Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Levels of early-childhood behavioral inhibition predict distinct neurodevelopmental pathways to pediatric anxiety

Abstract Background Anxiety symptoms gradually emerge during childhood and adolescence. Individual differences in behavioral inhibition (BI), an early-childhood temperament, may shape developmental paths through which these symptoms arise. Cross-sectional research suggests that level of early-childhood BI moderates associations between later anxiety symptoms and threat-related amygdala–prefrontal cortex (PFC) circuitry function. However, no study has characterized these associations longitudinally. Here, we tested whether level of early-childhood BI predicts distinct evolving associations between amygdala–PFC function and anxiety symptoms across development. Methods Eighty-seven children previously assessed for BI level in early childhood provided data at ages 10 and/or 13 years, consisting of assessments of anxiety and an fMRI-based dot-probe task (including threat, happy, and neutral stimuli). Using linear-mixed-effects models, we investigated longitudinal changes in associations between anxiety symptoms and threat-related amygdala–PFC connectivity, as a function of early-childhood BI. Results In children with a history of high early-childhood BI, anxiety symptoms became, with age, more negatively associated with right amygdala–left dorsolateral-PFC connectivity when attention was to be maintained on threat. In contrast, with age, low-BI children showed an increasingly positive anxiety–connectivity association during the same task condition. Behaviorally, at age 10, anxiety symptoms did not relate to fluctuations in attention bias (attention bias variability, ABV) in either group; by age 13, low-BI children showed a negative anxiety–ABV association, whereas high-BI children showed a positive anxiety–ABV association. Conclusions Early-childhood BI levels predict distinct neurodevelopmental pathways to pediatric anxiety symptoms. These pathways involve distinct relations among brain function, behavior, and anxiety symptoms, which may inform diagnosis and treatment.
Performance enhancement analysis of an isolated DC-DC converter using fuzzy logic controller

High-intensity discharge lamp (HID), photovoltaic and fuel cell energy systems dc back-up energy systems and electric vehicles are the some industrial applications are required high voltage gain dc–dc converters. A Boost Converter is not able to obtain a high voltage gain even with extreme duty cycle. To increase the voltage gain for the new Boost converter from the solar power application, this project proposes usage of the coupled inductor and parallel capacitor from output side, so that more than 10 times of input voltage is produced. The proposed boost converter has a input voltage of 60V and produces output voltage of 600V and output power is 900 watts. The output voltage is increased, voltage stress across the active switch is reduced and output ripples are minimized. The converter is operated at first in open-loop mode and further connected with closed-loop manner with Fuzzy Logic Controllers using Mat lab/Simulink software.
Heuristics for Scheduling Resource-Constrained Projects: An Experimental Investigation

This paper considers the project scheduling problem with multiple constrained resources. Two classes of heuristic procedure, both making use of priority rules, are discussed: the parallel method, which generates just one schedule; and the sampling method, which generates a set of schedules using probabilistic techniques and selects the best schedule from this sample. An experimental investigation is described in which a set of projects with different characteristics is scheduled by each of these heuristics with a variety of priority rules. The effects of the heuristic method, the project characteristics and the priority rules are assessed. It is shown that the choice of priority rule is important with the parallel method, but with the sampling method, although it does affect the distribution of the sample, the choice of rule is not significant. The sampling method with sample size 100 is shown to produce samples at least 7% better than those generated by the corresponding parallel method, with 99% confidence. Further results are discussed and conclusions are presented.
Exploring the contingent associations between functional limitations and depressive symptoms across residential context: a multilevel panel data analysis

Abstract Objectives: This study examines the multilevel relationship between functional limitations and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling US older adults, and how it is moderated by community environmental characteristics (neighborhood fear, social cohesion, structural disadvantage and residential stability). Method: Data come from two waves of National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) collected in 2005/2006 and 2010/2011, consisting of 2,261 individuals aged 57–85 (mean = 68.5; SD = 7.5) nested in 100 regional areas. Two-level hierarchical linear models are fitted to test if and to what extent limited physical capacity and neighborhood measures are interactively related to depressive symptoms. Results: Adjusting for confounders (e.g. age, gender, education, employment status, social support), we find a significant positive relationship between functional limitations and depressive symptoms. At the aggregate level, socially cohesive neighborhoods are negatively related to depression. Several cross-level interactions are also observed. First, the association between poor functional health and depression is greater in neighborhoods perceived to be less safe. It is also stronger in places with more structural disadvantages. Lastly, the physical impairment-depression link is more pronounced where there is higher residential stability, i.e., greater proportion of long-term residents. Conclusion: Our study bridges an important empirical gap in the literature. Prior studies have rarely investigated how the connection between functional limitations and depressive symptoms among older adults is conditioned by neighborhood characteristics. By using multilevel analysis of population-based longitudinal data, we show that physical space (neighborhood community) plays a critical role in understanding this important, yet understudied, relationship.
Pre‐operative nutrition and the elective surgical patient: why, how and what?

