Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Social Support Moderates Effects of Natural Disaster Exposure on Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Effects for Displaced and Nondisplaced Residents

Abstract Social support is a known protective factor against the negative psychological impact of natural disasters. Most past research has examined how the effects of exposure to traumatic events influences whether someone meets diagnostic criteria for depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); it has also suggested sequelae of disaster exposure depends on whether survivors are displaced from their homes. To capture the full range of the psychological impact of natural disasters, we examined the buffering effects of social support on depressive symptoms and cluster‐specific PTSD symptoms, with consideration of displacement status. In a survey conducted 18 to 24 months after Hurricane Katrina, 810 adults exposed to the disaster reported the number of Katrina‐related traumatic events experienced, perceived social support 2 months post‐Katrina, and cluster‐specific PTSD and depressive symptoms experienced since Katrina. Analyses assessed the moderating effects of social support and displacement and the conditional effects of displacement status. Social support significantly buffered the negative effect of Katrina‐related traumatic events on depressive symptoms, B = −0.10, p = . 001, and avoidance and arousal PTSD symptoms, B = −0.02, p = . 035 and B = −0.02, p = . 042, respectively. Three‐way interactions were nonsignificant. Conditional effects indicated social support buffered development of depressive symptoms across all residents; however, the moderating effects of support on avoidance and arousal symptoms only appeared significant for nondisplaced residents. Results highlight the protective effects of disaster‐related social support among nondisplaced individuals, and suggest displaced individuals may require more formal supports for PTSD symptom reduction following a natural disaster.
Effect of crumb tire rubber, microcrystalline synthetic wax, and nano silica on asphalt rheology

This study aims at exploring the influence of different modifiers on the physical and rheological properties of asphalt cements. Crumb Tire Rubber (CTR), Microcrystalline Synthetic Wax (MSW), and Nano Silica (NS) modifiers were used to modify asphalt cement of 60/70 penetration grade. Several percentages of CTR (9, 12, and 16%), MSW (2, 3.5, and 5%), and NS (3, 5, and 7%) by weight of the asphalt cement were tested. The penetration, softening point, flash and fire points, viscosity, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and bending beam rheometer (BBR) were carried out in this study. Experimental results showed an improvement in the high-temperature performance of asphalt cement by adding CTR and NS modifiers while adversely affecting properties at low temperatures. Also, the results did not show any enhancement in the high or low-temperature performance by adding MSW to the asphalt cement. The optimum contents of CTR and NS modifiers were found to be 12% and 5% by weight of the asphalt cement, respectively.
Microenvironment in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer metastasis

Tumor tissues contain cancer cells, other cellular and non-cellular components. Tumor microenvironments consist of cancer cells and various types of stromal cells, cancer associated fibroblasts, bone marrow-derived cells, endothelial cells, and hematopoietic cells, mainly tumor-associated macrophages and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Increasing recent evidence has demonstrated that alteration of tumor microenvironments is deeply implicated in tumor progression and metastasis in gastric cancer (GC) patients. Recent investigations have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between tumor cells and tumor microenvironments. Interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment with cytokines and microRNA in extracellular vesicles, such as the exosome, can have a substantial impact on tumor characteristics. Alterations in the tumor microenvironment may play a crucial role in facilitating the progression of tumor cells and metastasis, as well as the activation of cell signaling pathways, which are associated with GC cell proliferation and invasion by genetic or epigenetic alterations. In this review, significant molecular insights into the tumor microenvironment, which consist of cancer associated fibroblasts, bone marrow-derived cells, tumor-associated macrophages and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes; the interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment; and the clinical impacts of alterations of GC microenvironments will be discussed.
Backlash against gender stereotype-violating preschool children

While there is substantial evidence that adults who violate gender stereotypes often face backlash (i.e. social and economic penalties), less is known about the nature of gender stereotypes for young children, and the penalties that children may face for violating them. We conducted three experiments, with over 2000 adults from the US, to better understand the content and consequences of adults’ gender stereotypes for young children. In Experiment 1, we tested which characteristics adults (N = 635) believed to be descriptive (i.e. typical), prescriptive (i.e. required), and proscriptive (i.e. forbidden) for preschool-aged boys and girls. Using the characteristics that were rated in Experiment 1, we then constructed vignettes that were either ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’, and manipulated whether the vignettes were said to describe a boy or a girl. Experiment 2 (N = 697) revealed that adults rated stereotype-violating children as less likeable than their stereotype-conforming peers, and that this difference was more robust for boys than girls. Experiment 3 (N = 731) was a direct replication of Experiment 2, and revealed converging evidence of backlash against stereotype-violating children. In sum, our results suggest that even young children encounter backlash from adults for stereotype violations, and that these effects may be strongest for boys.
High performance 3-dimensional heterogeneous tree-based FPGA architectures (HT-FPGA)

