Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of substance use in South Africa: results from the South African Stress and Health study.

BACKGROUND There are limited data on substance use in South Africa. We describe patterns of substance use based on recent, nationally representative data. METHODS Data were derived from the 2002-2004 South African Stress and Health (SASH) study. A nationally representative household probability sample of 4351 adults was interviewed using the paper and pencil version of the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Data are reported for lifetime use, socio-demographic correlates of use, and age of cohort predicting lifetime use for four classes of drugs. RESULTS The estimate for cumulative occurrence of alcohol use was 38.7%, of tobacco smoking 30.0%, of cannabis use 8.4%, of other drug use 2.0%, and of extra-medical psychoactive drug use 19.3%. There were statistically significant associations between male gender and alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other drug use. Coloureds and whites were more likely than blacks to have used alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Clear cohort variations existed in the age of initiation of drug use; these were most marked for other drugs and for extra-medical drug use. Use of all drug types was much more common in recent cohorts, with a similar cumulative incidence of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use across age cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Epidemiological patterns of use for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, other drugs and extra-medical drugs provide the first nationally representative data. New findings on race and exploratory data on time trends provide a foundation for future epidemiological work on drug use patterns across birth cohorts and population subgroups in South Africa.
Influence of array configuration on MIMO channel capacity

A study of the influence of antenna array configuration in the MIMO channel performances has been carried out. Two cases (4times4 and 9times9) of MIMO schemes have been taken into account including polarization in the channel model (SCM). For each case, several configurations have been evaluated, including linear, bidimensional and circular arrays. Results show that for limited space in one axis in the transmitter or the receiver, rectangular and circular array offer better performances. This is quite interesting for base stations even user terminals antenna arrays. In this study dipoles have been used, although other types of antennas based on PIFAs [4] are currently being evaluated and measured.
Correlation between Serum Metal Ion Levels and Adverse Local Tissue Reactions after Conserve® plus Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty

Background Adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR) have been associated with the use of metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings and the monitoring of cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) ion levels in blood or serum may be the best way to evaluate in vivo the wear of these bearings. However, the relationship between Co and Cr ion concentrations and the formation of ALTR remains unclear. Methods We investigated the relationship between ALTR and serum Co and Cr ion levels and identified the clinical factors influencing the formation of ALTR in patients treated with MoM hip resurfacing arthroplasties. 228 patients with unilateral Conserve® Plus MoM hip resurfacing had serum metal ion studies performed more than 1 year after surgery. Metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MARS MRI) was performed on subjects at risk for ALTR as determined by a screening protocol. Results 12 patients had ALTR. Logistic regression showed a strong association of ALTR with elevated ion levels and with low (<10 mm) contact patch to rim distance. Conclusions MoM bearings require enough functional coverage of the socket by design and then precise implantation to maximise functional coverage of the femoral ball, enhance lubrication, and avoid edge-loading wear.
Effect of Subinhibitory Concentrations of Antibiotics on Intrachromosomal Homologous Recombination in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Subinhibitory concentrations of some antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, have been reported to stimulate mutation and, consequently, bacterial adaptation to different stresses, including antibiotic pressure. In Escherichia coli, this stimulation is mediated by alternative DNA polymerases induced via the SOS response. Sublethal concentrations of the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin have been shown to stimulate recombination between divergent sequences in E. coli. However, the effect of ciprofloxacin on recombination between homologous sequences and its SOS dependence have not been studied. Moreover, the possible effects of other antibiotics on homologous recombination remain untested. The aim of this work was to study the effects of sublethal concentrations of ciprofloxacin and 10 additional antibiotics, including different molecular families with different molecular targets, on the rate of homologous recombination of DNA in E. coli. The antibiotics tested were ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, imipenem, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, gentamicin, rifampin (rifampicin), trimethoprim, fosfomycin, and colistin. Our results indicate that only ciprofloxacin consistently stimulates the intrachromosomal recombinogenic capability of homologous sequences in E. coli. The ciprofloxacin-based stimulation occurs at concentrations and times that apparently do not dramatically compromise the viability of the whole population, and it is dependent on RecA and partially dependent on SOS induction. One of the main findings of this work is that, apart from quinolone antibiotics, none of the most used antibiotics, including trimethoprim (a known inducer of the SOS response), has a clear side effect on homologous recombination in E. coli. In addition to the already described effects of some antibiotics on mutagenicity, DNA transfer, and genetic transformability in naturally competent species, the effect of increasing intrachromosomal recombination of homologous DNA sequences can be uniquely ascribed to fluoroquinolones, at least for E. coli.
Prospective evaluation of anxiety sensitivity in the pathogenesis of panic: replication and extension.

