Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of darbepoetin alfa in the treatment of anaemia of chronic kidney disease: clinical and pharmacoeconomic considerations

The introduction of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) into everyday clinical practice has greatly improved the care of patients with chronic kidney disease. ESAs have reduced the need for blood transfusions, improved survival, decreased cardiovascular complications and enhanced patient quality of life. The longer acting ESA, darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp®), which can be administered less frequently than traditional ESAs, provides further benefits to both patients and healthcare professionals relative to the epoetins. Clinical studies have shown that darbepoetin alfa administered once every 2 weeks or once every month allows enhanced convenience and cost savings with no compromise in efficacy, while maintaining patients within target haemoglobin ranges.
Why Attitudes Toward Advertising Are Not Universal: Cultural Explanations

ABSTRACT In this study an attempt is made to analyze from a cross-cultural perspective the moderating function of the cultural values of a society on the influence that the beliefs in advertising have in attitudes toward advertising under a hypothesis testing approach, as most works of the existing literature have a descriptive or exploratory character. To do that, a sample of 441 individuals from four different European countries (Germany, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom) was chosen. The empirical results demonstrate that differences in cultural profiles, beliefs, and attitudes toward advertising do exist in terms of country of origin. Therefore, cultural values appear as factors that explain the reason why attitudes toward advertising are not universal attitudes.
Hospital Staff Perceptions of a Legislative Mandate for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Screening

Objective. In August 2007, Illinois passed legislation mandating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) admission screening for intensive care unit patients. We assessed hospital staff perceptions of the implementation of this law. Design. Mixed-methods evaluation using structured focus groups and questionnaires. Setting. Eight Chicago-area hospitals. Participants. Three strata of staff (leadership, midlevel, and frontline) at each hospital. Methods. All participants completed a questionnaire and participated in a focus group. Focus group transcripts were thematically coded and analyzed. The proportion of staff agreeing with statements about MRSA and the legislation was compared across staff types. Results. Overall, 126 hospital staff participated in 23 focus groups. Fifty-six percent of participants agreed that the legislation had a positive effect at their facility; frontline staff were more likely to agree than midlevel and leadership staff (P < .01). Perceived benefits of the legislation included increased awareness of MRSA among staff and better knowledge of the epidemiology of MRSA colonization. Perceived negative consequences included the psychosocial effect of screening and contact precautions on patients and increased use of resources. Most participants (59%) would choose to continue the activities associated with the legislation but advised facilities in states considering similar legislation to educate staff and patients about MRSA screening and to draft clear implementation plans. Conclusion. Staff from Chicago-area hospitals perceived that mandatory MRSA screening legislation resulted in some benefits but highlighted implementation challenges. States considering similar initiatives might minimize these challenges by optimizing messaging to patients and healthcare staff, drafting implementation plans, and developing program evaluation strategies.
Interactive comment on "Ice melt, sea level rise and superstorms: evidence from paleoclimate data, climate modeling, and modern observations that 2 C global warming is highly dangerous" by J. Hansen et al.

The authors use a mixture of palaeoclimate data evidence, direct observations, and climate modeling runs to make inferences about past and then potential future changes in atmospheric circulation, sea level and storminess under a business as usual emissions scenario. They argue that 2 degrees should not be seen as safe. In many senses the study should be uncontentious and does not challenge in a fundamental manner
Spontaneous pulse width limitation in S-band two-sectional vircator

The paper presents a review of continuing studies on production of S-band microwave pulses in a two-sectional single-mode vircator [1, 2] based on long-pulse (sub-microsecond) high-voltage generators. The two pulsers were used (a) generator with inductive energy store and fuse opening switch and (b) generator based on Marx bank and water forming line. The peak microwave output was on the range of ~1 GW. Substantial spontaneous shortening of the microwave pulse was observed (50-100 ns). Possible mechanisms for this phenomenon are discussed and supported by 3-D KARAT simulations.
From health beliefs to self-regulation: Theoretical advances in the psychology of action control

Abstract The paper reviews the theoretical concepts included in a range of social cognitive models which have identified psychological antecedents of individual motivation and behaviour. Areas of correspondence are noted and core constructs (derived primarily from the theory of planned behaviour and social cognitive theory) are identified. The role of intention formation, self-efficacy beliefs, attitudes, normative beliefs and self-representations are highlighted and it is argued that these constructs provide a useful framework for modelling the psychological prerequisites of health behaviour. Acknowledging that intentions do not translate into action automatically, recent advances in our understanding of the ways in which prior planning and rehearsal can enhance individual control of action and facilitate the routinisation of behaviour are considered. The importance of engaging in preparatory behaviours for the achievement of many health goals is discussed and the processes by which goals are prioritised.
Speed sketching with designers : User inspired brainstorming

