Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Common mental disorders in urban v. rural Pakistan

I read with interest Mumford et al 's ([2000][1]) paper on stress and psychiatric disorder in urban Rawalpindi. Their findings and explanations of a lower prevalence of common mental disorders in an urban area compared with a rural area of Pakistan ([Mumford et al , 1997][2]) need to be treated with
Exploiting Space–Time–Frequency Diversity With MIMO–OFDM for Underwater Acoustic Communications

Underwater acoustic (UWA) channels exhibit time-varying fading statistics, thus a coded modulation scheme optimally designed for a specific model (e.g., Rayleigh fading) will perform poorly when the channel statistics change. Exploiting diversity via coded modulation is a robust approach to improve the reliability of the acoustic link in a variety of channel conditions. Two coded modulation schemes drawn from the terrestrial radio literature are compared in terms of their bit error rate (BER). The first scheme combines trellis coded modulation (TCM) based on an 8-phase-shift keying (8-PSK) signal set and symbol interleaving. The second scheme is based on bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM), which includes a convolutional encoder, a bit interleaver, and a 16-quadrature-amplitude-modulation (16-QAM) signal set. These schemes, which are designed to have the same bit rate and decoding complexity, are tested under two scenarios. In the first scenario, a single-input-multiple-output (SIMO) system is implemented by means of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation. In the second scenario, a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) system is implemented and each of the coded modulation scheme is coupled with a 3/4-rate space-time block code (STBC) before applying OFDM. Analyzing both simulated and experimental data, the following results, which also hold for terrestrial radio, are confirmed: coded modulation schemes emphasizing higher Hamming distance (such as BICM) yield a lower error rate when spatial diversity is very limited (first scenario). On the other hand, coded modulation schemes emphasizing higher free Euclidean distance (such as TCM) demonstrate a lower error rate when spatial diversity is sufficiently high (second scenario).
Does levodopa therapy delay death in Parkinson's disease? A review of the evidence

Studies examining the mortality from Parkinson's disease have been reviewed to assess the impact of levodopa therapy. These include national mortality data taken from death certificate returns, cohort studies compring the deaths observed in a group of patients with those expected from population statistics, and case‐control studies comparing deaths in patients with those in a matched control group. It is concluded that the decrease in crude mortality rate in the early 1970s in several western countries was mirrored by a decrease in observed to expected mortality rates in cohort studies over the same period. The rise in crude mortality in the late 1970s and early 1980s paralleled an increase in observed to expected mortality in cohort studies. These trends are compatible with the hypothesis that levodopa delayed the death of a cohort of frail elderly parkinsonian patients who succumbed ∼5 years later, leading to an apparent “catch‐up” increment in national mortality data. Whilst crude mortality in England and Wales does not appear to be increasing as fast as before the introduction of levodopa, recent cohort and case‐control studies report mortality ratios comparable to those seen in the prelevodopa era. Further case‐control studies are required to determine the position with current treatment regimens.
Boosting VoIP Capacity via Service Differentiation in IEEE 802.11e EDCA Networks

This paper considers the performance problem of VoIP over 802.11e WLANs caused by the unfairness between uplink and downlink as well as the inefficient EDCA. A novel medium access control scheme named BEDCA (Balanced EDCA) is presented, which provides service differentiation between the access point (AP) and the mobile stations (STAs) to enhance VoIP capacity. In BEDCA, the expression of AP's contention window is obtained which is a relative constant value independent of the participating STAs. The minimum contention window of the STAs is traffic-aware based on the proposed algorithm. The performance improvement of BEDCA is verified through intensive simulations and the results show the capacity improvement of 82.1% compared to EDCA.
Interrelationships between porcine somatotropin and dietary lysine on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing swine.

