Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DRR adaptive quantum scheduling algorithm for WiMAX multihop relay networks

IEEE 802.16j networks provide considerable improvements related to previous WiMAX specifications in terms of increased coverage area, deployment cost reduction and overall system throughput increase using Relay Stations (RSs). Its main purpose is to meet demands for wireless broadband access in remote areas or require large signal coverage at reduced cost. Efficient resource allocation is a challenge to be faced in IEEE 802.16 standard and requires total commitment of several mechanisms, including the scheduling algorithm. A good part of proposed scheduling rules developed for IEEE 802.16j networks disregards an optimal use of basic resources available. In this work we propose the application of a Deficit Round Robin (DRR) scheduling algorithm with adaptive quantum, operating jointly with a queue management scheme and congestion control in RS output buffer. The simulation results demonstrate a good performance for Unsolicited Grant Service (UGS) and Real-Time Polling Service (rtPS) traffic classes compared to a conventional DRR scheduling algorithm without queue management.
Obesity and diet awareness among Polish children and adolescents in small towns and villages.

BACKGROUND In addition to genetic predispositions and environmental factors, healthy lifestyle education is very important for children and adolescents. The purpose of this research was to estimate the number of overweight and obese children and adolescents from small towns and villages and to find out an association between health awareness in children and the risk of becoming overweight or obese. METHODS The research was conducted in 1,515 healthy children aged 6-18 years from small towns and villages in Poland. Overweight was diagnosed when BMI for age and sex was over the 90th percentile; obesity--when it was over the 95th percentile. The study consisted of a lifestyle interview and anthropometrical measurements. The lifestyle interview was conducted with the use of an anonymous questionnaire form and included questions about food frequency, diet habits and physical activity. The research was analysed using the SAS System for Windows, release 8.02. RESULTS Overweight status was diagnosed in 9.0% and obesity in 5.1% of respondents. Excess body mass was statistically more frequently diagnosed in girls than in boys aged 14-18 years. Girls of this age group significantly more frequently chose wholemeal bread, smoked sausages, meat and poultry as products that are believed to keep them fit. Older children substantially more often indicated that stress, smoking cigarettes, consuming fatty meat, sweets, being obese, and a lack of physical activity are factors that damage health. Boys spent more time in front of a computer or TV than girls; in the older group of children, the phenomenon even intensified. CONCLUSION Awareness of healthy lifestyle behaviour is not sufficient to maintain optimal body mass. Knowledge about proper eating habits is better among girls than among boys, especially in the older age groups. However, in older groups, there was less physical activity due to spending more time in front of TV or the computer. High percentage of obese/overweight children and insufficient knowledge of nutrition may consequently result in increased risk of cardio-vascular diseases in adult population.
An Inquiry into Improving Women Participation in Entrepreneurship in Turkey

This research examines female small business owners who run and operate companies and start-ups in two different cities in Turkey; Istanbul and Izmir. The research takes a look at the challenges women face in founding and running their businesses and how to manage work-family conflicts that arise. By taking a look at the level of progress of Turkish female entrepreneurs, the research draws a line between the differences and similarities between female entrepreneurs in Turkey and those in developed countries and seeks to find how their venture into entrepreneurship affects their cultural social and economic standing. This is primarily an exploratory research, and therefore the findings are peculiar to female entrepreneurs in the two cities mentioned earlier. The research hopes to serve as an eye opener and a guide to further research. The research presents its findings and recommendations that could be carried out by government and implemented as government policies to encourage other women to go into entrepreneurship. One way government can go about this is to increase the number of spaces for women in social, economic, cultural, legal and political sectors, as these will improve the chances of women becoming employers of labour.
Anticonvulsant Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Alpinia officinarum Rhizomesin Mice: Involvement of Benzodiazepine and Opioid Receptors