This paper describes a method called speed sketching, which utilizes user data as inspiration in a brainstorm-like session. The user data comes from a design probe study of an entrance to a building. One challenge with usercentered design is to give life to user data in the design process. A design workshop was held with five designers as participators. During the workshop speed sketching was used and evaluated through analysis of the sketches, a semi-structured questionnaire and discussions with the designers. The findings of the study show that the user data consisting of dream and horror stories of entrances provided input that could be used in a creative manner. Merely illustrating the stories as such seems to give less creative results than using the stories as a more general source of inspiration. Based on the study performed here speed sketching seems to be an effective and creative way to merge data from user studies with the design process. Using sketching as a quick and expressive means of interpreting a story created by a user of a design object provides designers with a systematic tool to creatively use material from a design probe study.
Analyses of Type Ia Supernova Data in Cosmological Models with a Local Void

The data for type Ia supernovae obtained by the High-z SN Search Team and Supernova Cosmology Project are analyzed using inhomogeneous cosmological models with a local void on scales of about 200 Mpc, to derive the best-fit values of model parameters and the confidence contours. The Χ 2 fitting is found to be slightly better than that in homogeneous models. It is shown that (1) the best-fit values are most sensitive to the ratio R of the outer Hubble constant, H I I 0 , to the inner Hubble constant, H I 0 , (2) the best-fit outer density parameter, Ω I I 0 , and cosmological constant parameter, λ I I 0 , are, respectively, increasing and decreasing functions of R, and (3) (Ω I I 0 , All) can be (1, 0) for R 0.8. Moreover, it is shown that these models are naturally consistent with the new supernova data (SN1997ff) with z = 1.7.
Plasma oxytocin levels in women during labor with or without epidural analgesia: a prospective study

Background. Epidural analgesia (EDA) has been reported to prolong labor. Whether this is by interference with endogenous oxytocin release or other mechanisms is unclear. With increasing numbers of women receiving an EDA, it is important to study its effects on labor. The aim was to study the concentration of plasma oxytocin and the progress of labor in women with and without EDA.
Exploring the dynamics of the appraisal–emotion relationship: A constraint satisfaction model of the appraisal process

This paper presents a computational model of emotions that is based in an appraisal theoretical framework. The model explores the dynamics of the appraisal–emotion relationship using parallel constraint satisfaction. It proposes belief coherence, desire coherence and belief–desire coherence as basic principles and specifies how these principles can be realised in a parallel constraint satisfaction system. The model shows that the very same mechanisms that account for the formation of coherence or consistency are also pivotal for the emergence and alteration of emotional states and for the dynamics of the cognition–emotion relationship. Concrete simulation examples show how discrete emotions such as anger, pride, sadness, shame, surprise, relief and disappointment emerge out of these principles.
Evaluation of a Theoretical Model to Quantify the Sources of Metabolic Cost in Walking

Hoffman MD, Millet GY, Candau RB, Rouillon JD: Evaluation of a theoretical model to quantify the sources of metabolic cost in walking. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2004;83:353–362. Objective:To evaluate the validity of a theoretical model of walking in which the oxygen uptake (&OV0312;O2) is described as a function of speed by an equation in the form y = ax2 + b, with constant a representing the metabolic cost for performing the walking movement, and constant b representing the sum of the metabolic costs for basal metabolism and maintaining balance and posture. Design:Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze our theoretical model. In a human exercise research laboratory, 12 healthy male subjects walked on a level treadmill at speeds of 0.39–1.83 m/sec under a control condition, while wearing “instability” shoes with peripheral vision obstructed, and with 2-kg weights around each wrist. Total transported mass was the same under each condition through the carriage of 4 kg in a back pack during the control and instability conditions. Outcome was determined by equations describing &OV0312;O2 as a function of speed and by kinematics of the center of mass. Results:The constant b was higher (P < 0.01) for the instability condition than the other conditions, but constant a did not differ among the conditions. However, external work was greatest (P < 0.05) for the instability condition. Conclusions:Because the kinematic data demonstrate that the instability condition increased the metabolic cost for performing the walking movement compared with the control condition, and there was no difference among conditions in constant a, the theoretical model seems invalid.
Genetic Stability and Territorial Structure Facilitate the Evolution of Tag-Mediated Altruism

