Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Implementing Adolescent Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (Sbirt) Education in a Pediatric Residency Curriculum

Background Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is recommended as part of routine health care for adolescents as well as adults. In an effort to promote universal SBIRT, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded funding to residency programs to develop and implement SBIRT education and training. Our project focused on creating scientifically based, developmentally appropriate strategies and teaching materials for the adolescent age range. This paper describes curriculum development and implementation and presents evaluation data. Methods Pediatric and child psychiatry residents were trained. The training consisted of 4 activities: (1) case-based teaching modules, (2) role-play of motivational interviewing and brief interventions, (3) mock interviews with trained adolescents, and (4) supervised “hands-on” screening and brief interventions. Main outcome measures included trainee satisfaction, and SBIRT knowledge, perceived self-efficacy, and self- and observer report of use of the SBIRT algorithm. Results Among 150 total participants completing the SBIRT training modules, nearly all (92.3%) were satisfied/very satisfied with the training modules. Knowledge accuracy immediately post training was high, but declined significantly by the end of the first residency year, with little change across subsequent years of residency. Confidence ratings also declined over time. Use of the SBIRT algorithm during the Adolescent Medicine rotation was high according to trainee self- and faculty observer report. Conclusions We found evidence of training satisfaction, increased confidence in talking to adolescents about substance use, and widespread use of recommended practices immediately following training. Use of a highly structured algorithm to guide practice, and simple, highly structured brief interventions was a successful training approach, as residents self-reported accurate use of the SBIRT algorithm immediately after training. Knowledge and self-confidence declined over time. It is possible that “booster” sessions and ongoing opportunities to review materials could help residents retain knowledge and skills.
Airborne GNSS-R Polarimetric Measurements for Soil Moisture and Above-Ground Biomass Estimation

Soil moisture content (SMC) and above-ground biomass (AGB) are key parameters for the understanding of both the hydrological and carbon cycles. From an economical perspective, both SMC and AGB play a significant role in the agricultural sector, one of the most relevant markets worldwide. This paper assesses the sensitivity of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) reflected signals to soil moisture and vegetation biomass from an experimental point of view. For that, three scientific flights were performed in order to acquire GNSS reflectometry (GNSS-R) polarimetric observations over a wide range of terrain conditions. The GNSS-R data were used to obtain the right-left and right-right reflectivity components, which were then georeferenced according to the transmitting GNSS satellite and receiver positions. It was determined that for low-altitude GNSS-R airborne platforms, the reflectivity polarization ratio provides a highly reliable observable for SMC due to its high stability with respect to surface roughness. A correlation coefficient of 0.93 and a sensitivity of 0.2 dB/SMC (%) were obtained for moderately vegetated fields with a surface roughness standard deviation below 3 cm. Similarly, the copolarized reflection coefficient shows a stable sensitivity to forest AGB with equal to 0.9 with a stable sensitivity of 1.5 dB/(100 t/ha) up to AGB values not detectable by other remote sensing systems.
Innovative Islamic Hedging Products: Application of Wa'd in Malaysian Banks

The principle of Wa’d or promise can be used to structure innovative shariah compliant hedging instruments. Conventional hedging products such as forward currency contracts and currency swaps are prohibited in Islamic Finance principally due to the issue of riba and to the violation of bay al-sarf rule which requires currency trading to be done on 'spot' basis only. The usage of wa’d has grown rapidly in recent years since it offers great flexibility and many of the world’s first shariah compliant derivatives such as Islamic cross currency swaps and Islamic profit rate swaps have been developed by Malaysian banks using wa’d. This paper discusses and examines wa’d applications in seven selected Malaysian Islamic banks, specifically in its application as an Islamic hedging instrument. Based on a survey of the banks’ official information disclosed to the public, the finding of this research indicates that all Islamic banks under study have used wa’d in structuring their Islamic hedging products. This paper represents an early study of wa’d applications in the Malaysian banks and the study shows that wa’d is a flexible mechanism and has the prospect to play a vital role in facilitating Islamic financial institutions manage their business risks and liquidity effectively.
A mathematical framework for solving dynamic optimization problems with adaptive networks

The paper develops a mathematical framework for solving dynamic optimization problems with adaptive networks (AN's) based on Hopfield networks. The dynamic optimization problem (DOP) includes a dynamic traveling salesman problem (TSP), in which the distance between any pair of cities in the conventional TSP is extended into a time variable. Compared to previous deterministic networks, such as the Hopfield network, the adaptive network has the most distinguished feature: it can change its states, continually reacting to inputs from the outside environment. From the scientific viewpoint, our framework demonstrates mathematically rigorously that the adaptive network produces as final states locally minimum solutions to the DOP. From the engineering viewpoint, it provides a mathematical basis for developing engineering devices, such as very large scale integration (VLSI), that can solve real world DOP's efficiently.
The updatability of relational views based on functional dependencies

