Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Some feelings are more important: cognitive attitudes, affective attitudes, anticipated affect, and blood donation.

OBJECTIVE The present research assessed the simultaneous effects of four attitude variables (cognitive attitudes, affective attitudes, anticipated negative affective reactions, and anticipated positive affective reactions) in the context of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on blood-donation intentions and behavior. METHODS Experienced blood donors (N = 1108) completed questionnaires measuring attitude variables plus components of the TPB and a measure of attitudinal ambivalence in relation to giving blood again in the next six months. Records were used to assess whether participants subsequently donated blood again in the six months after completing the questionnaire. The main outcome measures were objectively assessed blood donation and intentions to make an additional donation of blood. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis supported a distinction between cognitive attitudes about giving blood, affective attitudes about giving blood, anticipated negative affective reactions about not giving blood, and anticipated positive affective reactions about giving blood. Multiple regression analyses indicated that perceived behavioral control, anticipated negative affective reactions, cognitive attitude, anticipated positive affective reactions and subjective norms were significant simultaneous predictors of intentions to donate blood. Logistic regression analyses indicated that intentions, perceived behavioral control, and anticipated positive affective reactions were significant, simultaneous predictors of blood donation. Attitudinal ambivalence significantly moderated the effects of cognitive attitudes on intentions, and the effects of anticipated negative affective reactions on both intentions and donation behavior. CONCLUSION The findings point to the value of considering different types of attitudes, and anticipated negative affective reaction in particular, for predicting health behaviors.
A simple method for extraction of high molecular weight genomic DNA from buccal cells in mouthwash

With tremendous advances made in the field of molecular biology techniques, the analysis of genomic DNA has become a matter of routine. However, there is a growing need for better, cost-effective, non-invasive methods for sample collection and DNA extraction. A simple protocol for sample collection and extraction of high molecular weight genomic DNA from buccal cells in mouthwash has been standardized. The method does not require elaborate instrumentation and can be applied to large population based studies. It has been observed that good quality high molecular weight genomic DNA can be obtained from exfoliated buccal cells in the early morning mouthwash samples, and that the DNA yield from similar samples decreases during the day, with very low yields obtained in the late evening. The amount of DNA obtained is enough for approximately 300 PCR amplifications using 100 ng DNA as template. DNA so obtained was used successfully for numerous amplifications by PCR with human gene specific primers and can be used for Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) studies as well as for other molecular biology applications.
Obstacles to Widespread Diffusion of IPM in Developing Countries: Lessons From the Field

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a way of managing agricultural pests using ecological principles and with minimum damage to the environment and human health. In developing countries, numerous IPM programs have been developed with the intent of increasing yields, reducing costs, and minimizing adverse impacts of pest management. Despite its promise and many millions of dollars being spent on training and diffusion, IPM has not been widely adopted in developing countries. This paper provides evidence about what is known about global adoption, what factors have been identified as obstacles to more widespread adoption, and ways of overcoming these factors. Behavioral economics provides insights that help explain lagging IPM adoption and promises potential for relatively simple solutions. Means of evaluating and implementing behavioral economics approaches are described and some lessons are gleaned from a single study employing these approaches in Ecuador. Implications for broader diffusion are discussed.
Investigation of organizational citizenship behavior, organizational silence and employee performance at physicians and nurses, and the relationship among them

Background: Organizational citizenship behavior and organizational silence are among the factors which affect employee performance in organizations. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine organizational citizenship behavior, organizational silence, employee performance among physicians and nurses, and the evaluation of the relationship between them. Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study comprised doctors and nurses (N = 742) working in Cumhuriyet University, Health Services Research and Application Hospital, and the number of the participants in the sample was determined to be 317 people (43%). The study data were collected between July 2011 and December 2011 using the personal information form, Organizational Citizenship Behavior Scale, Organizational Silence Scale and Employee Performance Scale. Of the participants in the study, 52.4% were physicians and 47.6% were nurses. In the study, it was determined that the nurses exhibited more altruism, courtesy, conscientiousness and total Organizational Citizenship Behavior (p <0.01), and greater performance (p <0.05) than did the faculty physicians. It was also determined that assistant physicians displayed acquiescent silence, defensive silence and total organizational silence (p<0,01) more than did the nurses. Findings: In the study, the relationship between the organizational citizenship behavior, organizational silence and employee performance was tested and the relationship was considered to be statistically significant. Implications: While there was a positive significant relationship between the employee performance and the conscientiousness, civic virtue and altruism dimensions of organizational citizenship behavior, the relationship between the employee performance and the courtesy dimension of organizational citizenship was not significant. While a positive significant relationship was observed between the employee performance and prosocial silence, it was determined that acquiescent silence or defensive silence did not significantly contribute to the employee performance.
Secondary organic aerosol formation from anthropogenic air pollution: Rapid and higher than expected