Evolutionary theorists have long been interested in the conditions that permit the evolution of altruistic cooperation. Recent work has demonstrated that altruistic donation can evolve in surprisingly simple models, in which agents base their decisions to donate solely on the similarity of evolved tags relative to evolved tag-difference tolerances. There is disagreement, however, about the conditions under which tag-mediated altruism will in fact evolve. Here we vary two critical parameters in a standard model of tag-mediated altruismgenetic stability and territorial structureand show that altruism evolves in a wide range of conditions. We demonstrate the evolution of significant levels of altruism even when the immediate costs to donors equal the benefits to recipients. We describe the mechanism that permits the emergence of altruism in the model as a form of kin selection that is facilitated by interactions between altruism, genetic drift, and fecundity.
Role of adiponectin on antioxidant profile: evaluation during healthy and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Abstract The study of adipokines and oxidative stress has aided in understanding pre-eclampsia physiopathology. Therefore, our group aimed to evaluate the correlation between the adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde–thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (MDA-TBARS) and antioxidant activity of plasma [ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP)] in healthy pregnant women and patients with gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. We found a significant negative correlation between MDA-TBARS and adiponectin (r = –0.40, p = 0.0042), suggesting a relationship between antioxidant levels and this adipokine in healthy pregnancies which is altered in patients with gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia.
Correlation between serum levels of cardiac troponin-T and the severity of the chronic cardiomyopathy induced by doxorubicin.

PURPOSE To investigate, over a wide range of cumulative doxorubicin doses, the feasibility of using serum concentrations of cardiac troponin-T (cTnT) as a biomarker for doxorubicin-induced myocardial damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Groups of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were given 1 mg/kg doxorubicin weekly for 2 to 12 weeks. Cardiomyopathy scores were assessed according to the method of Billingham and serum levels of cTnT were quantified by a noncompetitive immunoassay. Myocardial localization of cTnT was studied by immunohistochemical staining and confocal microscopy. RESULTS Increases in serum levels of cTnT (0.03 to 0.05 ng/mL) and myocardial lesions (cardiomyopathy scores of 1 or 1.5) were found in one out of five and two out of five SHR given 2 and 4 mg/kg doxorubicin, respectively. All animals given 6 mg/kg or more of doxorubicin had increases in serum cTnT and myocardial lesions. The average cTnT levels and the cardiomyopathy scores correlated with the cumulative dose of doxorubicin (0.13 v 0.4 ng/mL cTnT and scores of 1.4 v 3.0 in SHR given 6 and 12 mg/kg doxorubicin, respectively). Decreased staining for cTnT was observed in cardiac tissue from SHR receiving cumulative doses that caused only minimal histologic alterations (scores of 1 to 1.5). Staining for cTnT decreased simultaneously with increases in the severity of the cardiomyopathy scores. CONCLUSION cTnT is released from doxorubicin-damaged myocytes. Measurements of serum levels of this protein seem to provide a sensitive means for assessing the early cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin.
Process-Writing Teachers' Responses to Fourth-Grade Writers' First Drafts

This study examines the written responses of 13 teachers, all making the transition toward using a process approach to writing instruction in their classes, to 4 first drafts composed by fourth graders who were not students of these teachers. Each draft represented 1 of 4 possible combinations of high or low topic knowledge about baseball and high or low writing achievement. Responses were analyzed in terms of linguistic function and focus. In terms of function, findings revealed that teachers often used language to elicit (request a linguistic response) or inform (pass on information or evaluate) but seldom to direct (request a nonlinguistic response). In terms of focus, teachers responded to content (ideas and information) more often than to process (how to go about writing), style (word choice), or mechanics (spelling, punctuation, etc.). Topic knowledge did not influence the teachers' responses. Writing achievement, however, was significantly related to teachers' use of language to elicit and to evaluate positively and to a focus on style. The teachers' responses were similar to those found in 2 prior studies, 1 involving college peer groups and the other, teachers' written responses to elementary school writers.
Contextualizing science teaching in Swaziland : some student reactions

Although many theoretical arguments have been put forward for contextualizing the African science curriculum, little is known about students’ responses to science curriculum content and teaching methods designed to be locally relevant. This paper describes research in Swaziland. It presents reactions of Swazi junior secondary students to contextualized lessons on circuit electricity, air and respiratory processes using an application‐led teaching strategy. It identifies the characteristics of the lesson materials influencing (1) student motivation and interest, (2) student participation and (3) concept development. It is argued that a continuation of a teacher‐centred teaching style prevents students from gaining the maximum learning benefits from contextualized lesson materials.
A two phase model of oxygen transport in cerebral tissue

