Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Childhood Behaviour in Schizophrenia, Personality Disorder, Depression, and Neurosis

Summary Teachers' comments in the childhood school records (grades K-12) of 143 psychiatric patients and their matched controls were coded along 23 bipolar dimensions. Two methods of grouping these scales were compared: rational clusters and factor analysis. Factor analysis yielded more numerous and narrowly defined behavioural groupings. Schizophrenics, personality disorder patients, neurotics, and depressives were compared to their matched controls on each of the cluster and factor scores. Both schizophrenics and personality disordered patients were significantly less agreeable in childhood than their respective controls. Pre-schizophrenics also were significantly more unstable. Depressives were more independent than their controls, while neurotics did not differ significantly in any respect from normals in childhood. The data suggest that schizophrenia may have specific developmental patterns of possible aetiological or early diagnostic significance.
Challenges to Sustainability in the Caribbean Karst

Karst landscapes in the Caribbean cover nearly 130,000km2, more than half the total land area of the region. Approximately 90% of the karst is on the Greater Antilles, with other significant areas in the Bahamas, Anguilla, Antigua, the Cayman Islands, the Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Netherlands Antilles. There is considerable heterogeneity, but the Caribbean contains many “classic” karst landscapes, including cockpits, towers, dry valleys, dolines (sinkholes), blue holes and caves. The karst has played an important role in Caribbean history, as a focus of resistance to colonial power, and as a basis for subsistence agriculture following emancipation and independence, increasingly incorporating commercial agriculture, urbanization and industrial activities, and tourism. Karst landscape provides a critical physical backdrop for many of the Caribbean’s environmental, agricultural, economic and cultural issues, and its sustainability is critical to regional wellbeing. The Caribbean karstlands are challenging to human habitation, since they possess a broad array of natural hazards, such as drought and flooding, but they are also inherently fragile, at risk of degradation and vulnerable to environmental change. Despite this vulnerability to environmental change, under rational management regimes there is no inherent reason why human use should not be sustainable in the long term. Human impacts, however, have been long-term and severe, particularly through destruction of natural vegetation, contamination of water supplies, urbanization and quarrying. The Caribbean karst continues to play important roles locally, nationally and regionally in water supply, mining and quarrying, agriculture, tourism and conservation, all of which represent specific and collective challenges to sustainability of the karst environment. Additionally, sustainability is threatened by the consequences of anthropogenic climatic change, which is predicted to lead to increasing air and water temperatures, rising sea levels and changing weather patterns, including decreasing precipitation totals, and the increasing frequency of extreme events, such as droughts and hurricanes, the effects of all of which will be magnified in the karst, particularly with respect to karst hydrology. Disruption of the karst hydrological cycle may lead to increasing aridity and desertification, with concomitant impacts on ecology and potential land use. Increasing population and economic development will further exacerbate human impacts on the karst landscapes. Climate change and other human impacts will increasingly threaten already at-risk and vulnerable ecosystems and human communities, necessitating integration of climate change parameters and the adoption of appropriate risk management measures. The severity of these impacts may be reduced by appropriate land management and land use planning, which are necessary ingredients for long-term sustainability.
Lars Rohde: Monetary policy, foreign exchange intervention and GDP growth seen rising

Let me first talk about monetary policy. This is an area where the beginning of the year was unusually eventful. The main background factor was the announcement by the Swiss National Bank on 15 January that it would no longer limit the strength of the Swiss franc against the euro. And one week later, on 22 January, the European Central Bank announced an expansion of its programme to purchase government bonds.
Cochlear Hearing Loss in Tympanoplasty

In tympanoplasty, trauma to the cochlea is usually caused by the transmission of vibration induced during the removal of cholesteatoma, granulation tissue, and tympanosclerosis surrounding the ossicular chain. In 100 sequential cases 20 showed evidence of cochlear trauma. Hearing was recovered in 10 of these cases during the immediate postoperative period. In nine the hearing was partially recovered but remained below the preoperative bone-conduction level, and in one there was a total cochlear hearing loss. When the stapes footplate was fractured or dislocated and a perilymphatic fistula developed, profound cochlear hearing loss occurred. This complication usually can be avoided by inspection of the round and oval windows under high magnification and by tissue grafts over the fistula. An unanticipated pathologic fistula of the semicircular canals is another common source of major cochlear damage. Despite all precautions and sometimes without apparent cause, a total cochlear hearing loss may result after a tympanoplasty. Although this is rare, as evidenced by the fact that there were only 15 cases in some 1000 tympanoplasties, before surgery the surgeon must Inform the patient of the risks involved.
Functional neuroimaging studies in posttraumatic stress disorder: review of current methods and findings