Background and Purpose Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological conditions. The current therapeutic treatment of epilepsy with modern antiepileptic drugs is associated with side effects, dose-related and chronic toxicity, and teratogenic effects and in approximately 30% of the patients is ineffective. Alpinia officinarum is used in Iranian traditional medicine for treatment of different diseases like back pain and seizure. Methods In this study, anticonvulsant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes were examined by using pentylentetrazole (PTZ) model in mice. Alpinia officinarum rhizomes extract (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg), diazepam (1 mg/kg) and normal saline (10 mL/kg) were injected (ip) 30 minutes before PTZ (90 mg/kg, ip). The time taken before the onset of clonic convulsions, the duration of colonic convulsions, and the percentage of seizure and mortality protection were recorded. For further clarification of the mechanism of action for Alpinia officinarum, flumazenil (2 mg/kg, ip) and naloxone (5 mg/kg, ip) were also injected 5 minutes before Alpinia officinarum extract. Results Alpinia officinarum extract at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg prolonged the time of onset of seizure and decreased the duration of seizures compared to control (saline) group (p < 0.05). At the dose of 600 mg/kg, percentage of seizure protection was 16.66%. Naloxone and flumazenil could suppress anticonvulsant effects of Alpinia officinarum. Conclusions It seems that Alpinia officinarum could be a good candidate and be useful for seizure control and treatment, and in these effects, opioid and benzodiazepine receptors might probably be involved.
Preventive Adolescent Health Care in Family Practice: A Program Summary

The AMA Guidelines for Adolescent Preventive Services (GAPS) has been the cornerstone of preventive care for teenagers since its publication in 1994. Despite this, there has been little documentation of their implementation in the family medicine literature. This article gives an overview of a family practice–based adolescent preventive health program based on GAPS recommendations, and reports on compliance, feasibility and health issues. A Community-Oriented Primary Care (COPC) program targeted all adolescent patients aged 12—18 years in two Israeli family practices. 321 teenagers were invited to participate. Every 7th and 10th grader was invited for a preventive health visit with the family physician and nurse. The visits included a medical evaluation, screening and counseling regarding health issues recommended by GAPS, and counseling regarding personal health concerns. Parents were also invited to meet with the staff. 184 (57%) of the adolescents invited for health visits attended. The overall visit time was 47 minutes, including 12 minutes for a questionnaire and 35 minutes with providers. Common biomedical problems included overweight, acne and dysmenorrhea. Health risk behaviors and psychosocial problems included cigarette or alcohol use, dieting, infrequent/never seat belt use, and feeling depressed. 78% wanted to discuss at least one personal health issue. 27% were invited for follow-up visits. Only 3% of the parents came for visits. A community-oriented approach facilitates bringing adolescents for preventive health visits. Many previously undetected health issues, particularly psychosocial and behavioral, are revealed during these visits. A concerns checklist aids in addressing personal health concerns.
Increased Phosphorylation of Histone H1 in Mouse Fibroblasts Transformed with Oncogenes or Constitutively Active Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Kinase (*)

We compared the nucleosomal organization, histone H1 subtypes, and histone H1 phosphorylated isoforms of ras-transformed and parental 10T mouse fibroblasts. In agreement with previous studies, we found that ras-transformed mouse fibroblasts have a less condensed chromatin structure than normal fibroblasts. ras-transformed and parental 10T cells had similar amounts of H1 subtypes, proteins that have a key role in the compaction of chromatin. However, labeling studies with P and Western blot experiments with an antiphosphorylated H1 antibody show that interphase ras-transformed cells have higher levels of phosphorylated H1 isoforms than parental cells. G1/S phase-arrested ras-transformed cells had higher amounts of phosphorylated H1 than G1/S phase-arrested parental cells. Mouse fibroblasts transformed with fes, mos, raf, myc, or constitutively active mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase had increased levels of phosphorylated H1. These observations suggest that increased phosphorylation of H1 is one of the consequences of the persistent activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction pathway. Indirect immunofluorescent studies show that phosphorylated H1b is localized in centers of RNA splicing in the nucleus, suggesting that this modified H1 subtype is complexed to transcriptionally active chromatin.
The Coexistence and Interaction of Formal and Informal Lending in China— Discussion of the Wenzhou Case