The dynamics of oxygen transport in the human brain are crucial to its response to local mismatches between flow and metabolism, such as occur in vascular dementia. We propose here a two phase continuum model, based on the coupled behaviour of oxygen transport in tissue and blood, which we use to simulate micro-strokes. The two phase coupled model is based on the assumption of porous media, being described by Darcy’s equation for blood flow and the mass transport equation for oxygen. Simulation results suggest that the flow input is of importance to maintain the oxygen level at the remote region from the arterial-capillary junctions.
Cognitive behavioural therapy for people with learning disabilities: focus on anger

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is being used increasingly with people with learning disabilities. The evidence base to support these developments comes from uncontrolled trials of CBT in a variety of psychological disorders and eight to nine controlled trials of CBT for anger (plus a single controlled study in depression). This paper reviews the evidence for the effectiveness of group‐based anger management and the acquisition of anger coping skills, and the effectiveness of individual anger treatment, with some discussion of the status of CBT for other indications and the difficulties of conducting outcome research in this area.
SOEPpapers on Multidisciplinary Panel Data Research Offshoring , Wages and Job Security of Temporary Workers

We investigate the impact of offshoring on individual level wages and unemployment probabilities and pay particular attention to the question of whether workers on temporary contracts are affected differently than workers on permanent contracts. Data are taken from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), linked with industry-level data on offshoring of materials and services inputs calculated from the World Input Output Database (WIOD). In manufacturing we find that temporary workers face a significant reduction in wages as materials offshoring increases, while permanent workers’ wages are unaffected or even tend to increase. Offshoring of core activities generally also tends to reduce the probability of becoming unemployed, and more so for temporary than for permanent workers. By contrast, offshoring of services inputs does not have any statistically significant effects on either wages or employment probabilities in manufacturing. In the service industries, workers are affected in terms of employment probabilities from offshoring of services inputs only, although, in contrast to manufacturing industries, there are no statistically significant effects on individual wages from any type of offshoring. Acknowledgements: The authors are grateful to Paul Osterman, Bernhard Boockmann, and conference participants at the ILRR Conference on job quality at Cornell University and the Aarhus-Kiel Workshop 2011 for very helpful comments on an earlier draft. Thanks are also due to Tillmann Schwörer for help with the WIOD data. Fares Al-Hussami provided excellent research assistance. The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support through the European Commission as part of the 7th Framework Programme, Grant Agreement No. 244 552 (SERVICEGAP).
Identification of macrophages and smooth muscle cells in human atherosclerosis using monoclonal antibodies

Sections of human atherosclerotic plaques were stained by the indirect immunoperoxidase technique using three rat anti‐human monoclonal antibodies: YAML 501·4 anti‐leukocyte‐common' (T200) antigen; YTH 8·18 (anti‐macrophage cytoplasm); and YPC 1/3·12 (anti‐smooth muscle cell). The cells of diffuse intimal thickening were almost all smooth muscle cells but there were rare subendothelial macrophages. Focal lesions, in contrast, contained numerous macrophages as well as smooth muscle cells. Macrophage ‘foam cells’ were particularly numerous in fatty streaks and in advanced fibro‐fatty plaques, but were less conspicuous in focal fibro‐elastic lesions. The results confirm that macrophages are an important component of atherosclerotic plaques and suggest that they may have a significant role in atherogenesis in man.
Peptide YY3-36 Inhibits Both Anorexigenic Proopiomelanocortin and Orexigenic Neuropeptide Y Neurons: Implications for Hypothalamic Regulation of Energy Homeostasis

Peptide YY3-36 (PYY3-36) is released by endocrine cells of the gut and may serve as an important long-distance neuropeptide signal relating energy balance information to the brain to depress food intake. The postulated mechanism is the activation of anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. In striking contrast, using voltage and current-clamp recording, we found that PYY3-36 consistently, dose dependently, and reversibly inhibited POMC cells by reducing action potentials, hyperpolarizing the membrane potential, decreasing input resistance and inward calcium currents, increasing G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ channel currents, and presynaptically inhibiting release of excitatory glutamate. Importantly, we found PYY3-36 had similar inhibitory effects on identified orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons. In both cell types, these effects were blocked by BIIE0246, a Y2 receptor antagonist. Together, these data argue that anorexigenic actions of PYY3-36 are mediated more likely by inhibition of NPY neurons. Dual PYY3-36 inhibition of both NPY and POMC cells may temporarily reduce the contribution of arcuate cells to feeding circuits, enhancing the role of other CNS loci.