Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic aspects of pathological gambling: a complex disorder with shared genetic vulnerabilities.

AIMS To summarize and discuss findings from genetic studies conducted on pathological gambling (PG). METHODS Searches were conducted on PubMed and PsychInfo databases using the keywords: 'gambling and genes', 'gambling and family' and 'gambling and genetics', yielding 18 original research articles investigating the genetics of PG. RESULTS Twin studies using the Vietnam Era Twin Registry have found that: (i) the heritability of PG is estimated to be 50-60%; (ii) PG and subclinical PG are a continuum of the same disorder; (iii) PG shares genetic vulnerability factors with antisocial behaviours, alcohol dependence and major depressive disorder; (iv) genetic factors underlie the association between exposure to traumatic life-events and PG. Molecular genetic investigations on PG are at an early stage and published studies have reported associations with genes involved in the brain's reward and impulse control systems. CONCLUSIONS Despite the paucity of studies in this area, published studies have provided considerable evidence of the influence of genetic factors on PG and its complex interaction with other psychiatric disorders and environmental factors. The next step would be to investigate the association and interaction of these variables in larger molecular genetic studies with subphenotypes that underlie PG. Results from family and genetic investigations corroborate further the importance of understanding the biological underpinnings of PG in the development of more specific treatment and prevention strategies.
Multiple interactions of aluminum with neurofilament subunits: Regulation by phosphate‐dependent interactions between C‐terminal extensions of the high and middle molecular weight subunits

Exposure of individual purified neurofilament (NF) proteins to AlCl3 alters their electrophoretic properties in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner, as visualized by their failure to migrate into SDS gels. Co‐incubation of purified high (NF‐H) and middle (NF‐M) but not low (NF‐L) molecular weight NF subunits prevents this AlCl3‐induced alteration in electrophoretic migration. This latter finding suggested that specific interactions between NF‐H and NF‐M other than filament formation influenced their interaction with AlCl3. Co‐incubation of the 160 kDa α‐chymotryptic cleavage product of NF‐H (corresponding to the highly phosphorylated C‐terminal sidearm domain) with native NF‐M prevented alteration in subunit electrophoretic migration by AlCl3. By contrast, intact, dephosphorylated NF‐H subunits were unable to prevent AlCl3‐induced alteration of native NF‐M electrophoretic migration. Taken together, these findings suggest that phosphate‐dependent interactions between the sidearm extensions of NF‐H and NF‐M diminish the ability of AlCl3 to associate with either subunit in a manner that alters their electrophoretic migration. This interaction of NF‐H and NF‐M sidearms is SDS‐sensitive, while AlCl3‐induced alteration in electrophoretic migration of individual subunits is SDS‐resistant. Addition of SDS to mixtures of NF‐H and NF‐M subunits disrupted the protective effect, and promoted AlCl3‐induced alterations in subunit electrophoretic migration. These findings support and extend the current hypothesis that the ability of aluminum to interact with NF subunits is a function of subunit phosphorylation, assembly, and extent of neurofilament‐neurofilament cross‐linking. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Vulnerability Life Cycle-Based Security Modeling and Evaluation Approach

This paper presents a probabilistic model-based approach aimed at evaluating quantitative measures to assess the security risks faced by an information system in operation. The proposed approach takes into account the impact of three environmental factors and their interdependencies: the vulnerability life cycle, the behavior of the attackers and the behavior of the system administrator. Several quantitative security measures are defined and evaluated. Two different scenarios are distinguished corresponding to the case where the system vulnerabilities are discovered by a malicious user or by a non malicious user. The proposed models are based on stochastic activity networks and describe the system states resulting from the combined modeling of the three external factors. Five states are distinguished (vulnerable, exposed, compromised, patched and secure) and probability measures are associated to these states to assess the level of risk faced by the system as a result of the vulnerability exploitation process. The parameters of the models, e.g. those characterizing the occurrence of vulnerability life cycle events, are derived from the analysis of public information recorded in vulnerability databases. Several sensitivity analyses are carried out for the two scenarios, in order to quantify and illustrate the impact of various parameters, including the probability of security patch application, the attack rate, etc.
The malarial infectivity of an African village population to mosquitoes (Anopheles gambiae); a random xenodiagnostic survey.