Seventy-two barrows (initial weight = 57.1 kg) were used to determine the interrelationship between porcine somatotropin (pST) and dietary lysine and their effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pigs were injected daily in the extensor muscle of the neck with either 4 or 8 mg of pST and fed a pelleted corn-soybean meal-sesame meal diet (.8% lysine; 17.8% CP) or diets containing 1.0, 1.2, or 1.4% lysine provided by additions of L-lysine.HCl (2 x 4 factorial arrangement). Control pigs (placebo injection) received the . 8% lysine diet. All diets were formulated to contain > or = 200% of current recommendations for other amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. A tendency for a pST x lysine interaction was observed for cumulative ADG (P < .15) and feed conversion (G/F; P < .05). Average daily gain and G/F were improved by increasing dietary lysine level in pigs injected with 4 mg/d of pST; however, pigs injected with 8 mg/d of pST had greater improvements in cumulative ADG and G/F with added lysine. Feed intake was reduced (quadratic, P < .10) as dietary lysine level and pST dosage increased. Increasing pST dosage and dietary lysine increased (linear, P < .05) longissimus muscle area and decreased backfat thickness. Trimmed ham and loin weights were increased (linear, P < .10) by pST dosage. Chemical composition of samples taken from the loin, ham, and belly indicated increased moisture and CP and decreased lipid content as pST dosage and dietary lysine level increased (quadratic, P < .05). Shear force values from loin and semimembranosus increased with increasing lysine level (quadratic, P < .01) and pST dosage (linear, P < .05); however, these differences were not detected by sensory analysis (P > .20). Plasma urea concentrations on d 28 decreased with increasing lysine level (quadratic, P < .05), and plasma lysine concentrations increased (linear, P < .01). Based on the pST x lysine interaction for ADG and G/F, these data suggest that the lysine level needed to maximize growth performance and carcass characteristics may be proportional to the pST dosage provided. Growth and carcass characteristics were maximized by dietary lysine intakes of 27 to 32 and > or = 36 g/d for pigs injected with 4 and 8 of mg/d of pST, respectively.
Three-dimensional printing akermanite porous scaffolds for load-bearing bone defect repair: An investigation of osteogenic capability and mechanical evolution

Some Ca–Mg-silicate ceramics have been widely investigated to be highly bioactive and biodegradable, whereas their osteogenic potential and especially biomechanical response in the early stage in vivo are scarcely demonstrated. Herein, the osteogenesis capacity and mechanical evolution of the akermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7) porous materials manufactured by ceramic ink writing three-dimensional printing technique were investigated systematically in a critical size femur defect model, in comparison with the clinically available β-tricalcium phosphate porous bioceramic. Such three-dimensional printed akermanite scaffolds possess fully interconnected pores of ∼280 × 280 µm in size and over 50% porosity with appreciable compressive strength (∼71 MPa), that is 7-fold higher than that of the β-tricalcium phosphate porous bioceramics (∼10 MPa). After 6 weeks and 12 weeks of implantation, the percentage of newly formed bone and more new bone was observed in the akermanite group as compared with the β-tricalcium phosphate group (p < 0.01). Moreover, significant higher mRNA expressions of osteogenic genes were detected in the akermanite group by PCR analysis (p < 0.01). The in vivo mechanical strength decreased during the process of implantation, but maintained a relative high level (∼14 MPa) which was still higher than that of the host cancellous bone (5–10 MPa) at 12 weeks post-implantation. On the contrary, the β-tricalcium phosphate scaffold always exhibited a very low mechanical strength (∼8 MPa). These results suggest that the three-dimensional printed akermanite scaffolds are promising for the bone tissue regeneration and repair of load-bearing bone defects.
Infinite Horizon H2/H Control for Stochastic Systems with Markovian Jumps

This paper studies robust H<sub>2</sub>/H<sub>infin</sub> control problem for systems subjected to multiplicative noise and Markovian parameter jumps. A necessary/sufficient condition for the existence of H<sub>2</sub>/H<sub>infin</sub> control is presented by means of two coupled algebraic Riccati equations, respectively. Finally, a suboptimal H<sub>2</sub>/H<sub>infin</sub> controller design algorithm is also obtained by solving a convex optimization problem.
Brazilian Journal of Chemical Engineering METABOLIC CAPABILITIES OF Actinobacillus succinogenes FOR SUCCINIC ACID PRODUCTION

