Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Measuring Professionalism in Medicine and Nursing: Results of a European Survey

Background Leveraging professionalism has been put forward as a strategy to drive improvement of patient care. We investigate professionalism as a factor influencing the uptake of quality improvement activities by physicians and nurses working in European hospitals. Objective To (i) investigate the reliability and validity of data yielded by using the self-developed professionalism measurement tool for physicians and nurses, (ii) describe their levels of professionalism displayed, and (iii) quantify the extent to which professional attitudes would predict professional behaviors. Methods and Materials We designed and deployed survey instruments amongst 5920 physicians and nurses working in European hospitals. This was conducted under the cross-sectional multilevel study “Deepening Our Understanding of Quality Improvement in Europe” (DUQuE). We used psychometric and generalized linear mixed modelling techniques to address the aforementioned objectives. Results In all, 2067 (response rate 69.8%) physicians and 2805 nurses (94.8%) representing 74 hospitals in 7 European countries participated. The professionalism instrument revealed five subscales of professional attitude and one scale for professional behaviour with moderate to high internal consistency and reliability. Physicians and nurses display equally high professional attitude sum scores (11.8 and 11.9 respectively out of 16) but seem to have different perceptions towards separate professionalism aspects. Lastly, professionals displaying higher levels of professional attitudes were more involved in quality improvement actions (physicians: b = 0.019, P<0.0001; nurses: b = 0.016, P<0.0001) and more inclined to report colleagues’ underperformance (physicians – odds ratio (OR) 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.24; nurses – OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.23) or medical errors (physicians – OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.23; nurses – OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.22–1.67). Involvement in QI actions was found to increase the odds of reporting incompetence or medical errors. Conclusion A tool that reliably and validly measures European physicians’ and nurses’ commitment to professionalism is now available. Collectively leveraging professionalism as a quality improvement strategy may be beneficial to patient care quality.
Hippocampal volume does not change seasonally in a non food-storing songbird

Seasonal differences in hippocampal morphology have been reported in food-storing birds. Non food-storing species have not been investigated however. It is therefore unclear whether seasonal changes in the hippocampus are specifically related to food-storing or reflect a more general seasonal mechanism that occurs in both food-storing and non food-storing birds alike. We determined the volumes of the hippocampal formation and remaining telencephalon in the non-storing male song sparrow (Melospiza melodies morphna) in two experiments comparing birds collected in the spring and fall of 1992–94 (Experiment 1) and 1997 (Experiment 2). Although pronounced seasonal changes in song control nuclei such as the HVC and RA were previously reported for the same brains used in Experiment 1, we found that hippocampal volume did not change with season in either Experiment 1 or 2 for these song sparrow brains. These results suggest that seasonal changes in the hippocampus do not occur in this non food-storing species and may be specific to food-storing birds.
Digging deeper into learners' experiences in MOOCs: Participation in social networks outside of MOOCs, notetaking and contexts surrounding content consumption

Researchers describe with increasing confidence what they observe participants doing in massive open online courses ( MOOCs). However, our understanding of learner activities in open courses is limited by researchers' extensive dependence on log file analyses and clickstream data to make inferences about learner behaviors. Further, the field lacks an empirical understanding of how people experience MOOCs and why they engage in particular activities in the ways that they do. In this paper, we report three findings derived by interviewing 13 individuals about their experiences in MOOCs. We report on learner interactions in social networks outside of MOOC platforms, notetaking, and the contexts that surround content consumption. The examination and analysis of these practices contribute to a greater understanding of the MOOC phenomenon and to the limitations of clickstream-based research methods. Based on these findings, we conclude by making pragmatic suggestions for pedagogical and technological refinements to enhance open teaching and learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Distance to M31 with the Hubble Space Telescope and Hipparcos Red Clump Stars

