Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intensive Evening Outpatient Treatment for Patients With Personality Dysfunction: Early Group Process, Change in Interpersonal Distress, and Longer-Term Social Functioning

Objective: Entrenched interpersonal difficulties are a defining feature of those with personality dysfunction. Evening treatment—a comprehensive and intensive group-oriented outpatient therapy program—offers a unique approach to delivering mental health services to patients with chronic personality dysfunction. This study assessed change in interpersonal problems as a key outcome, the relevance of such change to future social functioning, and the influence of early group processes on this change. Method: Consecutively admitted patients (N = 75) to a group-oriented evening treatment program were recruited; the majority were diagnosed with personality disorder. Therapy outcome was represented by scores on the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems. Follow-up outcome was represented by the global score of the Social Adjustment Scale. Group climate, group cohesion, and the therapeutic alliance were examined as process variables. Results: Patients experienced substantial reduction in distress associated with interpersonal problems; early process factors that reflected a cohesive and engaged group climate and stronger therapeutic alliance were predictive of this outcome. Improvement in interpersonal distress was predictive of global social functioning six months later. The therapeutic alliance most strongly accounted for change in interpersonal problems at posttreatment and social functioning at follow-up. Conclusions: A comprehensive and integrated outpatient group therapy program, offered in the evening to accommodate patients’ real-life demands, can facilitate considerable improvement in interpersonal problems, which in turn influences later social functioning. The intensity and intimacy of peer interactions in the therapy groups, and a strong alliance with the program therapists, are likely interacting factors that are particularly important to facilitate such change.
Fabrication of III-V Integrated Photonic Devices

This doctoral dissertation focuses on fabrication processes for integrated photonic devices based on III-V semiconductors. This work covers a range of III-V materials and a variety of devices. Initially, design, fabrication and optical characterization of aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) waveguides for enhanced optical nonlinear interactions was carried out. Based on our results, we proposed a new type of waveguide for AlGaAs integrated nonlinear optics. Photonic crystal nanocavities and waveguides are attractive components for integrated photonic devices, due to their control over spatial, spectral and dispersion properties of light. Fabrication process for high-Q GaAs photonic crystal nanocavities was developed. Design, fabrication and optical characterization of strip-loaded indium gallium arsenide phosphide (InGaAsP) waveguides were then carried out to demonstrate the potential of Quaternary III-V semiconductors for integrated nonlinear optics. Self-phase modulation and four-wave mixing were demonstrated in InGaAsP waveguides and nonlinear absorption was determined experimentally. Gallium nitride (GaN), due to its wide band-gap, has plethora of photonics and optoelectronics applications. First demonstration of GaN waveguides grown on (-201) β-Ga2O3 (gallium oxide) was carried out leading to an experimentally determined propagation loss of 7.5 dB/cm. In summary, this doctoral work presents repeatable and reliable micro and nanofabrication processes for III-V integrated photonic devices.
Novel transmit antenna selection algorithm for V-BLAST system

This paper discusses the problem of antenna subset selection in multiple-input multiple-output systems. Based on sub-optimal sorting and QR decomposition, we propose a transmit antenna selection criterion that is applicable for V-BLAST systems with ordered successive interference cancellation detection. Unlike most of the existing works, this criterion takes into account the impacts of ordering and cancellation. Simulations show that the proposed strategy achieves near-optimal outage capacity and outperforms several existing schemes in performance with reasonable complexity
Surfaces and Interfaces of Electronic Materials

Preface 1. Introduction 2. Historical Background 3. Electrical Measurements 4. Interface states 5. Ultrahigh vacuum technology 6. Surface and interface analysis 7. Photoemission spectroscopy 8. Photoemission with soft X-rays 9. Particle-solid scattering 10. Electron energy loss spectroscopy 11. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry 12. Secondary ion mass spectrometry 13. Electron diffraction 14. Scanning tunneling microscopy 15. Optical spectroscopies 16. Cathodoluminescence spectroscopy 17. Electronic Materials' Surfaces 18. Adsorbates on Electronic Materials' Surfaces 19. Adsorbate-Semiconductor Sensors 20. Heterojunctions 21. Metals on semiconductors 22. The future of interfaces Appendices
Sexual orientation and suicidal behaviour in adolescents and young adults: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Research suggests that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) adolescents have a higher risk of suicidal behaviours than their heterosexual peers, but little is known about specific risk factors. Aims To assess sexual orientation as a risk factor for suicidal behaviours, and to identify other risk factors among LGB adolescents and young adults. Method A systematic search was made of six databases up to June 2015, including a grey literature search. Population-based longitudinal studies considering non-clinical populations aged 12–26 years and assessing being LGB as a risk factor for suicidal behaviour compared with being heterosexual, or evaluating risk factors for suicidal behaviour within LGB populations, were included. Random effect models were used in meta-analysis. Results Sexual orientation was significantly associated with suicide attempts in adolescents and youths (OR=2.26, 95% CI 1.60–3.20). Gay or bisexual men were more likely to report suicide attempts compared with heterosexual men (OR=2.21, 95% CI 1.21–4.04). Based on two studies, a non-significant positive association was found between depression and suicide attempts in LGB groups. Conclusions Sexual orientation is associated with a higher risk of suicide attempt in young people. Further research is needed to assess completed suicide, and specific risk factors affecting the LGB population.
New Approach to Integrate Planning and Scheduling of Production System: Heuristic Resolution

