Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial risk and protective factors for adolescent tobacco use.

Knowledge of risk and protective factors for adolescent tobacco use will lead to the development of improved intervention strategies to reduce/prevent tobacco use. Theory and empirical findings demonstrate the multivariate complexity of the etiology of tobacco use. Sociocultural, social/interpersonal, and intrapersonal factors act through mediated chains of ultimate, distal, and proximal influences. Some influences moderate the effects of others. Once tobacco is used, feedback mechanisms modify prior causes that in turn alter subsequent tobacco use behavior. Most theories and cross-sectional, prospective, and causal process studies have contained major limitations: (a) most addressed only small portions of the total picture; (b) most mediational studies did not test for interactions and most moderation studies are based on limited theory (if any); and (c) most theories do not discuss how the causal processes might be different for males and females or for different ethnic groups (special cases of moderation). Furthermore, few studies focused on more distal or ultimate influences or examined multi-stream patterns, and few theories or causal process studies have specified or tested feedback loops. Determining psychosocial risk factors and how they influence tobacco use faces several major challenges, including discovering complex mediating processes, moderating variables, and overcoming limitations of surveys and theory. We offer six recommendations to advance transdisciplinary tobacco-prevention research: (a) base future studies on strong theory and aim to test one or more theories or theoretically derived hypotheses; (b) collect four or more waves of data and adopt dynamic strategies of prediction and analysis, including interactions, indirect effects, feedback loops, and transitions from one level of tobacco use to another; (c) provide evidence of generalizability to sub-populations within the study sample, such as by gender, ethnic group, and socioeconomic status; (d) use high-quality measures and multiple methodologies, including non-panel longitudinal studies, intensive interview, ethnography, experimental intervention, and small exploratory studies as well as further prospective studies; (e) include variables from multiple streams of influence to investigate interrelationships among cultural, social, and intrapersonal factors; and (f) collect data from multiple nested units (e.g., children within families, within schools, within neighborhoods) and employ multi-level analysis methods to investigate interrelationships among ultimate, distal, and proximal variables.
Innovation in "Low-Tech" Industries: Portuguese Footwear Industry

The Portuguese footwear industry had in the last five years a remarkable performance in the exportation values, the trade balance and others economic indicators. After a long period of difficulties and with a strong reduction of companies and employees since 1994 until 2009, the Portuguese footwear industry changed the strategy and is now a success case between the international players of footwear. Only the Italian industry sells footwear with a higher value than the Portuguese and the distance between them is decreasing year by year. This paper analyses how the Portuguese footwear companies innovate and make innovation, according the classification proposed by the Oslo Manual. Also, analyses the strategy follow in the innovation process and shows the linkage between the type of innovation and the strategy of innovation. The research methodology was qualitative and the strategy for data collection was the case study. The qualitative data will be analyzed with the MAXQDA software. The economic results of the footwear companies studied shows differences between all of them and these differences are related with the innovation strategy adopted. The companies focused in product and marketing innovation, oriented to their target market, have higher ratios "turnover per worker" than the companies focused in process innovation. However, all the footwear companies in this "low-tech" industry create value and contribute to a positive foreign trade of 1.310 million euros in 2013. The growth strategies implemented has the participation of the sectorial organizations in several innovative projects. And it's obvious that cooperation between all of them is a critical element to the performance achieved by the companies and the innovation observed. The Portuguese footwear sector has in the last years an excellent performance (economic results, exportation values, trade balance, brands and international image) and his performance is strongly related with the strategy in innovation followed, the type of innovation and the networks in the cluster. A simplified model, called "Ace of Diamonds", is proposed by the authors and explains the way how this performance was reached by the seven companies that participate in the study (two of them are the leaders in the setor), and if this model can be used in others traditional and "low-tech" industries.
TRIBOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTCS OF SYNTHETIC HYDROGELS FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

CODE - 1111 Abstract. The use of a thin layer of compliant material acting as a bearing surface in human replacement joints has recently generated considerable interest. Developments of synthetic hydrogels based on poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) have been used for compliant material due to their biocompatible properties, soft consistency and low friction coefficient. This work establishes the correlation between the crosslinking density, chemical changes and tribological properties of the pHEMA / poly (methyl metacrylate-co-acrylic acid) (75:25) blend using 10 % (w/w) crosslinking agent and pHEMA / n-vinyl pirrolidone (10% (w/w)) blend with 0, 5 and 10% (w/w) of crosslinking agent. Friction and wear tests were performed in a pin-on-disc equipment using stainless steel 316L as disc counterface lubricated by distilled water. The tribological parameters investigated were the sliding speed (0,16 ≤ v ≤ 0,5 ms -1 ) and the contact pressure (2,4 ≤ p ≤ 5,5 MPa). The friction coefficient was continuously evaluated during each test and the wear rate was quantified by weight loss. The dominant wear mechanisms were identified by Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Identification of Nanoparticles with a Colorimetric Sensor Array

