Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Moment-to-moment associations between negative affect, aberrant salience, and paranoia

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is an ongoing debate about whether negative affect are consequences or triggers of paranoid thinking. It has also been suggested that aberrant salience is central to the development of delusions. This study modelled the moment-to-moment relationships between negative affect, aberrant salience, and paranoia in acute inpatients with psychosis. Methods: Participants with active paranoid delusions were assessed using clinical rating scales and experience sampling method (ESM) over 14 days. ESM data were analysed using time-lagged multilevel regression modelling. Results: Both negative affect and aberrant salience predicted an increase in paranoia at the next time point. Conversely, the level of paranoia did not predict subsequent changes in negative affect or aberrant salience. Negative affect predicted an increase in aberrant salience at the next time point, and vice versa. Conclusions: Negative affect and aberrant salience appear to drive and exacerbate paranoia, rather than being merely the sequelae of the symptom. Our results suggest both direct and indirect (via aberrant salience) pathways from negative affect to paranoia.
Retromuscular Sublay Technique for Ventral Hernia Repair

Abstract Rives and Stoppa described the sublay technique of hernia repair more than half a century ago, but it took almost three decades to become truly appreciated and even longer for its full clinical potential and benefits to be realized. Modifications to the original operation have significantly improved surgical approaches, postsurgical outcomes, and quality of life. The retromuscular approach requires technical expertise and a firm grasp of the anatomy. With constant substitution of the terms sublay, retrorectus, retromuscular, preperitoneal, and Rives-Stoppa throughout the literature, the nuances need to be distinguished to appreciate the surgical planes encountered during the operation. This article explains the origin of the nomenclature while clarifying these terms, describing the technique, highlighting outcomes, and discussing future considerations.
Gap Waveguide Technology for Millimeter-Wave Antenna Systems

Millimeter-wave communication systems require many innovative antennas adapted for future application scenarios such as the upcoming 5G cellular networks. Due to the strong path loss in free space at the millimeter-wave frequency range, high gain and low-cost antennas are in great demand. Also, advanced features such as multi-beam for multiple user, dual-polarization, or even complete phased arrays with enormous degrees of freedom in beamforming are some of the key research lines for antenna designers nowadays. In this article an overview of a new type of family of low-loss antennas and components based on the recently developed gap waveguide technology is presented. With the advent of new millimeter-wave applications, this low-cost and low-loss waveguide technology can be considered as a good candidate to be used as the core RF building block.
Are Cognitive Control Processes Reliable?

Recent work on cognitive control focuses on the conflict-monitoring hypothesis, which posits that a performance monitoring mechanism recruits regions in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to ensure that goal-directed behavior is optimal. Critical to this theory is that a single performance monitoring mechanism explains a large number of behavioral effects including the sequential congruency effect (SCE) and the error-related slowing (ERS) effect. This leads to the prediction that the size of these effects should correlate across cognitive control tasks. To this end, we conducted three large-scale individual differences experiments to examine whether the SCE and ERS effect are correlated across Simon, Flanker, and Stroop tasks. Across all experiments, the results revealed a correlation for the error-related slowing effect, but not for the sequential congruency effect across tasks. We discuss the implications of these results in regards to the hypothesis that a domain-general performance monitoring mechanism drives both effects.
Supervised Segmentation of Un-Annotated Retinal Fundus Images by Synthesis

We focus on the practical challenge of segmenting new retinal fundus images that are dissimilar to existing well-annotated data sets. It is addressed in this paper by a supervised learning pipeline, with its core being the construction of a synthetic fundus image data set using the proposed R-sGAN technique. The resulting synthetic images are realistic-looking in terms of the query images while maintaining the annotated vessel structures from the existing data set. This helps to bridge the mismatch between the query images and the existing well-annotated data set. As a consequence, any known supervised fundus segmentation technique can be directly utilized on the query images, after training on this synthetic data set. Extensive experiments on different fundus image data sets demonstrate the competitiveness of the proposed approach in dealing with a diverse range of mismatch settings.
Global patterns of interannual climate–fire relationships

Climate shapes geographic and seasonal patterns in global fire activity by mediating vegetation composition, productivity, and desiccation in conjunction with land‐use and anthropogenic factors. Yet, the degree to which climate variability affects interannual variability in burned area across Earth is less understood. Two decades of satellite‐derived burned area records across forested and nonforested areas were used to examine global interannual climate–fire relationships at ecoregion scales. Measures of fuel aridity exhibited strong positive correlations with forested burned area, with weaker relationships in climatologically drier regions. By contrast, cumulative precipitation antecedent to the fire season exhibited positive correlations to nonforested burned area, with stronger relationships in climatologically drier regions. Climate variability explained roughly one‐third of the interannual variability in burned area across global ecoregions. These results highlight the importance of climate variability in enabling fire activity globally, but also identify regions where anthropogenic and other influences may facilitate weaker relationships. Empirical fire modeling efforts can complement process‐based global fire models to elucidate how fire activity is likely to change amidst complex interactions among climatic, vegetation, and human factors.
Dense Deconvolutional Network for Skin Lesion Segmentation

