Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of affective responses to photographs on behavioral intentions on charity websites : Facial expression and color scheme in images

Charity organizations often display photographs of children on their websites along with an appeal to donate. This research focused on the emotional appeals by facial expressions and color schemes and their influence on behavioral intention to increase the willingness of visitors to make online donations. An online questionnaire tested four image conditions (happy vs. sad facial expression in colored vs. grayscale) in a mock-up website of a fictitious charitable organization (n=169). The results showed that the facial expression in photographs led to more positive behavioral intentions of the participants, to stronger affect and to a higher processing fluency than the sad facial condition. The effects were mediated by the affective response happy mood and by processing fluency. Color scheme showed no main effects. On the basis of this study, it could be recommended to use a child with a happy facial expression on the website of a charity website for children in need to influence behavior. The outcomes were discussed in relation to a fictitious case. The study contributed by challenging existing scientific research on emotional appeals by facial expression and enlarging the discussion of the congruency and processing of various design stimuli especially for the careful consideration of photographs.
Enhancement mode operation in AlInN/GaN (MIS)HEMTs on Si substrates using a fluorine implant

We have demonstrated enhancement mode operation of AlInN/GaN (MIS)HEMTs on Si substrates using the fluorine treatment technique. The plasma RF power and treatment time was optimized to prevent the penetration of the fluorine into the channel region to maintain high channel conductivity and transconductance. An analysis of the threshold voltage was carried out which defined the requirement for the fluorine sheet concentration to exceed the charge at the dielectric/AlInN interface to achieve an increase in the positive threshold voltage after deposition of the dielectric. This illustrates the importance of control of both the plasma conditions and the interfacial charge for a reproducible threshold voltage. A positive threshold voltage of +3 V was achieved with a maximum drain current of 367 mA mm−1 at a forward gate bias of 10 V.
DMSO_A_217326 2085..2093

Department of Cardiology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China Purpose: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and rapid estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in a Chinese community-based population. Patients and methods: A total of 3108 participants were recruited between December 2011 and July 2014 from an observational study cohort designed for the study of atherosclerotic diseases in Beijing, China. The outcome was a rapid eGFR decline. Subgroup and interaction analyses were performed with respect to a number of covariates. Results: Over a median follow-up period of 2.34 (IQR: 2.29–2.41) years, the overall incidence of rapid eGFR decline was 7.24%. We found that the MetS was significantly associated with the risk of rapid eGFR decline (odds ratio [OR]=1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–2.23, p<0.001) in a model adjusted for age, sex, and eGFR, and this relationship remained significant after adjustment for smoking, drinking, and lowdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol (OR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.34–2.35, p<0.001). Waist circumference (OR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.04–1.83, p=0.027), triglycerides (OR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.05–1.86, p=0.022), blood pressure (OR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.49–2.82, p<0.001), and fasting plasma glucose (OR=2.12, 95% CI: 1.57–2.85, p<0.001), but not high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (OR=1.26, 95% CI: 0.94–1.69, p=0.117), were positively associated with the risk of rapid eGFR decline. Similarly, an increase in the number of MetS components present was associated with an increase in the risk of rapid eGFR decline. Furthermore, this association was modified by smoking status (OR=3.78, 95% CI: 1.68–8.49, p-interaction=0.030). Conclusion: The MetS independently predicted rapid eGFR decline in a Chinese community-based cohort recruited for the study of atherosclerosis. The relationship between the MetS and the risk of rapid eGFR decline was modified by smoking status.
Safety and Efficacy of Durvalumab and Tremelimumab Alone or in Combination in Patients with Advanced Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma

