Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian hierarchical joint modeling of repeatedly measured mixed biomarkers of disease severity and time-to-event

In many clinical follow-up studies, patients are observed at irregular intervals for more than one biomarker of disease severity. Although these biomarkers are often meant to measure the same disease severity, they may differ due to the instruments or reagents used as well as the scale of measurements. They could show different patterns for treatment because clinicians prescribe medications based on the severity of disease. Moreover, if these markers are modeled separately to determine the factors that are associated with disease progression over time or to predict the event of interest given different treatments, they may yield misleading or inefficient results. Joint modeling of correlated biomarkers alone or with time-to-event data leads to efficient results, hence better clinical decisions. In this study, we have first developed a joint model to analyze multivariate unbalanced repeatedly measured outcomes of mixed types, in particular, continuous and ordinal outcomes. Secondly, we have extended the first model to include time-to-event data. The postulated models assumes that the outcomes are from distributions that are in the exponential family and hence modeled as a multivariate generalized linear mixed effects model linked through random effects. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) Bayesian approach is used to approximate the posterior distribution and draw inference on the parameters. These joint models provide a flexible framework to account for the hierarchical structure of the highly unbalanced data as well as the association between the multiple mixed types of outcomes and time-to-event. Moreover, the simulation studies show that estimates obtained from the joint models are consistently less biased and more efficient than those obtained from the separate models. We applied our models to diabetes data from an observational study. Diabetes and its associated complications such as heart attack and stroke are of serious public health concerns across the globe. Proper treatment can help control and prevent the development of these complications and hence improve the quality of life of millions of people. This work proposes to efficiently estimate the treatment effect by introducing state-of-the-art statistical methods. This will help researchers identify effective treatments that can slow down the disease progression.
Clinical and dosimetric factors of radiation-induced esophageal injury： Radiation-induced esophageal toxicity

AIM: To analyze the clinical and dosimetric predictive factors for radiation-induced esophageal injury in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) during threedimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 208 consecutive patients (146 men and 62 women) with NSCLC treated with 3D-CRT. The median age of the patients was 64 years (range 35-87 years). The clinical and treatment parameters including gender, age, performance status, sequential chemotherapy, concurrent chemotherapy, presence of carinal or subcarinal lymph nodes, pretreatment weight loss, mean dose to the entire esophagus, maximal point dose to the esophagus, and percentage of volume of esophagus receiving ＞55 Gy were studied. Clinical and dosimetric factors for radiation-induced acute and late grade 3-5 esophageal injury were analyzed according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria.RESULTS: Twenty-five (12%) of the two hundred and eight patients developed acute or late grade 3-5 esophageal injury. Among them, nine patients had both acute and late grade 3-5 esophageal injury, two died of late esophageal perforation. Concurrent chemotherapy and maximal point dose to the esophagus ≥60 Gy were significantly associated with the risk of grade 3-5 esophageal injury. Fifty-four (26%) of the two hundred and eight patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Among them, 25 (46%) developed grade 3-5 esophageal injury (P = 0.0001＜0.01). However, nograde 3-5 esophageal injury occurred in patients who received a maximal point dose to the esophagus ＜60 Gy (P= 0.0001＜0.01). CONCLUSION: Concurrent chemotherapy and the maximal esophageal point dose ≥60 Gy are significantly associated with the risk of grade 3-5 esophageal injury in patients with NSCLC treated with 3D-CRT.
Role of the different chemical components in the conditioning process of air exposed copper surfaces

As a source of heat load on cryogenic sections, the electron cloud is currently a major limitation to the intensity of some modern particle accelerators such as the LHC and its high luminosity upgrade at CERN. During LHC operation, conditioning of the copper beam pipe surface occurs, leading to a decrease of the cloud intensity. To understand the role of the different chemical surface components of air exposed copper in the electron conditioning process, air exposed copper samples as well as specific model surfaces produced in the laboratory, namely sputter-cleaned copper and carbon-free cuprous oxide (Cu 2 O), were conditioned by low energy electron irradiation. Conditioning of air exposed copper results in a decrease of the maximum secondary electron yield (SEY) below 1.1. Surface cleaning by electron stimulated desorption and carbon graphitization without increase of the carbon surface concentration are observed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After conditioning, the maximum SEY of both sputter-cleaned copper and Cu 2 O remains higher than 1.1. No significant surface modification is observed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy during irradiation for these two surfaces. These results prove that neither an increase of the amount of surface carbon nor oxide modification is responsible for the SEY reduction observed during electron irradiation of air exposed copper. They confirm that graphitic carbon is required to decrease the maximum SEY of copper below 1.1.
Permeability Characterization and Fluorescent Void Flow Monitoring for Processing Simulation

