Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physician perceptions of blood pressure control in patients with chronic kidney disease and target blood pressure achievement rate

Background Blood pressure (BP) control is the most-established method for the prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. However, the ideal BP target for CKD patients is still under debate. Methods We performed a survey of regular registered members of the Korean Society of Nephrology to determine physician perceptions of BP control in patients with CKD. In addition, we evaluated the target BP achievement rate using data from the APrODiTe-2 study. Results Two-thirds of physicians considered the target BP for CKD to be < 130/85 mmHg. The systolic BP (SBP) thresholds for diabetic CKD, proteinuria ≥ 300 mg/day, 30 ≤ glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, age < 60 years, and the presence of atherosclerotic (ASO) complications were significantly lower than the SBP thresholds of the opposite parameters. The three major hurdles to controlling BP were non-compliance with lifestyle modification and medications, and self-report of well-controlled home BP. Most physicians prescribed home and ambulatory BP monitoring to less than 50% of their patients. The target BP achievement rates using the SBP thresholds in this survey were as follows: non-diabetic (69.3%); diabetic (29.5%); proteinuria < 300 mg/day (72.3%); proteinuria > 300 mg/day (33.7%); GFR ≥ 60 (76.4%); GFR < 30 (47.8%); no evidence of ASO (67.8%); and the presence of ASO (42.9%). Conclusion The target BP was lower in patients with higher cerebro-cardiovascular risks. These patient groups also showed lower target BP achievement rates. We also found a relatively lower application and clinical reflection rate of home or ambulatory BP monitoring.
A Capacitor-Less CMOS Active Feedback Low-Dropout Regulator With Slew-Rate Enhancement for Portable On-Chip Application

A low-dropout regulator for on-chip application with active feedback and a slew-rate enhancement circuit to minimize compensation capacitance and speed up transient response is presented in this brief. The idea has been modeled and experimentally verified in a standard 0.35-¿m CMOS process. The total compensation capacitance is 7 pF. From experimental results, the implemented regulator can operate from a supply voltage of 1.8-4.5 V with a minimum dropout voltage of 0.2 V at a maximum 100-mA load and I Q of 20 ¿A.
Nitrogen shuttling between neurons and glial cells during glutamate synthesis

The relationship between neuronal glutamate turnover, the glutamate/glutamine cycle and de novo glutamate synthesis was examined using two different model systems, freshly dissected rat retinas ex vivo and in vivo perfused rat brains. In the ex vivo rat retina, dual kinetic control of de novo glutamate synthesis by pyruvate carboxylation and transamination of α‐ketoglutarate to glutamate was demonstrated. Rate limitation at the transaminase step is likely imposed by the limited supply of amino acids which provide the α‐amino group to glutamate. Measurements of synthesis of 14C‐glutamate and of 14C‐glutamine from H14CO3 have shown that 14C‐amino acid synthesis increased 70% by raising medium pyruvate from 0.2 to 5 mm. The specific radioactivity of 14C‐glutamine indicated that ∼30% of glutamine was derived from 14CO2 fixation. Using gabapentin, an inhibitor of the cytosolic branched‐chain aminotransferase, synthesis of 14C‐glutamate and 14C‐glutamine from H14CO3− was inhibited by 31%. These results suggest that transamination of α‐ketoglutarate to glutamate in Müller cells is slow, the supply of branched‐chain amino acids may limit flux, and that branched‐chain amino acids are an obligatory source of the nitrogen required for optimal rates of de novo glutamate synthesis. Kinetic analysis suggests that the glutamate/glutamine cycle accounts for 15% of total neuronal glutamate turnover in the ex vivo retina. To examine the contribution of the glutamate/glutamine cycle to glutamate turnover in the whole brain in vivo, rats were infused intravenously with H14CO3−. 14C‐metabolites in brain extracts were measured to determine net incorporation of 14CO2 and specific radioactivity of glutamate and glutamine. The results indicate that 23% of glutamine in the brain in vivo is derived from 14CO2 fixation. Using published values for whole brain neuronal glutamate turnover, we calculated that the glutamate/glutamine cycle accounts for ∼60% of total neuronal turnover. Finally, differences between glutamine/glutamate cycle rates in these two model systems suggest that the cycle is closely linked to neuronal activity.
Automatic prosodic disorders analysis for impaired communication children

This paper is devoted to the study of a pseudo-phonetic approach to characterize prosodic disorders of children with impaired communication skills. To this purpose, we have designed with the help of the clinicians’ staff a database containing autistic children. Another database with non disordered speech is used as a control one. Concerning the characterization of the prosodic disorders, we extract the features from phonemic units such as vowels. These segments are provided by a pseudo-phonetic speech segmentation phase combined with a vowel detector. Since the pseudo-phonetic segments convey a lot of prosodic features, such as duration and rhythm, many differentiations can be made between children from the two studied databases. As a conclusion, correlations between prosodic particularities got in this study and those described in the literature are given.
Paid work, education and competence. Social workers’ interviews with male and female clients applying for income support