Summary The malarial infectivity of an African village community with particular reference to Plasmodium falciparum has been tested by selecting subjects at random, irrespective of their blood picture, and feeding batches of laboratory-bred Anopheles gambiae on them. The degree of infectiousness has been judged by the number and identity of oocysts found in the stomach of the engorged mosquitoes after varying periods of incubation. Random tests on 347 subjects of all ages indicate that for every 100 individuals in the African village population of average age composition there are at any one time about 10 or 11 individuals capable of infecting mosquitoes with malaria parasites, mainly P. falciparum. All age groups contribute to this infective reservoir, the actual numbers observed being 4.2 infants and toddlers (under 5 years), 3.0 school children (5 to 14 years) and 3.3 adolescents and adults (15 years and over). Most of the infections picked up in this random survey had a low infectivity to mosquitoes. There is no indication that unusually high infectivity is necessarily associated with the lower age groups. It is considered that under these conditions of “hyperendemic” malaria, adolescents and adults form at least 30 per cent of the total reservoir of malaria infection in the human population.
A value-rational view of impact assessment of mega industry in a Greenland planning and policy context

The article reflects on the challenges to Greenland's impact assessment (IA) system in a planning and policy context, and discusses if and how IA at a strategic decision level could contribute to securing good environmental management and support sustainable development. This is done by focusing on two value-rational questions: (1) Where are we going with industrial development, IA regulation and IA practice in Greenland? and (2) What should be done? The two questions are answered through a gap analysis of legislation and IA practice and through the values for a future IA system in Greenland expressed by key actors. The research points to a need for strategic considerations in relation to planning new industries, which could be met by upstreamed IAs. A broad concept of environment in IAs, increased participation in the process and accessibility to the IA statement for all stakeholders are needed.
Design of Two-Dimensional Optical Alignment Signals Robust to Diffractive Effects

Mask alignment is one of the most critical processes in photolithography. Prior to the shadow projection, the alignment between the lithographic mask and the silicon wafer is needed. In contact and proximity photolithography, a method to achieve the alignment with submicron or even nanometer resolution consists of superimposing two identical 2-D zero reference codes and registering the optical output signal. In order to increase the resolution of the system, the size of the code must be reduced and the diffractive effects become strong. The signal is then degraded and the precision of the alignment is reduced. In this paper, the effect of the diffraction in 2-D codes is analyzed, the degradation of the signal is characterized and its effect is modelled by means of a simple and fast computing parameter. Finally, we propose a genetic algorithm to optimize this parameter and design 2-D codes robust to diffractive effects. We propose the use of these codes to increase the resolution of alignment systems.
Intelligent evolutionary algorithms for large parameter optimization problems

This work proposes two intelligent evolutionary algorithms IEA and IMOEA using a novel intelligent gene collector (IGC) to solve single and multiobjective large parameter optimization problems, respectively. IGC is the main phase in an intelligent recombination operator of IEA and IMOEA. Based on orthogonal experimental design, IGC uses a divide-and-conquer approach, which consists of adaptively dividing two individuals of parents into N pairs of gene segments, economically identifying the potentially better one of two gene segments of each pair, and systematically obtaining a potentially good approximation to the best one of all combinations using at most 2N fitness evaluations. IMOEA utilizes a novel generalized Pareto-based scale-independent fitness function for efficiently finding a set of Pareto-optimal solutions to a multiobjective optimization problem. The advantages of IEA and IMOEA are their simplicity, efficiency, and flexibility. It is shown empirically that IEA and IMOEA have high performance in solving benchmark functions comprising many parameters, as compared with some existing EAs.
Prefire probability of the switch type Fast LTD

In this paper, we present the most recent test of the multigap gas switches which are one of the key elements of the fast LTD stages with oil insulation [1, 2]. Inside these switches, the charge voltage is distributed between the multiple gaps with the use of a corona discharge [3]. The evident advantages of this technique are low cost and extreme compactness of the voltage divider because it just consists of few needles that are soldered to the switch electrodes. At the same time, for proper operation of the switch, special features of the corona discharge have to be taken into account. These features include the nonlinear volt-ampere characteristics of the corona discharge that must be the same in each serial gap; the influence of UV radiation and free charged particles, that appear during the corona discharge, on the breakdown voltage of the gaps; and the variation of the shape of the needles that may burn during the switch operation thus limiting its life time. Each of these features (and probably some others that might be not as evident at this moment) may influence the voltage distribution between the gaps and therefore be a reason for the switch prefire. Below we present the design of the switch type Fast LTD, the breakdown voltage of the switch gaps, the volt-ampere characteristics of the corona discharge, and the statistics on the switch jitter and prefire probability.
Do adults change their lifestyle behaviors after a cancer diagnosis?

OBJECTIVE To examine changes in lifestyle behaviors after a cancer diagnosis and medical and demographic influences on such changes. METHODS Adult cancer survivors (n = 352) completed a survey including demographic, medical, and lifestyle behavior change questions. RESULTS Results showed that since cancer diagnosis, 46% of smokers quit smoking, 47% improved their dietary habits, and 30.1% exercised less. Adult cancer survivors who changed their lifestyle behaviors varied, depending on various demographic and medical variables and physician recommendation. CONCLUSION It appears from our data that cancer diagnosis in adults may have a positive influence on smoking and diet and a negative influence on exercise.
Eye-hand co-ordination and "handedness": a developmental study of visuo-motor behaviour in infancy.

