Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrating Psychopathology and Personality Disorders Conceptualized by the MMPI–2–RF and the MCMI–III: A Structural Validity Study

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008) Restructured Clinical scales and Higher Order scales were linked to the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory–III (Millon, Millon, Davis, & Grossman, 2009) personality disorder scales and clinical syndrome scales in a Flemish/Dutch sample of psychiatric inpatients and outpatients, substance abuse patients, correctional inmates, and forensic psychiatric patients (N = 968). Structural validity of psychopathology and personality disorders as conceptualized by both instruments was investigated by means of principal component analysis. Results reveal a higher order structure with 4 dimensions (internalizing disorders, externalizing disorders, paranoid ideation/thought disturbance, and pathological introversion) that parallels earlier research on pathological personality dimensions as well as research linking pathological personality traits with mental disorders. Theoretical and clinical implications are considered.
HIV infection and lung function decline: challenges, clinical implications, and new questions.

Pulmonary diseases, especially pneumonia, have been among the most frequent complications of HIV since early in the AIDS epidemic [1–3]. In parallel with other complications of HIV, the spectrum of pulmonary diseases currently reflects a substantial burden of nonAIDS-defining chronic diseases as HIV-infected patients are aging on antiretroviral therapy (ART) [4–9]. A leading cause of global mortality [10,11], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most common chronic lung disease diagnosed in HIV-infected patients, encountered in approximately 20% of patients in different cohorts [4,6,8,9,12]. However, our understanding of the impact of chronic HIV infection on lung health over time remains incomplete. Does HIV cause a unique impairment in lung health, or is HIVa ‘second hit’ to accelerate the toxic effects of other exposures such as cigarette smoking to cause typical diseases like COPD? Or, is the increased burden of lung diseases in HIV merely explained by a greater prevalence of smoking, drug use, respiratory infections, and other exposures that are common in many HIV-infected populations?
Low plasma adiponectin concentration is an indicator of the metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Adiponectin is an adipocytokine known to be decreased in obesity. It functions in glucose and fatty acid metabolism and also has an anti-inflammatory role in microvasculature. We wanted to investigate the role of adiponectin as a biomarker of metabolic syndrome (MS) and see how the plasma adiponectin levels relate to new criteria of MS proposed by the International Diabetes Federation. METHODS Plasma adiponectin concentrations were measured from total of 1041 Finnish subjects with an ELISA - a novel method planned in our laboratory. RESULTS In both the sexes, the plasma adiponectin levels were lower in subjects with MS when compared with subjects with no diagnosis of MS (P< 0.001). Plasma adiponectin levels did not differ between subjects with National Cholesterol Education Program (ATPIII) and International Diabetes Federation-defined MS. Lower adiponectin levels were associated with different components of the MS and there was a trend towards decreasing adiponectin levels with an increasing number of components of MS in both the sexes. Subjects in the lowest adiponectin quartile had a significantly higher probability of having MS (P< 0.001), 4.4-fold in males and 7.5-fold in females, when compared with the corresponding individuals in the highest quartile. The probability increased in every lowering quartile of adiponectin level and was independent of body mass index. CONCLUSION We conclude that adiponectin levels correlate with most of the components of the MS and the metabolic cluster per se.
An Inhibitor of Protein Arginine Methyltransferases, 7,7′-Carbonylbis(azanediyl)bis(4-hydroxynaphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (AMI-1), Is a Potent Scavenger of NADPH-Oxidase–Derived Superoxide

The methylation of proteins is an important post-translational mechanism that has been established to influence the activity of nuclear and nucleic acid binding proteins. Much less is known about the importance of protein methylation in the regulation of cytosolic proteins. Increased methylation of proteins is observed in cardiovascular disease and occurs in conjunction with elevated production of reactive oxygen species. However, the nature of the relationship between reactive oxygen species and protein methylation is poorly understood. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to determine whether protein methylation influences the catalytic activity of the NADPH oxidases (Nox), which are a family of enzymes responsible for the generation of superoxide. We found that the selective inhibitor of protein arginine methyltransferases 7,7′-carbonylbis(azanediyl)bis(4-hydroxynaphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (AMI-1) was a potent antagonist of Nox-derived superoxide production. However, structurally and mechanistically dissimilar inhibitors of protein methylation and coexpression of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 did not influence Nox activity. Rather, the effect of AMI-1 was rapidly reversible and could be demonstrated in an assay using chemically synthesized superoxide. We conclude that protein methylation does not regulate the activity of NADPH-oxidases and that AMI-1 is a potent antioxidant with a greater potency than 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonic acid (Tiron) and 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperydine-1-oxyl (Tempol).
Stability of short-channel P-channel polysilicon thin-film transistors with ECR N2O-plasma gate oxide