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder associated with changes in neural circuitry involving frontal and limbic systems. Altered metabolism in these brain structures after a traumatic event is correlated to PTSD. Developments in the field of neuroimaging have allowed researchers to look at the structural and functional properties of the brain in PTSD. Despite the relative novelty of functional imaging and its application to the field of PTSD, numerous publications have brought to light several of the circuits implied in this disorder. This article summarizes the findings with regard to PTSD in the functional imaging techniques of single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Furthermore, we discuss strengths and weaknesses of the various techniques and studies. Finally, we explore the future potential of functional neuroimaging studies in PTSD. Depression and Anxiety 24:202–218, 2007. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Design of Inquiry Learning Activity Using Wireless and Mobile Technologies

This study aims to design an inquiry learning activity using wireless and mobile technologies for applying to science experiment course in elementary school. The authors provide clues to guide an inquiry learning activity. The inquiry activity comprises six steps, which are providing clues, getting clues, investigating and collecting data, comparing data, integrating clues, and verifying answer. The inquiry activity includes individual and group inquiry. Students use clues to find out plants having the same clue, and use embedded digital camera to take photos on the characteristic of plants based on the clue. When students came back to the classroom, they can discuss with group members using the data they collected outdoor. Based on the design, a mobile inquiry-based learning system was implemented for science experiment course. The system modules include Web services and inquiry function modules. The Web services function module consists of communication, record, and management functions. The inquiry function module consists of template download, data upload, and inquiry plant functions. Finally, a preliminary study was conducted to observe students' learning status
Immediate Bone Grafting and Plating of the Radial Osteocutaneous Free Flap Donor Site

BackgroundThe primary shortcoming of the osteocutaneous radial forearm flap (ORFF) in head and neck reconstruction is the high incidence of fracture at the donor site. Although several prophylactic measures are reported, combined plating with iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) of the donor site has not been previously described. Outcomes and rationale for this method of radius reconstruction are described. MethodsRetrospective review of a prospectively maintained database identified 23 consecutive patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction using an ORFF. Flap features, method of donor-site reconstruction, and complications were evaluated. ResultsThe initial 7 patients from the series had no intervention at the radius donor site. The next 7 patients had ICBG only, whereas the final 9 patients had both plating and ICBG placed at the donor site. The mean cross-sectional diameter and length of radius bone harvested was 30% by 7 cm, 33% by 8 cm, and 53% by 9 cm for the 3 groups, respectively. Fracture rates for the 3 groups were 29%, 14%, and 0%. There were no iliac crest donor-site complications. ConclusionsPlating combined with ICBG is a safe and effective method for radius donor-site reconstruction. This technique maximizes both early and late strength of the radius while allowing for harvest of greater segments of bone. Decreased donor-site morbidity combined with more bone available for use in oromandibular reconstruction may tip the risk-benefit scale in favor of more widespread ORFF use.
Alzheimer's Dementia and Binding to Alpha2 Adrenoreceptors in Platelets

Seventy‐five patients with probable Alzheimer's disease were screened for binding of alpha2 receptors (A2R) to their platelet membranes; the results were compared with 51 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Receptor binding assays were performed using [3H] Yohimbine as the radioligand. The results showed a higher binding capacity in the demented population as compared to the control group (2.18 ± 0.15 fmol/mg protein, as compared to 1.73 ± 0.13, P < 0.03). This increased binding to platelets in the demented patients was more prominent in demented females: 34% higher binding as compared with female controls (2.06 ± 0.5 vs 1.54 ± 0.04). The difference between demented and normal males was less (2.34 ± 0.05 vs 1.88 ± 0.05). The results indicate an involvement of the A2R system, either primarily or secondarily, in the disease process. Since there is an overlap between results from the patients with Alzheimer's disease and the normal subjects, A2R may serve as only a supportive marker for Alzheimer's disease.
An integrated conceptual model for predicting behavioral learning triggered by video-game engagement: A mediating role of observational learning

This study proposes a conceptual model that could predict how customers' engagement in video games influences them to learn through observing the models shown in the video games, which further impacts behavioral learning. This study reviews the stimulus response theory and observational learning theory, and draws an integrated conceptual model. This model theorizes that customers learn from observation of models portrayed in the video games triggered by their engagement in video games, which influences customers' behavioral learning. Propositions were also drawn on the basis of proposed model. This study is conceptual in nature and another subsequent study is required to validate the study propositions. This study contributes in the following domains; (a) stimulus response theory, especially in S-O-R paradigm by introducing factors affecting organism (O) in video game studies, (b) observational learning processes are integrated in S-O-R model as organism (O) that mediates the relationship between video-game engagement and behavioral learning, (c) customer engagement definition is being adopted in video game studies to theorize how customers' engagement in video games influences the observer to learn the behavior. This conceptual model will be very helpful in predicting various forms of learning through observation of the models, including a new pattern of behavior, judgmental-standards, cognitive-competencies, strengthen or weaken the existing behavior and generative guidelines for producing a new form of behavior.
Millimeter-Wave Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic Leaky-Wave Antenna and Array Based on the Substrate Integrated Image Guide Technology