To support the relational view concept, a relational DBMS must be capable of correctly translating view updates into equivalent updates of the underlying database. This paper describes a constructive approach to supporting view updates for a broad class of views. This is accomplished by first identifying a class of views whose interpretations are consistent with the interpretation of the underlying database. Then, procedures for translating updates are described which preserve the consistency of these interpretations.
Export market exploitation and exploration and performance: Linear, moderated, complementary and non-linear effects

Purpose – Drawing on the resource advantage and organisational learning literatures, this paper aims to investigate the linear, moderated, complementary and non‐linear effects of export market exploitation and exploration on export performance.Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative study was performed using an online survey. The final sample consisted of 267 Portuguese export manufacturing firms. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling.Findings – Export market exploitation and exploration is positively and negatively related to export performance in a linear way, respectively. Export market exploration improves export performance under high levels of export market turbulence. Balancing export market exploitation with export market exploration enhances export performance. High levels of export market exploitation provide an additional boost to performance.Practical implications – This study contributes to a better understanding of how market exploitation and exploration relate to perfo.
Investigation of the maternal to foetal serum concentration gradient of dexamethasone in the rat

1 The basis of the maternal to foetal serum concentration gradient of dexamethasone was investigated in the rat on day 20 of gestation. 2 The pregnant rat was assumed to behave as a two‐compartment open model with one maternal and one foetal pool exchanging with each other and each to outside. 3 Bolus injections of unlabelled dexamethasone were made into the mother and of [3H]‐dexameth‐asone into its foetuses and serial maternal and foetal blood samples were collected a number of times. The monitoring of both forms of the drug in each sample permitted the estimation by a non‐linear least square approach of two placental and two non‐placental clearances. 4 After both maternal and foetal injections of dexamethasone, its concentrations were higher in the maternal than in the foetal serum. Placental clearance of dexamethasone from the foetus to the mother was 824 ± 40 ml kg−1 h−1 and 8.5 ± 1 times greater than the placental clearance from the mother to foetus (103 ± 2 ml kg−1 h−1). Foetal non‐placental clearance was zero. 5 It is suggested that a maternal to foetal serum gradient of dexamethasone is caused by its active transfer from the foetal to maternal side.
A novel anticonvulsant modulates voltage‐gated sodium channel inactivation and prevents kindling‐induced seizures

Here, we explore the mechanism of action of isoxylitone (ISOX), a molecule discovered in the plant Delphinium denudatum, which has been shown to have anticonvulsant properties. Patch‐clamp electrophysiology assayed the activity of ISOX on voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs) in both cultured neurons and brain slices isolated from controls and rats with experimental epilepsy (kindling model). Quantitative transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) (QPCR) assessed brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in kindled rats, and kindled rats treated with ISOX. ISOX suppressed sodium current (INa) showing an IC50 value of 185 nM in cultured neurons. ISOX significantly slowed the recovery from inactivation (ISOX τ = 18.7 ms; Control τ = 9.4 ms; p < 0.001). ISOX also enhanced the development of inactivation by shifting the Boltzmann curve to more hyperpolarized potentials by −11.2 mV (p < 0.05). In naive and electrically kindled cortical neurons, the IC50 for sodium current block was identical to that found in cultured neurons. ISOX prevented kindled stage 5 seizures and decreased the enhanced BDNF mRNA expression that is normally associated with kindling (p < 0.05). Overall, our data show that ISOX is a potent inhibitor of VGSCs that stabilizes steady‐state inactivation while slowing recovery and enhancing inactivation development. Like many other sodium channel blocker anti‐epileptic drugs, the suppression of BDNF mRNA expression that usually occurs with kindling is likely a secondary outcome that nevertheless would suppress epileptogenesis. These data show a new class of anti‐seizure compound that inhibits sodium channel function and prevents the development of epileptic seizures.
Measuring exhaled nitric oxide levels in adults: the importance of atopy and airway responsiveness.