Purpose: This randomized, multicenter, open-label, phase Ib/II study assessed durvalumab and tremelimumab in combination or as monotherapy for chemotherapy-refractory gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. Patients and Methods: Second-line patients were randomized 2:2:1 to receive durvalumab plus tremelimumab (arm A), or durvalumab (arm B) or tremelimumab monotherapy (arm C), and third-line patients received durvalumab plus tremelimumab (arm D). A tumor-based IFNγ gene signature was prospectively evaluated as a potential predictive biomarker in second- and third-line patients receiving the combination (arm E). The coprimary endpoints were objective response rate and progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months. Results: A total of 113 patients were treated: 6 in phase Ib and 107 (arm A, 27; arm B, 24; arm C, 12; arm D, 25; arm E, 19) in phase II. Overall response rates were 7.4%, 0%, 8.3%, 4.0%, and 15.8% in the five arms, respectively. PFS rates at 6 months were 6.1%, 0%, 20%, 15%, and 0%, and 12-month overall survival rates were 37.0%, 4.6%, 22.9%, 38.8%, and NA, respectively. Treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events were reported in 17%, 4%, 42%, 16%, and 11% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: Response rates were low regardless of monotherapy or combination strategies. No new safety signals were identified. Including use of a tumor-based IFNγ signature and change in baseline and on-treatment circulating tumor DNA are clinically feasible and may be novel strategies to improve treatment response in this difficult-to-treat population.
R-ISS and NLR-ISS can Predict Time to Treatment in Smoldering Myeloma

Objectives: We recently identified the ratio between absolute neutrophils count and absolute lymphocyte count, NLR ≥ 2, combined to ISS as a predictor of progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients younger than 65 years with symptomatic Multiple Myeloma (MM). We retrospectively examined the NLR-ISS in 165 consecutive smoldering Myeloma (sMM) accessed our Center between January 2004 and June 2014. Methods: NLR was calculated using data obtained from the complete blood count (CBC) at diagnosis and subsequently correlated with time to treatment (TTT) for symptomatic MM. All patients underwent to bone marrow evaluation to estimate plasma cells infiltration (BMPC) and cytogenetic alterations detectable by FISH, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to detect bone lesions, serum free-lite chain evaluation (sFLC). Patients with bone marrow plasma cells >60% or lytic lesions at MRI were excluded from further analysis. Results: We identified 127 patients with sMM defined accordingly to the updated IMWG 2015 guidelines. The median NLR was 1.7 (range 0.6-10.5), lower than the value previously found for MM 1.9 (range 0.4-15.9, p=0.005. Higher NLR was independent from ISS stage, BMPC amount, high-risk FISH and sFLC. Using NLR ≥ 2 we could not predict TTT. Indeed, in univariate analysis only BMPC ≥ 30% (p=0.003), albumin 3.5 g/L (p=0.0001), ratio of uninvolved/involved sFLC (p=0.0002), immunoparesis (p=0.016) and LDH (p<0.0001) could predict TTT. In multivariate analysis, these three parameters were independent (p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, LDH and beta-2 microglobulin were weak but significant independent predictors of outcome. Since both are part of R-ISS, we applied ISS, R-ISS and NLR-ISS to identify TTT at 60 months. R-ISS resulted the strongest system to distinguish patients in stage I and stage II with TTT at 60 months respectively 92% and 62.7% (p=0.0002). NLR-ISS could distinguish patients in stage I and stage II with TTT at 60 months respectively 91.9% and 67.8% (p=0.007). Conclusion: We could not confirm previously proposed parameters to predict time to treatment using the new definition of sMM. However, ISS and its improved variants R-ISS and NLR-ISS were able to identify patients in stage I with excellent outcome at 60 months. Prospective larger series are needed to use R-ISS to identify high-risk sMM.
A probabilistic model for designing and assessing the performance of eDNA sampling protocols

Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, the detection of species‐specific genetic material in water samples, is an emerging tool for monitoring aquatic invasive species. Optimizing eDNA sampling protocols can be challenging because there is imperfect understanding of how each step of the protocol influences its sensitivity. This paper develops a probabilistic model that characterizes each step of an eDNA sampling protocol to evaluate the protocol's overall detection sensitivity for one sample. The model is then applied to analyse how changes over time made to the eDNA sampling protocol to detect bighead (BH) and silver carp (SC) eDNA have influenced its sensitivity, and hence interpretation of the results. The model shows that changes to the protocol have caused the sensitivity of the protocol to fluctuate. A more efficient extraction method in 2013, new species‐specific markers with a qPCR assay in 2014, and a more efficient capture method in 2015 have improved the sensitivity, while switching to a larger elution volume in 2013 and a smaller sample volume in 2015 have reduced the sensitivity. Overall, the sensitivity of the current protocol is higher for BH eDNA detection and SC eDNA detection compared to the original protocol used from 2009 to 2012. The paper shows how this model of eDNA sampling can be used to evaluate the effect of proposed changes in an eDNA sampling and analysis protocol on the sensitivity of that protocol to help researchers optimize their design.
Inkjet-Printed Ultra Wide Band Fractal Antennas

Inkjet-Printed Ultra Wide Band Fractal Antennas Armando Rodriguez Maza In this work, Paper-based inkjet-printed Ultra-wide band (UWB) fractal antennas are presented. Three new designs, a combined UWB fractal monopole based on the fourth order Koch Snowflake fractal which utilizes a Sierpinski Gasket fractal for ink reduction, a Cantor-based fractal antenna which performs a larger bandwidth compared to previously published UWB Cantor fractal monopole antenna, and a 3D loop fractal antenna which attains miniaturization, impedance matching and multiband characteristics. It is shown that fractals prove to be a successful method of reducing fabrication cost in inkjet printed antennas while retaining or enhancing printed antenna performance.
Refactoring Earthquake-Tsunami Causality and Messaging via Big Data Analytics: The Transformative Potential of Credible Tweets

By including credible data extracted from the Twitter social networking service, the study of earthquakes and tsunamis is legitimately transformed into a Big Data Analytics problem. The challenge of establishing geophysically credible tweets is considered first through a combination of graph analytics and knowledge representation, and subsequently via Machine Learning. Although there remains cause for optimism in augmenting scientific data with that derived from social networking, further research is required to provide utility in practice. The motivation for success remains strong, as establishing a causal relationship between earthquakes and tsunamis remains problematical, and this in turn complicates any ability to deliver timely messaging that could prove life-critical.
Emulation of an Electromechanical System with Bearing Dynamics

In the following investigation the modeling and emulation of an electromechanical system which includes bearing dynamics is discussed. The system comprises a drivetrain with four shafts, a spur gear pair and four bearings, and an electrical system with a doubly fed induction machine. The full dynamic model of the drivetrain is being considered including both rotational and translational modes. A software package in C language has been developed for the simulation of the investigated system. The developed software is being compiled with the MPI module in order to accelerate the relevant calculations and thus to render the simulation of the complex electromechanical system capable of running in real time. Reference signals from the simulation are utilized as inputs in real time to the A.C. & D.C. drives, in order to emulate the electromechanical system. The electromechanical system is emulated in the motoring mode representing a Wind Energy Converter system in small scale which must surmount the inertia of the wind-turbine at standstill.
A panel of miRNAs derived from plasma extracellular vesicles as novel diagnostic biomarkers of lung adenocarcinoma

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) being the most common histological subtype (approximately 40%). In the absence of reliable screening biomarkers for early diagnosis, most patients with LUAD are inevitably diagnosed at an advanced stage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) encapsulated within plasma‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may be suitable for use as noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for aggressive malignancies, including LUAD. In this study, we first investigated the miRNA profiles of plasma‐derived EVs from LUAD patients and healthy donors, and then systematically evaluated the expression patterns of selected plasma‐derived EV miRNAs in a large cohort of patients with LUAD and healthy controls. Notably, we observed that miR‐451a, miR‐194‐5p, and miR‐486‐5p were significantly increased in EVs from LUAD patients, compared to healthy controls. The area under the curve values for the three miRNAs were 0.9040 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8633–0.9447) for miR‐451a, 0.7492 (95% CI, 0.6992–0.7992) for miR‐194‐5p, and 0.9574 (95% CI, 0.9378–0.9769) for miR‐486‐5p, while the AUC of the combination of these three miRNAs was 0.9650. Thus, these results suggest that these EV miRNAs may be promising candidates for the development of highly effective, noninvasive biomarkers for early LUAD diagnosis.
Ro-vibrational states of H+ 2. Variational calculations