Interest in China’s economy has typically been focused on its phenomenal growth. However, more recently there has been growing interest in emerging constraints on and vulnerabilities regarding that growth. A key focus has been concern with issues of shadow banking. This article discusses one aspect of China’s finance system, which has some crossover with shadow banking: informal lending to private enterprises (PE). This lending is characteristically unstable and exhibits a number of features that constrain private enterprises. Intrinsic to those constraints are issues of usury, bribery and rent-seeking (as an expression of power), all of which bear on the institutional context of ethics. This article discusses the case of Wenzhou, the most prominent city for private enterprises in China. The Wenzhou case is explored using a narrative form drawing on multiple sources including academic papers, regulation, newspapers, and social media. This is an increasingly recognized approach within mixed methods research and this article supplies important qualitative insight into the how and why questions regarding the Wenzhou case. The Wenzhou case is typical in terms of the coexistence and interaction of formal and informal lending in China. Finally, we highlight the limits of the recent reform process and current approach to resolving the problem of financing for PEs in China.
Brief Intervention for Heavy Drinking in Primary Care: Role of Patient Initiation

Background:Alcohol brief intervention (BI) in primary care (PC) is effective, but remains underutilized despite multiple efforts to increase provider-initiated BI. An alternative approach to promote BI is to prompt patients to initiate alcohol-related discussions. Little is known about the role of patients in BI delivery. Objectives:To determine the characteristics of PC patients who reported initiating BI with their providers, and to evaluate the association between the initiator (patient vs provider) and drinking after a BI. Methods:In the context of clinical trial, patients (n = 267) who received BI during a PC visit reported on the manner in which the BI was initiated, readiness to change, demographics, and recent history of alcohol consumption. Drinking was assessed again at 6-months after the BI. Results:Fifty percent of patients receiving a BI reported initiating the discussion of drinking themselves. Compared with those who reported a provider-initiated discussion, self-initiators were significantly younger (43.7 years vs 47.1 years; P = 0.03), more likely to meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for current major depression (24% vs 14%; P = 0.04), and more likely to report a history of alcohol withdrawal symptoms (68% vs 52%; P < 0.01). Baseline readiness to change, baseline consumption rates, and current DSM-IV alcohol dependence were not different between groups. In the 2 to 3 weeks after BI, self-initiators reported greater decreases in drinks per week (5.7 vs 2.4; P = 0.02), and drinking days per week (1.0 vs 0.3; P = 0.002). At 6-month follow-up, self-initiators showed significantly greater reductions in weekly drinking compared to those whose provider initiated the BI (P = 0.002). Conclusions:Patient- and provider-initiated BI occurred with equal frequency, and patient-initiated BIs were associated with greater reductions in alcohol use. Future efforts to increase the BI rate in PC should include a focus on prompting patients to initiate alcohol-related discussions.
A synthesis of what we know about the use of physical restraints and seclusion with patients in psychiatric and acute care settings: 2003 update.

PURPOSE This article is an update of the January 19, 2000, Volume 7, Number 2 article of the synthesis of research findings on the use of restraint and seclusion with patients in psychiatric and acute care settings. CONCLUSIONS The little that is known about restraint/seclusion use with these populations is inconsistent. Attitudes and perceptions of patients, family, and staff differ. However, all patients had very negative feelings about both, whether they were restrained/secluded or observed by others who were not restrained. The reasons for restraint/seclusion use vary with no accurate use rate for either. What precipitates the use of restraint/seclusion also varies, but professionals claim they are necessary to prevent/treat violent or unruly behavior. Some believe seclusion/restraint is effective, but there is no empirical evidence to support this belief. Many less restrictive alternatives have been tested with varying outcomes. Several educational programs to help staff learn about different ways to handle violent/confused patients have been successful. IMPLICATIONS Until more is known about restraint/seclusion use from prospective controlled research, the goal to use least restrictive methods must be pursued. More staff educational programs must be offered and the evaluation of alternatives to restraint/seclusion pursued. When seclusion/restraint is necessary, it should be used less arbitrarily, less frequently, and with less trauma. As the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) have prescribed, "Seclusion and restraint must be a last resort, emergency response to a crisis situation that presents imminent risk of harm to the patient, staff, or others" (p. 25) [99A].
A polymorphic indel containing the RS3 microsatellite in the 5′ flanking region of the vasopressin V1a receptor gene is associated with chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) personality