The atmospheric chemistry of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urban areas results in the formation of ‘photochemical smog’, including secondary organic aerosol (SOA). State‐of‐the‐art SOA models parameterize the results of simulation chamber experiments that bracket the conditions found in the polluted urban atmosphere. Here we show that in the real urban atmosphere reactive anthropogenic VOCs (AVOCs) produce much larger amounts of SOA than these models predict, even shortly after sunrise. Contrary to current belief, a significant fraction of the excess SOA is formed from first‐generation AVOC oxidation products. Global models deem AVOCs a very minor contributor to SOA compared to biogenic VOCs (BVOCs). If our results are extrapolated to other urban areas, AVOCs could be responsible for additional 3–25 Tg yr−1 SOA production globally, and cause up to −0.1 W m−2 additional top‐of‐the‐atmosphere radiative cooling.
Homoclinic Solutions for a Class of Nonlinear Difference Equations

We prove the existence of homoclinic solutions of a class of nonlinear difference equations with superlinear nonlinearity by using the generalized Nehari manifold approach. For the case where the nonlinearity is odd, we obtain infinitely many homoclinic solutions of the equations. Recent results in the literature are generalized and improved.
Preliminary experience of a predictive model to define rectal volume and rectal dose during the treatment of prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to define a method to evaluate the total dose delivered to the rectum during the whole treatment course in six patients undergoing irradiation for prostate cancer using an offline definition of organ motion with images from a cone beam CT (CBCT) scanner available on a commercial linear accelerator. METHODS Patient set-up was verified using a volumetric three-dimensional CBCT scanner; 9-14 CBCT scans were obtained for each patient. Images were transferred to a commercial treatment planning system for offline organ motion analysis. The shape of the rectums were used to obtain a mean dose-volume histogram (), which was the average of the DVHs of the rectums as they appeared in each verification CBCT. A geometric model of an average rectum (AR) was produced using the rectal contours delineated on the CBCT scans (DVH(AR)). To check whether the first week of treatment was representative of the whole treatment course, we evaluated the DVHs related to only the first five CBCT scans ( and DVH(AR5)). Finally, the influence of a dietary protocol on the goodness of our results was considered. RESULTS In all six patients the original rectal DVH for the planning CT scan showed higher values than all DVHs. CONCLUSION Although the application of the model to a larger set of patients is necessary to confirm this trend, reconstruction of a representative volume of the rectum throughout the entire treatment course seems feasible.
Different Structural Requirements for the Constitutive and the Agonist-induced Activities of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor*

We converted Ser-207, located in helix 5 of the β2-adrenergic receptor, into all other natural amino acids. To quantify receptor activation as a receptor number-independent parameter and directly related to Gs activation, we expressed the mutants in a Gαs-tethered form. GTP exchange in such constructs is restricted to the fused α-subunit and is a linear function of the receptor concentration. Except S207R, all other mutants were expressed to a suitable level for investigation. All mutations reduced the binding affinities of the catechol agonists, epinephrine and isoproterenol, and the extent of reduction was unrelated to the residue ability to form hydrogen bonds. Instead, both enhancements and reductions of affinity were observed for the partial agonist halostachin and the antagonist pindolol. The mutations also enhanced and diminished ligand-induced receptor activation, but the effects were strictly ligand-specific. Polar residues such as Asp and His exalted the activation by full agonists but suppressed that induced by the partial agonists halostachin and dichloroisoproterenol. In contrast, hydrophobic residues such as Ile and Val augmented partial agonist activation. Only Ile and Lys produced a significant increase of constitutive activity. The effects on binding and activity were not correlated, nor did such parameters show any clear correlation with up to 78 descriptors of amino acid physicochemical properties. Our data question the idea that Ser-207 is exposed to the polar crevice in the unbound receptor. They also suggest that the active receptor form induced by a full agonist might be substantially different from that caused by constitutive activation.
Adaptivity of Tuning Functions in a Generic Recurrent Network Model of a Cortical Hypercolumn

