Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toward a better understanding of the causal effects of role demands on work-family conflict: A genetic modeling approach.

Over the past several decades, there has been considerable interest in the theoretical causes of work-family conflict (WFC). Most studies have focused on situational determinants, often ignoring the role of personal factors such as disposition and heritable elements. We increase understanding of person versus situation influences on WFC through estimation of the relationship between role demands and WFC after controlling for genetic confounding, measured personality traits, family confounds, and other stable dispositions. Based on twin data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS), we examine the role of genetic factors in explaining variation in WFC (both work interference with family [WIF] and family interference with work [FIW]). Results support WFC has an additive genetic component, accounting for 31% [95% CI 18%, 45%] and 16% [95% CI 2%, 30%] of the variance in WIF and FIW, respectively. In addition, we test two competing hypotheses with regard to the relationship between role demands and WFC. Results support the phenotypic causal relationship for WIF, consistent with the notion the relationship between work demands and WIF reflect situational processes. However, results support the genetic confounding hypothesis for FIW, indicating observed relationships between family demands and FIW are primarily due to genetic factors. Our results provide new insights into the nature of WFC relationships and underscore that ignoring the influence of heritability can bias estimates of role demand effects in WFC research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Synthesis, characterization, thermal stability, and in vitro and in vivo degradation study of polycaprolactone and polyglycolide block copolymers

Abstract Biodegradable polymer materials are attractive in various biomedical applications. Herein, we report a block aliphatic copolymer, polycaprolactone-block-polyglycolide (PCL-b-PGA, denoted as PCLGA), and explored the polymer composition effect on the thermal and degradation behaviors. Three copolymers with different PCL/PGA weight ratios were obtained by a two-step ring opening polymerization. The chemical structures and compositions of copolymers were studied by NMR and FT-IR. The thermal behaviors were investigated by DSC and TGA. The in vitro degradation in phosphate buffer saline and in vivo degradation as an implant in rats were evaluated and the hygroscopic rate and polymer weight loss changes were monitored in an eight-week period. PCLGA with a higher PCL composition showed a slower degradation in vitro and in vivo. These PCLGAs with different degradation rates could be used as biomedical implants for potential application in drug delivery and tissue repair.
Predictive Value of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) has been used as a predictor of adverse prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the prognostic role of GNRI in CRC patients. Two authors comprehensively searched the studies indexed in PubMed and Embase databases until March 15, 2022. Only observational studies evaluating the association between GNRI and adverse outcomes in patients with CRC were eligible. The prognostic value of GNRI was expressed by pooling the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the low vs. high GNRI group. Eight retrospective studies enrolling 3239 CRC patients were included. When comparing the low with the high GNRI group, the pooled HR was 2.40 (95% CI 1.71–3.39) for overall survival, 1.63 (95% CI 1.35–1.96) for disease-free survival, and 1.85 (95% CI 1.21–1.83) for ≥ 2 Clavien-Dindo Grade postoperative complications, respectively. Moreover, malnutrition defined by the cutoff GNRI at 98 was associated with a reduced overall survival (HR 1.66; 95% CI 1.37–2.02). Low GNRI score may be a promising predictor of postoperative complications and long-term poor survival in Asian patients with CRC. Malnutrition defined by the GNRI can be applied to improve risk stratification of CRC.
Qualitative study measuring the usability of the International Cardiac Rehabilitation Registry

Objective Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a comprehensive model of secondary preventive care. There is a wide variety in implementation characteristics globally, and hence quality control is paramount. Thus, the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation was urged to develop a CR registry. The purpose of this study was to test the perceived usability of the International Cardiac Rehabilitation Registry (ICRR) to optimise it. Design This was a qualitative study, comprising virtual usability tests using a think-aloud method to elicit feedback on the ICRR, while end-users were entering patient data, followed by semistructured interviews. Setting Ultimately, 12 tests were conducted with CR staff (67% female) in low-resource settings from a variety of disciplines in all regions of the world but Europe before saturation was achieved. Primary outcome measure Participants completed the System Usability Scale. Interviews were transcribed verbatim except to preserve anonymity, and coded using NVIVO by two researchers independently. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 informed analysis. Results The ICRR was established as easy to use, relevant, efficient, with easy learnability, operability, perceived usefulness, positive perceptions of output quality and high end-user satisfaction. System usability was 83.75, or ‘excellent’ and rated ‘A’. Four major themes were deduced from the interviews: (1) ease of approvals, adoption and implementation; (2) benefits for programmes, (3) variables and their definitions, as well as (4) patient report and follow-up assessment. Based on participant observation and utterances, suggestions for changes to the ICRR were implemented, including to the programme survey, on-boarding processes, navigational instructions, inclusion of programme logos, direction on handling unavailable data and optimising data completeness, as well as policies for authorship and programme certification. Conclusions With usability of the ICRR optimised, pilot testing shall ensue.
A study of the accretion flow in eclipsing polars

