Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Barriers to Engaging Service Members in Mental Health Care Within the U.S. Military Health System.

OBJECTIVE Over the past decade, there has been growing recognition of the mental health consequences associated with deployment and service by military service personnel. This study examined potential barriers to mental health care faced by members of the military in accessing needed services. METHODS This qualitative study of stakeholders was conducted across six large military installations, encompassing 18 Army primary care clinics, within the context of a large randomized controlled trial. Stakeholders included patients recruited for the study (N=38), health care providers working within site clinics (N=31), and the care managers employed to implement the intervention protocol (N=7). RESULTS Issues raised across stakeholder groups fell into two main categories: structural factors associated with the Army medical system and institutional attitudes and cultural issues across the U.S. military. Structural issues included concerns about the existing capacity of the system, for example, the number of providers available to address the population's needs and the constraints on clinic hours and scheduling practices. The institutional attitude and cultural issues fell into two main areas: attitudes and perceptions by the leadership and the concern that those attitudes could have negative career repercussions for those who access care. CONCLUSIONS Although there have been significant efforts to improve access to mental health care, stakeholders within the military health system still perceive significant barriers to care. Efforts to ensure adequate and timely access to high-quality mental health care for service members will need to appropriately respond to capacity constraints and organizational and institutional culture.
Hand preference in schizophrenics and handedness conversion in their childhood

ABSTRACT– A handedness questionnaire which was given to 1774 schizophrenic inpatients was identical to that employed in our previous study on healthy students. Information was obtained on forced conversion of hand usage in childhood and the occurrence of left‐handedness in their families. Family history of schizophrenia was also investigated. There were no significant differences in the prevalence of left‐handedness or non‐right‐handedness (i.e., left‐handedness and ambidexterity combined) between schizophrenic patients and normal subjects. However, the rate of converted right‐handedness in schizophrenics was higher than that in normal people. The incidence of original non‐right‐handedness (i.e., present non‐right‐handedness and converted right‐handedness combined) in schizophrenics was greater than that in normal controls.
Ribosome-induced changes in elongation factor Tu conformation control GTP hydrolysis

In translation, elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) molecules deliver aminoacyl-tRNAs to the mRNA-programmed ribosome. The GTPase activity of EF-Tu is triggered by ribosome-induced conformational changes of the factor that play a pivotal role in the selection of the cognate aminoacyl-tRNAs. We present a 6.7-Å cryo-electron microscopy map of the aminoacyl-tRNA·EF-Tu·GDP·kirromycin-bound Escherichia coli ribosome, together with an atomic model of the complex obtained through molecular dynamics flexible fitting. The model reveals the conformational changes in the conserved GTPase switch regions of EF-Tu that trigger hydrolysis of GTP, along with key interactions, including those between the sarcin-ricin loop and the P loop of EF-Tu, and between the effector loop of EF-Tu and a conserved region of the 16S rRNA. Our data suggest that GTP hydrolysis on EF-Tu is controlled through a hydrophobic gate mechanism.
Influence of Radar Radiation on Breeding Biology of Tits (Parus sp.)

