlapping frequency band, the probability that interference will occur is high. It goes on to demonstrate that, though there are some forms of interference that can be identified and controlled, there are others which are impossible to isolate, resulting in degraded target detection performance and tracking
Design and Evaluation of an Open-Loop Receiver for TWSTFT Applications

The two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT) technique provides uncertainty at the nanosecond level for time differences measured over an intercontinental baseline. The time-difference results occasionally reveal daily variations of a few nanoseconds due to multiple effects. These daily variations are called diurnals, and they increase the uncertainty of the time-difference measurements. Since a time difference is obtained by combining two time-of-arrival (TOA) measurements of two receivers, the receivers may contribute the diurnals if they are not reciprocal. To improve reciprocities, a TWSTFT receiver based on the open-loop (OL) method was proposed and implemented on a software-defined radio receiver (SDR). For evaluation, the OL-based SDR was compared with a conventional receiver in a short-baseline TWSTFT experiment. The experimental results indicate that the diurnals disappeared with the OL-based SDRs while a diurnal of ±0.2 ns could be observed with conventional receivers. These results imply that the diurnals partially depend on TOA measurement methods used in the TWSTFT receiver.
Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms Throughout the Peri- and Postpartum Period: Results from the First Baby Study.

BACKGROUND Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication of childbearing, but the course of PPD is not well understood. We analyze trajectories of depression and key risk factors associated with these trajectories in the peripartum and postpartum period. METHODS Women in The First Baby Study, a cohort of 3006 women pregnant with their first baby, completed telephone surveys measuring depression during the mother's third trimester, and at 1, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. A semiparametric mixture model was used to estimate distinct group-based developmental trajectories of depression and determine whether trajectory group membership varied according to maternal characteristics. RESULTS A total of 2802 (93%) of mothers completed interviews through 12 months. The mixture model indicated six distinct depression trajectories. A history of anxiety or depression, unattached marital status, and inadequate social support were significantly associated with higher odds of belonging to trajectory groups with greater depression. Most of the depression trajectories were stable or slightly decreased over time, but one depression trajectory, encompassing 1.7% of the mothers, showed women who were nondepressed at the third trimester, but became depressed at 6 months postpartum and were increasingly depressed at 12 months after birth. CONCLUSIONS This trajectory study indicates that women who are depressed during pregnancy tend to remain depressed during the first year postpartum or improve slightly, but an important minority of women become newly and increasingly depressed over the course of the first year after first childbirth.
Examining the Relationship Between Depression and Asthma Exacerbations in a Prospective Follow-Up Study

Background Although depression has been linked with asthma, its relationship with asthma exacerbations, including emergency department (ED) visits and oral steroid (OS) use, has not been well documented. The aim is to investigate whether depression increases exacerbations among patients with asthma. Method The study included 568 participants with asthma who were between 18 and 56 years old, were taking an inhaled corticosteroid, and participated in baseline and follow-up surveys. Surveys and medical records from a large, health system were collected as part of the Adherence Feedback for Improving Respiratory Medication Use trial. Number of ED visits and OS prescription fills for asthma were calculated for 12-month periods before and after the follow-up survey. Depression was measured using a standardized two-item instrument. Negative binomial regression and modified proportional hazards models were used. Results Among patients with asthma, those who had depression (n = 187; 32.9%) were at increased risk for an asthma-related ED visit (adjusted relative risk = 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–3.75), but not an OS fill (adjusted relative risk = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.72–1.32). Participants with depression and asthma who received psychiatric treatment via antidepressant medication (n = 126; 22.2%) or psychotherapy (n = 39; 6.9%) were more likely to have an ED visit (medication hazard ratio = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.35–3.25; psychotherapy hazard ratio = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.38–3.22). Conclusions This study suggests a temporal relationship between depression and asthma-related ED visits. Research and practice must consider the importance of these comorbid conditions. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00459368.
A comparative analysis of predator‐induced plasticity in larval Triturus newts

