Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Care of Patients with Chronic Heart Failure Coping and health-related quality of life in individuals with heart failure: An integrative review

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to examine and synthesize recent literature regarding the influence of coping on constructs contributing to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in individuals with heart failure (HF). Background: Poor HRQOL is associated with HF-related outcomes, including increased mortality and poor self-care. Coping may influence HRQOL. Methods: An review of empirical literature was conducted utilizing CINAHL, PsycARTICLES, and PubMed computerized databases for a period of January 2000 to December 2011. Results: Only studies investigating coping and physical and psychological HRQOL were found that met the inclusion criteria (N ¼ 16), with 13 studies examining coping and psychological HRQOL, two studies examining coping and physical HRQOL, and one study investigating coping and physical and psychological HRQOL. Conclusions: Emotion-focused strategies are negatively associated with physical and psychological HRQOL, whereas, problem-focused strategies are positively associated with physical and psychological HRQOL in individuals with HF. Lack of experimental studies limits the inference of causality.
Examining the relationships between challenge and threat cognitive appraisals and coaching behaviours in football coaches

ABSTRACT Previous research demonstrates that sports coaching is a stressful activity. This article investigates coaches’ challenge and threat cognitive appraisals of stressful situations and their impact on coaching behaviour, using Blascovich and Mendes’ (2000) biopsychosocial model as a theoretical framework. A cross-sectional correlational design was utilised to examine the relationships between irrational beliefs (Shortened general attitude and belief scale), challenge and threat appraisals (Appraisal of life events scale), and coaching behaviours (Leadership scale for sports) of 105 professional football academy coaches. Findings reveal significant positive associations between challenge appraisals and social support, and between threat appraisals and autocratic behaviour, and a significant negative association between threat appraisals and positive feedback. Results also show that higher irrational beliefs are associated with greater threat, and lesser challenge cognitive appraisals. However, no associations were revealed between irrational beliefs and challenge cognitive appraisals. Additionally, findings demonstrate a positive relationship between age and training and instruction. Results suggest that practitioners should help coaches to appraise stressful situations as a challenge to promote positive coaching behaviours.
Teenage Daughters as a Cause of Divorce

Evidence from the U.S. that couples with daughters are more likely to divorce than couples with sons has not been found for other Western countries. Using 1995-2015 Dutch marriage registry data, we show that daughters are associated with higher divorce risks, but only when they are 13 to 18 years old. There are no detectable gender differences before or after those ages. These age-specific findings are at odds with son-preference and selection explanations for differences in divorce risks. Instead, the findings point to explanations which involve family relationship dynamics associated with teenage sons and daughters. We find supporting evidence of relationship explanations in supplemental analyses of Dutch survey data. We also find that teenage daughters are associated with higher divorce in the U.S. in analyses of the Current Population Survey Marriage and Fertility Supplements.
Fish consumption and breast cancer risk. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)

There is current interest in fish consumption and marine omega‐3 (n‐3) fatty acids and breast cancer risk. Some in vitro and animal studies have suggested an inhibitory effect of marine n‐3 fatty acids on breast cancer growth, but the results from epidemiological studies that have examined the association between fish consumption and breast cancer risk in humans are inconsistent. We examined fish consumption and breast cancer risk in 310,671 women aged between 25 and 70 yr at recruitment into the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). The participants completed a dietary questionnaire between 1992–98 and were followed up for incidence of breast cancer for a median of 6.4 yr. Hazard ratio for breast cancer by intake of total and lean and fatty fish were estimated, stratified by study centre and adjusted for established breast cancer risk factors. During follow‐up, 4,776 invasive incident breast cancers were reported. No significant associations between intake of total fish and breast cancer risk were observed, hazard ratio (HR) 1.01 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–1.02; p = 0.28 per 10 g fish/day). When examining lean and fatty fish separately, we found a positive significant association only in the highest quintile for fatty fish (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.26), but test for trend was not significant (p = 0.10). No associations with breast cancer risk were observed when the study participants were subdivided by menopausal status. Although the period of follow‐up is relatively short, the results provide no evidence for an association between fish intake and breast cancer risk. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute changes in temperature or oxygen availability induce ROS fluctuations in Daphnia magna linked with fluctuations of reduced and oxidized glutathione, catalase activity and gene (haemoglobin) expression