Attention has been focused on microbial succinic acid production as an alternative for conventional chemical synthesis that is associated with environmental pollution. A metabolic model for Actinobacillus succinogenes 130Z was developed with a mixture of glucose and xylose as substrate. The metabolic fluxes during succinicate production were determined using flux balance analysis by linear programming optimization in the MATLAB environment. Different glucose ratios (0.3, 0.4 and 0.7 mol.mol substrate) were used as model assumptions to calculate optimal fluxes, maximum growth and succinate production. The model revealed that higher growth rates and product yields were correlated with higher glucose content in the substrate mixture. When glucose constituted 0.5 mol.mol substrate, a lower succinate yield (0.64 mol.mol substrate) was obtained, compared to 0.73 mol.mol substrate when glucose was used individually. Deletion of different unessential reactions in the model showed that a knockout of the acetate formation pathway would increase the succinate yield by 21% when glucose and xylose were used in equal molar ratios.
Comparison of the Kurtkze Expanded Disability Status Scale and the Functional Independence Measure: measures of multiple sclerosis-related disability

Abstract Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease which has a variable clinical presentation followed by a variable clinical course. Therefore, accuracy of clinical rating scales to measure disability at initial clinical presentation and during follow-up visits is essential to accurately capture the variability inherent in this disease. This is particularly vital when attempting to identify the efficacy of interventions. Objective: This observational study in veterans with MS compared the Kurtkze Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Total Functional Independence Measure (TFIM) scale as measures of MS-related disability. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic charts of 76 veterans with MS who are regularly followed in our VA MS clinic. Local Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for the protocol. Data were analyzed using SAS (SAS System for Windows, version 9.2, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to assess categorical variables. Kruskal–Wallis tests evaluated the relationships between MS types [relapsing–remitting MS (RR), secondary progressive MS (SP), primary progressive MS (PP) and clinical isolated syndrome (CIS)] and the initial TFIM, EDSS and Impairment Index (II) scores. Results: The EDSS score accurately measured MS-related impairment at initial evaluation and follow-up relative to an II. However, the EDSS score did not change over time, compared to the TFIM suggesting reduced sensitivity of the EDSS for detecting change in MS-related disability over time. Conclusions: This suggests TFIM scale is a more sensitive measure of MS-related disability than EDSS for use in future MS clinical trials. Implications for Rehabilitation This study highlights that given the paucity of scales to which EDSS has been compared, TFIM is a valuable adjunct to EDSS in measuring MS-related disability. TFIM is able to accurately measure the severity of MS-related disability and help provide for services patients with MS-related disability would need. TFIM is an easy to administer and a sensitive scale to measure the change in MS-related disability following interventions.
Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA): An Empirical Evaluation of Characteristics, Adoption Determinants, Governance Mechanisms, and Business Impact in the German Service Industry

This literature review synthesizes existing research in the field of Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA) from a business perspective and integrates results from 40 works to offer researchers an overview about the existing body of knowledge in this research field as well as a research agenda, which unifies and extends previous efforts. While the literature regarding the technologies and design principles for SOA and even Service-Oriented Enterprises (SOE) converges, especially research regarding the identification of determinants influencing SOA adoption, governance mechanisms for effectively implementing SOA, and regarding SOA’s actual business impact is needed. Previous empirical research indicated promising factors in each of these fields. However, future research should especially draw attention to cover each of the research areas holistically. Moreover, extending the use of empirical research methods will further improve our understanding regarding the importance of different adoption determinants, governance mechanisms, and the actual business value of SOA.
Prevalence of parasitic infections of stray cats in Jammu, India.