Species that occupy similar habitats are expected to show convergent phenotypes. If habitats are defined by the presence of predators, then traits that modify vulnerability to predation, including predator‐induced phenotypic plasticity, should be similar within habitats. We tested this idea using larvae of six syntopic newt species belonging to the two Triturus clades. Behavioural plasticity induced by odonate predators was strongly dissimilar between the two main clades but similar within them. Morphological plasticity was variable among species, even between one pair of closely related species. A predation experiment tested whether differences between clades could be caused by differences in body size. Size‐specific vulnerability differed between newts in the small‐bodied and large‐bodied clades, indicating that similar predators may affect the two clades differently. The results showed both similarity and dissimilarity in predator‐induced phenotypic plasticity in syntopic larval newts although theory suggests that divergence is unlikely in such ecologically similar species.
Sensory-Evoked and Spontaneous Gamma and Spindle Bursts in Neonatal Rat Motor Cortex

Self-generated neuronal activity originating from subcortical regions drives early spontaneous motor activity, which is a hallmark of the developing sensorimotor system. However, the neural activity patterns and role of primary motor cortex (M1) in these early movements are still unknown. Combining voltage-sensitive dye imaging (VSDI) with simultaneous extracellular multielectrode recordings in postnatal day 3 (P3)–P5 rat primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and M1 in vivo, we observed that tactile forepaw stimulation induced spindle bursts in S1 and gamma and spindle bursts in M1. Approximately 40% of the spontaneous gamma and spindle bursts in M1 were driven by early motor activity, whereas 23.7% of the M1 bursts triggered forepaw movements. Approximately 35% of the M1 bursts were uncorrelated to movements and these bursts had significantly fewer spikes and shorter burst duration. Focal electrical stimulation of layer V neurons in M1 mimicking physiologically relevant 40 Hz gamma or 10 Hz spindle burst activity reliably elicited forepaw movements. We conclude that M1 is already involved in somatosensory information processing during early development. M1 is mainly activated by tactile stimuli triggered by preceding spontaneous movements, which reach M1 via S1. Only a fraction of M1 activity transients trigger motor responses directly. We suggest that both spontaneously occurring and sensory-evoked gamma and spindle bursts in M1 contribute to the maturation of corticospinal and sensorimotor networks required for the refinement of sensorimotor coordination.
Temperature dependence of energy dissipation on NaCl(001) in non-contact atomic force microscopy

The dissipative tip–sample interactions are measured by dynamic force spectroscopy for silicon tips on NaCl(001) in ultrahigh vacuum in the attractive and repulsive force regimes. Force and dissipation versus distance curves were obtained for different sample temperatures ranging from 35 to 285 K. Detailed comparison in different distance regimes shows that neither the force nor energy dissipation exhibits a systematic variation with sample temperature.
Hydrophobicity of polyurethane resins

The growth of polymeric insulator applications has shown a sharp upward trend thanks to the advantages of these insulators over the traditional porcelain and glass models. One of their most important features is their hydrophobicity, which allows water to be retained on their surface, preventing them from undergoing high current leakage. The present paper therefore aims to classify the degrees of hydrophobicity of castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis) derived polyurethane resins, which display special dielectric properties for the manufacture of polymeric insulators. The goniometric measurement technique was used through image processing. The main reason for using this technique was its guaranteed repeatability and the solution it offers for the problem of human subjectivity to which the visual inspection technique is prone.
Structural refinements of dolomite and a magnesian calcite and implications for dolomite formation in the marine environment