Background information. ROS (reactive oxygen species) as well as components of the antioxidant redox systems may act as signals. To link acute environmental change with gene expression, changes in ROS and GSH/GSSG (reduced/oxidized glutathione) level were measured upon acute changes in temperature or oxygen availability in the aquatic key species Daphnia magna together with HIF‐1 (hypoxia‐inducible factor 1)‐mediated Hb (haemoglobin) expression.
New poly(ester-amide) copolymers modified with polyether (PEAE) for anticancer drug encapsulation

Abstract New poly(ester–amide) copolymers modified with polyethers were developed for carboplatin encapsulation. These new copolymers contain hydrophobic blocks made of tyrosine derivative and dimer fatty acid, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as hydrophilic blocks. Short-term hydrolytic degradation revealed high water absorption, slight increase of pH of simulated body fluid and change of sample shape, which indicated the erosive mechanism of polymers degradation. Poly(ester-amide)-PEG copolymers were used for microspheres preparation and carboplatin encapsulation. A double emulsification process was used to produce microspheres with an average diameter of 20–30 μm. It was found that the amount of drug released was controlled by the molecular mass of PEG used for microspheres preparation. Mathematical models were used to elucidate the release mechanism of the carboplatin from the microspheres. The results demonstrate that poly(ester-amide)-PEG copolymers may be used for targeted carboplatin encapsulation and release.
Influences on the Test–Retest Reliability of Functional Connectivity MRI and its Relationship with Behavioral Utility

Abstract Best practices are currently being developed for the acquisition and processing of resting‐state magnetic resonance imaging data used to estimate brain functional organization—or “functional connectivity. ” Standards have been proposed based on test‐retest reliability, but open questions remain. These include how amount of data per subject influences whole‐brain reliability, the influence of increasing runs versus sessions, the spatial distribution of reliability, the reliability of multivariate methods, and, crucially, how reliability maps onto prediction of behavior. We collected a dataset of 12 extensively sampled individuals (144 min data each across 2 identically configured scanners) to assess test‐retest reliability of whole‐brain connectivity within the generalizability theory framework. We used Human Connectome Project data to replicate these analyses and relate reliability to behavioral prediction. Overall, the historical 5‐min scan produced poor reliability averaged across connections. Increasing the number of sessions was more beneficial than increasing runs. Reliability was lowest for subcortical connections and highest for within‐network cortical connections. Multivariate reliability was greater than univariate. Finally, reliability could not be used to improve prediction; these findings are among the first to underscore this distinction for functional connectivity. A comprehensive understanding of test‐retest reliability, including its limitations, supports the development of best practices in the field.
Key account relationship management: the moderating effects of relationship duration and transaction volume