Increasing evidence suggests that anxiety sensitivity (AS) may be a premorbid risk factor for the development of anxiety pathology. The principal aim of this study was to replicate and extend a previous longitudinal study evaluating whether AS acts as a vulnerability factor in the pathogenesis of panic (N. Schmidt, D. Lerew, & R. Jackson, 1997). A large nonclinical sample of young adults (N = 1,296) was prospectively followed over a 5-week, highly stressful period of time (i.e., military basic training). Consistent with the authors' initial study, AS predicted the development of spontaneous panic attacks after controlling for a history of panic attacks and trait anxiety, and AS was found to possess symptom specificity with respect to anxiety versus depression symptoms. AS 1st-order factors differentially predicted panic attacks, with the Mental Concerns factor being the best predictor of panic in this sample.
The Entrepreneurial Multiplier Effect

Since the Keynesian revolution in economics, a standard part of the profession’s analytical framework, and an argument for government support for investment, has been the multiplier concept. This classical multiplier works through consumption in an equilibrium model. Our contention is that there is also an entrepreneurial multiplier that works directly through investment by incentivizing or forcing investments in innovation in a dynamic, disequilibrium model. These investments have been analyzed as “spill-overs,” or responses to “bottlenecks,” or Schumpeterian examples of emulation. We suggest that the surges of innovation in capitalism were even broader than Schumpeter did, and that they can best be explored using a multiplier paradigm. We start that exploration by briefly examining selected patterns of entrepreneurship in the first, second, and third industrial revolutions. Our emphasis is on the sequences of innovations; the manner in which they are multiplied; and their economic, cultural, and political consequences. We delve into the first Industrial Revolution in New England and in Lombardy, Italy; the second Industrial Revolution in the United States and France, and the third Industrial Revolution in America and Europe. In all three of these dramatic capitalist transitions, there is evidence of the entrepreneurial multiplier at work, broadening, deepening, and extending the impact of the major innovations.
Multi-threading elliptic curve cryptosystems

Elliptic Curve Cryptosystems (ECC) is being widely used in cryptographic systems due to its unique security features. In many cases, ECC had also been crafted onto specialized processor for performance reason. However, building a specialized ECC processor is not only time consuming but also costly. Therefore, from the cost-effectiveness point of view, the software approach of ECC in a multiprocessing environment is indeed more attractive, especially with the recent development in multi-core processors. The main objective of this research is therefore to implement identified parallel mathematical algorithms in multi-threading environment to support the development of ECC in software. Two parallel mathematical algorithms, Karatsuba and Montgomery, are incorporated and tested for point multiplication in Elliptic Curve (EC) algorithm to achieve high performance in execution for on-the-shelf multi-core architecture processors.
Interconversion between distinct gating pathways of the high threshold calcium channel in rat ventricular myocytes.

1. High‐voltage‐activated Ca2+ current (ICa) waveforms in adult rat ventricular myocytes comprise two components, referred to here as ICa(fc) and ICa(sc) to denote the fast and slow components, respectively, of ICa decay. At all test potentials, the two time constants of ICa decay, tau fc and tau sc, differ by approximately an order of magnitude. Neither tau fc nor tau sc varies appreciably with test potential, however, suggesting that current inactivation is not markedly voltage dependent. 2. Current activation at all test potentials follows a sigmoidal time course and is best described by a power function with n = 4. Deactivation of the currents, examined following variable length depolarizations to various test potentials, however, follows a single exponential time course. In addition, the kinetics of activation and deactivation of ICa(fc) and ICa(sc) are indistinguishable. 3. Although both begin to activate at approximately ‐30 mV, the voltage dependences of ICa(fc) and ICa(sc) are distinct: ICa(fc) peaks at ‐10 mV and ICa(sc) peaks at +10 mV. 4. The relative amplitudes of ICa(fc) and ICa(sc) vary with the holding potential from which the currents are evoked and with the frequency of current activation: hyperpolarized holding potentials and low stimulation frequencies reveal preferential activation of ICa(fc), whereas depolarized holding potentials and high stimulation frequencies potentiate ICa(sc). In addition, the observed voltage‐ and frequency‐dependent changes in ICa(fc) and ICa(sc) amplitudes are reciprocal. 5. The apparent voltage dependences of steady‐state inactivation of ICa(fc) and ICa(sc) are also distinct. ICa(fc) is reduced to approximately 50% of its maximal amplitude at ‐45 mV, whereas ICa(sc) is approximately 50% inactivated at ‐30 mV. 6. Recovery of ICa(peak) from steady‐state inactivation follows a complex time course. Following inactivation at ‐10 mV, ICa(peak) recovers at ‐90 mV to its maximal value over a biexponential time course; ICa(peak) then decreases over the next several seconds to a steady‐state level. 7. The time course of recovery from steady‐state inactivation of ICa(fc) at ‐90 mV is best described by the sum of two exponentials; the two time constants of recovery differ by approximately a factor of 25. ICa(sc), in contrast, recovers rapidly and over a single exponential time course to its maximal value. When the recovery time at ‐90 mV is increased, however, ICa(sc) amplitude decreases slowly and over a single exponential time course to a steady‐state level. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Factors associated with fruit and vegetable consumption among adults.