A substrate integrated image guide (SIIG) transmission line is realized based on the low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. Compared with other existed SIIGs, this configuration not only offers simplicity in designing procedures, but also provides better fabrication reliability. Due to its extremely low loss, this type of SIIG can be applied in millimeter-wave high-efficiency antenna designs. A V-band periodic leaky-wave antenna fed by a coplanar-waveguide (CPW) and a W-band single-port periodic leaky-wave antenna fed by a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) are developed in this paper. Then, eight W-band antennas are grouped as an array, which is fed by a WR-10 waveguide through an SIW divider. Experimental results validate our analysis and design.
An extend dependency matrix generation method using structure information

The application of dependency matrix in aircraft testability modeling and PHM design is analyzed, and the real-time fault diagnosis principles by tests based on dependency matrix are described. Aiming at the situation that each fault is commonly associated with many tests in the dependency matrix of a system, the definition of an extend dependency matrix and its generation method based on structure information are proposed. The main steps of this method include establishing the structure information for a system, defining extend fault and test, analyzing the correlations between faults and tests which come from different structure, and generating an extend dependency matrix which is formed by three values in {0, 1, ×}. An airborne system is taken as an application example, and the result shows that extend dependency matrix can effectively reduce the number of tests monitored in fault diagnoses.
Oxidized low‐density and high‐density lipoproteins regulate the production of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and ‐9 by activated monocytes

Monocytes/macrophages are prominent in atherosclerotic plaques where the vascular remodeling and plaque rupture may be influenced by the lipids and cytokines at these sites. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of factors found within the vascular wall, such as cytokines, oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), on monocyte‐derived matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) and ‐9 (MMP‐9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1). ox‐LDL, LDL, and HDL alone had no effect on MMP‐1, MMP‐9, or TIMP‐1 production. However, in the presence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and GM‐CSF, ox‐LDL enhanced MMP‐1 significantly by two‐ to threefold, increased MMP‐9 slightly, and had no effect on TIMP‐1 production. In contrast, HDL suppressed the induction of MMP‐1 by TNF‐α and GM‐CSF as well as the ox‐LDL‐mediated increase in MMP‐1 production. The enhancement of MMP‐1 production by ox‐LDL occurred through, in part, a prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)‐dependent pathway as indomethacin suppressed and PGE2 restored MMP‐1 production. This conclusion was supported further by ox‐LDL‐mediated increases in PGE2 and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) production. These data suggest that the interaction of primary monocytes with ox‐LDL and proinflammatory cytokines may contribute to vascular remodeling and plaque rupture.
Association of the cyclin D1 gene G870A polymorphism with susceptibility to sporadic renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE Cyclin D1 (CCND1) mRNA is alternatively spliced to produce 2 transcripts (transcript-a and transcript-b), which may be modulated by a G870A single nucleotide polymorphism at the conserved splice donor site of exon 4. Previous studies have suggested a significant association between the CCND1 genotype and the development of various cancers. We explored the possible association between this polymorphism and the onset or disease statue of sporadic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS The CCND1 G870A genotype was determined in 191 RCC cases and in 400 controls by polymerase chain reaction restriction length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS Subjects with the AA genotype were at 1.70-fold significant higher risk for RCC than those with the GG genotype (age and sex adjusted OR 1.70, 95% 95% CI 1.03 to 2.82, p = 0.039). In addition, the A allele had a gene dose effect in increasing the risk of RCC (adjusted OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.67, p = 0.045). For tumor stage no significant difference in genotype frequency was found (p = 0.646). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the CCND1 variant A allele may be a genetic susceptibility factor with a recessive or gene dose effect for the onset of sporadic RCC. More extensive and larger studies are required to clarify whether the CCND1 genotype is more specifically involved in the onset of a histological subset of RCC or RCC at a younger age.
Rapid virologic response: a new milestone in the management of chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND Rapid virologic response (RVR), defined as an undetectable serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA level at week 4 of treatment, is emerging as an important milestone in the treatment of patients who have chronic hepatitis C by use of pegylated interferon-alfa and ribavirin--the current standard of care. This assessment is being used to individualize treatment duration, which is currently recommended as 48 weeks in patients infected with HCV genotype 1 (G1) and 24 weeks in those infected with HCV G2 or G3. METHODS We collated information from studies including assessment of HCV RNA level at week 4, specifically highlighting the relationship between RVR and other predictors of treatment outcome and the manner in which RVR can be used to optimize treatment outcomes for specific patient groups. RESULTS The role of RVR in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C varies according to viral genotype. Among patients with HCV G2/G3 infection, several studies have shown that shortening the treatment duration to 12-16 weeks is effective among those who attain RVR. In contrast, RVR may be used as an indicator for both shortened and extended treatment durations among patients with HCV G1 infection. HCV G1-infected patients with low baseline viral load who attain RVR may be effectively treated for 24 weeks, whereas patients who do not attain RVR may be candidates for an extended 72-week regimen. CONCLUSIONS RVR is rapidly becoming a new tool for predicting treatment outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C and represents a key opportunity to individualize therapy according to treatment-related viral kinetics.
Combined effects of treatment with vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium on the skin of diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium (Se) on the skin tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Swiss albino rats were divided into four groups: control, control + antioxidants, diabetic, diabetic + antioxidants groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin. Vitamin C (250 mg/kg), vitamin E (250 mg/kg) and Se (0.2 mg/kg) were given by gavage technique to rats of one diabetic and one control group for 30 days. In the diabetic group, the levels of serum urea and creatinine, skin lipid peroxidation and nonenzymatic glycosylation levels increased, but skin glutathione levels decreased. Treatment with vitamin C, vitamin E and Se reversed these effects. The present study showed that vitamin C, vitamin E and Se exerted antioxidant effects and consequently may prevent skin damage caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes.
The perceptual richness of complex memory episodes is compromised by medial temporal lobe damage