Following the approach by Paczyński & Stanek, we compare the red clump stars with parallaxes known to better than 10% in the Hipparcos catalog with the red clump stars observed in three fields in M31 using the Hubble Space Telescope. There are ~600 and ~6300 such stars in the two data sets, respectively. The local red clump luminosity function is well represented by a Gaussian with the peak at MI,m=-0.23 and the dispersion σRC ≈ 0.2 mag. This allows a single-step determination of the distance modulus to M31, μ0, M31=24.471 ± 0.035 ± 0.045 mag (statistical plus systematic error), and the corresponding distance, RM31=784 ± 13 ± 17 kpc. The number of red clump stars is large enough that the formal statistical error in the distance is only ≲2%. We also correct the treatment of the local interstellar extinction by Paczyński & Stanek, and we obtain the Galactocentric distance modulus, μ0, GC=14.57 ± 0.04 ± 0.04 mag (statistical plus systematic error), and the corresponding Galactocentric distance, R0=8.2 ± 0.15 ± 0.15 kpc.
THE EFFECT OF PROLONGED CULTIVATION IN VITRO UPON THE PATHOGENICITY OF YELLOW FEVER VIRUS

1. Experimental evidence is presented to show that prolonged cultivation of yellow fever virus in vitro results in a change in its pathogenicity, and that this change varies with the type of tissues used for the cultivation. 2. In the tissue cultures used for the propagation of the virus, three different types of tissues were used. They included whole mouse embryo, chick embryo from which the head and spinal cord had been removed, and testicular tissues of mice and guinea pigs. 3. The changes in the pathogenicity of the virus cultivated for a period of over 3 years in a medium containing the tissues of whole mouse embryo were not striking. The viscerotropic virulence of the virus appeared somewhat diminished, in that when injected subcutaneously into rhesus monkeys or hedgehogs it failed to produce a fatal infection, although there is evidence to indicate that a generalized infection takes place as demonstrated by the appearance of virus in the circulating blood in relatively high concentration during infection. The neurotropic virulence of the virus remained unaltered during the cultivation in this medium. 4. The changes in the pathogenicity of the virus cultivated in medium containing tissues of chick embryo from which the head and spinal cord had been removed were very pronounced. The viscerotropic virulence of the virus was lost to a large extent. When injected subcutaneously into monkeys there was as a rule a very mild generalized infection, as demonstrated by the minimal quantities of virus found in the circulating blood. Its neurotropism was also much diminished. When injected into monkeys intracerebrally, it no longer produced a fatal encephalitis but only a moderate febrile reaction, followed by recovery and solid immunity to reinoculation with a highly virulent strain of virus. When injected intracerebrally into mice, the mortality ratio was not diminished but the incubation period was markedly prolonged. 5. The changes in the pathogenicity of the virus cultivated in medium containing testicular tissues were somewhat similar to those observed after cultivation in chick embryo medium which contained only a minimal amount of nervous tissue. Its viscerotropic affinity had been largely lost and only very small amounts of virus were found in the circulating blood of monkeys inoculated subcutaneously. Given intracerebrally, it produced death from encephalitis in monkeys. The incubation period in mice inoculated intracerebrally with this virus was also prolonged but somewhat less so than with the virus grown in chick embryo tissues without the central nervous system.
Monitoring cellular immune markers in HIV infection: from activation to exhaustion

Purpose of reviewThe pathogenesis of HIV infection is highly complex and involves numerous actors of the immune system. On the one hand, our immunity has a predominant role in limiting HIV replication and the depletion of its targets, but on the other hand, the persistent infection established by the virus is associated with chronic immune activation and inflammation, potentially resulting in the progressive exhaustion of the host immune resources, and in the onset of non-AIDS-defining comorbidities. The thorough study of HIV pathogenesis is increasingly more challenging. Recent findingsNew knowledge together with technological advances offers the possibility to monitor a constellation of cellular immune markers. Here, we discuss the relevance of studying these markers in order to assess the efficacy to control HIV, the inflammatory response to HIV infection, and the alteration and exhaustion of the immune compartments. SummaryMonitoring these cellular immune markers is important to reach a deeper understanding of HIV pathogenesis and to perform a comprehensive clinical follow-up of HIV-infected patients.
HETE Observations of the Gamma-Ray Burst GRB 030329: Evidence for an Underlying Soft X-Ray Component

