Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Language and mathematical problems as precursors of psychotic-like experiences and juvenile mania symptoms

Background Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and juvenile mania in adolescence index risk for severe psychopathology in adulthood. The importance of childhood problems with communication, reading, speech and mathematics for the development of PLEs and juvenile mania is not well understood. Method Through the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden, we identified 5812 children. The parents were interviewed about their children's development at age 9 or 12 years. At age 15 or 18 years, children and parents completed questionnaires targeting current PLEs and juvenile mania symptoms. Logistic regressions were used to assess associations between problems with communication, reading, speech and mathematics and PLEs/juvenile mania symptoms. To evaluate the relative importance of genes and environment in these associations, we used bivariate twin analyses based on structural equation models. Results Children with parent-endorsed childhood problems with communication, reading and mathematics had an increased risk of developing auditory hallucinations and parental-reported juvenile mania symptoms in adolescence. The most consistent finding was that children with childhood problems with communication, reading and mathematics had an increased risk of developing auditory hallucinations [for example, the risk for self-reported auditory hallucinations at age 15 was increased by 96% for children with communication problems: OR (odds ratio) 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–2.88]. The twin analyses showed that genetic effects accounted for the increased risk of PLEs and juvenile mania symptoms among children with communication problems. Conclusions Childhood problems with communication, reading and mathematics predict PLEs and juvenile mania symptoms in adolescence. Similar to the case for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, PLEs and juvenile mania may share genetic aetiological factors.
1.57‐Ga Magmatism in the South Carpathians: Implications for the Pre‐Alpine Basement and Evolution of the Mantle under the European Continent: A Discussion

Drăgusanu and Tanaka (1999) provide intriguing new chemical and isotopic analyses of amphibolites and gneisses from the Cumpăna Group, the oldest lithostratigraphic unit in the Getic‐Supragetic unit of the South Carpathians (Balintoni 1975; Pana 1994). Ten amphibolite whole‐rock data points form a linear trend in a plot of measured ^(143)Nd/^(144)Nd against ^(147)Sm/^(144)Nd (Drăgusanu and Tanaka 1999, fig. 3). Drăgusanu and Tanaka interpreted this as a 1.57‐Ga isochron. This age corresponds to the oldest determined magmatism in the south Carpathians and, if true, would be instrumental in elucidating the tectonomagmatic evolution of the Carpathian basement, which is obscured by younger orogenic cycles such as the Hercynian (Variscan) and the Alpine.
A family of severe congenital neutropenia with −199c to a substitution in ELA2 promoter

was only mild improvement in the hoarseness of her voice. Testosterone is believed to cause erythrocytosis by the following mechanisms: (a) direct stimulation of bone marrow stem cells with increased erythroid colony formation, (b) increased production of erythropoietin, and (c) potentiation of erythropoietin (a greater number of stem cells being differentiated for a given amount of erythropoietin) [3–5]. The elevation in erythropoietin and erythrocytosis seen in our patient is most likely secondary to the markedly increased testosterone levels. Ours is the first reported case of erythrocytosis associated with gestational hyperandrogenism and illustrates the importance of monitoring hematocrit in this rare syndrome.
Faculty Have Few Incentives for Becoming Board Certified in Pharmacotherapy

A telephone survey of all colleges of pharmacy in the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Canada was conducted to assess the incentives offered for pharmacy practice faculty to become board‐certified pharmacotherapy specialists (BCPS). Board certification is not a requirement for employment at any college of pharmacy; however, it plays a part in promotion, tenure, and merit salary increases at several schools. Fewer than half of the schools provide at least partial reimbursement of examination‐related expenses. Sixteen have initiated BCPS study groups. We perceive that faculty must have more incentives to take the examination. It may be difficult to change institutional policies regarding merit increases or promotion and tenure, but colleges of pharmacy can do more to decrease the cost burden and to promote study groups within the department.
Risk of abnormal triple screen for Down syndrome is significantly higher in patients with female fetuses

Previous studies have shown that mid‐trimester maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels are significantly higher and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels significantly lower in women with male compared with female fetuses. We have evaluated whether triple‐screen criteria are more likely to identify women with female fetuses as at risk for Down syndrome. From the Georgetown University genetics database we obtained the absolute values and corresponding multiples of the median (MoM) for AFP, hCG and unconjugated oestriol (uE3) in singleton gestations for the period database November 1992–July 1996. A Down syndrome risk of 1/270 or greater at mid‐trimester was considered as high risk. A total of 977 patients with triple screen and outcome information were identified, including 502 female and 475 male fetuses. Patients with female fetuses were significantly more likely to have lower serum AFP (p=0.003) and a positive triple screen for Down syndrome (72 (14 per cent) versus 45 (9 per cent), p<0.02) than those with male fetuses. The gestational age at triple screen, maternal serum hCG and uE3, race and diabetes were not significantly different between the two groups. Since Down syndrome is less common in female than male fetuses, and the rates of female and male Down syndrome fetuses detected by triple screen and subsequent amniocentesis are not significantly different, the excess of positive mid‐trimester maternal serum triple screen in women with female fetuses is likely due to false‐positive results. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Schizoaffective Disorder in a Fragile-X Carrier