Automatic delineation of skin lesion contours from dermoscopy images is a basic step in the process of diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions. However, it is a challenging task due to the high variation of appearances and sizes of skin lesions. In order to deal with such challenges, we propose a new dense deconvolutional network (DDN) for skin lesion segmentation based on residual learning. Specifically, the proposed network consists of dense deconvolutional layers (DDLs), chained residual pooling (CRP), and hierarchical supervision (HS). First, unlike traditional deconvolutional layers, DDLs are adopted to maintain the dimensions of the input and output images unchanged. The DDNs are trained in an end-to-end manner without the need of prior knowledge or complicated postprocessing procedures. Second, the CRP aims to capture rich contextual background information and to fuse multilevel features. By combining the local and global contextual information via multilevel feature fusion, the high-resolution prediction output is obtained. Third, HS is added to serve as an auxiliary loss and to refine the prediction mask. Extensive experiments based on the public ISBI 2016 and 2017 skin lesion challenge datasets demonstrate the superior segmentation results of our proposed method over the state-of-the-art methods.
Morphological encoding beyond slots and fillers: An ERP study of comparative formation in English

One important organizational property of morphology is competition. Different means of expression are in conflict with each other for encoding the same grammatical function. In the current study, we examined the nature of this control mechanism by testing the formation of comparative adjectives in English during language production. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded during cued silent production, the first study of this kind for comparative adjective formation. We specifically examined the ERP correlates of producing synthetic relative to analytic comparatives, e.g. angrier vs. more angry. A frontal, bilaterally distributed, enhanced negative-going waveform for analytic comparatives (vis-a-vis synthetic ones) emerged approximately 300ms after the (silent) production cue. We argue that this ERP effect reflects a control mechanism that constrains grammatically-based computational processes (viz. more comparative formation). We also address the possibility that this particular ERP effect may belong to a family of previously observed negativities reflecting cognitive control monitoring, rather than morphological encoding processes per se.
Thermal Versus Super Voltage Pulsed Radiofrequency of Stellate Ganglion in Post-Mastectomy Neuropathic Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the second most common cancer world-wide following lung cancer. Post-mastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is one of the chronic post-surgical pain disorders (CPSP) of neuropathic character; nearly 20-50% of patients may develop PMPS. Stellate ganglion blockade has been performed as a diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic intervention for different pain syndromes. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of thermal versus super voltage pulsed radiofrequency (RF) application of stellate ganglion in neuropathic PMPS in cancer patients. STUDY DESIGN A prospective, double-blind, randomized, and controlled trial. METHODS Eighty patients with PMPS after surgery for breast cancer were recruited from the pain clinic of the National Cancer Institute with pain duration of more than 6 months and less than 2 years, visual analog scale (VAS) >/= 40 mm, and not responding to oxycodone and pregabalin for at least 4 weeks. The pain had to be of positive neuropathic character, as detected by the grading system for neuropathic pain (GSNP; score of 3 or 4). The patients were allocated into 2 equally sized groups: Group A: Pulsed RF; super voltage pulsed RF was applied with a time of 360 seconds at 42º C, with a pulse width of 20 m/sec and voltage of 60-70 v. Group B: Thermal RF; thermal RF neurolysis was applied with a time of 60 seconds at 80º C, and was then was repeated twice after needle-tip rotation. Stellate ganglion RF therapy was done under fluoroscopy, integrated by ultrasound guidance. The patients were assessed for pain relief by change in VAS score, functional improvement, and the analgesic concomitant medication (oxycodone and pregabalin) consumption prior to block and at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks thereafter. The impact of treatment on quality of life (assessed by short-form health survey questionnaire [SF-36]) and patient function capacity (assessed by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG]) were also recorded. RESULTS The percentage of patients who had successful response was significantly higher in the thermal RF group compared to the pulsed RF group at the first week and first, third, and sixth months, with significant difference in post-mastectomy pain intensity, functional improvement, and less rescue analgesia. There was no significant difference in quality of life or patient functional capacity. LIMITATIONS A longer follow-up period may be needed for the evaluation of RF effect on PMPS. CONCLUSIONS Thermal RF of the stellate ganglion is a safe and successful treatment for PMPS. It appears to be more effective than pulsed RF of the stellate ganglion in this pain syndrome. KEY WORDS Cancer breast, post mastectomy pain syndrome, stellate ganglion block, radiofrequency therapy.
Determinants of suboptimal adherence and elevated HIV viral load in pregnant women already on antiretroviral therapy when entering antenatal care in Cape Town, South Africa