The structures of dolomite and a calcite containing l0 mole percent MgCOs were anisotropically refined, using single-crystal X-ray techniques. Cell constants and bond lengths were determined as: a : 4.8033(9), c : 15.984(4) A, V: 319.3(l) A3, Ca-O :2.378(l), Mg-O :2.081(l), C-O : 1.2835(15)A fordolomite;anda :4.941(2),c = l6.86aQ) A,V 356.60(22\ As, M-O: 2.331(1), C-O : 1.276(3) A for magnesian calcite. Interatomic bond lengths and angles in the dolomite structure are more ideal than those in the calcite, magnesite, and magnesian calcite structures. Therefore the octahedra are less distorted and provide better cation shielding for both Ca and Mg in dolomite than in the other carbonate structures. Substitution of Mg in the calcite structure distorts the octahedra, diminishing cation shielding. This results in exaggerated thermal motion of ions and bond weakening. In the marine environment, hydration of Mg and the problem of cation ordering combine to prevent dolomite precipitation. Metastable magnesian calcite forms instead. Once magnesian calcite is lormed, pressure increases (less than I kbar) in the marine environment may cause sufficient additional disequilibrium to produce dolomite. Increased pressure favors dolomitization of magnesian calcite because dolomite is denser, occupies less volume, and closely approaches an ideal atomic arrangement. Dolomite can form from magnesian calcite by ordering of the Mg already in the structure, and by cation exihange of Mg from sea water for Ca in the structure. Weakened bonding in magnesian calcite facilitates these processes. With increasing pressure, l0 mole percent MgCOs in calcite is sufficient to favor the lormation of dolomite rather than low-masnesium calcite.
Provision of chlamydia testing in a nationwide service offering termination of pregnancy: with data capture to monitor prevalence of infection

Objectives: To establish a methodology by which all women attending for termination of pregnancy (TOP) at British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) branches may be approached to participate in Chlamydia trachomatis screening. To examine the feasibility of monitoring C trachomatis prevalence and the impact of charging for screening on the uptake rate in this population. Methods: Patients attending for TOP at participating BPAS branches were offered a test for chlamydia infection and asked to complete a questionnaire. Urine samples from participants were tested using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Results: 1001 women provided a urine sample, a 77% response rate among those participating in the study. Factors significantly associated with taking up chlamydia screening included symptoms, previous TOP, parity, and no previous chlamydial test. Overall prevalence of genital chlamydial infection was 7.5%, with highest age specific prevalences occurring among attendees aged 20–24 years (11.5%) and under 20 years (10.8%). In univariate analysis, chlamydia positivity was significantly associated with respondent age and previous diagnosis with chlamydia. Only 35% of women who had the screening test would have done so had they been asked to pay the £20 clinical, administrative, and laboratory costs of the examination. Conclusions: We have demonstrated the feasibility of routine chlamydia screening and the potential for prospective prevalence monitoring across the nationwide BPAS service. In most cases the chlamydia result was available within the clinical contact period for the TOP. Charging patients directly for the test could reduce uptake of chlamydia screening to levels unsatisfactory for both the public health and prevalence monitoring purposes.
Glutamate receptor agonists up‐regulate glutamate transporter GLAST in astrocytes

LONG-TERM treatment of astrocytes in primary culture with L-glutamate (0.1–3 mM) resulted in a dose-dependent increase in D-[3H]aspartate uptake. The effect was abolished by an antagonist of kainate/AMPA receptors, CNQX, and mimicked by kainate, but not by AMPA or tACPD. Both glutamate and kainate caused a dramatic up-regulation (82% and 69%, respectively) of GLAST, a predominant glutamate transporter in cultured astroglia, though the mRNA levels appeared unaffected. Long-term treatment of cultures with dBcAMP stimulated D-[3H]aspartate uptake as well as GLAST expression. Apart from glutamate, none of the agonists used was capable of increasing further the uptake capacity of the dBcAMP-treated astroglia. The glutamate receptor- dependent modulation of glutamate transport in astroglial cultures may represent a novel feedback regulatory mechanism for glutamate uptake in the brain.
Spatial contrast sensitivity is reduced in bilateral Parkinson's disease

We studied the contrast sensitivity functions of 41 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) with a wide range of parkinsonian symptomatology (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1 to 4) and 22 age-matched control subjects in a parametric design. Results demonstrated reduced contrast sensitivity in PD patients but only in those patients who had progressed beyond Hoehn and Yahr stage 1. Furthermore, there were deficits in contrast sensitivity related to the severity of PD.
Prognostic Significance of Survivin in Breast Cancer: Meta‐analysis

Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein, is a potentially prognostic factor and therapeutic target in breast carcinoma, but no consensus exists based on heterogeneous data. The aim of this present study is to clarify the prognostic relevance of survivin in breast cancer patients. Relevant articles were screened in PubMed and EMBASE databases. Patients’ clinical characteristics, overall survival (OS), disease/recurrence‐free survival (DFS/RFS) and positive expressed survivin rates were extracted for further analysis. Statistics extracted from Kaplan–Meier survival curves were calculated indirectly with methods developed by Parmar, Williamson, and Tierney. Multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis data were used directly in Stata 11.0. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to evaluate the prognostic role of survivin in breast cancer. Online literature search identified 23 articles containing 3,259 breast cancer patients. Our meta‐analysis of all included studies about survival outcomes showed positive correlation between poor prognosis and survivin expression. Pooled HRs (95% CIs) for OS and DFS/RFS were 1.37 (1.12–1.68) and 1.34 (1.02–1.76), respectively. Subgroup analyses considering methods used to detect survivin (immunohistochemistry or not) and localization of survivin (whole, nuclear or cytoplasm of the cell) were also conducted, and all the above analyses supported the stability of the prognostic role of survivin. In addition, our study revealed a significant association between survivin expression and lymph node metastasis (OR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.27–5.93) or stage of breast cancer (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.29–3.13). Positive expression of survivin demonstrated a significantly higher risk of recurrence and decreased OS rates in breast cancer.
Isolation and Characterization of Xenorhabdus nematophila Transposon Insertion Mutants Defective in Lipase Activity against Tween

ABSTRACT We identified Xenorhabdus nematophila transposon mutants with defects in lipase activity. One of the mutations, in yigL, a conserved gene of unknown function, resulted in attenuated virulence against Manduca sexta insects. We discuss possible connections between lipase production, YigL, and specific metabolic pathways.
Human genetics of nephrotic syndrome and the quest for precision medicine

Purpose of reviewIn this review, we take a combined membrane biologist's and geneticist's view of the podocyte, to examine how genetics have informed our understanding of membrane receptors, channels, and other signaling molecules affecting podocyte health and disease. Recent findingsAn integral part of the kidney, the glomerulus, is responsible for the kidney's filter function. Within the glomerulus, the podocyte is a unique cell serving a critically important role: it is exposed to signals from the urinary space in Bowman's capsule, it receives and transmits signals to/from the basement membrane upon which it elaborates, and it receives signals from the vascular space with which it also communicates, thus exposed to toxins, viruses, chemicals, proteins, and cellular components or debris that flow in the blood stream. Our understanding of how podocytes perform their important role has been largely informed by human genetics, and the recent revolution afforded by exome sequencing has brought a tremendous wealth of new genetic data to light. SummaryGenetically defined, rare/orphan podocytopathies, as reviewed here, are critically important to study as they may reveal the next generation targets for precision medicine in nephrology.
Political Institutions , Stock Market Liquidity and Firm Dividend Policy

Motivated by recent research on the dividend irrelevance assumption and research on the importance of political institutions in international financial markets, this cross country study examines whether political institutions affect the substitution effect between stock market liquidity and firm’s dividend policy. Using a sample of 52 countries, we show that the negative association between dividends and stock market liquidity is more pronounced in countries with stronger political rights and constraints. We also find that this relationship is weaker for countries with poor investor protection and low accounting transparency suggesting that both variables moderate the political institutions/substitution effect relationship, ceteris paribus. Acknowledgements: We thank Helen Lu, Keshab Shrestha, Wilson Tong and seminar/conference participants at Monash University, Sunway Campus and 2014 AFAANZ for their helpful comments. We also acknowledge the support given by the Internal Competitive Research Grant at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (G-UB27). 1520 1/16/15
Beam-scanning improvement of reflectarrays using single-layered sub-wavelength elements

This paper studies the use of double concentric circular ring elements arranged in a sub-wavelength grid on a single layer of substrate, in an effort to enhance the beamscanning capability of reflectarrays. The work is carried out at 10 GHz on a 405mm×405mm aperture. In addition to a broad gain bandwidth, the reflectarray with a sub-wavelength grid demonstrates a superior beam-scanning performance compared to the one with λ/2 grid. The measured results show that the reflectarray with 0. 3λ grid spacing realizes a 1-dB gain bandwidth of 22% with an aperture efficiency of 56.6%. With the reflectarray fixed, this paper investigates the possibility of beam scanning by displacing the feed horn laterally. The results show that beam scanning of ±15o is possible while retaining the broadband characteristics.