In general, planning and scheduling of production are treated separately under the hierarchical strategy. Then, over the time, the iterative strategy appeared which partially considers the scheduling constraints during planning, except that the latter remains unsatisfactory because there is no guarantee that these constraints are taken into account. For this, is born the integrated strategy which integrates planning and scheduling and aims to solve the problem and define a feasible production plan. Since capacity constraints don’t reflect reality in terms of resource availability, and they are not always considered, capacity becomes aggregated. To remedy this problem, it is necessary to integrate more precise constraints of scheduling at the planning level. Based on this observation, we propose in this article a new model that integrates planning and scheduling and considers the constraint of resource availability. In our model, the objective function optimizes the total cost of production for a mono-level job-shop problem. To solve this N-P difficult problem we use a stochastic approached method as genetic algorithm (GA).
Cytotoxicity of a Series of Norcantharidin‐Inspired Tetrahydroepoxyisoindole Carboxamides

A series of 28 norcantharidin (NorC)‐inspired analogues were accessed via a robust two‐step Ugi intramolecular Diels–Alder (IMDA) sequence. Four analogues displayed whole‐cell cytotoxicity equipotent to that of NorC and cisplatin against a number of cancer cell lines and a normal breast cell line (MCF10A). Notably, (3S,3aS,6R)‐2‐benzyl‐7‐methyl‐N‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)‐1‐oxo‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydro‐3a,6‐epoxyisoindole‐3‐carboxamide (trans‐27) displayed superior whole‐cell activity against breast (MCF‐7, GI50=2.9 μm) and colon (HT29, GI50=6.4 μm) cancer cell lines relative to the control (cisplatin), which elicited respective GI50 values of 6.5 and 11.3 μm against the aforementioned cell lines. This analogue also displayed improved activity relative to NorC across the breast (MCF‐7, GI50=2.9 μm; NorC GI50=7.5 μm), ovarian (A2780, GI50=2.2 μm; NorC GI50=4.4 μm), and neuroblastoma (BE2‐C, GI50=2.2 μm; NorC GI50=3.7 μm) cancer cell lines. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) investigations demonstrated that retention of sp2 hybridized connections within the tetrahydroepoxyisoindole carboxamide scaffold is crucial, as aromatization to a phenolic functionality decreased activity, whereas removal of a single olefin bond abolished cytotoxicity. Nonetheless, with respect to the latter, use of crotonic acid as opposed 2‐butynoic acid in the Ugi‐IMDA sequence imparted a significant improvement to diastereoselectivity, with the cis/trans isomer ratio shifting from ≈1:1.2 to ≈0.5:9.5.
Optical properties of white CdSe:Zn quantum dots

The white quantum dots (WQDs), which have both the surface state and band edge emission, have been pay more attention due to their broad emission spectrum. However, the low quantum yield (QY) and poor stability limits their application in solid-state lighting. In order to solving above problems, the QDs were prepared by colloidal chemistry method and adding Zn to form CdSe:Znx QDs. The result shows that the QY of as-prepared and Zn doped CdSe QD is 42 and 52 %. Moreover, the second emission peak shows red-shifted at low Zn content, and blue-shifted at 10 % of Zn content. In addition, Zncontaining samples also have a broad emission peak, and consists of two particle sizes. The QY can be maintained for 10 at% -Zn samples after 120 days aging at room temperature, meaning that the sample have good stability
Emotional reactivity and regulation in anxious and nonanxious youth: a cell-phone ecological momentary assessment study.