Permeability Characterization and Fluorescent Void Flow Monitoring for Processing Simulation John Caleb Lystrup Department of Mechanical Engineering, BYU Doctor of Philosophy Liquid composite molding (LCM) is growing in importance alternative to traditional prepreg-autoclave methods for manufacture aerospace composites. The most significant roadblock to industry’s implementation of LCM is the optimization of resin flow to ensure high quality parts. This study developed process optimization tools to foster the adaptation of LCM. The following dissertation characterized the permeability of reinforcement fabrics under various processing conditions, and investigated in-situ bubble flow with carbon fiber. The purpose of this research is to extend the understanding of LCM and push forward the state of the art via substudies captured in five chapters, or manuscripts. Research from these manuscripts is as follows. Chapter 3 sets the groundwork for LCM optimization by extending the current theory for assessing 3D permeability of reinforcement fabrics using an ellipsoidal point infusion experiment. The aim was to improve 3D permeability measurement accuracy for LCM processing models. This work is the first to compare solutions in the context of 75 experiments. Chapters 4 and 5 extend permeability analysis to curved and sheared geometries, typical to real-world aerostructures. Chapter 4 demonstrates a method for measurement of curvature effects on permeability with vacuum infusion. A correlation was shown between curvature (as evaluated over four radii) and effective permeability. Chapter 5 researches the shearing of reinforcement fabric (e.g. when reinforcements are draped over double curvature). The study shows that permeability actually increases for mid-range shear angles beyond the shear-locking angle, and develops a technique for obtaining the 3D permeability of sheared fabric. Chapter 6 investigates carbon fiber voids in situ. LCM optimization requires improved void monitoring for carbon fiber. It is challenging to monitor void flow in situ with carbon fiber reinforcements because of fiber opacity. The research builds upon a new automated fluorescent imaging method to monitor void flow in-situ. Results include high-resolution and high-contrast images and 230 data points for infusion velocity vs. void content data. Chapter 7 contributes to the growing interest in LCM processes for aerospace applications by providing a short cost summary of typical processes for manufacturing aerospace composite parts. Data shows that LCM is a financially wise alternative to automated fiber placement (prepreg-autoclave) manufacturing when a void content of 2-2.5% is acceptable. Work on LCM processes optimization indicates that these percentages will reduce in coming years.
Measuring the working alliance in advisor-advisee relationships in graduate school.

Drawing from the working alliance literature, the authors constructed the Advisory Working Alliance Inventory (AWAI) to measure the graduate advising relationship from the student's perspective. Two hundred eighty-one counseling psychology doctoral students participated in the 1st study (79% response rate). Three factors (Rapport, Apprenticeship, and Identification-Individuation) were extracted by factor analysis. The AWAI showed very good internal consistency reliability. Scale validity was supported by positive correlations between the AWAI and measures of advisee research self-efficacy and attitudes toward research, as well as the perceived expertness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness of the advisor. Forty-one students participated in the 2nd study, in which the AWAI demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability over a 2-week interval. Implications of the advising working alliance are discussed for doctoral training and areas for future research are provided.
Crack Growth Tests in Air Plasma-Sprayed Yttria Coatings for Alumina Ceramic Matrix Composites