A simple colorimetric sensor array technique was developed for the detection of various different nanoparticles (NPs) in aqueous solutions. The sensor array consists of five different cross-reactive chemoresponsive dyes, whose visible absorbances change in response to their interactions with NPs. Although no single dye is specific for any one NP, the pattern of color changes for all dyes provides a unique molecular fingerprint for each type of NP studied. Based on the responses of various dyes, a semiquantitative determination of concentration of each type of NP could also be accomplished with excellent sensitivity (<100 ng/mL). A variety of chemically distinct NPs were unambiguously identified using a standard chemometric approaches, including gold nanospheres (2 through 40 nm diameter), gold nanorods (2.4 and 3.5 aspect ratios), and multifunctional carbon nanospheres without errors in 112 trials. This colorimetric approach may pave the way for a fast, reliable, and inexpensive method to detect nanopollu.
Structural deformation behavior of Jacquardtronic lace based on the mass-spring model

To simulate the structural deformation behavior of Jacquardtronic lace, which is formed on a multibar Jacquard Raschel machine and is widely used in female fashion, the key influencing factors on structural deformation were introduced and a tailored mass-spring model was built in which the lace was considered to be numbers of evenly distributed particles connected by elastane springs. These springs covered structural springs, restriction springs and spiral springs, respectively, created for ground pillars, Jacquard inlays, pattern lapping and elastane yarns. The elastane force on particles was analyzed to study motion state and deformation behavior with the explicit Euler method. The deformation simulated models were implemented by a simulator program via Visual C++ and were tested with a lace sample. Particular attention was paid to analyzing the effect of Jacquard structures and yarn tension on deformation and the detection model was introduced to avoid improper deformation caused by excessive yarn tension. The simulation results showed practicability and efficiency when compared with the real sample.
A comparison of hemodynamic metrics and intraluminal thrombus burden in a common iliac artery aneurysm

Aneurysms of the common iliac artery (CIAA) are typically found in association with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Isolated CIAAs, in the absence of an AAA, are uncommon. Similar to AAAs, CIAA may develop intraluminal thrombus (ILT). As isolated CIAAs have a contralateral common iliac artery for comparison, they provide an opportunity to study the hemodynamic mechanisms behind ILT formation.
Mid‐life social outcomes for a population‐based sample of adults with ASD

Adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) fall short of social outcomes of non‐ASD peers in mid‐life, as documented by currently published research. The aim of the current study was to extend what is known about social functioning, employment, independent living, and use of social services by examining details of the current life status for a population‐based sample of adults with ASD (mean age = 35.5 years, range = 22.2–51.4). We collected outcome data via direct assessment and informant report for 169 individuals. Three‐fourths of the sample had cognitive abilities in the intellectually disabled range. Social functioning outcomes, as a single measure, mirror those reported previously for other samples, including samples with a high proportion of individuals with normal range intellectual abilities, with 20% achieving the most independent outcomes and 46% requiring high levels of support across most life areas. Participant subgroups who achieved maximal outcomes represented a range of social and intellectual abilities for several outcome metrics. Participants used high levels of public and private supports, yet specific areas of clear, unmet need were also identified. Autism Res 2018, 11: 142–152. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive Surface Visualization of Vessels with Embedded Blood Flow Based on the Suggestive Contour Measure

The investigation of hemodynamic information for the assessment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has increased in recent years. Improved ﬂow measuring modalities and computational ﬂuid dynamics (CFD) simulations are suitable to provide domain experts with reliable blood ﬂow information. For a visual exploration of the ﬂow information domain experts are used to investigate the ﬂow information combined with its enclosed vessel anatomy. Since the ﬂow is spatially embedded in the surrounding vessel surface, occlusion problems have to be resolved that include a meaningful visual reduction of the vessel surface but still provide important anatomical features. We accomplish this by applying an adaptive surface visualization inspired by the suggestive contour measure. Our approach combines several visualization techniques to improve the perception of surface shape and depth. Thereby, we ensure appropriate visibility of the embedded ﬂow information, which can be depicted with established or advanced ﬂow visualization techniques. We apply our approach to cerebral aneurysms and aortas with simulated and measured blood ﬂow. In an informal user feedback with nine domain experts, we conﬁrm the advantages of our approach compared with existent methods, e.g., semi-transparent surface rendering.
Properties of laccase isoenzymes produced by the basidiomycete Ceriporiopsis subvermispora