Stability of hydrogenated short-channel (/spl les/3 /spl mu/m) p-channel poly-Si TFT's with very thin (12 nm) electron cyclotron resonance N/sub 2/O plasma gate oxide is investigated. The fabricated poly-Si TFT's with gate length not less than 2 /spl mu/m show excellent stability characteristics of less than 0.1 V in the threshold voltage shift and less than 3% in the percent change of transconductance after harsh electrical stresses. In a small |V/sub G/| stress, an effective shortening of channel length is observed due to trapping of hot-electrons and the minimum leakage current is decreased. However, a large |V/sub G/| stress causes more degradation on the subthreshold slope and minimum leakage current due to trapping of hot-holes.
Carbon nanotubes decorated with CoP nanocrystals: a highly active non-noble-metal nanohybrid electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution.

The development of effective and inexpensive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts for future renewable energy systems is highly desired. The strongly acidic conditions in proton exchange membranes create a need for acid-stable HER catalysts. A nanohybrid that consists of carbon nanotubes decorated with CoP nanocrystals (CoP/CNT) was prepared by the low-temperature phosphidation of a Co3O4/CNT precursor. As a novel non-noble-metal HER catalyst operating in acidic electrolytes, the nanohybrid exhibits an onset overpotential of as low as 40 mV, a Tafel slope of 54 mV dec(-1), an exchange current density of 0.13 mA cm(-2), and a Faradaic efficiency of nearly 100 %. This catalyst maintains its catalytic activity for at least 18 hours and only requires overpotentials of 70 and 122 mV to attain current densities of 2 and 10 mA cm(-2), respectively.
Toxic anterior segment syndrome following penetrating keratoplasty.

OBJECTIVES To describe an outbreak of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and to examine its possible causes. METHODS Owing to a series of TASS following PK between June 6, 2007, and October 2, 2007, we reviewed the records of all patients who had undergone PK during that time. In addition to routine microbial tests on organ culture media, we looked for specific pathogens and endotoxins in all of the materials used for organ culture or PK. Furthermore, we analyzed all of the perioperative products and instrument processing. RESULTS Of the 94 patients who underwent PK, we observed 24 cases of postoperative sterile keratitis. Causal research revealed that the accumulation of cleaning substances or heat-stable endotoxins on the surface of the routinely used guided trephine system was most likely responsible for the TASS. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report on TASS following PK. Suboptimal reprocessing of surgical instruments may be an important cause of TASS as in this series the TASS-like symptoms resolved after modified instrument-cleaning procedures. The standardization of protocols for processing reusable trephine systems might prevent outbreaks of TASS following PK.
Endoscopic features of celiac disease in children.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic abnormalities have been described in adult patients with celiac disease that may suggest the diagnosis, especially when the presentation is atypical. METHODS The duodenum of 140 children undergoing EGD for various different indications was evaluated macroscopically and histologically. RESULTS Histology revealed total villous atrophy in 80 patients, 79 of whom had celiac disease. Among these, 100% had a mucosal mosaic pattern in the duodenum (sensitivity 98.7%, specificity 96.7%, positive predictive value 97.5%, negative predictive value 98.3%), 70% had scalloped duodenal folds (sensitivity 68.7%, specificity 98.3%, positive predictive value 98.2%, negative predictive value 70.2%), 15% had visible vasculature, and 6% had reduction of duodenal folds. Sensitivity and specificity of endoscopic findings were not modified by chromoendoscopy. Except for the mosaic pattern, the frequency of endoscopic abnormalities increased with age; reduction of duodenal folds was never seen in children with celiac disease who were less than 5 years of age. CONCLUSIONS The frequency and diagnostic value of endoscopic abnormalities are different in children with celiac disease compared with adults with this disease. Because indications for endoscopy, such as abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and unexplained anemia, can be manifestations of celiac disease, and villous atrophy may have a patchy distribution, awareness of these endoscopic abnormalities is important in the diagnosis of celiac disease in children.
Early Colour Word Learning in British Infants

Colour word learning has traditionally been viewed as a difficult task. Previous accounts have focussed on infants’ ability to show an adult-like understanding of colour terms. Here we examine whether infants understand colour terms at a basic level, using two different methods: first, evidence from parental reports that British infants can comprehend colour terms early, second from experimental data using eye-tracking. These finding show that colour word learning is a process that begins much earlier than previously thought, and develops slowly as infants learn where the boundaries of each term are located. Due to their abstract properties, colour words present a unique opportunity to assess category learning in infants, as well as the mechanisms that control word learning in general.
Electrical activity of ON and OFF retinal ganglion cells: a modelling study