The representation of orientation information in the adult visual cortex is plastic as exemplified by phenomena such as perceptual learning or attention. Although these phenomena operate on different time scales and give rise to different changes in the response properties of neurons, both lead to an improvement in visual discrimination or detection tasks. If, however, optimal performance is indeed the goal, the question arises as to why the changes in neuronal response properties are so different. Here, we hypothesize that these differences arise naturally if optimal performance is achieved by means of different mechanisms. To evaluate this hypothesis, we set up a recurrent network model of a visual cortical hypercolumn and asked how each of four different parameter sets (strength of afferent and recurrent synapses, neuronal gains, and additive background inputs) must be changed to optimally improve the encoding accuracy of a particular set of visual stimuli. We find that the predicted changes in the population responses and the tuning functions were different for each set of parameters, hence were strongly dependent on the plasticity mechanism that was operative. An optimal change in the strength of the recurrent connections, for example, led to changes in the response properties that are similar to the changes observed in perceptual learning experiments. An optimal change in the neuronal gains led to changes mimicking neural effects of attention. Assuming the validity of the optimal encoding hypothesis, these model predictions can be used to disentangle the mechanisms of perceptual learning, attention, and other adaptation phenomena.
Residual Paralysis Induced by Either Vecuronium or Rocuronium After Reversal with Pyridostigmine

We investigated postoperative residual curarization after administration of either vecuronium or rocuronium with reversal by pyridostigmine in 602 consecutive patients without perioperative neuromuscular monitoring. On arrival in the recovery room, neuromuscular function was assessed both by acceleromyography in a train-of-four (TOF) pattern and also clinically by the ability to sustain a head-lift for >5 s and the tongue-depressor test. Postoperative residual curarization was defined as a TOF ratio <0.7. One fifth of 602 patients (vecuronium, 24.7%; rocuronium, 14.7%) had a TOF <0.7 in the recovery room. There were no significant differences in the TOF ratios between 10 mg and 20 mg of pyridostigmine. The patients with residual block had several associated factors: the absence of perioperative neuromuscular monitoring, the use of pyridostigmine, which is less potent than neostigmine, a larger dose of vecuronium, shorter time from the last neuromuscular blocker to TOF monitoring, or peripheral cooling. We conclude that significant residual neuromuscular block after vecuronium or rocuronium was not eliminated even with reversal by a large dose of pyridostigmine.
Automatic Balance Mechanisms as instruments of maintaining pension scheme financial sustainability

Considering the challenges of modern pension schemes following the European Commission [2003] one can point out the three main fields which require particular attention: 1) adequacy; 2) financial sustainability and efficiency; 3) ability to respond to the changing needs of societies. This paper focuses mainly on the second of these issues – financial sustainability. Although this issue has been broadly discussed by academics, only a small number of studies takes up the topic of developing automatic mechanisms, independent from political decisions, which would be able to guarantee the long-term financial sustainability of pension schemes. Having noticed this research gap, the article poses the question whether automatic balance mechanisms (ABMs) are suitable instruments of ensuring sustainability of pension schemes. This question was the basis for the formulation of the main aims of this paper which are: 1) to introduce the issue of pension systems sustainability and to discuss possible policies and instruments that may be used to restore it; 2) to present, based on existing literature, automatic balance mechanisms that have already been applied in some countries; 3) to propose an appropriate framework of assessing the automatic mechanisms. Moreover, having treated this article as a preliminary study, another goal is to provide suggestions for further research in the area of automatic mechanisms.
TMEM16F Regulates Baseline Phosphatidylserine Exposure and Cell Viability in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells

Background / Aims: TMEM16F is a transmembrane protein from a conserved family of Ca2+-activated proteins, which is highly expressed in several tissues. TMEM16F confers phospholipid scramblase activity and Ca2+-activated electrolyte channel activity. Potentially thereby, TMEM16F is involved in cell cycle control and apoptotic signaling. The present study evaluated the role of TMEM16F on cell proliferation and viability in Human Embryonic Kidney cells. Methods: An inducible knockdown of TMEM16F was generated and markers of apoptosis and proliferation were assessed via flow cytometry, western blotting and MTT uptake assay under different conditions. Results: TMEM16F knockdown resulted in attenuated growth of HEK293 cells. This observation correlated with an increased phosphatidylserine exposure and a decreased fraction of viable cells. Interestingly, the cells were not sensitized to Staurosporine- induced cell death. Western blot analyses displayed a parallel activation of pro- and antiapoptotic signaling pathways: Caspase 3 cleavage and Cyclin D1 abundance were simultaneously increased. Furthermore, knockdown of TMEM16F led to activation of AKT signaling. Conclusion: TMEM16F modifies viability of Human Embryonic Kidney cells via its function as a phospholipid scramblase and activation of AKT signaling pathways.
In vitro controlled release of clove essential oil in self-assembly of amphiphilic polyethylene glycol-block-polycaprolactone