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of three relational benefits (i.e. financial benefits, human interaction benefits, preferential treatment benefits) on switching barriers, customer satisfaction, and behavioral loyalty for key accounts in the context of the air express delivery industry in Taiwan. Empirical results indicate that relational benefits impact switching barriers, switching barriers influence customer satisfaction and loyalty, and customer satisfaction effects loyalty. Findings also confirm most of the hypothesized moderating effects for relationship duration and transactional volume on the relationship between relational benefits and switching barriers. Specifically, long-term key accounts place greater emphasis on the human interaction and preferential treatment benefits. Key accounts that have less established relationships based on the length of business relationship place more importance on financial benefits. Financial benefits were found to have a positive influence on switching barriers only for low annual transactional volume clients, while both human interaction benefits and preferential treatment benefits have positive effects for both low and high transactional volume key accounts.
Tubular microdiscectomy: techniques, complication avoidance, and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE Microendoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive surgery technique that was initially described in 1997. It allows surgeons to work with 2 hands through a small-diameter, operating table-mounted tubular retractor, and to apply standard microsurgical techniques in which a small skin incision and minimal muscle dissection are used. Whether the surgeon chooses to use an endoscope or a microscope for visualization, the technique uses the same type of retractor and is thus called tubular microdiscectomy. The goal in this study was to review the current literature, examine the level of evidence supporting tubular microdiscectomy, and describe surgical techniques for complication avoidance. METHODS The authors performed a systematic PubMed review using the terms "microdiscectomy trial," "tubular and open microdiscectomy," "microendoscopic open discectomy," and "minimally invasive open microdiscectomy OR microdiskectomy. " Of 317 references, 10 manuscripts were included for analysis based on study design, relevance, and appropriate comparison of open to tubular discectomy. RESULTS Similar and very favorable clinical outcomes can be expected from tubular and standard microdiscectomy. Studies have demonstrated equivalent operating times for both procedures, with lower blood loss and shorter hospital stays associated with tubular microdiscectomy. Furthermore, postoperative analgesic usage has been shown to be significantly lower after tubular microdiscectomy. Overall rates of complications are no different for tubular and standard microdiscectomy. CONCLUSIONS Prospective randomized trials have been used to evaluate outcomes of common minimally invasive lumbar spine procedures. For lumbar discectomy, Level I evidence supports equivalently good outcomes for tubular microdiscectomy compared with standard microdiscectomy. Likewise, Level I data indicate similar safety profiles and may indicate lower blood loss for tubular microdiscectomy. Future studies should examine the comparative value of these procedures.
Going local: exploring millennials preferences for locally sourced and produced fresh poultry in a developing economy

The food processing industry is faced with complex challenges that are, among other things, associated with changes in the global environment. The goal of this paper is to gain knowledge about millennials (those born at the end of the 20th century) perceptions of locally sourced and produced fresh poultry in a developing economy, and to understand the influenced factors in the locally food market development. The research showed that this sector expresses a positive attitude towards locally sourced and produced fresh poultry. Additionally, there is a significant tendency towards purchasing fresh poultry of domestic origin because of its quality and safety. These results are particularly useful for product marketing and future product development in the locally sourced and produced poultry sector, as they provide an indication as how it can better reach and satisfy millennials. Our study shows significant opportunities, challenges and potentials in the development of the locally sourced and produced food market.
Expression of NG,NG-Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase and Protein Arginine N-Methyltransferase Isoforms in Diabetic Rat Kidney

OBJECTIVE—The nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is generated by protein arginine N-methyltransferase (PRMT)-1 and is metabolized by NG,NG-dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH). We tested the hypothesis that increased serum ADMA (SADMA) in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model of diabetes is mediated by an angiotensin receptor blocker–sensitive change in DDAH or PRMT expression. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Data were compared from four groups of rats: sham-injected controls, untreated STZ-induced diabetic rats at 4 weeks, STZ-induced diabetic rats administered the angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blocker telmisartan for 2 weeks, and control rats administered telmisartan for 2 weeks. RESULTS—Immunostaining and Western blotting of microdissected nephron segments localized DDAH I in the proximal tubules and DDAH II in the glomeruli, afferent arterioles, macula densa, and distal nephron. Renal Ang II and SADMA increased with diabetes but were normalized by 2 weeks of telmisartan. DDAH I expression was decreased in diabetic kidneys, while DDAH II expression was increased. These changes were reversed by telmisartan, which also reduced expression of PRMT-1 and -5. Telmisartan increased expressions of DDAH I but decreased DDAH II in Ang II-stimulated kidney slices ex vivo. CONCLUSIONS—Renal Ang II and SADMA are increased in insulinopenic diabetes. They are normalized by an Ang II receptor blocker, which increases the renal expression of DDAH I, decreases PRMT-1, and increases renal NO metabolites.
Design as Dream and Self-Representation