Stray cats are afflicted with various parasitic infestations and the infective stages of these parasites may spread infection to other animals including human beings. The study was conducted for a period of one year from March 2009 to February 2010 to determine the prevalence of parasitic infection in and around Jammu–humid subtropical zone of North Western India. A total of 100 stray cats were examined using standard parasitological methods. Post mortem examinations of stray cats were also conducted to determine the presence of any mature parasite in the gastrointestinal system and other viscera. All the cats examined were found to be positive for one or other type of parasitic infection. Eggs identified were those of hookworms found to be predominant (80%) followed by Taeniid eggs (40%), Toxocara eggs (32%), Strongyloides eggs (28%), Dipylidium canium eggs (20%) and Spirometra eggs (8%). EPG of the positive samples were also recorded. Mean ± SD EPG of hookworm eggs, Toxocara eggs and Strongyloides eggs were 50 ± 1.81, 102.5± 4.81 and 87.57 ± 7.52 respectively. Besides these, prevalence of Toxoplasma/Hammondia oocyst was 88%, Isospora oocyst 80% and Cryptosporidium oocyst 4% (ZN- staining). Five cat carcasses lying open on the road-side were also collected and brought to the laboratory for post-mortem examination. While opening the carcasses, three different parasites were also found and they were identified as Ancylostoma tubaeforme (80%), Taenia taeniaeformis (60%) and Dipylidium caninum (40%). The high parasitic burden evident from this study could pose a potential threat to public health. Keywords : India, Jammu, Parasites, Prevalence, Stray cats.
Extending Jak2V617F and MplW515 Mutation Analysis to Single Hematopoietic Colonies and B and T Lymphocytes

JAK2V617F and MPLW515L/K are myeloproliferative disorder (MPD)‐associated mutations. We genotyped 552 individual hematopoietic colonies obtained by CD34+ cell culture from 16 affected patients (13 JAK2V617F and 3 MPLW515L/K) to determine (a) the proportion of colonies harboring a particular mutation in the presence or absence of cytokines, (b) the lineage distribution of endogenous colonies for each mutation, and (c) the differences (if any) in the pattern of mutation among the various MPDs, as established by genotyping of individual colonies. Genotyping analysis revealed cohabitation of mutation‐negative and mutation‐positive endogenous colonies in polycythemia vera as well as other MPDs. Culture of progenitor cells harboring MPLW515L/K yielded virtually no endogenous erythroid colonies in contrast to JAK2V617F‐harboring progenitor cells. The mutation pattern (i.e., relative distribution of homozygous, heterozygous, or wild‐type colonies) was not a distinguishing feature among the MPDs, and MPLW515 mutations were detected in B and/or T lymphocytes in all three patients tested. These observations suggest that clonal myelopoiesis antedates acquisition of JAK2V617F or MPLW515L/K mutations and that the latter is acquired in a lympho‐myeloid progenitor cell.
Credit Rating and Debt Crises

We develop an equilibrium theory of credit rating in the presence of rollover risk. By influencing rational creditors, ratings affect sovereigns' probability of default, which in turn affects ratings. Our analysis reveals a proâ€ cyclical impact of credit rating: In equilibrium the presence of a rating agency increases default risk when it is high and decreases default risk when it is low.
Family and cognitive factors: modeling risk for aggression in children with ADHD.

OBJECTIVE To explore the relationships of family and cognitive factors to aggression as reported by parents and teachers. METHOD Data regarding different types of aggressive behavior were collected from parents and teachers of 165 school-age (7-11 years old) children referred to a study of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and disruptive behavior. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the differential relationships of family and cognitive factors to aggression in the home and school settings. RESULTS Family risk factors influenced aggression reported at home and at school, whereas cognitive risk factors may exert their influence on aggression at school. Significant covariance between parent and teacher report of aggressive behavior was observed. CONCLUSIONS Intervention at the family level may serve to reduce aggressive behaviors in both home and school environments.
Unions and Inequality Over the Twentieth Century: New Evidence from Survey Data