Laccase is one of the ligninolytic enzymes found in liquid cultures of the fungus Ceriporiopsis subvermispora in defined medium. As an approach to a clarification of the role of laccases during the attack on lignin by the fungus, the enzyme has been characterized further. The levels of this phenol oxidase increase 2‐fold in the presence of p‐anisidine and are severely affected when addition of either Mn(II) or Cu(II) ions to the medium is omitted. Isoelectrofocusing allowed the resolution of two laccase isoenzymes, with pIs of 3.65 and 3.59. In rich medium, laccase activity is 10‐fold higher than in salt medium, and it is not affected by the external addition of p‐anisidine or Mn(II). Four isoenzymes were detected in these cultures, with pIs between 3.76 and 3.60. In a wheat bran medium, four isoenzymes with pIs in the range 3.63‐3.46, plus a fifth isoenzyme of high pI (4.82), were also identified. The absorption spectrum of a pool containing the four isoenzymes from rich medium shows a maximum at 600 nm, typical of laccase possessing a type I copper atom. The molecular mass of the isoenzyme with pI 3.60 is 79 kDa, as determined by SDS/PAGE. Upon treatment with endoglycosidase F, the molecular mass of this isoform decreases to 63 kDa, indicating a high degree of glycosylation. Substrate specificity studies conducted with the four isoenzymes from rich medium and a combination of isoenzymes from salt medium showed marked differences among them. The amino‐terminal sequences (24 residues) of three isoenzymes isolated from rich medium were determined. Two of them are identical, whereas the third one differs from these in three amino acid residues. The consensus sequence reveals clear homology with laccases from other microorganisms.
Influence of surface conditioning and morphology on biofouling

Biofouling, the undesired colonization of surfaces, is a major problem for marine-related industries. To prevent unwanted effects caused by biofouling, suitable non-toxic coatings for the marine environment are required. Conditioning, i.e. the adsorption of proteins and macromolecules influences, as surface chemistry and morphology do, the settlement of fouling oragnisms. Investigating the temporal dynamics of conditioning film formation on functionalized self assembled monolayers (SAMs), it was shown that the obtained film thickness of about 10A to 20A is independent of the surface chemistry but differences occur concerning the composition of these films. While on hydrophilic surfaces more proteinaceous compounds are detectable, the hydrophobic surfaces show a lower intensity of proteins. Furthermore, is was shown that in standard Ulva linza spore settlement assays the influence of a molecular conditioning layer is likely to be small, but by increasing pre-conditioning time this influence gains importance and should be considered in long term experiments. Preconditioning also resulted in detectable surface differences in field studies. It was found that preconditioned samples which contain more proteinaceous compounds seem to be more attractive for settlement. Experiments with matured laboratory biofilms formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrated that using a protein-rich medium results in conditioning film formation. Conversely, surface conditioning is reduced when a media containing a smaller amount of proteins is utilized. Furthermore, it was observed that surface chemistry has no remarkable effect on the fraction of inoculated bacteria that adhere to a surface. Finally, inspired by the nanostructured skin of dolphins, electron-beam lithography was utilized to create a honeycomb topography made of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). The evaluation showed that structures from 0.75 μm to 2.5 μm in diameter reduce Ulva settlement in comparison to a smooth PNIPAM surface. It should be noted, that wet polymer structure heights in the range of only 0.01 μm do have an effect on spores with a body size of around 5 μm.
A Murine Toolbox for Imaging the Neurovascular Unit

The neurovascular unit (NVU) coordinates many essential functions in the brain including blood flow control, nutrient delivery, and maintenance of BBB integrity. These functions are the result of a cellular and molecular interplay that we are just beginning to understand. Cells of the NVU can now be investigated in the intact brain through the combined use of high‐resolution in vivo imaging and non‐invasive molecular tools to observe and manipulate cell function. Mouse lines that target transgene expression to cells of the NVU will be of great value in future work. However, a detailed evaluation of target cell specificity and expression pattern within the brain is required for many existing lines. The purpose of this review was to catalog mouse lines available to cerebrovascular biologists and to discuss their utility and limitations in future imaging studies.
Occam’s Follies: Real and Imagined Biases Facing Intelligence Studies

More than a decade removed from 9/11 many across the academic and intelligence communities profess the importance for greater collaboration and cooperation. This mutual diffusion of knowledge, methods, and research would ideally produce both a stronger Intelligence Studies discipline and new talented cadres for both communities. The emphasis is not just logical because of the continued relevance of traditional threats, but is also common sense when considering new challenges represented by emerging threat issues and an oncoming demographic crisis: the fast-approaching retirement of the baby boom generation means a new generation of scholars and practitioners is rising now. Developing that new talent, however, has not been nearly as collaborative, cooperative, or smooth as it could be. This analysis examines the problems preventing real engagement and sincere knowledge diffusion between the academic and intelligence communities. These problems go beyond platitudes about confidential materials and top secret clearances, but hint at underlying prejudices on both sides that only exacerbate attitudinal bias. If not overcome this problem threatens to undermine both the capabilities of future Intelligence Community practitioners and the quality of academic community scholars within Intelligence Studies. This article is available in Journal of Strategic Security: http://scholarcommons.usf. edu/jss/vol6/iss3/4
Durability influence depending on the thickness and microhardness of AlTiN and TiN thin layers deposed on cutting inserts