Summary. The development of eye-hand co-ordination and ‘handedness' was investigated in normal infants aged from 20 to 52 weeks. Systematic cinema records were made of visuo-manual behaviour in the single cube, pellet and bell situations from the Gesell developmental examination. These were subsequently analysed to provide a series of curves which elucidate the trends in the development of integrated visuo-motor behaviour during the period studied. The developmental process is complicated by the related problem of the systematic changes that apparently occur over the same period in lateral asymmetry (‘handedness’). Several indices of ‘handedness' confirmed a marked predominance of the left hand in the youngest age groups. Consistently over the three test situations, and probably significantly in its relationship to the eye-hand linkage, this initial ‘left-handedness' gives way during the third quarter of the first year to right-hand dominance. The way in which the shift occurs lends support to a maturational, rather than a learning or social pressure, explanation of lateral asymmetry. Moreover, the developmental sequence is such that the right-hand take-over appears to occur on the basis of cross-education (bilateral transfer) rather than of direct practice by the right hand itself.
Compromised redox homeostasis, altered nitroso–redox balance, and therapeutic possibilities in atrial fibrillation

Although the initiation, development, and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been linked to alterations in myocyte redox state, the field lacks a complete understanding of the impact these changes may have on cellular signalling, atrial electrophysiology, and disease progression. Recent studies demonstrate spatiotemporal changes in reactive oxygen species production shortly after the induction of AF in animal models with an uncoupling of nitric oxide synthase activity ensuing in the presence of long-standing persistent AF, ultimately leading to a major shift in nitroso–redox balance. However, it remains unclear which radical or non-radical species are primarily involved in the underlying mechanisms of AF or which proteins are targeted for redox modification. In most instances, only free radical oxygen species have been assessed; yet evidence from the redox signalling field suggests that non-radical species are more likely to regulate cellular processes. A wider appreciation for the distinction of these species and how both species may be involved in the development and maintenance of AF could impact treatment strategies. In this review, we summarize how redox second-messenger systems are regulated and discuss the recent evidence for alterations in redox regulation in the atrial myocardium in the presence of AF, while identifying some critical missing links. We also examine studies looking at antioxidants for the prevention and treatment of AF and propose alternative redox targets that may serve as superior therapeutic options for the treatment of AF.
Differences in pain knowledge and perception of the pain experience between outpatients with cancer and their family caregivers.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To determine if knowledge about pain and the perception of the pain experience differ when comparing outpatients experiencing cancer-related pain with their family caregivers. DESIGN Quantitative, descriptive. SETTING Sixteen oncology outpatient settings that are part of the Oncology Nursing Research Network. SAMPLE Eighty-six outpatients with cancer-related pain and their family caregivers. METHODS Patients and their family caregivers were recruited in the outpatient setting and asked to complete a demographic questionnaire and the Pain Experience Scale. The patients also were asked to complete the Karnofsky Performance Scale. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Patients' and their family caregivers' knowledge about pain and their perception of the pain experience. FINDINGS No significant differences in knowledge scores were found between the patients and their family caregivers. A significant difference in the perception of the pain experience was found, with the family caregivers viewing the experience more negatively than the patients did. Family caregivers reported that (a) patients had significantly higher levels of pain compared to patient reports, (b) patients experienced significantly greater distress from their pain than the patients reported for themselves, and (c) family caregivers experienced significantly greater distress from the patients' pain than the patients reported for their caregiver. CONCLUSIONS Outpatients with cancer and their family caregivers possess limited knowledge about pain and pain management and perceive the pain experience differently. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Outpatients and their family caregivers need to be better educated about how to manage cancer-related pain. In addition, to reduce patient and caregiver distress, oncology nurses need to facilitate communication between patients and family caregivers about the pain experience.
Bioethics training programmes for Africa: evaluating professional and bioethics-related achievements of African trainees after a decade of Fogarty NIH investment

