Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Self-Image of Male Nursing Students in Hong Kong

The image of male nurses is closely related to the development of a female-driven nursing occupation. As a minority group in the nursing industry, male nursing students may have a negative self-image in their learning and clinical practicum. This may affect their psychological health and mental status. This study explored the positive and negative self-image of male nursing students. Eighteen participants were recruited from a local nurse-training institute. The participants were undergraduate bachelor’s and master’s students of nursing. The experience and opinions of the participants were collected by multiple methods. The participants’ drawings and audio diaries representing their self-image as nurses were collected in advance of a discussion of ideas raised in the focus group interview. The findings were categorized into three themes: (a) self-roles, functions, and identities; (b) awareness of gender differences; and (c) the future of professional development. The findings of this study provide information on the nurse role, identity, gender differences, and professional development of male nursing students, which will drive the direction of the development of a positive image for male nurses in the future.
Analgesic tolerance to morphine is regulated by PPARγ

Opioid drugs are potent analgesics. However, their chronic use leads to the rapid development of tolerance to their analgesic effects and subsequent increase of significant side effects, including drug dependence and addiction. Here, we investigated the role of PPARγ in the development of analgesic tolerance to morphine in mice.
Concise Review: CXCR4/CXCL12 Signaling in Immature Hematopoiesis—Lessons From Pharmacological and Genetic Models

Dominant, although nonexclusive roles of CXCR4 and its chief ligand CXCL12 in bone marrow (BM) retention and preservation of the relative quiescence of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), along with their involvement in human immunodeficiency virus infection, in trafficking of mature hematopoietic cells to sites of inflammation and in orderly migration of nonhematopoietic cells during embryogenesis, explain the significant interest of the scientific community in the mode of action of this receptor–ligand pair. In this focused review, we seek to distil from the large body of information that has become available over the years some of the key findings about the role of CXCR4/CXCL12 in normal immature hematopoiesis. It is hoped that understanding the mechanistic insights gained there from will help generate hypotheses about potential avenues in which cancer/leukemia cell behavior can be modified by interference with this pathway. Stem Cells 2015;33:2391–2399
Interdisciplinary Journal of E-learning and Learning Objects Teaching and Learning with Clickers: Are Clickers Good for Students?

Student response systems (clickers) are becoming very popular in classroom instruction. The majority of the published papers investigate how students feel about clickers. There is limited research regarding clickers' influence on student learning. The purpose of this study is not only to evaluate students' experiences and perceptions about the use of clickers, but also to find out whether they have a positive impact on student learning. Data from student surveys supplemented by exam grades were used to analyze these goals. Students in two undergraduate courses in the spring of 2011 utilized clickers for review and practice question sessions. Overall, students gave high approval ratings for this technology, particularly in increasing their participation and engagement in lectures. We found no significant difference in the class mean final examination scores for students taught with clickers (treatment group) compared to those taught in a traditional class setting (control group). However, the range of final exam scores and final course grades were smaller for the class with clickers compared to the class without clickers. The treatment group had also smaller variances in terms of both final exam scores and final grades which suggest that the spread of their scores was much closer to the mean compared to the class without the clickers. Based on the findings from survey responses, interviews, and analysis of final grades we found that the use of clickers appears to increase student engagement and achievement compared to traditional lecture format instruction. The implications for using clickers to improve active teaching and learning are discussed.
Studies on tribology

In high speed rotating machines such as turbines and generators, vibrations of a rotating shaft often hinder the smooth operation of the machine or even cause failure. Oil whip is one of such vibrations due to oil film action of journal bearing. Its mechanism and preventive method is explained and proposed in this paper. Further theoretical and experimental analyses are made for considering heat generation and temperature rise in hydrodynamic lubrication. The usefulness of the lubrication theory based on the k–ε model is also shown for bearings with high eccentricity ratios. In the latter half of this paper, water lubrication, nitrogen gas lubrication and tribo-coated indium lubrication are shown as new promising methods, and their mechanisms are discussed and the importance of tribo-layer is explained. Some mechanisms of wear are introduced for better understanding of tribo-layer. In the last part of this paper, the mechanisms of generating static friction are shown for the cases of plastic contact and elastic contact, which is the base for understanding the mechanism of initiation of macroscopic sliding.
Statistical mechanical systems on complete graphs, infinite exchangeability, finite extensions and a discrete finite moment problem

We show that a large collection of statistical mechanical systems with quadratically represented Hamiltonians on the complete graph can be extended to infinite exchangeable processes. This includes all ferromagnetic Ising, Potts and Heisenberg models. By de Finetti's theorem, this is equivalent to showing that these probability measures can be expressed as averages of product measures. We provide examples showing that ``ferromagnetism'' is not however in itself sufficient and also study in some detail the Ising model with an additional 3-body interaction. Finally, we study the question of how much the antiferromagnetic Ising model can be extended. In this direction, we obtain sharp asymptotic results via a solution to a new moment problem. We also obtain a ``formula'' for the extension which is valid in many cases.
MxA-dependent inhibition of measles virus glycoprotein synthesis in a stably transfected human monocytic cell line