Philip Johnson’s masterpiece—the Glass House—is compared to a dream and conceptualized as containing encrypted and embedded representations of the self. Freud’s masterpiece—The Interpretation of Dreams—is the theoretical and methodological model for this approach to design-as-dream. Drawing on Johnson’s words and forms set in biographical, historical, and cultural context, interpretive paths are traced from manifest design elements of the Glass House to overdetermined latent meanings, yielding new and surprising insights into the Glass House, its elusive architect, and the process of its design. A mirror that reflects an image, a lens that focuses it, and a prism that reveals its components, the Glass House turns a lucid eye onto its maker.
Experienced poverty and local conflict violence

That poorer countries face higher risk of civil war is among the most robust findings in the literature on internal conflicts. However, we lack knowledge about whether a similar correlation exists on a more local level. Research into the local poverty–conflict nexus has largely relied on objective proxies of poverty that are only loosely related to the rationale for conflict. The results have been mixed, thus highlighting the need for more effective juxtaposition of theory and data. Using a subjective measure of poverty that determines whether individuals’ basic needs are being met, this article presents new empirical evidence for existing propositions linking local poverty and conflict-based violence. The study analyzes georeferenced survey data from the pan-African Afrobarometer survey for 4008 subnational districts across 35 African states, producing results that show how areas with high levels of poverty are indeed more likely to experience conflict. However, the correlation is likely to be indirect. Interaction models demonstrate that poverty is more likely to exacerbate violence if an area’s local institutions are weak or when impoverishment overlaps with group grievances against the government. Robustness tests, using coarsened exact matching and region-level fixed effects, provide considerable empirical support for a strong relationship between poverty and conflict at the local level.
Pharmacological profiles of medetomidine and its antagonist, atipamezole.

Medetomidine, (+/-)-4-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole, is a very potent, selective and specific full agonist at both pre- and postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors as demonstrated in several models both in vitro and in vivo. In receptor binding experiments the alpha 2/alpha 1 selectivity ratio of medetomidine is 1620 compared to 260, 220 and 160 for detomidine, clonidine and xylazine, respectively. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor activity of medetomidine resides predominantly in its d-enantiomer (dexmedetomidine). Medetomidine induces a dose-dependent decrease in the release and turnover of noradrenaline, dopamine and serotonin in the CNS as measured by changes in metabolite concentrations or using pharmacological intervention techniques. Inhibition of sympathetic tone in the CNS by medetomidine leads for a characteristic pattern of pharmacodynamic responses including e.g. hypotension, bradycardia, sedation, relief of anxiety, analgesia and hypothermia. The potent, dose-dependent sedative effects of medetomidine have been demonstrated in several classical animal models (e.g. decrease in spontaneous motility in rats and mice, potentiation of barbiturate-induced anaesthesia in rats and mice, induction of sleep in young chicks). At high doses medetomidine has hypnotic of anaesthetic effects, a property which distinguishes it clearly from detomidine, clonidine and other alpha 2-agonists. The pharmacological, neurochemical and behavioral effects of medetomidine can be inhibited by prior, simultaneous of subsequent administration of a selective and specific alpha 2-antagonist, atipamezole. Besides verifying that the main pharmacodynamic effects of medetomidine are alpha 2-mediated, this finding forms a strong basis for the use of atipamezole as a reversing agent against medetomidine-induced effects in veterinary practice.
Thermal characterization of hybrid photovoltaic module for the conversion of sunlight into microwave in Solar Power Satellite

This paper describes thermal design and analysis of a hybrid photovoltaic module for the conversion of sunlight into microwave that is used in Tethered-Solar Power Satellite. A practical configuration of the hybrid module was designed and the relationship between module structure and temperature profile under the operation in geostationary orbit was investigated by simulation in comparison with the conventional space photovoltaic module. To obtain realistic analysis model in which practical thermal resistance is considered, thermal-vacuum test using a prototype hybrid module was conducted. The simulation result shows that contact thermal resistance of the hybrid module is small and hybrid structure can reduce the thermal stress risk.
Spouse caregivers of kidney transplant patients: quality of life and psychosocial outcomes.