An exceptionally intense gamma-ray burst, GRB 030329, was detected and localized by the instruments on board the High Energy Transient Explorer satellite (HETE) at 11:37:14 UT on 2003 March 29. The burst consisted of two ~10 s pulses of roughly equal brightness and an X-ray tail lasting more than 100 s. The energy fluence in the 30-400 keV energy band was Sγ = 1.2 × 10-4 ergs cm-2, making GRB 030329 one of the brightest GRBs ever detected. Communication of a 2' error box 73 minutes after the burst allowed the rapid detection of a counterpart in the optical, X-ray, and radio and the ensuing discovery of a supernova with most unusual characteristics. Analyses of the burst light curves reveal the presence of a distinct, bright, soft X-ray component underlying the main GRB; the 2-10 keV fluence of this component is ~7 × 10-6 ergs cm-2. The main pulses of GRB 030329 were preceded by two soft, faint, nonthermal bumps. We present details of the HETE observations of GRB 030329.
SURFE: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Surf: a systematic review Introduction: Despite the increased popularity of surfing in the development and evolution of sports equipment, the specialized scientific literature reports that few is known about the factors related to training and physical performance in this modality. Aim: To identify the key scientific studies on the subject surf related to exercise physiology. Methodology: This is a systematic literature review, with the use of databases indexed to Portal Periodicos Capes. Results: Using the descriptors : " surf", "surfing", "surfer" and " exercise physiology " as well as their respective terms in Portuguese, "surfe", "surfistas", and "fisiologia do exercicio", 155 articles were found, these six articles were selected that meet the criteria for inclusion proposed, which were analyzed in their entirety. Regarding the theme of each study, two of them address issues related to balance and postural control, three of which concern issues related to physical performance, while one has the central theme of thermoregulation. Conclusion: Within the criteria established for the development of this systematic review, this confirms the evidence in the scientific literature indicated that there is little research addressing factors related to physical performance in surfing.
Comparison of Endodontic Retreatment in Teeth Obturated With Resilon or Gutta-Percha: A Review of Literature

Introduction: Retreatment of endodontically treated teeth is a challenge that requires complete removal of the previous filling material. Several techniques are indicated for this procedure. The present review tries to identify the most efficient method for extirpation of Resilon (RS) root fillings and to compare the speed and efficacy of RS and gutta-percha (GP) root filling removal. Methods and Materials: Three trained evaluators conducted a search through three major databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library and Lilacs) over the articles published in the period from 2001 to 2014. The search keywords were Epiphany Sealer, Resilon, Retreatment and Removal Procedure. Results: Twelve articles were included in the final sample (three in vitro studies and nine randomized trials). Conclusion: The ProTaper (manual or rotatory) system in combination with chemical solvents is the most efficient method for removing Resilon root filling. Retreatment of Resilon is more rapid and associated with less remnants of debris.
On the role of equatorial ocean modes in the ENSO cycle

Abstract In order to test certain aspects of the ENSO mechanism proposed by Suarez and Schopf and by Battisti and Hirst, we force a shallow water ocean with 28 years of observed (FSU) winds and decompose both the atmospheric forcing and ocean response into equatorial modes. The proposed mechanism was verified in the following sense. For each warm phase of the cycle, a downwelling Kelvin mode directly forced by the weakening of the trade winds in the central Pacific was found. The same wind anomaly forces an upwelling gravest Rossby mode which propagates freely westward and reflects as a freely propagating Kelvin mode at the western boundary. This Kelvin mode returns to the scene of the original warming and acts as a retarded forcing (of opposite sign) eventually switching the phase of the oscillation from warm to cold. The cold phase then proceeds by the same mechanism but with modes of opposite signs, to eventually switch to the warm phase. The contribution of the higher Rossby modes to this process is e.
Morphology, performance, fitness: functional insight into a post-Pleistocene radiation of mosquitofish