Abstract In this study, a micellar delivery system with an amphiphilic diblock copolymer of poly (ethylene glycol) and poly (ɛ-caprolactone) was synthesised and used to incorporate hydrophobic clove essential oil (CEO). To determine an optimal delivery system, the effects of the copolymer’s hydrophobic block length and the CEO-loading content on the encapsulation of CEO were investigated. Percentages of entrapment efficiency (%EE), CEO loading (%CEO), and in vitro release profiles were determined. The size, size distribution, zeta potential, and morphology of the obtained micelles were determined by DLS, FE-SEM, and TEM. The %EE, %CEO, and in vitro release profiles of CEO incorporated in micelles were analysed by HPLC. The study revealed a sustained release profile of CEO from CEO-loaded micelles. The results indicate the successful formulation of CEO-loaded PEG-b-PCL micelle nanoparticles. It is suggested that this micelle system has considerably potential applications in the sustained release of CEO in intravascular drug delivery.
Food Addiction Support: Website Content Analysis

Background Food addiction has a long history; however, there has been a substantial increase in published literature and public media focus in the past decade. Food addiction has previously demonstrated an overlap with overweight and obesity, a risk for cardiovascular disease. This increased focus has led to the establishment of numerous support options for addictive eating behaviors, yet evidence-based support options are lacking. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the availability and content of support options, accessible online, for food addiction. Methods A standardized Web search was conducted using 4 search engines to identify current support availability for food addiction. Through use of a comprehensive data extraction sheet, 2 reviewers independently extracted data related to the program or intervention characteristics, and support fidelity including fundamentals, support modality, social support offered, program or intervention origins, member numbers, and program or intervention evaluation. Results Of the 800 records retrieved, 13 (1.6%, 13/800) websites met the inclusion criteria. All 13 websites reported originating in the United States, and 1 website reported member numbers. The use of credentialed health professionals was reported by only 3 websites, and 5 websites charged a fee-for-service. The use of the 12 steps or traditions was evident in 11 websites, and 9 websites described the use of food plans. In total, 6 websites stated obligatory peer support, and 11 websites featured spirituality as a main theme of delivery. Moreover, 12 websites described phone meetings as the main program delivery modality, with 7 websites stating face-to-face delivery and 4 opting for online meetings. Newsletters (n=5), closed social media groups (n=5), and retreat programs (n=5) were the most popular forms of social support. Conclusions This is the first review to analyze online support options for food addiction. Very few online support options include health professionals, and a strengthening argument is forming for an increase in support options for food addiction. This review forms part of this argument by showing a lack of evidence-based options. By reviewing current support availability, it can provide a guide toward the future development of evidence-based support for food addiction.
The Death of a Regulator: Strict Supervision, Bank Lending and Business Activity

An important question in banking is how strict supervision affects bank lending and in turn local business activity. Forcing banks to recognize losses could choke off lending and amplify local economic woes, especially after financial crises. But stricter supervision could also lead to changes in how banks assess loans and manage their loan portfolios. Estimating such effects is challenging. We exploit the extinction of the thrift regulator (OTS) – a large change in prudential supervision, affecting ten percent of all U.S. depository institutions. Using this event, we analyze economic links between strict supervision, bank lending and business activity. We first show that the OTS replacement indeed resulted in stricter supervision of former OTS banks. We then analyze the lending effects of this regulatory change and show that former OTS banks increase small business lending by approximately 10 percent. This increase stems primarily from well-capitalized banks and those more affected by the new regime. These findings suggest that stricter supervision operates not only through capital but can also overcome frictions in bank management, leading to more lending and a reallocation of loans. Consistent with the latter, we find increases in business entry and exit in counties with greater expose to OTS banks.
Statistical Note on the Components of Ocular Refraction in Twins

In their study on refraction and its components in twins, Sorsby, Sheridan, and Leary (I962) showed that the differences in measurements of the individual components were slight in 78 pairs of uniovular twins, in contrast to the distinctly larger differences observed in 40 pairs of binovular twins and 48 control pairs. The differences in uniovular twins were slight even when the 23 pairs with non-modal refractions (spherical refractions of ± 2-25 D. or more; or astigmatism of ± I 25 D. or more) were considered; and this pattern likewise held when only the io pairs with refraction of : 40o D. or the i8 pairs with myopia (of varying degree above o 5o D.) were studied; the binovular twins and the control pairs showed consistently larger differences in their measurements. There was also close agreement in the ocular refraction of uniovular twins, 55 pairs showing differences in refraction of less than 0o5 D. In the i8 pairs where the refraction differed by 0-5I D. to I 5 D. and the 5 pairs with a difference of more than 1.5 D. -designated here discordant refractions-the individual components still showed close values, the difference in refraction usually being determined by slight non-concordance in the axial length. In contrast, no such consistent pattern could be seen in the binovular twins and the control pairs. The general analysis thus established that there was concordance for refraction and its components in the different types of refraction in uniovular twins, a striking contrast to the lack of any such concordance in the control material. The present note attempts to evaluate statistically the findings recorded in that study.