This thesis is concerned with the accretion flow in the high magnetic field cataclysmic variables known as polars. I first provide a brief introduction to the subjects discussed in this thesis, followed by an introduction to the instruments used to make the observations: the optical observations were made using the S-Cam 2 superconducting tunnel junction camera and X-ray observations using XMM-Newton. The chapters that follow this are concerned with two polars: HU Aqr and EP Dra. In Chapter 3, I apply an eclipse mapping technique to the optical light curves of HU Aqr to reconstruct the brightness distribution along the accretion flow. In Chapter 4 I discuss the light curves of EP Dra, a system which until now has not been well studied. The light curves of EP Dra all show variability and a unique light curve shape. Based on the observations and the eclipse mapping I make insights into the nature of the accretion flow in these two systems. Chapter 5 presents modelling of the optical light curves of HU Aqr and EP Dra using a technique based on 'genetically modified fire-flies'. Unlike previous techniques to reconstruct the brightness distribution of the accretion flow, this places as few constraints on the location of the material as possible. This is the first time this technique has been applied to observed light curves. In Chapter 6 I present XMM-Newton observations of EP Dra. I use X-ray and simultaneous optical/UV observations to provide a comparison with the observations of Chapter 4, and provide further insights into the accretion flow in this system. Finally, I present model accretion flows irradiated by X-ray emission from the accretion shock. This allows the construction of accretion flow temperature pro-files, the location of different ionized species along the flow, and the construction of theoretical Doppler maps.
Blowup behavior of the Kahler-Ricci flow on Fano manifolds

We study the blowup behavior at infinity of the normalized Kahler-Ricci flow on a Fano manifold which does not admit Kahler-Einstein metrics. We prove an estimate for the Kahler potential away from a multiplier ideal subscheme, which implies that the volume forms along the flow converge to zero locally uniformly away from the same set. Similar results are also proved for Aubin's continuity method.
Effects of Different Sources of Low-Dose Caffeine on Mood/Arousal and Cognitive Performance

In this study we investigated the effects of variously derived sources of low-dose caffeine on mood/arousal and cognitive performance. Twenty-two participants (15 men, 7 women; M age: 28.2, SD = 9.0 years) undertook five randomized, crossover trials in which they consumed either a water control (CON) or 80 mg of caffeine from one of four sources (coffee [COF], energy drink [END], capsule [CAP], and dissolvable mouth strip [STR]). We measured the participants’ perceived efficacy of these varied caffeine sources pre-treatment; and we measured mood/arousal at pre-treatment, and again at 15 and 45 minutes post-treatment. We also measured choice reaction-time at 15 and 45 minutes post-treatment, and participants completed the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) 45 minutes post-treatment. Caffeine increased participant ratings of alertness and decreased their ratings of tiredness irrespective of source (p’s < .05), and all sources of caffeine decreased reaction time on the PVT (p’s < .05), with ex-Gaussian distributional analysis localizing this to the tau-parameter, indicating lower variability. However, only the COF source was associated with improved ‘overall mood’ (p’s < .05). Participants expected to perform better on the PVT with COF compared to CON, but there were no other significant associations between source expectancy and performance. In sum, a modest dose of caffeine, regardless of source, positively impacted mood/arousal and cognitive performance, and these effects did not appear to be influenced by expectations.
Double domain resonance in a periodically poled ferroelectric wafer