The aim of the present study is to observe the influence of long-term exposure to radar radiation on breeding biology of tits (Parus sp.), living and building nests around a military radar station, emitting pulse-modulated microwave radiation of 1,200–3,000 MHz. Two series of 36 nest-boxes each were located on the radar station area. Measurements of exposure were performed separately for each nest-box. Average power density (Pav, W/m2) and dose of exposure (W/m2 × h) were recorded for each nest-box during 45 days. Control nest-boxes (N = 42) were located in other part of the same forests, free from radar radiation. The assessment of effects of radar exposure on breeding biology of tits included number of inhabited nest-boxes, number of eggs, and nestlings in the nest (Why not chick mortality? ). Experimental nest-boxes were either exposed to relatively high levels of radiation (2.0–5.0 W/m2, mean 3.41 ± 1.38 W/m2) or an intermediate level of radiation that ranged from 0.1–2.0 W/m2 (mean 1.12 ± 0.84 W/m2). For control nest-boxes the exposure ranged from 0.001–0.01 W/m2 (mean 0.0062 ± 0.0007 W/m2). Only blue or great tits occupied all nest-boxes, used in the experiment. The number of nesting blue tits was higher in nest-boxes located on the radar station area than in the control boxes. In contrast, control nest-boxes were inhabited mainly by great tits. On the radar station area, blue tits nested in high exposed nest-boxes (67,0%) and great tit occupied mainly these boxes, which were exposed to low-level radiation (62,5%), the difference being statistically significant (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences in other parameters of breeding biology (number of eggs per box, number of nestling per box) were observed between tits occupying exposed and control nest boxes. Results of the present study show that radar radiation generally does not lead to decrease of number of nesting tits, but may cause shifts in tits species living around the radar station. (But is the microhabitat, apart from the radiation level, around each nest box more likely to attract one species of tit or another? )
Mean platelet volume/platelet count ratio as a predictor of 90-day outcome in large artery atherosclerosis stroke patients

ABSTRACT Objective: Previous studies reported a lower platelet count (PC) level and a higher mean platelet volume (MPV) level in severe ischemic stroke. We define MPV/PC as the platelet ratio (PR). This study investigates the relationship between PR and 90-day outcome of large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 338 LAA patients in two hospitals by looking up the electronic medical record (EMR). The 90-day functional outcome was divided into good and poor according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Hospital 1) revealed that PR (OR1.083, 95%CI [1.044, 1.123], P < 0.001) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score were independent predictors of the poor outcome. Analysis from the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Hospital 2) showed that PR (OR1.071, 95%CI [1.039, 1.104], P < 0.001), NIHSS score and age were independent adverse prognostic predictors. Furthermore, higher quartiles of PR presented an incremental OR value compared to the first quartile PR in multivariate regression. In Hospital 1, the cut-off value of PR to predict 90-day outcome was 39.23 (sensitivity: 74.24%, specificity: 55.17%, area under the curve (AUC): 0.694, P < 0.001). In Hospital 2, the optimal cut-off value of PR was 46.08 (sensitivity: 61.40%, specificity: 73.74%, AUC: 0.695, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Platelet ratio on admission is an independent predictor for 90-day outcome in LAA stroke patients and it has a good predictive effect.
Computationally efficient FIR filter design based on impulse response rounding and sharpening

A very simple method for the design of computationally efficient finite impulse response (FIR) lowpass filter is presented here. The proposed method leads to a significant savings in the number of multipliers. It involves the approximation of an equiripple FIR transfer function by a rounding of the filter coefficients followed by an application of the sharpening technique.
Conventional and unconventional reversible logic gates on Physarum polycephalum

In this paper, we consider different ways of designing reversible logic gates on Physarum polycephalum motions using controlling stimuli such as attractants and repellents. Repellents are needed because of uncertainty in the direction of plasmodium propagation to eliminate some directions as unimportant. In this way, we can construct conventional reversible logic gates: the CNOT gate, the FREDKIN gate, the TOFFOLI gate, etc. Combinations of reversible logic gates are regarded as matrix multiplications. Nevertheless, the plasmodium in its networking can permanently change its decisions and without repellents we have an extension of matrix multiplication group theory. Within this extension we can design unconventional reversible logic gates, where the number of inputs and outputs is uncertain.
MOTOROLA: MObility TOlerable ROute seLection Algorithm in wireless networks

In wireless networks, routing algorithms need to be tolerable to network dynamics. Existing route selection mechanisms suffer from a lack of considerations of stability and its induced routing overhead. Stabilities on route selection, traffic engineering and transmission schedule are fundamental issues in achieving a mobility-tolerable wireless network. In this study, the authors propose a mobility-tolerable paradigm (named ‘MOTOROLA’) in building a stable route level coordination algorithm for dynamic routing and scheduling. In MOTOROLA, mobility-awareness modules explore the mobility parameters and the link duration time, purely by adaptive beacon messages. Transitory links are mitigated based on threshold value of link duration. The route level resource allocation algorithm is also tolerable to network topology changes and the rescheduling costs are minimised in time scale. Analytical and simulation results show that because of mobility-awareness ability and route stability, MOTOROLA could improve network efficiency by transitory links' mitigation and coordinative route restoration.
[Risk factors for pregnancy in adolescence in a teaching maternity in Paraíba: a case-control study].