Objective. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) demonstrate a large range of variation in their ionic channel properties and morphologies. Cell-specific properties are responsible for the unique way RGCs process synaptic inputs, as well as artificial electrical signals such as that from a visual prosthesis. A cell-specific computational modelling approach allows us to examine the functional significance of regional membrane channel expression and cell morphology. Approach. In this study, an existing RGC ionic model was extended by including a hyperpolarization activated non-selective cationic current as well as a T-type calcium current identified in recent experimental findings. Biophysically-defined model parameters were simultaneously optimized against multiple experimental recordings from ON and OFF RGCs. Main results. With well-defined cell-specific model parameters and the incorporation of detailed cell morphologies, these models were able to closely reconstruct and predict ON and OFF RGC response properties recorded experimentally. Significance. The resulting models were used to study the contribution of different ion channel properties and spatial structure of neurons to RGC activation. The techniques of this study are generally applicable to other excitable cell models, increasing the utility of theoretical models in accurately predicting the response of real biological neurons.
A comparison of two MTPA algorithms for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor drives

Two maximum-torque-per-ampere (MTPA) algorithms for an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) drive are presented in this paper. The proposed MTPA algorithms include an improved virtual signal injection control (VSIC) and a direct-search control. Compared to the original VSIC, the improved VSIC can be more accurate. Additionally, the comparison of two MTPA algorithms is given, including steady and dynamic performances. Furthermore, the results of 2kw IPMSM driver demonstrates that both of the two methods have fast response time to the torque change, but the improved VSIC operating points are more close to the calculated MTPA points.
Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with a severe stenotic bicuspid aortic valve in a Chinese population

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with a severe stenotic bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) in a Chinese population. While several groups have reported the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of TAVI for patients with a BAV, worldwide experience of the technique is still limited, especially in China. From March 2013 to November 2014, high surgical risk or inoperable patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) who had undergone TAVI at our institution were selected for inclusion in our study. Results were compared between a BAV group and a tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) group. Forty patients were included in this study, 15 (37.5%) of whom were identified as having a BAV. In the BAV group, the aortic valve area was smaller ((0.47±0.13) vs. (0.59±0.14) cm2), the ascending aortic diameter was larger ((40.4±4.4) vs. (36.4±4.3) mm), and the concomitant aortic regurgitation was lower. No significant differences were found between the groups in the other baseline characteristics. No differences were observed either in the choice of access or valve size. The procedural success achieved in this study was 100%. There were no differences between groups in device success (86.7% vs. 88.0%), 30-d mortality (6.7% vs. 8.0%), or 30-d combined end point (13.3% vs. 12.0%). The incidences of new pacemaker implantation, paravalvular regurgitation and other complications, recovery of left ventricle ejection fraction and heart function were similar in both groups. Patients with a severely stenotic BAV can be treated with TAVI, and their condition after treatment should be similar to that of people with a TAV.
Dried blood spots for HIV‐1 drug resistance genotyping in decentralized settings in Senegal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use for HIV‐1 drug resistance testing dried blood spots collected in remote areas and sent under field conditions to a reference laboratory and also to document virological failure in patients with suspected treatment failure. Samples were collected from patients receiving first line ART at 11 hospital sites around country, kept at room temperature (<37°C) and sent within 15 days maximum to the reference laboratory. Viral nucleic acids were obtained by magnetic extraction with NucliSENS (bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France). Genotyping of HIV‐1 pol gene was performed using the ANRS protocol. Drug resistance mutations were analyzed according to the Stanford University HIV database version 6.0. 8. Two hundred thirty one HIV‐infected adults' on HAART first line regimen composed study population. The median time on ART was 18 months (range 6–68). Regardless of the treatment duration, the overall rate of virological failure (VL ≥ 3 log10 cp/ml) was 23.8% (n = 55/231). HIV genotypes were obtained successfully in 94.5% (n = 52/55). Drug resistance mutation was found in 41/52 patients in virological failure, for 17.7% (n = 41/231) an overall rate of drug resistance mutations. M184V/I was the most frequent mutation occurring, followed by K103N. Phylogenetic analysis of the 52 genotyped viral isolates showed the predominance of CRF02_AG with 62% (n = 32/52). Use of a DBS specimen is suitable to assist national programs for monitoring in remote areas HIV drug resistance in resources limited‐settings. J. Med. Virol. 86:45–51, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Risk Preferences of Entrepreneurs in Indonesia

Entrepreneurship is known to be important for innovation and economic growth, but relatively little attention has been paid to entrepreneurs in developing countries. We examined an important aspect of entrepreneurship: risk-taking. We analysed the Indonesian Family Life Survey and compared risk preferences between entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs. We found that risk tolerant workers were more likely to be entrepreneurs than risk averse workers by about 5 percentage points, or about 20 percent of the proportion of entrepreneurs in the labour force. The results imply that not all entrepreneurs in Indonesia are pushed into the sector; some actively take risks and seek innovations.
Sentiment-Driven Asymmetries in Romanian Monetary Policy Transmission