We describe the design and exploration methodology to optimize 3-dimensional (3D) Heterogeneous Tree-based FPGAs (HT-FPGAs) by introducing a break-point at a particular tree level interconnect to optimize the speed, power consumption and area. The ability of the flow to decide a horizontal or vertical partitioning of the programmable tree network based on design specifications is a defining feature. The break-point of the vertically partitioned tree is designed to balance the placement of logic blocks and switch blocks into multiple tiers while the horizontally partitioned tree is designed to optimize the interconnect delay of the programmable tree network. We finally evaluate the performance, area and power of the proposed 3D HT-FPGA using the newly developed flow and show that vertical and horizontally partitioned 3D stacked HT-FPGA improves speed by 16% and 55% respectively compared to 2D planar design.
Optimal Control of Epidemic Information Dissemination Over Networks

Information dissemination control is of crucial importance to facilitate reliable and efficient data delivery, especially in networks consisting of time-varying links or heterogeneous links. Since the abstraction of information dissemination much resembles the spread of epidemics, epidemic models are utilized to characterize the collective dynamics of information dissemination over networks. From a systematic point of view, we aim to explore the optimal control policy for information dissemination given that the control capability is a function of its distribution time, which is a more realistic model in many applications. The main contributions of this paper are to provide an analytically tractable model for information dissemination over networks, to solve the optimal control signal distribution time for minimizing the accumulated network cost via dynamic programming, and to establish a parametric plug-in model for information dissemination control. In particular, we evaluate its performance in mobile and generalized social networks as typical examples.
The improvement of surface current of 2 . 6 m InGaAs photodetectors by using ICPCVD technology

The surface leakage current has been studied for 2.6m mesa InGaAs/InP p-i-n photodetectors by using ICPCVD and PECVD surface passivation technologies. It is found the dark current by using ICPCVD is significantly reduced comparing to PECVD due to the decrease of the device surface leakage current. A TCAD-based dark current model further reveals the dark current mechanism and the surface recombination current contributions in both ICPCVD and PECVD detectors.
Frailty as a predictor of hospitalisation among community-dwelling older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Owing to detrimental hazards and substantial healthcare burden and costs, hospitalisation of older people has become a major focus. Frailty has increasingly been recognised as an important predictor of hospitalisation. This study aims to identify studies on physical frailty as a predictor of hospitalisation risks and to pool the risk estimates among community-dwelling older people. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in August 2015 using five databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library for prospective studies examining physical frailty as a predictor of hospitalisation published in 2000 or later. OR and HR were combined to synthesise pooled effect measures using fixed-effects models. The included studies were assessed for heterogeneity, methodological quality and publication bias. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were conducted to examine study characteristics in relation to the hospitalisation risks. Results Of the 4620 studies identified by the systematic review, 13 studies with average follow-up period of 3.1 years were selected. Frailty and prefrailty were significantly associated with higher hospitalisation risks among 10 studies with OR (pooled OR=1.90, 95% CI 1.74–2.07, p<0.00001; pooled OR=1.26, 95% CI 1.18–1.33, p<0.00001, respectively) and 3 studies with HR (pooled HR=1.30, 95% CI 1.12–1.52, p=0.0007; pooled HR=1.13, 95% CI 1.04–1.24, p=0.005, respectively). Heterogeneity was low to moderate. No publication bias was detected. The studies with older populations and unadjusted outcome measures were associated with higher hospitalisation risks in the subgroup analysis. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated physical frailty is a significant predictor of hospitalisation among community-dwelling older people. Hospitalisation can potentially be reduced by treating or preventing frailty.
Stimulant Withdrawal in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD - A Case Report.

Objective To consider whether the concepts of tolerance and withdrawal to stimulant medications apply to a preadolescent female, affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and treated for associated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods We describe the case history and review scientific English language literature pertaining to acute withdrawal effects associated with methylphenidate and amphetamine derivatives in children. Results An 11-year-old female with ASD and ADHD referred to our clinic experienced vomiting, headaches, and light sensitivity following abrupt discontinuation of methylphenidate; she subsequently presented with migraines and marked malaise immediately after a dose reduction in lisdexamfetamine. Evidence supports the notion that ADHD symptoms in children with ASD can be effectively treated with methylphenidate; however, beneficial effects are less robust relative to children with a primary ADHD diagnosis. Children affected by ASD are also more susceptible to adverse effects. Literature on withdrawal from stimulants in children is limited to case studies; in contrast, in the adult population more information is available, especially in adults with substance abuse disorders. Adults experiencing stimulant withdrawal often experience depression, fatigue, changes in appetite, and insomnia or hypersomnia. Conclusions We argue that tolerance to stimulants was conceivably developing in this young female, and consequently discontinuation of methylphenidate and dose reduction of lisdexamfetamine resulted in withdrawal symptoms. Children with ASD are more sensitive to stimulant medications and we wonder whether this extends to an increased sensitivity to developing tolerance to stimulant medication. Clinicians ought to be vigilant about the emergence of symptomology suggestive of withdrawal phenomena following stimulant discontinuation.
Menstrual migraine: a review of current and developing pharmacotherapies for women