Pre‐operative nutrition therapy is increasingly recognised as an essential component of surgical care. The present review has been formatted using Simon Sinek's Golden Circle approach to explain ‘why’ avoiding pre‐operative malnutrition and supporting protein anabolism are important goals for the elective surgical patient, ‘how’ peri‐operative malnutrition develops leading in part to a requirement for pre‐operative anabolic preparation, and ‘what’ can be done to avoid pre‐operative malnutrition and support anabolism for optimal recovery.
Data Transmission Using Multi-Factor Authentication over Wireless Communication Channel

Data transmission through the internet over the worst channel is increasing everyday due to its convenience. However, hackers interrupt the integrity and availability of the data being transmitted. Conventional method used to combat these challenges such as one-factor authentication is prone to hacking because of its weakest in validating the identity of a person. Therefore, this paper investigates the security of the data being transmitted over the wireless communication channel using two-factor authentication. The transmitted data is first encrypted using Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) after which the finger veins of 123 volunteers consisting of 83 males and 40 females are integrated into the encrypted data. This is transmitted using a secret key and finger vein enrollment. The data is then filtered, modulated and transmitted through the wireless channel. The received data is demodulated, decrypted using the same key after the finger vein authentication. The performance of the technique is evaluated using Response Time, False Acceptance Rate (FAR) and False Rejection Rate (FRR). The results show that high level of accuracy and small response time are obtained. The significance of this work is seen in criminal identification, autonomous vending, institutions of learning, hospitals and automated banking.
Predictors of Diet Quality as Measured by Malaysian Healthy Eating Index among Aboriginal Women (Mah Meri) in Malaysia

Socioeconomic status and nutrition knowledge are the determining factors of food choices. However, their relationship with diet quality is ambiguous among aboriginal women in Malaysia. Henceforth, the objective of this study was to examine diet quality and its predictors among the aboriginal women from the Mah Meri ethnic group in Malaysia. Data on socioeconomic characteristics, nutrition knowledge, and 24-h dietary recalls were obtained through face-to-face interviews with the respondents. Household food insecurity was assessed using Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity Instrument. The Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was used to measure the diet quality of this population. The overall diet quality of the respondents was poor, with a mean Malaysian HEI score of 45.3%. Household income (r = 0.242, p < 0.001) and nutrition knowledge (r = 0.150, p < 0.05) were positively correlated with diet quality. More importantly, the predictors of diet quality were marital status (β = 0.181, p < 0.01), household income (β = 0.237, p < 0.001), food security status (β = −0.151, p < 0.01), and fat intake (β = −0.438, p < 0.001). Women being married and those with higher household income was associated with a better diet quality among Malaysian aborigines.
Associations between physical activity and asthma, eczema and obesity in children aged 12–16: an observational cohort study

Objectives To compare the physical activity of adolescents with three common long-term conditions (asthma, eczema and obesity) with adolescents without these conditions. Design Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of adolescents at ages 12, 14 and 16 in a large UK cohort study. Setting The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Participants 6473 adolescents with complete accelerometer data at at least one time point. Methods Mean minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time per day were derived from accelerometer-based measurements at ages 12, 14 and 16. Obesity was defined at each time point from height and weight measurements. Parents reported doctor-assessed asthma or eczema. Cross-sectional and longitudinal regression models examined any differences in MVPA or sedentary time for adolescents with asthma, eczema or obesity compared with those without. Results In longitudinal models, boys engaged in an average of 69.7 (95% CI 67.6 to 71.7) min MVPA at age 12, declining by 3.1 (95% CI 2.6 to 3.6) min/year while girls’ average MVPA was 47.5 (95% CI 46.1 to 48.9) min at age 12, declining by 1.8 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.1) min/year. There was no strong evidence of differences in physical activity patterns of those with and without asthma or eczema. Obese boys engaged in 11.1 (95% CI 8.7 to 13.6) fewer minutes of MVPA, and obese girls in 5.0 (95% CI 3.3 to 6.8) fewer minutes than their non-obese counterparts. Cross-sectional models showed comparable findings. Conclusions Mean minutes of MVPA per day did not differ between adolescents with asthma or eczema and those without, but obese adolescents engaged in fewer minutes of MVPA. Findings reinforce the need for strategies to help obese adolescents be more active but suggest no need to develop bespoke physical activity strategies for adolescents with mild asthma or eczema.
Validation of the Arabic version of the Social Communication Questionnaire