ABSTRACT Across sub-Saharan Africa, prevention of mother-to-child transmission services are encountering increasing numbers of women already established on antiretroviral therapy (ART) when entering antenatal care. However, there are few data examining ART adherence and HIV viral load in this group. We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine self-reported suboptimal adherence (defined as missed ART doses on ≥2 days during the preceding 30 days), elevated viral load (≥1000 copies/mL), and factors associated with each among women entering antenatal care on ART. Participants were recruited from one primary care clinic in Gugulethu, Cape Town, as part of a larger study of HIV-positive pregnant and postpartum women. Among 482 pregnant women established on ART and enrolled between May 2013 and June 2014 (median age: 31 years; median duration of ART use: 3 years), 15% reported suboptimal adherence and 12% had elevated viral load. After adjustment for age, suboptimal adherence was significantly more common among women who were not married/cohabiting and women who reported a higher level of concern about taking ART; a higher level of adherence self-efficacy was associated with a reduced odds of suboptimal adherence. In a multivariable model, elevated viral load was significantly associated with previous discontinuation of ART, a higher level of concern about taking ART, and report of an unintended pregnancy. Suboptimal adherence and elevated viral load are common among women entering antenatal care already on ART. Our findings highlight specific beliefs and concerns about ART use during pregnancy that should be addressed in counselling messaging, and suggest that family planning should be more effectively integrated into HIV care. Including adherence and viral load monitoring as part of pregnancy planning for women on ART may be important to achieve safer conception and promote healthy pregnancies.
Embedded Fluid Cooling of Close-Packed Via Arrays in Glass

Data from single-phase water microgap cooling experiments conducted on via-enhanced low-conductivity interposers are presented and discussed. The interposers, fabricated with copper thermal via arrays in 400 μm thick glass, are intended to provide a high degree of thermal isolation between adjacent components hosted in a 2.5D package architecture. The interposer surface temperature rise in response to a central heated chiplet is measured as array parameters are varied. This rise is contrasted with results for comparable bulk Si interposers. Conjugate heat transfer modeling is performed in order to explain the results of the experiments, and suggests conditions under which via-enhanced low-k interposer performance can be improved. A new microgap test is undertaken and the via array sample is shown to outperform Si at upstream distances equal or greater than 1.38 mm. At this breakeven distance, the local surface thermal coupling coefficient is 0.24 K/W.
Insights into the DNA binding induced thermal stabilization of transcription factor FOXP3

Abstract The transcription factor FOXP3 is required for the development and function of regulatory T cells. Here, we studied the dynamics of FOXP3 in the presence and absence of DNA target sequence. Multiple molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to investigate the role of DNA in enhancing the stability of FOXP3 via protein–DNA interactions, and to study the structural transition in protein at three different temperatures (300, 350, and 400 K). Results indicate that FOXP3 is stabilized by DNA even though the temperature rises up to 400 K. FOXP3 is found to undergo significant conformational change at a higher temperature, however, DNA provides greater rigidity and lower overall conformational flexibility, resulting in the global stabilization of FOXP3. The conformational restriction of FOXP3-DNA complex is probed with essential dynamics (ED). Free-energy landscape analysis at high temperature shows the presence of metastable intermediates, suggesting the reason behind the observed thermal stability. Secondary structural snapshots clearly indicate the presence of non-native interactions between DNA and protein. This study increases our understanding of the dynamic behaviors and the interaction mechanism of FOXP proteins and DNA at the atomic level and offers a model for studying the structural biology of transcriptional regulation. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Music Intervention as a Tool in Improving Patient Experience in Palliative Care

Background: The pain, anxiety, and stress associated with end-of-life care are paramount issues to address for both patients and their families. Reduction in these factors could translate to improved quality of life. Objective: We studied the effect of adding music to standard care for patients receiving a hospice or palliative care consult at 2 hospitals in the Care New England health-care system. In this mixed quantitative and qualitative study, we implemented live music intervention sessions. Design/Measurements: Outcomes include symptom burden pre- and post-intervention using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, opioid use in equivalent time periods before and after the music intervention, and qualitative personal narratives of patients’ and families’ experiences with the music. Results: There were significant decreases in pain, anxiety, nausea, shortness of breath, and feelings of depression along with significant increase in feelings of well-being. Opioid use in time periods after the music intervention trended toward decreased usage when compared to the equivalent time period before. Finally, compiled personal narratives of patients’ and families’ experiences of the music intervention demonstrated common themes of spirituality, comfort, relaxation, escape, and reflection. Conclusions: This project demonstrated the beneficial effects of music in a patient population that struggles with symptom management when only pharmacologic management is used. These data elucidate biological and psychosocial factors that are positively impacted by the intervention. With additional evidence in music as well as other artistic modalities, it is promising that arts-based programs in inpatient hospice and palliative care settings will continue to expand and flourish.
A fermented mixed tea made with camellia (Camellia japonica) and third-crop green tea leaves prevents nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet.

