Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (C-BSDS) in a Chinese population to serve as an aid to clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorders. BACKGROUND Bipolar spectrum disorders are often misdiagnosed because of the wide range of symptoms seen in patients. The consequences of delayed diagnoses or misdiagnoses can be devastating. DESIGN A cross-sectional research design. METHOD Two hundred patients with affective disorders from a psychiatric outpatient clinic in Taiwan were enrolled. Internal consistency reliability and two-week test-retest reliability were performed to evaluate the reliability of the C-BSDS. Expert content validity and factor analysis were used for testing construct validity. To evaluate sensitivity and specificity, the Chinese version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used as the gold standard for diagnosis. RESULTS The internal consistency coefficient measured by intra-class correlation (ICC) was 0.81, the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.85 and the expert validity was 0.85. For construct validity, 'irritable and hyper-energetic factors' and 'depressed and lack of energy factors' were extracted by factor analysis. These two factors reflected the structure of the original scale and accounted for 33.27% of the variance. The optimal cut-off was 12, which yielded a sensitivity of 74 and a specificity of 0.97 for detecting bipolar disorder and for bipolar II disorder these were 0.79 and 0.68, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The C-BSDS showed good reliability and validity, and the results were consistent with the English version of the BSDS. Therefore, the C-BSDS is an effective tool for evaluation of a Chinese population. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The BSDS can further increase the detection rate of bipolar disorders, especially bipolar II disorder, with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity. It can effectively assist with clinical screening of patients for bipolar spectrum disorders.
Implementation of FBMC transmission link using SDR

This paper presents an implementation of a Filterbank Multicarrier (FBMC) prototype transmission link. The Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) - which is a Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform - was used for the realization. The proposed system consists of a conventional FBMC transmitter and receiver using timestamped synchronization and shared system clock. With the aid of this setup Power Spectrum Density (PSD), Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) and Bit Error Rate (BER) measurements were performed and analyzed.
A fast algorithm for linear complex Chebyshev approximations

We propose a new algorithm for finding best minimax polynomial approximations in the complex plane. The algorithm is the first satisfactory generalization of the well-known Remez algorithm for real approximations. Among all available algorithms, ours is the only quadratically convergent one. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate rapid convergence.
Intravenous apomorphine therapy in Parkinson's disease: clinical and pharmacokinetic observations.

Six patients with Parkinson's disease and refractory motor fluctuations, with severe subcutaneous (s.c.) nodule formation as a result of long-term s.c. apomorphine infusions, were switched to intravenous (i.v.) therapy via a long-term in-dwelling venous catheter. Five patients were followed-up for a mean of 7 months (range 0.5-18 months). All patients had plasma apomorphine concentrations measured at baseline during s.c. infusions and three had follow-up measurements when stabilized on i.v. therapy, to test the hypothesis that motor fluctuations in these patients are largely due to impaired absorption of apomorphine. The mean i.v. rate of 9.0 mg/h (range 5-14 mg) and 24-h dose of 256.7 mg (range 90-456 mg) of apomorphine were not significantly reduced compared with the s.c. route (9.24 mg/h and 243.4 mg). However, additional oral anti-parkinsonian medication was reduced by a mean of 59%, and 'off' time was virtually eliminated (mean reduction from 5.4 to 0.5 h per day, P< 0.05). There was also a significant reduction in dyskinesias and markedly improved quality of life. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated more reliable and smoother delivery of apomorphine via the i.v. route, although 'off' periods were not always explained by low plasma apomorphine concentrations. Complication rates were high and included three unforeseen hazardous intravascular thrombotic complications, secondary to apomorphine crystal accumulation, necessitating cardiothoracic surgery. We conclude that i.v. apomorphine therapy holds promise as a more effective way of controlling motor fluctuations than the s.c. route. However, further preclinical research is required before i.v. Britaject apomorphine can be recommended for routine clinical practice. Even when stable plasma apomorphine concentrations were achieved, motor fluctuations could not be totally eradicated, suggesting that postsynaptic receptor changes may also play a role in the refractory 'off' periods in these patients.
Impact of Floating Mass Transducer Coupling and Positioning in Round Window Vibroplasty