BACKGROUND Reviews have highlighted anxious youths' affective disturbances, specifically, elevated negative emotions and reliance on ineffective emotion regulation strategies. However, no study has examined anxious youth's emotional reactivity and regulation in real-world contexts. METHODS This study utilized an ecological momentary assessment approach to compare real-world emotional experiences of 65 youth with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or social phobia (ANX) and 65 age-matched healthy controls (CON), ages 9-13 years. RESULTS Hierarchical linear models revealed that ANX reported higher levels of average past-hour peak intensity of nervous, sad and upset emotions than CON youth but similar levels during momentary reports of current emotion. As expected, ANX youth reported more frequent physiological reactions in response to a negative event; however, there were no group differences in how frequently they used cognitive-behavioral strategies. Avoidance, distraction and problem solving were associated with the down-regulation of all negative emotions except nervousness for both ANX and CON youth; however, group differences emerged for acceptance, rumination and physiological responding. CONCLUSIONS In real-world contexts, ANX youth do not report higher levels of momentary negative emotions but do report heightened negative emotions in response to challenging events. Moreover, ANX youth report no differences in how frequently they use adaptive regulatory strategies but are more likely to have physiological responses to challenging events. They are also less effective at using some strategies to down-regulate negative emotion than CON youth.
Measurement of Lung Cancer Tumor Markers in a Glass Wool Company Workers Exposed to Respirable Synthetic Vitreous Fiber and Dust

Background: Occupational exposures to respirable synthetic vitreous fiber (SVF) and dust are associated with many lung diseases including lung cancer. Low-dose computed tomography is used for screening patients who are highly suspicious of having lung carcinoma. However, it seems not to be cost-effective. Serum biomarkers could be a useful tool for the surveillance of occupational exposure, by providing the possibility of diagnosing lung cancer in its early stages. Objective: To determine if serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin fragment (CYFRA) 21-1 levels in workers exposed more than normal population to respirable SVF and dust may be used as indicators of progression towards lung cancer. Methods: An analytic cross-sectional study, including 145 personnel of a glass wool company, along with 25 age-matched healthy individuals, was conducted to investigate the relationship between occupational exposure to respirable SVFs and dust and serum levels of two lung/pleura serum tumor markers, CEA and CYFRA 21-1, measured by ELISA. Results: Individuals exposed to higher than the recommended levels of respirable SVF had higher serum concentrations of CEA and CYFRA 21-1, compared to controls (p=0.008 and 0.040, respectively), as well as in comparison to those exposed to lower than recommended OSHA levels (p=0.046 and 0.033, respectively). Workers with >9 years work experience, had significantly (p=0.045) higher levels of serum CYFRA 21-1 than those with ≤9 years of experience. Conclusion: It seems that working for >9 years in sites with detectable levels of respirable SVF and dust would increase the levels of known lung cancer serum tumor markers. Transferring these workers to sites with respirable SVF concentrations lower than the limit of detection in the air is recommended.
Network based rule representation for knowledge discovery and predictive modelling

Due to the vast and rapid increase in data, data mining has been an increasingly important tool for the purpose of knowledge discovery to prevent the presence of rich data but poor knowledge. In this context, machine learning can be seen as a powerful approach to achieve intelligent data mining. In practice, machine learning is also an intelligent approach for predictive modelling. A special type of machine learning methods, which are known as rule based methods such as decision trees, can be used to build a rule based system as a special type of expert systems for both knowledge discovery and predictive modelling. A rule based system may be represented through different structures. The techniques for representing rules are known as rule representation, which is significant for knowledge discovery in relation to the interpretability of the model, as well as for predictive modelling with regard to efficiency in predicting unseen instances. This paper justifies the significance of rule representation. Some networked topologies for rule representation are introduced against existing techniques. The network topologies are validated using complexity analysis in order to show their advantages comparing with the existing techniques in terms of model interpretability and computational efficiency.
Analysis of IEEE 802.16 Mesh Mode Scheduler Performance

The IEEE 802.16 protocol for wireless broadband access (wirelessMAN) has been standardized recently. In order to improve network coverage and scalability, mesh mode is supported in 802.16. In the mesh mode, all nodes are organized in an ad hoc fashion and use a pseudo-random function to compete for their transmission opportunities based on the scheduling information in the two-hop neighborhood. In this paper, we develop a stochastic model for the distributed mesh mode scheduler. With this model, we analyze the scheduler performance under various conditions, and the analytical results match very well with the ns-2 simulation results. The analytical model developed in this paper is instrumental in optimizing the IEEE 802.16 mesh network performance. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first one theoretically investigating the IEEE 802.16 mesh mode scheduling performance
Enhanced expression of a biosimilar monoclonal antibody with a novel NS0 platform