Objective: Here we report the case of a schizoaffective psychosis in a female carrier of fragile-X (CGG sequence > 200). Clinical picture: The patient presented with symptoms of psychosis (hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking) and mania, preceded by decline in intellectual and social functioning. Treatment and outcome: Initial treatment with antipsychotic drugs alone or in combination with sodium valproate was only partially effective, but the addition of lithium resulted in a complete remission. Conclusions: One year later the patient presented predominantly with deficit symptoms and profound deficits in memory and executive functions. It is likely that the intellectual deterioration around the time of puberty associated with fragile-X increased her vulnerability to a schizoaffective disorder and eventually to poor functioning.
A controlled study of agoraphobia and the independent effect of virtual reality exposure therapy

Objectives: Past controlled clinical trials centred on virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) for agoraphobia mostly used multicomponent therapy with success. However, the present paper aimed to evaluate the independent effect of VRET for agoraphobia. Methods: A controlled study involving 18 agoraphobic participants assigned to two groups: VRET only and VRET with cognitive therapy. Nine specific virtual environments were developed using an affordable game level editor. Results: Questionnaires, behavioural tests and physiological measures indicated a positive effect of VRET. Correlations supported the predictive value of presence towards treatment outcome. The addition of cognitive therapy did not provide significant additional benefit. Conclusions: Overall, the isolated effects of VRET did not seem to be significantly less than the effects of VRET combined with cognitive therapy. Future research should explore the use of other components in addition to cognitive therapy and VRET for agoraphobia as well as its possible use in patients’ homes.
Immunohistochemical features of paragangliomas

Immunohistochemistry is part of the routine diagnosis of the neuroendocrine tumors. In our study, we included 52 paragangliomas with various localizations by routine histology and immunohistochemistry. In order to increase the diagnostic specificity, a complex immunohistochemistry panel has been performed consisting of Bcl‐2, Ki‐67, Bax and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase‐Activating Peptide (PACAP), somatostatin, VIP and Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP). After heat induced antigen retrieval, the immunostaining was performed by StreptABC using DAB as a chromogen. We were the first to demonstrate the presence of Bax and PACAP in paragangliomas. Some of the used markers are of prognostic value. The relationship between Bcl‐2 and Bax is decisive in generating the final response to the input apoptotic signals. The Ki‐67 antigen staining has gained wide acceptance in prognostic evaluation of other tumor types. We noted a small number of Ki‐67 positive cases, which signifies a low mitotic activity of these tumors and a relatively high number of Bax positivities (32.9%) and the much lower number of Bcl‐2 positivities (11.39%), and could explain the benign behaviour of paragangliomas.
A Simple, Sensitive Spectrophotometric Assay for Extrinsic (Tissue-Type) Plasminogen Activator Applicable to Measurements in Plasma

Summary An indirect spectrophotometric assay for extrinsic plasminogen activator has been devised, which is based on the parabolic assay of Drapier et al. (5). The system contains activator, plasminogen, the synthetic plasmin substrate H-D-Val-Leu-Lys-pNA (S-2251, Kabi) and a mixture of soluble fibrinogen fragments prepared by treatment of fibrinogen with cyanogen bromide. The addition of these fibrinogen fragments considerably enhances the sensitivity and specificity of the method owing to specific stimulation of the plasminogen activation by extrinsic plasminogen activator. The assay conditions were optimized and the application for extrinsic plasminogen activator measurements in plasma euglobulin fractions is demonstrated.
The Relationship of Psychological Trauma and Dissociative and Posttraumatic Stress Disorders to Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Suicidality: A Review

We reviewed research on the relationship between (a) exposure to psychological trauma and (b) nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidality (suicidal ideation [SI] and suicide attempts [SA]) in individuals with dissociative disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The review provides a context for the special issue of the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation on these topics. Exposure to childhood sexual abuse is the most consistent traumatic antecedent of self-harm, although traumatic violence in childhood (particularly physical abuse) and adulthood (particularly domestic violence) and exposure to multiple types of traumatic stressors also are associated with NSSI and SI/SA. Dissociative disorders and PTSD are consistently associated with increased NSSI and SA/SI. There is preliminary cross-sectional evidence that dissociation and posttraumatic stress disorders may mediate the relationship between psychological trauma and NSSI and SI/SA. Research on emotion dysregulation as a potential cross-cutting mechanism linking dissociation, PTSD, and self-harm is also reviewed. We conclude with a discussion of implications for clinical practice and future directions for scientific research.
Nonlinear resonant acoustic detection of cracks in multilayer ceramic capacitors