BACKGROUND Raised exhaled nitric oxide (Feno) levels have been associated with asthma. However, we have found that in children, Feno was increased in atopic children with increased airway responsiveness (AR), and this was independent of a diagnosis of asthma. STUDY OBJECTIVES The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that in adults there is no association between Feno and asthma after controlling for atopy and AR. MEASUREMENTS One hundred fifteen adults (77 women; mean age, 41 years) underwent an assessment that included Feno measurements, spirometry, skin-prick testing, blood eosinophil count, and inhaled histamine challenge (results are expressed as a dose-response slope [DRS]). RESULTS When only atopic individuals were considered (n = 73), Feno was positively associated with the DRS (p = 0.003), male gender (0.02), and negatively associated with current smoking (p = 0.09). Only male gender (p = 0.03) was associated with Feno among nonatopic individuals (n = 36). In multivariate analysis, there was no association between Feno and current asthma, current wheeze, or asthma ever. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that in adult subjects, elevated Feno measurements are associated with a phenotype characterized by atopy and increased AR regardless of the presence of asthma or asthma-like symptoms.
Extreme Deviations from Expected Evolutionary Rates in Archaeal Protein Families

Abstract Origin of new biological functions is a complex phenomenon ranging from single-nucleotide substitutions to the gain of new genes via horizontal gene transfer or duplication. Neofunctionalization and subfunctionalization of proteins is often attributed to the emergence of paralogs that are subject to relaxed purifying selection or positive selection and thus evolve at accelerated rates. Such phenomena potentially could be detected as anomalies in the phylogenies of the respective gene families. We developed a computational pipeline to search for such anomalies in 1,834 orthologous clusters of archaeal genes, focusing on lineage-specific subfamilies that significantly deviate from the expected rate of evolution. Multiple potential cases of neofunctionalization and subfunctionalization were identified, including some ancient, house-keeping gene families, such as ribosomal protein S10, general transcription factor TFIIB and chaperone Hsp20. As expected, many cases of apparent acceleration of evolution are associated with lineage-specific gene duplication. On other occasions, long branches in phylogenetic trees correspond to horizontal gene transfer across long evolutionary distances. Significant deceleration of evolution is less common than acceleration, and the underlying causes are not well understood; functional shifts accompanied by increased constraints could be involved. Many gene families appear to be “highly evolvable,” that is, include both long and short branches. Even in the absence of precise functional predictions, this approach allows one to select targets for experimentation in search of new biology.
17β-Estradiol Regulation of T-Type Calcium Channels in Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons

T-type calcium channels are responsible for generating low-threshold spikes that facilitate burst firing and neurotransmitter release in neurons. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons exhibit burst firing, but the underlying conductances are not known. Previously, we found that 17β-estradiol (E2) increases T-type channel expression and excitability of hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurons. Therefore, we used ovariectomized oil- or E2-treated EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein)–GnRH mice to explore the expression and E2 regulation of T-type channels in GnRH neurons. Based on single-cell reverse transcriptase-PCR and real-time PCR quantification of the T-type channel α1 subunits, we found that all three subunits were expressed in GnRH neurons, with expression levels as follows: Cav3.3 ≥ Cav3.2 > Cav3.1. The mRNA expression of the three subunits was increased with surge-inducing levels of E2 during the morning. During the afternoon, Cav3.3 mRNA expression remained elevated, whereas Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 were decreased. The membrane estrogen receptor agonist STX increased the expression of Cav3.3 but not Cav3.2 in GnRH neurons. Whole-cell patch recordings in GnRH neurons revealed that E2 treatment significantly augmented T-type current density at both time points and increased the rebound excitation during the afternoon. Although E2 regulated the mRNA expression of all three subunits in GnRH neurons, the increased expression combined with the slower inactivation kinetics of the T-type current indicates that Cav3.3 may be the most important for bursting activity associated with the GnRH/LH (luteinizing hormone) surge. The E2-induced increase in mRNA expression, which depends in part on membrane-initiated signaling, leads to increased channel function and neuronal excitability and could be a mechanism by which E2 facilitates burst firing and cyclic GnRH neurosecretion.
Thyroid cancer outcomes in Filipino patients.

OBJECTIVE To compare the outcomes of patients having thyroid cancer among Filipinos vs non-Filipinos. DESIGN Retrospective medical record review. SETTING High-volume tertiary referral center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. PATIENTS A total of 499 patients with thyroid cancer (36 Filipino and 463 non-Filipino) treated at Mount Sinai Hospital from January 1, 1984, to August 31, 2003, with a minimum 5-year follow-up period and a minimum 1.0-cm tumor size. Patients were identified from a thyroid cancer database. Data on patient, tumor, and treatment factors were collected along with outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The presence of thyroid cancer recurrence, the rate of death from disease, and the time to recurrence. RESULTS The 2 groups were similar for sex, age, history of head and neck radiation exposure, family history of thyroid cancer, follow-up time, tumor size, tumor pathologic findings, presence of tumor multifocality, stage of primary disease, type of thyroid surgery, use of postoperative radioactive iodine therapy, and use of external beam radiation therapy. Filipino patients experienced a thyroid cancer recurrence rate of 25% compared with 9.5% for non-Filipino patients (odds ratio, 3.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-7.49; P = .004). On multivariate analysis, the increased risk of thyroid cancer recurrence persisted for Filipino patients (odds ratio, 6.99; 95% confidence interval, 2.31-21.07; P < .001). No significant differences were noted between Filipino patients and non-Filipino patients regarding the rate of death from disease (5.6% vs 1.9%) and the time to recurrence (52.6 vs 53.1 months). CONCLUSIONS Filipino patients have a significantly higher risk of thyroid cancer recurrence compared with non-Filipino patients. However, no significant difference was noted in the time to recurrence or the rate of death from disease. These findings justify a more aggressive initial management and follow-up regimen for Filipino patients with thyroid cancer.
Evidence and Effects of Social Referencing Investor Behaviour During Market Bubbles