PURPOSE To identify factors associated with gestation in adolescence in a State of the northeast of Brazil. METHODS A case-control study in the ratio of one 10 to 19-year-old adolescent (case) for two 20 to 35-year-old women (controls), with a total of 168 cases and 337 controls. The variables analyzed were: schooling, marital status, origin, family income per capita in Brazilian currency, paid job, mother's schooling, and presence of adolescent's father at home. Reproductive variables such as age at the first intercourse, mother's history of adolescence pregnancy, gynecological appointments before the pregnancy, knowledge, access and use of contraceptive methods were also included in the analysis. RESULTS The following variables were associated with gestation in adolescence: schooling lower than eight years, lack of a regular mate, and maternal history of adolescence gestation. Also, the age at the first intercourse was significantly lower among the adolescents and that they had a lower rate of gynecological appointments. Knowledge of hormonal methods and access to contraceptive methods were also less frequent among the adolescents. After the multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors for pregnancy at adolescence were: low schooling (OR=2.3; CI 95%=1.3-3.8), age at the first intercourse lower than 15 years old (OR=3.6; CI 95%=2.2-5.7), history of maternal pregnancy at adolescence (OR=2.6; CI 95%=1.7-3.4). The history of previous gynecological appointments (OR=0.3; CI 95%=0.2-0.4) and the use of hormonal methods (OR=0.6; CI 95%=0.4-0.9) were protecting variables. CONCLUSIONS The main factors associated with pregnancy in adolescence were: the adolescent's low schooling, maternal history of adolescence gestation, lack of previous gynecological appointments and lack of access to contraceptive methods.
Examination of the semen quality of patients with uraemia and renal transplant recipients in comparison with a control group

To examine the semen quality of patients with uraemia and renal transplant recipients, 40 patients with uraemia and 40 renal transplant recipients were included. According to their interval of post‐transplantation, renal transplant recipients were subdivided into group A (22) ≤2 years and group B (18) >2 years. A total of 40 healthy men with normal fertility were included as the controls. Semen samples from all subjects were collected and analysed. The fertility index (FI) value was calculated. The FI value of the normal fertility men was 13.02 (14.26), that of the renal transplant recipient groups A and B were 5.53 (8.30) and 9.27 (22.49) respectively, while the FI of the patients with uraemia was 0.23 (0.76). Compared with the uraemia group, the FI values of renal transplant recipient group either group A or group B were significantly better (P < 0.01). However, compared with the normal control group, the FI values of renal transplant recipient group A were lower (P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference between group B and the control group (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the FI of renal transplant recipients was recovered close to the level of healthy men with normal fertility 2 years after transplantation.
Leader Communication Strategies Critical Paths to Improving Employee Commitment