ABSTRACT Introduction: Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders in the general population. It affects 18% of women and 6% of men. In more than 50% of women migraineurs the occurrence of migraine attacks correlates strongly with the perimenstrual period. Menstrual migraine is highly debilitating, less responsive to therapy, and attacks are longer than those not correlated with menses. Menstrual migraine requires accurate evaluation and targeted therapy, that we aim to recommend in this review. Areas covered: This review of the literature provides an overview of currently available pharmacological therapies (especially with triptans, anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal strategies) and drugs in development (in particular those acting on calcitonin gene-related peptide) for the treatment of acute migraine attacks and the prophylaxis of menstrual migraine. The studies reviewed here were retrieved from the Medline database as of June 2017. Expert opinion: The treatment of menstrual migraine is highly complex. Accurate evaluation of its characteristics is prerequisite to selecting appropriate therapy. An integrated approach involving neurologists and gynecologists is essential for patient management and for continuous updating on new therapies under development.
Workshop on Experimental Methods for the Assessment of Computational Systems (WEMACS 2010)

Over recent years, the model-based parameter tuning of computational systems has become an emergent research topic. When the considered systems are subject of stochastic e↵ects, the parameter tuning can be seen as a noisy optimization task, as often faced in production engineering. In this paper, the current research on parameter optimization is discussed based on experiences from an engineering background. An extended framework of important steps in a model-based parametertuning procedure is proposed which enhances known frameworks with data transformation and model validation steps. For each step, references to important literature are provided and topics for future research are identified.
Prominent Hypointense Vessel Sign on Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging Is Associated with Clinical Outcome in Acute Ischaemic Stroke

Background: Prominent hypointense vessel sign (PHVS) is visualized on susceptibility weighted-imaging (SWI) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We aim to test if PHVS is associated with stroke outcome. Methods: Forty patients with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion were recruited. The presence of PHVS, cortical vessel sign (CVS), brush sign (BS) and susceptibility-diffuse weighted imaging mismatch (S-D mismatch) and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on SWI were compared between the good outcome group (90-day modified Rankin scale [mRS] of 0–2) and the poor outcome group (mRS of 3–6). The receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to evaluate the predictive ability to poor outcome of above imaging characteristics. Results: The presence of PHVS, CVS, BS and S-D mismatch was significantly higher in the poor outcome group (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.013, p = 0.014, respectively). SWI-ASPECTS was significantly lower in the poor outcome group (p = 0.002). Regression analysis revealed SWI-ASPECTS; the presence of PHVS and CVS were independently associated with poor outcome (OR 0.347, p = 0.012; OR 55.77, p = 0.004; OR 58.05, p = 0.005). ROC analysis showed that PHVS had the highest predictive value for poor outcome (AUC 0.783). Conclusions: The presence of PHVS, CVS and SWI-ASPECTS were associated with poor outcome in AIS. The presence of PHVS was the most effective radiographic marker for predicting outcome.
B7-H3 Negatively Modulates CTL-Mediated Cancer Immunity

Purpose: Anti-programmed-death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy improves survival in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but some cases are refractory to treatment, thereby requiring alternative strategies. B7-H3, an immune-checkpoint molecule, is expressed in various malignancies. To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate B7-H3 expression in NSCLCs treated with anti-PD-1 therapy and the therapeutic potential of a combination of anti-PD-1 therapy and B7-H3 targeting. Experimental Design: B7-H3 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically in patients with NSCLC (n = 82), and its relationship with responsiveness to anti-PD-1 therapy and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was analyzed. The antitumor efficacy of dual anti-B7-H3 and anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibody therapy was evaluated using a syngeneic murine cancer model. T-cell numbers and functions were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: B7-H3 expression was evident in 74% of NSCLCs and was correlated critically with nonresponsiveness to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. A small number of CD8+ TILs was observed as a subpopulation with PD-L1 tumor proportion score less than 50%, whereas CD8+ TILs were still abundant in tumors not expressing B7-H3. Anti-B7-H3 blockade showed antitumor efficacy accompanied with an increased number of CD8+ TILs and recovery of effector function. CD8+ T-cell depletion negated antitumor efficacy induced by B7-H3 blockade, indicating that improved antitumor immunity is mediated by CD8+ T cells. Compared with a single blocking antibody, dual blockade of B7-H3 and PD-L1 enhanced the antitumor reaction. Conclusions: B7-H3 expressed on tumor cells potentially circumvents CD8+-T-cell–mediated immune surveillance. Anti-B7-H3 immunotherapy combined with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody therapy is a promising approach for B7-H3–expressing NSCLCs. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2653–64. ©2018 AACR.
Plant responses to CO2 are a question of time