Objective: The round window application of the Vibrant Sound bridge, the so-called round window vibroplasty, is gaining increasing popularity for hearing rehabilitation of patients with mixed hearing loss or conductive hearing loss. In these patients, conventional hearing amplification and/or surgical restoration is either not possible or has failed because of chronic ear disease, extensive otosclerosis, or malformations. The exact mechanisms of direct cochlear stimulation via the round window membrane are not yet completely understood. It is unclear what kind and what degree of contact is required between the floating mass transducer (FMT) and the round window membrane (RWM) to elicit a functional hearing perception with the implant. We investigated the coupling efficiency between the FMT and the RWM and how the efficiency is altered by the FMT position, the degree of FMT-RWM contact, and the use of a soft tissue coupler. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary referral center in Western Australia. Patients: Patients undergoing round window vibroplasty for a mixed or conductive hearing loss otherwise not aidable. Intervention: Patients underwent round window vibroplasty and received audiological and coupling analysis in the follow-up. These data were then correlated with FMT positioning and the extent of FMT-RWM interface as determined by postoperative high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography. Main Outcome Measures: Coupling and hearing levels in relation to FMT positioning and degree of FMT-RWM contact. Results: Of 10 patients, 8 were available for vibroplasty behavioral threshold testing. In 2 patients, testing could not be done because of wound breakdown requiring device explantation in 1 case, and in the other case, the bone conduction thresholds dropped 2 months after implantation, thus falling out of the performance range of the device. Postoperative FMT migration occurred in 50% of the patients (3/6) with recurrent chronic ear disease and status after multiple previous ear operations. All patients, including the 3 patients requiring surgical repositioning of the FMT, attained significantly improved speech in quiet and speech in noise when compared with the preoperatively best aided performance. All patients showed significantly improved average Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Benefit scores with the use of the FMT. Direct (partial or complete) contact with the RWM resulted in good coupling efficiency; soft tissue coupling resulted in a reduced coupling efficiency.
INFRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURIES.

Over a period of twenty years a small number of patients, thirty-one, have been seen who suffered injuries of the infraclavicular brachial plexus as a direct result of skeletal injury in the region of the shoulder joint. Except for isolated circumflex nerve injuries the prognosis is generally good whatever part of the plexus is damaged. The treatment is conservative and its two most important features are prevention of stiffness of joints and the control, by regular galvanic stimulation, of denervation atrophy of muscle during the often prolonged period before recovery becomes apparent.
Crystal chemistry and stability of hydrated rare-earth phosphates formed at room temperature

In order to understand the crystal chemical properties of hydrous rare-earth (RE) phosphates, REPO4,hyd, that form at ambient temperature, we have synthesized REPO4,hyd through the interaction of aqueous RE elements (REEs) with aqueous P at room temperature at pH < 6, where the precipitation of RE hydroxides does not occur, and performed rigorous solid characterization. The second experiment was designed identically except for using hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystals as the P source at pH constrained by the dissolved P. Hydrated RE phosphate that precipitated at pH 3 after 3 days was classified into three groups: LREPO4,hyd (La → Gd) containing each REE from La-Gd, MREPO4,hyd (Tb → Ho), and HREPO4,hyd (Er → Lu). The latter two groups included increasing fractions of an amorphous component with increasing ionic radius, which was associated with non-coordinated water. REallPO4,hyd that contains all lanthanides except Pm transformed to rhabdophane structure over 30 days of aging. In the experiments using HAP, light REEs were preferentially distributed into nano-crystals, which can potentially constrain initial RE distributions in aqueous phase. Consequently, the mineralogical properties of hydrous RE phosphates forming at ambient temperature depend on the aging, the pH of the solution, and the average ionic radii of REE, similarly to the well-crystalline RE phosphates.
Beneficial Effects of Montelukast against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Renal Damage in Rats

Objective: In this study, the therapeutic and protective effects of montelukast against cisplatin (CP)-induced acute renal damage were investigated. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five female rats were divided into five groups as follows: (1) control, (2) montelukast (10 mg/kg daily for 10 days per-oral (p.o.), (3) CP (single dose 7 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)), (4) CP + montelukast (10 mg/kg daily for 10 days p.o., after 3 days of the injection of CP), (5) montelukast (10 mg/kg daily for 10 days p.o.) + CP (single dose 7 mg/kg i.p., after the last dose of montelukast). At the end of the experiment, malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in the renal tissue. Also, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) levels were assayed from the trunk blood samples. Results: CP treatment caused a significant elevation of MDA, MPO, BUN, and Cr levels when compared with the control group. Also, GSH levels were found to be reduced due to the CP treatment. Montelukast administration after CP injection ameliorated all of these parameters. Our histopathological findings (marked swelling of epithelial cells, tubular dilatation, tubular desquamation, and loss of brush border in the kidney) were consistent with the biochemical results. Conclusion: Montelukast treatment after CP injection exerted therapeutic effects against CP-induced acute kidney damage.
Hollow Fiber Membrane Bioreactor for COD Biodegradation of Tapioca Wastewater