Background Established treatments for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are few, thus it is imperative to develop novel dietary strategies that can prevent NASH. A fermented mixed tea (FMT) made with Camellia japonica (Japanese camellia) and third- crop green tea leaves by tea-rolling processing was reported to reduce body weight and adipose tissue weight in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Because visceral fat is one of the most important factors for the development of hepatic steatosis, this FMT supplementation can be a candidate dietary strategy for the prevention of NASH. Methods Nine-week-old male SD rats were fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol (HFC) diets with or without FMT (camellia and third-crop green tea leaves at ratios of 1:5, 1:2 and 1:1) for 9 weeks (n=6-7/group). Histopathology, serology and expressions of fibrogenetic, proinflammatory, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism-related genes in the liver were evaluated. Results Histologically, HFC diet with FMT at a ratio of 1:5 dramatically reduced NASH progression (14%) compared to the HFC diet without FMT (100%). FMT at a ratio of 1:5 reduced hepatic steatosis due to the activation of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, and FMT at a ratio of 1:2 reduced mRNA levels of some proinflammatory, lipid metabolism-related, fibrogenic and oxidative stress marker genes. Conclusions Our data suggest that FMT at a ratio of 1:5 or 1:2 likely possesses a preventive effect on NASH progression.
Probe-fed broadband low-profile metasurface antennas using characteristic mode analysis

A probe-fed metasurface antenna utilizing three characteristic modes is proposed for low-profile and broadband operation with reduced back radiation. The antenna is designed with the aid of characteristic mode analysis (CMA) of the metasurface comprised of multiple metallic patches. The CMA results indicate that three modes of the proposed metasurface are simultaneously excited for bandwidth enhancement, being a slot mode, an extraordinary TMe30 mode and an ordinary TMo30 mode, all with broadside radiation patterns. The prototype (λ<inf>0</inf>×λ<inf>0</inf>×0.05λ<inf>0</inf> at 5.5 GHz) is exemplified at 5-GHz Wi-Fi bands, showing a 36% 10-dB impedance bandwidth with 6–10 dBi boresight gain.
A wideband circularly-polarized crossed dipole antenna

In this paper, a wideband circularly-polarized (CP) crossed dipole antenna is investigated, which is composed of four L-shaped strip radiators and a double vacant-quarter ring. The wide CP bandwidth comes from two CP methods' combination, in terms of the element CP mode and the array CP mode. Simulation results show that the proposed antenna has a 10-dB impedance bandwidth of 72.6%, covering the frequency range from 5.0 GHz to 10.7 GHz, and 3-dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth of 72.6%, covering the frequency range from 5.5 GHz to 10.5 GHz.
Optimal Transport in Weighted Networks by Deleting Edges

Improve the transmission capacity of the weighted network is one of the most important issues. We propose new route strategies by different edge redefinition while the integrity of the weighted network is remaining maintained. The specified edges deleting can greatly improve the transmission capability of the BBV weighted network. In addition, in the simulations of computer generation networks and real networks, it shows that the strategy of routing policy based on the edges of the two nodes of the product is more effective especially in those large scale weighted networks. And if most edges are deleted, the strategy does not work better.
Transactions Between Life Events and Personality Traits Across the Adult Lifespan

Life events refer to status changes in important demographic variables, such as employment or marital status. Life events offer an interesting opportunity for studying transactions between environmental changes and personality traits, which are of relevance for diverging theories about the role of environmental factors in life span personality development. Yet in spite of the potential importance of life events for personality development, nuanced and sufficiently powered longitudinal designs with frequent assessments of life events and personality traits are lacking. The current study aims to address this gap by examining the associations between different life events and personality trait change, using data from a large, nationally representative, and prospective longitudinal study. Results demonstrated a number of selection effects, indicating that personality traits affect the likelihood that individuals experience certain types of life events. Less frequently, results indicated average effects of life events on personality trait development, both in anticipation of a life event change as well as resulting from it. However, some of these event-related changes ran counter to the notion that personality maturity increases as a result of adopting mature social roles, like parenthood or paid employment. Furthermore, we found significant variation around average event-related trajectories, suggesting that individuals differ in their reactions to life events. Theoretical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.