Yttria coatings for all-oxide combustor walls were tested for their crack-growth behavior. These environmental and thermal barrier Y2O3-coatings were processed by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The stiffness and strength were measured for as-received and aged samples that were heat treated at 1000 °C, 1100 °C and 1200 °C for a 10 h dwell time. The results show a clear development with respect to the aging conditions. The changes of the modulus and the bending strength indicate that the microstructural changes are not completed, even after aging at 1200 °C for 10 h. The fracture toughness was tested for different orientations on samples aged at 1200 °C. Bending tests as well as indentation experiments were conducted. Furthermore, a bending device was designed to observe the crack-growth in situ. The device had to be rigid and is driven by a piezo stack. The crack growth resistance shows differences in the rise of the R-curves for different orientations of the crack propagation. This is in agreement with the microstructure that results from the plasma spray process.
Does behavioural inhibition system dysfunction contribute to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Abstract The Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory of Personality has as its main foundation a Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS), defined by anxiolytic drugs, in which high trait sensitivity should lead to internalising, anxiety, disorders. Conversely, it has been suggested that low BIS sensitivity would be a characteristic of externalising disorders. BIS output should lead to increased arousal and attention as well as behavioural inhibition. Here, therefore, we tested whether an externalising disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), involves low BIS sensitivity. Goal-Conflict-Specific Rhythmicity (GCSR) in an auditory Stop Signal Task is a right frontal EEG biomarker of BIS function. We assessed children diagnosed with ADHD-I (inattentive) or ADHD-C (combined) and healthy control groups for GCSR in: a) an initial smaller study in Dunedin, New Zealand (population ~120,000: 15 control, 10 ADHD-I, 10 ADHD-C); and b) a main larger one in Tehran, Iran (population ~9 [city]-16 [metropolis] million: 27 control, 18 ADHD-I, 21 ADHD-C). GCSR was clear in controls (particularly at 6–7 Hz) and in ADHD-C (particularly at 8–9 Hz) but was reduced in ADHD-I. Reduced attention and arousal in ADHD-I could be due, in part, to BIS dysfunction. However, hyperactivity and impulsivity in ADHD-C are unlikely to reflect reduced BIS activity. Increased GCSR frequency in ADHD-C may be due to increased input to the BIS. BIS dysfunction may contribute to some aspects of ADHD (and potentially other externalising disorders) and to some differences between the ADHD subtypes but other prefrontal systems (and, e.g. dopamine) are also important.
Circulating markers of endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria

Abstract Background: Progressive nephropathy represents a substantial source of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes. Increasing albuminuria is a strong predictor of progressive renal dysfunction and heightened cardiovascular risk. Endothelial damage is associated with albuminuria. VonWillebrand factor (vWf) and Thrombomodulin (TM) are possible markers of endothelial dysfunction and damage. Objectives: We studied the relationship between plasma vWf, TM, and urinary albumin excretion. Methods: We conducted on 90 diabetic patients fulfilled the WHO criteria for type 2 diabetes. Diabetic patients were placed into three groups according to urinary albumin concentration (UAC) in a 24-hour urine collection. Group I: included 30 patients with normal urinary albumin concentration (without nephropathy); microalbumin/24 hour urine less than 30 mg. Group II: included 30 patients with microalbuminuria (incipient diabetic nephropathy), microalbumin/24 hour urine from 30 to 299 mg. Group III: included 30 patients with macroalbuminuria (overt diabetic nephropathy); microalbumin/24 hour urine greater than 300 mg. We measured plasma levels of vonWillebrand factor (vWf) and Thrombomodulin (TM) as markers of endothelial dysfunction, to evaluate their relationship to urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results: There were significant increase in the levels of cholesterol and triglyceride, and significant decrease in HDL in group III compared to the control group, while it was highly significant with group II and III. TM levels showed no significant difference between control group and group I while it was highly significant with group II and III (p <0.01), also there was highly significant difference between group I and III (p <0.01). TM index showed no significant difference between control group and group I and II, while there was highly significant difference between control group and group III (p <0.01) and highly significant difference between group II and III (p <0.01). Albumin concentration in 24 hours urine showed no significant difference between control group and group I, while there were highly significant difference between control group and group II and III (p <0.01), also there was significant difference between group II and III (p <0.01). There were highly significant positive correlation between vWF, TM levels and all studied variables. Multivariate analysis which showed that total cholesterol, urinary albumin and age retained significant influence on the plasma vWF and TM. Conclusions: These results suggested that generalized vascular endothelial damage occurs in diabetic nephropathy including the microalbuminuric stage. Hence, plasma vWF and TM represents valuable markers of endothelial dysfunction that could be used for early detection of diabetic microvascular complications.
Residual strength capacity of fire-exposed circular concrete-filled steel tube stub columns

Concrete-Filled Steel Tube (CFST) columns are an increasingly popular means to support great compressive loads in buildings. The residual strength capacity of CFST stub columns may be utilized to assess the potential damage caused by fire and calculate the structural fire protection for least post-fire repair. Ten specimens under room conditions and 10 specimens under fire exposure to the Eurocode smouldering slow-growth fire were tested to examine the effects of diameter to thickness D/t ratio and reinforcing bars on residual strength capacity, ductility and stiffness of CFST stub columns. On the other hand, in sixteen among the twenty specimens, three or six reinforcing bars were welded inside the steel tube. The longitudinal strains in the steel tube and load-displacement relationships were recorded throughout the subsequent compressive tests. Corresponding values of residual strength capacity calculated using AISC 360-10 and EC4 standards are presented for comparison purposes with the experimental results of this study. The test results showed that after exposure to 750oC, the residual strength capacity increased for all specimens, while the ductility and stiffness were slightly decreased. The comparison results showed that the predicted residual strength using EC4 were close to those obtained experimentally in this research.
Nominal and Actual Values of Inductor and Capacitor Parameters at High Frequencies