Bahamas mosquitofish (Gambusia hubbsi) colonized blue holes during the past approximately 15 000 years and exhibit relatively larger caudal regions in blue holes that contain piscivorous fish. It is hypothesized that larger caudal regions enhance fast-start escape performance and thus reflect an adaptation for avoiding predation. Here I test this hypothesis using a three-pronged, experimental approach. First, G. hubbsi from blue holes with predators were found to possess both greater fast-start performance and greater survivorship in the presence of predatory fish. Second, using individual-level data to investigate the morphology–performance–fitness pathway, I found that (i) fish with larger caudal regions produced higher fast-start performance and (ii) fish with higher fast-start performance enjoyed greater survivorship in the presence of fish predators—trends consistently observed across both predator regimes. Finally, I found that morphological divergence between predator regimes at least partially reflects genetic differentiation, as differences were retained in fish raised in a common laboratory environment. These results suggest that natural selection favours increased fast-start performance in the presence of piscivorous fish, consequently driving the evolution of larger caudal regions. Combined with previous work, this provides functional insight into body shape divergence and ecological speciation among Bahamian blue holes.
Changing Concepts of Dietary Fiber: Implications for Carcinogenesis

The dietary fiber (DF) hypothesis suggested that DF, as plant cell walls, protected against colorectal cancer. The implicit assumption in much historic literature was that the readily analyzed and quantified nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP) component was critical in cancer protection. However, the presence of polymeric phenolic components such as lignin or suberin has profound effects on the physicochemical properties of the cell walls and largely determines their physiological properties in humans. In certain groups of food plants, degradation of cell walls that contain neither lignin nor suberin releases ferulic acid and other hydroxycinnamic acids. These acids have antioxidant, antimutagenic, and other anticancer effects, including modulation of gene expression and immune response. Reexamination of literature on cancer protection suggests that plant cell walls containing significant amounts of phenolic components may be the most likely to protect against cancer. In the last 30 years, the definition of DF has been incrementally expanded to incorporate NSP extracted from plant cell walls and from sources other than plant cell walls, then resistant starch, and most recently nondigestible oligosaccharides. On the early definitions, increased consumption of DF could only be achieved by increasing the intake of whole grains, brans, or other food plant material that would increase the intake of plant cell walls containing significant amounts of phenolic components. However, the new definitions make it possible to increase "dietary fiber" without consuming any such materials. We suggest that this could have negative connotations for cancer risk in human populations.
Ultra-low power FSK Wake-up Receiver front-end for body area networks

In this paper, we present an ultra low-power Wake-up Receiver front-end operating in the 868/915MHz ISM band. It targets short distance body area networks. Its power consumption is only 126uW, including a low-power on-chip ring oscillator. Since the receiver targets small transmission distances, up to 10m, sensitivity is traded against power consumption. This is achieved by removing the LNA and making all the gain at the low IF frequencies. The receiver sensitivity is −65dBm at a BER of 0.1%.
Maximizing the benefits of improved cookstoves: moving from acquisition to correct and consistent use

The adoption of clean cooking technologies goes beyond mere product acquisition and requires attention to issues of cooking traditions, user engagement, gender dynamics, culture, and religion to effect correct and consistent use. The adoption of clean cooking technologies goes beyond mere product acquisition and requires attention to issues of cooking traditions, user engagement, gender dynamics, culture, and religion to effect correct and consistent use.
Effect of revascularizing viable myocardium on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