Long-term experiments show unexpected plant responses to elevated CO2 concentrations Rising carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the atmosphere as a result of fossil fuel burning are expected to fertilize plants, resulting in faster growth. However, this change is not expected to be the same for all plants. Rather, scientists believe that differences in photosynthetic mechanism favor one plant group—the C3 plants—over the other, the C4 plants. On page 317 of this issue, Reich et al. (1) show that, although this expectation is met in the first few years of a long-term experiment, the situation reverses after 15 to 20 years, with important implications for future crop production and ecosystems.
Photonic Crystal Slab Sensors in Microfluidics

T HIS Ph.D. thesis discusses the design and application of so-called photonic crystal slab (PCS) sensors, with an emphasis on microfluidic integration. PCS sensors can measure the refractive index of fluids, which makes them universal in the sense that almost any change to a fluid will alter its refractive index. The underlying phenomenon is called guidedmode resonance (GMR), which responds to changes in the refractive index of fluids only within the first few hundred nanometers from the sensor surface. PCS sensors can be fabricated entirely out of polymers, and read out using instrumentation as simple an LED and a photo diode. This work has thus far resulted in three manuscripts and one patent, which are attached. The first manuscript, which has been submitted to Computer Physics Communications, describes an open-source algorithm, which integrates with many electromagnetics simulation tools to provide adaptive resolution. This algorithm can routinely make GMR simulations more than 100 times faster. The second manuscript, submitted to Optics Express, describes the practical application of polymeric PCS sensors. As with any refractive index sensor, the devices are highly sensitive to temperature drift and fluctuations. We demonstrate a facile method for real-time compensation of these thermal disturbances. The third manuscript, which has been published in Micromachines, concerns the integration of PCS sensors into a microfluidic H-filter. We show that by monitoring the refractive index (and thus concentration) gradient, the diffusion length of molecules in flow can be determined. PCS sensors have been in development for the last few decades, and both readout systems and sensor substrates are commercially available. However, products on the market predominantly target high-end applications such as pharmaceutical development, where their high pricetags are justifiable. In order to lower the entry barrier of the technology, we patented what is currently being marketed as The NanoCuvette, a spectrophotometer cuvette with an embedded PCS sensor. Along with user-friendly software, this enables the use of an existing, unmodified spectrophotometer to make refractometric measurements, such as bulk concentration measurements on non-absorbing compounds. This effectively lowers the entry barrier for PCS sensors from tens of thousands of euros to tens of euros.
A model of team emotional intelligence, conflict, task complexity and decision making

This article considers how team Emotional Intelligence (EI) differentially influences the relationship between conflict and decision making performance in teams, depending on the complexity of the task being performed. For tasks higher in complexity, it is proposed the primary influence of team EI is moderating the relationship between task and relationship conflict in teams. For tasks lower in complexity, it is proposed the primary influence of team EI is on team conflict norms developed over time. Thus, team EI indirectly affects the relationship between conflict and decision making performance in this context. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Aurantio‐obtusin, an anthraquinone from cassiae semen, ameliorates lung inflammatory responses

The purpose of the present study is to find the natural compound(s) having a therapeutic potential to treat lung inflammatory disorders. In our screening procedure, the methanol extract of the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia (cassiae semen) inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase‐catalyzed nitric oxide production in alveolar macrophages (MH‐S). From the extract, 8 major anthraquinone derivatives were successfully isolated. They are chrysophanol, physcion, 2‐hydroxy‐emodin 1‐methyl ether, obtusifolin, obtusin, aurantio‐obtusin, chryso‐obtusin, and gluco‐obtusifolin, among which aurantio‐obtusin (IC50 = 71.7 μM) showed significant inhibitory action on nitric oxide production from lipopolysaccharide‐treated MH‐S cells, mainly by downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. This down‐regulatory action of aurantio‐obtusin was mediated at least in part via interrupting c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase/IκB kinase/nuclear transcription factor‐κB pathways. Aurantio‐obtusin also inhibited IL‐6 production in IL‐1β‐treated lung epithelial cells, A549. Importantly, this compound (10 and 100 mg/kg) by oral administration attenuated lung inflammatory responses in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury. Therefore, it is for the first time found that aurantio‐obtusin may have a therapeutic potential for treating lung inflammatory diseases.