This article addresses how key leader communication strategies can increase worker loyalty. Leader communication has long been shown to be a critical factor in superior worker motivation and performance (Levering, 1988; Robbins, 2001), and has great potential to aid organizations in their quest for committed employees. Organizations’ need for committed employees is now acute due to such recent shifts in the business environment as the current economic slowdown (which places a premium on increasing worker productivity), skilled worker shortages, increasing ethnic and cultural diversity, rapid technological innovations, and growing organizational reliance on “knowledge workers” to achieve competitive advantage. Research clearly shows that leader communication practices play an integral role in developing and sustaining the employee commitment demanded by the preceding scenarios (Goleman, 1998; Goleman, 2000; Reina & Reina, 1999). However, leaders are often faced with a plethora of options and communication techniques that are not directly linked with strategic goals. To make sense of these various communication tactics, leaders need a systemic method which links practice to results. This article presents such a model, which can also be used to diagnostically assess training needs. In essence, the model is a set of strategy-based “best practices” that guide leaders to more effectively transmit and foster organizational trust; which, in turn, will significantly enhance worker loyalty and organizational outcomes. To best explain this model and its relevance, this study first examines the link between leader communication and worker loyalty. Next, selected, well-documented leader communication skills and practices are discussed, followed by a section that presents the Motivating Language Model and a resultant “best practices” checklist for managers. Finally, our study concludes with suggested future directions for both the research and applications of leader communications that promote worker loyalty.
Time-dependent changes to lipids and antioxidants in plasma and aortas of apolipoprotein E knockout mice.

Oxidation of lipoproteins is thought to be an early event in atherogenesis. To evaluate whether aortic lipoprotein lipid (per)oxidation contributes to atherosclerosis, we investigated the time-dependent changes to lipids and antioxidants in plasma and aortas of apolipoprotein E gene knockout (apoE-/-) mice receiving a high fat diet, and compared these changes with lesion development. Circulating buoyant lipoproteins and associated cholesterol (C), cholesteryl esters (CE), and alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TOH) increased within 1 month then remained largely constant up to 6 months. Coenzyme Q (CoQ) remained unchanged for the first 3 months and increased marginally after 6 months. With increasing duration of the diet, plasma lipids showed an increased propensity to undergo peroxyl radical-induced (per)oxidation. Absolute concentrations of aortic C, hydroperoxides and hydroxides of CE (CE-O(O)H) and alpha-TOH increased gradually while aortic CE increased more markedly with changes to cholesteryl linoleate being most pronounced. Aortic CoQ remained largely unchanged. Overall, the extent of aortic CE (per)oxidation remained low (</=1%) and the ratio of incremental changes of alpha-TOH to oxidizable lipid remained unchanged. Aortic biochemistry paralleled lesion formation, particularly that in the descending thoracic aorta.Together, our results show that progressing atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice is associated with increased aortic lipid (per)oxidation as assessed by the concentrations of CE-O(O)H, measured directly by HPLC. This supports the oxidation theory. Measurement of aortic CE-O(O)H may be useful for mechanistic studies studying the relationship between inhibition of in vivo lipid (per)oxidation and atherosclerosis.
Age-related changes in visual tracking.

BACKGROUND To reassess conflicting findings in earlier studies on the effect of aging on smooth pursuit and saccadic eye movements, we compared visual tracking in a large number of elderly normal subjects aged 75 to 93 years and a group of young adults aged 18 to 43 years. METHODS Saccades and smooth pursuit were induced by a laser target projected onto a screen. Eye movements were recorded with electrooculography and analyzed with a digital computer. RESULTS Smooth pursuit gain was significantly decreased at all target velocities in the older subjects, and the difference between young and old increased with increasing target velocity and acceleration. Peak saccade velocity was significantly slower for amplitudes exceeding 20 degrees, and saccadic reaction times were prolonged in older subjects compared with younger subjects. Mean saccade accuracy was not significantly different between age groups. Within tests, variability increased with aging for smooth pursuit, saccadic reaction time, and saccadic accuracy measurements. CONCLUSION The increased intratest variability in older subjects probably resulted from nonspecific changes in alertness and attention commonly occurring with aging, whereas the decreased gain of smooth pursuit and saccades with increasing stimulus magnitude most likely resulted from age-related neural degeneration in specific visuomotor pathways.
The tools we use : a study of user preferences for sketches, prototypes, and CAD models and the influence on design outcome