CONTEXT Most kidney transplant programs require patients to identify a primary caregiver who can assist them throughout the transplant process. Little is known about the quality of life, caregiving strain, and psychosocial functioning of these caregivers. OBJECTIVES To characterize the psychosocial functioning of spouse/partner caregivers. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional survey administered to spouse/partner caregivers of patients before (n=33) and after (n=46) kidney transplantation at a transplant center in New England. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Quality of life, life satisfaction, caregiving strain and benefit, mood, and social intimacy. RESULTS Relative to normative samples and published data involving other transplant caregivers, caregivers of kidney transplant patients had favorable quality of life, life satisfaction, psychological, and social intimacy outcomes. Life satisfaction scores were significantly lower for caregivers before than after kidney transplantation, but otherwise the 2 cohorts did not differ significantly from each other. Most caregivers both before and after kidney transplantation reported clinically high levels of caregiving strain, as well as several caregiving benefits. CONCLUSION Our data are consistent with results of other studies in showing that spouses experience considerable caregiving strain both before and after transplantation. However, caregivers of kidney transplant patients overall have good quality of life, life satisfaction, mood, and social intimacy. More prospective research is necessary to characterize better how these outcomes change over time throughout the transplant process.
Nuclear compartmentalization of the v-myb oncogene product

Nuclei obtained from chicken leukemic myeloblasts transformed by avian myeloblastosis virus were fractionated into various subnuclear compartments, which were then analyzed by specific immunoprecipitation for the presence of the leukemogenic product, p48v-myb, of the viral oncogene. In cells labeled for 30 or 60 min with L-[35S]methionine and in unlabeled exponentially dividing leukemic cells analyzed by Western blotting, p48v-myb was detected within the nucleoplasm (29 +/- 9% [standard deviation] of the total), chromatin (7 +/- 4%), and lamina-nuclear matrix (64 +/- 9%). Also, in myeloblasts analyzed by immunofluorescence during mitosis, p48v-myb appeared to be dispersed through the cell like the lamina-nuclear matrix complex. Strong attachment to the nuclear matrix-lamina complex suggests that p48v-myb may be involved in DNA replication or transcription or both.
Zinc Homeostasis in Breast-Fed Infants

The needs for dietary zinc are adequately met by most fully breast-fed infants despite relatively low zinc intakes in relation to estimated requirements. The objective of this study was to use stable isotope techniques to evaluate how zinc retention is achieved in normal fully breast-fed infants. Nine male infants, aged 2-5 mo, were fed expressed human milk labeled with70 Zn over a 24-h period. Complete fecal collections were obtained for 8 d. On d 4-7, a metabolic period was initiated which included test weighing and milk sampling, to measure zinc intake, and daily urine collections. Isotopic enrichment of fecal and urine samples was determined by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry. Results included a mean (±SD) dietary zinc intake of 17.8 ± 6.6 μmol/d; fractional absorption of 0.54 ± 0.075; and total absorbed zinc of 9.5 ± 3.5 μmol/d. Mean endogenous fecal zinc, determined on seven infants by isotope dilution, was 4.7 ± 2. 3μmol/d, which resulted in a mean net absorption of 4.8 ± 3. 4μmol/d. The results of the study indicated that, for fully breast-fed infants, it is the combination of a relatively high fractional absorption and efficient conservation of intestinal endogenous zinc that results in zinc retention adequate to meet the demands of growth in the face of modest intake.