The alpha/beta (type I) interferon-inducible human MxA protein confers resistance to vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and influenza A virus in MxA-transfected mouse 3T3 cells (3T3/MxA). We investigated the inhibitory effects of the MxA protein on measles virus (MV) and VSV in the human monocytic cell line U937. In transfected U937 clones which constitutively express MxA (U937/MxA), the release of infectious MV and VSV was reduced approximately 100-fold in comparison with control titers. Transcription of VSV was inhibited similar to that observed for 3T3/MxA cells, whereas no difference was detected for MV in the rates of transcription or the levels of MV-specific mRNAs. In contrast, analysis of MV protein expression by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation revealed a significant reduction in the synthesis of MV glycoproteins F and H in U937/MxA cells. These data demonstrate a virus-specific effect of MxA which may, in the case of MV, contribute to the establishment of a persistent infection in human monocytic cells.
Distributional Measures of Semantic Distance: A Survey

The ability to mimic human notions of semantic distance has widespread applications. Some measures rely only on raw text (distributional measures) and some rely on knowledge sources such as WordNet. Although extensive studies have been performed to compare WordNet-based measures with human judgment, the use of distributional measures as proxies to estimate semantic distance has received little attention. Even though they have traditionally performed poorly when compared to WordNet-based measures, they lay claim to certain uniquely attractive features, such as their applicability in resource-poor languages and their ability to mimic both semantic similarity and semantic relatedness. Therefore, this paper presents a detailed study of distributional measures. Particular attention is paid to flesh out the strengths and limitations of both WordNet-based and distributional measures, and how distributional measures of distance can be brought more in line with human notions of semantic distance. We conclude with a brief discussion of recent work on hybrid measures.
Amplicon‐pyrosequencing‐based detection of compositional shifts in bryophyte‐associated fungal communities along an elevation gradient

Although bryophytes are a dominant vegetation component of boreal and alpine ecosystems, little is known about their associated fungal communities. HPLC assays of ergosterol (fungal biomass) and amplicon pyrosequencing of the ITS2 region of rDNA were used to investigate how the fungal communities associated with four bryophyte species changed across an elevational gradient transitioning from conifer forest to the low‐alpine. Fungal biomass and OTU richness associated with the four moss hosts did not vary significantly across the gradient (P > 0.05), and both were more strongly affected by host and tissue type. Despite largely constant levels of fungal biomass, distinct shifts in community composition of fungi associated with Hylocomium, Pleurozium and Polytrichum occurred between the elevation zones of the gradient. This likely is a result of influence on fungal communities by major environmental factors such as temperature, directly or indirectly mediated by, or interacting with, the response of other components of the vegetation (i.e. the dominant trees). Fungal communities associated with Dicranum were an exception, exhibiting spatial autocorrelation between plots, and no significant structuring by elevation. Nevertheless, the detection of distinct fungal assemblages associated with a single host growing in different elevation zones along an elevational gradient is of particular relevance in the light of the ongoing changes in vegetation patterns in boreal and alpine systems due to global climate warming.
New Variants Including ARG1 Polymorphisms Associated with C-Reactive Protein Levels Identified by Genome-Wide Association and Pathway Analysis

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a general marker of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The genetic contribution to differences in CRP levels remains to be explained, especially in non-European populations. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify genetic loci associated with CRP levels in Korean population. We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using SNPs from 8,529 Korean individuals (7,626 for stage 1 and 903 for stage 2). We also performed pathway analysis. We identified a new genetic locus associated with CRP levels upstream of ARG1 gene (top significant SNP: rs9375813, Pmeta = 2.85×10−8), which encodes a key enzyme of the urea cycle counteract the effects of nitric oxide, in addition to known CRP (rs7553007, Pmeta = 1.72×10−16) and HNF1A loci (rs2259816, Pmeta = 2.90×10−10). When we evaluated the associations between the CRP-related SNPs with cardiovascular disease phenotypes, rs9375813 (ARG1) showed a marginal association with hypertension (P = 0.0440). To identify more variants and pathways, we performed pathway analysis and identified six candidate pathways comprised of genes related to inflammatory processes and CVDs (CRP, HNF1A, PCSK6, CD36, and ABCA1). In addition to the previously reported loci (CRP, HNF1A, and IL6) in diverse ethnic groups, we identified novel variants in the ARG1 locus associated with CRP levels in Korean population and a number of interesting genes related to inflammatory processes and CVD through pathway analysis.
Retrospective surveillance of intussusception in South Africa, 1998-2003.