During a product design and development process, design teams use a variety of tools to generate and represent multiple design options before they eventually arrive at a singular design solution. Studying how these tools can influence the design outcome has the potential to enable designers to become more aware of the choices they make when they choose to use a tool. Because so much of the cost of a product is determined during the early stages of product development, reviewing these design alternatives with stakeholders is a valuable part of the process. Understanding how stakeholders respond to a design representation is vital to interpreting potential user feedback accurately In this dissertation, I investigate these questions about early-stage design process: I. How does the use of a specific design tool influence the design outcome? II. What design attributes do designers associate with these tools? In Part I of this research, designers made sketches, foam model prototypes, or CAD models in a controlled experiment. Followed by a survey of the designs with potential users, Part I demonstrated how different design tools affect the quantity and quality of ideas, including that designs created as prototypes were recognized as more novel, more aesthetically pleasing, and more comfortable to use. In Part II, in a survey of designers with experience in sketching, foam models, and CAD, designs from Part I were re-represented as sketches. Experienced designers exhibited a better-than-random likelihood to identify the original tool used to create the design, despite viewing only the re-sketch. This suggests artifacts of a design tool persist in a design representation despite the design being translated from one medium to another.
Evaluation of Brand Extensions: The Role of Product Feature Similarity and Brand Concept Consistency

This article examines two factors that differentiate between successful and unsuccessful brand extensions: product feature similarity and brand concept consistency. The results reveal that, in identifying brand extensions, consumers take into account not only information about the product-level feature similarity between the new product and the products already associated with the brand, but also the concept consistency between the brand concept and the extension. For both function-oriented and prestige-oriented brand names, the most favorable reactions occur when brand extensions are made with high brand concept consistency and high product feature similarity. In addition, the relative impact of these two factors differs to some extent, depending on the nature of the brand-name concept. When a brand's concept is consistent with those of its extension products, the prestige brand seems to have greater extendibility to products with low feature similarity than the functional brand does. Copyright 1991 by the University of Chicago.
Pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone during plasma exchange in polyarteritis nodosa patients

Plasma exchange (PE) is currently being used to treat a variety of disorders involving immune complexes, such as polyarteritis nodosa. This procedure removes endogenous toxic components that accumulate in patients with this disease, but it also removes drugs. Plasma-protein binding and the volume of distribution (V) are two kinetic parameters which strongly affect the efficiency of drug removal by PE. Drugs that are highly bound to plasma proteins and have a low V may show a marked decrease in plasma levels as a result of PE. Because ceftriaxone exhibits saturable plasma-protein binding, which influences its pharmacokinetic parameters, particularly its V, we evaluated its removal during PE therapy in this nonrandomized crossover study. Twelve polyarteritis nodosa patients undergoing PE were studied. Each patient was given ceftriaxone intravenously in doses of 1 and 3 g on days 4 and 11, respectively, immediately before (n = six patients; group I) and 6 h before (n = six patients; group II) PE. Plasma was assayed for ceftriaxone by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The mean amounts eliminated +/- standard deviations were 230.8 +/- 38.5 mg (1 g) and 750.0 +/- 168.5 mg (3 g) for group I and 161.0 +/- 66.0 mg (1 g) and 347.0 +/- 121.0 mg (3 g) for group II. The drug fractions eliminated by PE were 23.0% +/- 3.9% (1-g dose) and 24.9% +/- 5.6% (3-g dose) for group I (P > 0.05), and 16.6% +/- 5.9% (1-g dose) and 11.5% +/- 4.0% (3-g dose) for group II (P < 0.05). These results showed that the drug fraction eliminated decreased when V increased only when the distribution phase of ceftriaxone had been completed (group II). These findings suggest that PE may influence ceftriaxone disposition and that it would be better to administer the drug after PE to assure its therapeutic efficacy.
The relationship of reputation and credibility to brand success

Considers the importance of a firms′ reputation to the success or failure of its brands; the effect on the firm′s brand when a firm′s reputation decays; how important it is for a firm to maintain or advance I reputation; how a brand′s reputation can be transferred to other products. Addresses and discusses these issues in detail and emphasises the importance of reputation to the ultimate success of a product and company and warns against ignoring its fragility.