This article contributes to the understanding of how talk in social work constructs the positions of men and women in the gender system. The method consists of discourse analysis of Swedish social workers’ interviews with male and female clients. Results show that women are given relatively little support in finding a job. Much more attention is devoted to the men as a group and their opportunities to become established in the labour market. Artikeln behandlar hur samtal i socialt arbete bidrar till att konstruera mäns och kvinnors positioner i genussystemet. Samtalsanalys har använts för att studera svenska socialarbetares samtal med manliga och kvinnliga klienter. Resultaten visar att kvinnorna ges relativt lite stöd för att få arbete. Mycket mer uppmärksamhet ägnas männen och deras möjlighet att etablera sig på arbetsmarknaden.
Level of Agreement Between Self and Spouse in the Assessment of Personality Pathology

Informant reports can provide important information regarding the presence of pathological personality traits, and they can serve as useful supplements to self-report instruments. Ratings from a spouse may be a particularly valuable source of personality assessment because spouses are very well acquainted with the target person, have typically known the person for a long time, and witness behaviors across a variety of situations. In the current study, self- and spouse report measures based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) personality disorder criteria were collected from a nonclinical sample of 82 couples (N = 164). Agreement between self- and spouse report for several pathological personality factors was significant and somewhat higher than has been found for self and peer agreement. Nevertheless, the magnitude of self—spouse agreement was still moderate in size (mean r = .36). Findings are discussed with regard to using spouse report in the assessment of personality pathology.
Voltage-gated potassium channels activated during action potentials in layer V neocortical pyramidal neurons.

To investigate voltage-gated potassium channels underlying action potentials (APs), we simultaneously recorded neuronal APs and single K(+) channel activities, using dual patch-clamp recordings (1 whole cell and 1 cell-attached patch) in single-layer V neocortical pyramidal neurons of rat brain slices. A fast voltage-gated K(+) channel with a conductance of 37 pS (K(f)) opened briefly during AP repolarization. Activation of K(f) channels also was triggered by patch depolarization and did not require Ca(2+) influx. Activation threshold was about -20 mV and inactivation was voltage dependent. Mean duration of channel activities after single APs was 6.1 +/- 0.6 ms (mean +/- SD) at resting membrane potential (-64 mV), 6.7 +/- 0.7 ms at -54 mV, and 62 +/- 15 ms at -24 mV. The activation and inactivation properties suggest that K(f) channels function mainly in AP repolarization but not in regulation of firing. K(f) channels were sensitive to a low concentration of tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 mM) but not to charybdotoxin (ChTX, 100 nM). Activities of A-type channels (K(A)) also were observed during AP repolarization. K(A) channels were activated by depolarization with a threshold near -45 mV, suggesting that K(A) channels function in both repolarization and timing of APs. Inactivation was voltage dependent with decay time constants of 32 +/- 6 ms at -64 mV (rest), 112 +/- 28 ms at -54 mV, and 367 +/- 34 ms at -24 mV. K(A) channels were localized in clusters and were characterized by steady-state inactivation, multiple subconductance states (36 and 19 pS), and inhibition by 5 mM 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) but not by 1 mM TEA. A delayed rectifier K(+) channel (K(dr)) with a unique conductance of 17 pS was recorded from cell-attached patches with TEA/4-AP-filled pipettes. K(dr) channels were activated by depolarization with a threshold near -25 mV and showed delayed long-lasting activation. K(dr) channels were not activated by single action potentials. Large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) channels were not triggered by neuronal action potentials in normal slices and only opened as neuronal responses deteriorated (e.g., smaller or absent spikes) and in a spike-independent manner. This study provides direct evidence for different roles of various K(+) channels during action potentials in layer V neocortical pyramidal neurons. K(f) and K(A) channels contribute to AP repolarization, while K(A) channels also regulate repetitive firing. K(dr) channels also may function in regulating repetitive firing, whereas BK channels appear to be activated only in pathological conditions.
The Impact of Intramedullary Nailing of Tibia Fractures on the Innate Immune System