AIMS In patients with ischaemic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and viable myocardium, revascularization improves systolic function. Diastolic dysfunction is also present in such patients; however, whether revascularization improves diastolic function also is largely unknown. METHODS Twenty-six patients with chronic ischaemic cardiomyopathy [ejection fraction (EF) 32 +/- 6%, wall motion score index (WMSI) 2.45 +/- 0.33] and viable myocardium (low-dose dobutamine echocardiography) were examined at baseline and > or =4 months after revascularization. Diastolic function was assessed by transmitral pulsed-wave Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) at the mitral annulus. RESULTS At baseline, 62% of patients showed non-restrictive filling (non-RF) pattern, and 38% restrictive filling (RF) pattern. After revascularization, along with improvement in systolic function (EF 43 +/- 10%, WMSI 1.78 +/- 0.47, P = 0.0002 for both), diastolic filling improved in most patients, with only three patients still exhibiting RF pattern (P = 0.016); furthermore, E' velocity increased (32 +/- 42%, P = 0.0028) and E/E' decreased (-19 +/- 31%, P = 0.0378) compared with baseline. Left ventricular filling pressure also decreased, from 17.5 +/- 6.8 to 13.1 +/- 6.5 mmHg (P = 0.005). Improvement of diastolic function by TDI was related to the extent of viability at baseline (P = 0.0098) and to LV reverse remodelling after revascularization (P = 0.0092). CONCLUSION In patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy, LV diastolic filling may largely improve after revascularization. Improvement of diastolic dysfunction is related to the amount of viable tissue and it may represent an additional advantage of revascularizing dyssinergic but viable myocardium.
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors and Risk of Malignant Melanoma: Matched Cohort Study Using Primary Care Data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink

Background Laboratory evidence suggests that reduced phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) expression increases the invasiveness of melanoma cells; hence, pharmacological inhibition of PDE5 could affect melanoma risk. Two major epidemiological studies have investigated this and come to differing conclusions. We therefore aimed to investigate whether PDE5 inhibitor use is associated with an increased risk of malignant melanoma, and whether any increase in risk is likely to represent a causal relationship. Methods and Findings We conducted a matched cohort study using primary care data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. All men initiating a PDE5 inhibitor and with no prior cancer diagnosis were identified and matched on age, diabetes status, and general practice to up to four unexposed controls. Ever use of a PDE5 inhibitor and time-updated cumulative number of PDE5 inhibitor prescriptions were investigated as exposures, and the primary outcome was malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma, solar keratosis, and colorectal cancer were investigated as negative control outcomes to exclude bias. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated from Cox models stratified by matched set and adjusted for potential confounders. 145,104 men with ≥1 PDE5 inhibitor prescription, and 560,933 unexposed matched controls were included. In total, 1,315 incident malignant melanoma diagnoses were observed during 3.44 million person-years of follow-up (mean 4.9 y per person). After adjusting for potential confounders, there was weak evidence of a small positive association between PDE5 inhibitor use and melanoma risk (HR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.01–1.29, p = 0.04). A similar increase in risk was seen for the two negative control outcomes related to sun exposure (HR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.11–1.19, p < 0.001, for basal cell carcinoma; HR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.17–1.25, p < 0.001, for solar keratosis), but there was no increased risk for colorectal cancer (HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.98, p = 0.01). There was no evidence that risk increased with number of prescriptions received (p-trend = 0.83). In a post hoc analysis, there was strong evidence that solar keratosis was associated with future PDE5 inhibitor use (odds ratio = 1.28, 95% CI 1.23–1.34, p < 0.001), suggesting that men with higher sun exposure were more likely to become PDE5 inhibitor users. However, a limitation of our study was that we did not have individual-level data on sun exposure, so we could not directly control for this in the primary analysis. Conclusions Our results were not consistent with PDE5 inhibitors being causally associated with melanoma risk, and strongly suggest that observed risk increases are driven by greater sun exposure among patients exposed to a PDE5 inhibitor.