U.S. income inequality has varied inversely with union density over the past 100 years. But moving beyond this aggregate relationship has proven difficult, in part because of limited microdata on union membership prior to 1973. We develop a new source of microdata on union membership dating back to 1936, survey data primarily from Gallup (N ≈ 980,000), to examine the long-run relationship between unions and inequality. We document dramatic changes in the demographics of union members: when density was at its mid-century peak, union households were much less educated and more nonwhite than other households, whereas pre-World War II and today they are more similar to nonunion households on these dimensions. However, despite large changes in composition and density since 1936, the household union premium holds relatively steady between 10 and 20 log points. We use our data to examine the effect of unions on income inequality. Using distributional decompositions, time series regressions, state-year regressions, as well as a new instrumental-variable strategy based on the 1935 legalization of unions and the World War II–era War Labor Board, we find consistent evidence that unions reduce inequality, explaining a significant share of the dramatic fall in inequality between the mid-1930s and late 1940s.
HEPATOTOXICITY RELATED TO ITRACONAZOLE : REPORT OF THREE CASES

Abstract Background: The antimycotic synthetic azole compounds are known to lead to toxic liver injury. The occurrence of acute hepatitis is best known for ketoconazole. With itraconazole, hepatotoxic reactions have only very rarely been reported, and histologic data are lacking. We report on three patients who developed acute liver damage during therapy with itraconazole, and in whom liver biopsy specimens were obtained. Methods: Three patients with apparent itraconazoleinduced liver injury were studied. Clinical, laboratory, serologic, and histologic data of all three cases were analyzed. Results: All three patients developed a biochemical- histologic pattern of cholestatic liver injury with damage to the interlobular bile ducts. Beginning ductopenia was present in two, suggesting that itraconazole might be responsible for the occurrence of prolonged drug-induced cholangiopathy. Jaundice was the presenting symptom in all three. It was not accompanied by clinical hallmarks of hypersensitivity, which is suggestive for metabolic rather than for immunoallergic idiosyncrasy. Conclusions: Itraconazole-induced liver injury presents with a cholestatic pattern of injury with damage to the interlobular bile ducts, possibly leading to ductopenia. We suggest that itraconazole should be added to the list of drugs that may be responsible for a drug –induced vanishing bile duct syndrome. Further histologic documentation in other cases is necessary to strengthen our current findings.
Effect on electroencephalogram of chewing flavored gum

Abstract The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect on the electroencephalogram (EEG) of a chewing gum with and without our prepared new flavor. Electroencephalograms were obtained after the following three tests: chewing pure gumbase with sucrose (standard gumbase), chewing flavored standard gum and the inhalation of flavored aromatic oil. As the control, we used the pre‐stimulus control EEG record without a stimulus. We examined the relationship between the pre‐stimulus control record and the post‐stimulus record using the changes of power in four bands. Chewing the standard gumbase led to an increase in the alpha wave and a decrease in the beta wave. Chewing the flavored standard gum and inhaling the flavored aromatic oil each increased the alpha and beta waves. In addition, chewing the flavored standard gum led to a change in the ratio of theta wave in the frontal area. The difference in the theta, alpha and beta bands in chewing gum with and without the added flavor suggested that the flavor as well as chewing could induce concentration with a harmonious high arousal state in brain function.
Impact, Diagnosis and Treatment of von Willebrand Disease

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is one of the most common inherited bleeding diseases. Based on a conservative estimate of prevalence (at least 100 per million persons) (1-7) and a population of 5.8 billion, there are at least 580,000 persons with symptomatic VWD worldwide who could benefit from appropriate diagnosis followed by replacement or pharmacological therapy. Approximately 80% of these persons live in the developing world. Because severe menorrhagia is common in VWD, the disease tends to cause greater morbidity in women of childbearing age. Consequently, VWD impairs the health of a critical segment of the population during a time of life when the demands of work and family are the greatest.