Vasopressin is a neuropeptide that has been strongly implicated in the development and evolution of complex social relations and cognition in mammals. Recent studies in voles have shown that polymorphic variation in the promoter region of the arginine vasopressin V1a receptor gene (avpr1a) is associated with different dimensions of sociality. In humans, variation in a repetitive sequence element in the 5′ flanking region of the AVPR1A, known as RS3, have also been associated with variation in AVPR1a gene expression, brain activity and social behavior. Here, we examined the association of polymorphic variation in this same 5′ flanking region of the AVPR1A on subjective ratings of personality in a sample of 83 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Initial analyses indicated that 34 females and 19 males were homozygous for the short allele, which lacks RS3 (DupB−/−), while 18 females and 12 males were heterozygous and thus had one copy of the long allele containing RS3 (DupB+/−), yielding overall allelic frequencies of 0.82 for the DupB− allele and 0.18 for the DupB+ allele. DupB+/+ chimpanzees were excluded from the analysis because of the limited number of individuals. Results indicated no significant sex difference in personality between chimpanzees homozygous for the deletion of the RS3‐containing DupB region (DupB−/−); however, among chimpanzees carrying one allele with the DupB present (DupB+/−), males had significantly higher dominance and lower conscientiousness scores than females. These findings are the first evidence showing that the AVPR1A gene plays a role in different aspects of personality in male and female chimpanzees.
Enzymatic Combustion of Aromatic and Aliphatic Compounds by Manganese Peroxidase from Nematoloma frowardii

ABSTRACT The direct involvement of manganese peroxidase (MnP) in the mineralization of natural and xenobiotic compounds was evaluated. A broad spectrum of aromatic substances were partially mineralized by the MnP system of the white rot fungus Nematoloma frowardii. The cell-free MnP system partially converted several aromatic compounds, including [U-14C]pentachlorophenol ([U-14C]PCP), [U-14C]catechol, [U-14C]tyrosine, [U-14C]tryptophan, [4,5,9,10-14C]pyrene, and [ring U-14C]2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene ([14C]2-AmDNT), to 14CO2. Mineralization was dependent on the ratio of MnP activity to concentration of reduced glutathione (thiol-mediated oxidation), a finding which was demonstrated by using [14C]2-AmDNT as an example. At [14C]2-AmDNT concentrations ranging from 2 to 120 μM, the amount of released 14CO2 was directly proportional to the concentration of [14C]2-AmDNT. The formation of highly polar products was also observed with [14C]2-AmDNT and [U-14C]PCP; these products were probably low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids. Among the aliphatic compounds tested, glyoxalate was mineralized to the greatest extent. Eighty-six percent of the 14COOH-glyoxalate and 9% of the 14CHO-glyoxalate were converted to14CO2, indicating that decarboxylation reactions may be the final step in MnP-catalyzed mineralization. The extracellular enzymatic combustion catalyzed by MnP could represent an important pathway for the formation of carbon dioxide from recalcitrant xenobiotic compounds and may also have general significance in the overall biodegradation of resistant natural macromolecules, such as lignins and humic substances.
Pushing and pulling: personal mechanics influence spine loads