Validated screening and diagnostic tools for autism spectrum disorder for use in Arabic-speaking individuals are scarce. This study validated the Arabic version of the Social Communication Questionnaire. The total study sample included 206 children with autism spectrum disorder and 206 typically developing children (73.8% male; mean age: 8.5 (standard deviation = 2.6) years). The mean Social Communication Questionnaire total score was significantly higher in autism spectrum disorder children than in typically developing children (p < 0.0001). Scores on the three Social Communication Questionnaire subscales also differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.001). Of the 39 items, 37 were endorsed significantly more often in the autism spectrum disorder group. The total Social Communication Questionnaire score did not vary by age or gender. Internal consistency was excellent (alpha = 0.92). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve for the total score showed excellent discrimination between autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children (area under the curve = 0.95; 95% confidence interval: 0.93–0.97). The areas under the curve for the scale subscores were 0.923 (95% confidence interval: 0.898–0.949) for the social interaction score, 0.872 (95% confidence interval: 0.838–0.905) for the communication score, and 0.856 (95% confidence interval: 0.819–0.893) for the repetitive behaviors score. The findings support the use of the Arabic Social Communication Questionnaire to successfully differentiate children with clinically diagnosed autism spectrum disorder using the established cutoff value for the English version.
Elevated Levels of Serum Pentosidine Are Associated with Dropped Head Syndrome in Older Women

Study Design A retrospective observational study was performed. Purpose We investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia in dropped head syndrome (DHS), and the relationship between biochemical markers, including major advanced glycation end products (AGEs), pentosidine, and DHS in older women. Overview of Literature AGEs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. Methods We studied 13 elderly women with idiopathic DHS (mean age, 77.2 years) and 20 healthy volunteers (mean age, 74.8 years). We used a bioelectrical impedance analyzer to analyze body composition, including appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (SMI; appendicular lean mass [kg]/[height (m)]2). Cervical sagittal plane alignment, including C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2–C7SVA), C2–C7 angle, and C2 slope (C2S), was measured. Biochemical markers, such as serum and urinary pentosidine, serum homocysteine, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, were measured. The level of each variable was compared between DHS and controls. The relationship between biochemical markers and DHS was examined. Results Sarcopenia (SMI <5.75) was observed at a high prevalence in participants with DHS (77% compared to 22% of healthy controls). Height, weight, femoral bone mineral density, appendicular lean mass, total lean mass, and SMI all had significantly lower values in the DHS group. Serum and urinary pentosidine, and serum homocysteine were significantly higher in the DHS group compared to controls. Analysis of cervical alignment revealed a significant positive correlation of serum pentosidine with C2–C7SVA and C2S. Conclusions Sarcopenia was involved in DHS, and high serum pentosidine levels are associated with severity of DHS in older women.
SNHG20: A vital lncRNA in multiple human cancers

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as an initial factor and promoter in different tumors as a kind of ncRNAs. The length of them is >200 nucleotides opposite small ncRNAs. Increasing researches have proved that dysregulation lncRNA has been implicated in tumorigenesis. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 20 (SNHG20), a member of lncRNAs, expresses frequently in cancer types, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and bladder cancer, contributing to cancer development and progression by transcriptional or posttranscriptional modifications. Not only does this review show the recent published literature concerning the biological functions but also demonstrates molecular mechanisms of SNHG20 among above multiple malignancies and others.
Isolation and Characterization of Plant Growth-Promoting Endophytic Fungi from the Roots of Dendrobium moniliforme

The present study aims to identify the diverse endophytic fungi residing in the roots of Dendrobium moniliforme and their role in plant growth and development. Nine endophytic fungi were isolated from the root sections and characterized by molecular technique. Quantification of the indole acetic acid (IAA) compound by these endophytes was done. Further, Chemical profiling of R11 and R13 fungi was done by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). Asymbiotic seed derived protocorms of Rhynchostylis retusa was used for the plant growth assay to investigate the growth promoting activities of the fungal elicitor prepared from the isolated fungi from D. moniliforme. Among the isolated fungi, the relative dominant fungus was Fusarium sp. The R13 and R6 fungi were identified only at the genus level which concludes the fungi are of new species or strain. The indole acetic acid production was relatively higher in R10. Bioactive compound diversity was observed in the organic extract of R11 and R6. The presence of phenolic compound and essential oil suggest their contribution for the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties to their host plant, D. moniliforme. The plant growth assay result concluded, the fungal elicitor prepared from R10, Colletotrichum alatae was the best among all other for the plant growth activities.
Sexual Activity and Weekly Contraceptive Discontinuation and Selection Among Young Adult Women in Michigan