Perceptual richness, a defining feature of episodic memory, emerges from the reliving of multimodal sensory experiences. Although the importance of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) to episodic memory retrieval is well documented, the features that determine its engagement are not well characterized. The current study assessed the relationship between MTL function and episodic memory's perceptual richness. We designed a laboratory memory task meant to capture the complexity of memory for life episodes, while manipulating memory's perceptual content. Participants encoded laboratory episodes with rich (film clips) and impoverished (written narratives) perceptual content that were matched for other characteristics such as personal significance, emotionality and story content. At retrieval, participants were probed to describe the stories' perceptual features and storyline. Participants also recalled autobiographical memories (AMs) in a comparison condition. We compared the performance of patients with unilateral medial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) and healthy controls to assess how damage to the MTL affects retrieval in these conditions. We observed an overall decrease in detail count in the mTLE group, along with a disproportionate deficit in perceptual details that was most acute in the AM and the perceptually enriched film clip conditions. Our results suggest that the impaired sense of reliving the past that accompanies MTL insult is mediated by a paucity of perceptual episodic memory details. We also introduce a new protocol that successfully mimics naturalistic memories while benefiting from the experimental control provided by using laboratory stimuli. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
STRUCTURE OF PUBLIC FINANCES: Historical Perspectives and Future Prospects

In developing countries fiscal policy is designed to increase economic growth, to reduce inflation and budget deficit. The international comparison of performance of macroeconomic variables shows that the performance of Pakistanâ€™s fiscal policy has been satisfactory over the last thirty years in achieving economic growth and maintaining a low price level. However, fiscal policy conspicuously failed to keep the level of budget deficit at manageable levels. During the last decade the government has started implementing suggestions of the IMF/World Bank for Tax Reforms. This paper shows that if the trend of existing reforms is not altered altogether, the advantages of fiscal policy regarding economic growth and inflation will disappear which might damage the economic plan of the government for the year 2010.
Differences in US Adult Dietary Patterns by Food Security Status

Dietary patterns and food security is considered in four ways: Healthy Eating Index (HEI), food category consumption patterns, energy/macronutrient contributions of food categories, and sub-category caloric intake accounting for consumption patterns. 2005–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data were grouped by What We Eat in America food sub-categories. Of the 20,363 adults, 14,592 were high (71.7%), 2,125 marginal (10.4%), 2,317 low (11.4%), and 1,329 very low food secure (6.5%). High food secure adults have higher HEI in total and each sub-measure (including refined grains and empty calories). Consumption frequency in most food categories declines with food insecurity. As food insecurity deepens so more energy and carbohydrates are attributable to nonalcoholic beverages. Evidence of the negative dietary impact of sweetened beverages in particular for food insecure adults is presented. Very few differences in dietary patterns emerge, suggesting broad societal level policy combined with targeted sub-category and nutrition education initiatives.