Objectives Our primary aim was to evaluate the impact of US National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded bioethics training programmes (Fogarty bioethics training programmes, FBTPs) that trained individuals from Africa over the programme's first 10 years to examine changes between pretraining and post-training in individual achievement and to document any associations between individual, training programme and post-training accomplishments. Design We surveyed trainees from the 10 bioethics programmes funded by NIH Fogarty International Center from 2000 to 2011 that included African trainees. McNemar's and Wilcoxon signed rank-sum tests were used to analyse pre–post levels of general and bioethics-related professional achievement. Likelihood of specific post-training achievement outcomes was measured using logistic regression including demographic, pretraining and intratraining variables. Setting 10 different FBTPs that trained individuals from Africa from 2000 to 2011. Participants Of 253 eligible respondents, 171 completed the survey (response rate 67.6%). Primary outcome measures Pre–post comparisons of professional achievement indicators (eg, serving in leadership roles, teaching, publishing manuscripts); likelihood of specific post-training achievement outcomes. Results Post-training, respondents were significantly more likely to report serving in a leadership role, being an investigator on a research grant, serving on international committees, serving as a mentor, and publishing manuscripts than at pretraining. Post-training, significantly greater numbers of respondents reported bioethics-related achievements including being a bioethics instructor, serving on an Institutional Review Board (IRB), being an investigator on a bioethics grant and publishing bioethics-related manuscripts than pretraining. Controlling for other factors, there were no significant differences by gender in the post-training success of these participants in terms of leadership roles, being instructors, investigators on grants and holding IRB roles. Conclusions African trainees who participated in FBTPs reported significantly higher levels of professional achievement after training. There was no single factor—either demographic, related to a trainee's professional background, or in programme design—that consistently predicted greater levels of post-training achievement.
Current smoking and type 2 diabetes among patients in selected Indian Health Service clinics, 1998-2003.

OBJECTIVES In non-American Indian/Alaska Native groups, current smoking prevalence is similar for those with or without diabetes (26%) We analyzed current smoking prevalence in American Indian/Alaska Natives by diabetes status. METHODS Data were extracted from Indian Health Service clinic visit information from 1998 to 2003. After consolidation into unique patient records, the sample comprised 71221 patients aged 14 years or older with both diabetes and current smoking information. RESULTS Cross-sectional results indicated that diabetic American Indian/Alaska Natives were significantly more likely than those without diabetes to be current smokers (29.8% vs 18.8%; P<.01). Smoking rates were 2 to 3 times higher among diabetic American Indians and Alaska Natives for each age category (P<.001), and current smokers with diabetes were more likely than nonsmokers to have glycosylated hemoglobin A1c levels at 8.0% or higher (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS American Indian/Alaska Natives with diabetes at all sites and age categories were found to smoke at significantly higher rates than those without diabetes. Smoking cessation programs should target diabetic patients to more effectively prevent complications and promote successful management of diabetes in American Indians/Alaska Natives.
Identification of colon carcinoma by immunofluorescent staining

Anticolon carcinoma antibodies were produced in rabbits against a cytoplasmic extract of a single colon carcinoma. Immunofluorescent staining and precipitin inhibition studies, using these antibodies, showed a clear separation of colon carcinomas from normal colon, inflammatory conditions of the colon and colonic polyps. This study suggests that colon carcinoma has at least 3 antigens capable of stimulating antibody production in rabbits. Two of the antigens are shared with normal colon and ulcerative colitis. The third appears to be specific for colon carcinoma within the limits of detection by direct immunofluorescent staining.
Simple Sensorless Control of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Using PLL Based on Extended EMF

This paper proposes an improved sensorless control to estimate the rotor position of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor. A phase-locked loop (PLL) is used to obtain the phase angle of the grid. The rotor position can be estimated using a PLL based on extended electromotive force (EEMF) because the EEMF contains information about the rotor position. The proposed method can reduce the burden of calculation. Therefore, the control period is decreased. The simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness and performance of the proposed method.
Neuro Microscopic Surgery of CSF Rhinorrhea with Fascia Lata

Introduction:Many treatment modalities have been advocated in past and present for the treatment of Cerebro spinal Fluid (CSF) Rhinorrhea, of which neuro microscopic surgery (Endoscopy) is a promising procedure with constant excellent results worldwide. Many authors have a small series with different surgical techniques and different group of patient population, but in this series same set of patients are studied with single standard technique, showing excellent results using fascia Lata graft. With the advent of HRCT and MRI techniques the understanding of the pathoanatomy is more and the surgery can be more precise and accurate. Aim:Analysis of Neuro Microscopic Surgery (Endoscopy) procedure in the outcome of CSF rhinorrhea. Materials and Methods:Fifty-six patient series operated by single surgeon with standard Endoscopic operative technique using Fascia Lata graft and Fibrin Glue material and HRCT and MRI analysis by single Radiologist during 2015. Results:Of this fifty-six patient series only two had post op complications, one requiring open surgery and other with residual Anosmia and the rest all had excellent functional outcome at end of 6 months follow-up. Conclusion:Neuro microscopic surgery of CSF rhinorrhea using fascial lata graft with fibrin glue can be considered as Gold standard. The key for attaining constant excellent results is perfect preoperative planning in collaboration with radiology team in finding out exact defect and fistula tract leading to CSF leak. The endoscopic repair is a safe procedure and provides consistent results with minimal complications with least morbidity and scar less surgery.