ABSTRACT Introduction: Inflammation after trauma is thought to be aggravated by intramedullary nailing (IMN) and predisposes to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) are the main effector cells in this process. However, in patients with a femur fracture, the injury severity was the decisive factor for the PMN phenotype. A tibia fracture is often caused by a more moderate injury and might allow for a window to assess the innate immune response caused by IMN. Methods: A consecutive series of patients with a tibia fracture were included. The innate immune response was measured before and after IMN by plasma interleukin 6, PMN Mac1, and active Fc&ggr;RII (Fc&ggr;RII*) expression both before and after fMLF (N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine) stimulation. Furthermore, HLA-DR on monocytes was analyzed. Results: Twenty-five consecutive patients were included. Polymorphonuclear granulocyte fMLF–induced Mac1 and Fc&ggr;RII* were decreased. In concordance, HLA-DR expression on monocytes was decreased in patients compared with control subjects. Intramedullary nailing was associated with a further decrease of HLA-DR–positive monocytes, whereas no changes in PMN phenotype or plasma interleukin 6 levels were observed. Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing of a tibial fracture did not affect the PMN phenotype. The impact from injury determined the PMN phenotype. In contrast, the monocyte phenotype changed after the additional insult by IMN in patients with an isolated tibial fracture.
Thinking and Action: A Cognitive Perspective on Self-Regulation during Endurance Performance

Self-regulation reflects an individual's efforts to bring behavior and thinking into line with often consciously desired goals. During endurance activity, self-regulation requires an athlete to balance their speed or power output appropriately to achieve an optimal level of performance. Considering that both behavior and thinking are core elements of self-regulation, this article provides a cognitive perspective on the processes required for effective pace-regulation during endurance performance. We also integrate this viewpoint with physiological and performance outcomes during activity. As such, evidence is presented to suggest that what an athlete thinks about has an important influence on effort perceptions, physiological outcomes, and, consequently, endurance performance. This article also provides an account of how an athlete might control their cognition and focus attention during an endurance event. We propose that effective cognitive control during performance requires both proactive, goal-driven processes and reactive, stimulus-driven processes. In addition, the role of metacognition—or thinking about thinking—in pace-regulation will also be considered. Metacognition is an essential component of self-regulation and its primary functions are to monitor and control the thoughts and actions required for task completion. To illustrate these processes in action, a metacognitive framework of attentional focus and cognitive control is applied to an endurance performance setting: specifically, Bradley Wiggins' successful 2015 Hour record attempt in cycling. Finally, future perspectives will consider the potentially deleterious effects of the sustained cognitive effort required during prolonged and strenuous endurance tasks.
Total Rewards Perceptions and Work Engagement in Elder-Care Organizations

We investigate whether employees' perceptions of their total rewards, especially nonmonetary rewards perceptions, are positively connected to experienced work engagement in elder-care organizations. We used data from five Finnish organizations (n = 154) and seven Italian organizations (n = 137). The results indicate that nonmonetary rewards, especially a feeling that one's work is appreciated, are connected to all aspects of work engagement. In addition, dedication is explained by employee benefits perceptions reflecting material rewards and stability of employment perception. Total rewards perceptions explain vigor and dedication in the Finnish sample. In the Finnish sample, only appreciated work significantly explains the three dimensions of work engagement (vigor, dedication, and absorption), while in the Italian sample dedication is also explained by employee benefits and stability of employment perceptions. Our conclusions are that organizations should develop especially their nonmonetary rewards to increase employee work engagement and that the role of material rewards may vary in different country contexts.
Validade do Teste Wartegg: correlação com 16PF, BPR-5 e desempenho profissional

Wartegg is a personality projective drawing test frequently used in job selection processes, however with scarce validity studies. The present research intended to investigate validity evidences for this test, comparing it with three instruments: 16PF, BPR-5 and Performance Assessment Questionnaire. The participants were 131 people, with ages raging from 16 to 65 years old, from both genders. Few significant correlations were found between the test, some being coherent, and others being incoherent with the Wartegg’s interpretation suggestions. A large part of the classical interpretations didn’t correlate significantly with the other tests’ results. Based on this study, there are not enough evidences for Wartegg’s professional use
Caregivers' Relationship Satisfaction and Perception of Competency as Predictors of Quality of Life for ALS Patients

