Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory markers and the pathogenesis of pediatric depression and suicide: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship and identify support for pathways linking inflammatory processes with depression and suicide in children and adolescents. DATA SOURCES We designed and implemented comprehensive literature searches in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EMBASE. We searched the databases with database-specific controlled vocabulary in conjunction with keywords (eg, inflammation, interleukin, cytokine, C-reactive protein, depression, suicide) in various combinations for reports published in English through May 2013. STUDY SELECTION The searches identified a total of 1,543 citations, of which 55 were selected for further review and ultimately 27 were identified for inclusion. Studies were selected using 2 criteria. The first criterion required that studies include a biological measure of inflammatory markers in childhood or adolescence. The second criterion required that the studies include a measure of depression or suicide in childhood or adolescence. Articles selected for the review were based on the use of standardized experimental procedures and validated assessment measures. DATA EXTRACTION All articles were assessed by 2 authors, which ensured that the inclusion criteria were met. Studies were reviewed for association of inflammatory markers with depression and/or suicide. Extracted data included authors, year of publication, study design, population characteristics, inflammatory markers, and depression/suicide measures. Significant and nonsignificant findings were tabulated. RESULTS The majority of studies were on depression; 2 studies were on suicide, and 7 studies were on inflammatory medical conditions. Most of the participants were adolescents. Interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-1 receptor antagonist, IL-2, soluble IL-2 receptors, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and inflammatory cells were assayed across the studies. There was extensive variation in depression measures. Five of the 9 cross-sectional and 3 of the 7 longitudinal studies on depression found a positive association between inflammation and depression. In 3 studies evaluating depression and early adversity, inflammation was more significantly related to adversity than depression was. Results from studies of medical conditions involving inflammation and depression were mixed. CONCLUSIONS The extant literature provides sufficient data to support a link between inflammatory processes and pediatric depression. However, the directionality of the associations and pathways between the 2 conditions remains to be elucidated. At present, there is insufficient evidence to support the relationship between inflammation and suicidality in youth. Studies on inflammatory medical conditions are warranted in order to understand biological pathways linking inflammation and depression.
A novel game-theoretic framework for modeling interactions of ISPs anticipating users' reactions

Effective management of overlay traffic is crucial for ISPs, due to the high interconnection costs incurred. In this paper, we investigate the interactions among ISPs that manage effectively overlay traffic but also take into account users' reactions. We introduce an innovative game-theoretic framework that employs separately two metrics, quantifying the ISPs' interconnection costs and the effects of their actions to users' QoE with the permissible strategies at each state being “memory-based”, i.e., depending on the payoffs of the previous states. We present the details of this framework and justify why it fits nicely our problem. Furthermore, we study two games that model the adoption of ISP-driven locality promotion and of ISP-owned caches that intervene in the overlay. We formulate these games and investigate their evolution and equilibria by means of two theoretical models, one of which is introduced here for quantifying the effects of promoting locality, and simulations.
OAS Analysis for CMOs

For example, stable intermediate PACs on par collateral might trade 50 to 80 bp “off the curve”; broken PACs with premium collateral might carry an additional discount of 50 to 100 bp; support tranches would trade wider still. Investors persist in attempting to adjust these nominal spreads for prepayment risk in order both to compare a security to other similar ones and to compare the different sectors. These comparisons are really “rule of thumb” exercises, partly for lack of familiarity with, availability of, or inconvenience of the quantitative analytical tools required for accurate analysis.
Stand-alone cervical polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage (cervios) for single to two-level degenerative disc disease.

OBJECTIVE To study clinical and radiographic outcome of patients who underwent the Cervios cage-assisted anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) without plate fixation in single to two-level degenerative disc disease (DDD). MATERIAL AND METHOD Sixty-seven patients suffering from cervical DDD with various symptoms such as radiculopathy, myelopathy, or both were retrospectively evaluated. The cervical DDD was confirmed by plain radiographs and MR imaging The patients underwent radiographic evaluation to assess cervical lordosis, intervertebral height (IH), fusion, and subsidence. Clinical assessment was graded using a visual analog scale (VAS), Modified JOA (Japanese Orthopedic Association) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI). RESULTS There were ninety two ACFD in two levels of operation. Single-level ACDF was performed in 42 patients and two-level in 25. The outcomes revealed the significant improvement of clinical outcome and restoration of cervical lordosis. The fusion rate was 97%, whereas subsidence occurred 7.61% but produced no symptom. There was no anterior or posterior migration of the cage. Complications included transient dysphagia in three patients and superficial wound infection in two patients. CONCLUSION The present study indicates that one- to two-level stand alone Cervios cage-assisted interbody fusion without plate fixation provides improvement of clinical outcomes, restoration of lordosis and high fusion rate. However subsidence occurred in 7.61% but did not cause clinical symptoms and the patients had to use the cervical collar postoperatively.
Expression of Interleukin‐6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor α and Histopathologic Findings in Painful and Nonpainful Breast Tissue