Measurements of resonant ultrasonic frequencies of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) were performed as a function of excitation amplitude to assess the potential of nonlinear acoustic methods for sensing the presence of cracks. The ultimate objective of this work is to establish an approach for nondestructively screeningMLCCs for susceptibility to failure that arises from the evolution of structural flaws into electrical pathways during service. Direct ferroelectric tone-burst transduction and time-domain signal analysis were used to measure the frequency of an extensional mode near 1 MHz in BaTiO3-based MLCCs with interleaved Ag electrodes. The capacitors were subjected to thermal stress by quenching from 189 °C into ice water, which led to generation of visible surface-breaking cracks in a fraction of the MLCCs. The amplitude dependence of the resonant frequencies was found to be strongly correlated with the presence of visible cracks.
Analysis of annual report disclosure quality for listed companies in transition countries

Abstract High quality annual reports can contribute significantly to a company’s success. The main aim of this article is to analyse and compare the level of annual report disclosure quality for listed companies in selected European transition countries (Croatia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia) using a constructed disclosure quality index (DQI). Obtained results suggest that Slovenian companies have the greatest level of disclosure quality and that there are significant differences in disclosure quality of annual reports between the observed countries. These findings could be of interest to potential investors, management and other users of corporate disclosure, namely regulators in the process of financial reporting quality improvement.
Information Technology Acceptance by Individual Professionals: A Model Comparison Approach

The proliferation of innovative and exciting information technology applications that target individual “professionals” has made the examination or re-examination of existing technology acceptance theories and models in a “professional” setting increasingly important. The current research represents a conceptual replication of several previous model comparison studies. The particular models under investigation are the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and a decomposed TPB model, potentially adequate in the targeted healthcare professional setting. These models are empirically examined and compared, using the responses to a survey on telemedicine technology acceptance collected from more than 400 physicians practicing in public tertiary hospitals in Hong Kong. Results of the study highlight several plausible limitations of TAM and TPB in explaining or predicting technology acceptance by individual professionals. In addition, findings from the study also suggest that instruments that have been developed and repeatedly tested in previous studies involving end users and business managers in ordinary business settings may not be equally valid in a professional setting. Several implications for technology acceptance/adoption research and technology management practices are discussed.
Design and Evaluation of the Driving Coil on Induction Coilgun

Driving coils in a multistage induction coilgun are stacked end to end forming a barrel. During launching, the pulsed current flows through the driving coil, and the electromagnetic force propels the projectile ahead. The driving coil endures not only the radial expansionary force because of the magnetic flux compression, but also the axial force due to the compressive force and counterforce of the projectile. In the process of coil design, both the mechanical strength and the electrical insulation must be considered. Due to the nonlinearity of insulation materials, the theoretical calculation cannot reflect the true state for the driving coil. The conventional static-state test method is analyzed and verified through experiments. The experimental results show that this method is ineffective for the multistage launching, because it neglects the axial counterforce and does not reflect the true state of launching. An improved method for evaluating the coil strength is proposed based on the analysis of the basic principle. The projectile is accelerated by the former stages, and the testing coil accelerates the projectile with an initial speed. Equipment for testing single coil is designed and installed in the muzzle of the existing multistage coilgun. The experimental results show that this method can test the coil's mechanical strength and electrical insulation more effectively than the conventional method. The dynamic-state method can be used to approximately evaluate the performance of different types of the coil. The structure of the driving coil can be improved through testing and evaluating, which provides experimental reference for the multistage induction coilgun design.
Total Femoral Endoprosthetic Reconstruction

Twenty-one consecutive total femoral replacements performed at 2 institutions were reviewed. The surgical indications varied and included bone loss caused by tumor resections (12 patients), failed prior massive partial femoral endoprostheses (6 patients, 5 of whom had prior tumor resections), or difficult to treat fractures and nonunions (3 patients, 2 of whom had prior endoprostheses). Two patients with tumors died within 2 months. The results in the 19 longer-term survivors were satisfactory in 16 patients (good in 7, fair in 9) and poor in 3. Although not commonly used, when this method was indicated it provided an option to hip disarticulation, which often was the only other viable option. Age was the prime determinant of clinical outcome. Average active hip and knee range of motion was better in younger patients (<60 years old, 66° and 81°, respectively) than in older patients (>60 years old, 43° and 49°, respectively). All household ambulators required walkers and had a mean age of 81 years; community ambulators requiring 1 cane had a mean age of 46 years; and community ambulators using no walking aids had a mean age of 22 years.
ON SPOKEN LANGUAGE PROCESSING Progress Report No . 28 ( 2007 ) Indiana University Language Identification from Visual-Only Speech