Understanding young women’s contraceptive and pregnancy prevention behaviors is important for helping women and their partners control if and when they have children. Prior research on associations between patterns of sexual activity and contraceptive behaviors is limited. We assessed the influence of recent sexual activity on discontinuation and selection of specific contraceptive methods. We used weekly data from the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life (RDSL) study, a longitudinal 2.5-year population-based project that sampled woman ages 18 and 19 (N = 1,003) in one Michigan county. We estimated logistic and multinomial regression models that accounted for clustering of weekly observations within partnerships and women. Weekly discontinuation of longer-acting methods declined with increasing sexual activity in the past month, as did discontinuation of shorter-acting hormonal methods. Sexual activity was associated with decreased selection of condoms relative to other methods. Future research into life events that lead to changes in the frequency of sexual activity may provide insight into times when women are at risk of contraceptive discontinuation. These findings underscore the importance of anticipatory guidance in contraceptive counseling so that when women change their contraceptive behavior they are equipped in advance with resources to make safe transitions between methods.
Surgical management of fungal keratitis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Fungal keratitis is an important cause of corneal opacity in developing nations. The medical management poses several challenges that include nonavailability of drugs, lack of ophthalmic formulations of several potent drugs, and need for prolonged treatment. It is not uncommon to face treatment failure. Therefore, surgery plays an important role in the management of this condition. In this article, we have discussed various aspects of surgical management of fungal keratitis. Areas covered: The manuscript is divided into three sections: Limitations of medical management: The section describes challenges posed by the unique epidemiology and limitations of diagnostic procedures and available antifungal therapy. Indications of surgical treatment: This section describes indications of surgical management. Surgical options: This section provides an overview of different surgical options. We covered the surgical technique, limitations, and the best case scenario for the use of each option. The discussion is based on the review of literature published in the past decade as well as experience of the authors. Expert commentary: A variety of options are available for the management of fungal keratitis cases. Therefore, it is not impossible to salvage eyes and vision even in cases not responding to conventional medical treatment.
Acute effects of distal fibular taping technique on pain, balance and forward lunge activities in Chronic Ankle Instability.

BACKGROUND Chronic Ankle Instability (CAI) is characterized by altered muscle activation, reduced range of motion (ROM) and balance deficits. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether fibular taping technique influenced the pain intensity, dorsiflexion ROM and dynamic balance in participants with CAI. METHODS Twenty-six participants (16 males and 10 females; age 28.8 ± 5.74 y) with unilateral CAI who scored 85 points or less on the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were included in our study. Mulligan distal fibular taping technique was applied. Visual Analog Scale, Star Excursion Balance Test in anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral directions and a Weight Bearing Lunge Test were taken before, after, 1 hour after and 24 hours after taping. RESULTS Distal fibular taping technique decreases pain intensity (at rest, during range of motion and weight bearing conditions), while it increases forward lunge distance and reach distance in anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral directions (p= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that distal fibular taping reduces pain intensity, postural control and dorsiflexion range of motion in individuals with CAI. Further studies are needed with participants with a lower functional level and a higher pain intensity.
Genome-Scale Sequence Disruption Following Biolistic Transformation in Rice and Maize[OPEN]

Biolistic transformation is a disruptive process that can cause extensive damage and rearrangements, including deletions, duplications, chromosome fusions, and copy number variations. Biolistic transformation delivers nucleic acids into plant cells by bombarding the cells with microprojectiles, which are micron-scale, typically gold particles. Despite the wide use of this technique, little is known about its effect on the cell’s genome. We biolistically transformed linear 48-kb phage lambda and two different circular plasmids into rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays) and analyzed the results by whole genome sequencing and optical mapping. Although some transgenic events showed simple insertions, others showed extreme genome damage in the form of chromosome truncations, large deletions, partial trisomy, and evidence of chromothripsis and breakage-fusion bridge cycling. Several transgenic events contained megabase-scale arrays of introduced DNA mixed with genomic fragments assembled by nonhomologous or microhomology-mediated joining. Damaged regions of the genome, assayed by the presence of small fragments displaced elsewhere, were often repaired without a trace, presumably by homology-dependent repair (HDR). The results suggest a model whereby successful biolistic transformation relies on a combination of end joining to insert foreign DNA and HDR to repair collateral damage caused by the microprojectiles. The differing levels of genome damage observed among transgenic events may reflect the stage of the cell cycle and the availability of templates for HDR.