Coil inductance and capacitor capacitance depend on overall dimensions, structure, and ambient factors. They do not vary with frequency. Reactive component impedance is determined by inductance or capacitance respectively, if active resistance is not considered. This is true for the frequencies which are significantly lower than the self-resonant frequency of the component. Parasitic parameters contribution increases on approaching the self-resonant frequency. Therefore, the componentʼs actual inductance and actual capacitance on operating frequency are defined. They are provided by manufacturers and differ from the nominal values. The actual values provide more accurate impedance of components near the considered frequency. Significant deviation from the considered frequency can cause impedance mismatch even more than the nominal values can provide. Frequency response of the high-frequency circuits such as analog filters and impedance match networks are determined by components impedance, not the nominal values. Thus, calculated values must be close to the actual values. The purpose of this article is to justify actual values application instead of nominal values.
Performance of a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine with Various Convergent Nozzles and Chamber Lengths

A rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) with various convergent nozzles and chamber lengths is investigated. Three hundred hot-fire tests are performed using methane and oxygen ranging from equivalence ratio equaling 0.5–2.5 and total propellant flow up to 0.680 kg/s. For the full-length (76.2 mm) chamber study, three nozzles at contraction ratios ϵc = 1.23, 1.62 and 2.40 are tested. Detonation is exhibited for each geometry at equivalent conditions, with only fuel-rich operability slightly increased for the ϵc = 1.62 and 2.40 nozzles. Despite this, counter-propagation, i.e., opposing wave sets, becomes prevalent with increasing constriction. This is accompanied by higher number of waves, lower wave speed Uwv and higher unsteadiness. Therefore, the most constricted nozzle always has the lowest Uwv. In contrast, engine performance increases with constriction, where thrust and specific impulse linearly increase with ϵc for equivalent conditions, with a 27% maximum increase. Additionally, two half-length (38.1 mm) chambers are studied including a straight chamber and ϵc = 2.40 nozzle; these shortened geometries show equal performance to their longer equivalent. Furthermore, the existence of counter-propagation is minimized. Accompanying high-fidelity simulations and injection recovery analyses describe underlying injection physics driving chamber wave dynamics, suggesting the physical throat/injector interaction influences counter-propagation.
Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on thermal stability of polyurethane nanocomposites

This paper examines the thermal expansion of polyurethane (Pu)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (mwcnt) composites over a temperature range of 45 °C to 70 °C. Composites of PU, with varying MWCNT compositions, have been fabricated by solution mixing. They were moulded in the form of discs with a diameter of 10 mm and thickness of 5 mm. By using a thermal dilatometer, a reduction of 58.31% in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the 5 wt% composite was observed, with respect to pure PU. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) studies revealed a 15% weight loss and the thermal decomposition temperature of PU/MWCNT composite with 1 wt% was improved by 12 °C, with respect to pure PU. We suggest the uniform dispersion of MWCNT as an explanation for reduced strain, which leads to reduced CTE of PU-based MWCNT composite materials.
Effective Group Counseling.

There is a natural tendency for people to gather in groups for mutually beneficial purposes. Through groups, individuals accomplish goals and relate to others in innovative and productive ways (McClure, 1990). People would not survive, let alone thrive, without involvement in groups. This reliance and interdependence is seen in all types of groups from those that are primarily task-oriented to those that are basically therapeutic.
Healthy Lifestyles for People with Disabilities

People with disabilities are more susceptible to compromised health status and preventable secondary conditions. A Healthy Lifestyles curriculum was developed as a health promotion program for people with disabilities. Using the curriculum, ten free 2½-day workshops were provided for people with various disabilities in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Workshops were conducted in collaboration with local entities such as Centers for Independent Living. The workshops took an integrated approach to health, addressing connections among physical, social, emotional, and spiritual health, and health through meaningful activities. During workshops, the participants obtained health information and experienced healthy activities such as yoga and non-impact aerobics, both tailored for people with disabilities. At the end of the workshop, each participant identified two healthy lifestyle goals to work toward. Progress and/or barriers in accomplishing those goals were shared in support groups for 6-9 months. Preliminary results indicate early and sustained improvements in health behaviors and health-related attitudes. The Healthy Lifestyles program offers a promising approach to promoting health among people with disabilities.