Abstract: Mastalgia is a common condition that is thought to be hormonally related, but the mechanisms of pain causation are unknown. Inflammatory cytokines are implicated in pain modulation, but have not been studied with regard to mastalgia. We compared the relationship of mastalgia to the expression of the cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and the degree of tissue infiltration with inflammatory cells in breast tissue from 29 premenopausal women with breast pain and 29 age‐matched pain‐free controls. Paraffin sections from breast biopsy samples were scored for the presence of inflammatory infiltrate and were evaluated for the expression of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α using standard immunohistochemical procedures. TNF‐α and IL‐6 expression displayed a trend toward slightly lower values in patients with pain (median TNF‐α score, 3 versus 5; median IL‐6 score, 3 versus 4). In the luteal phase, patients with mastalgia showed a trend toward lower expression of IL‐6 (p = 0.4) in comparison to those without pain. A similar trend was also seen with TNF‐α expression (p = 0.4). IL‐1β expression was extremely scant in the first 30 samples and was not investigated further. The degree of inflammatory infiltrate in the tissue was unrelated to the presence of breast pain. These data suggest that the three cytokines tested in this study do not play a significant role in the causation of mastalgia and lend weight to the previous finding that there are no identifiable histologic correlates of this troubling condition. Further investigation of the role of cytokines in breast pain is warranted, especially in view of the possible association between mastalgia and breast cancer risk.
Oral health-related quality of life in socially endangered persons in Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate and describe the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in a socially endangered group of people and to compare the OHRQoL to other patient groups. Material and methods: About 294 socially endangered persons attending a volunteer clinic in Copenhagen Denmark filled in the OHIP-14 questionnaire. The group was compared in mean score and reported problems to a group of patients with tooth loss and about to have a removable dental prosthesis (RDP), a group with tooth loss about to have a fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) and a control group without tooth loss. Results: Significantly higher OHIP-14 score was seen in the socially endangered group (15.5 (SD 12.6)) compared with the control (1.9 (SD 2.7)) and the FDP group (9.4 (SD 8.2)) but not the RDP group (13.1 (SD 10.5)). This difference was not changed after stratifying in age groups. Problems related to psychological disability, social disability, and handicap were more frequent in the social endangered group than for the other groups. The items pain, tense, diet, relax, life, and function stand out as problems in the socially endangered group compared to the other groups. Conclusion: The OHRQoL is highly impaired in the socially endangered persons and at least to the level of persons with great tooth loss about to have an RDP. The problems seem to be more handicapping in the socially endangered compared with other patient groups known to have high impairment.
Product Diversification and Market Value of Large International Firms: A Macroenvironmental Perspective

Drawing on a strategic fit perspective in international marketing, this study explores how macroenvironmental factors—cultural dimensions and globalization forces—affect the relationship between product diversification and market value of large international firms. The author hypothesizes that (1) the four dimensions of culture (individualism–collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, power distance, and masculinity–femininity) significantly affect product diversification and (2) economic and social globalization positively moderate the relationship between product diversification and market value of large international firms. The author empirically examines the hypothesized relationships using a sample of 485 firm-year observations from 17 countries for the period between 2006 and 2009. Using the hierarchical linear modeling technique, the author demonstrates that firms in countries with cultures characterized by high uncertainty avoidance and low power distance have a higher degree of product diversification, and product diversification in turn has a significant positive impact on firm market value. Furthermore, the author demonstrates that economic and social globalization, as indicated by actual flows, personal contacts, and information flows, positively moderates the relationship between product diversification and market value of large international firms.
Cross-Protection Between West Nile and Japanese Encephalitis Viruses in Red-Winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Abstract Similar to West Nile virus (WNV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has a history of intercontinental spread, and birds are important for the maintenance and transmission of both of these closely related viruses. We examined viremic and serologic responses of blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), with and without immunity to WNV, following experimental inoculation with two strains of JEV. Japanese encephalitis (JE) viremia was detected in only one of 16 (6.3%) WNV-immune birds, while all 16 nonimmune birds had detectable JE viremia. Two weeks after JEV inoculation, all birds without pre-existing WNV immunity had clearly distinguishable anti-JEV antibodies, while in all birds with pre-existing WNV immunity, antibodies to WNV and JEV were either indistinguishable or the anti-WNV antibody titers were significantly higher. As WNV is endemic throughout much of North America, WNV immunity among birds may dampen transmission while complicating the serologic diagnosis of JEV, should this pathogen be introduced to North America.
Fraud Risk Factors of Fraud Triangle and the Likelihood of Fraud Occurrence: Evidence from Malaysia