This study assessed several mechanical issues related to low back loading during pushing and/or pulling tasks. Nine male participants performed two-handed pushing and pulling tasks at two handle heights with three loads, using a cable pulley system. Four of these men were professional firefighters trained in performing pushing and pulling tasks while the other five were graduate students who lacked manual work experience. The more experienced firefighters produced less spinal compression and shearing forces when compared to the less experienced students under the same conditions. The firefighters were able to create less muscle activation as compared to the students, which indicated a more efficient technique. The main contributing factors to the forces produced on the low back were the quantity of the load being pushed or pulled, handle height, experience level and the technique of the participant. Thus, attempts to set load limits for pushing and pulling tasks are difficult, since technique has such a large influence on back loading. In order to create safer working environments, education on proper pushing and pulling techniques is very important – more important than the physical variables in many cases.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor versus angiotensin 2 receptor antagonist therapy and the influence of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism in IgA nephritis.

INTRODUCTION In this study of 109 patients with IgA nephritis (IgAN), we compared the longterm effects on patients treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor antagonist (ATRA) alone with respect to renal outcome in terms of ESRF from 1995 to 2006. The renal outcome is also correlated with the ACE gene ID polymorphism to study its influence on response to ACEI/ATRA therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-seven patients were on treatment with ACEI/ATRA (22 on ACEI alone, 47 on ATRA alone and 8 on both). The other 32 patients were on no treatment (control group). RESULTS Compared to controls, treated patients had lower serum creatinine (P <0.001), lower proteinuria (P <0.001) and fewer number progressing to ESRF (P <0.001). For those with the II and ID genotype there were significantly fewer patients with ESRF in the treatment group. With the DD genotype, treatment did not change the poor renal outcome with regard to ESRF. Patients on ACEI therapy had a higher incidence of ESRF compared to those on ATRA (P <0.001). For the control group, the projected number of years-to-ESRF was 10 years. For those on ACEI therapy it was 11 years, and for those on ATRA therapy it was 24 years. Among patients with the II genotype, those treated with ATRA had significantly less incidence of ESRF compared to those treated with ACEI (P <0.001). CONCLUSION ATRA therapy was found to be effective in retarding disease progression to ESRF in IgAN compared to ACEI therapy. Genotyping showed better response to ATRA therapy only for those with the II genotype.
Sarcopenia: Current Concepts and Imaging Implications.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to review the nomenclature, clinical impact, and diagnostic techniques characterizing sarcopenia. CONCLUSION Sarcopenia-defined as significant loss of muscle-is associated with cachexia and frailty. Specific diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia continue to evolve, but imaging can play a role in the detection and quantification of muscle depletion. Emerging evidence indicates that sarcopenia is a relevant predictor of quality and quantity of life, particularly in patients who are elderly, have cancer, or undergo surgery.
Expression of the ompATb operon accelerates ammonia secretion and adaptation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to acidic environments

Homeostasis of intracellular pH is a trait critical for survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in macrophages. However, mechanisms by which M. tuberculosis adapts to acidic environments are poorly understood. In this study, we analysed the physiological functions of OmpATb, a surface‐accessible protein of M. tuberculosis. OmpATb did not complement the permeability defects of a Mycobacterium smegmatis porin mutant to glucose, serine and glycerol, in contrast to the porin MspA. Uptake rates of these solutes were unchanged in an ompATb operon mutant of M. tuberculosis indicating that OmpATb is not a general porin. Chemical analysis of low‐pH culture filtrates showed that the proteins encoded by the ompATb operon are involved in generating a rapid ammonia burst, which neutralized medium pH and preceded exponential growth of M. tuberculosis. Addition of ammonia accelerated growth of the ompATb operon mutant demonstrating that ammonia secretion is indeed a mechanism by which M. tuberculosis neutralizes acidic environments. Infection experiments revealed that the ompATb operon was not required for full virulence in mice suggesting that M. tuberculosis has multiple mechanisms of resisting phagosomal acidification. Taken together, these results show that the ompATb operon is necessary for rapid ammonia secretion and adaptation of M. tuberculosis to acidic environments in vitro but not in mice.