ABSTRACT The non-relativistic variational calculation of a complete set of ro-vibrational states in the H+ 2 molecular ion supported by the ground 1sσ adiabatic potential is presented. It includes both bound states and resonances located above the n = 1 threshold. In the latter case we also evaluate a predissociation width of a state wherever it is significant. Relativistic and radiative corrections are discussed and effective adiabatic potentials of these corrections are included as supplementary files.
Numerical Approximation Of The Phase-Field Transition System With Non-Homogeneous Cauchy-Neumann Boundary Conditions In Both Unknown Functions Via Fractional Steps Method

The paper concerns with the proof of the convergence for an iterative scheme of fractional steps type associated to the phase-field transition system endowed with non-homogeneous Cauchy-Neumann boundary conditions, in both unknown functions. The advantage of such method consists in simplifying the numerical computation necessary to be done in order to approximate the solution of nonlinear parabolic system. On the basis of this approach, a numerical algorithm in 2D case is introduced and an industrial implementation is made.
Plant Community and Species Distribution In Both Slopes of the Mt. Neungdong

The purpose of the present investigation was to investigate diversity patterns in Mt. Neungdong forested landscape. It was conducted on twelve sloping plots (100×100 m) in the east and west sides of Mt. Neungdong. A total of 2,157 specimins were identified as trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥10 ㎝. There were a total of 135 species of 35 families present in both regions of Mt. Neungdong. Least significant differences (LSD) by post hoc analysis revealed that region A had significantly greater densities than region B. Shannon-Wiener functions differed significantly between forests (F=4.12, p＜0.05), with region B forest having a significantly higher value (2.118) than region A (1.882). Pinus thunbergii and Quercus aliena were dominant on most plots of both regions, however, the P. densiflora forest of region A was distributed better in the middle plots exposures compared to the opposite ones. Q. aliena, Q. mongolica, and Carpinus laxiflora largely occupied the middle and lower exposures of region B. The spatial distribution in Neungdong's forest was very heterogeneous and reflected by most species as having micro-climate and patchy distributions.
First reported predation of fledgling Micronesian starlings ( Aplonis opaca ) by brown treesnakes ( Boiga irregularis ) on Guam

The brown treesnake’s (Boiga irregularis – BTS) invasion of Guam is a primary example of the devastation an invasive predator can have on island ecosystems. Its introduction following WWII caused the extirpation of most of the island’s avifauna, although some native species have managed to persist in the presence of BTS, including a small population of Micronesian starlings (Aplonis opaca) on a military installation (Andersen Air Force Base – AAFB) in northeastern Guam. However, it remains unclear to what extent BTS predation continues to impact the population, particularly during the vulnerable post-fledging period. We report the first direct observations of BTS predation on Micronesian starling fledglings (n = 15). All 15 snakes that consumed starlings were in good to exceptional body condition and most were found in urban habitat within 100 m of the nest box of the depredated fledgling. Following the predation events, snakes tended to seek refugia and remain inactive for 4.0 ± 1.67 (mean ± SD) days. Our findings provide evidence of ongoing BTS predation of a native bird species in areas undergoing operational snake removal and indicate that current control efforts are not sufficient to prevent BTS from encroaching into urban areas on AAFB to access high quality prey resources such as birds and mammals. Our data on snake movement and activity patterns following predation events provide useful management information for future conservation and restoration efforts on Guam.
A New Keynesian Model with Endogenous Technological Change