The present work studied the application of membrane bioreactor (MBR) for tapioca wastewater processing that contained chemical oxygen demand (COD) ranging from 4000-9000 mg/L. A preliminary study was initially conducted in order to evaluate membrane performance with respect to its flux with MLSS concentration ranging from 4,500 to 10,500 mg/L. It was clear that fouling was observed during the initial period of study for the whole range of MLSS concentration resulting in drastic flux decline. Increasing trans-membrane suction pressure only yielded slight flux enhancement in 4,500 MLSS concentration. The contrast result was found for both 8,500 and 10,500 MLSS concentration. However, their flux performance could be increased by applying aeration to the system. In batch operation mode using tapioca wastewater, a slight decrease in COD removal was observed when lower hydraulic retention time (HRT) was applied. Lower HRT also suffered relatively sharper flux decline. However, COD removal was only slightly affected by HRT. In a continuous operation mode, it was observed that above 94% COD removal could be attained using HRT in about 24 hours. However, MBR suffered severe membrane fouling in the 4th day of operation resulting in a drastic flux drop below 1 lmh. The chemical cleaning mechanism employed in MBR was found to give the most prominent result since around 67% of flux recovery could be achieved.
Dimensions of Abusive Language on Twitter

In this paper, we use a new categorical form of multidimensional register analysis to identify the main dimensions of functional linguistic variation in a corpus of abusive language, consisting of racist and sexist Tweets. By analysing the use of a wide variety of parts-of-speech and grammatical constructions, as well as various features related to Twitter and computer-mediated communication, we discover three dimensions of linguistic variation in this corpus, which we interpret as being related to the degree of interactive, antagonistic and attitudinal language exhibited by individual Tweets. We then demonstrate that there is a significant functional difference between racist and sexist Tweets, with sexists Tweets tending to be more interactive and attitudinal than racist Tweets.
Evidence that Bacitracin Alters Intracellular Insulin Metabolism in Isolated Rat Hepatocytes

The effect of bacitracin on intracellular insulin degradation was investigated using an isolated rat hepatocyte preparation In which essentially all insulin degradation was due to cell-mediated processes. Bacitracin produced a concentration-dependent decrease in the degradation of insulin to products soluble in trichloroacetic acid, with a half-maximal effect at approximately 0.5 mM. These results were confirmed by analysis of extracted cell-bound radioactivity by Sephadex G-50 molecular sieve chromatography. Radioactive material eluting in the position of intact insulin from the G-50 column was further analyzed by reversed-phase, highperformance liquid chromatography. In addition to intact insulin, two peaks of radioactive material less hydrophobic than insulin were evident. Incubation of cells in the presence of 0.5 mM bacitracin significantly (P < 0.05) altered the distribution of radioactivity in these two peaks. These results indicate that bacitracin significantly affects hepatocyte insulin metabolism and suggest that the continued use of bacitracin in studies of hepatocyte-insulin interaction should be avoided.
Efficient Neurofuzzy Model to Very Short-Term Load Forecasting

Since adaptive neurofuzzy inference systems are universal approximators that can be used in prediction applications, this study aims to determine the best parameters and their best architectures for the purpose of performing very short-term load demand forecasting in power distribution substations. The system inputs are load demand time series, consisting of data measured at five-minute intervals over seven days. Several input configurations and different architectures were examined to make the forecasting a step forward. The results provided by the adaptive neurofuzzy inference system in relation to the approaches found in the literature are promising.
FAMILY STUDIES AND THE CAUSE OF CONGENITAL CLUB FOOT. TALIPES EQUINOVARUS, TALIPES CALCANEO-VALGUS AND METATARSUS VARUS.

1. The family history of, and associated congenital abnormalities in, patients with talipes equinovarus, talipes calcaneo-valgus and metatarsus varus living in Devonshire has been studied.2. The chances of any individual having one of these deformities is approximately one per 1,000 in each case.3. If one child in a family has the deformity, the chances of a second having it are one in thirty-five for talipes equinovarus and one in twenty for talipes calcaneo-valgus and metatarsus varus.4. The male relatives of the female patients with talipes equinovarus are at particular risk.5. It is suggested that the cause of club foot is partly genetic and partly environmental, from a factor acting on the foetus in the uterus.6. The classification of associated congenital abnormalities leads to the suggestion that the genetic factor in talipes equinovarus and talipes calcaneo-valgus relates to defective formation of connective tissue.
Correlation between geographic distance and genetic similarity in an international collection of bovine faecal Escherichia coli O157[ratio ]H7 isolates

Evidence from epidemiological and molecular studies of bovine Escherichia coli O157[ratio ]H7 suggests that strains are frequently transmitted across wide geographic distances. To test this hypothesis, we compared the geographic and genetic distance of a set of international bovine Escherichia coli O157[ratio ]H7 isolates using the Mantel correlation. For a measure of genetic relatedness, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of six different restriction enzyme digests was used to generate an average Dice similarity coefficient for each isolate pair. Geographic distance was calculated using latitude and longitude data for isolate source locations. The Mantel correlation between genetic similarity and the logarithm of geographic distance in kilometers was −0·21 (P<0·001). The low magnitude of the Mantel correlation indicates that transmission over long distances is common. The occurrence of isolates from different continents on the same cluster of the dendrogram also supports the idea that Escherichia coli O157[ratio ]H7 strains can be transferred with considerable frequency over global distances.
The clinical utility of cardiopulmonary exercise testing: results of a university hospital -