The precise product quality and lower cost of goods demands of the growing biosimilars industry are driving biomanufacturing innovation. Biosimilar cell lines that produce complex glycoproteins such as monoclonal antibodies must be both highly productive and express a product with critical quality attributes closely matching those of the innovator reference. In this work, a biomanufacturing platform is described that harnesses the commercially‐established NS0 host cell in new ways to create stable, highly productive cell lines with characteristics meeting the current demands. A cholesterol metabolic selection marker and implementation strategy that can be generically applied are shown to yield high expressing cell lines as well as eliminate the need for cholesterol addition, which has been a significant barrier in both stainless steel reactors as well as in single‐use plastic systems. Additionally, for the first time, a multiplex selection strategy was implemented that served to increase NS0 cell line specific productivity >10‐fold and volumetric yields >6‐fold. The best overall performing cell line had a Qp of 28.5 picograms per cell per day and was rapidly adapted to a lean production medium. Yields in l‐glutamine fed‐batch shaker cultures exceeded 500 mg/L. An initial screening of four feeding strategies resulted in a final 13‐day yield of over 1.4 g/L in small shaker culture. Overall, this work shows both the strategy to develop biosimilar cell lines and the commercial potential of a novel expression system highly suited for the manufacture of biosimilars of reference biologics currently produced in murine cells. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. , 34:455–462, 2018
Asymptotic stabilisation for a class of feedforward input-delay systems with ratios of odd integers

This article addresses the stabilisation problem by state-feedback for a class of feedforward input-delay nonlinear systems with ratios of odd integer powers. The designed controller achieves the global asymptotic stability. Based on the appropriate state transformation of time-delay systems and the Lyapunov method, the problem of controller design can be converted into the problem of finding a parameter which can be obtained by appraising the nonlinear terms of the systems. Finally, three simulation examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the control algorithm proposed in this article.
Personality Changes During the Transition from Cognitive Health to Mild Cognitive Impairment

Behavioral problems in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) impose major management challenges. Current prevention strategies are anchored to cognitive outcomes, but behavioral outcomes may provide another, clinically relevant opportunity for preemptive therapy. We sought to determine whether personality changes that predispose to behavioral disorders arise during the transition from preclinical AD to mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Pharmacological targeting of peptidylarginine deiminase 4 prevents cancer-associated kidney injury in mice

ABSTRACT Renal insufficiency is a frequent cancer-associated problem affecting more than half of all cancer patients at the time of diagnosis. To minimize nephrotoxic effects the dosage of anticancer drugs are reduced in these patients, leading to sub-optimal treatment efficacy. Despite the severity of this cancer-associated pathology, the molecular mechanisms, as well as therapeutic options, are still largely lacking. We here show that formation of intravascular tumor-induced neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is a cause of kidney injury in tumor-bearing mice. Analysis of clinical biomarkers for kidney function revealed impaired creatinine clearance and elevated total protein levels in urine from tumor-bearing mice. Electron microscopy analysis of the kidneys from mice with cancer showed reversible pathological signs such as mesangial hypercellularity, while permanent damage such as fibrosis or necrosis was not observed. Removal of NETs by treatment with DNase I, or pharmacological inhibition of the enzyme peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), was sufficient to restore renal function in mice with cancer. Tumor-induced systemic inflammation and impaired perfusion of peripheral vessels could be reverted by the PAD4 inhibitor. In conclusion, the current study identifies NETosis as a previously unknown cause of cancer-associated renal dysfunction and describes a novel promising approach to prevent renal failure in individuals with cancer.
Association of Metabolic Syndrome and Human Papillomavirus Infection in Men and Women Residing in the United States

Background: An estimated 33% of adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome (MetS), which has been associated with an increased risk for various cancer types. Theories of synergism among components of MetS that increase cancer risk via chronic inflammation and oxidative stress have been proposed. We hypothesize that men and women with MetS may have compromised immunological response resulting in increased risk for persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The goal of this study is to determine the association of MetS with HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 and to explore variation of these associations by gender using data from a national survey. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Results: Thirty-two percent of the population sampled met the criteria for MetS (16% men and 33% women). Nineteen percent tested positive for HPV (6, 11, 16, and 18). Prevalence of HPV infection was estimated at 13% for men and 30% for females. MetS was found to be significantly associated with increased risk of HPV6, 11, 16, or 18 in the entire cohort [RR = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–1.48] and in females (RR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.02–1.56). Although the adjusted risk of HPV+ve status was found to be 21% higher in men with MetS compared with those without, this difference did not attain statistical significance. Conclusions: We observed a significant association between metabolic syndrome and HPV sero-positivity among the overall population and among females. Although not significant, a similar effect was noted in men. Further prospective studies are needed to better understand this relationship. Impact: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the impact of metabolic syndrome on HPV positivity in both males and females. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(8); 1321–7. ©2017 AACR.