In this study, we introduce endogenous technological change based on R&D into the new Keynesian model in which nominal wages are presumed to be sticky. This study examines how money growth affects long-run economic growth. We find that there exists a unique balanced growth path for sufficiently high rates of money growth and the economy exhibits sustained growth based on sustained R&D. Faster money growth results in larger employment and faster economic growth along such a balanced growth path. Furthermore, under some parameter restrictions, no balanced growth path exists for small rates of money growth, and the economy is trapped in the steady state without long-run growth. These results suggest that money growth may be an important factor for long-run economic growth.
CONTamINaTION – ChaRaCTERIsTICs , DETECTION , aND ENvIRONmENTal ExpOsURE

Endotoxins and β-glucans are one of the major markers of microbiological contamination. As components of biological aerosols, they are ubiquitous in many environments. Numerous studies performed during the last three decades have proved that exposure to endotoxins and β-glucans could be associated with many diseases and/or adverse health outcomes. The aim of this review is to present the current stage of knowledge regarding endotoxins and β-glucans as biologically active components of aerosols and to characterize the quantitative methods for their detection in environmental samples. The problems of occupational exposure to both these components and their control procedures are also discussed. An overview of the available worldwide and Polish standards and threshold limit values is also given. address for correspondence: Anna Ławniczek-Wałczyk, M.Sc., Biohazard Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Aerosol Hazards, Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute, Czerniakowska 16, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland. E-mail: anlaw@ciop.pl
Are Adewale and Ngochi more employable than Jamal and Lakeisha? The influence of nationality and ethnicity cues on employment-related evaluations of Blacks in the United States

ABSTRACT Previous research has consistently shown that racial bias can influence employers’ perceptions and evaluations of Black individuals in hiring and promotion decisions. However, within-race differences (e.g., skin tone, Afrocentric features) can lead to variation in these decisions. In addition to phenotypical variation, ethnicity cues (e.g., perceived country of origin, name) may be important within-race factors influencing the perception and evaluations of Black job applicants. Using a resume evaluation paradigm, participants evaluated one of three resumes in which the target applicant’s name provided cues about ethnicity (either Black American, Black African, or White American). Results suggest that Black Americans may experience more discrimination in hiring and are generally perceived less positively across several employment-related domains than both White and Black African applicants. Specifically, we find that Black Americans are less likely to be selected for an interview or offered a job and are evaluated more negatively overall relative to Black Africans.
Predicting atrial fibrillation in primary care using machine learning

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained heart arrhythmia. However, as many cases are asymptomatic, a large proportion of patients remain undiagnosed until serious complications arise. Efficient, cost-effective detection of the undiagnosed may be supported by risk-prediction models relating patient factors to AF risk. However, there exists a need for an implementable risk model that is contemporaneous and informed by routinely collected patient data, reflecting the real-world pathology of AF. Methods This study sought to develop and evaluate novel and conventional statistical and machine learning models for risk-predication of AF. This was a retrospective, cohort study of adults (aged ≥30 years) without a history of AF, listed on the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, from January 2006 to December 2016. Models evaluated included published risk models (Framingham, ARIC, CHARGE-AF), machine learning models, which evaluated baseline and time-updated information (neural network, LASSO, random forests, support vector machines), and Cox regression. Results Analysis of 2,994,837 individuals (3.2% AF) identified time-varying neural networks as the optimal model achieving an AUROC of 0.827 vs. 0.725, with number needed to screen of 9 vs. 13 patients at 75% sensitivity, when compared with the best existing model CHARGE-AF. The optimal model confirmed known baseline risk factors (age, previous cardiovascular disease, antihypertensive medication usage) and identified additional time-varying predictors (proximity of cardiovascular events, body mass index (both levels and changes), pulse pressure, and the frequency of blood pressure measurements). Conclusion The optimal time-varying machine learning model exhibited greater predictive performance than existing AF risk models and reflected known and new patient risk factors for AF.