BACKGROUND The higher consumption of fruit and vegetables is considered to be an indicator of healthy eating and the protective effects of fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption for noncommunicable diseases have been investigated extensively. The present study aimed to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), health behaviours and socio-demographic factors among adult Canadians. METHODS This analysis was based on the information from the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 3.1. Daily intake of fruit and vegetables from a total number of 15,512 apparently healthy individuals, aged 18-64 years, were assessed using a structured questionnaire, which included 20 questions on the frequency of consumption of different types of fruit and vegetables. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the association between FVI and some socio-economic factors and lifestyle behaviour among adult Canadians. RESULTS In total 77% of Canadian adults consumed fruit and vegetables less than five times per day. Females were more likely to consume more fruit [odds ratio (OR) 2.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75-2.4], vegetables (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.65-2.29) and FV (OR 2.52; 95% CI 2.20-2.90) than males. Single/never married individuals, individuals with higher levels of education, never smokers, former drinkers and older people reported more consumption of fruit and vegetables than others. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in the present study indicate an association between FVI and some socio-economic and healthy lifestyle behaviours, and that a substantial gap exists between the recommended level and the actual intake of the FV among the Canadian population. Because a higher intake of FV improves public health, it is imperative to tailor nutrition education at the individual and community levels in Canadian populations.
Increased Activation of Ras in Psoriatic Lesions

Ras functions as an essential upstream regulator of growth-factor-receptor-coupled signal transduction pathways. Ras is converted from an inactive GDP-bound state to an active GTP-bound state in response to receptor activation. Thus, the ratio of GTP/GDP bound to Ras is a measure of its state of activation. Mutations that stabilize the GTP-bound form of Ras result in constitutive activation and cellular transformation. The most widely used method for measuring Ras activation utilizes [32P]PO4 to label cellular nucleotide pools and is therefore limited to use with cultured cells. We have modified and adapted an enzyme-based method for rapid, precise measurement of Ras-bound GTP and GDP in normal and psoriatic human skin. This method does not require radiolabeling of cellular nucleotides. In cultured fibroblasts, the enzymatic and [32P]PO4 incorporation methods yielded similar results. Application of the enzymatic method to human skin revealed that 6% of Ras was in the active GTP-bound state in normal skin, compared to 15.4% of Ras in psoriatic lesions. The total amount of Ras normalized to protein content was similar in normal and psoriatic skin. Enhanced activation of Ras is likely a critical mediator of the increased cell growth characteristic of psoriatic lesions.
Quantitative light microscopic detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in stool specimens: a longitudinal study of human immunodeficiency virus-infected microsporidiosis patients

The clinical course of microsporidiosis caused by Enterocytozoon bieneusi and the pattern of intestinal shedding of spores have not been correlated, at least in part because detection of E. bieneusi in stools is more difficult than detection of other protozoa because of its smaller size and less intense staining. We examined with a modified trichrome stain 124 stool specimens collected over a 2-year follow-up period from 23 human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with electron microscopic-proven E. bieneusi infection and correlated the results with electron microscopic observations from duodenal biopsy specimens taken at the beginning of the study period. E. bieneusi was detected in the stool at least once in 74% (17 of 23) of all patients, in 100% (9 of 9) of patients in whose tissue moderate or abundant numbers of parasites were seen, and in 57% (8 of 14) of patients in whose tissue few parasites were seen. In two patients with abundant tissue parasites, many microsporidia were detected in every stool specimen (13 of 13) during the follow-up period, whereas among the patients with few tissue parasites, only 23% (15 of 64) of stool specimens were positive. Furthermore, if spore stages as well as plasmodial stages were detected in tissue, stool specimens were more likely to be positive. Although most of the heavily infected stools were from patients with chronic diarrhea, microsporidia were detected in 33, 28, and 42% of stool specimens from patients with nil, intermittent, and chronic diarrhea patterns, respectively. Although quantitation of E. bieneusi spores in stool specimens was closely correlated with quantitation in tissue, it was not correlated with reported patterns of diarrhea.
Games for Change: The Emerging Role of Social Media and Gaming Tools in EIA & SEA Public Consultation

According to Zhang [1], public participation can make positive contributions to the quality of the EIA as well as the associated decisions made upon, if the public is effectively engaged in the process. From paper reports to their digital version on the web, from 2D graphics to 3D interactive tools, the proponents have been using information & communication technology (ICT) to inform, consult and organize the public, particularly when the proposed projects, plans and policies are contentious. Entering the era of a networked society, this paper discusses how the ways of communication are changing with the use of social media and gaming tools to facilitate public participation in EIA & SEA.
Biological and ultrastructural properties of acelagraft, a freeze-dried γ-irradiated human amniotic membrane.