During the exploitation process of cutting tools occurs phenomens as wear which leads to deterioration of functional parameters, performance and partial or total loss of the functioning capacity. The wear resistance of cutting tools depends by the nature of the material and by the working conditions (the quality of surface processing, lubrication quality, temperature). For increased the durability of cutting tools and increase the wear resistance are taken action which aim, improving the surface quality. For increase the surfaces quality are known different deposit methods in vacuum of materials by coating technology PVD as: aluminum-titanium nitride (AlTiN) and titanium nitride (TiN). The coatings realized by vacuum deposition have gained special attention because of their unique physical and chemical properties for example excellent resistance to oxidation at high temperatures. The most important characteristics which are checked in the deposition process of thin layers are: thickness and microhardness. The thickness and microhardness influence significantly the cutting tool durability. In this paper the authors carried out researches regarding the coatings of AlTiN and TiN in thin layers, on surface of some cutting inserts. It was studied the durability influence depending on the thickness and microhardness of AlTiN and TiN thin layers.
Remediation therapy in patients with alcohol use disorders and neurocognitive disorders: A Pilot Study.

Many alcohol-dependent patients suffer from cognitive impairment of variable severity, manifested by alterations in retrograde and anterograde memory, visuospatial processing, cognitive abilities and attention, some of which are reversible. In this context, cognitive remediation therapies could significantly improve patients' performance; therefore, these are considered a valuable alternative. The aim of this study was to implement cognitive remediation therapy in patients with alcohol dependence and cognitive impairment and evaluate its viability and effectiveness. The participants were sixteen abstinent, alcohol-dependent patients (mean age of 59 years, 63% males) from the Addictive Behaviours Unit of a tertiary hospital. Over 6 months, a nurse led 1-hour weekly sessions (24 sessions in total) during which exercises for improving functional, social and cognitive performance were completed. Patients were assessed at baseline, at the end of the study and 6 months later, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Memory Alteration Test (M@T). Their respective scores were 26.4 (SD 3.16), 29 (SD 1.67) and 27 (SD 3.1) for the MMSE and 38.7 (SD 6.81), 45.7 (SD 5.6) and 41.1 (SD 7.86) for the M@T. Changes were assessed with both Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with mostly statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Assistance and satisfaction were high. Therefore, the therapy was viable, widely accepted and effective.
Toxoplasma Encephalitis in Atypical Hosts at an Academic Cancer Center

Toxoplasma encephalitis is a well recognized complication of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, solid organ transplantation, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, patients with hematologic malignancies not treated with allogeneic HSCT may also develop this condition, which requires high clinical suspicion and consideration for prophylactic therapy.
FDA Approval Summary: Mylotarg for Treatment of Patients with Relapsed or Refractory CD33-Positive Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

On September 2, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO; Mylotarg; Pfizer, New York City, NY) for treatment of relapsed or refractory (R/R) CD33-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients 2 years of age and older. GO is a CD33-directed antibody drug conjugate linked to the cytotoxic antibiotic calicheamicin. It originally received accelerated approval for treatment of older patients with relapsed CD33-positive AML in 2000, but it was withdrawn from the market in 2010 when the confirmatory trial failed to demonstrate clinical benefit among safety concerns, such as a higher rate of induction fatalities on the GO combination arm compared with chemotherapy alone. In addition, GO was associated with hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), which has substantial morbidity and mortality. Pharmacokinetic analyses suggested a lower maximum concentration of GO would result in less VOD without affecting target saturation or efficacy. A meta-analysis across dose schedules of GO in patients with R/R AML showed that a lower-dose "fractionated" schedule of 3 mg/m2 days 1, 4, and 7 was associated with less early mortality, hemorrhage, and VOD, without an apparent decrease in complete remission (CR) rate. MyloFrance 1 was a single-arm study evaluating response rates in patients with relapsed CD33-positive AML treated with the lower-dose fractionated GO regimen. The CR rate was 26% (95% confidence interval 16%-40%). Common adverse reactions were fever, infections, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bleeding, increased liver enzymes, and mucositis. There were no cases of VOD. These results supported the approval of GO as monotherapy for R/R CD33-positive AML using the lower-dose fractionated regimen. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) 3 mg/m2 days 1, 4, and 7 is an active regimen for induction of remission when used to treat patients with relapsed or refractory CD33-positive acute myeloid leukemia without curative intent. The risks of hepatic veno-occlusive disease and early mortality with this regimen appear to be lower than reported previously for GO 9 mg/m2 days 1 and 15. The data were not sufficient to enable conclusions about the safety of GO in children younger than 2 years of age.