Objective: To determine the main reasons for cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) referrals in our hospital over the last two years; to evaluate clinical usefulness of CPET. Methods: We included 207 patients between 17 and 76 years of age. For every patient, we measured electrocardigraphy (ECG), arterial blood gases, spirometry, maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and diffusing capacity. CPET was then performed; using a treadmill, according to the modified Bruce protocol; then spirometry and diffusing capacity were repeated. Results: The most common reason for sending patients for CPET was dyspnea during exertion (85%), then preoperative assessment of lung cancer patients (11.6%), and preoperative assessment of heart transplant candidates (3.4%). After CPET in a dyspnea group, 33.5% had normal findings, 22.2% had pulmonary limitation, 31.8% had non pulmonary pathology, and 12.5% reached submaximal effort due to subjective problems (poor condition, feeling discomfort) but no objective reasons to stop. From a lung cancer group, 25% were deemed unsuitable surgical candidates, and 14.29% of a heart transplant group was recommended immediate surgery, the remainder needed re-evaluation. Conclusion: Dyspnea of unknown cause is optimally investigated with CPET, allowing us to differentiate between the major causes of limitation (lung, heart, cardiovascular, muscular) and, within each area, the specific causes of limitation. The most common diagnoses after CPET are pulmonary and cardiac diagnoses. CPET helps us to detect concurrent cardiovascular disease at respiratory impaired patients. CPET is the gold standard for evaluation of morbidity and mortality risk of lung cancer surgery and for selection of patients for heart transplant.
Evaluation of model-based versus non-parametric monaural noise-reduction approaches for hearing aids

Abstract Objective: Single channel noise reduction has been well investigated and seems to have reached its limits in terms of speech intelligibility improvement, however, the quality of such schemes can still be advanced. This study tests to what extent novel model-based processing schemes might improve performance in particular for non-stationary noise conditions. Design: Two prototype model-based algorithms, a speech-model-based, and a auditory-model-based algorithm were compared to a state-of-the-art non-parametric minimum statistics algorithm. A speech intelligibility test, preference rating, and listening effort scaling were performed. Additionally, three objective quality measures for the signal, background, and overall distortions were applied. For a better comparison of all algorithms, particular attention was given to the usage of the similar Wiener-based gain rule. Study sample: The perceptual investigation was performed with fourteen hearing-impaired subjects. Results: The results revealed that the non-parametric algorithm and the auditory model-based algorithm did not affect speech intelligibility, whereas the speech-model-based algorithm slightly decreased intelligibility. In terms of subjective quality, both model-based algorithms perform better than the unprocessed condition and the reference in particular for highly non-stationary noise environments. Conclusion: Data support the hypothesis that model-based algorithms are promising for improving performance in non-stationary noise conditions.
The effects of technostress and switching stress on discontinued use of social networking services: a study of Facebook use

Although much research has been performed on the adoption and usage phases of the information systems life cycle, the final phase, termination, has received little attention. This paper focuses on the development of discontinuous usage intentions, i.e. the behavioural intention in the termination phase, in the context of social networking services (SNSs), where it plays an especially crucial role. We argue that users stressed by using SNSs try to avoid the stress and develop discontinuous usage intentions, which we identify as a behavioural response to SNS‐stress creators and SNS‐exhaustion. Furthermore, as discontinuing the use of an SNS also takes effort and has costs, we theorize that switching‐stress creators and switching‐exhaustion reduce discontinuous usage intentions. We tested and validated these effects empirically in an experimental setting monitoring individuals who stopped using Facebook for a certain period and switched to alternatives. Our results show that SNS‐stress creators and SNS‐exhaustion cause discontinuous usage intentions, and switching‐stress creators and switching‐exhaustion reduce these intentions.
Causes of Power-Related Satellite Failures

Satellite on-orbit failures are rare, but costly. Failures cumulatively account for losses that total many billions of dollars. In order to understand the causes of power- system related failures, publicly-available data sources were analyzed to determine the origin of power-system related failures of spacecraft. Data from reported failures and anomalies of commercial and scientific satellites from the period 1990-2006 were analyzed. Military, GPS, and reconnaissance satellites were not included in the data set. The major failures were divided into nine primary categories: Impact or collision induced failures, battery failures, solar array mechanical failures, attitude control failures, failures due to plasma-discharge events, cell failures, other array failures, darkening of glass or solar reflectors, and cell interconnect failure. These failures account for a reported cumulative loss of 4.4 billion dollars. These data were analyzed to show the cause of each type of failure as a percentage of the total number of failures, and the net cost of each type of failure