BACKGROUND Intussusception is a common gastrointestinal emergency in children and appears to have a somewhat different clinical spectrum in developing countries. Its etiology is still unclear, but a link to infective agents and viruses has been highlighted. This study aimed to assess the clinical spectrum and prevalence of intussusception in children from the diverse South African population. METHODS Retrospective data were obtained from 9 participating pediatric referral units on the occurrence of intussusception in South African children (<14 years old) during a 6-year period (1998-2003). Results were correlated with national population statistics. Intussusception was anatomically classified into ileoileal, ileocolic, and colocolic types. The clinical features, management, outcome, and possible causes were examined. RESULTS We reviewed the occurrence and clinical spectrum of intussusception in 423 children (age, 0-14 years) presenting with acute intussusception to 9 pediatric surgical centers. The mean duration of symptoms was 1.5 days, but a delayed presentation was common (median delay, 2.3 days). Intussusception occurred throughout the year, with a peak in the summer months. The majority of patients (89%) were <2 years old, and 78% presented at age 3-18 months of age. Crude population estimates indicate an occurrence of 1 case per 3123 population <2 years old. Only 11% of patients presented after 2 years of age, and the age at presentation was significantly lower (P < .05) in black African patients. All ethnic groups were affected. In 84% of patients, intussusception occurred at the ileocolic region junction, in 7% it was ileoileal, and in 9% it was colocolic. Colocolic intussusception appeared more common in black African patients, and associated pathologic conditions (polyps and Burkitt's lymphoma) occurred mainly in older children. Surgical intervention was required in 81% of patients and involved resection of gangrenous bowel in 40%. CONCLUSION Intussusception appears to be a relatively frequent occurrence in children in South Africa. Although the clinical spectrum appears to vary, there is an apparent link to intestinal infection, which requires further investigation. A collaborative approach is required to ascertain the relationship of intussusception to preventable infections and to improve its diagnosis and management.
The joint effect of hOGG1 single nucleotide polymorphism and betel quid chewing on oral cancer in Taiwan.

AIM To evaluate the association and interaction among hOGG1 genotypic polymorphism, betel quid chewing status and oral cancer risk in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS The well-known polymorphic variants of hOGG1, codon 326, were analyzed in association with oral cancer susceptibility, and discussed regarding its joint effect with individual habits on oral cancer susceptibility. In total, 620 patients with oral cancer and 620 healthy controls recruited from the China Medical Hospital were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS The hOGG1 codon 326 genotypes were differently distributed between the oral cancer and control groups (p=0.0266) and the C allele of hOGG1 codon 326 was significantly (p=0.0046) more frequently found in cancer patients than in controls. We further analyzed the joint effects of gene variants and habits on oral cancer risk and found an interaction between hOGG1 codon 326 genotype and betel quid chewing status. The association of the C allele for hOGG1 codon 326 with oral cancer risk was found to be significant only in the betel quid chewer group (p=0.0149), not in the non-chewer group (p=0.8028). CONCLUSION Our results provide evidence that the C allele of hOGG1 codon 326 may have a joint effect with betel quid chewing on the development of oral cancer.
Electrical Characteristics of a Split Cathodal Pacing Configuration

Several electrical configurations can be used for biventricular pacing to achieve cardiac resynchronization. Commercially approved biventricular pacing systems stimulate the RV with an endocardial lead and the LV with a unipolar lead positioned in the cardiac venous circulation using the tip electrodes of both leads linked as a common cathode. The distribution of current with this parallel circuit, split cathodal configuration is dependent on the separate impedances of the two leads. A total of 19 patients with left bundle branch block and congestive heart failure underwent implantation of a cardiac venous lead and standard bipolar right atrial and RV pacing leads. Stimulation thresholds and impedances were measured for the RV and LV in five electrical configurations: (1) unipolar LV from the cardiac venous lead; (2) bipolar LV using the tip electrode in the cardiac vein as the cathode and the ring electrode of the RV lead as the anode; (3) bipolar RV from the RV lead; (4) unipolar split cathodal stimulation of the cardiac venous and RV leads; and (5) bipolar split cathodal stimulation of the cardiac venous and RV leads. Repeat measurements of RV and LV thresholds were made from the pulse generator at 1‐year follow‐up. The LV stimulation threshold increased from 0.7 ± 0.5 V in the unipolar configuration to 1.0 ± 0.8 V in the unipolar split cathodal configuration (P = 0.01) and from 1.0 ± 0.7 V in the bipolar configuration to 1.3 ± 0.9 V in the bipolar split cathodal configuration (P < 0.001). The RV stimulation threshold increased from 0.3 ± 0.2 V in the bipolar configuration to 0.5 ± 0.2 V in the bipolar split cathodal configuration (P = 0.005). The bipolar impedance measured 874 ± 299 Ω for the coronary venous lead, 705 ± 152 for the RV lead, 442 ± 87 in the split unipolar cathodal configuration, and 516 ± 64 in the bipolar split cathodal configuration. At 1‐year follow‐up, the LV stimulation threshold was 1.8 ± 1.6 in the unipolar split cathodal configuration and 2.4 ± 1.6 in the bipolar split cathodal configuration (P = 0.003). The RV stimulation threshold at 1 year was 0.7 ± 0.3 in the unipolar split cathodal configuration and 0.8 ± 0.3 in the bipolar split cathodal configuration (P = 0.02). The split cathodal configuration significantly increases the apparent stimulation threshold for both the LV and the RV as compared with individual stimulation of either chamber alone. Programming to the bipolar split cathodal configuration further increases the apparent stimulation threshold. These observations support the development of pacing systems with separate LV and RV output circuits for resynchronization therapy. (PACE 2003; 26:2264–2271)
Design space analysis for modeling incentives in distributed systems