The periodically poled ferroelectric wafer is a two-dimensional phononic superlattice. The important applications of such a solid include novel ultrasonic transducers at the micro/nano-scale for low intensity ultra-sonography, ferroelectric data storage, and development of very high frequency chips for next generation communication and information technologies, and others. Usually, the transformations between the electrical and mechanical energies are required in the applications. In this work, we find the frequency characteristics for an effective acousto-electric interaction in a two-dimensional phononic superlattice inserted in LiNbO3 wafer.
Changes in lipoproteins associated with lipid-lowering and antiplatelet strategies in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background Despite lipid-lowering and antiplatelet therapy, the pattern of residual lipoproteins seems relevant to long-term cardiovascular outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effects of combined therapies, commonly used in subjects with acute myocardial infarction, in the quality of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. Methods Prospective, open-label trial, included patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients were randomized to antiplatelet treatment (ticagrelor or clopidogrel) and subsequently to lipid-lowering therapy (rosuvastatin or simvastatin/ezetimibe) and were followed up for six months. Nonlinear optical properties of LDL samples were examined by Gaussian laser beam (Z-scan) to verify the oxidative state of these lipoproteins, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to analyze structural changes on these particles, dynamic light scattering (DLS) to estimate the particle size distribution, ultra violet (UV)-visible spectroscopy to evaluate the absorbance at wavelength 484 nm (typical from carotenoids), and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Lipoprint) to analyze the LDL subfractions. Results Simvastatin/ezetimibe with either clopidogrel or ticagrelor was associated with less oxidized LDL, and simvastatin/ezetimibe with ticagrelor to lower cholesterol content in the atherogenic subfractions of LDL, while rosuvastatin with ticagrelor was the only combination associated with increase in LDL size. Conclusions The quality of LDL particles was influenced by the antiplatelet/lipid-lowering strategy, with ticagrelor being associated with the best performance with both lipid-lowering therapies. Trial registration: NCT02428374.
A protein of capillary endothelial cells, GPIHBP1, is crucial for plasma triglyceride metabolism

Significance The lipolytic processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is crucial for delivering dietary lipids to tissues. For years, the mechanism by which LPL (which is secreted by myocytes and adipocytes) reaches its site of action within blood vessels was mysterious. We discovered that GPIHBP1, a protein of capillary endothelial cells, captures LPL within the interstitial spaces and shuttles it to the luminal surface of capillaries. GPIHBP1’s three-fingered LU (Ly6/uPAR) domain binds stably to LPL’s C-terminal domain. An intrinsically disordered acidic domain in GPIHBP1 accelerates the kinetics of LPL binding, stabilizes the conformational integrity of LPL’s N-terminal hydrolase domain (thereby preserving LPL activity), and plays a critical role in the transport of LPL to the capillary lumen.
Prevalence, comorbidity, quality of life and use of services of obsessive-compulsive disorder and subthreshold obsessive-compulsive symptoms in the general adult population of Greece

Abstract Objective: We aimed to describe the epidemiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related subthreshold symptoms in the general population of Greece and to assess the comorbidity, use of health services and impact on quality of life of these syndromes in the general population. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of the 2009–2010 general population Greek psychiatric morbidity survey (4902 participants living in private households, response rate 54%). Psychiatric disorders were assessed with the revised Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R). Quality of life was assessed with the EuroQoL EQ-5D. Results: 1.69% of the participants (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33%–2.05%) met criteria for current OCD while 2.79% met criteria for subthreshold obsessive-compulsive symptoms (95%CI: 2.33%–3.26%). In the adjusted analysis few sociodemographic associations remained statistically significant. Although the full-blown syndrome was more severe in terms of comorbidity and quality of life our results showed that even subthreshold obsessive-compulsive symptoms were associated with significant comorbidity and reductions in quality of life. Use of mental health services was small. Conclusions: OCD is an under-treated public health problem that needs more attention in Greece and elsewhere. Provision of specialised mental health services should be a priority for publicly funded national health systems. Keypoints OCD is common in the general population of Greece with few sociodemographic associations apart from subjective financial difficulties. The comorbidity pattern of the full-blown syndrome versus the subthreshold obsessive-compulsive symptoms is similar and differs in magnitude in the expected way. Quality of life in OCD is greatly reduced especially when there is chronicity and/or comorbidity with depression. Use of services is limited but comorbidity with depression may increase the chances of consultation with a mental health professional.
Environmental contaminants and child development: Developmentally‐informed opportunities and recommendations for integrating and informing child environmental health science