The current research studies the usefulness of Cresseyâ€™s fraud risk factor framework adopted from SAS No. 99 to prevent fraud from occurring. In accordance with Cresseyâ€™s theory, pressure, opportunity and rationalization are existing when fraud occurs. The study suggests variables as proxy measures for pressure and opportunity, and test these variables using publicly available information relating to a set of fraud firms and a sample of no-fraud firms. Two pressure proxies and two opportunity proxies are identified and suggested to be significantly related to financial statement fraud. We find that leverage and sale to account receivable are positively related to the likelihood of fraud. Audit committee size and board of directorsâ€™ size are also linked to decrease the level of financial statement fraud. A binary logistic model based on examples of fraud risk factors of fraud triangle model measures the likelihood of financial statement fraud and can assist experts.
DESIGNING CAPITAL STRUCTURE TO CREATE SHAREHOLDER VALUE

In the past decade, many U.S. companies have launched aggressive share repurchase programs with the expectation that value can be created by returning excess capital to shareholders and moving the firm closer to its optimal capital structure. But how much capital does a company really need to support its business activities? This article presents an economic framework or “model” that can be used to simulate the effect of various capital structure choices on shareholder value. The fundamental insight underlying the model is that judicious use of debt can add value by reducing corporate taxes and strengthening management incentives to increase efficiency, but that too much debt can result in a loss of business and perhaps a costly reorganization. Indeed, one of the key findings of the authors' recent research is that companies with highly leveraged balance sheets suffer disproportionately large losses in market share and value during industry downturns. As illustrated in a case study of a hypothetical general merchandiser, the model makes it possible to identify an optimal debt‐equity ratio (and percentage of fixed‐ versus floating‐rate debt)—one that balances the value of the tax shield from debt against the increased risk of financial distress.
The expression, function, and ontogeny of a novel T cell-activating protein, TAP, in the thymus.

The TAP molecule is an allelic 12,000 m.w. membrane protein that participates in T cell activation. This report analyzes the expression, function, and ontogeny of this molecule in the thymus. TAP is expressed on a small subset (10 to 20%) of thymocytes which is distinct from its expression on a majority (70%) of peripheral T lymphocytes. In the adult thymus, the majority of the TAP-bearing thymocytes are cortisone-resistant, Thy-1+, TL-, J11D-, and PNA-, which localizes TAP expression to medullary thymocytes. Cortical thymocytes do not bear this determinant. Parallel functional studies demonstrated that TAP+ thymocytes are required for Con A and MLR responsiveness. Anti-TAP MAb plus PMA specifically induces proliferation of mature thymocytes comparable in magnitude to the Con A response. These results demonstrate that TAP expression defines the immunocompetent thymocyte compartment and, further, that this molecule is functional on these cells. The ontogeny of TAP expression was also analyzed. TAP is expressed early in fetal thymic development at a time when most T cell markers (except Thy-1 and the iL2-R) are absent. The small sub-population of adult L3T4- and Lyt-2- thymocytes, which resemble early fetal thymocytes, also express TAP. These early thymocytes are capable of being activated through the TAP molecule. The implications of these findings for T cell development and, in particular, the relationship of TAP to T cell receptor expression and acquisition of immunocompetence are discussed.
A grid for a precise analysis of daily activities

Assessment of daily living activities is essential in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Most current tools quantitatively assess overall ability but provide little qualitative information on individual difficulties. Only a few tools allow therapists to evaluate stereotyped activities and record different types of errors. We capitalised on the Kitchen Activity Assessment to design a widely applicable analysis grid that provides both qualitative and quantitative data on activity performance. A cooking activity was videotaped in 15 patients with dementia and assessed according to the different steps in the execution of the task. The evaluations obtained with our grid showed good correlations between raters, between versions of the grid and between sessions. Moreover, the degree of independence obtained with our analysis of the task correlated with the Kitchen Activity Assessment score and with a global score of cognitive functioning. We conclude that assessment of a daily living activity with this analysis grid is reproducible and relatively independent of the therapist, and thus provides quantitative and qualitative information useful for both evaluating and caring for demented patients.
Spontaneous progression of experimentally induced periimplantitis.