Distributed systems without a central authority, such as peer-to-peer (P2P) systems, employ incentives to encourage nodes to follow the prescribed protocol. Game theoretic analysis is often used to evaluate incentives in such systems. However, most game-theoretic analyses of distributed systems do not adequately model the repeated interactions of nodes inherent in such systems. We present a game-theoretic analysis of a popular P2P protocol, Bit-Torrent, that models the repeated interactions in such protocols. We also note that an analytical approach for modeling incentives is often infeasible given the complicated nature of most deployed protocols. In order to comprehensively model incentives in complex protocols, we propose a simulation-based method, which we call Design Space Analysis (DSA). DSA provides a tractable analysis of competing protocol variants within a detailed design space. We apply DSA to P2P file swarming systems. With extensive simulations we analyze a wide-range of protocol variants and gain insights into their robustness and performance. To validate these results and to demonstrate the efficacy of DSA, we modify an instrumented BitTorrent client and evaluate protocols discovered using DSA. We show that they yield higher system performance and robustness relative to the reference implementation.
Neuroendocrinology of Song Behavior and Avian Brain Plasticity: Multiple Sites of Action of Sex Steroid Hormones

Seasonal changes in the brain of songbirds are one of the most dramatic examples of naturally occurring neuroplasticity that have been described in any vertebrate species. In males of temperate-zone songbird species, the volumes of several telencephalic nuclei that control song behavior are significantly larger in the spring than in the fall. These increases in volume are correlated with high rates of singing and high concentrations of testosterone in the plasma. Several song nuclei express either androgen receptors or estrogen receptors, therefore it is possible that testosterone acting via estrogenic or androgenic metabolites regulates song behavior by seasonally modulating the morphology of these song control nuclei. However, the causal links among these variables have not been established. Dissociations among high concentrations of testosterone, enlarged song nuclei, and high rates of singing behavior have been observed. Singing behavior itself can promote cellular changes associated with increases in the volume of the song control nuclei. Also, testosterone may stimulate song behavior by acting in brain regions outside of the song control system such as in the preoptic area or in catecholamine cell groups in the brainstem. Thus testosterone effects on neuroplasticity in the song system may be indirect in that behavioral activity stimulated by testosterone acting in sites that promote male sexual behavior could in turn promote morphological changes in the song system.
A Component-Wise Analysis of Constructible Match Cost Functions for Global Stereopsis

Match cost functions are common elements of every stereopsis algorithm that are used to provide a dissimilarity measure between pixels in different images. Global stereopsis algorithms incorporate assumptions about the smoothness of the resulting distance map that can interact with match cost functions in unpredictable ways. In this paper, we present a large-scale study on the relative performance of a structured set of match cost functions within several global stereopsis frameworks. We compare 272 match cost functions that are built from component parts in the context of four global stereopsis frameworks with a data set consisting of 57 stereo image pairs at three different variances of synthetic sensor noise. From our analysis, we infer a set of general rules that can be used to guide derivation of match cost functions for use in global stereopsis algorithms.
Non-H-2 restriction of expression of passively transferred delayed sensitivity

The results of this study of allogeneic restriction of passively transferred delayed sensitivity to Listeria antigens serve to illustrate the complexity of in vivo models. They show that the H-2 restriction observed when delayed-type hypersensitivity was transferred between H-2-congenic strains was no more severe than the restriction observed when delayed-type hypersensitivity was transferred between parental and F1 mice and between different strains sharing the same H-2 haplotype. It is obvious that genes, in addition to those of the H-2 locus, can be responsible for allogeneic restriction in vivo.