In addition to the physiological impact of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), patients and spousal caregivers experience significant emotional and psychological reactions to the disease and its course. As there is no effective treatment and no cure for this debilitating, fatal neuromuscular disease, treatment should include psychological interventions to improve patients' disease experience. External factors impacting psychological well-being of patients must be identified to allow for effective and relevant intervention. The current study examined the relationships between level of care provided to patients, caregivers' relationship satisfaction, and caregivers' perceived competence, and whether these factors predict patient quality oflife (QOL). It was hypothesized that spousal caregivers' satisfaction in their relationships with patients, as well as their competence as caregivers, would predict ALS patients' QOL beyond level of care required and after various aspects ofQOL (within five domains of functioning) were considered. Fifty three spousal ALS patient-caregiver dyads at a predominantly rural university hospital provided data during a multidisciplinary clinic. Caregivers completed the Dyadic Satisfaction Subscale of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Perceived Caregiving COlllpetence Questionnaire, and Level of Care Index. Patients completed the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL), including the Single Item Scale (MSIS) to assess subjectively rated QOL. Correlational and hierarchical multiple regression analyses did not identify a predictive relationship between the hypothesized variables, but did indicate that patients' total MQOL score predicted 32.5 percent of the variance in self-repOlied QOL, and was the best predictor of this patient variable, as assessed by the MSIS [F (1,47) = 24.06, P < . 05]. This finding suggests that patients, when asked to do Predictors of Patient QOL v so subjectively, accurately represent their QOL, as assessed more indirectly and by varied experiences. Further, QOL is more broadly defined for patients than is solely represented by the MQOL, and not largely dependent on caregivers. Additional research is needed to more accurately understand factors contributing to ALS patients' QOL and means to more precisely measure this construct. Future studies should aim to identify caregiver variables that may influence patient illness experience to justify additional intervention for both members of the spousal dyad in coping with ALS. Predictors of Patient QOL VI
Multilingualism and the risk of Alzheimer disease and dementia

iii Acknowledgements vii List of Tables xii List of Figures xv List of Abbreviations xvi 1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Literature Review 3 2.1 Alzheimer Disease 3 2.1.1 Epidemiology and Public Health Impact 3 2.1.2 Alzheimer Disease Risk Factors 4 2.1. 3 Alzheimer Disease Etiology 7 2.1. 4 Alzheimer Disease Diagnosis 12 2.2 Cognitive Reserve 15 2.2.1 Cognitive Reserve Definition 15 2.2.2 Component Factors 18 2.2.3 Implications and Outcomes in Alzheimer Disease Research 23 2.3 Multilingualism and Cognitive Reserve 26 2.3.1 Multilingualism and Cognition in Older Adults 26 2.3.1.1 Multilingualism and Executive Control 27 2.3.1.2 Multilingualism and Verbal Fluency 30 2.3.2 Multilingualism, Cognitive Decline, and Alzheimer Disease 32 2.4 Summary 38 3.0 Study Rationale and Research Questions 39 3.1 Study Rationale 39 3.2 Research Questions 40
Knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus, attitudes, and willingness to conduct human immunodeficiency virus testing among Indian dentists

Context: India has the third-highest number of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the world. Early diagnosis can prevent HIV transmission and since a large proportion of the Indian population are likely to be seen in a dental setting, it may serve as an important site for early HIV diagnosis. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge of HIV, attitudes, and willingness to conduct HIV testing among Indian dentists. Settings: A cross-sectional survey of 503 Indian dentists was conducted in Delhi, Gandhinagar, Bhubaneswar, and Hyderabad (representing low, moderate, and high HIV prevalence areas). Subjects and Methods: HIV knowledge was measured using the HIV-KQ-18, and attitudes and willingness were examined. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive analysis and Chi-square test were performed using SPSS version 21. Results: A third of the respondents had a high HIV knowledge score. High knowledge scores were positively associated with age group, level of education, and dental specialty. Over 73% were willing to deliver HIV-positive test results. Almost 80% of the respondents felt that rapid HIV testing was needed in a dental setting. Attitudes and willingness were found to be significantly related to the survey site suggesting cultural difference as an important factor in taking up HIV testing. Conclusions: General awareness of HIV among this sample of Indian dentists appears to be low. The findings from this study however suggest that Indian dentists have expressed a need for rapid HIV testing in dental setting with a strong emphasis on the need for further education on HIV testing.
The Principles of Morals and Legislation

Jeremy Bentham's work on "The Principles of Morals and Legislation" emerges from its historic roots in hedonism and teleology as a scientific attempt to assess the moral content of human action by focusing on its results or consequences. Proceeding from the assumption that human beings desire pleasure (and avoid pain), Bentham's unique perspective, known as utilitarianism, is used to construct a fascinating calculus for determining which action to perform when confronted with situations requiring moral decision-making the goal of which is to arrive at the 'greatest happiness of the greatest number'. Toward this end, he endeavours to delineate the sources and kinds of pleasure and pain and how they can be measured when assessing one's moral options. Bentham supports his arguments with discussions of intentionality, consciousness, motives, and dispositions. Bentham concludes this groundbreaking work with an analysis of punishment: its purpose and the proper role that law and jurisprudence should play in its determination and implementation. Here we find Bentham as social reformer seeking to resolve the tension that inevitably exists when the concerns of the many conflict with individual freedom. This book offers readers the rare opportunity to experience one of the great works of moral philosophy, a volume that has influenced the course of ethical theory for over a century.