OBJECTIVES To compare the biological and ultrastructural properties of a commercially available decellularized and dehydrated human amniotic membrane (DDHAM) product with cryopreserved human amniotic membrane (CHAM) and to demonstrate the feasibility of DDHAM transplant in a case of chronic ocular surface disease. METHODS Histologic examination, immunohistochemical examination for extracellular matrix molecules and growth factors, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were performed on both DDHAM and CHAM specimens. A DDHAM transplant was performed in a patient with chronic bullous keratopathy and ocular surface instability. RESULTS Histologic examination and transmission electron microscopy revealed the disruption of the trilaminar structure of the basement membrane compared with CHAM, and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the loss of collagen IV and VII, laminin, and fibronectin in DDHAM. Lower levels of several growth factors were also seen in DDHAM compared with CHAM. Clinical transplant of DDHAM was, however, successful, with rapid reepithelialization. CONCLUSION Significant differences in composition and ultrastructure exist between DDHAM and CHAM but do not appear to compromise cell survival in vivo. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The ease of storage and handling of DDHAM make it potentially valuable in ocular surface surgery, but its biological properties have not been well characterized, and there are also few data on its clinical application.
Morphological variations of papillary muscles in the mitral valve complex in human cadaveric hearts.

INTRODUCTION Papillary muscle rupture and dysfunction can lead to complications of prolapsed mitral valve and mitral regurgitation. Multiple operative procedures of the papillary muscles, such as resection, repositioning and realignment, are carried out to restore normal physiological function. Therefore, it is important to know both the variations and the normal anatomy of papillary muscles. METHODS This study was carried out on 116 human cadaveric hearts. The left ventricles were opened along the left border in order to view the papillary muscles. The number, shape, position and pattern of the papillary muscles were observed. RESULTS In this series, the papillary muscles were mostly found in groups instead of in twos, as is described in standard textbooks. Four different shapes of papillary muscles were identified - conical, broad-apexed, pyramidal and fan-shaped. We also discovered various patterns of papillary muscles. CONCLUSION No two mitral valve complexes have the same architectural arrangement. Each case seems to be unique. Therefore, it is important for scientists worldwide to study the variations in the mitral valve complex in order to ascertain the reason behind each specific architectural arrangement. This will enable cardiothoracic surgeons to tailor the surgical procedures according to the individual papillary muscle pattern.
Overexpression of the insulin‐like growth factor I receptor in human colon carcinomas

High concentrations of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I and IGF‐II have been demonstrated in human colonic adenocarcinomas and exert mitogenic effects through paracrine/autocrine interactions with the IGF‐I receptor (IGF‐IR). However, definitive studies of IGF‐IR expression in these tissues have not been performed.
Barriers to work for Incapacity Benefit claimants in Wales.

Within the context of New Labour employment policies for Incapacity Benefit (IB) claimants, this paper discusses the UK-wide literature on barriers to work for disabled people. It is demonstrated that four main barriers to work among IB claimants can be identified in the literature: employment practices, employability, health and policy failure. This paper shows how these themes apply in Wales, using qualitative research data from four of the Pathways to Work areas. Additionally, this paper provides a commentary on ways in which the Welsh Government can provide support in order to reduce the impact of these barriers.
Protein 4.1R-dependent multiprotein complex: New insights into the structural organization of the red blood cell membrane

Protein 4.1R (4.1R) is a multifunctional component of the red cell membrane. It forms a ternary complex with actin and spectrin, which defines the nodal junctions of the membrane-skeletal network, and its attachment to the transmembrane protein glycophorin C creates a bridge between the protein network and the membrane bilayer. We now show that deletion of 4.1R in mouse red cells leads to a large diminution of actin accompanied by extensive loss of cytoskeletal lattice structure, with formation of bare areas of membrane. Whereas band 3, the preponderant transmembrane constituent, and proteins known to be associated with it are present in normal or increased amounts, glycophorin C is missing and XK, Duffy, and Rh are much reduced in the 4.1R-deficient cells. The inference that these are associated with 4.1R was borne out by the results of in vitro pull-down assays. Furthermore, whereas Western blot analysis showed normal levels of band 3 and Kell, flow cytometric analysis using an antibody against the extracellular region of band 3 or Kell revealed reduction of these two proteins, suggesting a conformational change of band 3 and Kell epitopes. Taken together, we suggest that 4.1R organizes a macromolecular complex of skeletal and transmembrane proteins at the junctional node and that perturbation of this macromolecular complex not only is responsible for the well characterized membrane instability but may also remodel the red cell surface.