BACKGROUND Periimplantitis represents an inflammatory condition that is associated with the presence of a submarginal biofilm and with advanced breakdown of soft and mineralized tissues surrounding endosseous implants. Animal models have been used to describe mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and treatment of the soft and hard tissue lesions of periimplantitis. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present experiment was to study the presence and progression of inflammatory lesions in tissues surrounding implants exposed to "experimental periimplantitis". MATERIAL AND METHODS Five Labrador dogs were used. In each dog, 2 or 3 implants were placed in both the left and right edentulous premolar regions of the mandible. Abutment connection was performed 4 months later and a plaque control regimen was initiated and maintained for 5 months. "Experimental periimplantitis" was subsequently induced by ligature placement and plaque accumulation was allowed to progress until about 40% of the height of the supporting bone had been lost. The ligatures were removed, but plaque formation was allowed to continue for an additional 12 months. Radiographs of all implant sites were obtained before and after active "experimental periimplantitis" as well as at the end of the experiment. Biopsies were harvested from the implant sites in 3 of the dogs. The tissue samples were prepared for light microscopy and the sections were used for histometric and morphometric examinations. RESULTS One implant was lost during the first 2 months of "experimental periimplantitis" and two implants were lost during the 12 months that followed ligature removal. The radiographic examination indicated that varying amounts of additional bone loss occurred in the majority of the implant sites also following ligature removal. The mucosa of all implant sites harbored inflammatory lesions that extended apically of the pocket epithelium. The lesions were separated from the marginal bone by a zone of apparently normal connective tissue. CONCLUSION A remission of the destructive inflammatory lesion in the periimplant tissues was seen in some sites following ligature removal, but in the majority of sites additional loss of supporting bone occurred.
Thriving on the knowledge of outsiders: Tapping organizational social capital

Executive Overview Organizations are operating in increasingly complex worlds that require them to apply large amounts of knowledge to their activities. Because knowledge is continuously changing and evolving, most organizations cannot possess all required knowledge within their formal boundaries. Accordingly, they need to acquire large amounts of knowledge from outside the organization by tapping their linkages to external organizations and individuals. A variety of methods can be used to access knowledge that lies outside the organization's boundaries. Such methods vary from tapping the social networks of executives to more involved efforts such as alliances. The method used must be appropriate to the volume and kind of knowledge needed. However, benefiting from the knowledge of outsiders has several additional complexities, and executives need to prepare their organizations to take advantage of social capital. For instance, they need to ensure that the organization has an adequate level of knowledge in.
Digital literacy: An analysis of the contemporary paradigms

Digital (computer) literacy is the new title for ‘educated’. Both teachers and students have no option but to acquire a level of computer-literacy to catch up with the growing digital societies. Governments and higher education institutions (mHEIs) are making all out efforts by providing e-Learning environments to gain some levels of digital literacy of the masses at large and the university-constituents. Both developed and developing states are trying to figure out a required digital literacy curriculum for the training of teachers and the students. However, given that there are several meanings of computer-literacy therefore; research is going on about the contents of the curriculum and the pedagogical requirements of ICT-education. Furthermore, the concepts of global-village, globalization, information or knowledge society, ePedagogy, eStudents and eCourses – all are casting increasing pressures on the academicians, HEIs and governments to take digital opportunity initiatives (DOI) for digital-literacy of the masses to generate workforce for the eGovernment, eCommerce and e-Learning. Research reveals that learners hold different perceptions about the nature and role of ICTs such as: instrumental and substantive. Some consider it just like any other technology with no value-implications for the learner and society. Substantive theorists however, believe in the determinist role of technologies for changing the society. Whatever the paradigm, learners are facing several hurdles in acquiring digital command like perceptual differences, demographic diversities, resistance to change, training issues and so on. However, most of the researchers are coming up with the findings that, perceptions, theories, teaching/learning styles of the teachers, students and other stakeholders play decisive and determinist role in determining the speed and quality of computer-literacy. It is well-documented that the contents and dynamics of computer-literacy in any state depend on the objectives to be realized through ICTs. Depending on the perceptions about e-Learning, technologies are either used to achieve immediate objectives for instant contributions (instrumental-view) or long-term and broader objectives (substantive or liberal-view). It is argued that none of the instrumental or substantive views are good or bad rather two stages or steps in the evolution of e-Learning from objectivist thinking to social constructivist digital platforms. Almost every country and HEI is first experimenting with the instrumental benefits of ICTs and this practice is more rampant in the developing countries. This paper is an effort to draw a picturesque (a scenario) of digital-literacy in the background of HEIs. Key words: Digital/computer-literacy, educational technologies, paradigm, instrumental, substantive, objectivist, cognitive and social constructivist, ePedagogy, eStudent, eCourse, digital opportunity initiatives, higher education institutions.