Market bubbles often occur around the same time that new means of investing become available to enable increased market participation. An important aspect of increased market participation is the possible introduction of new investors who behave differently from existing traditional investors. Preliminary evidence from a new data set constructed from publicly available information suggests that these new investors display social referencing behaviour - their investment decisions are based more on social information (e.g., members of their peer group have purchased a stock) and less on typical financial information (e.g., the price of a stock). During the internet bubble of the late 1990s, our collected data show how investors using newly introduced on-line brokerages may have invested differently than investors using traditional and established brokerages. Using this model, we simulate an influx of these new social referencing investor agents in a proportion that is similar to the market weight that new on-line investors had during the internet bubble. The ability of our model to cause a quantitatively accurate, multi-agent simulation of traditional investors to similarly produce a price bubble demonstrates the potential that multi-agent models can have to produce quantitative results for qualitative investor models.
Inhalation toxicity in mice exposed to sarin (GB) for 20–720 min

Most of the historical data for the toxicity of sarin (GB) was collected for exposure times of <10 min in attempts to establish the utility of and defence against this agent in offensive military use. However, information concerning the toxicity of GB (and other nerve agents) from longer exposures of 1–12 h is critical for all personnel who must work in or close to low‐level concentrations of chemical for extended periods and for all personnel, dressed in Individual Protective Equipment, who need to know when, and if, it is safe to take off these cumbersome garments.
How SME takeover targets affect regional productivity

This thesis uses a new data set (BSD) of nearly all British firms that allows the study of small businesses in a spatial context, with particular attention to the market for SME control. The aim is to understand whether this market contributes to the productivity gap between core (London and the South East) and peripheral regions in Britain. It might do so if larger firms attempted to compensate for a lack of internally generated innovation by acquiring and absorbing productive small enterprises. Regular culling of top performing small firms in the periphery by 'outside' businesses could then stunt a region's capacity for indigenous development. On the other hand, acquisition by larger firms (perhaps from the core) may enable SMEs to improve their performance and thereby enhance a region's economy. In fact contrary to the experience of large firms, more productive small businesses have a higher likelihood of being acquired -- although there is a lower rate of takeovers more generally in the peripheral regions than in London and the South East. Takeovers also increase the chances of SMEs exiting, but this effect is stronger for the core region as well. Takeovers raise productivity after acquisition but by less, or even with deleterious effects, for the most productive SMEs. Combining the rate of takeovers with their effect on exits and performance, the overall, net beneficial, impact on regional productivity from the targets of SME acquisitions is slightly larger in the core than in the periphery. This is due to the differential rate of takeovers between locations. Rather than regarding the effects on SMEs from acquisitions as harmful to periphery regions, policy makers should attempt to understand why takeovers are less frequent there, and consider ways of improving the operation of the market for small businesses, especially in the periphery.
Influence of landscape on the population genetic structure of the alpine butterfly Parnassius smintheus (Papilionidae)

Four microsatellite DNA markers were developed which were used to examine the relationship between landscape and population genetic structure among a set of populations of the butterfly Parnassius smintheus located in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Detailed information on the dispersal of adult butterflies among this same set of populations was available. Simple and partial Mantel tests were used to examine the relationships between genetic distances, predicted rates of dispersal, and a number of landscape variables, all measured pairwise for 17 sample sites. Nei’s standard genetic distance was negatively correlated with predicted dispersal. We observed a significant pattern of isolation by distance at a very small spatial scale. The distance between sites that was through forest was a stronger predictor of genetic distance than the distance through open meadow, indicating a significant effect of landscape on population genetic structure beyond that of simple isolation by distance. Our results suggest that rises in the tree‐line in alpine areas, caused by global warming, will lead to reduced gene flow among populations of P. smintheus.