The goal of the present investigation was to examine how observers identify English and Spanish from visual-only displays of speech. First, we replicated the recent findings of Soto-Faraco et al. (2007) with Spanish and English bilingual and monolingual observers using a different methodology. We found that prior linguistic experience affected response bias, but not sensitivity (Experiment 1). Additional experiments investigated the cues that observers used to carry out the language identification task. Participants were able to reliably identify languages when video clips were temporally-reversed, suggesting that prosody provides cues to language identity (Experiment 2). The contribution of lexical information to language identification was also investigated in Experiment 3. Participants’ ability to identify stimulus direction (i.e., forwards vs. backwards) confirmed their sensitivity to differences in naturalness (Experiment 4). Taken together, the results of these four experiments indicate that prior linguistic experience, prosody, and perceived naturalness influence visual-only language identification
Does Body Mass Index Accurately Reflect Body Fat? A Comparison of Anthropometric Measures in the Longitudinal Assessment of Fat Mass

Objective To determine which anthropometric measure best correlates with change in fat mass (FM) over time. Methods The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of 76 obese patients (mean body mass index [BMI] 38 kg/m2 and mean age 13 years) presenting to an obesity clinic between 2005 and 2010. For each patient, during 2 visits, FM was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and the following measures obtained: BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and neck circumference. Correlation coefficients and linear regression analyses were calculated to examine the relationship between each measure and FM. Results Change in BMI correlated better with change in FM than any other measure and had the strongest effect on change in FM (P < .01, R2 = .887). The best regression model included BMI only (R2 = .891); without BMI, the model was significantly worse (R2 = .521). Discussion In the clinical management of obese children, BMI is an adequate measure of change in FM.
Efficacy of chemical dosing methods for isolating nontuberculous mycobacteria from water supplies of dialysis centers

Investigations of nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections associated with various environmental sources have been hampered by the lack of adequate techniques for selective isolation of these organisms from environmental fluids. This study compared chemical dosing techniques for recovery of NTM from water samples collected from 115 randomly selected dialysis centers. Cell suspensions of NTM group II and IV isolates and gram-negative bacteria were exposed to solutions containing sodium hypochlorite (0.2 micrograms/ml of free available chlorine), formaldehyde (1, 0.75, or 0.5%), oxalic acid (1.25%), cetylpyridinium chloride (25 micrograms/ml), or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (100 micrograms/ml). Results of standard membrane filtration assays with laboratory test strains and water samples from dialysis centers showed that 5 min of exposure to 1% formaldehyde effectively reduced gram-negative bacterial populations and allowed increased recovery of NTM in environmental fluids containing mixed microbial populations.
Work characteristics and occupational health in different ethnic groups.

This paper reports a study on work characteristics and health in workers varying in ethnicity in Southern Italy and takes the Demands-Resources-IndividualEffects (DRIVE) model (Mark & Smith, 2008) and studies conducted on ethnicity and occupational health as the frame of reference. A questionnaire measuring work characteristics and subjective reports of health was submitted to workers from Eastern Europe, Morocco, Ghana and Italy. Results confirmed the main effects of work characteristics on psychophysical health and the influence of job type and ethnicity. Occupational sector and country effects suggested significant effects over the relationships between each work-related stress dimension and psychophysical health.
Influence of Some Process Parameters on Defined Characteristics of Sorghum Beer during Very High Gravity Fermentation

This study was carried out to investigate the influence of some process parameters on defined characteristics of sorghum beer during very high gravity fermentation. The yeast (Saccharomyces uvarum)was pitched in very High Gravity Wort from two varieties (red and white) of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Changes in some process parameters like pH, specific gravity, percentage alcohol by volume, free amino nitrogen, total reducing sugar, total nitrogen and total protein were investigated over a period of 5 days of fermentation. Results showed that pH values decreased as fermentation proceeded with increased total acidity while alcohol contents of the fermenting wort increased from the first day to the fifth day of fermentation. There were observed decrease in specific gravity, total reducing sugar, free amino nitrogen (FAN), Percentage total nitrogen and Percentage total protein from first day to the fifth day of fermentation. The red sorghum had a lower pH, higher specific gravity and alcohol content than the white sorghum. This showed that Saccharomyces uvarum can grow well in very high gravity sorghum wort and pH, specific gravity, free alpha amino nitrogen is an important aspect of the wort for yeast fermentation.