A threshold Bayesian VAR model is applied to study nonlinearities in Romania’s monetary policy transmission mechanism, with the transition variable represented by the Economic Sentiment Indicator. The model identifies four major episodes with respect to the confidence stance during the 1997–2014 period: the two low-confidence episodes are related, respectively, to the Asian crisis (late 1990s) and the Great Recession (2009–2013 observations), while the two high-confidence episodes consist of the economic boom of 2000–2008 and the current restored sentiment stage. Output and prices react differently to monetary policy and to exchange-rate shocks during the two regimes. A counterfactual experiment proves that the heterogeneities are driven by changes to the overall macroeconomic transmission framework, as well as to the central bank’s reaction function. An alternative specification with industry confidence rather than aggregate economy confidence suggests that, following the recent crisis, firms’ sentiment recovered much faster than that of consumers and the services sector.
Phase II study of thalidomide in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma

Thalidomide has anti-angiogenic and immunomodulatory activity, exhibiting antitumour effects in patients with multiple myeloma and, more rarely, in several other solid tumours. We evaluated the single-agent antitumour activity and toxicity profile of thalidomide in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma, as well as its plasma pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic effects [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) levels]. A two-stage Gehan method was used with a stopping rule after 14 consecutive non-responding patients. Thalidomide was given orally at a daily dose of 200 mg/day, which was then escalated every 2 weeks by 200 mg/day as tolerated to a maximum of 800 mg/day. Patients were evaluated every 8 weeks for response using the World Health Organization (WHO)-27 criteria. Fourteen patients were enrolled and no objective responses were observed, with one stable disease and one mixed response. The dose-limiting toxicities were constipation, dizziness and somnolence. Other toxicities were oedema, neuropathy, dry skin, dry mouth, tremor and fatigue. The plasma pharmacokinetics of thalidomide were comparable with those of previous studies in normal volunteers and in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Serum levels of b-FGF and VEGF did not change significantly following drug administration. In conclusion, thalidomide showed poor activity, but acceptable toxicity, in patients with metastatic melanoma. Future studies should explore this agent in combination with other biological agents or cytotoxic agents, such as temozolomide.
Literature searching for social science systematic reviews: consideration of a range of search techniques.

BACKGROUND Literature for a systematic review on the student experience of e-learning is located across a range of subject areas including health, education, social science, library and information science. OBJECTIVES To assess the merits and shortcomings of using different search techniques in retrieval of evidence in the social science literature. METHODS A conventional subject search was undertaken as the principal method of identifying the literature for the review. Four supplementary search methods were used including citation searching, reference list checking, contact with experts and pearl growing. RESULTS The conventional subject search identified 30 of 41 included references; retrieved from 10 different databases. References were missed by this method and a further 11 references were identified via citation searching, reference list checking and contact with experts. Pearl growing was suspended as the nominated pearls were dispersed across numerous databases, with no single database indexing more than four pearls. CONCLUSIONS Searching within the social sciences literature requires careful consideration. Conventional subject searching identified the majority of references, but additional search techniques were essential and located further high quality references.
New Challenges in Medical Thoracoscopy

Thoracoscopy is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of pleural diseases. Its diagnostic yield is 95% in patients with malignant pleural disease, with approximately 90% successful pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion and 95% for pneumothorax. At the same time, thoracoscopy constitutes an important tool in the research of pleural pathophysiology and molecular biology. The improvement of technology has provided important tools to thoracoscopy, such as autofluorescence, narrow band imaging, and infrared light, used in clinical and basic research in many disorders involving the pleura. For these reasons, training in thoracoscopy should be considered equally important as training in bronchoscopy for residents in respiratory medicine.
Studies on the internal pH of large muscle and nerve fibres

In a previous paper (Caldwell, 1954) a form of the glass electrode suitable for insertion into large muscle and nerve fibres was described, together with an account of some determinations with the electrode of the internal pH of the leg muscle fibres of the crab Carcinus maenas. In this paper more extensive studies of internal pH are presented. These comprise an investigation of the internal pH of the leg muscle fibres of C. maenas under a wide variety of conditions, and similar but less complete investigations of the internal pH of the leg muscle fibres of the crab Maia squinado, and of the giant axon of the squid Loligo forbesi. One of the main purposes of these studies has been to find out whether the pH difference between the inside of the fibres and their surroundings varies in the manner predicted by the Donnan equilibrium theory (Donnan, 1911), according to which the following relationship should hold (at 20° C) for a membrane permeable to H+ ions: Internal pH-pH of surroundings =log10 (H+ activity in surroundings) (Internal H+ activity) Resting potential (in mV) 58*17 (Note that this formulation differs from that given in the previous paper in that the resting potential is regarded here as being a negative quantity under normal conditions.) A preliminary account of some of the work described in this paper was given to the 3rd International Congress of Biochemistry (Caldwell, 1955).