ABSTRACT Child environmental health (CEH) science has identified numerous effects of early life exposures to common, ubiquitous environmental toxicants. CEH scientists have documented the costs not only to individual children but also to population‐level health effects of such exposures. Importantly, such risks are unequally distributed in the population, with historically marginalized communities and the children living in these communities receiving the most damaging exposures. Developmental science offers a lens and set of methodologies to identify nuanced biological and behavioral processes that drive child development across physical, cognitive, and socioemotional domains. Developmental scientists are also experts in considering the multiple, hierarchically‐layered contexts that shape development alongside toxicant exposure. Such contexts and the individuals acting within them make up an overarching “child serving ecosystem” spanning systems and sectors that serve children directly and indirectly. Articulating how biobehavioral mechanisms and social–ecological contexts unfold from a developmental perspective are needed in order to inform CEH translation and intervention efforts across this child‐serving ecosystem. Developmentalists can also benefit from integrating CEH science findings in their work by considering the role of the physical environment, and environmental toxicants specifically, on child health and development. Building on themes that were laid out by Trentacosta and Mulligan in 2020, this commentary presents recommendations for connecting developmental and CEH science and for translating such work so that it can be used to promote child development in an equitable manner across this child‐serving ecosystem. These opportunities include (1) Using Developmentally‐Informed Conceptual Models; (2) Applying Creative, Sophisticated, and Rigorous Methods; (3) Integrating Developmentally‐Sensitive Intervention Considerations; and (4) Establishing Interdisciplinary Collaborations and Cross‐Sector Partnerships.
Transition readiness in middle and older adolescents with asthma and associated factors: a descriptive study

Abstract Objective Asthma is the leading chronic health condition in adolescents, yet little is known about adolescents’ readiness to transition into adult-focused care. This study examines transition readiness in middle and late adolescents with asthma. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2019 with 41 adolescents (16–20 years old) with asthma. Transition readiness was measured with the 20-item Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ), which comprises five subscales. Results Slight majorities of the sample comprised females (58.5%) and minority adolescents (56%). The sample’s overall mean score on the TRAQ was 3.89 (±0.63; possible range 1–5). Managing daily activities was associated with talking with providers subscale (r = 0.36; p < 0.01), but not with other TRAQ subscales. Females reported greater scores for managing medications than did males, with mean = 4.2 vs. 3.6 (t = −2.15, p = 0.04). Transition readiness did not differ by race or health insurance type. However, scores on arranging transportation to medical appointments were lower among minority adolescents than whites (4.17 vs. 4.8, t = 2.56, p = 0.01). Better asthma control was associated with higher scores on talking with providers (r = –0.42; p < 0.01), but not with other subscale domains. Conclusions Overall transition readiness is suboptimal in middle to late adolescents with asthma. Adolescents’ capacity to manage daily activities is not a valid indicator of transition readiness in disease self-management. It is important to consider gender, race, and asthma control in understanding transition readiness in adolescents with asthma.
Identifying driver modules based on multi‐omics biological networks in prostate cancer

Abstract The development of sequencing technology has promoted the expansion of cancer genome data. It is necessary to identify the pathogenesis of cancer at the molecular level and explore reliable treatment methods and precise drug targets in cancer by identifying carcinogenic functional modules in massive multi‐omics data. However, there are still limitations to identifying carcinogenic driver modules by utilising genetic characteristics simply. Therefore, this study proposes a computational method, NetAP, to identify driver modules in prostate cancer. Firstly, high mutual exclusivity, high coverage, and high topological similarity between genes are integrated to construct a weight function, which calculates the weight of gene pairs in a biological network. Secondly, the random walk method is utilised to reevaluate the strength of interaction among genes. Finally, the optimal driver modules are identified by utilising the affinity propagation algorithm. According to the results, the authors’ method identifies more validated driver genes and driver modules compared with the other previous methods. Thus, the proposed NetAP method can identify carcinogenic driver modules effectively and reliably, and the experimental results provide a powerful basis for cancer diagnosis, treatment and drug targets.
Targeting Hedgehog (Hh) Pathway for the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment

The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, containing the Patched (PTCH) and Smoothened (SMO) multitransmembrane proteins, is the main regulator of vertebrate embryonic development. A non-canonical Hh pathway was recently observed in numerous types of solid cancers and hematological malignancies. Although acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common and lethal myeloid malignancy, the chemotherapy for AML has not changed in the last three decades. The Hh pathway and other intracellular signaling pathways are important for the tumor cells’ cycle or therapeutic resistance of AML cells. In this article, we will review the current trends in Hh pathway inhibitors for treating AML.
Band alignment at the Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1−x)4/CdS interface

Energy band alignments between CdS and Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1−x)4 (CZTSSe) grown via solution-based and vacuum-based deposition routes were studied as a function of the [S]/[S+Se] ratio with femtosecond laser ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence, medium energy ion scattering, and secondary ion mass spectrometry. Band bending in the underlying CZTSSe layer was measured via pump/probe photovoltage shifts of the photoelectron spectra and offsets were determined with photoemission under flat band conditions. Increasing the S content of the CZTSSe films produces a valence edge shift to higher binding energy and increases the CZTSSe band gap. In all cases, the CdS conduction band offsets were spikes.